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/

#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

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/

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/

#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

#WHO sends over 956 metric tons of medical aid to conflict-stricken #Tigray

Over 956 metric tons of medicines and medical supplies have been sent to Ethiopia's conflict-affected Tigray region in the first nine months of 2023, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, which began in November 2020, has severely impacted the healthcare system in Tigray.

The report highlights the limited capacity of the regional health bureau to respond to the crisis, shortages of medical supplies, a lack of healthcare workers, and damaged infrastructure. Since January, more than 1.9 million people have received health services from partners in the region, with over 911,000 individuals receiving life-saving essential healthcare services.

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-health-cluster-bulletin-1-tigray-region-july-september-2023

#Ethiopian Airlines CEO uncovers #Nigeria Air partnership amid controversy

The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, has shed light on the airline's involvement in the creation of Nigeria Air. He revealed that the airline was initially reluctant to participate but continued with the process at the insistence of the Nigerian government.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air had surrounded the use of an Ethiopian Airlines plane for a demonstration flight. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also challenged the selection of Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred bidder. However, Mesfin clarified that Ethiopian Airlines was invited by the government to partner in establishing a national carrier.

https://dailytrust.com/breaking-ethiopian-airlines-breaks-silence-on-controversial-nigeria-air/

"Ethiopia has no agenda to achieve through the use of force," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

On the occasion of the 116th Army Day, which was celebrated this morning, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Armed Forces of #Ethiopia, emphasized that the country does not seek to achieve its goals through force or invasion. Addressing concerns that have recently arisen regarding a potential conflict over the issue of the #Red_Sea, the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia's intention is to engage in discussions about specific matters rather than resorting to military action.

During his speech, Prime Minister Abiy reassured the defense forces and the Ethiopian public that the country has no hidden agenda that requires the use of force. Instead, Ethiopia aims to foster cooperative relationships with neighboring nations in order to attain shared benefits, development, and prosperity. He added, "We will not employ force against our fellow brothers to impose our interests."

#Ethiopia: Rising abductions for ransom threaten human security in conflict hit areas, #Oromia region

Over the past five years, the Oromia region has been gripped by an ongoing conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) and government security forces. This conflict has escalated significantly in the past two years, resulting in a high number of casualties, alleged human rights abuses, and widespread disruption to communities in Oromia. As a result of this instability, incidents of kidnappings for ransom have surged, with civilians being targeted and abducted.

One such victim, businessman Tola Tesfaye, was abducted along with his truck driver in May 2023 while traveling from Addis Abeba to Shambu in western Oromia. He was held captive for a day until a ransom of 1.3 million birr was paid for their release. Similarly, in July 2023, Tadele Lomba and his colleagues were kidnapped and endured seven days of captivity, including sexual assault and torture, until a ransom of 1.3 million birr was paid.

The violence is not only targeting ordinary residents but also public figures, like #Saden_Sodo district governor Bekele Kacha, who was abducted and tragically found dead two days later. Foreign workers, including Chinese nationals, have also fallen victim to these kidnappings. The acts of abduction have increased, affecting various individuals including construction workers, employees of state-owned enterprises, and even farmers.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-rising-abductions-for-ransom-threaten-human-security-in-conflict-hit-areas-oromia-region/

Don't forget us, pleads Catholic bishop in war-torn #Tigray region

Catholic Bishop in #Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, Tesfaselassie Medhin, is urging the international community not to overlook the dire humanitarian situation in his diocese due to the ongoing three-year conflict.

In a statement, Bishop Tesfaselassie of #Adigrat expressed grave concern for the state of the world and emphasized the need for a serious transformation. While attention is currently focused on the crisis in the Middle East, he pleads for Tigray not to be forgotten. He highlighted the severe consequences of the war, including millions of children suffering from malnutrition, widespread starvation, illness, and displacement.

Despite a peace agreement signed in November 2022, blockades and limited access to vital resources persist in Tigray. Bishop Tesfaselassie emphasized that the dire situation continues with ongoing violence, displacement, political impasses, drought exacerbated by climate change, and restricted access to water and irrigation systems. He criticized the global silence and stated that the suffering population desperately needs peace, food, basic services, and justice.

https://international.la-croix.com/news/world/dont-forget-us-pleads-catholic-bishop-in-war-torn-tigray-region/18579

#EU urges #Eritrea to fully withdraw troops from Ethiopian territory, address human rights concerns

During the 78th session of the #UN General Assembly, the European Union (EU) has urged the government of Eritrea to promptly and completely withdraw any remaining troops from #Ethiopian territory, as mandated by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.

In a statement released yesterday, the EU highlighted the importance of conducting independent investigations into alleged violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law by armed forces against civilians. According to the statement, these investigations are essential for delivering justice to the victims of the conflict in northern Ethiopia, both within and outside the Tigray region.

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-new-york/eu-statement-%E2%80%93-un-general-assembly-3rd-committee-interactive-dialogue-human-rights-eritrea_en

Anti-war activists convoke conference in wake of intra-Sudanese #Ethiopia talks

The Civil Front to Stop the War in #Sudan concluded its preparatory meeting and reached a preliminary agreement. They plan to hold the founding conference for the Civil Front in three weeks. The meeting, which took place in #Addis_Abeba, aimed to establish a broad civil anti-war coalition in Sudan. The African Union had previously announced that it would organize a preparatory meeting for a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

The aims of the preliminary meeting were to discuss representation in the dialogue, the invited parties, agenda, structure, location, date, funding, and the role of the international community.

https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/anti-war-activists-convoke-conference-in-wake-of-intra-sudanese-ethiopia-talks

#Ethiopia, #Korea open textile research center in #Addis_Abeba

The subject of a memorandum of understanding signed back in May 2016, the park was built in the #Bole_Lemi Industry Zone in southeastern Addis Abeba.

It has laboratories, classrooms, and workshops.

With 123 million people, Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria, and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, the World Bank says.

The 353ha #Bole_Lemi park is a base for textile factories, as well as agricultural processing and pharmaceuticals.

Ethiopia is copying the Chinese model of using special economic zones to attract foreign investment, acquire technology and human capital, and use exports to build up foreign exchange reserves – one of the main weaknesses of the Ethiopian economy.

According to the Industrial Park Development Corporation, the body that oversees the policy, there are now 12 parks in the country with a total revenue of $1bn.

As well as a business venture, the park is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s relations with Korea in education and culture.

Last month, South Korea began work on a similar venture in Uzbekistan. That facility will be created on the territory of the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry and will be financed by Korean development aid. https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/ethiopia-korea-open-textile-research-centre-in-addis-ababa/

News: #UN rights experts call for continued monitoring of human rights violations in #Ethiopia

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (#ICHREE) has called for continued international monitoring of the human rights situation in the country.

Its final report presented to the UN General Assembly outlined evidence of widespread crimes against humanity and war crimes in the #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions. The Ethiopian government was accused of evading international scrutiny, undermining victims' rights, and posing a threat to the global human rights system.

The commission emphasized the need for comprehensive services to address the deep traumas inflicted by the conflict and urged for international engagement to ensure justice, prevent further violations, and establish lasting peace.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ichree-calls-for-continued-monitoring-of-human-rights-situation-in-ethiopia/

News: #US official reveals #Ethiopia’s request for #AGOA eligibility ‘still pending’, decision unlikely at upcoming forum

“Those decisions are still pending,” Ms Hamilton told journalists from the continent, and that “there probably will not be an announcement at the time that we get to the AGOA Forum,” she said referring to the upcoming AGOA forum.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order in November 2021 removing Ethiopia from AGOA following the escalation of the war, which started a year earlier in the Tigray region, and witnessed “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.”

The Ethiopian government condemned the decision, describing it as “misguided and failing to consider the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=38741