#Ethiopia’s Credit Risk Ratchets Higher After #Moody’s Downgrade

*Country’s sovereign risk premium has reached record levels

*Moody’s expects losses for Ethiopia private sector creditors

Ethiopia’s sovereign-risk premium has hit a record high after last week’s downgrade deeper into #junk by #Moody’s Investors Service.

The extra yield investors demand to own Ethiopia’s dollar debt has widened to a spread of 4,089 basis points over Treasuries, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. data. The spread had narrowed at the start of the year. Bonds trading with a spread of more than 1,000 basis points are viewed as distressed by credit markets.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-19/ethiopia-s-credit-risk-ratchets-higher-after-moody-s-downgrade?utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&cmpid%3D=socialflow-twitter-africa&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=africa#xj4y7vzkg

#Ethiopia makes Fayda the main credential for civil servants

Ethiopia’s National Identity Program (NIDP) has partnered with the country’s Federal Civil Service Commission to introduce the Fayda Digital ID as the main identification credential for all civil servants. The move aims to bring innovation, transparency, and security to the management of human resources within the civil service.

By using the digital ID as the primary proof of identification, administrative processes will be expedited, eliminating red tape, time wastage, and potential financial costs. Civil servants in Addis Abeba are currently being called upon to enroll for the digital ID at banks or NIDP registration centers.

This partnership is considered a monumental step in Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts and underscores the government’s commitment to creating an efficient civil service. Other African countries such as Equatorial Guinea and Ghana have also made biometric digital ID compulsory in the fight against civil service fraud.

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202309/ethiopia-makes-fayda-the-main-credential-for-civil-servants

Turkana, Ethiopian communities make peace after feud over theft of guns

Members of the #Turkana community and the #Nyangatom community in #Ethiopia have resolved their recent dispute over stolen guns and have pledged to maintain peace. Tensions began when a gun belonging to a Kenyan National Police Reservist went missing, followed by the theft of a gun belonging to a herder from Nyangatom. However, police officers from both countries held a meeting at the border, urging residents to embrace peace.

The two communities responded by promising to live peacefully and protect their harmonious relationship. In 2009, an attack along the #Kenya-Ethiopia border resulted in the deaths of over 40 individuals, but the communities made peace after that incident.

Dialogue and cooperation between community elders and authorities are ongoing to ease tensions. Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has invited the Nyangatom community to the forthcoming Turkana cultural festival, aiming to further strengthen peace between the two communities.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/north-eastern/article/2001481821/turkana-ethiopian-communities-make-peace-after-feud-over-theft-of-guns

1,200 refugee children die in conflict-ridden #Sudan: #UN

More than 1,200 refugee children have died in Sudan due to a measles outbreak and malnutrition, according to the UN refugee agency. The deadly combination has affected nine camps in the White Nile state.

Over 3,100 suspected cases have been reported, along with outbreaks of cholera, dengue, and malaria in other parts of the country. Sudan has been plagued by clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April, resulting in thousands of deaths and over 5.25 million displaced people.

The UN agency has called for an end to the fighting and urgent assistance.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/1-200-refugee-children-die-in-conflict-ridden-sudan-un/2995878

#Somalia-#Ethiopia: Gov't forces and Ethiopian forces jointly kill 55 AS fighters in a counter-attack

An official of the federal govt forces operating in #Huddur district of #Bakool region said that the Ethiopian forces with the support of the Somali government forces have killed more than 55 members of the Al-Shabaab group.

The killings came after the coalition forces launched a counterattack against the al-Shabaab fighters, which attacked Ethiopian troops in the Bakool region of South West Somalia on Sunday.

Losses have been inflicted on the Ethiopian forces in an ambush by Al-Shabaab fighters on a convoy of Ethiopian troops as part of the African Union Mission in AMISOM, while they were on their way to Wajid district in Bakool region. https://mustaqbalmedia.net/en/somalia-government-forces-and-ethiopian-forces-jointly-kill-55-as-fighters-in-a-counter-attack/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=somalia-government-forces-and-ethiopian-forces-jointly-kill-55-as-fighters-in-a-counter-attack

News: #Ethiopian army says Al-Shabaab attempted attack “completely thwarted”

This is the first official statement by the Ethiopian army since reports of attacks by Al-Shabaab against Ethiopian forces over the weekend, which resulted in causalities. “Al-Shabaab planned to attack the Ethiopian Defense Forces at a place called Robdirre inside #Somalia, but the plan was completely thwarted by our defense forces,” the army said, but mentions no causalities.

According to Colonel Faysa Ayele, Al-Shabaab forces "deployed three explosive-laden vehicles and 12 explosive-armed militants, as well as more than 450 of their members, but they were destroyed by the defense forces in the area."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37895

#Ethiopia: Rights body reports death of three people from infectious disease at detention facility

Following the outbreak of the infectious disease identified as "relapsing fever" in the detention center, which was caused by the spread of lice, 190 of the people who were at the center were taken to Tirunesh Beijing Hospital for treatment and received medical care at the hospital, EHRC said.

At times the facility holds “thousands”, in conditions the rights commission described that lack “hygiene” and “personal sanitary” as well as the proper infrastructure suitable for the intended purpose.

The lack of complete sanitary facilities and the provision of water for personal hygiene, lack of beds, mattresses and clothes, lack of enough air and sunlight in the center are some of the major problems endured by the homeless detainees, which include the elderly, children, women and disabled individuals.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37911

Market engagement propels Ethiopian farmers to success

A new report has revealed that a market-driven approach to tackling poverty in rural #Ethiopia is proving successful. The report, noscriptd "Strengthening Agricultural Market Systems," details how the project, funded by the #Swedish International Development Agency and implemented by Farm Africa, #ORDA, and Mercy Corps, has helped smallholder farmers in the #Amhara region gain access to buyers and suppliers, resulting in thriving farming businesses.

Innovative solutions were developed to connect farmers to input and output markets, increase productivity, provide access to finance, and conserve natural resources. As a result, average net profits for some crops have increased by over 300% in just two years.

The project also addressed issues such as lack of access to farming inputs, declining yields, and ineffective output markets through various interventions. Additionally, efforts were made to provide sharia-compliant financial services and restore degraded land.

https://www.farmafrica.org/latest/news/post/1063-market-engagement-propels-ethiopian-farmers-to-success

Commentary: The cascading economic effects in #Ethiopia of the prolonged #Russia-#Ukraine crisis

With Ethiopia already having internal economic problems, the prolonged Russia/Ukraine war will negatively impact the country, writes Henok Fasil (PhD) in this commentary.

The adverse economic impacts that the conflict will have on Ethiopia are hugely related to imports.

With the war’s onset Ethiopia saw a drastic increase in the prices of sunflower oil and wheat commodities, among other imports from the warring countries.

https://addisstandard.com/commentary-the-cascading-economic-effects-in-ethiopia-of-the-prolonged-russia-ukraine-crisis/

462 al-Shabaab fighters killed in failed attack: Ethiopia's military

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) announced on Wednesday that it successfully neutralized approximately 462 Al-Shabaab fighters following a botched attack by the extremist group. The ENDF issued a press release confirming that the fighters were eliminated in #Rabdhure town, located in southwestern Somalia, where an ENDF contingent was stationed.

The #ENDF revealed that the militants had planned to carry out the assault using 12 suicide bombers and three vehicles loaded with explosives. The statement also highlighted the Ethiopian army's track record of thwarting numerous #Al-_Shabaab endeavors to infiltrate eastern #Ethiopia for cross-border attacks.

https://newsaf.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-21/462-al-Shabaab-fighters-killed-in-failed-attack-Ethiopia-s-military-1ngkHFGIuha/index.html

A piece of a 19th-century Ethiopian prince is going home

A lock of hair from the head of a 19th-century Ethiopian prince, buried at Windsor Castle, will be returned to his home country in a private ceremony in #London. The handover marks a growing trend in former imperial centers of recognizing and rectifying their historical heritage. The event is organized by the Scheherazade Foundation, a non-profit facilitating returns of cultural artifacts.

This year, Vatican City and Edinburgh have also returned treasures of cultural and religious significance to their lands of origin. Dan Hicks, a British archaeologist and author, noted a significant shift in the response to restitution requests in recent years. The items being returned in this ceremony were taken during the siege of #Maqdala in 1868 when British troops descended on the kingdom, now #Ethiopia.

Among these items was a seven-year-old boy named Alemayehu, the son of Emperor Tewodros II. Alemayehu eventually made his way to England and became a recurring character in Queen Victoria's diaries. He was interred at Windsor Castle after his death. The lock of hair, found by a descendant of Alemayehu's guardian, has traveled nearly 19,000 kilometers from New Zealand to London to be returned.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/prince-alemayehu-1.6972478

News: At least 30 died of hunger in #Gambella refugee camps amid “increasingly concerning” food shortage – EHRC

Over 30 refugees in #Ethiopia's Gambella region have died of hunger since May when food aid was halted, according to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

The lack of food aid has also led to malnutrition and attacks on refugees leaving camps to search for food.

The commission has called for urgent action to resume food assistance and prevent further loss of life.

https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-30-died-of-hunger-in-gambella-refugee-camps-amid-increasingly-concerning-food-shortage-ehrc/

News: US lawmakers call for extension of #UN experts’ mandate on #Ethiopia ahead of decisive vote

Six members of #Congress have urged the #US State Department and United Nations Mission to extend the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE).

The lawmakers stressed the importance of investigating human rights abuses in Ethiopia, particularly in #Tigray and #Oromia.

They also called for the support of European and African allies to ensure ICHREE's renewal. “Without US support and diplomatic engagement, ICHREE may not be renewed this year,” they said.

https://addisstandard.com/news-us-lawmakers-call-for-extension-of-un-experts-mandate-on-ethiopia-ahead-of-decisive-vote/

#ASDailyScoop: #Ethiopia hosting 1st annual regional conference on Red Sea security dynamics

Organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (#IFA) and Federal Defense War College, the conference was opened by Lt. Gen. Alemeshet Degefe, advisor to the chief of staff of the national defense forces.

Ensuring security in the #Red_Sea region including tackling human trafficking, weapons smuggling and other related illegal activities will also be on the agenda of the conference where regional affairs scholars policy makers, research institutions, and members of the diplomatic community of various countries are participating.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37972

In-depth: Navigating through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam negotiations, future outcomes

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) has achieved a significant milestone after 12 years of construction. The reservoir now contains 42 billion cubic meters of water, with overall project completion standing at 93%. However, the #Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced its protest against this development, arguing that the water-filling process has neglected the interests and water security of downstream nations and has violated international law.

In response, #Ethiopia firmly maintains that the dam will not have any adverse effects on the water flow of the #Nile and insists that it will bring crucial benefits to the region, including a reliable and affordable source of electricity and effective river management. Despite several rounds of discussions, the matter remains at an impasse.

The next negotiation session is scheduled to take place in Addis Abeba this September. Nonetheless, experts express doubt that significant progress will be achieved in the forthcoming meetings. They emphasize that the issues surrounding the Nile extend beyond just water usage and encompass cultural identity, economic interests, and regional political influence.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-navigating-through-the-grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam-negotiations-future-outcomes/

#Somalia: #Jubbaland calls for support to the forces liberating the Country from Al-Shabaab

The Jubbaland State Government calls for the support of the Federal Government forces and the Darawish forces of the State Government that are carrying out intensified operations against Al-Shabaab in the areas of that administration.

Jubbaland has said that the army is engaged in the operations and many areas were liberated from AS, the plan is to implement basic services for the community living in the liberated areas as stated.
The commander of the second battalion of the Darawish Army of the Jubbaland State...

https://mustaqbalmedia.net/en/somalia-jubbaland-calls-for-support-to-the-forces-liberating-the-country-from-as/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=somalia-jubbaland-calls-for-support-to-the-forces-liberating-the-country-from-as

#Ethiopia: Several killed, many injured in fresh clashes in #Babile near #Oromia, #Somali regions border

Clashes between militias from the #Oromia and #Somali regional states in Babile district have left several civilians dead, many others injured, residents told Addis Standard

Babile district/woreda exists as an administrative unit both in #Fafan zone of the Somali region and East #Hararghe zone of Oromia region, but two informants from the Somali side told Addis Standard that #Koloji camp where government militias from the Oromia region launched an attack on Monday is found in Somali region and hosts more than 20,000 Somalis displaced from Oromia during the 2017 conflict.

Several people including women, children and the elderly have been killed in the skirmishes that lasted for three days according to the informants. Mohammed Seid, a medical professional, at the Jigjiga hospital told Addis Standard that two women and three children are among at least ten fatalities that occurred in the clashes since Monday, while more than twenty out of which nine involved women and under five children have been injured.

https://addisstandard.com/news-several-killed-many-injured-in-fresh-clashes-in-babile-near-oromia-somali-regions-border/

#Ethiopia's #Lalibela Rocked By Artillery Fire: Residents

From Wednesday evening "heavy artillery was used from inside the city to the outskirts of Lalibela where allegedly #Fano are there in the forest area," said Lalibela resident and tourism sector worker Ayalew, who did not want to give his full name.

"I am inside my home for now and they (Ethiopian troops) are going door to door, checking youths for possible Fano supporters," he told AFP Thursday, adding that he could hear sporadic gunfire.

It is impossible to verify the situation on the ground in Amhara as media access to the region is heavily restricted.

Aneley, a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxi) driver, said the sound of artillery was "very heavy" and lasted through the night Wednesday, adding that soldiers were arresting any youths found outside.

https://www.barrons.com/news/ethiopia-s-lalibela-rocked-by-artillery-fire-residents-e6f80778

Federal contractor charged with sending classified #US information to #Ethiopia

Federal contractor charged with sending classified US information to Ethiopia. Abraham Teklu Lemma, a naturalized US citizen from Ethiopia, faces charges including gathering or delivering defense information to aid a foreign government.

He worked as a help desk technician at the State Department and as an analyst for the Justice Department. Court documents allege that he illegally copied and shared highly classified information, including intelligence reports.

Abraham also sent classified information to an agent from the Ethiopian intelligence service. Investigations by the Justice Department's inspector general and the State Department's security service are underway.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/federal-contractor-charged-with-sending-classified-us-information-to-ethiopia/index.html