#Ethiopia’s press freedom crisis: Arrests, exile of Journalists intensify amid political turmoil

Groups defending the rights of journalists, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ), have consistently voiced concern about deteriorating press freedom and documented multiple violations, including the arrest of journalists. The recent conflicts in the #Amhara region have worsened the situation, leading to more imprisonments of journalists and media professionals.

Detained journalists often languish in prison without formal charges, leading to speculation that the government may be suppressing critical coverage rather than addressing criminal activities. This oppressive environment has compelled many media experts to seek asylum abroad, fearing for their safety and that of their families. The harassment faced by journalists, such as political analyst Tewodros Asfaw, has driven them into exile, exposing the precarious state of press freedom in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Broadcasters Association has also expressed worry over the government's treatment of journalists, emphasizing that many incarcerations are unrelated to their journalistic work and are often under charges of terrorism.

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopias-press-freedom-crisis-arrests-exile-of-journalists-intensify-amid-political-turmoil/

#Innovation: 12 outstanding projects emerge as finalists of this year’s Solve IT

This year's #Solve_IT 2023 competition in #Ethiopia has commenced across six cities with over 2,000 registrations. Partnerships with the #US_Embassy and #Dashen_Bank have enabled the competition to reach universities, colleges, and TVET students and graduates.

The aim is to decentralize technology, foster innovation, and support young entrepreneurs to address local community challenges.

The #Bootcamp phase is currently underway, and the ultimate winners will receive a prize of one million birr.

https://addisstandard.com/innovation-12-outstanding-projects-emerge-as-finalists-of-this-years-solve-it/

#Ethiopia expects $100 million revenue from carbon sales by 2030

Ethiopia's top forestry official has disclosed that the country is projected to earn $100 million from carbon sales by 2030. This revenue will be generated through international payments for carbon sales, as well as through forest protection and development efforts and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Dr. Yetebetu Moges, the National Coordinator of Ethiopia's forestry sector's "Red Plus" program, also emphasized the significant accomplishments in forestry work over the past decade. Notably, payments received from esteemed organizations such as the #World_Bank and Norway have contributed to the revenue, with a total of $150 million earned thus far.

https://press.et/?p=112420

#Ethiopia makes strides in combating human trafficking, illegal migration

The Office of the National Coalition for Migration Cooperation has announced significant progress in the fight against human trafficking. According to Abraham Ayalew, the Office's head, more than 20 major suspects have been charged, with over 630 pending cases currently in court.

Ayalew further explained that last year, 20 prominent suspects were also charged and are currently undergoing trial. These individuals are accused of playing a significant role in a human trafficking network that stretches from southern Ethiopia to South Africa.

In recent years, Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers faced horrific circumstances, particularly when traveling to Middle East countries.

https://press.et/?p=112586

Ethiopian Airline denies maltreating Nigerians

#Ethiopian_Airlines has responded to allegations of mistreatment towards #Nigerian passengers transiting through #Addis_Abeba. CEO Mesfin Tasew clarified that while the airline has taken steps to educate passengers on Ethiopian regulations regarding the declaration of valuables upon arrival in the capital city, some passengers still refuse to comply.

Mesfin explained that transit passengers undergo security screening, during which checks are carried out by national security. Non-compliance with both national and international security practices can lead to detainment if passengers are found carrying drugs or unauthorized weapons.

The CEO also highlighted the issue of passengers carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items, stating that if they are transiting without entering Addis Abeba, there are no restrictions. However, if they are staying overnight or longer, regulations require declaring amounts exceeding $10,000 or gold beyond normal ornaments to customs.

https://sunnewsonline.com/ethiopian-airline-denies-maltreating-nigerians/

#Ethiopia initiates soil fertilizer transportation for the next cultivation season

The transportation of soil fertilizer for Ethiopia's dry season cultivation, known as "Bega," has begun, according to Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (#ESLSE). The first shipment, loaded with soil fertilizer for the upcoming cultivation season, arrived at the Port of Djibouti yesterday.

The vessel, called Omorfi Majuro, carried an initial cargo of 51,420 metric tons of urea soil fertilizer for the upcoming crop cultivation season. The fertilizer was loaded from the Port of Adabiya in #Egypt and arrived at the Société Djiboutienne Terminal Vracier (SDTV) port in #Djibouti last night. ESLSE also announced that the transportation of the soil fertilizer into Ethiopia will start today.

https://www.fanabc.com/english/transportation-of-soil-fertilizer-for-upcoming-cultivation-season-underway/

#Ethiopia: Why over one million IDPs in #Tigray still linger in camps a year after peace deal

With the one-year anniversary of the #Pretoria Peace Agreement approaching, many people are still enduring challenging conditions and food shortages. According to the #UN, over one million individuals remain internally displaced as a result of the #Tigray war, seeking refuge in camps scattered throughout the region.

A collaborative study conducted by the Tigray Health Bureau, Tigray Health Research Institute, and #Mekelle University has revealed that within just nine districts in Tigray, an alarming 1,329 people have died from hunger. Shockingly, starvation now accounts for 68.3% of the deaths in the region. This mostly occurs within the IDP camps, where fundamental necessities such as food, water, and healthcare are lacking. Despite the UN's efforts, around 1.5 million #IDPs have been unable to return to their homes.

One woman named Abrehet Gebre (pseudonym used for safety) courageously shared her traumatic ordeal, recounting the murder of her daughter, experiencing gang rape, and being compelled to flee with her children. She continues to suffer both physically and mentally. While some IDPs are hindered by security concerns, others, like Abrehet, fear the psychological impact of the violence if they were to return.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-why-over-one-million-idps-in-tigray-still-linger-in-camps-a-year-after-peace-deal/

#Ethiopia: Rights commission reveals disturbing sexual violence in #Amhara conflict, more than 200 cases of rape exposed

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has released a troubling report revealing widespread sexual violence and human rights violations in the Amhara region. Since July 2021, over 200 cases of rape have been registered at health facilities, involving displaced women and health workers.

The report also highlights civilian deaths and various human rights abuses throughout the ongoing conflict in Amhara. The EHRC calls for an immediate end to these deplorable violations by all parties involved. The conflict, which began in July 2023, has resulted in civilian casualties caused by heavy artillery and aerial bombings across the region. Control over cities and towns in Amhara has continuously shifted between government forces and the non-state militia known as Fano.

The report also highlights the displacement of thousands of residents, inadequate humanitarian assistance, extrajudicial killings by government security forces, and damage to civilian property and infrastructure. The EHRC emphasizes the need for accountability, protection of civilians, and timely humanitarian assistance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-commission-reveals-disturbing-sexual-violence-in-amhara-conflict-more-than-200-cases-of-rape-exposed/

'War Brings Only Horror and...': WHO chief recalls painful childhood amid Israel-Hamas war

The World Health Organization (#WHO) Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made a heartfelt plea for peace and unity as he recalled his own painful experiences of war during his upbringing in #Ethiopia. In light of the ongoing conflict between #Israel and #Hamas, the WHO has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the safe delivery of vital aid, including food and medical supplies, into the #Gaza_Strip.

Tedros emphasized on X, formerly Twitter, the devastating consequences of war, stating that it only brings destruction and horror. He expressed deep empathy for those affected by the conflict and urged global leaders to rise above divisions and unite for peace. Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since the Hamas attack on 7 October, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including many children.

Having experienced war as a child himself, Tedros shared his hope that peace will prevail and prevent anyone else from experiencing the horrors of conflict.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/10/30/WHO-chief-recalls-own-war-child-past-in-Ethiopia-in-peace-plea

#Kenya to abolish visa requirements for all #Africans - Ruto


This was annoucned by President William Ruto on Saturday while making a keynote address at the Three Basins Climate Change Conference in Brazzaville, Congo 
"By the end of this year, no African will need a visa to enter Kenya.

The time has come to understand the importance of doing trade between us," he said.

President Ruto stated that the low rate of intra-African trade and urged to reduce customs tariffs within the African continent to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

"It is time we realize the importance of trading among ourselves and allowing goods, services, people and ideas to move freely across the continent," he explained.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-10-29-kenya-to-abolish-visa-requirements-for-all-africans-ruto/

#US Ambassador to #Ethiopia meets with Ethiopian defense force chief to discuss partnership, internal security

On Monday, the US Embassy in #Addis_Abeba announced that Ervin Massinga, the United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, had a meeting with Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Defense Force, in the Ethiopian capital. The discussion centered on the partnership between the two countries, the internal security crisis in Ethiopia, and the significance of the political process in addressing internal security challenges.

In a tweet, the embassy stated that "Today, United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga and Ethiopian National Defense Force Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, discussed how to strengthen their continued partnership and the importance of political processes and dialogue to address Ethiopia's internal security challenges."

https://twitter.com/USEmbassyAddis/status/1718944058775581049

#Amhara revenue bureau falls short of target, collects only 34% of projected revenue in first quarter

The ambitious plan of the Amhara Revenue Bureau to collect 71.6 billion birr during the current Ethiopian fiscal year has encountered a significant setback. Official reports indicate that the Bureau has fallen considerably short of its target for the first quarter, managing to collect a mere 6.3 billion birr, which accounts for only 34% of the projected revenue.

This figure also reflects a decline of 2.1 billion birr compared to the same period in the previous year. The underperformance raises concerns about the Bureau's ability to achieve its fiscal goals. The head of the bureau, Fikremariam Dejene, attributes the decline in revenue to the ongoing regional instability, which has hindered economic activities.

https://www.facebook.com/AmharaCommunications/posts/pfbid08VnxvUdQ9TEukK3tDUzxf2EQGeprrjP7r663dGguuuVuJbQ988DpqAY5HgV76rGzl

#Somalia welcomes first foreign bank branch in over half-century

A leading #Turkish bank, #Ziraat_Katilim, has opened a branch in Mogadishu, becoming the first foreign bank to operate in Somalia in over a half-century, officials said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sunday in Mogadishu, where officials hailed the inauguration as a “historic moment.”

“This marks more than 50 years [since] the first international bank that comes to the country,” the governor of Somalia's central bank, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, told VOA Somali in an interview.

All foreign banks closed down in 1970 when the Somali government nationalized the banking system.

“We welcome the investment and the establishment of Ziraat Bank,” Abdullahi said. “It will boost our financial sector, it will create jobs, it will attract or facilitate investment.” https://www.voanews.com/a/somalia-welcomes-first-foreign-bank-branch-in-over-half-century-/7333169.html

#Ethiopia: Drought, conflict lead to high school dropout rates in #Amhara region

Education officials in the Amhara region report a significant drop in student attendance due to the persistent drought. Over 1,600 students have been forced to drop out in the drought-stricken #Sehala district of the #Wagihimra zone, adding to the already staggering figure of three million students unable to register.

The ongoing conflict and lack of rain have devastated the region, depleting water resources and impacting crop and livestock production. Families have migrated, causing a severe lack of educational materials and high dropout rates. Schools are struggling to operate in harsh conditions.

Urgent assistance is needed to provide educational materials and support programs for displaced students and families. Additionally, hunger-related deaths have been registered, emphasizing the dire situation.

https://addisstandard.com/news-drought-conflict-lead-to-high-school-dropout-rates-in-amhara-region/

World heritage site listing for Ethiopian park leads to eviction of farming community

Bale Mountains National Park in #Ethiopia has been designated as a #UNESCO World Heritage site, but this comes with a cost. Park officials have announced that more than 20,000 people living inside the park will be evicted. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, but illegal human settlements have been on the rise, posing a threat to natural resources and the habitat of rare species.

The planned relocation has received mixed reactions from the community, with some opposing it due to attachment to the land and concerns about their livelihoods, while others are requesting fair compensation.

The relocation strategy is still in its early stages and has not been officially shared with the communities. UNESCO and Ethiopian officials emphasize the importance of consulting the locals and supporting their livelihoods.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/10/world-heritage-site-listing-for-ethiopian-park-leads-to-eviction-of-farming-community/#:~:text=On%20Sept.%2018%2C%20Bale%20Mountains,residents%20living%20in%20the%20park.

News: Amnesty International exposes Facebook’s role in human rights abuses in #Ethiopia

#Amnesty_International has implicated #Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of #Facebook, in exacerbating human rights abuses during the armed conflict in northern Ethiopia. A report by Amnesty reveals that Meta's algorithmic systems and business practices may have contributed to violence against people from #Tigray.

The investigation shows that Facebook's algorithms and business models amplified dehumanizing and ethnically targeted content. The report highlights specific cases, including the killing of university professor #Meareg_Amare.

Amnesty is calling for urgent reforms and regulation of big tech companies to protect human rights and ensure accountability. The report also features the case of #Freweyni_Hetsay, who lost family members due to hate speech on social media.

https://addisstandard.com/news-amnesty-international-exposes-facebooks-role-in-human-rights-abuses-in-ethiopia/

#KEFI on track as conditions improve in #Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia

KEFI Gold and Copper PLC said it is on track to have all three of its projects up and running by 2026. The first project, #Tulu_Kapi in Ethiopia, is set to begin operations in 2025, followed by Jibal Qutman and Hawiah in #Saudi_Arabia in 2026.

According to Harry Adams, KEFI's CEO, the mining industry conditions in both countries are improving, leading the company to increase its exploration efforts. KEFI is currently finalizing the details for a $320 million financing package, which will pave the way for construction to begin later this year.

Adams expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the third quarter, stating that the team has been diligently working on meeting the necessary requirements for the launch of the Tulu Kapi project in Ethiopia, as well as developing plans for the Jibal Qutman and Hawiah projects in Saudi Arabia.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1031471/kefi-on-track-as-conditions-improve-in-ethiopia-and-saudi-arabia-1031471.html