#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
*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
Addis Standard
NewsAlert: Biden renews national emergency executive order imposing sanctions on certain persons in Ethiopia - Addis Standard
Addis Abeba – U.S. President Joe Biden renewed for the second time the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14046 with respect to Ethiopia imposing sanctions on certain persons with respect to the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia.…
#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/
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/
Time
Abeba Birhane
Find out why Abeba Birhane made the TIME100 AI list of the most influential people in artificial intelligence.
#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
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
the Guardian
Ethiopian troops accused of mass killings of civilians in Amhara region
Exclusive: Witnesses say federal forces have been looting villages and shooting farmers in their hunt for defiant Fano militiamen
#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
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
Biometric Update | Biometrics News, Companies and Explainers
Simprints wants second pair of eyes on its biometrics plans in Ethiopia | Biometric Update
The non-profit company has been helping Ethiopia deploy a biometric digital ID that links patients to digital records since 2019.
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/
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/
Addis Standard
Commentary: Unearthing Somali region's food security: The buried treasure in Shabelle basin - Addis Standard
Fruits production in Somali region (Photo: Ali Regah) By Ali Regah @aregah Addis Abeba – Africa’s dependence on foreign food supply has been exposed by the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising a pivotal question: Why is Africa unable to produce its…
#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
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
Addis Standard
Business: Ethiopost, Dodai Manufacturing partner to ensure sustainable delivery solutions - Addis Standard
Addis Abeba – As part of its commitment to technological advancement and strategic innovation, Ethiopost, Ethiopia’s state-owned postal services delivery announced its exclusive partnership with Dodai Manufacturing PLC (“Dodai”), a recently incorporated organization…
#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/
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/
Halqabsi News
Somali Cabinet Approves Key Agreements with Ethiopia & Turkey
(07-09-23) MOGADISHU — The Somali Cabinet, led by acting Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, approved several significant agreements with Ethiopia
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/
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/
Time
Timnit Gebru
Find out why Timnit Gebru made the TIME100 AI list of the most influential people in artificial intelligence.
#Morocco earthquake death toll rises to at least 632, according to #Spectator_Index
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco Friday night in the historic city of #Marrakech.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said it was the strongest tremor to hit Morocco in more than a century. “Significant damage is likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”, USGS warned.
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco Friday night in the historic city of #Marrakech.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said it was the strongest tremor to hit Morocco in more than a century. “Significant damage is likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”, USGS warned.
The African Union becomes permanent member of G20. Now, it will have the same status as the European Union.
Prime Minister Modi invited the African Union to take its place at the G20 table as a #permanent member.
“I believe that inclusion of African Union will get the support of all," PM Modi said as he invited the bloc's chair Comoros President Azali Assoumani to address the delegates.
The African bloc - made up of 55 member states - is at the summit on #India's invitation.
India has been advocating for the AU’s inclusion for months. Countries like #Russia, the #US, #Australia and #Japan also supported the move after Senegalese President Macky Sall proposed it in 2022 during his chairmanship of the AU.
Analysts say the move would strengthen the voice of the Global South - which India seeks to represent - and give African nations a global platform to highlight problems faced by developing nations, as well as a bigger say in decisions concerning them when made by more prosperous nations of the world. BBC
Prime Minister Modi invited the African Union to take its place at the G20 table as a #permanent member.
“I believe that inclusion of African Union will get the support of all," PM Modi said as he invited the bloc's chair Comoros President Azali Assoumani to address the delegates.
The African bloc - made up of 55 member states - is at the summit on #India's invitation.
India has been advocating for the AU’s inclusion for months. Countries like #Russia, the #US, #Australia and #Japan also supported the move after Senegalese President Macky Sall proposed it in 2022 during his chairmanship of the AU.
Analysts say the move would strengthen the voice of the Global South - which India seeks to represent - and give African nations a global platform to highlight problems faced by developing nations, as well as a bigger say in decisions concerning them when made by more prosperous nations of the world. BBC
#Ethiopia - Normalcy returns to Godere district, #Gambella region after deadly attack claims six lives
Tensions were high this week in Godere district of Majang zone in Gambella region following consecutive attacks that occurred on Monday evening, 04 September, and the next morning, killing six farmers.
Properties were damaged and many have been displaced from their homes in Goshne and Akash kebeles/villages following the attack orchestrated by unidentified armed groups.
Residents now report gradual return of normalcy as a zonal security task force pledges to hold the perpetrators accountable.
https://addisstandard.com/news-normalcy-returns-to-godere-district-gambella-region-after-deadly-attack-claims-six-lives/
Tensions were high this week in Godere district of Majang zone in Gambella region following consecutive attacks that occurred on Monday evening, 04 September, and the next morning, killing six farmers.
Properties were damaged and many have been displaced from their homes in Goshne and Akash kebeles/villages following the attack orchestrated by unidentified armed groups.
Residents now report gradual return of normalcy as a zonal security task force pledges to hold the perpetrators accountable.
https://addisstandard.com/news-normalcy-returns-to-godere-district-gambella-region-after-deadly-attack-claims-six-lives/
Addis Standard
News: Normalcy returns to Godere district, Gambella region after deadly attack claims six lives - Addis Standard
Meti town, major urban center in the Godere district, Majang zone, Gambella region (Photo: Godere Communication Office/Facebook) Addis Abeba – After a fatal attack that claimed six lives, towns in the Godere district of Majang zone in Gambella region are…
#ASDailyScoop: A traveler from #AddisAbeba with suspected cocaine worth $700,000 arrested at #HongKong airport
Customs officers at the Hong Kong International Airport seized about 900 grams of suspected cocaine worth $700,000 from a 48-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Addis Ababa.
The passenger arrived in Hong Kong on 05 September, and was arrested when retrieving his delayed travel bag at the airport on 07 September.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-a-traveler-from-addis-abeba-with-suspected-cocaine-worth-700000-arrested-at-hong-kong-airport/
Customs officers at the Hong Kong International Airport seized about 900 grams of suspected cocaine worth $700,000 from a 48-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Addis Ababa.
The passenger arrived in Hong Kong on 05 September, and was arrested when retrieving his delayed travel bag at the airport on 07 September.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-a-traveler-from-addis-abeba-with-suspected-cocaine-worth-700000-arrested-at-hong-kong-airport/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: A traveler from Addis Abeba with suspected cocaine worth $700,000 arrested at Hong Kong airport - Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: A traveler from Addis Abeba with suspected cocaine worth $700,000 arrested at Hong Kong airport Addis Standard DailyScoop -
Ethiopian wheat production soars, paving the way for grain exports
The Ethiopian government's drive to boost wheat production is yielding positive results, with a projected 27% increase in output this season, according to Bloomberg. Economic reforms, including a planting campaign, have enabled the country to reduce its reliance on wheat imports, saving $1 billion in foreign exchange.
The Ministry of Agriculture projects a wheat harvest of 19.5 million tons, compared to 15.4 million tons in the previous period. #Ethiopia plans to expand its wheat production area by 37% and is aiming to meet domestic demands while exploring export opportunities.
The country's import substitution efforts have also been successful, with domestic production fulfilling local demands for malt barley and 50% of rice.
https://www.ajot.com/news/ethiopia-is-producing-surplus-wheat-for-export-after-drive-to-boost-output#:~:text=A%20government%20drive%20to%20boost,nation%20to%20export%20the%20grain
The Ethiopian government's drive to boost wheat production is yielding positive results, with a projected 27% increase in output this season, according to Bloomberg. Economic reforms, including a planting campaign, have enabled the country to reduce its reliance on wheat imports, saving $1 billion in foreign exchange.
The Ministry of Agriculture projects a wheat harvest of 19.5 million tons, compared to 15.4 million tons in the previous period. #Ethiopia plans to expand its wheat production area by 37% and is aiming to meet domestic demands while exploring export opportunities.
The country's import substitution efforts have also been successful, with domestic production fulfilling local demands for malt barley and 50% of rice.
https://www.ajot.com/news/ethiopia-is-producing-surplus-wheat-for-export-after-drive-to-boost-output#:~:text=A%20government%20drive%20to%20boost,nation%20to%20export%20the%20grain
#UNICEF urgently calls for funding to address humanitarian needs in #Ethiopia
In its latest situation update report, UNICEF said that its $674 million humanitarian action for children appeal in Ethiopia remains 76% unfunded.
Only $161.9 million is currently available, representing only 24% of the required needs to reach vulnerable populations with life-saving support. The appeal includes $345.4 million dedicated to responding to severe drought affecting over 24 million people across four regions.
UNICEF has mobilized $40.7 million for the northern Ethiopia response plan and $46.6 million for the drought response so far.
https://www.unicef.org/media/143706/file/Ethiopia-Humanitarian-SitRep-Mid-Year-2023.pdf
In its latest situation update report, UNICEF said that its $674 million humanitarian action for children appeal in Ethiopia remains 76% unfunded.
Only $161.9 million is currently available, representing only 24% of the required needs to reach vulnerable populations with life-saving support. The appeal includes $345.4 million dedicated to responding to severe drought affecting over 24 million people across four regions.
UNICEF has mobilized $40.7 million for the northern Ethiopia response plan and $46.6 million for the drought response so far.
https://www.unicef.org/media/143706/file/Ethiopia-Humanitarian-SitRep-Mid-Year-2023.pdf
#Ethiopia-#Somalia: Somalia to begin fish and fruits export to Ethiopia.
Somalia is set to begin legally exporting fish and fruit goods to neighboring Ethiopia thanks to bilateral trade agreement previously inked by both countries.
The trade agreement aims to reduce smuggling, which previously forced Somalia to cease cattle exports. It also includes provisions for cross-border commerce in services and some items, such as the stimulant herb khat.
A joint Ministerial Commission meeting between Ethiopia and Somalia was held in Mogadishu where the two countries put pen to paper on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral trade ties.
https://en.halbeeg.com/2023/09/09/somalia-to-begin-fish-and-fruits-exportation-to-ethiopia/
Somalia is set to begin legally exporting fish and fruit goods to neighboring Ethiopia thanks to bilateral trade agreement previously inked by both countries.
The trade agreement aims to reduce smuggling, which previously forced Somalia to cease cattle exports. It also includes provisions for cross-border commerce in services and some items, such as the stimulant herb khat.
A joint Ministerial Commission meeting between Ethiopia and Somalia was held in Mogadishu where the two countries put pen to paper on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral trade ties.
https://en.halbeeg.com/2023/09/09/somalia-to-begin-fish-and-fruits-exportation-to-ethiopia/
#ASDailyScoop: PM Abiy says “fourth and final” filling of #GERD complete; #Egypt calls it “illegal”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced yesterday that Ethiopia has successfully completed “the fourth and final” filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located on the Nile River. This news comes two weeks after negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan concluded without yielding significant progress. However, the three countries have agreed to resume negotiations in September in Addis Abeba.
Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned the filling of the GERD by Ethiopia, deeming it “illegal” and claiming the unilateral action by Addis Abeba to complete the dam’s filling will negatively impact negotiations with Egypt and Sudan.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-pm-abiy-says-fourth-and-final-filling-of-gerd-complete-egypt-calls-it-illegal/
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced yesterday that Ethiopia has successfully completed “the fourth and final” filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located on the Nile River. This news comes two weeks after negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan concluded without yielding significant progress. However, the three countries have agreed to resume negotiations in September in Addis Abeba.
Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned the filling of the GERD by Ethiopia, deeming it “illegal” and claiming the unilateral action by Addis Abeba to complete the dam’s filling will negatively impact negotiations with Egypt and Sudan.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-pm-abiy-says-fourth-and-final-filling-of-gerd-complete-egypt-calls-it-illegal/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: PM Abiy says "fourth and final" filling of GERD complete; Egypt calls it "illegal" - Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: PM Abiy says "fourth and final" filling of GERD complete; Egypt calls it "illegal" Addis Standard #ASDAILYSCOOP -
#Ethiopia: How tech improves dairy farming in Ethiopia
A temperate climate and fertile soil make the shores of Lake #Hawassa in Ethiopia ideal for raising cattle and growing animal feed.
Yet for small-scale farmers near the lake, 300 kilometers south of #Addis_Abeba, producing a large enough supply of safe milk to consistently earn a profit isn’t easy.
“The biggest challenge ahead is keeping up with farming technology,” said Eskender Yoseph, one of more than three dozen farmers in Ethiopia who gained access to farming technology through a partnership with the #USAID. “We need a lot of innovation to keep pace and maintain the quality of our farm products.”
He trains other young farmers through social media, teaching cattle and feed management, as well as other farming practices. In 2023, Yoseph trained over 70 young farmers from #Bahir_Dar, Addis Abeba... Millions of people have viewed his dairy farming videos on #YouTube & #Telegram.
https://share.america.gov/how-tech-improves-dairy-farming-ethiopia/
A temperate climate and fertile soil make the shores of Lake #Hawassa in Ethiopia ideal for raising cattle and growing animal feed.
Yet for small-scale farmers near the lake, 300 kilometers south of #Addis_Abeba, producing a large enough supply of safe milk to consistently earn a profit isn’t easy.
“The biggest challenge ahead is keeping up with farming technology,” said Eskender Yoseph, one of more than three dozen farmers in Ethiopia who gained access to farming technology through a partnership with the #USAID. “We need a lot of innovation to keep pace and maintain the quality of our farm products.”
He trains other young farmers through social media, teaching cattle and feed management, as well as other farming practices. In 2023, Yoseph trained over 70 young farmers from #Bahir_Dar, Addis Abeba... Millions of people have viewed his dairy farming videos on #YouTube & #Telegram.
https://share.america.gov/how-tech-improves-dairy-farming-ethiopia/