#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/
#Ethiopia: Malaria epidemic grips #Amhara region with 82.5% of districts affected
The Amhara Health Bureau revealed yesterday that a significant 82.5% of districts in the region are grappling with the rapid spread of malaria. In response, officials from the bureau joined forces with malaria prevention and control experts in #Bahir_Dar to strategize effective measures against the epidemic.
During the discussion, Meleseaw Chanyalew, Director at the bureau, highlighted the significant impact of malaria on the community in most areas of the region, leading to a high number of illnesses and fatalities. Health experts further revealed that due to security concerns, many health facilities remain closed, while the ones in operation face shortages of medicine and malaria test kits.
Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1724316980126068794
The Amhara Health Bureau revealed yesterday that a significant 82.5% of districts in the region are grappling with the rapid spread of malaria. In response, officials from the bureau joined forces with malaria prevention and control experts in #Bahir_Dar to strategize effective measures against the epidemic.
During the discussion, Meleseaw Chanyalew, Director at the bureau, highlighted the significant impact of malaria on the community in most areas of the region, leading to a high number of illnesses and fatalities. Health experts further revealed that due to security concerns, many health facilities remain closed, while the ones in operation face shortages of medicine and malaria test kits.
Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1724316980126068794
Conflict, climatic shocks drive humanitarian needs in #Ethiopia: UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR) has highlighted conflict and climatic shocks as the main catalysts behind humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, according to a recent report. In the past 10 months, the agency stated that insecurity, intercommunal conflict, and climatic shocks have continued to drive the pressing needs in the East African country.
The outbreak of conflicts in the #Amhara region has notably impacted access to essential aid for displaced and returning communities. Economic barriers, such as soaring prices and reduced purchasing power, have also prevented displacement-affected populations from obtaining necessary items and shelters.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-emergency-shelter-and-nfi-cluster-monthly-response-monitoring-dashboard-31-october-2023
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR) has highlighted conflict and climatic shocks as the main catalysts behind humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, according to a recent report. In the past 10 months, the agency stated that insecurity, intercommunal conflict, and climatic shocks have continued to drive the pressing needs in the East African country.
The outbreak of conflicts in the #Amhara region has notably impacted access to essential aid for displaced and returning communities. Economic barriers, such as soaring prices and reduced purchasing power, have also prevented displacement-affected populations from obtaining necessary items and shelters.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-emergency-shelter-and-nfi-cluster-monthly-response-monitoring-dashboard-31-october-2023
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#Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed is responding to several questions raised from law makers at the ongoing 3rd year 4th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR).
MP Bartema candidly said that Ethiopians elected the current government with a dose of "trust and love" to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed due in large part to his promises to transition the country, among others, by curbing joblessness, tackling the rising cost of living, strengthening democratic institution building processes and curbing extreme nationalism to foster the culture democratic pluralism all aimed at improving the lives of Ethiopians.
MP Bartema goes on saying that despite promises of peace after the Pretoria agreement to end the war in Tigray, other conflicts are exacerbated in the country and even the Pretoria agreement itself is not delivering as expected.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724336364286574816?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
MP Bartema candidly said that Ethiopians elected the current government with a dose of "trust and love" to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed due in large part to his promises to transition the country, among others, by curbing joblessness, tackling the rising cost of living, strengthening democratic institution building processes and curbing extreme nationalism to foster the culture democratic pluralism all aimed at improving the lives of Ethiopians.
MP Bartema goes on saying that despite promises of peace after the Pretoria agreement to end the war in Tigray, other conflicts are exacerbated in the country and even the Pretoria agreement itself is not delivering as expected.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1724336364286574816?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA