Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, during which they had discussions related to both bilateral and regional issues, with a focus on #Ethiopia's development and economic reforms.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted that they have come to an agreement to establish a high-level joint ministerial committee, aiming to receive #Saudi support for Ethiopia's macroeconomic reforms through debt restructuring, energy collaboration, development finance, and investments.
The Prime Minister is currently attending the #Saudi_Africa_Summit, organized by the Kingdom to enhance cooperation with #African nations on various fronts such as regional security concerns, strengthening political and economic ties, working towards energy solutions, and fostering investment collaborations, among other areas.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted that they have come to an agreement to establish a high-level joint ministerial committee, aiming to receive #Saudi support for Ethiopia's macroeconomic reforms through debt restructuring, energy collaboration, development finance, and investments.
The Prime Minister is currently attending the #Saudi_Africa_Summit, organized by the Kingdom to enhance cooperation with #African nations on various fronts such as regional security concerns, strengthening political and economic ties, working towards energy solutions, and fostering investment collaborations, among other areas.
#Ethiopia shifts to third place as #Africa's top refugee hosting country
Ethiopia has recently become the third largest refugee hosting country in Africa, a significant change after holding the top spot for several years. According to the latest report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), there are currently 953,664 refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia. The majority of these individuals originate from #South_Sudan, #Somalia, and #Eritrea. #Uganda and #Sudan hold the first and second positions.
The influx of refugees into Ethiopia has risen dramatically due to the civil war that broke out six months ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/104653
Ethiopia has recently become the third largest refugee hosting country in Africa, a significant change after holding the top spot for several years. According to the latest report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), there are currently 953,664 refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia. The majority of these individuals originate from #South_Sudan, #Somalia, and #Eritrea. #Uganda and #Sudan hold the first and second positions.
The influx of refugees into Ethiopia has risen dramatically due to the civil war that broke out six months ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/104653
#Ethiopia: Diaspora Dilemma: Shadows of disinformation among Ethiopian diaspora
With a #diaspora_community numbering in the millions, Ethiopians abroad actively discuss their home country's challenges, including civil unrest, ethnic tensions, and conflicts. The diaspora's opinions and emotions often reflect the situation in #Ethiopia, where political instability and violence have led to a rise in migration.
However, there is concern over misinformation and disinformation circulating within the diaspora community, with online platforms increasingly being used to spread hateful messages and false narratives. Some diaspora-run social media accounts spread hate speech and false information, creating divisions among Ethiopians.
This trend is concerning to experts, who point out that such misinformation can have severe consequences. Dr. Mulatu Alemayehu, an associate professor of journalism who studied hate speech and online debates some eight years ago, highlights the rise of dangerous speech and disinformation from the diaspora community, causing concern about the consequences it may have.
https://addisstandard.com/diaspora-dilemma-shadows-of-disinformation-among-ethiopian-diaspora/
With a #diaspora_community numbering in the millions, Ethiopians abroad actively discuss their home country's challenges, including civil unrest, ethnic tensions, and conflicts. The diaspora's opinions and emotions often reflect the situation in #Ethiopia, where political instability and violence have led to a rise in migration.
However, there is concern over misinformation and disinformation circulating within the diaspora community, with online platforms increasingly being used to spread hateful messages and false narratives. Some diaspora-run social media accounts spread hate speech and false information, creating divisions among Ethiopians.
This trend is concerning to experts, who point out that such misinformation can have severe consequences. Dr. Mulatu Alemayehu, an associate professor of journalism who studied hate speech and online debates some eight years ago, highlights the rise of dangerous speech and disinformation from the diaspora community, causing concern about the consequences it may have.
https://addisstandard.com/diaspora-dilemma-shadows-of-disinformation-among-ethiopian-diaspora/
Addis Standard
Diaspora Dilemma: Shadows of disinformation among Ethiopian diaspora - Addis Standard
Diaspora Dilemma: Shadows of disinformation among Ethiopian diaspora Addis Standard Politics -
#Ethiopia: Ethiopian Orthodox Church calls for urgent protection of 900-year-old #Lalibela churches amidst ongoing armed conflict
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has expressed serious concerns about the safety of the historic 900-year-old churches in the northern city of Lalibela, citing the ongoing armed conflict between the federal government and Fano militants in the #Amhara region. The eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a #UNESCO World Heritage site, are at risk due to the lack of peace and the war situation in the area, according to His Grace Abune Ermias, Archbishop of the North Wollo Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Abune Ermias urged all parties involved to take necessary action to ensure the preservation and safety of this heritage.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02AWsYnH3FMrBc81ViPfZzKdyvg4mvhXbSJE9P3bfZ7NtD8UDABKTJr8kKZzybNBP5l&id=100064657363280&mibextid=cr9u03
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has expressed serious concerns about the safety of the historic 900-year-old churches in the northern city of Lalibela, citing the ongoing armed conflict between the federal government and Fano militants in the #Amhara region. The eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a #UNESCO World Heritage site, are at risk due to the lack of peace and the war situation in the area, according to His Grace Abune Ermias, Archbishop of the North Wollo Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Abune Ermias urged all parties involved to take necessary action to ensure the preservation and safety of this heritage.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02AWsYnH3FMrBc81ViPfZzKdyvg4mvhXbSJE9P3bfZ7NtD8UDABKTJr8kKZzybNBP5l&id=100064657363280&mibextid=cr9u03
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The Young Innovator: Aiming to be a global leader in digital technology solutions
Meet Abdiwak Bekele.
He is the cofounder of Omishtu Joy, a tech company that has three awards to its name: the Champion of Africa Agtech and Inclusive Insurance Challenge, the Winner of the #Ethiopia Startup Innovation Award, and the Winner of the Bruh Best Tech Business Idea Competition.
He highlights the challenges associated with trade licenses and revenue, as well as the indifferent treatment of traditional businesses and start-ups.
Watch as he dives into the vision of Omishtu Joy and his message for youth who want to innovate.
Meet Abdiwak Bekele.
He is the cofounder of Omishtu Joy, a tech company that has three awards to its name: the Champion of Africa Agtech and Inclusive Insurance Challenge, the Winner of the #Ethiopia Startup Innovation Award, and the Winner of the Bruh Best Tech Business Idea Competition.
He highlights the challenges associated with trade licenses and revenue, as well as the indifferent treatment of traditional businesses and start-ups.
Watch as he dives into the vision of Omishtu Joy and his message for youth who want to innovate.
#Ethiopia: Armed members of #GPDM surrender peacefully in #Mandura district, Benishangul-Gumuz region
Armed members of the Gumuz People's Democratic Movement (GPDM) in Mandura District of the #Metekel Zone have peacefully surrendered after heeding the government's call for peace, as stated by the #Benishangul_Gumuz regional government. The senior officials and elders of the zone welcomed the members of the armed group in #Gente_Mariam town.
The GPDM is an armed rebel group located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia. The recently surrendered armed group was led by individuals named Mekuriaw Zifaha and Mekonnen Fano. This armed force had been based in the forests of Mandura district and had posed threats in the bordering areas.
Armed members of the Gumuz People's Democratic Movement (GPDM) in Mandura District of the #Metekel Zone have peacefully surrendered after heeding the government's call for peace, as stated by the #Benishangul_Gumuz regional government. The senior officials and elders of the zone welcomed the members of the armed group in #Gente_Mariam town.
The GPDM is an armed rebel group located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia. The recently surrendered armed group was led by individuals named Mekuriaw Zifaha and Mekonnen Fano. This armed force had been based in the forests of Mandura district and had posed threats in the bordering areas.
#Ethiopia: Petroleum and Energy Authority takes action against unauthorized fuel trading at gas stations
The Petroleum and Energy Authority has cracked down on gas stations engaging in unauthorized fuel trading outside the established system in a bid to ensure fair competition and curb unscrupulous practices in the industry. In an announcement made yesterday, the authority disclosed that it has imposed a one-month ban and issued a written warning to a total of 97 gas stations located in #Addis_Abeba and #Sheger City Administration.
These sanctions were enforced due to the gas stations selling fuel outside of the digital fuel marketing system and exceeding their allocated fuel charges. Among the 97 gas stations, 40 have been subjected to a one-month ban, while the remaining 57 have received written warnings.
The Petroleum and Energy Authority has cracked down on gas stations engaging in unauthorized fuel trading outside the established system in a bid to ensure fair competition and curb unscrupulous practices in the industry. In an announcement made yesterday, the authority disclosed that it has imposed a one-month ban and issued a written warning to a total of 97 gas stations located in #Addis_Abeba and #Sheger City Administration.
These sanctions were enforced due to the gas stations selling fuel outside of the digital fuel marketing system and exceeding their allocated fuel charges. Among the 97 gas stations, 40 have been subjected to a one-month ban, while the remaining 57 have received written warnings.
Connecting #Ethiopia and #Djibouti: a railway built by the #Chinese for the #African people
Located in Addis Abeba’s outskirts, the #Indode cargo station is an important transportation center on the Addis Abeba-Djibouti railway. The station wasn't officially opened until 2018, but in 2016, when Ethiopia was hit by a devastating drought and food shortage, it served as an important freight hub, moving a total of 888,00 tones of grains to help feed the starving population.
There are around 200 people working at the station, only five of whom are Chinese. The majority of the top-tier positions have already been delegated to locals.
Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele, 36, has seen the Addis Abeba railway being built first hand. For more than eleven years, he has worked on the Addis Abeba-Djibouti railway. After working as an engineer supervising the railway's construction, he was promoted to station manager in 2018...
http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/1113/c90000-20096437.html
Located in Addis Abeba’s outskirts, the #Indode cargo station is an important transportation center on the Addis Abeba-Djibouti railway. The station wasn't officially opened until 2018, but in 2016, when Ethiopia was hit by a devastating drought and food shortage, it served as an important freight hub, moving a total of 888,00 tones of grains to help feed the starving population.
There are around 200 people working at the station, only five of whom are Chinese. The majority of the top-tier positions have already been delegated to locals.
Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele, 36, has seen the Addis Abeba railway being built first hand. For more than eleven years, he has worked on the Addis Abeba-Djibouti railway. After working as an engineer supervising the railway's construction, he was promoted to station manager in 2018...
http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/1113/c90000-20096437.html
#Ethiopia: Lt. Gen. Berhanu Bekele, Federal Army's North West Command Chief and Chairman of #Amhara State Command Post, cautioned regional and zonal officials of the crisis-hit region that they "should determinedly work with security forces" to bring the "relative peace" achieved in the region "to an irreversible level."
Lt. Gen. Berhanu said this during a discussion with the regional and zonal administration officials of the Amhara regional state where the federal army is engaged in a militarized battle with the Fano militants.
Lt. Gen. Berhanu accused a "group of extremists and robbers" for the crisis and that the army was "dispersing" them.
Click here to read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724031617587364278?s=20
Lt. Gen. Berhanu said this during a discussion with the regional and zonal administration officials of the Amhara regional state where the federal army is engaged in a militarized battle with the Fano militants.
Lt. Gen. Berhanu accused a "group of extremists and robbers" for the crisis and that the army was "dispersing" them.
Click here to read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724031617587364278?s=20
#Ethiopia: Senior gov’t officials join military leaders in Dar es Salaam as ongoing talks with OLA progress positively
Positive progress has been made in the ongoing negotiations between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in #Dar_es_Salaam, according to sources close to the mediation team. Redwan Hussein, the national security adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Justice, joined the talks yesterday, demonstrating confidence in both the negotiations and the mediation team.
Following days of engagement, the parties have now transitioned to addressing the substantive issues at hand. The talks, which began last week with top military leaders from both sides, were facilitated by a #US delegation led by Ambassador Mike Hammer and senior diplomats from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD), #Kenya, and #Norway.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the head of IGAD, is reportedly actively facilitating the talks. The executive secretary of IGAD expressed commitment to supporting member states in overcoming challenges. The talks aim to find a settlement to end the near five-year militarized conflict in the #Oromia regional state. While positive progress has been acknowledged, the previous dialogue held in May concluded without an agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/news-senior-govt-officials-join-military-leaders-in-dar-es-salaam-as-ongoing-talks-with-ola-progress-positively/
Positive progress has been made in the ongoing negotiations between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in #Dar_es_Salaam, according to sources close to the mediation team. Redwan Hussein, the national security adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Justice, joined the talks yesterday, demonstrating confidence in both the negotiations and the mediation team.
Following days of engagement, the parties have now transitioned to addressing the substantive issues at hand. The talks, which began last week with top military leaders from both sides, were facilitated by a #US delegation led by Ambassador Mike Hammer and senior diplomats from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD), #Kenya, and #Norway.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the head of IGAD, is reportedly actively facilitating the talks. The executive secretary of IGAD expressed commitment to supporting member states in overcoming challenges. The talks aim to find a settlement to end the near five-year militarized conflict in the #Oromia regional state. While positive progress has been acknowledged, the previous dialogue held in May concluded without an agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/news-senior-govt-officials-join-military-leaders-in-dar-es-salaam-as-ongoing-talks-with-ola-progress-positively/
Addis Standard
News: Senior gov’t officials join military leaders in Dar es Salaam as ongoing talks with OLA progress positively - Addis Standard
News: Senior gov’t officials join military leaders in Dar es Salaam as ongoing talks with OLA progress positively Addis Standard Politics -
News Analysis: #Ethiopian #Khat exporters navigate strict pre-licensing requirements amidst call for oversight, increased revenue
In a bid to improve oversight and boost export earnings, Ethiopia has implemented new regulations for khat exporters. Exporters are now required to undergo a rigorous registration process, including entering into a mandatory agreement with the government. To ensure efficient tracking during transportation, exporters must use vehicles equipped with GPS trackers.
The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has introduced pre-license requirements for khat export businesses. New exporters must commit to shipping a minimum of 100 metric tons annually, while experienced exporters must provide documentation of past shipments or foreign currency earnings. However, exporters say reaching the $500,000 annual revenue target can be challenging due to economic conditions and government regulations.
The new regulations also require exporters to refrain from engaging in domestic khat business. Additionally, they must prove they are not delinquent and possess or lease a concrete warehouse of at least 100 square meters.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-ethiopian-khat-exporters-navigate-strict-pre-licensing-requirements-amidst-call-for-oversight-increased-revenue/
In a bid to improve oversight and boost export earnings, Ethiopia has implemented new regulations for khat exporters. Exporters are now required to undergo a rigorous registration process, including entering into a mandatory agreement with the government. To ensure efficient tracking during transportation, exporters must use vehicles equipped with GPS trackers.
The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has introduced pre-license requirements for khat export businesses. New exporters must commit to shipping a minimum of 100 metric tons annually, while experienced exporters must provide documentation of past shipments or foreign currency earnings. However, exporters say reaching the $500,000 annual revenue target can be challenging due to economic conditions and government regulations.
The new regulations also require exporters to refrain from engaging in domestic khat business. Additionally, they must prove they are not delinquent and possess or lease a concrete warehouse of at least 100 square meters.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-ethiopian-khat-exporters-navigate-strict-pre-licensing-requirements-amidst-call-for-oversight-increased-revenue/
Addis Standard
News Analysis: Ethiopian Khat exporters navigate strict pre-licensing requirements amidst call for oversight, increased revenue…
News Analysis: Ethiopian Khat exporters navigate strict pre-licensing requirements amidst call for oversight, increased revenue Addis Standard News -
#Ethiopia #Update: The road connecting localities from #Gilgel_Beles to #Dwanze_Baguna to #Dibate in the conflict-hit #Metekel Zone, #Benishangul_Gumuz region, re-opened today after many years, according zonal communication bureau.
The road has been disconnected for years due to security crisis in the Metekl Zone, which has claimed the lives of countless civilians over the last five years.
The Benishangul Gumuz regional government and GPDM leaders first signed a peace agreement in October 2022 aimed at resolving their differences “through dialogue.” But parts of the rebels have since remained actively engaged in militarized activities in the area.
Yesterday's announcement did not make it clear if all members have now laid arms in favor of peaceful struggle.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724058915422278129?s=20
The road has been disconnected for years due to security crisis in the Metekl Zone, which has claimed the lives of countless civilians over the last five years.
The Benishangul Gumuz regional government and GPDM leaders first signed a peace agreement in October 2022 aimed at resolving their differences “through dialogue.” But parts of the rebels have since remained actively engaged in militarized activities in the area.
Yesterday's announcement did not make it clear if all members have now laid arms in favor of peaceful struggle.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724058915422278129?s=20
#Ethiopia: Security guard kills four prisoners attempting to escape in #Tigray region
In a recent incident of prison unrest in the capital city of #Mekelle, Tigray, a security guard killed four prisoners out of a group of 125 who attempted to escape from the prison, state-owned Tigray Television reported.
According to Commander Amanuel Fissha, the city prison coordinator, on 11 October, 2023, the prisoners disregarded the law and made a violent attempt to flee, attacking 20 police guardians during a shift change. Consequently, 125 inmates were arrested, with four of them losing their lives in the process. The prisoners took advantage of the pandemonium to seize 12 knives and several mobile phones from the prison's food workers.
Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1724061809835970732
In a recent incident of prison unrest in the capital city of #Mekelle, Tigray, a security guard killed four prisoners out of a group of 125 who attempted to escape from the prison, state-owned Tigray Television reported.
According to Commander Amanuel Fissha, the city prison coordinator, on 11 October, 2023, the prisoners disregarded the law and made a violent attempt to flee, attacking 20 police guardians during a shift change. Consequently, 125 inmates were arrested, with four of them losing their lives in the process. The prisoners took advantage of the pandemonium to seize 12 knives and several mobile phones from the prison's food workers.
Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1724061809835970732
#Ethiopia: Parliament to hold regular meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressing queries
The House of Peoples’ representatives is scheduled to convene its 4th regular meeting of the 3rd year of office tomorrow, in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy is expected to elucidate and respond to inquiries raised by members of parliament concerning the inaugural address of the federal government's annual plan, delivered by President Sahle-Work Zewde on 28 September, 2023.
The House of Peoples’ representatives is scheduled to convene its 4th regular meeting of the 3rd year of office tomorrow, in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy is expected to elucidate and respond to inquiries raised by members of parliament concerning the inaugural address of the federal government's annual plan, delivered by President Sahle-Work Zewde on 28 September, 2023.
#NewsAlert: OLA issues first statement confirming ongoing "high-level peace talks" in #Tanzania
#Ethiopia: In the first official statement issued today since news of a second round peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the leadership of the #Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) broke last week, the later has confirmed the presence of the talks, and that the delegation is "headed by the Commander in Chief, Jaal Marroo Dirribaa and his deputy Jaal Gammachuu Abboyyee,"; it confirmed the delegation "has arrived in Tanzania for high-level peace talks."
Addis Standard reported last week that Kumsa Diriba, a.k.a. Jaal Marroo, OLA Commander (pictured left), flew to Tanzania and was shortly joined by his deputy and OLA’s Southern Command Chief Gemechu Regassa a.k.a Jaal Gammachuu Abboyyee.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724085232498839655?s=20
#Ethiopia: In the first official statement issued today since news of a second round peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the leadership of the #Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) broke last week, the later has confirmed the presence of the talks, and that the delegation is "headed by the Commander in Chief, Jaal Marroo Dirribaa and his deputy Jaal Gammachuu Abboyyee,"; it confirmed the delegation "has arrived in Tanzania for high-level peace talks."
Addis Standard reported last week that Kumsa Diriba, a.k.a. Jaal Marroo, OLA Commander (pictured left), flew to Tanzania and was shortly joined by his deputy and OLA’s Southern Command Chief Gemechu Regassa a.k.a Jaal Gammachuu Abboyyee.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724085232498839655?s=20
Just in - #Kenya-#Sudan -
William Ruto, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan agree to convene “an urgent #IGAD Summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process towards cessation of hostilities in Sudan.”
Kenyan President William Ruto and Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, met in Nairobi today and held bilateral talks on the recent security situation in Sudan and the Region.
A statement released by President Ruto outlined a major diplomatic breakthrough and said the two leaders agreed to “work towards the convening of an urgent IGAD Summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process towards cessation of hostilities in Sudan.”
The Summit will also agree on a framework for an all-inclusive Sudanese dialogue.
https://www.president.go.ke/joint-statement-at-the-conclusion-of-consultations-between-h-e-president-william-ruto-and-h-e-president-abdel-fattah-al-burhan/
William Ruto, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan agree to convene “an urgent #IGAD Summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process towards cessation of hostilities in Sudan.”
Kenyan President William Ruto and Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, met in Nairobi today and held bilateral talks on the recent security situation in Sudan and the Region.
A statement released by President Ruto outlined a major diplomatic breakthrough and said the two leaders agreed to “work towards the convening of an urgent IGAD Summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process towards cessation of hostilities in Sudan.”
The Summit will also agree on a framework for an all-inclusive Sudanese dialogue.
https://www.president.go.ke/joint-statement-at-the-conclusion-of-consultations-between-h-e-president-william-ruto-and-h-e-president-abdel-fattah-al-burhan/