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
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
Crux
Bishops in Ethiopia warn the country may be on brink of return to war
“The blood of many citizens has been shed in vain,” the Ethiopian bishops said.
#Ethiopia #Pictorial: As the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) prepares to celebrate the 116th Ethiopian Defense Forces Day this coming Thursday, Chiefs of Staff and military personnel from African countries are arriving in #Addis_Abeba as of today to participate in the event, ENDF said.
This morning the Chief of the General Staff of ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, received his South African counterpart, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force and General Jacob John Mkunda, Chief of the Tanzanian People's Defense Forces.
In September this year, Field Marshal Berhanu visited South where he two Chiefs of Staff discussed on ways to expand "the scope of the cooperation" between Ethiopia and South Africa.
Preparations are underway to mark the 116th Ethiopian Defense Forces Day including a possible military parade in the capital.
This is the first notable presence and announcement of other countries' Chiefs of Staff coming to attend the event in Ethiopia. AS
This morning the Chief of the General Staff of ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, received his South African counterpart, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force and General Jacob John Mkunda, Chief of the Tanzanian People's Defense Forces.
In September this year, Field Marshal Berhanu visited South where he two Chiefs of Staff discussed on ways to expand "the scope of the cooperation" between Ethiopia and South Africa.
Preparations are underway to mark the 116th Ethiopian Defense Forces Day including a possible military parade in the capital.
This is the first notable presence and announcement of other countries' Chiefs of Staff coming to attend the event in Ethiopia. AS
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#Ethiopia's pursuit of Red Sea access: A new phenomenon or renewed commitment?
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recent commentary on the issue of the Red Sea has sparked discussions and debates on Red Sea sovereignty in the Horn of Africa.
Neighboring countries, including #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Djibouti, have rejected the Prime Minister's comments.
The PM presented the potential offerings that Ethiopia can provide in exchange for access to the port, which include shares of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), Ethiopian Airlines, and Ethio-telecom.
However, this issue is not a new development. Even though there has been no update in recent years, Ethiopia and Djibouti reached a port development and operation agreement five years ago. In 2018, both countries signed a multifaceted agreement granting Ethiopia access to Djibouti's port in exchange for Djibouti's involvement in Ethiopia's strategic national assets, as reported in this CGTN video.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recent commentary on the issue of the Red Sea has sparked discussions and debates on Red Sea sovereignty in the Horn of Africa.
Neighboring countries, including #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Djibouti, have rejected the Prime Minister's comments.
The PM presented the potential offerings that Ethiopia can provide in exchange for access to the port, which include shares of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), Ethiopian Airlines, and Ethio-telecom.
However, this issue is not a new development. Even though there has been no update in recent years, Ethiopia and Djibouti reached a port development and operation agreement five years ago. In 2018, both countries signed a multifaceted agreement granting Ethiopia access to Djibouti's port in exchange for Djibouti's involvement in Ethiopia's strategic national assets, as reported in this CGTN video.
#Ethiopia: Students raise concern over prolonged university closure in #Amhara Region
Students in Ethiopia's restive Amhara region are expressing concerns about the extended closure of their universities and lack of communication. Fearing academic setbacks, they are anxious for prompt communication and guidance.
Despite reports of improved security in the region, it remains uncertain whether this has impacted the reopening of universities.
Students are appealing to the Ministry of Education for urgent assistance and clarity on resuming courses.
https://addisstandard.com/news-students-raise-concern-over-prolonged-university-closure-in-amhara-region/
Students in Ethiopia's restive Amhara region are expressing concerns about the extended closure of their universities and lack of communication. Fearing academic setbacks, they are anxious for prompt communication and guidance.
Despite reports of improved security in the region, it remains uncertain whether this has impacted the reopening of universities.
Students are appealing to the Ministry of Education for urgent assistance and clarity on resuming courses.
https://addisstandard.com/news-students-raise-concern-over-prolonged-university-closure-in-amhara-region/
Addis Standard
News: Students raise concern over prolonged university closure in Amhara Region - Addis Standard
News: Students raise concern over prolonged university closure in Amhara Region Addis Standard Social Affairs -
#Ethiopia: Banking services remain absent in war-torn Irob, Tigray region despite peace deal
Residents in #Irob, a minority group in #Tigray, have been without banking services since the war broke out in November 2020.
Despite the peace agreement, four kebeles in Irob are controlled by #Eritrean troops, making it challenging to access public services and receive humanitarian aid.
The absence of banking services has caused financial difficulties for the community, forcing them to travel long distances for banking needs.
https://addisstandard.com/news-banking-services-remain-absent-in-war-torn-irob-tigray-region-despite-peace-deal/
Residents in #Irob, a minority group in #Tigray, have been without banking services since the war broke out in November 2020.
Despite the peace agreement, four kebeles in Irob are controlled by #Eritrean troops, making it challenging to access public services and receive humanitarian aid.
The absence of banking services has caused financial difficulties for the community, forcing them to travel long distances for banking needs.
https://addisstandard.com/news-banking-services-remain-absent-in-war-torn-irob-tigray-region-despite-peace-deal/
Addis Standard
News: Banking services remain absent in war-torn Irob, Tigray region despite peace deal - Addis Standard
Since the outbreak of war in Tigray three years ago, banking services have remained unavailable in Irob Woreda, which includes its administrative seat, Dawhan town (Photo: Irob Advocacy Association) Addis Abeba – People in Irob, a northeastern district of…
#Sudan: Former PM Hamdok calls for Sudanese unity to end war
Former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok called on Monday for unity among the Sudanese to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Hamdok made his call at the opening session of a three-day meeting held in #Addis_Abeba to create a united Democratic Civilian Front to end the war in Sudan.
Nearly 100 delegates from Sudanese civil society groups, neighborhood resistance committees, women’s organizations, trade unions, political parties, alongside religious and traditional leaders, have convened to take part in the meeting to establish a Democratic Civilian Front to end the war.
Several speakers during the inaugural session emphasized that this meeting to create a united civil front to halt the war has been initiated by the coordination of the Al Haj Yousif resistance committee.
https://sudantribune.com/article278591/
Former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok called on Monday for unity among the Sudanese to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Hamdok made his call at the opening session of a three-day meeting held in #Addis_Abeba to create a united Democratic Civilian Front to end the war in Sudan.
Nearly 100 delegates from Sudanese civil society groups, neighborhood resistance committees, women’s organizations, trade unions, political parties, alongside religious and traditional leaders, have convened to take part in the meeting to establish a Democratic Civilian Front to end the war.
Several speakers during the inaugural session emphasized that this meeting to create a united civil front to halt the war has been initiated by the coordination of the Al Haj Yousif resistance committee.
https://sudantribune.com/article278591/
#IsraelPalestineConflict
Just in: Group of #Arab Ambassadors in Addis Abeba meet #AU chairperson; AU “reiterates unwavering support of #Palestinian people”
Chairperson of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat received this afternoon a group of Arab Ambassadors today “who commended the AU’s position” regarding the continued war on the #GazaStrip & #WestBank.
“I reiterated the AU remains unwavering in support of the Palestinian people and their right to freedom & peace in their homeland,” the Chairperson said, repeating the departure of AU’s position on the crisis.
Just in: Group of #Arab Ambassadors in Addis Abeba meet #AU chairperson; AU “reiterates unwavering support of #Palestinian people”
Chairperson of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat received this afternoon a group of Arab Ambassadors today “who commended the AU’s position” regarding the continued war on the #GazaStrip & #WestBank.
“I reiterated the AU remains unwavering in support of the Palestinian people and their right to freedom & peace in their homeland,” the Chairperson said, repeating the departure of AU’s position on the crisis.
#Ethiopian-born ‘most impactful geneticist’ Gebisa Ejeta awarded #US National Medal of Science
President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Oct. 24) awarded the National Medal of Science to Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics and International Agriculture, executive director of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security and Purdue University Presidential Fellow for Food Security and Sustainable Global Development.
The award is the highest recognition the nation bestows upon scientists.
Gebisa studies sorghum, an ancient grain used widely as a food source for humans and livestock. He received the 2009 World Food Prize for his research in creating sorghum hybrids that are resistant to both severe drought and the destructive parasitic Striga weed. The resulting dramatic increase in sorghum production has helped feed hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q4/gebisa-ejeta-awarded-national-medal-of-science.html
President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Oct. 24) awarded the National Medal of Science to Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics and International Agriculture, executive director of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security and Purdue University Presidential Fellow for Food Security and Sustainable Global Development.
The award is the highest recognition the nation bestows upon scientists.
Gebisa studies sorghum, an ancient grain used widely as a food source for humans and livestock. He received the 2009 World Food Prize for his research in creating sorghum hybrids that are resistant to both severe drought and the destructive parasitic Striga weed. The resulting dramatic increase in sorghum production has helped feed hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q4/gebisa-ejeta-awarded-national-medal-of-science.html
EV floodgates open in #Ethiopia after gov’t exempts all EVs from VAT, surtax
A year ago, the government introduced incentives to boost #electric vehicle (#EV) adoption, including exemptions from taxes and duties. Now, there is a noticeable increase in EVs on the roads of #Addis_Abeba. Independent dealerships are importing #Chinese-made VW ID models, such as the ID.4 and ID.6, which are selling well. Toyota's bZ4x and Mercedes-Benz EQ range are also popular choices.
Unofficial reports suggest that around 5,000 to 7,000 EVs have entered the Ethiopian market since the tax exemptions were implemented. This growth demonstrates how policy interventions can accelerate EV adoption in #Africa. However, the lack of public chargers remains a challenge, with most EV owners relying on home charging.
Nevertheless, Ethiopia's low electricity tariffs and clean hydropower generation make EVs an attractive and cost-saving option for consumers.
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/10/24/ev-flood-gates-open-in-ethiopia-after-govt-exempted-all-evs-from-vat-surtax-excise-tax-last-year/
A year ago, the government introduced incentives to boost #electric vehicle (#EV) adoption, including exemptions from taxes and duties. Now, there is a noticeable increase in EVs on the roads of #Addis_Abeba. Independent dealerships are importing #Chinese-made VW ID models, such as the ID.4 and ID.6, which are selling well. Toyota's bZ4x and Mercedes-Benz EQ range are also popular choices.
Unofficial reports suggest that around 5,000 to 7,000 EVs have entered the Ethiopian market since the tax exemptions were implemented. This growth demonstrates how policy interventions can accelerate EV adoption in #Africa. However, the lack of public chargers remains a challenge, with most EV owners relying on home charging.
Nevertheless, Ethiopia's low electricity tariffs and clean hydropower generation make EVs an attractive and cost-saving option for consumers.
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/10/24/ev-flood-gates-open-in-ethiopia-after-govt-exempted-all-evs-from-vat-surtax-excise-tax-last-year/
CleanTechnica
EV Floodgates Open In Ethiopia After Gov’t Exempts All EVs From VAT, Surtax, & Excise Tax
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News! A year ago, the Ethiopian government introduced some incentives to catalyze the adoption of electric vehicles. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance exempted all electric vehicles…
#Ethiopia's earth observation satellites declared inoperational as service period expires
The Space Science and Geospatial Institute has announced that the satellites sent by Ethiopia into space are no longer operational. Abdisa Yilma, the Director General of the institute, informed the BBC that the earth observation satellites have ceased functioning as their designated service period has expired.
In December 2019, Ethiopia successfully deployed its inaugural Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite-01 (ETRSS-01), weighing 70 kilograms, with the help of #China.
Approximately one year after the launch of ETRSS-01, another satellite known as ET-Smart-RSS, providing similar services, was reported to be launched. According to Abdisa, the initial ETRSS-01 earth observation satellite was designed to operate for two and a half years. However, it has managed to extend its service life for an additional nine months beyond the original timeline.
https://www.bbc.com/amharic/articles/cqej17rpmlyo
The Space Science and Geospatial Institute has announced that the satellites sent by Ethiopia into space are no longer operational. Abdisa Yilma, the Director General of the institute, informed the BBC that the earth observation satellites have ceased functioning as their designated service period has expired.
In December 2019, Ethiopia successfully deployed its inaugural Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite-01 (ETRSS-01), weighing 70 kilograms, with the help of #China.
Approximately one year after the launch of ETRSS-01, another satellite known as ET-Smart-RSS, providing similar services, was reported to be launched. According to Abdisa, the initial ETRSS-01 earth observation satellite was designed to operate for two and a half years. However, it has managed to extend its service life for an additional nine months beyond the original timeline.
https://www.bbc.com/amharic/articles/cqej17rpmlyo
Commentary: Beyond the euphoria: promises and limitations of Ethiopian Satellite
Yesterday, the Space Science and Geospatial Institute announced that #Ethiopia's Earth observation satellites, which were sent into space, have ceased functioning as their designated service period has ended. Officials claim that these satellites have provided valuable information in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, environmental and climate protection, as well as topography.
However, in a commentary published by Addis Standard in December 2019, Daniel Kassahun, Associate Professor of Geography at Austin Community College, argued that the portrayal of ETRSS-1's role in modernizing agriculture, weather monitoring, urban planning, forest management, and mining efforts in Ethiopia by both the government and independent news outlets has exaggerated its benefits.
Follow the link to read the full commentary.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-beyond-the-euphoria-promises-and-limitations-of-ethiopian-satellite/
Yesterday, the Space Science and Geospatial Institute announced that #Ethiopia's Earth observation satellites, which were sent into space, have ceased functioning as their designated service period has ended. Officials claim that these satellites have provided valuable information in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, environmental and climate protection, as well as topography.
However, in a commentary published by Addis Standard in December 2019, Daniel Kassahun, Associate Professor of Geography at Austin Community College, argued that the portrayal of ETRSS-1's role in modernizing agriculture, weather monitoring, urban planning, forest management, and mining efforts in Ethiopia by both the government and independent news outlets has exaggerated its benefits.
Follow the link to read the full commentary.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-beyond-the-euphoria-promises-and-limitations-of-ethiopian-satellite/
News: Third round #GERD talks conclude in #Cairo without outcome; Addis to hold next round
The latest round of talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) concluded in Cairo without a conclusive outcome.
The negotiations, aimed at finalizing rules and guidelines, will continue in #Addis_Abeba in December. The month of October would have marked the four-month period during which the leaders of #Ethiopia and #Egypt agreed to finalize the GERD filling and rules of operations agreement.
The talks mark ongoing efforts among Ethiopia, Egypt and #Sudan to reach a collaborative resolution to the dam issue, which has been ongoing for over a decade.
https://addisstandard.com/news-third-round-of-gerd-talks-concludes-in-cairo-next-round-to-be-held-in-addis-abeba/
The latest round of talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) concluded in Cairo without a conclusive outcome.
The negotiations, aimed at finalizing rules and guidelines, will continue in #Addis_Abeba in December. The month of October would have marked the four-month period during which the leaders of #Ethiopia and #Egypt agreed to finalize the GERD filling and rules of operations agreement.
The talks mark ongoing efforts among Ethiopia, Egypt and #Sudan to reach a collaborative resolution to the dam issue, which has been ongoing for over a decade.
https://addisstandard.com/news-third-round-of-gerd-talks-concludes-in-cairo-next-round-to-be-held-in-addis-abeba/
Addis Standard
News: Third round GERD talks conclude in Cairo without outcome; Addis to hold next round - Addis Standard
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Seleshi Bekele (middle) participated in the third round of discussions regarding the regulations and protocols for the initial filling and yearly operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Photo: MoFA/Facebook)…
News: #Ethiopia ranks 129 out of 142 in rule of law index as rule of law declines globally
Ethiopia's rule of law falls to 129th out of 142 countries, according to the World Justice Project's annual index.
The index reveals a global decline in the rule of law for six consecutive years, with 59% of surveyed nations affected.
#Rwanda outperforms in the Sub-Saharan #Africa region, while #Denmark tops the global ranking.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-ranks-129-out-of-142-in-rule-of-law-index-as-rule-of-law-declines-globally/
Ethiopia's rule of law falls to 129th out of 142 countries, according to the World Justice Project's annual index.
The index reveals a global decline in the rule of law for six consecutive years, with 59% of surveyed nations affected.
#Rwanda outperforms in the Sub-Saharan #Africa region, while #Denmark tops the global ranking.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-ranks-129-out-of-142-in-rule-of-law-index-as-rule-of-law-declines-globally/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopia ranks 129 out of 142 in rule of law index as rule of law declines globally - Addis Standard
News: Ethiopia ranks 129 out of 142 in rule of law index as rule of law declines globally Addis Standard Law & Justice -
#IsraelPalestineConflict
Israel-Palestine Conflict Update: Gaza's healthcare system faces dire crisis
The healthcare system in #Gaza has been rendered completely dysfunctional due to bombing as well as lack of personnel and medical supplies, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health.
The United Nations Agency for #Palestinian Refugees has warned that Gaza's hospitals may soon be forced to cease operations due to severe fuel shortages.
The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the loss of at least 6,546 Palestinian lives. Conversely, since October 7, over 1,400 people in #Israel have lost their lives as well.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/24/israel-hamas-war-live-fuel-shortfall-could-force-un-to-halt-work-in-gaza-2
Israel-Palestine Conflict Update: Gaza's healthcare system faces dire crisis
The healthcare system in #Gaza has been rendered completely dysfunctional due to bombing as well as lack of personnel and medical supplies, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health.
The United Nations Agency for #Palestinian Refugees has warned that Gaza's hospitals may soon be forced to cease operations due to severe fuel shortages.
The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the loss of at least 6,546 Palestinian lives. Conversely, since October 7, over 1,400 people in #Israel have lost their lives as well.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/10/24/israel-hamas-war-live-fuel-shortfall-could-force-un-to-halt-work-in-gaza-2