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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#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
#Ethiopia: A year after #Pretoria peace agreement, challenges persist in rehabilitation of #Tigray’s ex-fighters

One year after the signing of the #Pretoria_Peace_Agreement, progress on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (#DDR) program in Ethiopia's Tigray region has been slow. While over 50,000 former combatants have been demobilized, thousands are still awaiting their certificates, including disabled fighters.

Addis Standard recently visited military camps in #Mekelle and highlighted the deficiencies in medical treatment, hygiene conditions, and the food system. Freweyni Abrha, a disabled ex-fighter, shared her experiences of inadequate medical attention and the need for psychotherapy to heal her inner wounds.

At the federal level, the National Rehabilitation Commission (#NRC) has identified ten camps in the Tigray region to facilitate the rehabilitation program for ex-combatants. However, the program has been delayed due to a lack of sufficient resources. The commission estimates that $800 million is needed for the program, with 85% of the funding being covered by international organizations like the #World_Bank and the remaining portion by the federal government.

https://addisstandard.com/feature-a-year-after-pretoria-peace-agreement-challenges-persist-in-rehabilitation-of-tigrays-ex-fighters/
#US to remove #Uganda and three other #African countries from #Agoa trade deal

US President Joe Biden has revealed plans to expel #Uganda, #Gabon, #Niger and the Central African Republic (#CAR) from a special US-Africa trade program.

The countries were either involved in "gross violations" of human rights or not making progress towards democratic rule, the president said. The US introduced the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) in 2000.

It gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US for more than 1,800 products.

"Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the Agoa eligibility criteria," President Biden said on Monday, in a letter addressed to the speaker of the US House of Representatives.

The four countries are yet to react to the announcement, which comes just before South Africa is due to host the 20th Agoa forum from Thursday this week. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67236251
Only half of #Ethiopia's annual hides, skins production utilized, according to Minister of Industry

Out of the 41 million pieces of hides and skins produced annually in Ethiopia, only 22 million are being properly utilized for various purposes, according to Melaku Alebel, the Minister of Industry. He disclosed this information earlier this week while discussing the leather development strategy document with government officials, stakeholders, and manufacturing industry owners.

Despite having more than 165 million cattle, the country has failed to generate the expected income from this sector. Last year, Ethiopia earned approximately $30 million from the export of leather and leather products. Melaku emphasized that the newly developed leather development strategy aims to strategically address the multifaceted and structural issues faced by leather manufacturers.

https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0qWzp7QkBT6VQScKvv6p4C5dBJ4wTLpphaNJ1DA4amwCXLuLmgHkU7kWwWNsY2QXl
Over 5 million people impacted by drought in #Amhara, #Tigray regions, UN report shows

According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over five million people are facing severe drought-like conditions in the Amhara and Tigray regions. The report reveals that approximately 3.5 million individuals are affected by these conditions in Amhara region, which are caused by crop failure, exacerbated food insecurity, a lack of agricultural resources, disease outbreaks, pest infestations, and farming disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts.

Despite the hope that the Meher harvest, expected between October 2023 and January 2024, will bring some relief in terms of food availability and access in parts of Tigray, it is anticipated that the production will still be below average, leading to early depletion of available food stocks.

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/ethiopia
#Israel-#Hamas war latest: Anger grows over Israeli attack on #Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza

- #Iran's Supreme Leader says Muslim countries should halt exports of oil and food to Israel

- #Bolivia cuts diplomatic relations with Israel

- #Chile recalls its ambassador from Israel over 'unacceptable violations of international law'

- Nine #Israeli soldiers killed yesterday in a battle in northern Gaza

Other key updates:

*Humanitarian groups have condemned Israel’s attack on #Jabalia refugee camp, saying the air raid should be a “wake-up call” to world leaders to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

*The director of the nearby Indonesian Hospital has said at least 50 people were killed and many others wounded in the attack; an Al Jazeera broadcast engineer lost 19 members of his family in the raid.

*The Ministry of Health in Gaza has called “anyone who has any quantity of fuel to supply it to the al-Shifa complex and the Indonesian Hospital”.

- #Internet still cut off for people in Gaza
#Ethiopia: #IDPs in Western #Oromia suffer from lack of aid, forced returns amid volatile security

For years, internally displaced people (IDPs) in Western Oromia, particularly in the #East_Wollega, #West_Wollega, #Kellem_Wollega, and #Horo_Guduru_Wollega zones, have been enduring dire conditions. However, relief operations are constrained due to security threats, exacerbating the crisis.

The majority of IDPs were uprooted from their villages due to the ongoing conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) and government forces, as well as recurrent attacks by the non-state armed militia called #Fano. Districts bordering the #Amhara region have been the epicenters of these displacements. According to recent assessments, there are an estimated 1.4 million IDPs residing in 141 camps spread over 11 zones and 96 districts in the Oromia region. Out of these, 753,674 displaced persons are in the four zones of Western Oromia alone.

One such heartbreaking story is that of Halima Ahmed, 29, who has been displaced twice within six years. In 2017, she was expelled from the Somali region due to political unrest and conflicts. After seeking refuge in Western Oromia, she managed to rebuild her life through farming. However, a cross-border attack in September 2022 uprooted her once again, causing trauma and leaving her and her two children homeless.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-idps-in-western-oromia-suffer-from-lack-of-aid-forced-returns-amid-volatile-security/
#Ethiopia: Addis Abeba Trade Bureau cracks down on Sunday market traders selling overpriced products

#Addis_Abeba Trade Bureau is cracking down on #Sunday_market traders selling goods at inflated prices.

Administrative measures have been taken against traders in three sub-cities. Onions, in particular, have seen a significant price increase, exceeding 100 birr per kilogram.

The Bureau said it will deploy experts to regulate and oversee the markets.

https://addisstandard.com/news-addis-abeba-trade-bureau-cracks-down-on-sunday-market-traders-selling-overpriced-products/
One year on: Despite peace holding on, many Tigrayans struggle to find their feet

One year after the peace deal between #Ethiopia and the #Tigray People's Liberation Front, life in Tigray is slowly returning to normal. However, the legacy of the two-year war still lingers, with many people struggling to rebuild their lives. The conflict left the region's infrastructure in ruins, with hospitals lacking medical equipment and schools yet to reopen. According to the International Organization for Migration, a million people remain displaced, with 234,000 in the capital city of Mekelle.

The discovery of diverted aid shipments led to the suspension of food assistance to Tigray, worsening the conditions for many. Ethiopia's inflation and job losses further exacerbate the situation, making it difficult for households to afford basic supplies, including food. Despite these challenges, the people of Tigray are trying to find solace in everyday activities and cherish moments with loved ones.

However, concerns persist. #Eritrean troops continue to operate in border areas, and the issue of western Tigray, captured by neighboring #Amhara forces, remains unresolved. The road to recovery for Tigray is still long, but the resilience and determination of its people remain strong.

https://www.trtworld.com/discrimination/one-year-on-despite-peace-holding-on-many-tigrayans-struggle-to-find-their-feet-15639113
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Power has been restored in the #Benishangul_Gumuz region after four days of blackout caused by grand theft on transmission lines.

According to #Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) the theft of electrical infrastructure in the last nine months of the current fiscal year alone amounts to 23 million birr. In the 2014 EC alone, some 756 tons of steel was stolen from electric towers resulting in a loss of 100 million birr.

Watch as technicians restore the damaged line in Benishangul Gumuz region earlier this week
Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit receives three million dollars' worth of spare parts

Spare parts worth three million dollars have arrived in #Addis_Abeba, according to Yang Yihang, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in #Ethiopia. These spare parts are specifically intended for the Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit System and are currently being delivered. The news emerged after a meeting held yesterday between Yang Yihang and Semereta Sewasew, State Minister for Finance, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The delivery of these spare parts is part of a $21 million financial support agreement signed in February 2023 between Ethiopia and #China. The 34-kilometer light rail system has faced severe shortages of spare parts, greatly hindering its ability to provide efficient transport services to commuters.

https://www.fanabc.com/english/china-ethiopia-seek-to-take-comprehensive-strategic-cooperation-to-highest-level/