#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/
#Ethiopia’s transition depends on both #dialogue and #transitional_justice
In principle, both are vital to facilitate Ethiopia’s democratization and prevent further violence, but how should they be sequenced, and could they spark tensions between peace and justice? It’s also important to manage expectations about what they can achieve and how long it will take.
***
Experts were once optimistic that simply overthrowing a dictatorship was a move towards democracy. But instead of transitioning, authoritarianism often persisted. And peacebuilding scholars were hopeful about tackling the root causes of conflicts, until pessimism about the limits of conflict transformation set in.
Recently, a new wave of cautious hope has resurfaced. Scholars argued that transitions should not be assumed to culminate in either democracy or autocracy but rather be studied empirically. In the peacebuilding field, the notion of ‘formalized political unsettlement’ introduced an alternative arrangement that ‘translates … disagreement at the heart of conflicts into a set of political and legal institutions for continuing negotiation.’
https://issafrica.org/iss-today/ethiopias-transition-depends-on-both-dialogue-and-transitional-justice
In principle, both are vital to facilitate Ethiopia’s democratization and prevent further violence, but how should they be sequenced, and could they spark tensions between peace and justice? It’s also important to manage expectations about what they can achieve and how long it will take.
***
Experts were once optimistic that simply overthrowing a dictatorship was a move towards democracy. But instead of transitioning, authoritarianism often persisted. And peacebuilding scholars were hopeful about tackling the root causes of conflicts, until pessimism about the limits of conflict transformation set in.
Recently, a new wave of cautious hope has resurfaced. Scholars argued that transitions should not be assumed to culminate in either democracy or autocracy but rather be studied empirically. In the peacebuilding field, the notion of ‘formalized political unsettlement’ introduced an alternative arrangement that ‘translates … disagreement at the heart of conflicts into a set of political and legal institutions for continuing negotiation.’
https://issafrica.org/iss-today/ethiopias-transition-depends-on-both-dialogue-and-transitional-justice
ISS Africa
Ethiopia’s transition depends on both dialogue and transitional justice
The challenge is balancing and integrating peace and justice for a gradual transition out of conflict.
#Ethiopia: #Eritrean forces continue abductions and sexual violence in Tigray’s #Irob Woreda, despite Pretoria peace deal
Despite the signing of the #Pretoria Peace Deal, Eritrean forces are continuing to commit abductions and sexual violence in the #Tigray region. The Irob people, a small ethnic group in the area, have been particularly affected, with over 28 youths abducted in the past ten months.
Eyasu Misgina, the head of the Irob Woreda administration, revealed that these abductions started after the outbreak of war in Tigray and continue to this day. The suffering of the Irob people persists even after the peace agreement, with their village under the control of Eritrean forces.
Humanitarian aid and medical supplies are limited, exacerbating the dire situation.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-eritrean-forces-continue-abductions-and-sexual-violence-in-tigrays-irob-woreda-despite-pretoria-peace-deal/
Despite the signing of the #Pretoria Peace Deal, Eritrean forces are continuing to commit abductions and sexual violence in the #Tigray region. The Irob people, a small ethnic group in the area, have been particularly affected, with over 28 youths abducted in the past ten months.
Eyasu Misgina, the head of the Irob Woreda administration, revealed that these abductions started after the outbreak of war in Tigray and continue to this day. The suffering of the Irob people persists even after the peace agreement, with their village under the control of Eritrean forces.
Humanitarian aid and medical supplies are limited, exacerbating the dire situation.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-eritrean-forces-continue-abductions-and-sexual-violence-in-tigrays-irob-woreda-despite-pretoria-peace-deal/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Eritrean forces continue abductions and sexual violence in Tigray's Irob Woreda, despite Pretoria peace deal - Addis…
Analysis: Eritrean forces continue abductions and sexual violence in Tigray's Irob Woreda, despite Pretoria peace deal Addis Standard Analysis -
Q&A: Justice for Serious International Crimes Committed in #Ethiopia
Despite repeated demands from victims of abuses and their families for meaningful justice and redress for abuses their families for meaningful justice and redress for abuses, the cessation of hostilities agreement lacked details on formal accountability, notably on the types of mechanisms that could investigate alleged crimes for future prosecution…
While Ethiopian officials contend that the steps they have taken since the agreement demonstrate a commitment to accountability, concerns remain over weaknesses and independence of the justice sector, the credibility and scope of investigations conducted so far, normative gaps within Ethiopia’s domestic laws to criminalize atrocity crimes, and, most importantly, the political will to ensure comprehensive justice and redress for victims of serious abuses.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/09/04/qa-justice-serious-international-crimes-committed-ethiopia
Despite repeated demands from victims of abuses and their families for meaningful justice and redress for abuses their families for meaningful justice and redress for abuses, the cessation of hostilities agreement lacked details on formal accountability, notably on the types of mechanisms that could investigate alleged crimes for future prosecution…
While Ethiopian officials contend that the steps they have taken since the agreement demonstrate a commitment to accountability, concerns remain over weaknesses and independence of the justice sector, the credibility and scope of investigations conducted so far, normative gaps within Ethiopia’s domestic laws to criminalize atrocity crimes, and, most importantly, the political will to ensure comprehensive justice and redress for victims of serious abuses.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/09/04/qa-justice-serious-international-crimes-committed-ethiopia
#African leaders at odds over climate plans as crucial #Nairobi summit opens
African leaders and campaigners are divided over the future of the continent as a critical climate summit commences in Nairobi. While some countries like #Ethiopia, #Kenya, #Egypt, and #South_Africa have been expanding renewable energy access and leading transition efforts, others argue that oil and natural gas reserves should be used for economic growth and increased energy access.
Climate campaigners are concerned about new investments in fossil fuels and are advocating for a fossil fuel phaseout. The African climate summit, hosted by Kenya and the African Union Commission, will bring together African heads of state and government, ministers, and UN leaders, to discuss energy transitions and barriers to access.
A joint declaration is expected to outline the continent's position on climate finance and green growth.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/04/africa-leaders-climate-crisis-plans-nairobi-summit-opens
African leaders and campaigners are divided over the future of the continent as a critical climate summit commences in Nairobi. While some countries like #Ethiopia, #Kenya, #Egypt, and #South_Africa have been expanding renewable energy access and leading transition efforts, others argue that oil and natural gas reserves should be used for economic growth and increased energy access.
Climate campaigners are concerned about new investments in fossil fuels and are advocating for a fossil fuel phaseout. The African climate summit, hosted by Kenya and the African Union Commission, will bring together African heads of state and government, ministers, and UN leaders, to discuss energy transitions and barriers to access.
A joint declaration is expected to outline the continent's position on climate finance and green growth.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/04/africa-leaders-climate-crisis-plans-nairobi-summit-opens
the Guardian
African leaders at odds over climate plans as crucial Nairobi summit opens
Oil-producing African nations have argued they should be able to use fossil fuel resources for economic growth
#Ethiopia- #South_Africa: Ethiopian Army Chief, South African counterpart discuss cooperation
The Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, met and held discussion with his South African counterpart, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force (#SANDF).
According to the ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu is in South Africa for a working visit upon the invitation of General Maphwanya.
During the discussion between the two, Field Marshal Berhanu highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between Ethiopia and South Africa and the people of the two countries which has laid "a strong foundation for the military cooperation" that has since been growing.
The two Chiefs of Staff also discussed on ways to expand "the scope of the cooperation" between the two countries in the future.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, met and held discussion with his South African counterpart, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force (#SANDF).
According to the ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu is in South Africa for a working visit upon the invitation of General Maphwanya.
During the discussion between the two, Field Marshal Berhanu highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between Ethiopia and South Africa and the people of the two countries which has laid "a strong foundation for the military cooperation" that has since been growing.
The two Chiefs of Staff also discussed on ways to expand "the scope of the cooperation" between the two countries in the future.
#Ethiopia: #Eritrean forces commit “war crimes, possible crimes against humanity” in #Tigray months after peace truce – Amnesty International
Soldiers from Eritrea have committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopia's Tigray region, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The report details extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual slavery, and pillaging by Eritrean troops.
The atrocities occurred after a ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2022.
Amnesty called for renewed investigations into these violations and for justice for the victims.
https://addisstandard.com/news-eritrean-forces-commit-war-crimes-possible-crimes-against-humanity-in-tigray-months-after-peace-truce-amnesty-international/
Soldiers from Eritrea have committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopia's Tigray region, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The report details extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual slavery, and pillaging by Eritrean troops.
The atrocities occurred after a ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2022.
Amnesty called for renewed investigations into these violations and for justice for the victims.
https://addisstandard.com/news-eritrean-forces-commit-war-crimes-possible-crimes-against-humanity-in-tigray-months-after-peace-truce-amnesty-international/
Addis Standard
News: Eritrean forces commit "war crimes, possible crimes against humanity" in Tigray months after peace truce - Amnesty International…
Eritrean forces in Shire town, January 2023 (Photo: Haphtom Berhe) Addis Abeba – Soldiers from Eritrea continued to commit war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopia’s Tigray region after a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Ethiopian…
Business: #Opera launches its first data campaign in #Ethiopia, offers up to 1.5GB free data per month to Safaricom Ethiopia users
“Ethiopia is a large and growing country in which we see a great deal of potential,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera. “But at this point, the internet penetration rate is only around 16.7 percent nationwide. So we’re excited to join forces with long-time partner Safaricom to help expand Ethiopia’s digital economy."
The campaign will enable Opera users to enjoy up to 50 MB of free browsing every day when using #Opera_Mini or Opera for #Android on the #Safaricom network. The deal excludes video streaming and file downloads, and is valid for the latest versions of Opera Mini and Opera for Android.
https://addisstandard.com/business-opera-launches-its-first-data-campaign-in-ethiopia-offers-up-to-1-5gb-free-data-per-month-to-safaricom-users/
“Ethiopia is a large and growing country in which we see a great deal of potential,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera. “But at this point, the internet penetration rate is only around 16.7 percent nationwide. So we’re excited to join forces with long-time partner Safaricom to help expand Ethiopia’s digital economy."
The campaign will enable Opera users to enjoy up to 50 MB of free browsing every day when using #Opera_Mini or Opera for #Android on the #Safaricom network. The deal excludes video streaming and file downloads, and is valid for the latest versions of Opera Mini and Opera for Android.
https://addisstandard.com/business-opera-launches-its-first-data-campaign-in-ethiopia-offers-up-to-1-5gb-free-data-per-month-to-safaricom-users/
Addis Standard
Business: Opera launches its first data campaign in Ethiopia, offers up to 1.5GB free data per month to Safaricom users - Addis…
Business: Opera launches its first data campaign in Ethiopia, offers up to 1.5GB free data per month to Safaricom users Addis Standard News -
#Ethiopia: Oxfam reveals over $30 billion loss to East African nations due to climate change impacts
A new report by #Oxfam reveals a $30 billion loss in four East African nations, including Ethiopia, due to climate change impacts since 2021. Rich nations only provided $2.4 billion in climate-related development finance, compared to the $53.3 billion needed annually.
Over 40 million people are suffering from severe hunger, and only a quarter of the required funding has been secured.
#Africa, accounting for 3% of carbon emissions, is the most affected continent by climate change.
https://addisstandard.com/news-oxfam-reveals-over-30-billion-loss-to-east-african-nations-due-to-climate-change-impacts/
A new report by #Oxfam reveals a $30 billion loss in four East African nations, including Ethiopia, due to climate change impacts since 2021. Rich nations only provided $2.4 billion in climate-related development finance, compared to the $53.3 billion needed annually.
Over 40 million people are suffering from severe hunger, and only a quarter of the required funding has been secured.
#Africa, accounting for 3% of carbon emissions, is the most affected continent by climate change.
https://addisstandard.com/news-oxfam-reveals-over-30-billion-loss-to-east-african-nations-due-to-climate-change-impacts/
Addis Standard
News: Oxfam reveals over $30 billion loss to East African nations due to climate change impacts - Addis Standard
The Somali region of Ethiopia has been severely affected by three consecutive years of devastating drought (Photo: unsdg.un.org/) Addis Abeba – A new report by Oxfam has revealed a loss of over $30 billion in four East African nations—Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia…
#UN urges #Israel to refrain from mass deportations of #Eritreans after clashes
The United Nations (UN) is urging Israel to refrain from mass deportations of Eritreans, stating that it would go against international law and have dire human consequences. The UN Refugee Agency expressed deep concern over the clashes that occurred during a demonstration against an Eritrean government event in #Tel_Aviv, which left over 200 people injured.
The UN is calling for calm and restraint from all parties involved. William Spindler, spokesman for the UN Refugee Agency, stressed the importance of establishing accountability, but warned against taking broad measures against Eritreans in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously mentioned the possibility of deporting 1,000 Eritreans involved in the clashes. The UN emphasized that the majority of asylum-seekers in Israel are peaceful and law-abiding, and that returning people to Eritrea could have serious consequences.
https://arynews.tv/un-warns-israel-expelling-eritreans-en-masse-unlawful/
The United Nations (UN) is urging Israel to refrain from mass deportations of Eritreans, stating that it would go against international law and have dire human consequences. The UN Refugee Agency expressed deep concern over the clashes that occurred during a demonstration against an Eritrean government event in #Tel_Aviv, which left over 200 people injured.
The UN is calling for calm and restraint from all parties involved. William Spindler, spokesman for the UN Refugee Agency, stressed the importance of establishing accountability, but warned against taking broad measures against Eritreans in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously mentioned the possibility of deporting 1,000 Eritreans involved in the clashes. The UN emphasized that the majority of asylum-seekers in Israel are peaceful and law-abiding, and that returning people to Eritrea could have serious consequences.
https://arynews.tv/un-warns-israel-expelling-eritreans-en-masse-unlawful/
ARY NEWS
UN warns Israel that expelling Eritreans en masse unlawful
GENEVA: The UN urged Israel Tuesday to refrain from mass deportations of Eritreans following weekend clashes involving asylum seekers, warning it would
#US announces $2m logistical, medivac support for #Somali forces
The U.S. government has announced $ 2 million in support to bolster the ongoing war against #Al_Shabaab in #Somalia
“It is vital that Somali and #ATMIS security forces have the strong logistical backing needed to defeat al-Shabaab on the battlefield,” said Dixon. “We are proud to support #UNSOS, a key partner to the United States and Somalia in our shared goal of advancing peace.”
UNSOS is currently mandated to support 15,900 Somali Security Forces concerning specific logistical needs. On her part, UNSOS chief Aisa Kirabo Kacyira hailed the contribution as key in boosting the UNSOS mandate in Somalia.
https://goobjoog.com/english/u-s-announces-2m-logistical-medivac-support-for-somali-forces/
The U.S. government has announced $ 2 million in support to bolster the ongoing war against #Al_Shabaab in #Somalia
“It is vital that Somali and #ATMIS security forces have the strong logistical backing needed to defeat al-Shabaab on the battlefield,” said Dixon. “We are proud to support #UNSOS, a key partner to the United States and Somalia in our shared goal of advancing peace.”
UNSOS is currently mandated to support 15,900 Somali Security Forces concerning specific logistical needs. On her part, UNSOS chief Aisa Kirabo Kacyira hailed the contribution as key in boosting the UNSOS mandate in Somalia.
https://goobjoog.com/english/u-s-announces-2m-logistical-medivac-support-for-somali-forces/
Goobjoog News English
U.S announces $2m logistical, medivac support for Somali forces
GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The U.S. government has announced $ 2 million in support to bolster the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab in Somalia. According to a statement from the US embassy in Mogadish…
#Ethiopia- #Kenya: 26 Ethiopians arrested in Murang’a
The owner of the house and a watchman are being held for questioning. The latest incident happened just three days after a Machakos court ordered the repatriation of 79 out of 82 aliens who were arrested in Athi River, Machakos county.
71 Ethiopians were arrested after they were found loitering in Magorofani area off Mwananchi Road in Syokimau. They included 38 male adults and 33 male juveniles.
They were never charged but treated as victims of human trafficking.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/26-ethiopian-aliens-arrested-in-muranga/
The owner of the house and a watchman are being held for questioning. The latest incident happened just three days after a Machakos court ordered the repatriation of 79 out of 82 aliens who were arrested in Athi River, Machakos county.
71 Ethiopians were arrested after they were found loitering in Magorofani area off Mwananchi Road in Syokimau. They included 38 male adults and 33 male juveniles.
They were never charged but treated as victims of human trafficking.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/26-ethiopian-aliens-arrested-in-muranga/
KBC
26 Ethiopian aliens arrested in Murang'a - KBC
Police in Muranga have arrested 26 aliens of Ethiopian origin who were holed up at an isolated residential house in Muthigiriri area of Kiharu constituency. Murang’a County police commander David Mathew Kainga who led the operation said the girls are aged…
Opinion: The #Oromo Dance with Gospel: Sacred Rhythms?
The innovation of Oromo Gospel artists in infusing the beats of rich Oromo musical and dance heritage into their Gospel songs is one of the pivotal reasons for the rise of Lutheranism within the Oromo community, writes @bedassa2021.
He further argues the choreographed merger of the cultural rhythms and faith is giving rise to what can be described as “sacred rhythms”.
https://addisstandard.com/opinion-the-oromo-dance-with-gospel-sacred-rhythms/
The innovation of Oromo Gospel artists in infusing the beats of rich Oromo musical and dance heritage into their Gospel songs is one of the pivotal reasons for the rise of Lutheranism within the Oromo community, writes @bedassa2021.
He further argues the choreographed merger of the cultural rhythms and faith is giving rise to what can be described as “sacred rhythms”.
https://addisstandard.com/opinion-the-oromo-dance-with-gospel-sacred-rhythms/
Addis Standard
Opinion: The Oromo Dance with Gospel: Sacred Rhythms? - Addis Standard
Opinion: The Oromo Dance with Gospel: Sacred Rhythms? Addis Standard Art and culture -