Ancient cave in #Ethiopia reveals evolution of ochre use 40,000 years ago

A recent study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on the gradual evolution of ochre use in Africa's middle stone age. Researchers from #Norway, #Spain, and #France conducted an analysis of the largest known collection of red and yellow mineral pigment fragments, commonly called ochre, found in the Porc-Epic Cave in Ethiopia.

The study unveils how human groups visiting the cave adapted their pigment production techniques to cultural and environmental changes that limited their access to quality raw materials. Lead researcher Francesco D'Errico emphasizes the significance of this discovery in understanding the emergence and evolution of ochre usage in Ethiopia.

Porc-Epic Cave stands out as a remarkable exception, as it offers a unique opportunity to accurately trace the acquisition, processing, and utilization of minerals. D'Errico emphasizes the importance of documenting and comparing cultural trajectories in different regions to comprehend the development of modern cultures.

https://partner.sciencenorway.no/archaeology-evolution-history/what-can-this-cave-in-ethiopia-tell-us-about-early-human-cultural-evolution/2251773

#Ethiopia: Security forces detain Chairman of Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (#EZEMA)

The political party, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (#EZEMA) said its chairman, Dr. Chane Kebede, was detained by security forces on Sunday, 24 September.

The party said in a short statement today that it "strongly condemns" such actions that do not follow the principles of law and order. "Our party would like to inform its members and supporters that it is monitoring the matter carefully and closely," the party said.

It added that members of the national executive committee of the party convened an emergency meeting this morning and established a committee to closely monitor the detention of its chairman.

EZEMA's leader, Prof. Berhanu Nega, constitutes part of the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) Council of Ministers as Minister of the Federal Ministry of Education. AS

Picture: EZEMA

#Ethiopia: ‘Mary’s Meals’ struggles to resume feeding kids in war-ravaged #Tigray region

According to #UNICEF, more than 3.5 million children do not have access to school due to the impacts of conflict and climate shocks across Ethiopia, but the #Tigray region has been disproportionately affected: 1.7 million school-age children out of an estimated 2.3 million were denied access to education for three academic years, with the war having destroyed 88 percent of school infrastructure.

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“The communities are determined to reopen the schools, even if children are sitting on bare floors and the wind is whistling in through the damaged roofs and walls,” said Alex Keay, Mary’s Meals’ Director of Program Affiliates and Partners.

https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2023/09/marys-meals-struggles-to-resume-feeding-kids-in-war-ravaged-ethiopia-region/

Tripartite negotiation on #GERD conclude, Ethiopia stresses its commitment to a collective solution

The two-day tripartite negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) held in Addis Abeba, involving #Ethiopia, #Egypt, and #Sudan, concluded yesterday. Seleshi Bekele, head of the Ethiopian negotiation team, tweeted that the discussions aimed to reconcile differences among the involved nations, affirming Ethiopia's unwavering dedication to finding a collective solution.

However, the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation revealed in a press release that significant progress was not achieved during the latest round of talks. The press statement also highlighted Egypt's commitment to constructive negotiations guided by clearly defined objectives.

A week prior to the commencement of the latest tripartite negotiation, Addis Standard published a comprehensive news analysis outlining the reasons behind the previous failures of discussions among the three countries and providing insight into what can be anticipated from the recent and upcoming negotiations regarding the GERD.

To delve further into this in-depth analysis, please click on the following link:

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

Addis Abeba City Transport Bureau implements temporary ban on motorcyclists, Bajaj drivers

The Addis Abeba City Transport Bureau has implemented a temporary ban on motorcyclists, as well as four-wheel and three-wheel bajaj drivers, within the city boundaries. The ban is set to begin from 12:00 am today and will remain in effect until 10 October, 2023.

This decision, as stated in the announcement, does not apply to security and traffic control personnel. Nevertheless, it is strongly advised that regular motorcycle owners and drivers adhere to the ban and demonstrate patience until the specified date.

https://www.facebook.com/www.aatb.gov.et/posts/pfbid02YMuF73pEFTPg3UETD9ftP1QRxxAvqDNsS4cw2zNuBcr1vvQPsKoVhK4ynTkgc6Qwl

#Somaliland rejects Museveni’s offer to mediate unification talks with #Somalia

Somaliland’s foreign affairs ministry said #Hargeisa would only agree to talks with #Mogadishu if the agenda was the future of both entities as separate states.

“Any dialogue that transpires between Somaliland and Somalia will not discuss unification, but rather how the two previously united countries can move forward separately,” Somaliland’s government said in a statement late on Sunday
https://horndiplomat.com/2023/09/25/somaliland-rejects-musevenis-offer-to-mediate-unification-talks-with-somalia/

US government IT contractor could face death penalty over espionage charges

Abraham Teklu Lemma, a naturalized #US citizen of #Ethiopian descent, has been charged with two counts of espionage for his alleged involvement in passing state secrets to a foreign government. The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Abraham, who worked as an IT administrator for the Department of State and a management analyst for the DOJ, faces three charges related to the gathering and delivery of national defense documents to aid a foreign government.

Court documents state that between December 2022 and August 2023, Abraham made copies of classified information, removed markings indicating their classification, and accessed, copied, and retained the information without authorization. Abraham also faces charges of unauthorized possession of national defense information and “willfully retaining,” said materials. Both espionage charges carry a potential death sentence, according to prosecutors, or “any term of years up to life”.

These charges mark the second cyber espionage-related incident involving US government IT workers within a year. In September 2022, Jareh Sebastian Dalke, an information systems security designer at the National Security Agency (NSA), was also charged with transmitting classified national defense information to a representative of a foreign government.

https://www.itpro.com/security/us-government-it-contractor-could-face-death-penalty-over-espionage-charges

Exclusive: first colour photographs shed fresh light on #Ethiopia's most treasured icon and its looting by an agent of the #British Museum:

“The Kwer’ata Re’esu has an astonishing cross-cultural story. Painted in Europe in about 1520, either in Iberia or Flanders, it was probably sent soon afterwards to Ethiopia, where a religious innoscription was added in Ge’ez, the ancient liturgical language. There it became the holy icon of successive Ethiopian emperors in what has been a Christian land since the fourth century. Nobles swore allegiance beneath the painting and on several occasions it was carried into battle when Christian forces were fighting Muslims. Although very little known outside Ethiopia, it is highly important in both historical and art historical terms.”

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/09/25/exclusive-first-colour-photographs-shed-fresh-light-on-ethiopias-most-treasured-icon-and-its-looting-by-an-agent-of-the-british-museum

South Sudanese emigrants in #US appeal for aid for refugees in #Ethiopia

South Sudanese emigrants in Sioux Falls, #Dakota, are calling on the #UN for support. These emigrants are concerned about the dire situation faced by refugees who fled to Ethiopia before the independence of #South_Sudan in 2011.

The refugees initially sought shelter in neighboring countries like #Kenya, Ethiopia, and #Uganda during the 21-year-long Sudanese civil war. The number of refugees increased during another civil war in South Sudan in 2013, displacing hundreds of thousands.

Food aid to Ethiopian refugees has been stopped, resulting in starvation and prompting the call for help. The UNHCR has been assisting with aid, but recent food distribution suspensions have left refugees in a dire state. Over 300,000 refugees have been forced to return to South Sudan due to the lack of food in the camps.

https://cityreviewss.com/south-sudanese-emigrants-in-us-appeal-for-aid-for-refugees-in-ethiopia/

Researchers have verified 1,329 hunger deaths in Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Researchers say they have verified 1,329 deaths from hunger in #Ethiopia's #Tigray region since a two-year conflict ended in November. A study conducted by local health authorities and #Mekelle University revealed that hunger accounted for over 68% of deaths investigated.

The study was based on a household census conducted in nine sub districts and 53 displacement camps in Tigray. However, the region has a total of 88 sub districts and 643 displacement camps, suggesting that the actual number of hunger-related deaths is likely much higher.

The #US and the #UN suspended food aid in Tigray and later expanded the pause nationwide after uncovering a large-scale scheme to steal humanitarian grain. The Ethiopian government wants the suspension lifted, while the US and the UN want the government to surrender control of the food aid delivery system.

https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-tigray-hunger-deaths-aid-6d5a15fa7cda213b86f41c87b1a185e7

#Ethiopia: Despite State of Emergency and leadership changes #Amhara region grapples with persistent conflict, violence

Tensions persist in Ethiopia's Amhara region as conflict continues between federal forces and non-state Fano militias.

To address the violence, the federal government declared a six-month state of emergency. While major cities in the region are returning to normalcy, new conflicts have emerged, leading to fatalities, injuries, and destruction.

Concerns over human rights conditions have been raised, with reports of civilian killings and looting. Recent clashes in #Lalibela and #Gondar have resulted in multiple casualties. Conflicting accounts surround the events, with the government claiming to repel an attack while the Fano group asserts their intent to free imprisoned members.

https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-despite-state-of-emergency-and-leadership-changes-amhara-region-grapples-with-persistent-conflict-violence/

#Ethiopia: #TPLF Central Committee calls for #UN experts’ mandate extension, full implementation of Pretoria agreement; admits “internal weaknesses”

The Central Committee of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has released a statement requesting an extension of the term of office for the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHRRE).

This request comes following the latest report by #ICHRRE, which stated that despite the peace agreement in Ethiopia, there are still ongoing atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity being committed in the country, with peace remaining elusive.

The Central Committee also called for the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in #Pretoria, South Africa on November 2022, between the Ethiopian federal government and the TPLF.

https://addisstandard.com/news-tplf-central-committee-calls-for-un-experts-mandate-extension-full-implementation-of-pretoria-agreement-admits-internal-weaknesses/

Analysis: ONLF’s caution on”dangers of unmet needs”, lack of open dialogue as peace agreement with #Ethiopia enters 5th year

Reflecting on progress and challenges, #ONLF warns of unmet needs in connection with the 5th year anniversary of the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government.

ONLF expected inclusive elections, rehabilitation of soldiers, and transitional justice mechanisms.

Frustrations remain as demands are ignored and peace remains on paper.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-onlfs-caution-ondangers-of-unmet-needs-lack-of-open-dialogue-as-peace-agreement-with-ethiopia-enters-5th-year/

#Ethiopia: Severe tree locust infestation wreaks havoc, exacerbating food insecurity in #Tigray region

Devastating tree locust onslaught decimates trees and food crops, spreading across 15,000 hectares in the Tigray region.

Locust outbreak declared largest in the region, aggravating the food insecurity crisis.

Efforts hindered by lack of resources, logistical support, and #Eritrean troop presence.

https://addisstandard.com/news-severe-tree-locust-infestation-wreaks-havoc-exacerbating-food-insecurity-in-tigray-region/

#Ethiopia’s top priority #port diversification: Veteran diplomat

Veteran diplomat Ambassador Girum Abay told state daily Ethiopian Herald that uninterrupted access to the #Red_Sea is the matter of existence for Ethiopia and a lifeline for Africa’s second populous country.

Excerpts:
“The question today is how Ethiopia would ensure a guaranteed and uninterrupted access to the Red Sea. The mechanisms for landlocked nations to access the sea are more or less those which Ethiopia has been using for centuries.”
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“The big powers believe Ethiopia has the right to secure an uninterrupted and secured access to the sea. The question is how we will convince our neighbors using the understanding of big powers. Holding a cordial negotiation with our neighbors is the tool that Ethiopia ensures reliable access to the Red Sea.”

For more: https://press.et/herald/?p=81949
Picture: Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels

#Ethiopia to manufacture #Russian Lada Cars for the African market

Ethiopia will launch the production of Russian #Lada cars on its territory for the African market, the countries Ambassador to Russia Cham Ugala Uriat has said. The move is significant as it illustrates why Ethiopia has joined #BRICS – its low manufacturing cost base can assist keep production costs down while also providing access to the growing African market.

“We’ll see Russian Lada cars in neighboring countries in the near future, because Avtovaz have already signed a deal with one of the Ethiopian companies” Uriat said, adding that those cars will be produced in Ethiopia. Lada make a range of SUV suitable for the African market.
https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/ethiopia-to-manufacture-lada-cars-for-the-african-market.html/

Quick-service restaurant giant #Americana to start poultry feed plant in #Ethiopia, chairman says

Americana, the largest quick-service restaurant operator in the Middle East and North Africa region, is set to establish poultry feed plant in Ethiopia to support its business. This move was announced by Americana's chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, during the Future Hospitality Summit in Abu Dhabi.

Alabbar expressed excitement about starting the plant in Addis Abeba, citing a shortage of chicken feed in the Arab world. He revealed that 65% of the cost of chicken is attributed to feed, which the region currently does not produce due to a lack of key ingredients like soya and corn.

Founded in 1964 in Kuwait, Americana operates popular chains such as Pizza Hut and KFC, making it the largest dining operator in the Middle East and North Africa region.

https://www.intellinews.com/mena-quick-service-restaurant-giant-americana-to-start-poultry-feed-plant-in-ethiopia-chairman-says-294481/

Is Ethiopia facing a fresh wave of conflict?

Barely a year after the #Tigray war came to an end with a peace agreement, there is now intense militia fighting in the #Amhara region. Experts are sounding the alarm, warning that this could potentially trigger a new war.

The overall situation in #Ethiopia is growing increasingly perilous, as stated by Yared Hailemariam, the director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center, when asked to assess the current conditions on the ground.

The northern Amhara region is particularly volatile, with Hailemariam expressing that many of us hoped the peace agreement reached in early November 2022 would bring about a resolution for the political tensions and conflict in Tigray. He further asserts that mistakes were made by the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, during the negotiation process.

https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-war-has-the-tigray-peace-agreement-failed/a-66943103

#UN Security Council Receives Letter of Support for Delayed #Somalia Troop Drawdown

The foreign ministers of the five African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troop contributing countries (#Burundi, #Djibouti, #Ethiopia, #Kenya, and #Uganda) have sent a joint letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Ferit Hoxha expressing “strong support” for Somalia’s request to delay the drawdown of ATMIS troops by 3 months.

The letter calls for a “technical pause” in the planned drawdown of 3,000 ATMIS personnel, which Somalia formally requested in a recent letter to the Security Council. It argues the delay is necessary to address critical security challenges highlighted in a recent Joint Technical Assessment (JTA) report before proceeding to the next phase of drawdown.

https://horseedmedia.net/un-security-council-receives-letter-of-support-for-delayed-somalia-troop-drawdown-383106