#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

#Ethiopian Airlines Secures $450M Loan from Citi for Fleet Expansion

Ethiopian Airlines has finalized a $450 million loan agreement with Citibank to finance the acquisition of five new Boeing aircraft. The transaction was facilitated through Citi’s Corporate and Export Agency Finance divisions and guaranteed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

The loan will enable the purchase of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft and two 777 freighters, with deliveries scheduled at Boeing’s facilities in Washington by December. This marks a significant milestone for Citi, representing its largest aircraft loan in Ethiopia, and reinforces the bank's role as Ethiopian Airlines' core banker for over 45 years.

https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/Press-release-open-page/ethiopian-airlines-and-citi-sign-a-usd-450m-loan-agreement-fofr-five-new-aircraft?fbclid=IwAR1rHbq3ssR9iMq92rJCfRj8KcDNQ2nr4PrtkGbOLNpygKwQQMcTW4taGTU

#Ethiopia: #Tigray’s tug of war: The quest for recovery amidst power struggles

One year after the peace agreement that ended Tigray's devastating two-year war, simmering political tensions now jeopardize stability and rebuilding in the war-torn region. The newly established interim administration, tasked with ushering a new chapter of governance, faces increasing opposition from the formerly dominant Tigray People's Liberation Front (#TPLF).

Recent dismissals of key TPLF-linked officials signal growing discord between the interim administration and the TPLF over power sharing. Experts say unclear duties allow lingering TPLF influence, causing administrative zones to resist the interim body, obstructing rebuilding. Meanwhile, opposition voices decry restrictions on political freedoms as a remnant of TPLF’s authoritarian rule.

While some see the clashes as internal TPLF restructuring, concerns remain that disputes could severely compromise humanitarian relief and recovery. With external threats and displacement persisting, opposition groups urge efforts focused on participation, decentralization and cooperation to enable gradual progress. Securing stability and inclusive governance remains a monumental challenge.

https://addisstandard.com/tigrays-tug-of-war-the-quest-for-recovery-amidst-power-struggles/?amp=1

#Rwanda - #BioNTech inaugurates 1st manufacturing plant for #mRNA vaccines in #Africa in the Rwandan capital #Kigali

The manufacturing facility, whose construction started in 2022, will be based on BioNTainers -exact replications of the BioNTech factory in Germany.

In 2021, the leading #German biotechnology company signed deals with Rwanda and the Senegalese Institut Pasteur de Dakar to set up manufacturing sites on the continent.

“We are committed to building a sustainable mRNA vaccine ecosystem in Africa, focusing on the development of mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases with high medical needs and forging high-end technology solutions for local manufacturing,” said Ugur Sahin, the chief executive and co-founder of BioNTech.

Beginning next year, the facility could initially manufacture up to 50 million doses annually of a product that has an RNA process similar to that of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/biontech-inaugurates-1st-manufacturing-plant-for-mrna-vaccines-in-africa/3086422#

News: #Ethiopia says security forces ‘completely foil planned #Al_Shabaab terrorist attack’ in #Jigjiga, various cities in #Somali state

Among the suspects who were brought under the control of security forces is an individual named Ali Abdi, a.k.a Maalin Ali, who the task force said was “the leader and coordinator of the terrorist group.” He is accused of establishing relations with the al-Shabaab wing based in Somalia, and having “organized, communicated, recruited members of the terrorist group, made terrorist plans, identified targets, and provided training and logistics to carry out the attacks.”

The joint task force said that he was “arrested during a coordinated surveillance” while trying to sneak in through the border city of Moyale with 13 other associates.

The joint task force added that members of al-Shabaab were deployed to carry out terrorist attacks in Jigjiga, Fiq, Warder and Bike areas of the Somali region. Several Kalashnikov guns, ammunition, explosives and other military equipment, as well as various documents that were prepared to be used to carry out the terrorist attacks were also seized, according to the statement. https://addisstandard.com/?p=40131

#Just_in- #AfDB to withdraw international staff from #Ethiopia - Reuters.

“The African Development Bank (AfDB) will withdraw its international employees from Ethiopia following what it said was an assault on its staff members by government security forces”, Reuters reported citing two sources familiar with the decision.

The AfDB said on 31 October that “two staff members of the Bank based in Addis Abeba were “unlawfully arrested, physically assaulted, and detained for many hours by elements of the security forces without any official explanation.”

The Bank called the event “a very serious diplomatic incident,” and that it has lodged formal complaints to the Ethiopian government, which has been “formally acknowledged”

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1737192811949179184?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA

#Ethiopia: #Amhara region faces 50% spike in Malaria cases, calls for sustainable control measures

The Amhara Regional Public Health Institute has reported a distressing rise in malaria cases, with a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. This upsurge has led to over 671,000 reported infections and has tragically claimed the lives of 15 individuals. The situation is particularly severe in 30 districts, which are grappling with the highest rates of infection.

During a recent collaborative forum with the regional health officials and UNICEF, officials attributed the spike primarily to climate change, disrupted preventive spraying coverage, improper insecticide use, and medicine supply shortages.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1737349841775214842?t=E2bF8l_2p2PRx1AaPB1Y_Q&s=19

#Ethiopia: Displaced individuals in #Jara IDP center fear uncertain future amidst eviction orders

Thousands at Jara IDP center in #Amhara are ordered to leave, despite fears for their safety. Since 2018, over 10,000 individuals have fled conflicts in #Oromia to seek refuge here.

A regional agreement now urges their return, but many are apprehensive, citing unresolved conflicts at home. They're calling for a committee to verify safety before they're uprooted again.

Without such assurances, they face a dilemma: return to potential danger or seek asylum elsewhere. The authorities cite logistical issues amid conflict for this push.

https://addisstandard.com/displaced-individuals-in-jara-idp-center-fear-uncertain-future-amidst-eviction-orders/

#Ethiopia accuses Egypt of 'erecting roadblocks' as fourth-round GERD talks fail.

The fourth round of trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), involving Ethiopia, #Egypt, and #Sudan, ended without a resolution. Ethiopia accused Egypt of perpetuating a 'colonial era mentality' and creating obstacles to a collaborative resolution.

Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that the negotiations aim to build trust among the nations involved and are not intended to restrict Ethiopia's use of Nile waters. The ministry reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to the equitable and reasonable utilization of water resources to meet the needs of its population.

Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation labeled the talks as unsuccessful due to Ethiopia's 'persistent refusal' to agree on technical and legal compromises. Cairo said it reserves its right to defend its water and national security interests under international law. Despite these setbacks, Ethiopia remains dedicated to continuing the dialogue to find a mutually agreeable solution, as per the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by the three countries.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-accuses-egypt-of-erecting-roadblocks-as-fourth-round-gerd-talks-fail/?amp=1

#French court jails ex-doctor over #Rwanda #genocide

Former Rwandan doctor Sosthene Munyemana was on Wednesday jailed for 24 years by a French court for his involvement in the 1994 genocide of #Tutsis.

The 68-year-old former gynaecologist was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and participation in a conspiracy to prepare these crimes.

His lawyers said they planned to appeal the verdict.

The public prosecutor had sought a sentence of 30 years, arguing that the "sum total" of his choices showed "the traits of a genocidaire".

Munyemana was accused of helping draft a letter of support for the then interim government, which encouraged the massacre of the Tutsis. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/french-court-jails-ex-doctor-for-24-years-over-rwanda-genocide-4469866

#Ethiopia: AfDB says inter’l staff withdrawal due to Ethiopia’s failure to resolve assault complaint, employees feel unsafe, insecure

The African Development Bank (#AfDB) has announced the withdrawal of its international staff from Ethiopia, effective December 19, 2023, citing unresolved issues around the assault of two of its staff members by Ethiopian security forces on October 31, 2023. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina expressed concern over the lack of a detailed investigation report from the Ethiopian government regarding the incident, which he described as a "gross infringement" on the bank's personnel.

An internal memorandum from the AfDB indicates that the response from the Ethiopian government has been found insufficient by a high-level delegation from the bank. The memorandum points to a lack of confidence in the safety and security for the bank's staff, necessitating the relocation of international staff while maintaining operational continuity through a locally-recruited Officer-in-Charge.

Contrary to earlier statements from Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which suggested that diplomatic relations would remain stable, the withdrawal of international staff underscores the growing tensions and the bank's dissatisfaction with Ethiopia's handling of the assault case.

https://addisstandard.com/news-afdb-says-ethiopia-didnt-resolve-assault-on-its-two-staffs-decides-to-pull-out-international-employees/?amp=1

#Ethiopia: #Amhara region announces seizure of ‘organized’ illicit arms aiming to turn region become ‘center of chaos and violence’

The Amhara Regional State Peace and Security Bureau has intercepted a series of "illegal arms trafficking" operations whithin the region. The bureau's statement, released last night, emphasized the organized nature of the smuggling efforts to turn the region into "a center of chaos and violence."

In one case, a truck traveling from Mekelle disguised as a cement transport was found to contain over 10,000 assault rifles and machine guns. Another truck originating from Gonder was transporting seven Kalashnikov rifles and 2,000 additional firearms. A third truck hiding cement products concealed more than 8,000 rounds of ammunition. Authorities also seized sniper rifles concealed in a sand shipment.

Given these threats, the Peace and Security Bureau has called for increased community vigilance and participation in safeguarding Amhara. The region has faced ongoing security issues and a state of emergency since August due to clashes between militias and security forces.

https://addisstandard.com/news-amhara-region-reveals-interception-of-organized-illicit-arms-trafficking/?amp=1

#US and allies scramble to respond to #Houthi attacks on key #Red_Sea shipping lanes

Houthi rebels have launched at least 100 attacks against 12 different commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea over the last month, a “very significant breadth of attacks” not seen in at least “two generations,” a senior US military official said Tuesday.

The official described the attacks, which the Iran-backed Houthis have launched using ballistic missiles and drones, as a “large change in the security environment than even what it was two months ago.”

The Red Sea is home to one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world, and the affects of the attacks have had far-reaching reverberations, with at least 44 countries having connections to vessels attacked by the Houthis, and wider international trade being disrupted due to the attacks.

Some of the world’s biggest companies, including oil giant BP and shipping company Maersk, announced they were suspending their operations in the Red Sea because of the continued attacks on the vessels in recent weeks. Oil and gas prices rose sharply after BP’s announcement. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/19/politics/houthi-red-sea-attacks/index.html

News: Lawmakers brief #EU MPs about #Ethiopia’s ‘several options to ensure ownership’ of access to sea outlet

The briefing to the EU members of parliament led by Isabel Wiseler-Lima from the Subcommittee on Human Rights at the European Union Parliament, also touched on security, political, human rights as well as federalism issues in Ethiopia, HoPR said.

During the discussion, Dr Dima Nego, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs of the House, explained that various efforts were being made to address Ethiopia’s quest for ownership of sea outlet “based on mutual benefit in a peaceful and diplomatic way.” He told the visiting MPs that “there are several options that will enable Ethiopia to assert ownership of the sea outlet.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=40203

#Ethiopia: Over 20 million in need amid converging climate and conflict shocks in Ethiopia

Over 20 million people currently require humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia, including 4.5 million internally displaced, according to figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA). Extreme weather events have exacerbated needs among conflict-stricken communities grappling with prior drought, crop failure, malnutrition and disease.

Recent floods and mudslides have affected 1.5 million people over the past months, displacing over 630 thousand individuals. The UN warns this is the worst flooding witnessed in recent years, impacting vulnerable groups in 7 regions, with the #Somali region hardest hit, accounting for 80% of those affected. Livelihoods lie shattered alongside growing health and safety risks.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1737712168139628964?s=20

#Ethiopia: Safaricom's Ethiopia Struggles Dent Investor Confidence in Telecom Sector

Foreign investor interest in Ethiopia's telecom sector is waning, with Safaricom, the first private license recipient, facing regulatory hurdles and inconsistent policies. The company's struggle with customs delays and a lack of anticipated tax incentives has stirred doubts about the government's commitment to opening up the market, currently dominated by state-owned Ethio Telecom.

In its initial two years, Safaricom swiftly grew its customer base to 7 million users since launching in October 2022. However, challenges in equipment importation and customs clearance have led to early financial losses. Despite setbacks, analysts believe Safaricom's performance aligns with market expectations.

The suspension of the third telecom license bidding, driven by investor concerns over offered terms, raises questions about Ethiopia's competitive landscape. While Ethio Telecom prospers, discussions about potential state protectionism emerge. Ethiopian officials, however, attribute the delay in license issuance to the country's broader economic challenges, maintaining that investor interest will persist despite these temporary obstacles.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/safaricoms-ethiopia-struggle-deters-potential-telecoms-investors-2023-12-19/

#Ethiopia: City admin gears up for large-scale workforce evaluation

Over 14,000 employees of the #Addis_Abeba city administration are slated to undergo an evaluative assessment examination on Friday, 22 December, 2023. This examination is intended to serve as the basis for a forthcoming reshuffling initiative that the city administration intends to enact.

The BBC reports that in the initial phase, 16 city administration institutions have been selected for the implementation of this reshuffling program.

Among these institutions are the Addis Abeba City Land Development and Management Bureau, Housing Development and Management Bureau, Transport Bureau, Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau, Planning and Development Bureau, Employment and Skills Bureau, and Industrial Development Bureau.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1737763545876463905

#EU pledges to join #US-led #Red_Sea patrol effort

The European Union said yesterday that member countries will contribute to the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed #Houthi rebels from #Yemen.

"Irresponsible Houthi actions are a threat to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," tweeted Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, after an emergency meeting of the bloc's Political and Security Committee.

The EU's endorsement will make it easier for countries to join the American effort.

The #UK has joined, while Italy is sending a warship. #France, which has a destroyer in the area, said on Tuesday it was interested but had not yet committed to joining the operation.

Other countries were waiting for the EU to move. The bloc is already running the Atalanta anti-piracy mission off the coast of #Somalia, which is led by Spain and has included vessels from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Italy. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-pledges-to-join-us-led-red-sea-patrol-effort/

#Ethiopia: “Those who are pressuring Israel for a ceasefire are asking for #Hamas to win” – #Israel diplomat

The Israel-#Gaza conflict has captivated global attention since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on 07 October, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of 240 hostages, some of whom have since been released. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that, as of 21 October, 2021, over 20,000 Palestinians, including more than 7,000 children, have been killed by Israeli actions.

Israel faces accusations of "indiscriminate bombing" and utilizing "starvation as a weapon" in Gaza. In an exclusive interview with Addis Standard, Ambassador Aleligne Admasu, Israel's Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Tomer Bar-Lavi, the Deputy Chief of Mission, stated that “international law recognizes Israel's right to self-defense.” Emphasizing that Israel remains committed to its principles, they strongly refute allegations of intentional destruction and indiscriminate harm to civilians.

Ambassador Aleligne detailed that the Israeli military has employed various strategies "to reduce civilian harm throughout the conflict." “These measures include broadcasting informational messages and distributing flyers to Gaza Strip residents.” Nonetheless, the Ambassador highlighted that “Hamas strategically employs educational institutions, places of worship, international organizations’ premises, and other sanctuaries to shield itself from Israeli military assaults.”

Bar-Lavi, articulating the guiding principles of military necessity, distinction, and proportionality in Israel's operations in Gaza, acknowledged the extreme difficulty in avoiding civilian casualties "when Hamas intentionally places women and children in harm's way as human shields."

"In any armed conflict, collateral damage is unfortunately inevitable," Bar-Lavi said.

https://addisstandard.com/the-interview-those-who-are-pressuring-israel-for-a-ceasefire-are-asking-for-hamas-to-win-israel-ambassador/

‘Remove him’: #Sudan army chief al-Burhan faces calls to go after #RSF gains

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has captured Sudan’s second-largest city, just a day after the army and its supporters prematurely celebrated repelling an attack.

As army soldiers retreated from #Wad_Madani – once a hub for hundreds of thousands of displaced people – they left civilians behind. The army has released a rare statement acknowledging that its troops withdrew too quickly and promising an investigation, yet their supporters are calling for accountability.

***
Since the RSF captured Wad Madani, many of the army’s supporters have taken to social media to call on generals to replace al-Burhan. The sentiment is widely shared among civilians who are terrified that the RSF could attack their towns and cities next.

The RSF tends to loot homes, markets and banks in every city it conquers, as well as subject women to sexual violence. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/20/remove-him-sudan-army-chief-al-burhan-faces-calls-to-go-after-rsf-gains

#Ethiopia: Dam diplomacy deadlock

Ethiopia has recently stated that the trilateral negotiations with Egypt and Sudan concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) has failed, attributing the failure to Egypt "maintaining a colonial-era mentality" and "erecting roadblocks against efforts toward convergence."

The fourth and latest round of talks, concluded on 19 December, 2023, joins a series of unsuccessful attempts that began after an agreement was made by the leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt.

On 13 July, 2023, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had committed to finalizing the rules and guidelines for the initial filling and annual operation of the GERD within a four-month period.

For more details on the agreement between the two leaders, watch the video.