#UNDP Ethiopia launches 'Rebuild Her Business' crowdfunding campaign to support female entrepreneurs in conflict-stricken regions

UNDP, along with 17 other UN agencies in #Ethiopia, is collaborating on a peace support facility aimed at recovering, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the conflict-stricken regions. This comprehensive approach includes economic recovery initiatives.

To aid female entrepreneurs, UNDP Ethiopia has initiated a crowdfunding campaign called "Rebuild Her Business." The campaign's objective is to raise $500,000, which will be used to provide a $500 capital fund to support 1,000 women across #Tigray, #Amhara and #Afar regions. The crowdfunding campaign was officially launched in August in collaboration with Great Ethiopian Run (GER), an experienced race organizer known for their commitment to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fundraising for local causes.

The Rebuild Her Business campaign will additionally benefit from the "Running for Cause" charity initiative, associated with GER's annual 10-kilometer race in November.

https://www.undp.org/stories/after-conflict-rebuilding-women-run-businesses-ethiopia

#Ethiopia: Civil society groups call for peace, reform and accountability in joint new year appeal

A coalition of 35 Ethiopian civil society organizations issued a joint appeal calling for efforts to build sustainable peace, protect human rights, and promote democratic reforms.

They praised recent peace talks but highlighted ongoing conflicts and abuses.

The coalition laid out 10 recommendations focused on establishing peace, accountability, and protecting marginalized groups.

https://addisstandard.com/news-civil-society-groups-call-for-peace-reform-and-accountability-in-joint-new-year-appeal/

Shortage of goods, reduced health care hit #Ethiopia's volatile #Amhara Region

In #Mezzezo town, 200 kilometers from #Addis_Abeba, there has been relative calm, but the insecurity has resulted in price hikes on basic goods. Goods are not coming in from Addis Abeba, one Mezzezo resident said, and the prices of merchandise and edible oil have shot up, making it hard to live.

Fighting between #Fano forces and federal troops reached its peak in early August, after months of skirmishes, following government orders to re-integrate the militia into the formal security structure.

A recent U.N. report says that has resulted in the deaths of over 180 people since July. The report adds that more than 1,000 people have been arrested across the country since the declaration of a state of emergency. https://voanews.com/a/shortage-of-goods-reduced-health-care-hit-ethiopia-s-volatile-amhara-region-/7255279.html

#ASDailyScoop: #Ethiopia wraps up public consultations on transitional justice policy options

The team of experts leading public consultations on transitional justice policy in Ethiopia has concluded the sessions, which began in March 2023. Out of 59 planned locations, four had to be canceled due to security concerns.

Over 200 law professors from 40 universities participated, and comprehensive inputs have been gathered for a new transitional justice policy framework.

However, there are calls for the renewal of the #UN's international commission of human rights experts on Ethiopia due to ongoing allegations of rights abuses.


https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-ethiopia-wraps-up-nationwide-public-consultations-on-transitional-justice-policy-options/

#Ethiopia: Members, leaders of opposition groups arrested in #Mekelle ahead of planned protest rally

Police in #Tigray arrest opposition party leaders, Kidane Amene and Tesfamichael Nigus, ahead of planned protest.

Authorities denied permission for the protest, citing insufficient security. Tensions rise as arrests continue in the region.

The protest aims for justice, peace, security, and an inclusive administration. Opposition leaders report intimidation tactics by the Tigray interim administration.

https://addisstandard.com/news-members-leaders-of-opposition-groups-arrested-in-mekelle-ahead-of-planned-protest-rally/

Job losses wreck livelihoods in #Ethiopia’s garment industry

The Industrial Federation of Textile, Leather and Garment Workers Union (IFTLGWU) has highlighted the devastating impact of job losses on garment workers. With over 20,000 members affected, the retrenchments have caused immense suffering and increased poverty within the industry.

During the war in the #Tigray region, 11 workers were killed and factories were bombed, leading to further losses for the workers. The war was concluded with the signing of the Pretoria Agreement in November 2022. Additionally, due to the failure to defend human rights during the conflict, millions of jobs were lost when the US African Growth and Opportunity Act benefits were withdrawn.

Renowned garment brands like #H&M and #PVH ceased manufacturing and sourcing garments for similar reasons. The IFTLGWU spoke with workers who were unlawfully dismissed without following proper labor laws, leading to a legal battle where workers emerged victorious.

https://www.industriall-union.org/job-losses-wreck-livelihoods-in-ethiopias-garment-industry

AfDB announces $1bn fund to boost climate financing for Africa’s youth

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a new $1billion fund to accelerate climate financing for Africa's youth businesses.

The fund will boost YouthAdapt, an initiative by the bank and the Global Centre on Adaptation, which invites young entrepreneurs and enterprises in #Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas driving climate change adaptation and resilience.

The announcement was made by #AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina during a high-level event in Nairobi. Over the past two years, YouthAdapt has provided more than $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African countries, with some increasing their profits by 200%.

https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2023/09/07/afdb-announces-1bn-fund-to-boost-climate-financing-for-africas-youth/

News: #CPJ expresses deep concern over arrest of three more journalists in #Ethiopia

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) spoke out against the arrest of three journalists in Ethiopia's Amhara region. Abay Zewdu, Yidnekachew Kebede, and Fekadu Mahtemework were taken into custody in August, with only Yidnekachew and Fekadu being released.

CPJ urged the Ethiopian authorities to release all detained journalists and ensure press freedom. This follows the arrest of journalist Bekalu Alamirew in connection with the conflict in #Amhara earlier this month.

Similar incidents involving the detention of journalists have been reported in the past.

https://addisstandard.com/news-cpj-expresses-deep-concern-over-arrest-of-three-more-journalists-in-ethiopia/

In-depth: Ethiopia’s quest for alternative ports: Negotiations or force on the table?

Rumors are swirling about Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's efforts to secure a crucial port for #Ethiopia. The Prime Minister highlighted the high costs associated with depending on neighboring countries' ports and stated that Ethiopia will secure direct access to a port either peacefully or, if necessary, by force.

However, the idea of using force seems unlikely given Ethiopia's previous attempts to utilize #Eritrean ports. Recently, an Ethiopian delegation visited #Kenya and #Somaliland to explore alternative port options.

Experts warn that if negotiations fail, war could be a destructive alternative. The motives behind the alleged use of force include restoring support and testing Western support for the regime.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-ethiopias-quest-for-alternative-ports-negotiations-or-force-on-the-table/

#Ethiopia: Interim leader imparts grave political, security crisis in #Tigray amid mounting tension over disallowed protest rally

Interim President of the Tigray Regional State, Getachew Reda, has warned of grave political and security crises in the region following the two-year war. He stated that the security situation has become extremely dangerous and going outside has become a luxury.

Tensions have also risen in the capital, #Mekelle, over a protest rally that was disallowed by the authorities. Several opposition party leaders and supporters have been arrested. Getachew acknowledged the security threats in the region and efforts are being made to address them, including discussions with protest leaders to change the time and venue.

He also mentioned political challenges faced by the interim administration and measures being taken to address them. Getachew also highlighted efforts to investigate and apprehend those involved in human rights violations, including kidnappings for ransom.

https://addisstandard.com/news-interim-leader-imparts-grave-political-security-crisis-in-tigray-amid-mounting-tension-over-disallowed-protest-rally/

#Ethiopia - A Facebook post "killed" my father and younger brother

Social media platforms have been facing allegations of exacerbating violence in Ethiopia. Facebook, in particular, is facing a lawsuit in Kenya by Abrham Meareg, the son of an Ethiopian academic who was tragically killed following calls made for harm against him on the platform.

Freweyni Hetsay, too, experienced the devastating loss of her father and brother due to the propagation of hate speech and the incitement of violence on this social media platform.

https://youtu.be/fjmI9uySms4?si=2LewKNy86Wl7N_Lz via @YouTube

News: More than 60 organizations urge #UN to extend mandate of experts probing rights violations in #Ethiopia

The rights groups sounded alarm over ongoing atrocities including rape, denial of humanitarian access, and ethnic cleansing of #Tigrayans despite the formal end of hostilities. Abuses linked to government forces and militia groups have also engulfed the #Amhara and #Oromia regions in recent months, the added.

“The mandate, independence and impartial work of #ICHREE remains critical at this juncture to ensure evidence gathering continues unimpeded and accountability efforts move forward,” the letter quoted Laetitia Bader, Horn of Africa Director at Human Rights Watch as saying.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37654

#Argentina is ready to cooperate with #Ethiopia in framework of BRICS

Argentina's ambassador to Ethiopia, Gustavo Teodoro Grippo, expressed his readiness to collaborate with Ethiopia and leverage the opportunities presented by the #BRICS countries.

Grippo commended Ethiopia for becoming a member of the economic group, alongside Argentina, #Egypt, #UAE, Iran, and #Saudi_Arabia, effective from 1 January, 2024.

Highlighting the significance of communication and cooperation in today's complex world, he emphasized the potential benefits for Ethiopia and Argentina as part of the countries that make up 40% of the global population and contribute 25% of the global GDP.

https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/09/06/argentina-is-ready-to-cooperate-with-ethiopia-in-framework-of-brics/

#NewsAlert: Biden renews national emergency executive order imposing sanctions on #Ethiopia

*Renewing the EO for second time on Thursday, the White House said Ethiopia “continues to pose an #unusual and #extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States."

*The national emergency declared in Executive Order 14046 imposes sanctions on certain persons with respect to the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia.

*Among the conditions outlined in the full text of the EO in 2021 was the US’s support for a negotiated ceasefire and political resolution to the war in #Tigray, the withdrawal of #Eritrean forces from Ethiopia, and to promote the unity, territorial integrity, and stability of Ethiopia. https://addisstandard.com/?p=37658

#Ethiopia: Cognitive Scientist Abeba Birhane among #TIME100AI list of most influential people

A cognitive scientist by training, Abeba Birhane started on the path toward AI research when she noticed a vital task that almost nobody was doing. AI models were being trained on larger and larger datasets - collections of text and images - gathered from the internet, including from its darkest corners. But Abeba realized that as those datasets were ballooning from millions to billions of individual pieces of data, few people were systematically checking them for harmful material, which can result in AIs becoming structurally racist, sexist, and otherwise biased. https://time.com/collection/time100-ai/6308999/abeba-birhane-ai/

#Ethiopian troops accused of mass killings of civilians in #Amhara region

Ethiopian soldiers killed more than 70 civilians and looted properties in a town in Amhara, multiple witnesses have claimed.

The killings took place in Majete, a rural town in north-eastern Ethiopia, after two weeks of heavy fighting between federal soldiers and the Fano, an Amhara militia.

The alleged atrocities occurred after Ethiopian troops occupied the town on 3 September. Survivors who spoke to the Guardian said the victims were unarmed farmers.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/08/ethiopian-troops-accused-mass-killings-amhara-civilians-region-fano-militia

#Ethiopia: #Simprints wants second pair of eyes on its biometrics plans in Ethiopia

The Ministry of Health-related assessment involves the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS). The eCHIS system was designed to improve client tracking and referrals as well as to report data that could help decision-makers improve health care.

The project has already resulted in a suite of mobile applications which are currently being used by community health service providers in over 4,000 locations.

https://biometricupdate.com/202309/simprints-wants-second-pair-of-eyes-on-its-biometrics-plans-in-ethiopia

Commentary: Unearthing #Somali region’s food security: The buried treasure in #Shabelle basin

Africa's dependence on foreign food supplies has been highlighted by the ongoing #Russia_Ukraine conflict, sparking the question of why #Africa can't produce its own food. The key factors to consider are access to water, arable land, and irrigation systems. #Ethiopia, known as Africa's 'water tower', has the potential to meet food production requirements with its extensive river network, writes Ali Regah.

However, the writer argues that challenges like climbing fuel prices and limited energy availability hinder progress. “The chance to evolve and prosper lies within Shabelle and Gode, as they can become nourishing powerhouses for Ethiopia and potentially for the whole of Africa.”

https://addisstandard.com/commentary-unearthing-somali-regions-food-security-the-buried-treasure-in-shabelle-basin/

#Ethiopia: #Ethiopost, #Dodai Manufacturing partner to ensure sustainable delivery solutions

Dodai’s e-motorbikes, which stand central to this partnership, are powered by a 3.6kWh capacity lithium battery, delivering up to 120-150 km range on a single charge.

Hanna Arayaselassie, CEO of Ethiopost, said, “at Ethiopost, our century-long journey has always been about adapting and innovating. Partnering with Dodai signifies our commitment to a cleaner future and our ambition to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into our delivery solutions.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37675

#Ethiopia-#Somalia: Somali Cabinet approves key agreements with Ethiopia & Turkey

These newly ratified pacts aim to elevate Somalia’s standing in the region and strengthen its domestic security apparatus. They also come as the government is intensifying its efforts to quash the militant group #Al_Shabaab.

The agreements outline a multi-faceted approach to cooperation. Trade discussions pave the way for greater market access for Somali goods and services in both Ethiopia and Turkey, potentially boosting the Somali economy.

https://halqabsi.com/2023/09/somali-cabinet-approves-key-agreements-with-ethiopia-turkey/

Timnit Gebru, founder and executive director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) m, is among #TIME100AI list of most influential people

Timnit Gebru lost her job in 2020 as the co-lead of Google’s ethical-AI team after she refused a demand to remove her name from the independently published paper. (Timnit says she was fired; Google says she resigned.)

Since those events, Timnit has become a torchbearer in the world of responsible AI. As founder and executive director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), she has built a space for a kind of interdisciplinary AI research that is rare to see at Big Tech companies. DAIR’s hybrid model of research and community building has so far focused on two parallel tracks.

https://time.com/collection/time100-ai/6308988/timnit-gebru-ai/