#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

#Ethiopia: Opening statement by Chairman John James (R-MI) at the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs open hearing on 'Ethiopia: Promise or Perils, The State of U.S. Policy.'

Chairman James outlined his concerns "about Ethiopia's current trajectory and the direction of our policy."

#Ethiopia: The concluding questions and answers exchanged between Congressman Brad Sherman and Amb. Mike Hammer during today's open hearing on 'Ethiopia: Promise or Perils, The State of U.S. Policy,' raised the spectrum of challenges to the Ethiopian government's recent announcement to hold a "referendum" to settle the status of #Western_Tigray, which is still occupied by #Amhara forces.

Congressman Sherman asserted that while the Pretoria agreement stated resolving the issue of Western Tigray in accordance with the constitution, the government plans to hold a referendum, and that "nothing is more phony than a referendum after an ethnic cleansing."

In response, Amb. Hammer admitted that "we are all impatient", and "recognize the urgent need" for the internally displaced Tigrayans to be able to return to their homes, who are living under "horrific circumstances."

Watch the full conversation

#Ethiopia: DBE slashes lending interest rate to spur agricultural sector, investment

The Development Bank of Ethiopia (#DBE) has taken an important step in alignment with the government's agenda to bolster the agricultural sector and promote investment. From now on, mall, medium, and corporate project loan applicants will benefit from a significant decrease in the lending interest rate, with rates being lowered from 11.5% to 7%.

The maximum lending interest rate in the banking industry is currently at 20%. The policy bank has announced that this interest rate adjustment will be applicable to lease finance and project finance loan services.

During yesterday's press briefing, Yohannes Ayaleu, President of DBE, stated that the primary intention behind reducing the loan interest rate is to encourage investment in the agricultural sector, particularly among investors, farmers, and herdsmen.

Paris Club commends #Ethiopia's debt service suspension agreement

The #Paris_Club has commended the agreements between Ethiopian authorities and its official bilateral creditors for the suspension of debt service from 2023 to 2024. This agreement, coordinated through the official creditor committee of Ethiopia under the Common Framework, will provide time-limited liquidity relief ahead of discussions on a wider debt treatment.

The Paris Club strongly welcomes this achievement and acknowledges all parties' collaborative efforts. This debt standstill will be taken into account under the principles of Comparability of Treatment in the context of a wider debt treatment.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1730496937479025068

Horn of #Africa floods displace more than two million

Over two million people in the Horn of Africa have been displaced by heavy rains and floods, with nearly 300 lives lost in #Ethiopia, #Somalia, and #Kenya. The region, recovering from a severe drought, now faces another climate disaster. The situation has been described as dire, burdening communities already struggling from the impact of prolonged drought.

Ethiopia has seen 57 fatalities and over 600,000 displaced, with a cholera outbreak in the #Somali region. In Kenya, 136 people have died, and over 460,000 have been displaced.

Somalia has declared a state of emergency, with over a million displaced and warnings of disease outbreaks. In response, the government has received 25,000 tonnes of grain from #Russia for urgent distribution. The UN has warned of a potential famine in Somalia and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2023/12/01/horn-of-africa-floods-displace-more-than-two-million.html

#Ethiopia: 45 believers killed in two separate attacks in Arsi and Kellem Wollega zones, #Oromia region

Forty Five people were killed in two separate violent attacks in the Oromia region last week. In #Shirka district of #Arsi zone, 36 people, including children and elderly women, were killed by unidentified armed men targeting Orthodox Christians. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has been accused of the attacks, but they deny involvement. In #Gidami district of #Kellem_Wollega zone, nine people were killed while partaking in an overnight prayer at a church.

The perpetrators have not been identified, and unverified pictures of the deceased have been shared on social media. The collapse of talks between OLA and the Ethiopian government has led to escalating hostilities, with civilians often caught in the crossfire.

This comes after reports of civilians being killed in fighting between government forces and the armed group in #Sulula#Fincha district and in a government drone strike in #Chawaka district. The situation remains tense, and the government and OLA continue to trade accusations.

https://addisstandard.com/news-45-believers-killed-in-two-separate-attacks-in-arsi-and-kellem-wollega-zones-oromia-region/

Ambassador Mike Hammer briefed the #US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on #Ethiopia.

Watch his remarks on the recent talks between the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) and the Ethiopian government.

#Ethiopia: Grief knocks on every door in rural west #Oromia as malaria continues to claim lives

A devastating malaria outbreak in Western Oromia, particularly in the #West_Wollega and #Kellem_Wollega zones, has had a severe impact on the local population. Due to ongoing conflict, drought, and a lack of access to healthcare and essential medication, many families have suffered tragic losses. This includes Tolasa, who lost his 14-year-old son and nephew to the disease, while Tamane mourns the loss of his pregnant wife.

The #UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 774,519 malaria cases with 180 deaths in the Oromia region, with over 70% of cases reported from Western Oromia. However, medical professionals on the ground believe that the actual severity of the issue is much higher than reported. Immediate action is required to prevent further loss of life in the affected communities.

A medical doctor on the ground warns of a significant gap between reported and actual cases, calling for immediate action to prevent further loss of life. The combination of conflict, drought, and the malaria outbreak has created a humanitarian catastrophe, and families like Tolasa's and Tamane's are in desperate need of assistance.

https://addisstandard.com/feature-grief-knocks-on-every-door-in-rural-west-oromia-as-malaria-continues-to-claim-lives/

#Ethiopia: In historic show of unity, Ethiopian churches commit to establishing national council

With a historic show of unity, Ethiopian churches meeting at the Ecumenical Institute at #Bossey made the decision to establish a council of churches in their country.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) served as a convener and facilitator of the process. The meeting was supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.

The Ethiopian church leaders shared extensively about the dire humanitarian situation in their nation. Currently around 20 million people require food aid, many millions are internally displaced, various parts of the country face severe droughts or floods, and recent malaria outbreaks have worsened the situation. A desire for ecumenical collaboration in advocacy for human rights was also expressed. https://www.oikoumene.org/news/in-historic-show-of-unity-ethiopian-churches-commit-to-establishing-national-council

#Ethiopia: Rights groups criticize draft directive limiting maternity leave for female students

A coalition of 10 rights groups, including the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (#EWLA), have condemned a recent Ministry of Education draft policy restricting maternity leave for female primary and secondary students to 15 days before suspension.

The coalition asserts the clause severely violates women's right to equality in spheres like education. They believe the draft goes against Ethiopia's constitution and laws protecting women's health and freedom from discrimination during pregnancy and childbirth.

Representatives of human rights organizations emphasized that the constitution explicitly states that individuals requiring special treatment should be given actions suitable for their circumstances. The groups highlight that denying adequate leave places an unfair burden on women trying to balance education and motherhood.

To address the issue, the coalition called upon the Ministry of Education to engage in consultation with civil society and reconsider the contentious aspects of the draft directive. They also urged other government bodies to advocate for the issue.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-groups-criticize-draft-directive-limiting-maternity-leave-for-female-students/