#Ethiopia agrees debt-service suspension with official creditors

Ethiopia has reached an agreement in principle with its official bilateral creditors on an interim debt-service suspension on its official bilateral debt, its finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ethiopia requested the debt-service suspension while carrying out program discussions with the International Monetary Fund (#IMF) and seeking to conclude debt restructuring negotiations with official bilateral creditors under the G20's Common Framework, the finance ministry added.

"Ethiopia is currently holding discussions with the IMF with the objective of reaching an agreement on a set of policies and reforms that could underpin the adoption by the IMF Executive Board of a new program for Ethiopia," it said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-agrees-debt-service-suspension-with-official-creditors-2023-11-15/

News: #USAID to resume vital food assistance in #Ethiopia following reforms to prevent aid diversion

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has just announced that it will resume vital food assistance in Ethiopia next month. This decision comes after significant reforms were implemented by the Ethiopian government and humanitarian partners.

Six months ago, USAID had to suspend all food aid due to evidence of widespread diversion, which was depriving vulnerable communities in #Tigray of much-needed relief. Additionally, the World Food Program (#WFP) also halted humanitarian assistance in May 2023 due to alleged reports of aid diversion.

A thorough investigation carried out by USAID's Inspector General exposed the diversion and sale of food supplies that were meant for famine-affected populations in Tigray. Consequently, all assistance to the region was stopped until rigorous oversight mechanisms could be established.

https://addisstandard.com/news-usaid-to-resume-vital-food-assistance-in-ethiopia-following-reforms-to-prevent-aid-diversion/

#Rwanda asylum plan unlawful, #UK Supreme Court

The British Government's plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is unlawful, the Supreme Court has ruled.
The plan is designed to deter people crossing in small boats across the Channel.

Once in Rwanda, people could claim asylum there, return home, or seek asylum in a third country - not the UK.

But since being announced, the plan has been thwarted by legal challenges - the High Court ruled it lawful, before the Court of Appeal overturned the decision

The Supreme Court has now confirmed the Court of Appeal's decision. https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-67418363?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=65549a931ec331355f9630ef%26Government%27s%20Rwanda%20plan%20ruled%20unlawful%262023-11-15T10%3A17%3A35.392Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:04a5a8e5-58c7-471a-880c-26fdc032d66c&pinned_post_asset_id=65549a931ec331355f9630ef&pinned_post_type=share

#Ethiopia: Death toll from malaria outbreak in Western #Oromia “significantly higher” – OPA

The Oromia Physicians Association (#OPA) is sending doctors to provide emergency healthcare services in #Western_Oromia, where there is a severe malaria outbreak. The situation in the #West_Wollega and #Kellem_Wollega zones is worse than previously reported, with over 156,599 and 92,376 confirmed cases of malaria in the past three months respectively.

The OPA believes that the numbers reported underestimate the true extent of the outbreak and its impact on communities due to damaged or non-functional health facilities. The association has received support from stakeholders, including the diaspora, to procure medical supplies for affected areas.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA), a total of 774,519 malaria cases with 180 deaths have been reported in Oromia since January 2023, with the majority of cases coming from Western Oromia, particularly the West Wollega and Kellem Wollega zones.

https://addisstandard.com/news-death-toll-from-malaria-outbreak-in-western-oromia-significantly-higher-opa/

#Ethiopia: Glass half-full or half-empty? Exploring the #Pretoria Peace Agreement’s achievements, failures

The #Tigray war ended a year ago after lasting for two tumultuous years, resulting in over half a million lives lost. The cessation of hostilities took place in Pretoria, #South_Africa, with the signing of a peace agreement by the federal government and Tigray forces. Although the accord received acclaim for bringing relief and hope, the implementation of critical elements has been delayed. Intellectuals and analysts from the Tigray region are reflecting on their initial expectations, successes achieved so far, and the challenges ahead.

Expectations included immediate humanitarian access and the return of displaced people, withdrawal of forces, and peaceful reintegration of ex-fighters. Progress has fallen short, but there have been modest achievements like partial resumption of schooling and basic health services. Observers say the major achievement of the agreement has been the cessation of hostilities, shifting the focus from war to peaceful dialogue.

However, there are shortcomings. Unrestricted access to aid and medicine has not been ensured, impacting the population. Displaced individuals have not been able to return home as anticipated. Concerns remain over ongoing violence and repression by occupying forces.

https://addisstandard.com/glass-half-full-or-half-empty-exploring-the-pretoria-peace-agreements-achievements-failures/

#Ethiopia: Conflict in #Amhara region disrupts delivery of food aid, transportation of fertilizers

The ongoing conflict in Amhara region is causing road closures, severely hampering the delivery of food aid to drought-affected communities in the #Waghimra zone. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (#ERCS) disclosed that a truck carrying essential supplies, dispatched two weeks ago, remains stranded in #Bahir_Dar city due to the fighting.

This has prevented access to the intended destinations, hindering the delivery of vital assistance. The ERCS communication director for humanitarian diplomacy, Mesfin Dereje, highlighted past instances where conflict led to road closures and hindered aid access in the region.

In addition, the conflict has disrupted the transportation of soil fertilizer, crucial for farming, as extremist forces have been looting supplies. The Amhara Bureau of Agriculture has appealed for community cooperation to ensure timely provision of inputs necessary for farmers.

https://addisstandard.com/news-conflict-in-amhara-region-disrupts-delivery-of-food-aid-transportation-of-fertilizers/

#Ethiopia: Defense Minister says lower level admins’ failure to secure peace forcing army deployment for ‘small tasks’; army facing ‘massive defamation campaign’ by ‘extremist forces’

Defense Minister Dr. Abraham Belay told lawmakers that the failure by lower level administrative units including zone, Woreda and Kebele administrations to secure peace properly is leading to the deployment of the federal army “in every neighborhood and Kebele for small tasks.” He also accused ‘extremist forces’ of launching a ‘massive defamation campaign’ against the army.

Dr. Dima Negeo, Chair of the Standing Committee, on his part cautioned that the country’s political leadership should solve the political problems in order for the national defense forces to not get “busy with petty problems.”

The Chair further emphasized that Ethiopia’s “role and history in peacekeeping missions must be strengthened” and that the ministry of defense should “work to ensure transparency” in the recruitment process and deployment of army members.https://addisstandard.com/?p=39313

#Ethiopia’s only foreign-owned finance group withdraws citing FX constraints

*Departure of Ethio Lease is a blow to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to attract investors

***
The only foreign-owned financial services company operating in Ethiopia is pulling out of east Africa’s largest economy because of foreign exchange constraints, in a blow to efforts by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to attract investors.

Ethio Lease, a unit of New York-based African Asset Finance Company, is the first and only foreign group to secure a financial services licence to operate in Ethiopia. It is also the first company to lease imported equipment, including farm machinery and medical products, in the country of 120mn people.

“This is a huge loss for Ethiopia,” said Girma Wake, Ethio Lease’s Addis Ababa-based chair.

https://www.ft.com/content/95b97c87-1194-496d-9055-4ed8270fda88

U.S. Senator Risch commends USAID's resumption of food assistance to #Ethiopia, urges caution and accountability

U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has released a statement in response to the United States Agency for International Development's (#USAID) announcement to recommence U.S. food assistance to Ethiopia. Risch commends USAID's decision, noting that it follows a long-awaited agreement with the Ethiopian government to ensure the efficient, effective, and transparent use of aid, with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable populations.

However, Risch advises caution and stresses that the restoration of aid will be conducted on a trial basis. He calls upon the Ethiopian government to uphold its commitments, which required significant time to secure.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1725050490373714252

Over 64 migrants feared dead in #Yemen Shipwreck; IOM urges action for safe migration pathways

“Yemen serves as a crucial transit country for migrants from the Horn of Africa, primarily #Ethiopians travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or other Gulf nations in search of work. “

More than 64 people are missing and feared dead after the vessel they were traveling in capsized off the coast of Yemen on Sunday (12/11).   

“This tragedy highlights the pressing need for global cooperation in establishing safer migration pathways,” said Matt Huber, Acting Chief of Mission of IOM Yemen. “We urge our partners to collaborate closely with IOM to enhance support for migrants in Yemen, address the root causes behind their decision to embark on these dangerous journeys, and collectively work towards safer and more humane support for migrants.”   

This latest disaster serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrants who undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and better livelihood opportunities. Strategically positioned on the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen serves as a crucial transit country for migrants from the Horn of Africa, primarily Ethiopians travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or other Gulf nations in search of work.   

https://mena.iom.int/news/over-64-migrants-feared-dead-yemen-shipwreck-iom-urges-action-safe-migration-pathways

#Ethiopia: Rising number of #Tigray youth fleeing to the Arabian Peninsula amid food security challenges, limited job prospects

In the war-torn Tigray region, young people face food security challenges and limited job prospects, pushing them to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Many are embarking on dangerous journeys from #Djibouti's coast, crossing the perilous #Gulf_of_Aden in search of a brighter future. However, this route has become increasingly unsafe, raising concerns for their safety.

Haysh Subagadis, the head of Tigray Youth Afire, has expressed worry about the growing number of young Tigrayans illegally migrating to the #Arabian_Peninsula and other #African countries through various routes. Disturbing reports have reached authorities, including parents receiving death notifications and demands for high ransoms from smugglers in Yemen and other transit nations.

The war's devastation, coupled with delays in investment and other activities, worsens the desperation to escape for these youths. Additionally, brokers with vested interests disseminate false information about the potential outbreak of another war in Tigray, causing fear and insecurity among the youth.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rising-number-of-tigray-youth-fleeing-to-the-arabian-peninsula-amid-food-security-challenges-limited-job-prospects/

Art and Culture: Universal Music Group, #Ethiopia’s Sewasew Multimedia sign first of its kind distribution agrmt.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and Sewasew Multimedia, Ethiopia’s leading music and Entertainment Company, today announced that they have signed the first of its kind distribution agreement for the Ethiopian market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sewasew Multimedia will be responsible for the digital distribution and marketing of UMG’s extensive catalog of music in Ethiopia. This includes music from UMG’s globally recognized labels, such as Def Jam, Interscope Records, Island Records, Motown Records, Republic Records, and Virgin Records, as well as music from their African divisions, such as Def Jam Africa, Motown Gospel Africa, and Republic Records Africa. https://addisstandard.com/?p=39327

In-depth: Is impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity looming in #Ethiopia?

In its final report to the #UN General Assembly, the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (#ICHREE) revealed a disturbing human rights situation in the country. Despite a ceasefire agreement, executions, torture, sexual violence, and attacks on children have continued in the #Tigray region. The commission found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including a potential genocide against the people of Tigray. However, with the expiration of its mandate and the termination of other international scrutiny, victims will now have to rely on Ethiopia's transitional justice program for justice and accountability.

The transitional justice program, initiated after the signing of the #Pretoria Peace Agreement, aims to uncover the truth, provide redress for victims, achieve reconciliation, and promote healing. Western powers like the #US and #EU, who were pushing for accountability through ICHREE's independent investigations, now support the transitional justice program. However, concerns have been raised regarding its effectiveness.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (#HRW) and #Amnesty_International, have criticized the termination of ICHREE's mandate and advocate for a new UN-led investigative mission. Ethiopia's government has opposed ICHREE from the beginning, hindering its work and raising doubts about the authenticity of its findings. However, experts emphasize the importance of external engagement until justice is fully delivered for the victims.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-is-impunity-for-war-crimes-crimes-against-humanity-looming-in-ethiopia/