IGAD members to adopt single electronic visa system
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is making progress towards implementing a single visa system to enhance regional integration in East Africa. Comprising eight countries, the #IGAD region aims to promote easy movement of tourists and business travelers by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, discussed the objective of this system during a consultation meeting in Djibouti on 28 August. He emphasized that the unified electronic visa would facilitate the movement of people and goods across the region.
The meeting also focused on the implementation requirements and included a presentation on the adopted protocol for free movement of persons. This initiative aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Within 20 days, member states are expected to review the memorandum of understanding and express their willingness to participate. The free movement protocol was endorsed by IGAD ministers responsible for internal affairs and labor in February 2020.
https://regionweek.com/igad-members-to-adopt-single-electronic-visa-system/
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is making progress towards implementing a single visa system to enhance regional integration in East Africa. Comprising eight countries, the #IGAD region aims to promote easy movement of tourists and business travelers by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, discussed the objective of this system during a consultation meeting in Djibouti on 28 August. He emphasized that the unified electronic visa would facilitate the movement of people and goods across the region.
The meeting also focused on the implementation requirements and included a presentation on the adopted protocol for free movement of persons. This initiative aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Within 20 days, member states are expected to review the memorandum of understanding and express their willingness to participate. The free movement protocol was endorsed by IGAD ministers responsible for internal affairs and labor in February 2020.
https://regionweek.com/igad-members-to-adopt-single-electronic-visa-system/
RegionWeek
IGAD Members to Adopt Single Electronic Visa System
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is working towards establishing a single visa system to deepen regional integration through free
Ethiopia- Super Typhoon Saola Buffets Hong Kong as One Airline Risks a Rare Landing
*Ethiopian Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner was the only aircraft to land at Hong Kong airport during a super typhoon on Friday evening.
*The daring landing took place on a wet runway with considerable wind shear and 32 knots of crosswind.
*Hong Kong’s airport saw a total of 460 flight cancellations due to the extreme weather, with Cathay Pacific suspending all its flights.
*The event was closely followed by 6,400 people on FlightRadar24, making it the most tracked flight globally at that time.
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Hong Kong - Super Typhoon Saola, a severe weather system with sustained winds of 210 km per hour near its center, posed significant challenges to the city’s aviation infrastructure. According to the local airport authority, a staggering 460 flights were cancelled on Friday. Cathay Pacific Airways, the flag carrier for Hong Kong, suspended all flights between 2 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Public transportation services were largely suspended in the city as well.
https://www.airlinerwatch.com/2023/09/super-typhoon-saola-buffets-hong-kong.html
*Ethiopian Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner was the only aircraft to land at Hong Kong airport during a super typhoon on Friday evening.
*The daring landing took place on a wet runway with considerable wind shear and 32 knots of crosswind.
*Hong Kong’s airport saw a total of 460 flight cancellations due to the extreme weather, with Cathay Pacific suspending all its flights.
*The event was closely followed by 6,400 people on FlightRadar24, making it the most tracked flight globally at that time.
***
Hong Kong - Super Typhoon Saola, a severe weather system with sustained winds of 210 km per hour near its center, posed significant challenges to the city’s aviation infrastructure. According to the local airport authority, a staggering 460 flights were cancelled on Friday. Cathay Pacific Airways, the flag carrier for Hong Kong, suspended all flights between 2 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Public transportation services were largely suspended in the city as well.
https://www.airlinerwatch.com/2023/09/super-typhoon-saola-buffets-hong-kong.html
Airlinerwatch
Super Typhoon Saola Buffets Hong Kong as One Airline Risks a Rare Landing
An online publication dedicated to providing the latest news, progress, and market intelligence about the global airliner industry.
AfDB debars Beza Consulting Engineers plc, its chairperson for 15 months for fraudulent practices
The African Development Bank Group has announced a 15-month debarment of Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and its chairperson, Gidey Gebrezgabher Gebremariam. This action comes after an investigation by the bank's Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption uncovered fraudulent practices by Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and Gidey during a tender for consultancy services for the Kapoeta-Boma-Raad Road project. The project aimed to develop infrastructure connecting Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
During the debarment period, Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and its affiliates, as well as Gidey, will be ineligible to participate in any Bank Group-financed activities. In order to resume participation after the debarment period, Beza Consulting Engineers PLC must implement an integrity compliance program in accordance with the bank's guidelines.
Similarly, Gidey will only be eligible to resume participation after completing an accredited business ethics and integrity training, also consistent with the bank's guidelines.
https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/african-development-bank-debars-beza-consulting-engineers-plc-and-mr-gidey-gebrezgabher-gebremariam-15-months-fraudulent-practices-64008
The African Development Bank Group has announced a 15-month debarment of Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and its chairperson, Gidey Gebrezgabher Gebremariam. This action comes after an investigation by the bank's Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption uncovered fraudulent practices by Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and Gidey during a tender for consultancy services for the Kapoeta-Boma-Raad Road project. The project aimed to develop infrastructure connecting Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
During the debarment period, Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and its affiliates, as well as Gidey, will be ineligible to participate in any Bank Group-financed activities. In order to resume participation after the debarment period, Beza Consulting Engineers PLC must implement an integrity compliance program in accordance with the bank's guidelines.
Similarly, Gidey will only be eligible to resume participation after completing an accredited business ethics and integrity training, also consistent with the bank's guidelines.
https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/african-development-bank-debars-beza-consulting-engineers-plc-and-mr-gidey-gebrezgabher-gebremariam-15-months-fraudulent-practices-64008
African Development Bank Group
African Development Bank debars Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and Mr Gidey Gebrezgabher Gebremariam for 15 months for fraudulent…
The African Development Bank Group, on 31 August 2023, announced a 15-month debarment of Beza Consulting Engineers PLC and Mr Gidey Gebrezgabher Gebremariam, effective from 21 August 2023. Beza
#Ethiopia: Defense Ministry unveils new army vehicle number plates after old ones were found “in the hands of others” and used “without approval”.
The Defense Ministry said it is phasing out old number plates of army vehicles across the country and changing them with new ones effective 31 August.
The Ministry said the change was necessary due to various reasons, including army vehicles number plates being found in the hands of others and used “without the approval” of the army’s institution.
The ministry further explained that the number plates are being changed in order to prevent the old ones from being used for “illegal activities.”
The new umber plates are coded according to the services the specific vehicles assigned to provide based on the mission and duty of the army, the Ministry added. AS
The Defense Ministry said it is phasing out old number plates of army vehicles across the country and changing them with new ones effective 31 August.
The Ministry said the change was necessary due to various reasons, including army vehicles number plates being found in the hands of others and used “without the approval” of the army’s institution.
The ministry further explained that the number plates are being changed in order to prevent the old ones from being used for “illegal activities.”
The new umber plates are coded according to the services the specific vehicles assigned to provide based on the mission and duty of the army, the Ministry added. AS
#Ethiopia: Cholera outbreak spreads into refugee camps sheltering refugees mainly from #Sudan
Since July 2023, Ethiopia has seen a surge in cholera cases, with at least 2,500 reported in #Amhara.
In #Metema, 16 cases have been confirmed, while a refugee site housing 10,000 people has reported 190 suspected cases and four deaths.
https://addisstandard.com/news-cholera-outbreak-spreads-into-refugee-camps-sheltering-refugees-mainly-from-sudan/
Since July 2023, Ethiopia has seen a surge in cholera cases, with at least 2,500 reported in #Amhara.
In #Metema, 16 cases have been confirmed, while a refugee site housing 10,000 people has reported 190 suspected cases and four deaths.
https://addisstandard.com/news-cholera-outbreak-spreads-into-refugee-camps-sheltering-refugees-mainly-from-sudan/
Addis Standard
News: Cholera outbreak spreads into camps sheltering refugees mainly from Sudan - Addis Standard
Kumer refugee camp in the Amhara region has reached its maximum capacity, currently accommodating 9,891 refugees and asylum seekers (Photo: lutheranworld.org) Addis Abeba – Since the outbreak was first reported in July 2023, the United Nations Office for…
#Ethiopia: Human rights groups express concern over #AU’s premature termination of #Tigray Commission’s mandate
Over 30 civil society and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the African Union's decision to end the mandate of the commission of inquiry into the situation in the Tigray region without publishing a report.
They argue that the decision contradicts the values of human rights and undermines accountability.
These organizations have provided evidence of human rights violations and abuses committed during the conflict in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/news-human-rights-groups-express-concern-over-aus-premature-termination-of-tigray-commissions-mandate/
Over 30 civil society and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the African Union's decision to end the mandate of the commission of inquiry into the situation in the Tigray region without publishing a report.
They argue that the decision contradicts the values of human rights and undermines accountability.
These organizations have provided evidence of human rights violations and abuses committed during the conflict in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/news-human-rights-groups-express-concern-over-aus-premature-termination-of-tigray-commissions-mandate/
Addis Standard
News: Human rights groups express concern over AU’s premature termination of Tigray Commission's mandate - Addis Standard
Refugees, who had escaped the conflict in the Tigray region, arrived near the banks of the Tekeze river at the Sudan-Ethiopia border in November 2020 (Photo: AP) Addis Abeba – More than 30 civil society and human rights organizations have expressed their…
Asylum Seekers, #Israeli Police Clash at #Eritrean Embassy Protest in Tel Aviv; 35 Wounded
Protesters call on law enforcement to cancel the embassy event and warned earlier that the situation could devolve into a violent confrontation; Israeli police use stun grenades and batons on demonstrators
Clashes erupted between Israeli police and hundreds of asylum seekers in Israel who were staging an anti-regime protest at the Eritrean embassy on Saturday.
https://t.co/bFjVrJUqVi
Protesters call on law enforcement to cancel the embassy event and warned earlier that the situation could devolve into a violent confrontation; Israeli police use stun grenades and batons on demonstrators
Clashes erupted between Israeli police and hundreds of asylum seekers in Israel who were staging an anti-regime protest at the Eritrean embassy on Saturday.
https://t.co/bFjVrJUqVi
Haaretz.com
Over 40 wounded as asylum seekers, police clash at Eritrean embassy protest in Tel Aviv
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#Ethiopia: Newly appointed President of crisis-hit #Amhara region holding first meeting with newly reorganized regional Security Council.
The meeting is the first since President Arega Kebede formed his cabinet shortly after being appointed by regional parliament last week.
Regional media indicated that the Amhara state has reorganized a new security structure, which is expected to regain the various layers of the security sector in the region including the lower-tier security structures.
The meeting, which is taking place in the region’s capital #Bahir_Dar, is also the first since the regional state was placed under a six-month federal state of emergency on 04 August, and among widespread reports of collapse both within the civilian administration and the security structures of the region.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1697961775260467621?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The meeting is the first since President Arega Kebede formed his cabinet shortly after being appointed by regional parliament last week.
Regional media indicated that the Amhara state has reorganized a new security structure, which is expected to regain the various layers of the security sector in the region including the lower-tier security structures.
The meeting, which is taking place in the region’s capital #Bahir_Dar, is also the first since the regional state was placed under a six-month federal state of emergency on 04 August, and among widespread reports of collapse both within the civilian administration and the security structures of the region.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1697961775260467621?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Netanyahu wants immediate deportation of #Eritreans after Tel Aviv violence
#Israel is considering the immediate deportation of Eritrean asylum seekers involved in riots in #Tel_Aviv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "a red line" had been crossed and ordered a new plan to remove all African migrants described as "illegal infiltrators".
The unrest has reignited the divisive issue of migrants in Israel.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-66700307
#Israel is considering the immediate deportation of Eritrean asylum seekers involved in riots in #Tel_Aviv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "a red line" had been crossed and ordered a new plan to remove all African migrants described as "illegal infiltrators".
The unrest has reignited the divisive issue of migrants in Israel.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-66700307
BBC News
Israel: Netanyahu wants immediate deportation of Eritreans after Tel Aviv violence
PM Benjamin Netanyahu wants the immediate deportation of Eritreans who took part in Tel Aviv riots.
#Ethiopia: Ethiopian star Letesenbet demolished the women's 5000m meeting record
#Letesenbet_Gidey provided the standout performances at ISTAF Berlin 2023 on Sunday (3 September).
The 10,000m world record holder dominated the 5000m in the German capital, going clear a long way out to win in 14:08.79, the fourth-quickest time in history and more than 20 seconds inside the 22-year-old meeting record.
Pictures & info: NNRunningTeam/World Athletics
#Letesenbet_Gidey provided the standout performances at ISTAF Berlin 2023 on Sunday (3 September).
The 10,000m world record holder dominated the 5000m in the German capital, going clear a long way out to win in 14:08.79, the fourth-quickest time in history and more than 20 seconds inside the 22-year-old meeting record.
Pictures & info: NNRunningTeam/World Athletics
#Africa Climate Summit opens with focus on financing, continental unity
Africa's first climate summit opened in #Kenya on Monday, with delegates looking to establish a shared position ahead of global conferences and discussing funding for environmental priorities on the continent. The organisers anticipate that hundreds of millions of dollars in deals will be announced during the three-day summit.
The summit will address topics such as climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation to rising temperatures, and food system transformation. Over 20 presidents and heads of government are expected to attend the summit and issue a declaration outlining Africa's position ahead of upcoming international climate conferences.
African leaders are pushing for market-based financing instruments like carbon credits to mobilize funding, but some campaigners believe this approach prioritizes the interests of wealthier countries and corporations over those of the continent. Africa is responsible for just 3% of global carbon emissions but faces increased exposure to climate change impacts.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/africa-climate-summit-opens-with-focus-financing-continental-unity-2023-09-04/
Africa's first climate summit opened in #Kenya on Monday, with delegates looking to establish a shared position ahead of global conferences and discussing funding for environmental priorities on the continent. The organisers anticipate that hundreds of millions of dollars in deals will be announced during the three-day summit.
The summit will address topics such as climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation to rising temperatures, and food system transformation. Over 20 presidents and heads of government are expected to attend the summit and issue a declaration outlining Africa's position ahead of upcoming international climate conferences.
African leaders are pushing for market-based financing instruments like carbon credits to mobilize funding, but some campaigners believe this approach prioritizes the interests of wealthier countries and corporations over those of the continent. Africa is responsible for just 3% of global carbon emissions but faces increased exposure to climate change impacts.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/africa-climate-summit-opens-with-focus-financing-continental-unity-2023-09-04/
Reuters
Hundreds of millions of dollars pledged for African carbon credits at climate summit
An initiative to boost Africa's carbon credit production 19-fold by 2030 drew hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges on Monday, as Kenyan President William Ruto opened the continent's first climate summit.
Catholic charity resumes bringing meals and hope to war-torn #Tigray
Mary's Meals, a Catholic charity, has resumed its mission of providing free meals to schoolchildren in Tigray, northern #Ethiopia, after being halted for almost three years due to the civil war.
Before the war, the charity worked with the Daughters of Charity in Tigray to feed around 24,000 children daily. However, the pandemic and the conflict disrupted the program.
As of late August, Mary's Meals is now able to serve high-energy biscuits and tea to approximately 10,000 children in 14 schools. The program will be expanded as cooking facilities destroyed or looted during the fighting are replaced.
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/09/03/catholic-charity-resumes-bringing-meals-and-hope-to-war-torn-tigray/
Mary's Meals, a Catholic charity, has resumed its mission of providing free meals to schoolchildren in Tigray, northern #Ethiopia, after being halted for almost three years due to the civil war.
Before the war, the charity worked with the Daughters of Charity in Tigray to feed around 24,000 children daily. However, the pandemic and the conflict disrupted the program.
As of late August, Mary's Meals is now able to serve high-energy biscuits and tea to approximately 10,000 children in 14 schools. The program will be expanded as cooking facilities destroyed or looted during the fighting are replaced.
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/09/03/catholic-charity-resumes-bringing-meals-and-hope-to-war-torn-tigray/