#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/

#Ethiopia: Building boom boosts malaria-carrying, invasive mosquito in Ethiopia

A concerning rise in malaria cases is reported as an invasive mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, makes its way into Africa's urban areas, including #Jigjiga, Ethiopia. A recent study led by Emory University's Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec reveals the mosquito's adaptation to construction sites and water storage pits, posing a serious threat to urban populations.

Researchers, including Jigjiga University entomologists, identify construction sites and brick-making facilities as key breeding grounds for Stephensi larvae. Urgent interventions, such as stocking construction pits with larvae-eating fish, are proposed to mitigate potential outbreaks. Funded by the Emory Global Health Institute, this research underscores the need for collaborative efforts.

The mosquito's arrival challenges #Africa's malaria eradication efforts, traditionally focused on rural areas. The insect has triggered urban outbreaks, including in #Dire_Dawa.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/06122023-building-boom-boosts-malaria-carrying-invasive-mosquito-in-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia: #UNESCO inscribes Harari people’s Shuwal Eid festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

UNESCO has added the #Harari people's #Shuwal_Eid festival to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Celebrated in Ethiopia, this three-day festival marks the end of Ramadan fasting.

Located at the entrance gates of #Harar, the festival promotes cultural exchange, social cohesion, and supports local communities and artisans. UNESCO emphasizes its role in preserving performing arts, oral traditions, and traditional dress.

Ordin Bedri, president of the Harari region, congratulates Ethiopians on this prestigious recognition.

https://addisstandard.com/news-unesco-inscribes-harari-peoples-shuwal-eid-festival-as-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim admin to form drought disaster committee to tackle humanitarian crisis

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis fueled by persistent drought, the Tigray interim administration has announced the establishment of a Drought Disaster Committee. This crucial initiative seeks to avert the dire situation that has tragically claimed lives across five zones and 32 districts in the Tigray region.

President Getachew Reda announced the decision during a discussion with various communities held yesterday, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Getachew acknowledged the significant loss of lives and emphasized the persistent challenges arising from natural calamities inflicted upon Tigray.

Recently, Addis Standard published a news article highlighting the severe impact of drought, resulting in the deaths of 190 people in two districts: #Abergelle_Yechila in the Central Tigray Zone and #Atsbi in the Eastern Zone of Tigray. Reports from Abergelle Yechila district indicate the loss of 83 lives, with an additional 297 individuals in critical conditions teetering on the brink of severe health deterioration. Moreover, over 95,000 people are currently at significant risk, urgently awaiting essential humanitarian aid to avert further tragedies.

In total, at least 132,000 hectares of farmland in Tigray, spanning the south, southeast, and eastern zones, have been impacted by drought, endangering a crucial harvest in a region already devastated by war.

For more details on the news, please follow the link.

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

#Ethiopia’s digitally empowered labor migration initiative to the Gulf region sparks controversy, hope

Despite facing scrutiny, the Ethiopian government is unwavering in its commitment to the #Gulf migrant-worker program. Initiated after the reopening of Gulf countries to domestic workers, the program saw a surge, reaching 100,000 participants last fiscal year. Minister Muferiat Kamil aims to send half a million individuals abroad this year, with 120,000 already assisted in the past four months.

At the heart of the initiative is the Ethiopian Labor Market Information System (E-LMIS), fostering communication between foreign employers and workers. The system, lauded for its role in legal migration, provides free registration for citizens, curbing illicit recruiters.

Amid Ethiopia's ambitious labor migration initiative, concerns arise over the entrenched #kafala sponsorship system in host countries, notably the Gulf. Critics stresses that while Ethiopia's E-LMIS-backed program tackles illegal trafficking, it falls short in confronting the exploitative kafala system. Dismantling the kafala system, according to stakeholders, is crucial for substantial improvements, challenging the inherent vulnerability tied to employer sponsorship.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-ethiopias-digitally-empowered-labor-migration-initiative-to-the-gulf-region-sparks-controversy-hope/

#Ethiopia: Authority issues final warning to 25 private higher learning institutions

The #Addis_Abeba City Administration Education and Training Quality Control Authority has issued a final warning to 25 private higher learning institutions. These institutions have been notified that the accreditation licenses for some of their campuses are at risk of revocation.

The higher education institutions include Rift Valley University, Queens College, Royal College, and Microlink College, among others. The authority issued this warning due to the institutions' failure to furnish essential student registration information. Despite repeated requests, as outlined in the warning letter, these institutions have not complied with the information-sharing requirements.

The Authority has announced that if the required information is not provided within the next five days, corrective actions will be taken in accordance with the 2019 directive.

#Ethiopia's inaugural long-range drone network concludes 30-day medical delivery initiative

Ethiopia's pioneering long-range drone network has successfully concluded a 30-day project focused on delivering crucial medical supplies. In a total of 44 flights, the network transported medical items, including 6,936 vaccine doses, to six challenging-to-reach communities.

The initial deliveries occurred on 20 October, 2023, providing vaccines against tuberculosis, poliovirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, and hepatitis B.

Developed by the #Australian drone company Swoop Aero, the automated, remote-piloted aircraft known as the Kite can cover distances of up to 120 kilometers with a three-kilogram payload before necessitating a battery swap.

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopias-first-long-range-medical-drone-network-established

#Ethiopia: Half-brother of fallen Golani fighter faces tissue test for #Israeli immigration

Sgt. Maro Elem's sacrifice highlights a unique immigration challenge for his half-brother, Tamrat Elem, seeking Israeli residency. The heart-wrenching loss during battle near Kibbutz Nir Oz underscores not only the grief but also the bureaucratic hurdles faced by families left behind.

Tamrat's potential permanent immigration hinges on a tissue test confirming his connection to Maor. The Elem family's socio-economic struggles and language barriers illuminate broader challenges for new immigrants in Israel.

The Aliyah, Absorption, and Diaspora Knesset Committee acknowledges the complexity, recommending a humanitarian approach. The situation resonates with other cases, emphasizing the need for streamlined processes and better support for new immigrants during wartime.

https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-776857

#Ethiopia: Tigrayan victims of horrific sexual violence turn to ‘Holy Water’ in search of healing

Disturbing reports from Refugees International reveal the unimaginable suffering endured by Tigrayan women during the two-year war. A staggering 40–50% faced gender-based violence, with over 80% reporting rape, often brutal gang rape by armed groups. Shockingly, only three psychologists struggle to support seven million people in #Tigray, leaving survivors to cope with trauma using makeshift remedies like holy water.

In #Kolla_Temben, survivors share harrowing stories of assault and despair. A 60-year-old woman, once dedicated to serving God, was shattered by an Eritrean armed forces assault. A 16-year-old girl, fleeing with her family, was brutally gang-raped.

Meseret Hadish, founder of the Hiwuyet charity in #Mekelle, tirelessly works to heal trauma caused by sexual violence during the Tigray war. Visiting victims in Kolla Temben, Meseret witnessed the aftermath of brutalities, including mass slaughter, arson, and looting, affecting over 360 girls and mothers.

Close to 86% of health facilities in Tigray are damaged, hindering survivors from receiving necessary care. Abrehet, a survivor, shared the inhumane treatment she endured during the war. With limited access to healthcare, many victims, like Abrehet, turn to holy water for healing.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-tigrayan-victims-of-horrific-sexual-violence-turn-to-holy-water-in-search-of-healing/

#Ethiopia: Commission exposes disturbing human rights abuses across Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) exposes grave abuses in #Amhara, #Benishangul_Gumuz, and #Oromia regions. Verified reports reveal attacks causing loss of life, harm to civilians, property destruction, and mass displacement.

In Amhara, ethnic clashes led to casualties, with #Ambala Kebele witnessing devastating attacks, resulting in civilian deaths. The violence escalated on Nov 9-11, as a local militia raided #Bure district, causing numerous fatalities and displacing thousands. Benishangul-Gumuz faced violence in #Oda_Biligu District, with militants targeting villages, claiming 17 lives, injuring 7, and destroying homes and livelihoods.

Oromia witnessed a week of horror, with attacks in #Arsi and #Qellem_Wollega Zones. On 13 November, Tijo Lebu Kebele and Sole Digelu Kebele saw non-combatant casualties. EHRC Commissioner Daniel Bekele urgently calls for government intervention, political solutions, transitional justice, and security provisions.

https://addisstandard.com/news-commission-exposes-disturbing-human-rights-abuses-across-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia: Ethiopian Air Force set to celebrate Air Force day with “Black Lion Air Show” in collaboration with the #UAE.

Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdasa said preparations are underway to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of Ethiopian Air Force.

Various events will mark the run up to the celebration, culminating in a grand air show dubbed the "Black Lion Air Show" to be presented in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates to be held on 16 December 2023. AS

#Ethiopia: Government's push for labor migration initiative sparks controversy, hope

When 18-year-old Abeba left her family's modest home in #Gondar, she hoped to financially support her loved ones through domestic work in #Saudi_Arabia. However, the harsh reality she faced with an abusive employer did not match the rosy assurances by her recruitment agency. "They took advantage of the fact that I was new," Abeba recalls. Despite now residing in a hospitable household, the emotional scars remain, prompting Abeba to urge others to approach cautiously.

Though stories like Abeba's are common, Ethiopia aims to send 500,000 more workers overseas through a controversial labor migration initiative. While officials praise the program’s protections, recent reports revealed coercion and false promises by authorities, misleading vulnerable citizens about the harsh conditions they will likely face.

Additionally, critics argue the prevalent #kafala system in destination countries enable extensive employer control and abuse of migrants, who fall outside official oversight. They suggest new bilateral agreements between Ethiopia and host nations fail to provide sufficient safeguards for domestic staff.

While remittances are a vital lifeline for many impoverished families, human rights groups condemn the failure to address issues like confinement, wage theft and limited legal recourse for migrants under repressive kafala regimes.

https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-ethiopias-digitally-empowered-labor-migration-initiative-to-the-gulf-region-sparks-controversy-hope/?amp=1

#Ethiopia: #Somali region grapples with catastrophic floods

A deluge of heavy floods in the Somali Regional State has wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage to 24 primary routes and multiple bridges. According to the latest report by #UNICEF, the destruction has presented formidable challenges in reaching hundreds of thousands of individuals who find themselves stranded amid the deluge.

In addition to claiming the lives of 33 individuals and 4,806 livestock, floods have left a devastating impact on 33 districts in the Somali region. The repercussions have affected a staggering 611,640 people, with 240,000 individuals still grappling with displacement, according to the Somali Disaster Risk Management Bureau. UNICEF reports that families displaced by the floods face restricted access to essential basic services, such as safe drinking water and emergency shelter.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1733033519369126074

#Ethiopia: #US pushes for #DDR and transitional justice, negotiated resolution of #Oromia and #Amhara conflicts

US Special Envoy for the Horn of #Africa, Mike Hammer, will travel to Ethiopia to push for the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement and urge resolutions to ongoing violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions.

He will also visit #Djibouti and #Qatar to attend summits and discuss the war in #Sudan. The envoy aims to support efforts for a peaceful resolution, humanitarian access, and justice for victims of the conflict.

Additionally, he will coordinate with African Union officials on regional issues. This follows a recent hearing in the US House of Representatives on Ethiopia's situation.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-us-pushes-for-ddr-and-transitional-justice-negotiated-resolution-of-oromia-and-amhara-conflicts/

#Ethiopia :Gov’t obstruction hampers human rights investigations, says Ethiopian Human Rights Council

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (#EHRCO) recently revealed that its efforts to investigate alleged human rights violations have been significantly hindered due to obstruction from authorities. Over the past two years, EHRCO submitted formal requests seeking to access sites and examine alleged abuses. However, it faced rejections or no responses from federal and regional authorities.

Specifically, EHRCO's petitions in 2021 to the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Peace seeking authorization to examine violations related to the #Tigray war were not granted, preventing investigation. This year, letters to security forces and detention sites in #Addis_Ababa and #Oromia were ignored, obstructing monitoring. The Council was also denied access to informal detention facilities like #Awash_Arba where severe abuses were reported.

While some recent cooperation has occurred, EHRCO states overall restrictions on its operations remain. The rights group urges governments to refrain from impeding its independent monitoring and fact-finding role, and to cooperate in ensuring respect for human rights.

https://addisstandard.com/news-govt-obstruction-hampers-human-rights-investigations-says-ethiopian-human-rights-council/

#Ethiopia, #Somalia ink new defense pact

Ethiopia and Somalia have entered into a new agreement aimed at bolstering their defense cooperation and collaborative efforts to advance peace and security in the Horn of #Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in #Addis_Abeba, represents a renewal of a previous agreement inked in February 2014.

The agreement encompasses various key areas, including military training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance. Notably, it also establishes Joint defense Committees tasked with overseeing and facilitating the agreement's implementation, as well as coordinating the defense forces' activities of both nations.

Both countries' Defense Ministers have lauded the renewed defense pact as a testament to the robust and strategic partnership between Somalia and Ethiopia. They view it as a crucial step towards bolstering the stability and prosperity of the region. Additionally, they have reaffirmed their dedication to collaborating in addressing shared challenges and threats, such as terrorism, extremism, piracy, and climate change.

https://en.goobjoog.com/somalia-ethiopia-ink-new-defense-pact/