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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#Ethiopia: Blinken, Abiy discuss food aid resumption, conflicts in #Amhara and #Oromia regions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discusses with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the resumption of food assistance in Ethiopia, starting next month. This follows the US Agency for International Development's (#USAID) announcement of the reinstatement of food aid distribution after comprehensive reforms by the Ethiopian government.

They also talk about consolidating peace in Northern Ethiopia and the need for regional cooperation. Blinken expresses concern about ongoing violence and emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts.

The US government plays a key role in negotiations between the Ethiopian government and Oromo Liberation Army to end the conflict in the Oromia region.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-blinken-abiy-discuss-food-aid-resumption-conflicts-in-amhara-and-oromia-regions/
#Ethiopia: Six dead, thousands at risk of starvation in drought-hit #Sahala district of #Amhara region

Severe hunger caused by a devastating drought has led to the tragic deaths of six individuals in the Sahala District of the #Waghemra Zone, located in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Local officials attribute the fatalities to failed crops and limited humanitarian access due to ongoing conflict.

Mihret Melaku, head of the Waghimra Zone Food Security and Disaster Prevention Office, describes the situation as critical, revealing that all crops have failed this year. The ongoing conflict has further complicated matters by impeding the delivery of much-needed assistance, as road access problems hinder aid distribution.

The dire situation has prompted urgent calls for additional aid. Over 90% of Sahala's estimated population of 51,000 requires immediate support in terms of food, water, and medical assistance. The lack of resources has resulted in hunger-related illnesses, especially affecting children.

https://addisstandard.com/news-six-dead-thousands-at-risk-of-starvation-in-drought-hit-sahala-district-of-amhara-region/
#Sudan: #UN Secretary General orders review of UN mission in Sudan, appoints personal envoy

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ordered a review of the UN Mission in Sudan following the termination by the Sudanese government of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (#UNITAMS) with immediate effect on Thursday.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the SG disclosed during a media briefing on Friday that the SG has appointed Ian Martin to lead the strategic review of the UN Mission in Sudan which will provide the Security Council with options on how to adapt the Mission's mandate. The SG also appointed Ramtane Lamamra, of Algeria, as his personal envoy for Sudan.

The UN will continue to engage closely with all actors, including the Sudanese authorities and members of the Security Council, to clarify next steps, the spokesperson said.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1725805478326788506
#Ethiopia: More than a dozen people killed in gov’t drone strikes in #Amhara; a school and bus station among targets struck: #UN

According to a recent statement by the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR), drone strikes by Ethiopian government forces in the Amhara region have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians. The attacks targeted a school and a bus station, raising concerns about human rights abuses amidst ongoing clashes in Amhara.

Investigations reveal that some of the deadliest incidents occurred in early November, with civilians, including teachers, among the victims. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the devastating impact of drone strikes and other acts of violence on the population in the region.

As clashes persist between the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) and its allies, including the Amhara militia Fano, the UN agency emphasizes the importance of all parties refraining from unlawful attacks and taking measures to protect civilians.

https://addisstandard.com/news-more-than-a-dozen-people-killed-in-govt-drone-strikes-in-amhara-a-school-and-bus-station-among-targets-struck-un/
#Ethiopia - #kenya: Craft Silicon donates its first solar-powered computer bus to Ethiopia to advance digital literacy

Craft Silicon Foundation, non-profit organization committed to advancing digital literacy, unveiled its pioneer free digital literacy program in Ethiopia by donating a first solar powered computer bus.

Designed to bridge the digital divide, this initiative seeks to empower individuals across the nation with indispensable digital skills.

Addressing the pressing need to foster digital inclusion, the Craft Silicon Foundation introduced solar-powered computer buses as a last-mile solution to narrow the significant digital gap prevalent among the youth, women, and children in Ethiopia.

These buses serve as a beacon of access, delivering essential digital education to communities.

Employing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, the program offers personalised and interactive learning experiences.

Participants gain access to a rich array of resources, including immersive video tutorials, engaging quizzes, and real-time feedback mechanisms.

“Digital literacy stands as the cornerstone of empowerment in our increasingly interconnected world,” emphasised Madam Priya Budhabhatti, CEO of Craft Silicon Foundation. “In today’s technological landscape, the ability to navigate, comprehend, and harness digital tools is not just a skill but a fundamental right.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/craft-silicon-donates-its-first-solar-powered-computer-bus-to-ethiopia-to-advance-digital-literacy/
#Ethiopia: #German Chancellor hosts #African, #G20 nations summit to promote economic growth

Today, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to host a meeting in Berlin under the G20's Compact with #Africa initiative. The gathering, part of the German government's commitment to supporting African countries in achieving economic progress, aims to generate additional private investment in African nations to bolster their economies. The Compact with Africa (#CWA) initiative was established during Germany's 2017 G20 presidency.

The Ethiopian delegation, headed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, arrived in Berlin yesterday to take part in the meeting. Prime Minister Abiy met with German Chancellor Scholz to discuss matters of mutual interest ahead of the meeting.

"We have reached an agreement to enhance cooperation in areas such as clean energy, foreign direct investment, fertilizer production, and regional security issues," Prime Minister Abiy highlighted on X.
#Ethiopia: #Oromo special zone to repatriate more than 1,600 displaced households

The administration of the Oromo Special Zone in the #Amhara region has announced its efforts to repatriate over 1,600 households that have been displaced from their homes due to conflicts in their respective villages.

Ahmed Ali, the head of the Oromo Special Zone administration, disclosed that more than 145 million birr in both goods and monetary donations have been collected to support and rehabilitate those affected by the long-standing internal conflict. Additionally, Ahmed mentioned that there are currently over 1,092 households displaced from other regions residing in the zone.

In November 2023, Addis Standard reported that clashes in #Artuma_Fursi district within the Oromo Special Zone of Amhara region resulted in the reported deaths of over 18 individuals. In September 2023, #Majate town experienced two weeks of intense fighting, leading to the alleged loss of over 70 civilian lives at the hands of government forces.
#Ethiopia: Municipality to introduce measures to combat high vehicle emissions

The #Addis_Abeba Environment Protection Authority recently made an announcement requiring drivers of vehicles emitting high levels of smoke in the capital to find solutions beforehand. Additionally, the authority revealed that car smoke standards are currently being developed.

Dida Driba, general manager of the Authority, stated to the Ethiopian Press Agency that the car smoke standards are being prepared. Once the smoke emitted by each vehicle is measured, those exceeding the established limit will be denied service. Dida emphasized that cars emitting high levels of smoke are typically used for over 23 years, or more, after their manufacturing dates. As a result, drivers of older vehicles need to start preparing for alternative options.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1726524795448164561
#Ethiopian health authorities, #WHO attempt to tackle rising threat in cases of antimicrobial resistance

Recent disease surveillance findings from more than 4000 health centers across Ethiopia have shown a rising trend in cases of antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when pathogens change over time and no longer respond to medicines.

For instance, resistance by the bacteria that causes #typhoid surged nearly nine-fold to 87% of cases in 2019 from 10% in 2006.

Equally, strains of infection-causing E. coli bacteria are showing increasing resistance to stronger antibiotics. https://www.afro.who.int/photo-story/addressing-challenge-antimicrobial-resistance-ethiopia
#Ethiopia, #Djibouti sign MoU to cooperate in defense and security at the ongoing Defense Experts' Joint Meeting

High level defense experts from Ethiopia and Djibouti who are attending the ongoing 10th Ethiopia-Djibouti Defense Experts Joint Committee Meeting signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promot cooperation in defense and security matters between the two countries.

The Defense Experts' Joint Committee meeting between military officials of the two countries started on Sunday in Djibouti with broad-based discussions on enhancing the cooperation in the defense and security areas between the two Horn of Africa countries, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti .

The MoU was signed earlier today.

The Ethiopian high-level delegation is led by led by Brigadier General Teshome Anagaw, who also held discussions with his counterpart, Taher Ali Mohammed, on bilateral issues of mutual concern. AS
Analysis: #Ethiopia’s campaign for sovereign access to port: A start off on the wrong foot?

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks about Ethiopia’s quest for access to the #Red_Sea have sparked concerns of a potential war in the volatile Horn of Africa region. In a 45-minute speech, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the existential importance of sea access for Ethiopia's rapidly growing population, stating that it cannot live in a “geographic prison.”

Neighboring states including #Eritrea, #Djibouti, and #Somalia have expressed immediate concerns for their sovereignty and rejected the Prime Minister’s speech. Last week, The PM assured neighboring countries that Ethiopia had no interest in aggression and emphasized the country’s genuine interest in peaceful solutions.

Experts, however, suggest that the Prime Minister’s speech contains layers of meaning, implying historical claims and the potential for territorial expansion.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-ethiopias-campaign-for-sovereign-access-to-port-start-off-on-the-wrong-foot/
#Ethiopia: #Tigray region’s tourism destinations to reopen after years of closure

After being closed for nearly three years, tourist destinations in the Tigray region are set to reopen this week. The head of the Tigray Tourism Bureau, Atsbha Gebreegziabher, announced plans for a tourism rebranding program in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism.

This program, launching on this Thursday, aims to revive the hospitality industry and promote the region's attractions. The Tigray conflict had a significant impact on Ethiopia's tourism sector, but now, with attractions such as the #Axum_Obelisks and #Gheralta_Mountains accessible again, visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Tigray.

Authorities say measures will be taken to ensure the safety of both local and international tourists.

https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-regions-tourism-destinations-to-reopen-after-years-of-closure/
#Argentina far-right Javier Milei wins presidency, not to join #BRICS

Far-right candidate Javier Milei achieved a decisive victory over Economy Minister Sergio Massa in the recent presidential runoff elections in Argentina.

Previously, Milei has expressed opposition to Argentina joining BRICS, an international economic bloc consisting of #Brazil, #Russia, #India, #China, and #South_Africa. Despite Argentina's main trading partners being China and Brazil, Diana Mondino, Milei’s candidate for Argentine Foreign Minister, said that collaborations with these nations will cease, as Argentina intends to remain within the South American trade bloc Mercosur.

Earlier this year, Argentina was invited to join BRICS alongside other countries such as #Ethiopia, #Egypt, #Iran, #UAE, and #Saudi_Arabia. However, Mondino emphasized that there is no interest from Argentina to pursue BRICS membership, focusing instead on addressing the ongoing economic crisis.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/argentina-far-right-javier-milei-wins-presidency--not-to-joi
#NewsAlert: #Addis_Abeba City Cabinet approves landmark decision to outsource selected services to third parties

The Addis Abeba City Administration Cabinet in its 5th regular meeting of the 3rd year that took place today has passed landmark decision to outsource municipal services to third parties.

According to the statement posted by City Mayor Adanech Abiebie, the services to be outsources were "identified by a study" commissioned by the city administration. Subsequently, the Cabinet outlined guidelines for "adequate preparations regarding the process, and to avoid management problems." The Mayor further said "a transition process plan should be prepared and guided by strong work discipline."

Read more at https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1726609599556391375?s=20
#Yemen’s Houthi rebels seize cargo ship in #Red_Sea and call #Israeli vessels ‘legitimate targets’

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they have seized what they called an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea, and warned that all vessels linked to Israel “will become a legitimate target for armed forces”.

Houthi forces would “continue to carry out military operations against the Israeli enemy until the aggression against Gaza stops and the ugly crimes … against our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and the West Bank stop”, said a spokesperson for the group, Yahya Sare’e, in a statement on X.

On Monday the rebels released a video purporting to show Sunday’s seizure.

The footage showed masked armed men jumping on to the ship from a helicopter while the vessel was still moving, and holding crew members at gunpoint. Palestinian and Yemeni flags were raised onboard. It was not immediately possible to verify the clip.

Israel said the vessel was a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship and described the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with consequences for international maritime security.

Israel’s military, writing on X, said “the hijacking of a cargo ship by the Houthis near Yemen in the southern Red Sea is a very grave incident of global consequence”.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/20/yemen-houthi-rebels-seize-cargo-ship-galaxy-leader-red-sea-israel