#Ethiopia: #HRW says fighting, atrocities persist in #Tigray, #Amhara regions a year after peace deal

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized Ethiopia's failure to uphold a year-old peace deal in its Amhara and Tigray regions. In a statement on Wednesday, HRW accused Eritrean forces of killings, sexual violence, and obstructing aid in Tigray.

The statement also mentioned continuing clashes and abuses in the Amhara region.

HRW called on the #UN and concerned governments to pressure Ethiopia to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims.

https://addisstandard.com/news-hrw-says-fighting-atrocities-persist-in-tigray-amhara-regions-a-year-after-peace-deal/

#Ethiopia: Ethiopian Human Rights Council raises concern over alarming surge in abductions, attacks in #Oromia region

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (#EHRCo) has raised serious concerns about the growing number of abductions and attacks committed by armed groups mainly in the Oromia region. Despite pleas to federal and regional authorities to intervene, these acts continue, indicating a failure to protect human rights and ensure security.

EHRCo's statement underscores disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests, and other forms of abuse inflicted by armed groups in the region. The Council urges authorities to condemn the abuses, bring the culprits to justice, and take measures to safeguard communities.

It also promises to release a comprehensive report and support the crafting of stronger laws and policies.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-human-rights-council-raises-concern-over-alarming-surge-in-abductions-attacks-in-oromia-region/

#Tigray peace deal war anniversary: Humanitarian situation is ‘dire’

It is a year since a peace deal was agreed to end the bloody conflict in the Tigray region of #Ethiopia, which killed hundreds of thousands. Although the peace has lasted, many people have been unable to return home as parts of the region are still occupied, by #Eritrean forces to the north and #Amhara militias in the west.

Many are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. https://bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-67290495

#Ethiopia: The federal government dismissed the recent report by the government-led Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) detailing the presence of widespread human rights violation in the crisis-hit #Amhara region.

The government accused the commission's report of failing to take into consideration the existing "context and reality."

Legesse Tulu, Communication Service Minister, also said that although "the government organized these institutions to be free and independent, it is unnecessary to take all their reports as free and correct,” and cautioned EHRC that being free does not only mean "from the executive body, but also from aliens, infiltrators and different bodies."

#Ethiopia: 10 countries commend progresses, urge full implementation of Pretoria peace deal

Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in Ethiopia released a joint statement commending the progress made following the Pretoria peace agreement in northern Ethiopia.

While acknowledging the need for further actions to achieve lasting peace, the statement described the deal as a momentous achievement. It called for disarmament, dialogue, withdrawal of Eritrean and non-governmental forces, IDP returns, service recovery, support for conflict victims, transitional justice, and continued compliance monitoring.

The countries also expressed concern over ongoing violence and human rights violations, urging protection of civilians and inclusive dialogue.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-10-countries-commend-progresses-urge-full-implementation-of-pretoria-peace-deal/

#Ethiopia: Blinken cautions “Eritrean forces must fully withdraw” from Ethiopia, says “both Ethiopia and #Eritrea must refrain from provocation and respect the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries in the region.”

Addis Abeba- #US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken cautioned “Eritrean forces must fully withdraw” from Ethiopia.

One year after a peace agreement, Eritrean forces continued occupying 52 Kebeles (districts) in north and north eastern #Tigray region where they continued committing atrocity crimes.

In connection with the 1st year anniversary of the AU brokered Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Gov of Ethiopia & the Tigray People’s Liberation Front signed in #Pretoria, South Africa a year ago today, Blinken said the “Agreement silenced the guns and ended a horrific two-year war that killed hundreds of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes.”

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1720122457711894948?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA

Sheger Bakery to resume operations, distribution of popular bread after months of closure

After months of closure, #Sheger_Bakery is set to resume its operations and begin distributing its popular bread today, 03 November, 2023. The decision to halt the bakery's operation, according to the Addis Abeba City Administration, was due to challenges related to wheat procurement.

Prior to its closure, Sheger had been supplying its bread to residents of #Addis_Abeba through over 400 retail outlets located in various parts of the city, including converted city buses.

Sheger has been providing consumers with a loaf of bread priced at 1 birr and 20 cents. However, according to the City Administration, the price of a loaf of bread has now increased to five birr.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0qPBat9W47zTMEZxrD7SNXxXh3fLGxyMd4gXYsBRxJwYDTR7ACVgYTSbjrnw9oQg8l&id=100069351701097

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: A grim reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom

In 2014, the #UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2 November as the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists." This significant date serves as a reminder for member states to take concrete action against the prevailing culture of impunity. The choice of this day holds poignant significance, commemorating the assassination of two #French journalists in #Mali on 02 November, 2013.

According to the 2022 #UNESCO Director-General's report on the safety of journalists and the perils of impunity, a staggering number of 1,600 reporters have lost their lives since 1993, simply for bringing news and information to the public. Tragically, the ongoing #Israel_Gaza conflict has further exacerbated this dire situation, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ) reporting that at least 35 journalists and media workers have been among the estimated 10,000 killed since the war began on 07 October, 2023.

Last week, Addis Standard published an article shedding light on the alarming erosion of press freedom in #Ethiopia, particularly during periods of political turmoil such as the one that has unfolded over the past four years. The article highlights numerous violations endured by journalists and media professionals, including harassment, arrests, and forced exile.

To read the full article, please follow the link:

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

#Somalia PM declares #Hamas a liberation group, not terrorists

Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said on Thursday that the Hamas group was not a terrorist organization but a liberation group fighting to protect Palestinian lands.

Speaking at the second annual commemoration of Sheikh Abdulkhadir Jeilani in Mogadishu, Prime Minister Barre urged the Somali people not to forget what is happening in Palestine, even though al-Shabaab remains a problem in Somalia.

“The Islamic world was forced to fight each other, and then a Khawarij was sent to them, with each group preoccupied with the other. Now, they want to convince us to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. We don’t say it, and we don’t accept it,” said the Prime Minister.

“Where is the world? Where are the human rights defenders? Where are the children’s rights defenders? Where are the women’s rights defenders? Where have they gone?” he questioned.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the only satisfactory solution is a two-state solution, saying, “We will not compromise until we see a Palestinian government with Jerusalem as its capital. The blood of the people of Gaza is the beginning of the liberation of Al-Aqsa.”

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2023/11/02/somalia-pm-declares-hamas-a-liberation-group-not-a-terrorists/

Op-ed: The #Pretoria Peace Agreement: Broken promises and the urgent call for amendment and renegotiation

A year ago, the #Ethiopian government and the #Tigray People's Liberation Front signed an agreement to bring an end to the civil war in the country. However, there are growing concerns regarding the effectiveness of this agreement. According to Esayas Hailemariam, the federal government has failed to fulfill its obligations of restoring Tigray territories and protecting Tigray civilians from hostilities by Eritrean forces. Consequently, Tigrayans feel that the agreement has not delivered on its promises. Esayas also highlights the presence of evidence indicating the commission of genocide in Tigray, with insufficient measures in place to safeguard the civilian population.

Esayas further points out that both #Eritrean and #Amhara forces have not withdrawn from Tigray, thereby preventing displaced Tigrayans from returning to their homes. "The disregard for the need for humanitarian access and reconstruction in Tigray is deeply concerning," he asserts. "Furthermore, the agreement fails to address the withdrawal of Amhara forces and the return of all Tigray territories."

The author emphasizes the significance of Western Tigray, which serves as a crucial corridor for Tigray's external connections and economic activities. He argues that the Ethiopian government's failure to restore Tigray territories constitutes a serious violation of the agreement.

https://addisstandard.com/op-ed-the-pretoria-peace-agreement-broken-promises-and-the-urgent-call-for-amendment-and-renegotiation/

#Ethiopia: Detention, displacement in Bosat, #Oromia region following tragic murder of three including a mother of seven

Three civilians, including Kuli Hawas, a mother of seven, were allegedly killed by members of the National Defense Forces in Garri Nura Dhera village, #East_Shoa_Zone, Oromia Region. The other victims have been identified as Gada Godana and Boru Bekele. According to residents, Kuli was arrested on 25 October, 2023, and found dead alongside the other victims on the morning of 29 October, 2023.

One of Kuli's children revealed that their mother was taken to a military camp called Sogido by the Defense Forces, who accused her son and his comrades of causing harm to them. Active fighting between the Ola and government forces had been happening prior to the arrest. Another individual named Tufa Edao, 87, survived a gunshot and is currently receiving treatment in #Wolanchiti town.

Following the arrest of Kuli and the others, the entire population of Garri Nura Dhera village, consisting of 1,900 households, was forced to evacuate by the Defense Forces. They are now living in temporary plastic homes near Sogido military camp and Chancho, enduring difficult living conditions.

https://addisstandard.com/news-detention-displacement-in-bosat-oromia-region-following-tragic-murder-of-three-including-a-mother-of-seven/

News: #Ethiopia’s credit rating downgraded by #Fitch, amplifying high default risk

Fitch Ratings, a renowned credit rating agency, downgrades Ethiopia's long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) from 'ccc-' to 'cc'. This downgrade reflects the country's increased vulnerability to financial obligations without defaulting.

The decline in liquidity and substantial financing shortfalls have raised the risk of potential default. This is the second downgrade since September 2023 when #Moody's also downgraded Ethiopia's currency rating.

Fitch highlights that Ethiopia's 'cc' rating is associated with its involvement in the G20 Common Framework (CF) debt relief initiative, where progress has been limited. Delays in securing financing from the International Monetary Fund (#IMF) and other multilaterals worsen Ethiopia's liquidity situation.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopias-credit-rating-downgraded-by-fitch-amplifying-high-default-risk/

News: Global Eritrean opposition movement ‘Birged Nhamedu’ set foot in #Ethiopia’s Tigray region

The Global Popular Front of #Eritrea, known as #Birged_Nhamedu, has taken a stand against the ruling People's Front for Democracy and Justice (#PFDJ) in Eritrea. Recently, the group held its first discussion in #Adigrat, Ethiopia, to strategize ways to strengthen its movement.

The Global Head of Birged Nhamedu, Kibreab Kiros, stated that the popular front is engaging in activities worldwide, including #Europe, #America, #Australia, and #Israel, with the objective of removing the oppressive regime in Eritrea and ensuring the safety of its people.

Following protests in Europe, Birged Nhamedu gained global momentum, and discussions were held in Adigrat city as part of this youth movement. Birged Nhamedu aims to disrupt the Eritrean government's fundraising structure and establish a new system that promotes development and freedom.

https://addisstandard.com/news-global-eritrean-opposition-movement-birged-nhamedu-set-foot-in-ethiopias-tigray-region/