Prime Ministers of #Czech and #Ethiopia forge strategic partnership, exploring economic and defense cooperation

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of Czech met yesterday in Prague to discuss economic cooperation, security, and development aid. According to a joint statement, the leaders expressed their mutual interest in developing relations and identified several common themes and areas for cooperation.

The prime ministers agreed to establish a commission to specify cooperation projects, with an emphasis on the mining industry, Ethiopian agriculture, and development initiatives. Additionally, they explored opportunities in the tourism sector and discussed the potential for a direct air route between Prague and #Addis_Abeba.

Fiala emphasized the Czech Republic's interest in supporting Ethiopia's stability in the region and mentioned ongoing defense cooperation, including the modernization of L-39 Albatros planes by Czech technicians. This paves the way for potential future contracts involving the delivery of new L-39NG aircraft.

https://brnodaily.com/2023/11/29/news/politics/czech-and-ethiopian-pms-meet-in-prague-to-discuss-economic-cooperation/

#Kenya: Morgan Stanley blocks Kenyan firms from global index on dollar shortage

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), an international trading indices firm, has barred new Kenyan companies from joining its global stock market platform, citing dollar shortages and financial turbulence facing Kenya in the latest blow to local firms seeking to sell shares to foreign investors.

The American investment advisory firm whose analysis influences major decisions by the global investment community looking at investing in African frontier markets has also extended its August 2022 decision to stop carrying out periodic reviews of the dollar denominated MSCI Kenya Index, a decision that will also affect Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria.

The firm says its decision was based on feedback from market participants about deteriorating liquidity in the Kenya’s forex market, which made it difficult for foreign investors to repatriate capital from the market.

The periodic reviews, which are carried out quarterly every February, May, August and November, allow for the introduction or removal of constituent companies and their weighting within the index.

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/morgan-stanley-blocks-kenyan-firms-from-global-index--4448278

#Sudan’s Sovereign Council member condemns #UAE for arming #RSF

Yasser Al-Atta, a member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council and Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, has sharply criticized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for providing military supplies to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group that has been embroiled in a conflict with the Sudanese army for over seven months.

Al-Atta’s statement, which is the first official confirmation of UAE involvement in the Sudanese conflict, comes amid mounting allegations from Western media and Sudanese political and civil groups that the UAE is backing the RSF and providing them with weapons and military equipment.

Addressing a military gathering at the Wadi Saydna military base north of Omdurman, Al-Atta said, “Information obtained by the General Intelligence Service and the military and foreign diplomatic intelligence indicates that the UAE has been transporting military supplies to the Janjaweed militia via Entebbe Airport in Uganda and Central Africa, before the start of the dismantling of the Russian Wagner Group, in addition to Am Jars Airport in Chad.” https://sudantribune.com/article279814/

#Ethiopia: Drought wrecks havoc in Tigray’s #Abergelle and #Atsbi districts, claims 190 lives

A severe drought in #Tigray, Ethiopia, has led to the deaths of 190 people in two districts, with over 95,000 people at risk and in need of urgent humanitarian aid to prevent further tragedies.

The drought has impacted three zones in Tigray, including 12 districts, and has affected at least 132,000 hectares of farmland, endangering a crucial harvest in a region already devastated by war.

The Tigray Interim Cabinet has allocated 50 million birr for emergency life insurance, and authorities are calling on entrepreneurs, Tigrayan diasporas, and other concerned bodies to provide urgent support. Only about 660,000 hectares were cultivated out of the total 1.3 million hectares in the region, mainly due to persistent drought.

https://addisstandard.com/news-drought-wrecks-havoc-in-tigrays-abergelle-yechila-and-atsbi-districts-claims-190-lives/

#Ethiopia: Shattered dreams: Conflict, drought threaten education of millions in #Amhara region

Desalegn, an eighteen-year-old with big dreams of becoming the first medical doctor from his village in the Amhara region, is now facing a precarious situation. The ongoing conflict and subsequent closure of schools have shattered his aspirations. The destruction of vital infrastructure and crops has left his parents devoid of any hope of classes resuming. Stripped of access to preparatory materials, Desalegn now finds himself contemplating alternative work instead of pursuing higher education.

This distressing scenario resonates with millions of students in Amhara who have been deprived of an education due to the crippling effects of the conflict on the education system. Even universities have recently halted their activities, as the roads have become treacherous and unsafe for travel.

While there have been reports of a cautious resumption of schooling in less affected areas, with approximately 60% of primary students and 55% of secondary students now attending, chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge. As parents grow increasingly anxious, their children's learning is hindered.

The persistent violence and drought in the region have also spurred migration, leading thousands to forsake their education entirely. In certain districts, previously enrolled students have withdrawn from schools as distressed families seek livelihood opportunities elsewhere, leaving their young dreams in limbo.

https://addisstandard.com/shattered-dreams-conflict-drought-threatens-education-of-millions-in-amhara-region/

#Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines Group plans to reopen #Aksum airport damaged by #Tigray war ahead of winter

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced its intention to resume operations at Axum Airport, which was heavily damaged during the Tigray war, before the arrival of Ethiopian winter. Lemma Yadecha, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Ethiopian Airlines, confirmed during an interview with Fana Broadcasting Corporate that the reopening of Aksum Airport was imminent. He emphasized the airline's commitment, stating, "What I can say with certainty is that the Aksum Airport will start its operations before the winter."

Tewolde Girmai, the regional maintenance process coordinator of Ethiopian Airlines, also shared with state media that the airline had commenced the procurement of materials required for the airport's restoration.

Aksum Airport, constructed with a significant investment of over 526.8 million birr, had previously served as a vibrant and bustling hub for tourists, playing a crucial role in Ethiopia's flourishing tourism sector. However, in November 2020, the devastating Tigray war reduced the airport to ruins, abruptly halting its operations.

A recent article published by Addis Standard shed light on the profound impact of the loss of Aksum Airport on the tourism sector, causing distress among local residents. The destruction of the airport has plunged the society of Aksum into an economic crisis, as many residents relied on income generated through the tourism sector. They earned their livelihoods by selling handicrafts and providing services to visitors from both within and outside the country.

For further details, please refer to the full article accessible at this link.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-analysis-tourism-industry-local-economy-faces-major-setback-with-the-destruction-of-aksum-airport-during-the-tigray-war/

#Ethiopia's pursuit of port access sparks geopolitical discussions

Geopolitical discussions have been sparked by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's public announcement regarding Ethiopia's quest for port access in the #Red_Sea region.

Recently, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime revealed that the government is actively considering various alternatives to ensure Ethiopia's access to dependable and lasting port services.

Speaking with the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Alemu disclosed that negotiations are underway with the #Somaliland government to secure comprehensive and sustainable port services for Ethiopia.

#Ethiopia: Traumatic journeys of Ethiopians seeking a better life


Starvation, torture, robbery -- young Ethiopian migrant "returnees" recount the horrors they endured on their fruitless journeys in search of a better life in the Gulf.

"I was imprisoned and beaten for money. I have a scar on my back which has lasted five months," said 23-year-old Abu Gizaw Assefaw, now back home nursing his shattered dreams of a job in oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

Abu Gizaw is among hundreds of thousands of people, mainly Ethiopians, who each year embark on a treacherous journey through the Horn of Africa, crossing scorching desert, rough seas and active war zones in search of economic opportunity.

Many do not make it.

The "Eastern Route" is described by the International Organization for Migration as "one of the most dangerous and complex human migratory routes in Africa and the world".

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/traumatic-journeys-ethiopians-seeking-better-061649962.html

#Ethiopia: Gov’t allocates $930 million for soil fertilizer purchase, easing delivery woes for small-scale farmers

In preparation for the upcoming harvesting season, the Ethiopian government has allocated $930 birr to purchase 19.4 million quintals of soil fertilizer out of the planned 23.3 million quintals.

State Minister for Agriculture, Sofia Kassa, disclosed that the procurement process for 14.8 million quintals of fertilizer has already been finalized.

To kickstart the procurement, the first shipment of soil fertilizer destined for the next cultivation season arrived at the Port of #Djibouti on October 30, 2023. The vessel named Omorfi Majuro brought an initial cargo of 51,420 metric tons of urea soil fertilizer from the Port of Adabiya in #Egypt. Subsequently, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise commenced the transportation of the soil fertilizers from Djibouti port.

#Kenya Airways to resume weekly flights to #Somalia

Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer at Kenya Airways, said the reintroduction of flights aligns with the increasing business and the growing number of air travel between the two countries.

“We are eager about the potential of re-establishing the link between #Mogadishu and #Nairobi through KQ,” Thairu said in a statement issued in Nairobi Tuesday evening. He said the national carrier is committed to providing high-quality service for its customers, as it works together to foster trade and investment for sustained growth.

The resumption follows the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.

https://t.co/L7Xuvf3wsM

News: #UN, #Ethiopia appeal for urgent action to assist 1.5 million people devastated by floods

Ethiopia is facing a humanitarian crisis as unprecedented floods have affected 1.5 million people and displaced 600,000 more. The floods have also destroyed crops, livestock, and infrastructure, and increased the risk of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue fever.

The floods are caused by severe climate change, which has also resulted in years of drought in the Horn of #Africa. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) said that nearly 1.6 million people in the region have been displaced by the floods, and that 43 people have died in Ethiopia alone.

The UN and the Ethiopian government have issued a joint statement after visiting the affected areas, calling for urgent action to scale up relief efforts. They said that only 10% of the affected people in the #Somali region have been assisted, and that limited funds and access are the main challenges.

https://addisstandard.com/news-un-ethiopia-appeal-for-urgent-action-to-assist-1-5-million-people-devastated-by-floods/

#Ethiopia: Central bank governor foresees promising results in tackling inflation, despite reservations from legislators

Mamo Mehiratu, the governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), presented the institution’s quarterly report to parliament on 29 November, 2023. He announced that the monetary policy implemented by the NBE three months ago to combat soaring inflation is showing positive outcomes.

According to Mamo, the headline inflation rate decreased from 35% in March 2023 to 27.7% in September 2023. He also said that food inflation dropped to 26.7% from over 40% a year before. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by non-food inflation, especially in house rent and pharmaceuticals, and the impact of global factors, such as the conflict between #Russia and #Ukraine.

Mamo expressed confidence in the direction of the recent monetary policies and the outlook of the nation’s economy. He said that the NBE is working closely with other ministries and stakeholders to address the inflation issue and improve the living standards of citizens.

https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-central-bank-governor-foresees-promising-results-in-tackling-inflation-despite-reservations-from-legislators/

#Ethiopia: Gov’t withdraws 40,000 mass transport vehicles from fuel subsidy program

Fitsum Assefa, the Minister of Planning and Development, revealed that 40,000 vehicles that were misusing the targeted fuel subsidy have been removed from the subsidy program and required to repay their debts. This announcement was made during the parliament's presentation of the Ministry's first-quarter report, according to Ethiopian Press Agency.

The minister emphasized that the primary goal of the targeted fuel subsidy system is to provide the public with affordable and efficient transportation services. However, she also acknowledged implementation challenges.

Fitsum explained that since the introduction of the digital fuel payment system, approximately 23 billion birr has been allocated as a subsidy to mass transportation vehicles. Additionally, she highlighted the stringent surveillance measures taken to combat fuel smuggling out of the country.

#Ethiopia faces high humanitarian needs due to intercommunal violence, disease outbreaks, and climate change, #UNHCR

Ethiopia is grappling with a multitude of humanitarian challenges, including intercommunal violence, disease outbreaks, conflicts, and climate change, which have left over 20 million people in need of assistance.

According to a news report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the country is also home to 4.5 million internally displaced persons (#IDPs), with food security remaining a major concern amid a pause in food response, high malnutrition rates, and reports of drought-like conditions in the northern regions.

According to the UN agency, an estimated five million people are affected by drought-like conditions in the #Amhara and #Tigray regions, with crop failure leaving 3.5 million people in Amhara in need due to agricultural infestation and ongoing hostilities.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1730195983173132542

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#Coming_Up: The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs open hearing on #Ethiopia.

'Ethiopia: Promise or Perils, The State of U.S. Policy'

Members of the subcommittee on #Africa, led by Chairman John James (R-MI), will receive testimonies on the topic from Amb. Mike Hammer, Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Tyler Beckelman, Deputy Assistant Administrator Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Day: Thursday, 30 November 2023
Time: 10:00 AM EST
Local Time: 6:00 PM EAT

The hearing is available by live webcast on the Committee's website at: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearing/ethiopia-promise-or-perils-the-state-of-u-s-policy/

Or live via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/eY2OLOfVxRo?si=xIl5k6lYOf9unG3B

#Ethiopia: At least 23 die of #cholera in #Somali region as outbreak continues posing deadly threat to thousands
In the worst hit district of Kelafo in the Somali region, Save the Children teams are reporting a huge spike in cholera cases among children under five, who account for nearly 80% of the confirmed cases.

For the better part of this year, when the impacted region was engulfed by drought, cases of the waterborne disease were on the decline, with the Somali region reporting zero cases of cholera for 11 straight weeks until mid-September, when the rains started. Now, a deadly combination of flooded water systems, a lack of basic sanitation services and damaged water treatment plants has driven the spike in the deadly illness.

At least 91 districts across Ethiopia are reporting cases of cholera, with the situation expected to worsen as rains continue to fall in the #Gambella, #Afar and #Somali regions. https://addisstandard.com/?p=39735