#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

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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/

#Ethiopia: Half of students in #Amhara region affected by ongoing violence, unable to attend class

Half of students in the Amhara region were unable to attend classes this academic year due to security issues, Amhara Media Corporation reported today. Mulunesh Desse, the head of the Amhara Education Bureau, revealed in a statement that schooling has yet to resume for a large number of children in the East, West, and North #Gojam zones.

The Bureau said that in areas outside of direct conflict zones, there has been some resumption of schooling. However, attendance levels are still below normal. According to Mulunesh, only 60% of primary and 55% of secondary school students in these areas are currently attending classes.

Teachers and administrators are discussing strategies to help sixth, eighth, and twelfth graders make up for lost time as they prepare for important regional and national exams this year.

News: Unlawful detention, physical assault in #Ethiopia of two staff ‘very serious diplomatic incident’: #AfDB

After weeks of local media reports on the detention and physical assault sustained by senior staff of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Ethiopia office, the Bank has today admitted that on 31 Oct. 2023, “two staff members of the African Development Bank Group based in #Addis_Abeba were unlawfully arrested, physically assaulted, and detained for many hours by elements of the security forces without any official explanation.”

In a statement sent to Addis Standard, the Bank, which enjoys a close relationship with the Ethiopian government, called the detention and assault of its staff “a very serious diplomatic incident,” and that it’s complaints to the Ethiopian government has been “formally acknowledged”, but fell short of mentioning names of the victims.

On 29 Oct. AFDB Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina (pictured with President Sahle Work Zewde) praised Ethiopia's wheat production at the World Food Prize Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa.

His remarks were delivered two days before the detention and physical assault of the Bank’s Ethiopia office.

AfDB has since lodged a formal complaint with the Ethiopian authorities.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=39345

#Ethiopia: New draft bill offers farmers access to vital loans using land as collateral

A draft bill was presented to members of parliament yesterday, offering farmers the opportunity to use their land as collateral to secure crucial loans from financial institutions. This legislation could potentially transform the accessibility of funding for agricultural projects, transforming the way farmers seek financial support.


During the parliamentary session held on 16 November, 2023, Chief Government Whip Tesfaye Beljige provided a comprehensive explanation of the bill to legislators. Some members of parliament expressed the need for clear articulation of the articles pertaining to accessing loans using land as collateral within the bill. Following a thorough discussion by the MPs, the draft bill was subsequently referred to the agricultural standing committee for further examination and analysis.