#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

Ethiopia, Chad, and Somalia set to get early disaster warning systems

#Ethiopia, #Chad, and #Somalia are among the first African countries to benefit from a new initiative aimed at establishing early warning systems in some of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will extend the initiative to #Cambodia, #Ecuador, and #Fiji.

#Africa is heavily impacted by climate change and natural disasters, making it essential to meet the target of achieving universal coverage by 2027. Recent flash flooding in #Libya resulted in numerous deaths that could have been avoided with better emergency management and early warning systems.

The #UNDP aims to ensure universal early warning systems coverage by 2027 through unprecedented coordination and collaboration. The initiative demonstrates the importance of science and technology in confronting climate change and highlights the need for early warning tools in vulnerable regions.

https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/chad-somalia-and-ethiopia-set-to-get-early-disaster-warning-systems-following-deadly-derna-disaster-20230921

#Ethiopia: #Cholera outbreak in Ethiopia escalates as #UN reports nearly 400 new cases in a week

The World Health Organization's (WHO) latest figures show over 20,000 cases of cholera and 271 related deaths across seven regions in Ethiopia.

WHO has established Cholera Treatment Centers across Ethiopia to deal with the outbreak that started in August last year.
“Now, individuals suffering from cholera can receive the quality medical attention they require,” WHO said in a statement.

However, local media sources suggest that the cholera outbreak has spread even more extensively, affecting 11 regions within the past year and claiming the lives of 320 people.

Tragically, deaths from cholera are being reported on a daily basis. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/cholera-outbreak-in-ethiopia-escalates-as-un-reports-nearly-400-new-cases-in-a-week/2995783

#Ethiopia: Goalkeepers changemaker Eden Tadesse’s Journey of empowering refugees through innovation

Eden Tadesse, a 26-year-old social entrepreneur and activist from Ethiopia, is making waves on the global stage for her remarkable efforts in transforming the lives of refugees.

She is among six changemakers awarded at the annual Goalkeepers Global Awards by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which recognizes the contributions of remarkable leaders working in their communities and around the world to advance progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Eden, is a digital innovator, and human rights activist who aims to address one of the biggest challenges facing refugees – finding a job and integrating into their new homes.
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2023/09/goalkeepers-changemaker-eden-tadesses-journey-of-empowering-refugees-through-innovation/

#Ethiopia: Annual Tana Forum to be held in #Bahir_Dar city postponed amid escalating conflict

The 11th edition of the Tana Forum, a high-level security conference in #Africa, has been postponed to April 2024.

The decision was made amidst escalating conflict in the #Amhara region, where the forum takes place.

The #Tana_Forum aims to address peace and security issues in Africa with the participation of current and former African leaders.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-annual-tana-forum-to-be-held-in-bahir-dar-city-postponed-amid-escalating-conflict/

Algerian Airlines launches direct flight from #Algiers to Addis Abeba; plans for regular services by October 2023

Today, #Algerian Airlines achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its first-ever direct flight from Algiers-Houari Boumédiène to Bole International Airport in Addis Abeba, #Ethiopia.

The Algerian Minister of Transport, Youcef Chorfa, and his accompanying delegation received a warm welcome from Ambassador Fiseha Shawel, the African Affairs Director-General of Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, upon their arrival at the destination.

Immediately after the arrival, both parties engaged in cordial discussions. During these talks, the Algerian Minister of Transport expressed his country's intention to reinstate regular flights between Algiers and Addis Abeba by the end of October 2023.

https://www.facebook.com/100068255168345/posts/pfbid0V8AiMi8JcnUtdjWAzTecbWJCsgnaJ3LpxAUNEdY88pzRVi5t6XeuyvpSqCawDjEfl/?mibextid=cr9u03

Three #Ethiopian journalists beaten and detained while covering protest in #Tigray

On September 7, security officers in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Region, beat and arrested Teshager Tsigab, a reporter with the online news outlet Yabele Media, and Mehari Kahsay and Mehari Selemon, co-founders and reporters with Ayam Media, while they were covering an opposition protest, according to media reports and the three journalists, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app.

Mehari Kahsay and Mehari Selemon told CPJ they were released on bail on September 9. They said officials accused them of participating in an illegal protest but did not formally charge them in court. Authorities did not level any specific allegations against Teshager, or formally charge him in court before releasing him on bail on September 11.

https://cpj.org/?p=316972

Report: Atrocities, war crimes pervade northern #Ethiopia despite peace pact

A damning report presented to the #UN Human Rights Council accuses all parties in the conflict in northern Ethiopia of widespread atrocities, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, published by a three-member international commission of human rights experts, documents a range of atrocities committed since the conflict began in #Tigray in November 2020.

The report states that the peace agreement signed nearly a year ago has failed to end the hostilities and that atrocities are ongoing. The report estimates that approximately 600,000 people have died in Tigray, with more than two million displaced.

The Ethiopian government, forces under its control, and #Eritrean forces in Ethiopia are all accused of committing serious violations and atrocity crimes. The report also highlights violations by Tigray forces and allied militias in other regions.

https://www.voanews.com/a/atrocities-war-crimes-pervade-northern-ethiopia-despite-peace-pact-/7278810.html

Over 81,000 people enter #Ethiopia from #Sudan: #UN

The number of people seeking refuge in Ethiopia due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached 81,095, according to the UN Migration Agency. As of 16 September, 2023, a total of 81,095 individuals, including returnees, refugees, and asylum seekers, have crossed the border from conflict-affected Sudan to Ethiopia, as stated by the International Organization for Migration (#IOM).


Among these, 37,515 are Ethiopian nationals, 28,177 are Sudanese nationals, and the remaining 15,403 are from other countries. The crossings began on April 21st, soon after the conflict erupted, primarily through the #Metema and #Kurmuk border entry points between Ethiopia and Sudan.


Clashes between Sudan's armed forces and paramilitary forces have been underway in #Khartoum and other regions since April 2023.

https://english.news.cn/20230922/1ebcdeaa0f64447d8f42c0df53686da7/c.html

East Africa poised for highest economic growth amidst challenges

The East #Africa region is expected to experience the highest economic growth on the continent, driven by the GDP growth in #Ethiopia, #Uganda, #Kenya, #Tanzania, and #Rwanda. In 2023 and 2024, growth rates are projected to rise to 5.1% and 5.8% respectively, showing promising development.

However, East Africa is not without its challenges. The region is facing food insecurity, the worst drought in 40 years, protracted conflicts in some areas, high youth unemployment, and a cost of living crisis worsened by the conflict in #Ukraine.

With an uncertain global economic landscape post-pandemic, recovery paths in the region remain unclear. Finance ministries in the largest East African economies have responded by implementing budget strategies.

https://odi.org/en/insights/national-budget-trends-in-east-africa-navigating-an-uncertain-recovery/

Mohamed Chande Othman, the Chair of the International Commission for Human Rights and an expert on Ethiopia, urged the UN Human Rights Council to carefully consider the "overarching risk factors" highlighted in the commission’s report.

He emphasized that these risk factors should not be overlooked or considered insignificant. According to Othman, a majority of these risk factors are of utmost importance and serve as fundamental concerns.

Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the UN, rejected the commission's findings. He further accused the experts of refusing the government's repeated offers to cooperate and engage.