#Ethiopia: Blinken once again tells PM Abiy need for peaceful resolution to end #Oromia, #Amhara crises

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns about the security crisis in the Amhara and Oromia regions during a phone call with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Amhara conflict, which began in April, continues with reports of violence and human rights violations.

Blinken emphasized the need for peaceful resolution and protection of human rights.

They also discussed security challenges in the Horn of Africa and the resumption of food assistance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-blinken-once-again-tells-pm-abiy-need-for-peaceful-resolution-to-end-oromia-amhara-crises/

#Ethiopia: Combatting biopiracy: Ethiopian entrepreneur revives #teff farming for ancestral heritage

“Our vision is to make sure that teff helps Ethiopia in its fight against poverty”, says Yonas Alemu, CEO of Love Grass.

Teff is the star ingredient of Ethiopian cuisine, yet this grain is also a victim of biopiracy- the unethical exploitation of indigenous knowledge and biological resources. Yonas Alemu is committed to inverting this trend by modernizing teff production.

The fact that we are being left behind. And that Ethiopia, its farmers and the community are not benefiting at all from teff is something we should not accept. And personally, I cannot accept”. Yonas Alemu is an Ethiopian entrepreneur with a commitment: helping Ethiopian farmers benefit from the commercialisation of teff, the world’s smallest grain, native to the Horn of Africa.

In this episode, we travelled to Ethiopia to meet Yonas and learn more about how his teff-processing business, Lovegrass, is fighting against biopiracy - the practice of exploiting indigenous knowledge without proper authorisation.

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/09/29/combatting-biopiracy-ethiopian-entrepreneur-revives-teff-farming-for-ancestral-heritage

KEFI Gold and Copper to open Tulu Kapi mine this year

Kefi Gold and Copper PLC, a mining exploration and development company, announced that it is working towards the launch of its open-pit mine at the Tulu Kapi project in #Ethiopia by 2023, with production expected to begin in 2025. This milestone is seen as a crucial turning point for the London-listed firm, marking the first in a series of steps for the company.

The company plans to initiate the Jibal Qutman gold open-pit in #Saudi_Arabia in 2024, targeting production by 2025 as well. Kefi has successfully secured $320 million in debt and equity development capital, along with the necessary permits and a $70 million mining fleet from its mining contractor for its project in Ethiopia. As a result, the project is now fully funded and awaiting board approval. However, the company has faced challenges with its exploration licenses (ELs) in the surrounding area of the Tulu Kapi mining license.

Despite these setbacks, the company remains optimistic about resolving the situation and has applied for additional exploration licenses in Ethiopia. In Saudi Arabia, Kefi's subsidiary, GMCo, has made significant discoveries at Jibal Qutman and Hawiah. These projects are in advanced stages and have received positive regulatory support.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1028176/kefi-gold-and-copper-to-open-tulu-kapi-mine-this-year-1028176.html

#Ethiopia: Dozens die of #malaria in conflict-ridden west #Wollega zone, #Oromia as #hunger takes toll on civilians

At least 36 people over the last two months alone in #Begi and #Kondala districts of the conflict-ridden West Wollega zone, in Oromia regional state, local officials confirmed.

Residents say that on average two to three are dying everyday. In addition to the malaria outbreak, pictures of severely malnourished children and mothers are widely circulating on social media.

“Across West, East and Kellem Wollega zones, an estimated 272,400 people are reportedly affected, and at least 45% of health centers and 63% of total health posts across West, East, Horo Gudru, and Kellem, Wollega zones are non-functional,” the UN warned as far back as July.

https://addisstandard.com/news-dozens-die-of-malaria-in-conflict-ridden-west-wollega-zone-oromia-as-hunger-takes-toll-on-civilians/

Tragic accident claims lives of #Ethiopian migrants in #Tanzania

At least seven Ethiopian migrants lost their lives in the #Njombe region of Tanzania. The incident occurred on 14 September, 2023, when a truck carrying 29 Ethiopian migrants was traveling towards the border town of #Tunduma, adjacent to #Zambia. Regrettably, seven migrants were fatalities in the accident, while nine others sustained injuries.

Additionally, 13 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to the International Organization for Migration (#IOM).

The IOM emphasized that this devastating incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the complex challenges faced by migrants along the perilous "southern route" from the Horn of #Africa to #South_Africa.

https://eastandhornofafrica.iom.int/news/migrants-killed-tanzania-road-accident

Ethiopian Health Professionals Association urges immediate end to conflict, violence

The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association is urging for an end to the ongoing conflict and violence in various parts of #Ethiopia, and is calling for negotiations and reconciliation processes to begin.

According to a press statement, the association has highlighted the need to reconstruct health facilities that have been destroyed in the #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions as soon as possible. The statement emphasizes that the government should prioritize the restoration of these health facilities to ensure they are able to provide services.


https://addisstandard.com/Amharic/2023/09/%E1%8B%9C%E1%8A%93%E1%8D%A1-%E1%89%A0%E1%88%80%E1%8C%88%E1%88%AA%E1%89%B1-%E1%8A%A5%E1%8B%A8%E1%89%B0%E1%8A%AB%E1%88%84%E1%8B%B0-%E1%8B%AB%E1%88%88%E1%8B%8D-%E1%8C%8D%E1%8C%AD%E1%89%B5-%E1%8A%A0/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Admin, #TPLF vow to investigate #corruption, bring comprehensive reform and ensure release of detained Tigrayans

In addition to the promise to continue joint works to bring about comprehensive reforms, including a crusade against widespread corruption at all levels, Getachew on his part promised to work with the federal government to ensure the release of a large number of Tigrayans who are in various prisons after they were held in connection with the two-year war.

“Despite the release of some prisoners, thousands of Tigrayans are still behind the bars in the Amhara region and other areas of the country that we have been receiving information about the prisoners including lists of their names compelling us to conduct further dialogue with the federal government,” Getachew said.

addisstandard.com/?p=38151

Survey exposes alarming pilot fatigue crisis

A recent survey conducted by the #European Cockpit Association (ECA) has shed light on the issue of pilot fatigue, revealing alarming statistics about the lack of attention given to this serious problem by airline companies. The survey, conducted in mid-July and encompassing 6,893 pilots from 31 countries, brings forth shocking findings.

According to the survey, a staggering 76% of European airline pilots admitted to experiencing at least one micronap during the preceding four weeks. Micronaps, or momentary lapses of sleep, can significantly impair pilots' ability to perform their duties effectively, posing a risk to passenger safety. The survey also revealed that 73% of pilots feel they do not receive sufficient rest time.

This issue extends beyond Europe, as evident from a recent incident involving #Ethiopian_Airlines. On 15 August, 2022, two Ethiopian Airlines pilots missed the landing of their #Boeing 737, only becoming aware upon hearing the autopilot alarm when flying over the landing strip without descending. This serves as a reminder that fatigue-related incidents can happen globally, according to the survey.

https://airlive.net/reports/2023/10/01/76-of-european-pilots-admitted-to-have-succumbed-to-a-micronap-during-the-previous-four-weeks/

#Ethiopia: Confidential documents appear to show how the Abiy government tried to discredit the global health leader with allegations of embezzlement and sexual misconduct.

They are two of the best-known African leaders on the planet. The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s prime minster, and his compatriot Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who as head of the World Health Organization became the face of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Yet the two are now on opposite sides of a bitter power play exposed by previously undisclosed Ethiopian government documents that appear to show how the Abiy administration tried to discredit the global health leader with allegations of embezzlement and sexual misconduct ahead of his reappointment at the WHO in 2022. Tedros, who has denied all the allegations and hasn’t been charged with any crimes, says he is reluctant to return to his native Ethiopia — Africa’s second-most populous nation — without assurances that he and his family will be safe.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-02/ethiopia-government-accused-of-smear-campaign-against-who-chief

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-02/ethiopia-government-accused-of-smear-campaign-against-who-chief

#Benishangul_Gumuz, #Ethiopia – Defying conflict and child marriage to champion girls’ education and rights in Ethiopia

“I was very scared when I first entered the safe house. I was lonely and wouldn’t leave my room for a month,” said Ms. Alemtsehay*, now 18.

When she was just 14, Ms. Alemtsehay was among tens of thousands of people forced from their homes in the Metekel Zone, in Ethiopia’s northwestern Benishangul Gumuz region, as fierce inter-communal fighting broke out. Before the conflict, her parents kept cattle and ran a successful farming business near Mandura City.

But when armed groups attacked their village the family fled, leaving everything they owned behind.
For Ms. Alemtsehay, this also meant abandoning her schooling. As a bright student who consistently ranked at the top of her class, she understood the value of education – and the cost of missing out on one. “If we are not educated, we can't change our lives,” she explained.
***
The safe house is able to shelter up to 100 women and girls, all of whom are survivors of rape, intimate partner abuse, or fleeing forced marriages. In addition to providing a home and food, the safe house offers education, medical treatment, psychological therapy, and training in vocational skills to help the women rebuild their lives.

https://www.unfpa.org/news/defying-conflict-and-child-marriage-champion-girls%E2%80%99-education-and-rights-ethiopia

In-depth: Ethiopia's surprising admission into the #BRICS elite circle: Exploring the role of geopolitics, economics

The recent BRICS Summit held in #South_Africa made headlines as it unexpectedly welcomed six new nations into its ranks. Starting in January 2024, #Argentina, #Iran, #Saudi_Arabia, the #UAE, #Egypt, and #Ethiopia will officially join the bloc. While this surprising move has sparked intense discussions and debates among experts, it is Ethiopia's invitation that has left many questioning the criteria behind its selection.

Ethiopia's interest in joining BRICS has been relatively recent. The country made its debut at the 14th BRICS Summit in 2022 and subsequently submitted an official application to join in early 2023. Despite having the largest economy in East Africa, Ethiopia's selection was unexpected, especially considering the absence of #Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco from the selection process.

Experts believe that politics, rather than economics, played a significant role in the selection process. The establishment of BRICS is rooted more in geopolitics than economic benefits. However, some argue that the decision to include Ethiopia and Egypt is a calculated move to achieve equilibrium and promote harmony and impartiality within the bloc.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-ethiopias-surprising-admission-into-the-brics-elite-circle-exploring-the-role-of-geopolitics-economics/

#Ethiopia: "Discussions are underway on economic policies and reforms that could be potentially supported by an IMF program”: #IMF

In the latest engagement with the press held on 28 September, Julie Kozack, Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund, told journalists in Washington D.C. that discussions were underway on economic policies and reforms "that could be potentially supported by an IMF program."

“An IMF program would support the homegrown economic reform agenda to help address macroeconomic vulnerabilities and help unlock Ethiopia's considerable economic potential”, Ms Kozack said, but repeated IMF's requirement that "a new program would also require clear commitments from development partners and financing assurances from creditors under the G20 commons framework to ensure that it can meet its objectives."

#Ethiopia: Ezema asserts chairman’s arrest is not connected to his party leadership role

The Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (#Ezema) party stated that the recent arrest of their chairman, Dr. Chane Kebede, is unrelated to his leadership role.

The party said it has conducted an investigation and revealed that Chane was detained by the command post implementing the state of emergency declared in connection with the conflict in #Amhara region.

EZEMA warned its members against violating peaceful struggle and emphasized accountability for all individuals within the party.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ezema-asserts-chairmans-arrest-is-not-connected-to-his-party-leadership-role/

#Ethiopia: At least 18 people die of drought-related hunger in two districts in #Wag_Hemra zone, #Amhara region

The residents on their parts said that unless they don’t receive immediate food aid, they along with their children won’t survive the dire situation.

Mehret Melaku, head of the disaster prevention and food security office of the district, disclosed that nothing has been offered by the government so far other than promises from various humanitarian organizations. “Despite the report sent to the Regional Disaster Prevention and Food Security Office about the seriousness of the problem, we haven’t yet received any response,” Mehret underscored.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=38181

#Ethiopia: Sidama Federalist Party calls for investigations, accountability in younger region

The Sidama Federalist Party (SFP) has issued a statement highlighting political and social issues in Ethiopia's #Sidama region. It alleges mismanagement, corruption, injustice, and ethnic divisions, leading to broader challenges.

The party accuses the regional security bureau of creating an "informal military force" and express concern about the federal government's inaction.

SFP calls for independent investigations, international monitoring, media coverage, and support from human rights organizations and Ethiopian citizens to address the ongoing situation in Sidama.

https://addisstandard.com/news-sidama-federalist-party-calls-for-investigations-accountability-in-younger-region/

#Ethiopia, International Civil Aviation Organization formalize new capacity development and implementation support agreement.

The new agreement was signed by the Secretary General of #ICAO, Juan Carlos Salazar, and the Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (#ECAA), Getachew Mengiste.

Ethiopiah as formalized a new implementation support agreement with ICAO that will provide support to the safe, secure, and sustainable development of the State’s aviation sector by heightening its application of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

Undertaken in coordination with the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Regional Office, the signing of the Management Services Agreement (MSA) paves the way for deepened cooperation between ICAO and Ethiopia on critical aviation projects.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1709087005022244886?s=20

#Ethiopia: Rights body confirms six people killed, several injured in recent clashes between #Oromia, #Somali security forces

Eye witnesses from the Somali region told Addis Standard that #Oromia regional state forces launched an attack in Qoloji camp for IDPs which hosts more than 20,000 Somalis displaced from Oromia during the 2017 border conflict between the two regions that killed hundreds and displaced more than a million civilians.

Subsequent local reports indicated that the clashes were ignited over disagreement on checkpoints for taxes of Khat products in the area after Somali region local forces moved their Khat tax checkpoint located in the Karamara area of Somali region to the Babile district, and Oromia region local forces did the same by moving checkpoints closer to the border where both sides ended setting up checkpoints at central locations for both regions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=38196