Long Island Republicans Tap #Ethiopian-Born Mazi Melesa Pilip for NY House Seat Amidst #Israel-#Hamas Tensions

In a bold move, Long Island Republicans have selected Mazi Melesa Pilip, a 44-year-old Ethiopian-born legislator, to run for the vacant #New_York House seat. Pilip, a mother of seven, served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces and has a compelling biography, vowing to combat antisemitism.

While lacking traditional political credentials, Republicans believe Pilip's diverse background and advocacy for Israel make her a potential breakout star, especially amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The special election is set for 13 February, with analysts labeling it a tossup.

Pilip's nomination contrasts with her Democratic opponent, Tom Suozzi, a former congressman with a lengthy political history. Notably, both candidates are registered Democrats. Pilip's relative anonymity prompts questions, but Republicans emphasize her unique life story and commitment to service.

The race unfolds against the backdrop of national issues, with Pilip criticizing President Biden's policies on immigration and foreign affairs. Republicans endorse Pilip, highlighting her life of service, while Democrats label her a "MAGA extremist."

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/nyregion/pilip-santos-special-election.html

#Ethiopia: Gov’t extends grace period for vitamin-deficient food imports

Amidst a significant accumulation of imported cooking oil and wheat flour found to be deficient in the mandatory vitamin fortification requirement within various customs offices and dry ports, the government has opted to extend the grace period until 08 March, 2024.

This extension allows exporters to continue importing and distributing food items without immediate compliance with the fortification mandate. Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has recently implemented new regulations for traders importing wheat flour and edible oil products into the country.

These regulations mandate that the imported products must be enriched with vitamins before entering the country and being distributed in the market.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1735921635750719948

Op-ed: Justifying Dictatorship in #South_Sudan: A Case Against the East African Community

The recent appointment of Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan, as the Chairperson of the East African Community (#EAC), has prompted deep concerns about the bloc's dedication to its fundamental values, asserts Duop Chak Wuol, Editor-in-Chief of the South Sudan News Agency. While regional leadership aspirations are not inherently problematic, Wuol stresses that supporting a leader with a well-documented ruthless record raises significant ethical questions.

Despite the EAC's proclamation of a vision for a prosperous, secure, and politically united East #Africa, Wuol argues that the bloc appears to have overlooked Kiir's controversial leadership, effectively endorsing a dictatorial political system. This decision, according to Wuol, directly contradicts the EAC's professed values of professionalism, accountability, and transparency.

Salva Kiir's tenure in South Sudan has been marred by insecurity and political instability, with alleged involvement in appalling crimes during the civil war. Wuol contends that the EAC's failure to thoroughly scrutinize Kiir's leadership raises fundamental questions about the bloc's principles and its commitment to universally accepted standards of governance, democracy, and human rights.

As the EAC navigates this appointment, Wuol emphasizes the urgent need for the bloc to reassess its choices, ensuring that future leadership appointments align with its declared values. The concerns raised by Kiir's elevation underscore the importance of upholding ethical standards in regional leadership, safeguarding the integrity of the East African Community.

https://addisstandard.com/op-ed-justifying-dictatorship-in-south-sudan-a-case-against-the-east-african-community/

Shipping firms pause #Red_Sea journeys over attacks

Danish shipping giant #Maersk announces the suspension of all Red Sea journeys following a series of attacks on vessels originating from #Houthi-controlled #Yemen. The #Iran-backed rebels, expressing support for #Hamas, are targeting ships bound for #Israel.

#German company #Hapag_Lloyd follows suit after one of its vessels was attacked. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical passage for oil and fuel shipments, sees about 17,000 ships and 10% of global trade annually.

The perilous strait, located between Yemen and #Djibouti/#Eritrea, is vital for ships reaching the #Suez_Canal from the south. The suspensions impact global trade, complicating the supply chain, potentially affecting Christmas deliveries. At least two other cargo ships in the strait were attacked on Friday, with the #US blaming the Houthis and warning of threats to navigation freedom. The situation escalates tensions in the region as the Houthis control parts of Yemen, triggering a civil war since 2014.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67731853

Debt woes escalate for #Ethiopia as credit rating drops

In the wake of a devastating civil war and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopia is facing a challenging economic period. Recently, Fitch Ratings downgraded the country's credit rating from 'CCC-' to 'C,' signaling an increased risk of default on its debts.

Once celebrated for rapid economic growth, Ethiopia now grapples with heavy debt, unable to meet its #Eurobond obligations. This downgrade, reminiscent of other African nations like #Zambia and #Ghana, raises concerns about external liquidity and significant financing gaps.

Efforts for debt relief and a new #IMF loan are underway, but as of October 2023, no staff-level agreement has been reached. Ethiopia's economic challenges reflect a broader trend in developing countries, where debt has doubled to approximately $3.5 trillion over the past decade.

https://www.riotimesonline.com/debt-woes-escalate-for-ethiopia-as-credit-rating-drops/

#Ethiopia conducts first of its kind air show to celebrate the 88th founding anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force.

The "Black Lion Air Show” was organized in collaboration with the #UAE and was carried out today in #Bishoftu city.

In the run up to the air show, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdassa spoke to state media, among others, about the restructuring & preparedness of the Air Force to respond to modern day warfare, and the multifaceted relationship with the UAE, focusing on the depth of military relationship.

Watch ⏬

#Sudan Expels three #Chad Diplomats in Tit-for-Tat Diplomatic Rift

Sudan has expelled three diplomats from Chad in an apparent tit-for-tat diplomatic rift. Sudan's state news agency reported that the government has declared the three Chadian diplomats "persona non grata" and given them 72 hours to leave.

The decision from Sudan comes on the heels of Chad's own declaration, which deemed four diplomats from the Sudanese embassy in N'Djamena as unwelcome. The move appears to be a reciprocal action, reflecting rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

The term "persona non grata" is a diplomatic indication for a foreign representative to be recalled to their home country by the host state.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-orders-three-chad-diplomats-leave-reciprocal-action-report-2023-12-17/

#WHO Director-General urges global action as dire humanitarian crises unfold in #Ethiopia's #Tigray, #Amhara regions

Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has drawn attention to the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Tigray, Amhara, and various parts of Ethiopia, which has been exacerbated by a severe drought. This alarming crisis has intensified food insecurity and widespread malnutrition, placing millions of individuals at risk of starvation.

Speaking at the Association des Correspondents Auprès des Nations Unies (#ACANU) press corps, Tedros emphasized the unfolding humanitarian crises in conflict-ridden nations, including Ethiopia and #Sudan.


During his address, the Director-General highlighted the ongoing human rights crises in Ethiopia, despite peace agreements. He underscored the concerning lack of action in addressing sexual violence in the Tigray region.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1736669348398239801

#Ethiopia, #Egypt, and #Sudan embark on fourth round of GERD negotiations in Addis Abeba

The fourth round of trilateral negotiations among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) has been initiated in #Addis_Abeba. The discussions aim to finalize the guidelines for the dam's initial filling and annual operations, with Ethiopia affirming its commitment to equitable Nile water use as per the 2015 Declaration of Principles

Ambassador Seleshi Bekele, representing Ethiopia, has confirmed the start of the ministerial meeting, which seeks to build on the progress of prior sessions. The ongoing talks are fueled by a joint statement from Ethiopian and Egyptian leaders, expressing their intent to expedite the negotiation process and reach an agreement within the agreed timeline.

Despite the urgency and multiple rounds of negotiations since the leaders' statement, a definitive agreement on the guidelines for filling and operating the GERD has not been reached. The current negotiations are part of a series of discussions spanning over a decade, as the three nations strive to find a collaborative solution to the management and operation of the GERD.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-egypt-and-sudan-embark-on-fourth-round-of-gerd-negotiations-in-addis-abeba/?amp=1

Malaria surge in #Ethiopia: 1.5 million affected, 20 million vaccines deployed

The Ministry of Health has announced that the number of malaria cases has surpassed 1.5 million in the last five months. In an effort to combat this epidemic, over 20 million vaccinations have been distributed over the course of two years.

Gudisa Asefa, the head of the Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases prevention and control desk at the Ministry of Health, shared this information with the Ethiopian Press Agency. He revealed that during the current fiscal year, 4.5 million individuals suspected of having malaria were tested. Of these, 1.5 million were confirmed to be malaria patients.

Gudisa further explained that the incidence of the disease has been unexpectedly increasing for three consecutive years.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1736710570391331085

#Ethiopia: Ethio Engineering and AvtoVAZ Team Up for Lada Assembly in Ethiopia

Ethio Engineering Group has formalized an agreement with AvtoVAZ, the Russian state-owned automaker that produces Lada vehicles, to commence the assembly of Lada vehicles in Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopian News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding, establishing the framework for this industrial endeavor, was signed by Ambassador Suleman Dedefo, CEO of Ethio Engineering Group, and Ilya Savinov, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AvtoVAZ.

Ambassador Suleman Dedefo expressed optimism about the agreement, noting its potential to meet the growing demand for vehicles within Ethiopia. The initiative is expected to start in the coming months, focusing primarily on serving the domestic market. Additionally, there are plans to expand the reach to neighboring African countries as part of a broader strategy.

The partnership is seen as a significant step in enhancing the economic relationship between Ethiopia and Russia.

#Just_in - Sisi wins third term as #Egypt's president

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has won a third term, gaining just under 90% of the vote, in an election held last week, the electoral commission has announced.

There were three candidates running against him - but none of them were considered major figures.

Mr Sisi first became president in 2014 - winning 97% of the vote. He won with the same share in 2018. This victory means that he will be in power until 2029, when he is barred by the constitution from running again.

BBC Africa

#Ethiopia: The Ethiopia-China bilateral relationship is an all-weather strategic partnership - Mulatu Teshome, former President of Ethiopia

In a recent interview with CGTN, the former President of Ethiopia Mulatu Teshome discussed the historical evolution of the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and #China. He stated that strong political, diplomatic, and economic ties have developed their alliance into an enduring, all-weather strategic partnership.

The former President further noted that Ethiopia’s natural resources, including lithium and nickel deposits, present potential investment opportunities for Chinese investors and can provide inputs for the fourth industrial revolution. He portrayed these resources as another area through which the strategic partnership between the two countries can expand.

#Pentagon announces new international mission to counter attacks on commercial vessels in #Red_Sea

The U.S. and a host of other nations are creating a new force to protect ships transiting the Red Sea that have come under attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from #Houthi-controlled areas of #Yemen, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced early Tuesday in Bahrain.

The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have damaged the vessels, has led multiple shipping companies to order their ships to hold in place and not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be addressed.

The U.S. military’s Central Command reported two more of the attacks on commercial vessels Monday. A strike by attack drone and ballistic missile hit a tanker off Yemen, at roughly the same time a cargo ship reported an explosive detonating in the water near them, the military said.

“This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in statement released just after midnight in Bahrain. “Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative.”

https://apnews.com/article/attacks-red-sea-navy-mission-missiles-286d51bfd65e741e839e185f0f4a455b

#Ethiopia: Municipal authorities targets thousands of betting companies in regulatory sweep

In a bid to shield its citizens from the perils of gambling, the #Addis_Abeba City Peace and Security Bureau has taken action against a staggering 3,241 sports betting companies.

During a press conference held yesterday, Lydia Girma, the head of the bureau, stated, "Efforts are being made to prevent the harm that sport betting is causing on society."

Lydia elaborated that the actions were directed at those gambling establishments that permit individuals under the age of 21 to place bets and those operating within the prohibited 200-meter radius of educational institutions, contravening the regulations set forth by the National Lottery Administration (NLA). To legally function, betting companies must secure permits from the #NLA.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1736985829459861537

#Ethiopia Seeks $3.5 Billion #IMF Loan to Close $11.5 Billion Budget Gap

Ethiopia is negotiating a $3.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a reform program to stabilize its fragile finances. The country is requesting exceptional access beyond its typical IMF allowance in order to close an estimated $11.5 billion budget gap through 2028.

Sources familiar with the matter said Ethiopia officials informed international bondholders that they aim to reach a staff-level agreement on the IMF loan by the first quarter of 2024. The government has calculated significant financing gaps in coming years even as foreign reserves currently stand at just 0.2 months of import coverage.

In addition to the multibillion-dollar IMF loan, Ethiopia is seeking $3.5 billion from the World Bank for budget support. The country has also reached agreements with Chinese lenders Export-Import Bank of #China and China Development Bank to suspend debt payments for two to six years.

Ethiopia requested debt relief from the Group of 20 countries in 2021 but progress has stalled due to the civil war that broke out in November 2020. Securing an IMF deal by March 2024 is critical for the country to avoid its agreement with other creditors being voided.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-aims-get-35-billion-under-imf-programme-sources-2023-12-18/

#Ethiopia: Melatework Hailu voted in as the new chairperson of National Election Board

Ethiopia's House of People's Representatives has elected Melatework Hailu as the new Chairperson of the National Election Board (NEBE). This comes after former chair Birtukan Mideksa resigned six months ago citing health reasons. Melatework was selected from a shortlist of candidates based on her qualifications and nonpartisan professional background.

Melatework has served as head of NEBE's office since 2020. She holds degrees in law, peace and security studies, and public administration. Her expertise in electoral processes and prior roles make her well-qualified to lead the independent election board.

The parliament also approved appointments of Getnat Tadese and Mesafint Tefera to leadership positions in state media entities Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Ethiopian Press Agency.

https://addisstandard.com/news-melatework-hailu-voted-in-as-the-new-chairperson-of-national-election-board/?amp=1

#EU, #Kenya sign #landmark trade deal hailed as beginning of 'historic partnership'

The agreement signed on Monday is the first broad trade deal between the EU and an African nation since 2016 and follows a spending spree by China on lavish infrastructure projects across the continent.

"Although today represents a moment of monumental promise, it is also the beginning of a historic partnership for historic transformation," Kenyan President William Ruto said at a ceremony attended by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Kenya's capital Nairobi.

"The core of this arrangement is to put real money into the pockets of ordinary people," said Ruto.

EU chief von der Leyen said the partnership was a "win-win situation on both sides" and called on other East African nations to join the pact, which came after years of negotiations that concluded in June.

"We are deepening trade ties and building up our economic resilience," she said.

"We are opening a new chapter in our very strong relationship and now our effort should be focused on implementation," von der Leyen added. https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20231218-eu-kenya-sign-landmark-trade-deal-hailed-as-beginning-of-historic-partnership