#Ethiopia: Red-billed quelea invasive birds endanger crops in #Amhara region

The Ministry of Agriculture will begin the second phase of aerial pesticide spraying to combat the invasive red-billed quelea birds in the Amhara region. These birds pose a significant threat to agricultural lands.

The first phase of the spraying program focused primarily on Amhara but was redirected to target hotspots in #Oromia and Central Ethiopia regional states.

Farmers are reporting significant damage to crops, and the second phase aims to control the quelea populations to protect next season's crops.

https://addisstandard.com/news-red-billed-quelea-invasive-birds-endanger-crops-in-amhara-region/

#Ethiopia: Unknown number of Chinese nationals abducted by gunmen in North Shoa Zone, #Oromia region

Gunmen believed to be members of the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) have abducted Chinese nationals working for the #East_Cement Factory in Ethiopia. The armed group infiltrated the factory premises and seized the workers before attempting to advance and control the nearby town of #Fiche.

Government forces were able to repel the attack after a fierce battle, but the rebels took several #Chinese nationals with them as they retreated.

This is not the first time cement factories in the region have been targeted by armed groups.

https://addisstandard.com/news-unknown-number-of-chinese-nationals-abducted-by-gunmen-in-north-shoa-zone-oromia-region/

#Iowa State professor honored for efforts to boost Ethiopian milk production

Five years ago, Curtis Youngs, a renowned animal scientist, sparked an incredible collaboration after a conversation with the father of his Ethiopian colleague. The man doubted that U.S. dairy cows could produce 60 liters of milk per day and challenged Curtis to bring one to #Ethiopia.

In response, Curtis teamed up with Tamrat Degefa Geleto, a lead researcher at the #Debre_Zeit Agricultural Research Center, to improve Ethiopian dairy cattle. Their efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. Some cows are now producing nearly 30 liters of milk a day, a significant increase from the previous average of 1 or 2 liters.

The impact of this project has garnered attention not only from local farmers but also from the federal government. The success has been so remarkable that an institute decided to rename one of its facilities as the Professor Curtis R. Youngs Assisted Reproductive Technologies Laboratory.

https://www.newswise.com/articles/iowa-state-professor-honored-for-efforts-to-boost-ethiopian-milk-production

#WFP struggles to provide adequate aid in #Ethiopia amidst conflict, funding shortages

The WFP has reported that the recently reached peace agreement between the federal government and #Tigray forces has brought relative tranquility to the #Afar and Tigray regions. While the WFP has been able to operate appropriately in these areas, it has faced limitations in the #Amhara region due to the ongoing armed conflict in nine zones.

In a report released on 19 October, 2023, the WFP highlighted the severe issue of insufficient funds for providing food aid in Ethiopia. It revealed a shortfall of $219 million, necessary to ensure the proper implementation of aid provision until the halfway point of the year. Consequently, the WFP regretfully announced that it could only provide food assistance to 50% of the population in dire need within Ethiopia.

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/wfp-ethiopia-country-brief-august-2023

News: #Ethiopian authorities discuss release of $1.3 billion suspended loan with #Chinese counterparts

An Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shade, recently met with Wu Fulin, the chairman of #China Export Import Bank, to discuss the release of a loan disbursement that has been withheld by Chinese financial institutions and the federal government.

The total amount of the loan that is suspended is over $1.3 billion.

The Ethiopian delegation received an encouraging response from the executives of China Exim Bank, according to the Ministry of Finance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-authorities-discuss-release-of-1-3-billion-suspended-loan-with-chinese-counterparts/

News: #EANC calls on #Ethiopia to recognize territorial rights of Eritrean Afar people amid Red Sea access debate

The Eritrean Afar National Congress (EANC) has called on the Ethiopian government to recognize the territorial rights of the #Eritrean_Afar people.

The EANC warns that any unilateral action by Ethiopia to gain control over the Port of #Assab would violate international laws and compromise Eritrean sovereignty.

Neighboring countries, including #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Djibouti, have also asserted their territorial sovereignty in response to Prime Minister Abiy's comments on gaining access to the #Red_Sea.

https://addisstandard.com/news-eanc-calls-on-ethiopia-to-recognize-territorial-rights-of-eritrean-afar-people-amid-red-sea-access-debate/

First trucks carrying aid cross into #Gaza since Israel-Hamas war erupted

Trucks carrying aid have entered Gaza for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war erupted. Live images show UN vehicles with white flags moving through the #Rafah crossing into Gaza from #Egypt.

Earlier, #Hamas released its first hostages since its major surprise attack on Israel two weeks ago.

Its two weeks since Hamas launched its assault on #Israel, killing more than 1,400 people. #Palestinian officials say more than 4,000 people have died in Gaza since then.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67165505

Getting around in Addis

Getting around in Addis Abeba has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of public transportation and congestion, making mobility in the city quite challenging.

With increasing fuel prices and living costs skyrocketing, it is making people's day-to-day lives difficult.

#Ethiopia records over 85,800 crossings as #Sudan crisis enters 6th month: UN

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the humanitarian crisis in #Sudan has entered its sixth month, with Ethiopia recording over 85,800 crossings. Since mid-April, about 1.1 million people have fled Sudan, seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

Ethiopia remains a key destination for returnees, refugees, and asylum-seekers from Sudan. As of 17 October, 2023, the majority of crossings occurred through the #Kurmuk and #Metema border entry points in the #Benishangul_Gumz and #Amhara regions respectively.

https://english.news.cn/20231021/2bd0506a6ffa4c42b70cc5668bd5dc48/c.html

#UNICEF reports 7.6 million Ethiopian children unable to attend school amid disasters, conflicts

UNICEF reports that approximately 7.6 million children in #Ethiopia are currently unable to attend school due to a combination of man-made and natural disasters. Out of a total of 8,552 schools surveyed, nearly 20% have been partially or severely damaged. The report released last week highlights that ongoing conflicts in regions like #Amhara and #Oromia have significantly contributed to the high number of out-of-school children.

The longer these children are unable to attend school, the less likely they are to return to formal education, warns the report. Furthermore, the education cluster is severely underfunded, with only 22% coverage provided by current funds, which support around 851,000 children.

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-education-cluster-quarterly-newsletter-july-september-2023

The rise of the new spycraft regimes

Recent revelations have shed light on the growing intelligence capabilities of middle powers in the global south, including #Ethiopia. The implications of these activities could rival those of major power spy scandals. #Egypt has potentially infiltrated the highest levels of #US decision-making by enlisting the help of a former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and his wife face charges of conspiring with the Egyptian government to bolster military sales and aid to Egypt.

In another case, Ethiopia is involved. Abraham Teklu Lemma, an IT contractor for the U.S. State Department, was arrested on espionage charges. It is alleged that Lemma, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent, copied classified intelligence reports, removed their markings, and transmitted the information to a foreign government official associated with Ethiopia's intelligence service.

These incidents highlight how middle powers engage in a wide range of intelligence activities, including influence operations, covert actions, and classic espionage. They challenge the notion that successful intelligence operations are limited to large budgets or advanced military capabilities.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/21/intelligence-spies-global-south-us-egypt-ethiopia-india-espionage/

#Ethiopia's sea access ambitions leave neighbors uneasy

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sparked controversy with his recent lecture on the control of the Red Sea, shifting focus from land conflicts to Ethiopia's regional influence in the Horn of #Africa. In the address, Abiy emphasized the importance of engaging in discussions surrounding access to the #Red_Sea, which has generated resentment from neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Djibouti.

Ethiopia, which became landlocked in 1993 after #Eritrea gained independence, currently relies on the #Djibouti port for its international trade. However, Abiy argues that direct access to the sea is crucial for Ethiopia's economic growth, as sea access can account for up to 25-30% of a country's GDP.

With Ethiopia's rapidly growing population and emerging economy, the demand for coastline access is increasing. Despite opposition from neighboring countries, Ethiopia has proposed offering shares in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in exchange for Red Sea access. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing economic and political interests in the region, as well as the potential for conflicts arising from territorial disputes.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/ethiopia-s-new-desire-for-a-red-sea-port-leaves-neighbors-uneasy

Conflict in #Oromia region displaces 1.3 million people

According to the Center for Development and Capacity Building (CDCB), the ongoing instability in the Oromia region has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.3 million people. In a recent report released by the organization, it was revealed that the violence has not only led to displacement and loss of life but also caused significant destruction of property, disrupted development works, and eroded the communal fabric of the region.

The #CDCB report highlights that out of the 1.3 million displaced citizens in the Oromia region, 374,400 individuals (29%) are currently residing in shelters, while the remaining 71% are scattered throughout the community. The report further emphasizes that a staggering 859,000 people (66%) have been displaced from just two zones: #East_Wollega and #West_Wollega.

https://cdcbor.org/publications/policy-brief-on-creating-sense-of-urgency-for-intervention-in-conflict-affected-areas-of-oromia-ethiopia/

#Puma spotlights Liya Kebede's efforts to empower Ethiopian women

Discover how supermodel #Liya_Kebede is making a difference in #Ethiopia through her fashion brand, #Lemlem. Since its creation in 2007, Lemlem has aimed to preserve traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques while providing stable jobs for women. Despite recent advancements in female education, only 35% of university undergraduates in Ethiopia are women, according to the United States Agency for International Development (#USAID). Furthermore, 80% of the population resides in rural areas, where women often find themselves in underpaid agricultural roles.

Lemlem is contributing to Ethiopia's economic growth, which has averaged 10% annually, by focusing on slow, ancestral techniques. Every Lemlem garment is handmade by Ethiopian artisans, who have inherited these skills through generations. By upholding the ancient Ethiopian clothing process, Lemlem not only preserves cultural heritage but also ensures fair wages for these women.

In addition to generating employment opportunities, Lemlem actively gives back to Ethiopian and Kenyan communities through the Lemlem Foundation. With each purchase, 5% of the proceeds go towards training artisans and supporting AMREF African Health. Liya emphasizes that Lemlem's mission goes beyond creating a brand; it is about changing lives and making a positive impact on entire communities.

https://www.borgenmagazine.com/jobs-for-women-in-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia: Local charities call for urgent malaria relief response in Western #Oromia

Two local charity organizations warn that the malaria epidemic in #Western_Oromia could worsen in the next two months if not promptly addressed.

More than 70% of the population in #West_Wollega and 60% in #Kellem_Wollega are at high risk.

Urgent funding and government action are needed.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-local-charities-call-for-urgent-malaria-relief-response-in-western-oromia/

#UNDP launches 6-year project to establish early warning systems in climate-vulnerable countries

Yesterday at the #UN Climate Ambition Summit in #New_York, the #UN Development Programme (UNDP) announced a collaborative effort to establish life-saving early warning systems in climate-vulnerable countries.

The new 6-year project will provide technical and financial assistance to 20 vulnerable countries, including #Ethiopia and #Somalia, helping them develop their own projects and enhance their resilience to climate extremes and hazards.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/climate-ambition-summit-un-agencies-and-ifrc-kickstart-major-initiative-towards-realizing-early-warnings-all-2027

Bishops in #Ethiopia warn the country may be on brink of return to war

Catholic bishops in Ethiopia are raising concerns about a new wave of violence in the country, amidst global attention on the conflict between #Hamas and #Israel. The bishops warn that this surge could reignite a bloody war that claimed between 162,000 and 600,000 lives between 2020 and 2022.

Despite a peace treaty signed in November 2022, clashes continue in the #Amhara region due to the exclusion of armed groups, including the Amhara armed group, from the negotiations. The bishops express their disappointment, stating that war and power have become the only option due to the inability to discuss and solve problems in a unified and respectful manner.

They call attention to the devastation caused by the war throughout various parts of the country, emphasizing the pain, displacement, and loss experienced by citizens. The bishops extend condolences to those affected and urge Ethiopia to learn from its mistakes, promote dialogue, and work towards peaceful coexistence.

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2023/10/bishops-in-ethopia-warn-the-country-may-be-on-brink-of-return-to-war