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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: National Dialogue Commission secures $13.3 million from development partners

The National Dialogue Commission has announced that it has secured $13.3 million from development partners, out of the expected $35 million. This funding is in addition to the budget allocated by the government to support the ongoing dialogue process.

The commission revealed this update during the fourth round table discussion, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the United Nations Coordination Office in Ethiopia, as well as ambassadors and embassy representatives.

The round table served as a platform to inform the partners of the commission's continuous efforts. Through the #UNDP-managed basket fund, the commission has been receiving support from various development partners.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1730838186748686716
#Ethiopia debt service pause contingent on #IMF deal by end-March -Paris Club

Ethiopia could lose its recent agreement to suspend debt payments until 2025 if it doesn't secure an IMF loan by 31 March, 2024. The debt standstill for 2023 and 2024 will save Ethiopia $1.5 billion and applies to loans agreed before 10 November. The Paris Club, a group of developed creditor nations, says suspended payments will be repaid from 2027 to 2029.

Ethiopia's economy is under pressure from double-digit inflation and foreign currency shortages. The government requested a debt rework in early 2021, but progress was initially delayed by a civil war.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-debt-service-pause-contingent-imf-deal-by-march-31-2024-paris-club-2023-12-01/
#Ethiopia: Actions being taken against Oromo Liberation Army, says #Oromia regional government

The regional government of Oromia said it has “intensified efforts to combat” the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA), citing its persistence “in terrorist activities and refusal to explore peaceful alternatives”.

The regional government maintains that they “remain open to peaceful negotiations” if the armed group refrains from “engaging in further acts of terrorism.”

According to state media, Hailu Adugna, head of the Oromia regional government communications office, accused the OLA of “disregarding” the open political environment and resorting to armed struggle, resulting in significant harm to human life and property over the years.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1730867441524175044?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
#Ethiopia: Rights group demands the immediate release of individuals of #Tigray origin allegedly detained unlawfully in the #Amhara region

Human Rights First Ethiopia is urging authorities in Ethiopia to release individuals of ethnic Tigray origin who are being held unlawfully in the Amhara region. According to the organization, over 110 individuals have been taken from western Tigray and surrounding areas of Gondar city in connection with the Tigray war, with most remaining in custody without formal charges.

The group said the detainees face charges related to the conflict in Tigray, such as conducting espionage activities on behalf of the TPLF. Human Rights First Ethiopia is calling for the dropping of charges and the release of those in custody, specifically individuals who are being detained without trial or formal accusations.

It is also advocating for the pardon and release of individuals who have been convicted in related cases but are still incarcerated under exceptional circumstances.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-group-demands-the-immediate-release-of-individuals-of-tigray-origin-allegedly-detained-unlawfully-in-the-amhara-region/
#UN Security Council lifts arms embargo on #Somalia after 31 years

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution lifting the long lasting arms embargo on Somalia which was first imposed on the country in 1992.

Somalia's representative to the UN, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said the lifting of the arms embargo enables the country to confront security threats including those posed by Al-Shabaab.

#Ethiopia and #IGAD have been supporting Somalia’s request to lift the arms embargo.

https://addisstandard.com/news-un-security-council-lifts-arms-embargo-on-somalia-after-31-years/
#Ethiopia: AMEA Power signs agreement to build largest onshore wind power project in Ethiopia

#AMEA_Power, an energy company based in the #UAE, has announced plans to develop a groundbreaking 300 MW onshore wind power project in Ethiopia. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy sector.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance issued a press statement revealing that an agreement has been reached between the government and AMEA Power. This agreement outlines the construction of the #Aysha wind power project, which is set to become the largest wind energy project in the Horn of #Africa, covering 18,000 hectares. With an investment of $600 million, the project, which will be located in #Somali Regional State, is expected to improve Ethiopia's renewable energy supply.

The Aysha wind power project is projected to generate approximately 1.22 Tera-Watt hours of electricity annually.
#Ethiopia: House committee orders independent investigation into environmental impact of flower farming

The standing committee on government expenditure management and control of the House of People's Representatives has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct an independent investigation into the environmental effects of flower farming development. In a meeting last week, the committee discussed the findings of the previous fiscal year's operational audit, which examined the effectiveness of the Ministry's flower farm development and environmental management system.

The deputy chairperson of the Standing Committee, Arare Mosisa, highlighted that floriculture is the country's second-highest income-generating sector, next to coffee. However, she pointed out that there are no specific operational guidelines for the flower industry.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1731582471341314290
#Ethiopia: #AU peacekeeping forces resume second phase of drawdown from #Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) has announced that it will withdraw 3,000 more troops from Somalia and hand over ten Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to the Somali security forces by the end of this year. This is the second phase of the drawdown process mandated by #UN Security Council Resolution 2710, which aims to gradually transfer security responsibilities from ATMIS to the government of Somalia by December 2024.

The drawdown was paused in September following a request by the government of Somalia for a technical review. Two FOBs, #Biocadale and #Ragaceel, had already been handed over in September and October, respectively. The government of Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to respect the set timelines and assured that the Somali security forces are ready to take over the remaining eight FOBs.

Read more at:
https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1731595679607185634
News: #AU proposes extension of ceasefire monitoring experts’ term limits to expedite peace process in #Ethiopia

The African Union has proposed extending the term limits of the AU Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (#MVCM) by a year. This proposal was made during the 3rd Joint Committee Meeting of the MVCM of the Ethiopian peace process on 01 December, 2023.

The committee concluded its meeting “with both parties reaffirming their commitment to the full implementation of the agreement, the need to expedite the #DDR and the resettlement of #IDPs.

The 3rd Joint Committee Meeting was attended by representatives of the government of Ethiopia, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF), and the AU High-Level Panel. To further progress, the AU has planned a strategic reflection session involving the AU High-Level Panel within the next two months.

https://addisstandard.com/news-au-proposes-extension-of-ceasefire-monitoring-experts-term-limits-to-expedite-peace-process-in-ethiopia/
The final meeting of the #BRICS Sherpas, Sous-Sherpas Year was held in South Africa

The final meeting of this year's BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas took place in #Durban, #South_Africa from 30 November to 3 December. The meeting focused on the development and strengthening of strategic partnership within the BRICS framework, with discussions on the forthcoming expansion of the association.

The South African side presented a report on the results of its presidency, covering political, economic, financial, cultural, and humanitarian aspects of the partnership. The #Russian delegation presented the BRICS work plans for 2024, with a focus on the inclusion of new participants in multipolar cooperation and the development of modalities for a new category of "partner states" of the association.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of strengthening foreign policy coordination, combating terrorism and money laundering, and increasing the role of the BRICS countries in the global financial system. Representatives from South Africa, #China, #Ethiopia, #India, the #UAE, and #Saudi_Arabia expressed their readiness for practical cooperation and strengthening the position of the association in the international arena.

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/the-final-meeting-of-the-brics-sherpas-and-sous-sherpas-year-was-held-in-south-africa/
#Ethiopia: Drone strikes in #Amhara region result in loss of civilian lives, infrastructure damage

Renewed heavy artillery shelling and drone strikes have resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives and the destruction of vital infrastructure in multiple districts of the Amhara region. One incident in #Wegeltena resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a pharmaceutical practitioner, due to a drone strike targeting an ambulance carrying medical supplies.

Another artillery strike in #Lasta district caused multiple civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict between the federal government and the non-state militia group, Fano, has also damaged the #Angasa bridge, disrupting transportation and affecting the local economy.

The United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR) has raised concerns about human rights abuses in the region. The UN agency says the clashes in Amhara continue to have devastating consequences for the local population, including the deaths of at least 20 civilians last month.

https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-strikes-in-amhara-region-result-in-loss-of-civilian-life-infrastructure-damage/
#Ethiopia: Gov’t implements mandatory vitamin fortification for wheat flour, edible oil imports

The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has announced new regulations for traders importing wheat flour and edible oil products into the country. Under these regulations, all imported wheat flour and edible oil must be enriched with vitamins before entering the country and being distributed to the market.

The decision to introduce these fortification standards was made by the Council of Standards a year ago, and importers were given a one-year grace period to comply. However, as of July 2023, this grace period has expired.

According to recent inspections conducted by the ministry, a significant portion of imported wheat flour and edible oil products failed to meet the mandatory fortification standards that were introduced more than a year ago.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1731912244856795224
#Ethiopia: Municipality to introduce uniform, grooming standards for hospitality professionals

The #Addis_Abeba Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau is in the final stages of introducing regulations that will establish standards for the use of uniforms, jewelry, and cosmetics among professionals working in hotels and related services. This move aims to enhance professionalism and standards within the hospitality sector, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for customers.

According to the Ethiopian Press Agency, officials from the bureau convened a consultative meeting with stakeholders yesterday to discuss the content of the draft regulation. The proposed regulations are expected to apply to 28 different institutions, including hotels. Institutions failing to adhere to these standards may face penalties.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1731933214938120612
#Ethiopia: #CPJ urges authorities to release journalist detained without charge

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is calling for the release of Belay Manaye, chief editor of Ethio News, who has been detained by Ethiopian authorities for over three weeks without explanation. He was arrested on 13 November near the Ethio News office and has not been formally charged or given a chance to contest his detention.

"This sends a grave message to other Ethiopian journalists—that they can be deprived of their liberty at any time,” CPJ's Muthoki Mumo stated.

Belay is reportedly held in solitary confinement at a Federal Police detention center in Addis Abeba, under a state of emergency that allows warrantless arrests and indefinite detention without judicial oversight. CPJ emphasized that Belay's repeated arrest without conviction poses a threat to journalists and demanded his swift and unconditional release, highlighting a concerning erosion of press freedom in Ethiopia.

https://addisstandard.com/news-cpj-urges-authorities-to-release-journalist-detained-without-charge/
#Ethiopia: Displaced children in Ethiopia dream of returning home this Christmas

When fighting erupted in Ethiopia’s #Tigray region in 2020, 15-year-old Hyab fled her hometown with her family. Now residing in a displacement camp, she despairs: “My schooling was disrupted for three full years due to this conflict.” Hyab dreams of becoming a doctor, but with 85% of Tigray’s schools nonfunctional, she is among the 2.3 million children lacking access to education.

Across Ethiopia, over 3.5 million youngsters are deprived of schooling amid conflict and drought. Moreover, according to #UNICEF, the crisis has left 16.5 million children nationwide in need of aid. Hyab's mother recalls how their lives changed from stability with a "beautiful home and successful business" to the difficulties of camp life with "hunger, cold, and no school for the children."

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/children-displaced-war-ethiopia-want-return-home-christmas
#Ethiopia: Oromo community coalition urges renewed peace talks for resolution of #Oromia conflict

A coalition of 23 #Oromo community organizations in the #US has penned an open letter, pleading for the resumption of stalled peace talks between the federal government and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in a bid to end the prolonged conflict in the Oromia region.

The Oromo Legacy Leadership & Advocacy Association and other key groups emphasize the need for compromise and immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Expressing optimism despite past setbacks, the letter calls on international stakeholders, including #IGAD and US envoy Mike Hammer, to sustain their involvement in facilitating productive discussions.

The plea comes amid ongoing clashes, civilian casualties, and economic hardships. Last month, the Global Oromo Interfaith Council echoed the call for resumed negotiations, emphasizing the vital role of rational dialogue in achieving lasting peace.

https://addisstandard.com/news-oromo-community-coalition-urges-renewed-peace-talks-for-resolution-of-oromia-conflict/
#Ethiopia: Gov’t facilitates overseas employment for 120K citizens

In the current Ethiopian fiscal year, the Ethiopian government has assisted more than 120,000 citizens in securing overseas employment, according to Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills.

Minister Muferiat underscored that the government has entered into bilateral agreements with various countries, including #Lebanon, #Jordan, #Qatar, and the #UAE, with the aim of facilitating well-regulated migration flows. In support of this initiative, 94 dedicated training centers have been established to equip prospective migrants with essential skills, including languages, financial literacy, and vocational abilities.

Furthermore, Muferiat stated that the Ministry is actively engaged in expanding destination options, with a particular focus on regions such as the #Middle_East, #Europe, and #Asia. Concurrently, efforts are underway to enhance administrative processing capacity, aiming to accommodate up to 38,000 workers per month.
#Ethiopia: Addis Abeba to launch land tenure verification project: 80,000 noscripts to be validated

The #Addis_Abeba Landholding Registration and Information Agency has unveiled plans to kickstart the much awaited land tenure verification process within the city. According to Gefaowsen Desisa, the Director General of the agency, the validation of 80,000 land noscripts and the identification of 80,000 rights holders in the city are on the verge of initiation.

Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency, Gefaowsen outlined that the comprehensive land ownership verification will cover all sub-cities, with the exception of #Lami_Kura. The validation and identification process is scheduled to unfold at 80 strategically located centers throughout the city. Additionally, Gefaowsen disclosed that inquiries related to land ownership can be submitted starting fifteen days after the official declaration of ownership.
#Ethiopia: Rights Group urges #Tigray admin to address joblessness crisis among former security personnel

Human Rights First Ethiopia calls on the Tigray regional government to address the plight of over 1,000 Tigray origin individuals facing unemployment a year after the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Formerly dedicated members of Tigray's security institutions, terminated abruptly, are now in financial distress.

Investigation findings reveal unjust denial of resuming duties without lawful justification. Disturbingly, their rightful salaries are withheld, allegedly linked to unproven claims of non-participation in the conflict.

Deputy Director Mebrhi Brhane emphasizes a distressing pattern, urging authorities to uphold human rights, reinstate roles, and cease rights violations. The appeal stresses urgency for fair treatment and lawful reinstatement.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-group-urges-tigray-admin-to-address-joblessness-crisis-among-former-security-personnel/