#Ethiopia: Enterprise unveils fare revisions for toll roads

The Ethiopian Toll Roads Enterprise has announced the revision of toll fares on the #Addis_Abeba-Adama, #Dire_Dawa-Dawale, and #Mojo-Batu toll roads, effective 12 December, 2023.

The fares for the Addis-#Adama and Mojo-#Batu Expressways have increased by 31%, while the fees for the Dire Dawa-#Dawale toll road have seen a 42% hike.

In the past nine years, the enterprise has undergone tariff revisions only twice, according to the Ethiopian Press Agency. The initial revision of the service charge tariff took place in March 2019 on the Addis-Adama toll road. Officials from the enterprise cite the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and national security concerns as reasons for not revising the service fee tariff for the past four years.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1734847751106494644

News: #Ethiopia’s food insecurity deepens with four million at risk of emergency hunger

A distressing report from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) unveils a worsening food emergency in Ethiopia, putting four million lives at risk of plunging into hunger by mid-2024. The crisis spans five regions, exacerbated by drought, conflict, and flash floods.

In #Oromia and Somali regions, over 20% of households in pastoral regions are displaced or destitute. Desperate for aid, they'll resort to begging until early 2024. Emergency conditions persist in northern regions due to conflict and crop failures, with #Tigray facing a potential surge in food insecurity post-harvest.

Tragically, drought in #Waghemra Zone of #Amhara region has claimed six lives, compounded by conflicts, leaving 180,000 individuals at risk. The looming lean season from June to September 2024 could intensify the crisis unless immediate recovery assistance is provided, according to the report.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopias-food-insecurity-deepens-with-four-million-at-risk-of-emergency-hunger/

#Ethiopia: Only 30% of target beneficiaries received humanitarian aid in Ethiopia in 2023

The Ethiopian government has disclosed that only 30% of the intended beneficiaries received vital humanitarian aid in 2023. Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (#EDRMC), shared this disheartening update during the launch of the 2024 Global Humanitarian Appeal.

Despite requiring nearly $4 billion in 2023 for humanitarian support, only 30% of that amount has been funded, leaving countless individuals without essential assistance. During the event, Antonio Guterres, #UN Secretary General, emphasized the need for urgent action, highlighting the UN's request for $46.4 billion to aid 180.5 million people in 2024.

This appeal aims to address conflicts, climate emergencies, and other crises affecting approximately 300 million individuals worldwide, with 74.1 million of them located in East and Southern #Africa.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-only-30-of-target-beneficiaries-received-humanitarian-aid-in-ethiopia-in-2023/

#Washington warns against dividing #Sudan

#US Special Envoy Michael Hammer issued a stern warning to Sudanese military leaders Abdelfattah El Burhan and Mohamed 'Hemedti' Dagalo. The talks, held in Jeddah with US and Saudi presence, have hit a deadlock, prompting concerns from Hammer about the potential division of Sudan. Speaking at the 2023 Doha Forum, he emphasized the dire situation, comparing it to #Libya.

Hammer praised the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD) in addressing the humanitarian needs in Sudan and called for immediate adherence to ceasefire pledges made by the warring parties. The IGAD member states, in a recent session, vowed to intensify efforts for a peaceful resolution, supporting a civilian-led political process.

Amid conflicting reports on a potential one-to-one meeting between El Burhan and Hemedti, the US expressed deep concern about the impact on women and children, urging coordinated efforts with IGAD, the #African_Union, and others. As accusations of war crimes surfaced, the US committed to facilitating a Sudanese-led dialogue for democratic transition.

https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/washington-warns-against-dividing-sudan

#Ethiopia: #Tigray region establishes 'Emergency Response Committee' as severe drought claims over 400 lives

In response to the acute humanitarian crisis caused by a severe drought in the Tigray region, President Getachew Reda, leading the Tigray Interim Administration, officially established the "Tigray Emergency Response" Committee. Comprising 22 members with diverse backgrounds, including representatives from opposition parties, religious leaders, and civil society, the committee is dedicated to tackling the pressing situation.

Gebrehiwot Gebregzabher (PhD), Commissioner of the Disaster Risk Management Commission of Tigray, disclosed in a press briefing to state media that over two million individuals in 32 districts and 196 stations across five zones are currently facing food scarcity. According to Gebrehiwot, within just one month, around 400 people, including 25 children, have tragically succumbed to starvation.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1734912242921910476

#Ethiopia: Echoes of Tigray: Stories of #Tigrayan children struggling for survival on the streets of Addis

Despite the Tigray war’s conclusion in November 2022, the humanitarian crisis persists as displaced families disperse across Ethiopia. A stark reality unfolds on #Addis_Ababa’s bustling streets where growing numbers of Tigrayan children seek refuge, driven by conflict and poverty.

Nine-year-old Wegen fled eastern Tigray when violence erupted in 2020, hindering his education. He traverses 10 kilometers daily, selling items to aid his financially constrained family. Similarly, seven-year-old Bri’s family fled southern Tigray when drought ravaged 20% of the region’s farmland. The boys sell goods so parents can hawk wares, yearning to resume their disrupted schooling.

Fourteen-year-old Bisrat endured a grueling 1,000 kilometer exodus from southern Tigray after her village’s ruthless invasion, struggling to reconcile horrendous memories. Compelled to prematurely discontinue 4th grade, Bisrat sells items with a displaced friend to assist her family, nurturing aspirations to resume learning and epitomizing migrant resilience.

Facing tenure insecurity and devoid of a support network, the displaced Tigrayan children epitomize the human toll inflicted by the conflict. Their childhoods, meant for schoolyard games and acquiring classroom knowledge, are now consumed with securing their families’ survival.

https://addisstandard.com/echoes-of-tigray-stories-of-tigrayan-children-struggling-for-survival-on-the-streets-of-addis/?amp=1

#Somalia Secures $4.5 Billion Debt Relief Package from #IMF and World Bank

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have approved a major debt relief package for Somalia under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This will unlock $4.5 billion in debt service relief for Somalia from multilateral, bilateral and commercial creditors.

Somalia implemented numerous reforms across fiscal policies, revenue collection, public financial management and governance over the last decade. This paved the pathway for debt relief, despite challenges like droughts and terrorism that the country faced.

The debt relief will substantially reduce Somalia’s debt levels from 64% to under 6% of GDP. It facilitates access to additional financing to invest in strengthening the economy, reducing poverty and boosting job creation.

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/12/13/pr23438-imf-and-world-bank-announce-us-4-5-billion-in-debt-relief-for-somalia

#Ethiopia: Echoes of Tigray: Stories of #Tigrayan children struggling for survival on the streets of Addis

Meet Wegen Desta and Bri Yisfaw, two courageous boys from Tigray who now work as street vendors in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa. Despite their young age of 9 and 7 years old respectively, Wegen and Bri wake before dawn each morning to traverse up to 10 kilometers selling small items to support their financially strained families.

After fleeing violence in Tigray, these displaced youths now confront adversity in Addis Ababa. By hawking goods for long hours, they strive to aid parents similarly grappling with loss of livelihoods back home.

To learn more about the journeys of Wegen, Bri and other youths exhibiting inspirational perseverance and determination amidst hardship, please follow the link:

https://addisstandard.com/echoes-of-tigray-stories-of-tigrayan-children-struggling-for-survival-on-the-streets-of-addis/?amp=1

#Ethiopia to lead Eurobond Investor talks today after missed payment

Officials from Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance will lead a global investor call today to discuss proposals for revising the country's outstanding eurobond terms. The call comes after Ethiopia missed a coupon payment deadline last week, placing it at risk of default.

During the discussions, the government is expected to provide further details on its debt restructuring framework in an effort to restore sustainability and offer moderate upside from current distressed bond price levels. However, risks remain if negotiations extend in length or non-current securities face opportunity costs.

Ethiopia's eurobond price rose over 2% yesterday ahead of today's call, its largest single-day increase in almost a year, on cautious optimism around the debt overhaul plans. The nation had announced intentions for relief under the Common Framework in 2021 after public finances were strained by COVID-19 and conflict impacts.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-12/ethiopian-eurobond-surges-as-investors-await-bondholder-call

#Ethiopia: #Eritrean forces allegedly abduct 26 individuals in Gulomekeda, #Tigray region

Eritrean forces have reportedly abducted 26 individuals in #Gulomekeda, Eastern Tigray, over the past seven months. Haftom Baraki, the district head, exposed the dire situation in an interview with Addis Standard, disclosing that Eritrean soldiers maintain control over six kebeles, including #Addis_Tesfa, #Addis_Alem, and #Sebeya.

This occupation traces back to the conflict's onset in November 2020, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Security challenges persist in Gulomekeda, hindering movement, while Eritrean forces compel residents to adhere strictly to directives.

#Fasti town, the administrative seat, serves as the sole source of information, with residents facing human rights violations, restricted movement, and a lack of basic services under Eritrean control.

The distress extends to #Irob in northeastern Tigray, where over 28 youths were reportedly abducted over ten months. Despite peace agreements, Eritrean forces remain in Irob, covering four kebeles against the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

https://addisstandard.com/news-eritrean-forces-allegedly-abduct-26-individuals-in-gulomekeda-tigray-region/

#Ethiopia: IOM resumes voluntary return flights for Stranded Ethiopians in #Yemen

The International Organization for Migration (#IOM) has resumed its voluntary repatriation flight from Yemen to Ethiopia since September, transporting 118 stranded migrants and families on Monday. This resumption of flights provides critical assistance to thousands of Ethiopian nationals facing immense hardship in Yemen.

Prolonged conflict and insecurity in Yemen have left many cut off from basic services and support networks. One such individual is 29-year-old Hayat, who embarked on a perilous journey from Ethiopia three years ago seeking better opportunities. She moved to Sana'a six months ago with her children to seek help, explaining: "I have been waiting to finally reunite with my family."

This year alone, nearly 95,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen. IOM estimates that over 200,000 urgently require humanitarian assistance, exceeding available capacities. 'The international community must swiftly intervene to ensure migrants’ safety and well-being,' said IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission Matt Huber.

These flights are lifelines for migrants lacking safe return routes, left exposed to risks without safe passage home. Prior to recent interruptions, over 6,000 migrants safely returned this year through IOM’s program. Upon arrival, returnees receive essential post-arrival assistance.

https://www.iom.int/news/iom-resumes-voluntary-return-flights-stranded-ethiopian-migrants-yemen

Celebrations in #Somalia after $4.5bn debt relief

Somalia's government on Wednesday held celebrations in the capital, Mogadishu, after the IMF and the World Bank announced $4.5bn ($3.5bn) in debt relief for the country.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre says that the relief is "equivalent to relieving every Somali person of a debt of more than $300".

"This is a testament that our country and our people are financially viable, attracting foreign investment, and we are no longer debt-ridden,” he adds.

The organizations pardoned Somalia's debt under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which was created in 1996 to help poor countries facing an unmanageable debt burden.

The $4.5bn debt relief also includes pardons by other multilateral, bilateral and commercial creditors.

"Somalia’s external debt has fallen from 64% of GDP in 2018 to less than 6 percent of GDP by end 2023," the institutions said in a joint statement.

BBC Africa

#Fitch downgrades #Ethiopia further into junk territory as default looms

Ethiopia's credit rating was downgraded further into junk territory on Thursday by the Fitch Ratings agency, which cited an "increased likelihood" of default.

The east African country failed to pay a coupon on its single outstanding $1 billion Eurobond which had been due on Dec. 11, saying last week it could not make the payment.

Fitch cut Ethiopia's rating to "C" from the "CC" it downgraded Africa's second most populous country to last month.

The agency does not assign outlooks to sovereigns rated "CCC+" or below but said it would downgrade Ethiopia to "RD", or restricted default, if it did not pay the coupon within a 14-day grace period. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/fitch-downgrades-ethiopia-further-into-junk-territory-default-looms-2023-12-14/