#Ethiopia: Armed group renews commitment to negotiation amid escalating hostilities across #Oromia

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) expressed commitment to peace and dialogue after the collapse of the second round of talks between the armed group and Ethiopian government earlier this week.

Reports of escalating hostilities including drone strikes have emerged following the conclusion of the talks without agreement.

OLA’s latest expression of commitment to peace came in the backdrop of calls for the continuation of efforts to resolve the five-year long conflict in Oromia through negotiations.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-armed-group-renews-commitment-to-negotiation-amid-escalating-hostilities-across-oromia/

#Op-Ed: From nonviolent social movements to armed conflicts: How #Abiy’s rule pushed youths from the city to the bush in #Amhara and #Oromia

Underlying the ongoing armed insurgencies and violent conflicts both in Oromia and Amhara regions, is a wave of polarized politics caused by the incumbent PM, argues Milkessa Gemechu.


The PM systematically sidelined the democratization demands of the two most popular youth movements that ascended him to power in 2018, and chose to crackdown against the movements one after the other, forcing the youths to consider as the last resort, armed insurgency, he writes.

The author further explains how the birth of the Prosperity Party in 2019, was instrumental for PM Abiy to break the mighty alliance between the Oromo youths (Qeerroo) and Amhara youths (Fanno).

https://addisstandard.com/op-ed-from-nonviolent-social-movements-to-armed-conflicts-how-abiys-rule-pushed-youths-from-the-city-to-the-bush-in-amhara-and-oromia/

#Ethiopia grants #education opportunities for 168,000 #Refugees

The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with humanitarian and development organizations, has provided education opportunities for 168, 269 refugee students across the country.

The students have been enrolled in 65 pre-primary, 53 primary and 11 secondary schools, and upon completing 12th grade, students who scored entrance marks will be allowed to join universities, according to the Ethiopian Press Agency.

The ministry said the refugee students are attending schools near their camps with students from the host community whereas, pupils from the host community also attend schools built for refugees, which created an opportunity for them to experience language and cultural exchange, as well as foster solidarity.

Ethiopia is home to an estimated 927, 300 refugees most of whom are from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and a few from other countries.

Photo: UNICEF
https://press.et/?p=114423

#Ethiopia: Human Bridge provides over 15 million birr worth of medical supplies to #Ataye Hospital

Local humanitarian organization, #Human_Bridge, has extended its support to Ataye Hospital in the #Amhara region by providing it with medical supplies valued at more than 15 million birr. The aid package consists of over 50 essential resources, including laboratory and ultrasound equipment.

Wesen Asafw, the manager of Ataye Hospital, acknowledged the positive impact of the recent assistance and emphasized that the facility still requires further medical supplies. Asafw appealed to potential partners to lend their support to bridge the existing gaps.

Last week, Addis Standard reported on the severity of the consequences, highlighting acute shortages of medical provisions in hospitals throughout the Amhara region.

Please follow the link to read the full article.

https://addisstandard.com/news-clashes-disrupt-vital-medical-supplies-in-amhara-region-leaving-hospitals-in-distress/

Raped during #Ethiopia’s war, survivors now rejected by their families

Shila, a survivor of sexual enslavement during Ethiopia's civil war, gave birth to a son fathered by an attacker. After three years, her husband returned, and she feared he would reject her. Like her, more than 100,000 women may have been raped during the conflict, and countless women who gave birth as a result are struggling with a hidden agony, often ostracized by their families.

A survey of over 5,000 women in #Tigray found that nearly 8% said they had been raped, with more than two-thirds reporting gang rape. Many women are rejected by their husbands and families, and some are even told by religious leaders that they were raped because God did not love them.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/26/ethiopia-tigray-rape-survivors-stigma/

Subsidiary of #Egypt-listed mining #ASCOM sells stake in #gold project in #Ethiopia for around $100 mln

APM Investment Holdings, a subsidiary of the Egyptian ASEC Company for Mining (ASCOM), sold 35 percent of its share in #Kurmuk Gold Project in Ethiopia to Allied Gold Corporation (AGC), a #Canadian company, for a total of $99.6 million, according to a bourse filing on Sunday.

The deal’s value includes issuing 11.5 million shares for APM in AGC with a total market value of $34.6 million.

AGC will also pay $65 million to APM in three installments starting on 30 September 2024.

In 2017, ASCOM, which is a private company, sold 64.46 percent of its shares in Ethiopian subsidiary APM Ethiopia to AGC for $14.5 million. https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/512921.aspx

#Ethiopia: National Movement of Amhara calls for peace talks amid ongoing conflict in #Amhara region

The National Movement of Amhara (#NaMA) has called for peace talks in the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region. The party urged the government to address the demands of the Amhara people, declare a ceasefire, and engage in inclusive negotiations involving religious leaders, elders, and scholars. NaMA also emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into human rights violations during the conflict.

The #UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR) reported drone strikes by Ethiopian government forces resulting in civilian deaths, raising concerns about human rights abuses. The International Crisis Group also called for peace talks to address the escalating conflict.

However, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) announced that some "anti-peace forces" in the Amhara region had surrendered, signaling a shift towards peace and stability. The call for peace talks continues amidst ongoing clashes and security concerns.

https://addisstandard.com/news-national-movement-of-amhara-calls-for-peace-talks-amid-ongoing-conflict-in-amhara-region/

#Ethiopia finalizes banking liberalization rules as foreign currency challenges mount

Outside investors have long eyed opportunities in Ethiopia - Africa’s second-most populous country - especially within its financial sector. Mamo Mihretu, governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, speaks with John Everington about progress on the country’s debt restructuring talks, the fight against inflation and plans to encourage foreign investment in the country.

Excerpts:

Q: Ethiopia has suffered from hard currency shortages for a while now. How are foreign currency reserves at the moment?

A: We are comfortable, and the recent announcement of debt-service suspension will help. We’re working to support export-oriented companies as well as foreign direct investment by relaxing regulations; we are also re-engaging with multiple external partners. In any case, we’re more or less current on our debt servicing obligations, and the program we’re hoping to agree with the #IMF will help even further in building up our foreign exchange reserves.

Read the full Interview here: #Ethiopia finalizes banking liberalization rules as foreign currency challenges mount

Outside investors have long eyed opportunities in Ethiopia - Africa’s second-most populous country - especially within its financial sector. Mamo Mihretu, governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, speaks with John Everington about progress on the country’s debt restructuring talks, the fight against inflation and plans to encourage foreign investment in the country.

Excerpts:

Q: Ethiopia has suffered from hard currency shortages for a while now. How are foreign currency reserves at the moment?

A: We are comfortable, and the recent announcement of debt-service suspension will help. We’re working to support export-oriented companies as well as foreign direct investment by relaxing regulations; we are also re-engaging with multiple external partners. In any case, we’re more or less current on our debt servicing obligations, and the program we’re hoping to agree with the #IMF will help even further in building up our foreign exchange reserves.

Read the full Interview here: #Ethiopia finalizes banking liberalization rules as foreign currency challenges mount

Outside investors have long eyed opportunities in Ethiopia - Africa’s second-most populous country - especially within its financial sector. Mamo Mihretu, governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, speaks with John Everington about progress on the country’s debt restructuring talks, the fight against inflation and plans to encourage foreign investment in the country.

Excerpts:

Q: Ethiopia has suffered from hard currency shortages for a while now. How are foreign currency reserves at the moment?

A: We are comfortable, and the recent announcement of debt-service suspension will help. We’re working to support export-oriented companies as well as foreign direct investment by relaxing regulations; we are also re-engaging with multiple external partners. In any case, we’re more or less current on our debt servicing obligations, and the program we’re hoping to agree with the #IMF will help even further in building up our foreign exchange reserves.

Read the full Interview here: https://www.thebanker.com/Ethiopia-finalises-banking-liberalisation-rules-as-foreign-currency-challenges-mount-1701086206

#Ethiopia: Akobo Minerals hits gold ore body at #Segele mine in #Gambella, set to start pilot production

#Akobo_Minerals has announced a major milestone in its history with the discovery of a gold ore body at the Segele mine in Gambella region after 13 years of exploration.

The Scandinavian-based Ethiopian gold exploration and boutique mining company revealed that the mine has one of the world's highest concentrations of gold resources, with an average grade of 22.7 grams of gold per ton of ore.

The company is set to begin production from the pilot plant and commission the main plant soon. CEO Jørgen Evjen described the discovery as a significant moment for the organization and its supporters. In March, the company also intersected visible gold at 282 meters vertical depth. This achievement marks Akobo Minerals as one of the few mining companies to successfully transition from exploration to mining.

https://addisstandard.com/news-akobo-minerals-hits-gold-ore-body-at-segele-mine-in-gambella-set-to-start-pilot-production/

#Kenya: The Kenyan government is selling stakes in 11 state-owned enterprises, kick-starting a privatization program that stalled 15 years ago

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The government has rewritten its privatization law this year to accelerate the process as part of reforms agreed on with the International Monetary Fund. Proceeds from the sales will raise revenue for the cash-strapped government, while reducing the reliance of loss-making entities on the National Treasury.

The East African nation entered an IMF economic program in 2021 that will unlock about $4.4 billion of financing. It agreed on several reforms to improve macroeconomic stability and restore confidence and access to international bond markets. 

President William Ruto announced last week his government would divest from 35 firms through the Nairobi Securities Exchange or outright sales. Advisers are also reviewing another 100 entities to determine how much the government should offload, he said. 

“Privatization and restructuring is geared toward government’s efforts for fiscal consolidation and spurring economic development,” according to the Treasury statement. It didn’t provide the size of shareholdings that will be up for disposal.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-27/kenya-revives-privatization-program-amid-imf-supported-reforms

#Ethiopia: Ministry of Education sets course to grant autonomy to nine gov’t universities by 2025

At the 32nd educational congress underway in the capital city of the #Somali region, #Jigjiga City, Kora Tushine, the state minister of education, unveiled the government's plan to achieve autonomy for nine government universities within the next two years. The aim is to enhance the quality of higher education institutions, making them globally competitive in terms of technology and research.

After an interruption of 50 years, #Addis_Ababa_University became the first autonomous university in Ethiopia last year. This breakthrough decision led to the appointment of Professor Berhanu Nega, the Minister of Education, as the new Chancellor of the university by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

#Ethiopia: #Orange withdraws from Ethio Telecom sale process

French operator group Orange has decided to withdraw from the process of acquiring a 45% stake in Ethiopia's state-owned operator #Ethio_Telecom. Citing existing market conditions that are not aligned with its strategy, Orange explained that it would not continue with its plan to acquire the stake in the Ethiopian business.

Orange had initially expressed interest in buying the minority stake in Ethio Telecom two years ago, but the government postponed the move due to economic conditions before reviving the plan. Bloomberg had reported that Orange and UAE-operator e& were considering separate bids for the stake.

While Ethiopia's government has been opening up the market to international players, Orange believes the current conditions do not support the rapid implementation of its strategy and the creation of value for the company.

https://www.mobileworldlive.com/orange/orange-withdraws-from-ethio-telecom-sale-process/

#Ethiopia: Conflict in #Amhara region hampers construction of energy, water projects

The ongoing conflict in the Amhara region has posed significant challenges to the progress of energy and water projects. According to Mamaru Ayalew, the head of the Amhara region water and energy bureau, the conflict, which tragically continues to claim lives, has become a major hindrance to the development of the energy and water sectors.

Mamaru revealed that the construction materials necessary to provide power supply to 93 health centers and checkpoints using solar energy were purchased at a high cost but have been unable to reach the districts due to the prevailing unrest. Moreover, although construction materials for 12 similar projects successfully reached districts, construction could not proceed due to the unstable situation.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1729428947069247923

#Ethiopia: Addis Abeba Trade Bureau to outsource distribution of subsidized food items among other six major services

The #Addis_Abeba Trade Bureau is set to outsource six of its 11 major services, including basic commodity distribution, business registration, and market center management. This decision comes as part of the city administration's broader plan to outsource various municipal services to third-party organizations.

The Addis Abeba City Administration Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau is currently reviewing the bureau's proposals, and the outsourcing process will move forward once a decision is reached.

This move follows the city administration's decision to outsource 46 municipal services, including those related to trade, transportation, housing development, and healthcare. Yekatit 12 and Ras Desta Damtew Memorial hospitals are also set to outsource certain services.

https://addisstandard.com/news-addis-abeba-trade-bureau-to-outsource-distribution-of-subsidized-food-items-among-other-six-major-services/

#Ethiopia: Severe humanitarian crisis plagues #Tigray region, with women bearing the brunt of violence and lack of support

A new report by Refugees International reveals that the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region continues to impact women severely, with many experiencing gender-based violence during the conflict.

The lack of support and resources in the area has left many women facing untreated trauma, while hundreds of thousands remain internally displaced without basic necessities. The pause in humanitarian food assistance has forced displaced households headed by women to make difficult decisions about feeding their children.

Efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence in the region have been found to be inadequate, and the report emphasizes the urgent need for wide-ranging support for women in Tigray. The report also calls for increased funding for gender-based violence programs to empower women and aid in the recovery process.

https://addisstandard.com/news-severe-humanitarian-crisis-plagues-tigray-region-with-women-bearing-the-brunt-of-violence-and-lack-of-support/