#Ethiopia: Ministry cracks down on 790 illegal brokers to curb inflation, stabilize market

The Ministry of Trade and Regional Cooperation has taken decisive administrative measures against 790 brokers operating unlawfully, who have been identified as contributing to market disruptions and exacerbating inflation over the past five months.

The ministry has disclosed that the distortion of the marketing chain, the undue influence of brokers, and unnecessary trade checkpoints have been significant factors driving price inflation. In response, the ministry has revoked the licenses of those brokers engaged in the marketing of essential goods such as agricultural products, vegetables, fruits, livestock, and crops, effectively barring them from trade practices.

In a concerted effort to mitigate price volatility, the ministry has underscored its commitment to market stabilization.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1738094889265447141

#Somalia - Key #al_Shabaab terror group leader killed in #US airstrike in Somalia: Gov't

Maalim Ayman, a key leader of al-Shabaab terror group, was killed earlier this week in an airstrike by the US African Command in Somalia, the government said Thursday.

Information Minister Daud Aweis wrote on X that Ayman was killed Dec, 17 in an operation by the Somali national army with assistance from US forces.

“Ayman was accountable for planning multiple lethal terrorist attacks in Somalia and nearby countries,” said Aweis.

The US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of Ayman earlier this year.

Ayman was the mastermind of the Jan. 5, 2020, terror attack on US and Kenyan personnel at the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya’s coastal region of Lamu.

The US said Ayman is the leader of Jaysh Ayman, an al-Shabaab unit conducting terror attacks and operations in Kenya and Somalia. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/key-al-shabaab-terror-group-leader-killed-in-us-airstrike-in-somalia-government/3089499

#Ethiopia: Escalating military conflict in #Sudan threatens displaced Ethiopians

Ethiopian refugees from the #Tigray region are facing new threats in Sudan amidst military escalations. An anonymous refugee from Gedaref city shared with Addis Standard the community's fear as confrontations intensify between the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and the Sudanese military.

The situation has forced humanitarian organizations to evacuate, leaving refugees vulnerable.

The Tigray Association in Sudan is urgently calling for protection and aid, reporting that 15 Tigrayans have already died due to medical shortages. With the conflict in #Khartoum threatening to reach refugee camps, the association pleads for immediate charity assistance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-escalating-military-conflict-in-sudan-threatens-displaced-ethiopians/

#Ethiopia harvests over a quarter of grain crop target

The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that approximately 27% of the targeted 513 million quintals of grain crops have been successfully harvested in the current meher season.

Girma Amente, the Minister of Agriculture, stated that the season's objective was to harvest crops from 17.5 million hectares of land, with 140 million quintals already reaped from 11.9 million hectares.

The ministry previously revealed that the harvest had been hampered by unusual rainfall patterns, an event referred to as the "Illinois Incident," which disrupted the typically predictable crop yields in certain regions. In Ethiopia, the meher crop harvest season traditionally commences in late November and can last until February, varying with the crop type and growth cycle.

Sanitary pads changing the everyday lives of women in rural #Ethiopia

In rural Ethiopia, menstrual hygiene is a critical issue. Women like Yibidaya Ayano, who couldn't afford sanitary products, are receiving life-changing 'dignity kits' from People in Need Ethiopia. These kits provide essentials like pads and soap, allowing women to manage their periods with dignity.

Yibidaya, a mother of five, has faced hardships from drought and conflict, losing her livestock and struggling to provide for her family.

With support from #USAID, People in Need Ethiopia is supplying hygiene and sanitation aid to those in dire need. Yet, challenges remain as women still walk miles for water, risking safety.

https://www.peopleinneed.net/sanitary-pads-changing-the-everyday-lives-of-women-in-rural-ethiopia-10976gp

#Ethiopia: World renowned chef brings new culinary frontier to Addis Abeba

Celebrity chef #Marcus_Samuelsson is set to open his signature restaurant, Marcus Addis, in #Addis_Abeba. The restaurant will be a cultural and culinary landmark, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Ethiopia while embracing innovation.

The interiors will feature the work of local artists and musicians, providing a vibrant atmosphere for diners.

The restaurant is located on the 47th floor of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (#CBE) building, and is a joint venture between #Albwardy_Hospitality and Samuelsson.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-world-renowned-chef-brings-new-culinary-frontier-to-addis-abeba/

U.S. lawmakers call on #UAE to cease support for #Sudan’s #RSF

Democratic #US Congress members have written a letter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister calling on the country to stop supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The lawmakers expressed concern over reports that the UAE is providing arms and supplies to the paramilitary group, which has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The call comes amid growing international scrutiny of the RSF’s role in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The lawmakers urged the UAE to reconsider its policy towards Sudan, citing the conflict that has displaced millions of Sudanese civilians. The letter’s significance marks a departure from the norm of Democratic silence towards UAE policies, particularly regarding its actions in Sudan.

https://sudantribune.com/article280570/

#Ethiopia: Addis Abeba civil servants stymied by sudden exam cancellation

Thousands of civil servants faced an unexpected hurdle as the evaluative assessment examination at Addis Ababa University (#AAU) and #Kotebe Metropolitan University was abruptly disrupted. AAU extended an apology for the cancellation, citing unforeseen "technical problems" as the reason. Speculation about leaked exam papers was dispelled, and AAU assured officials of rescheduling the exams.

The examination, originally slated for over 16,000 civil servants, is part of a reshuffling initiative by the city administration. Sixteen key institutions, including bureaus for land development, housing, transport, planning, employment, and industrial development, are earmarked for the first wave of this program. The Housing Corporation and Cooperative Commission are also set to participate.

Tassew Gebre, head of the Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau, recently explained that these specific departments were selected due to customer-related issues. Currently, the #Addis_Abeba city administration oversees a workforce comprising more than 163,000 employees.

https://addisstandard.com/news-addis-abeba-civil-servants-stymied-by-sudden-exam-cancellation/

#Ethiopia's prospects for #AGOA reinstatement uncertain amid ongoing #US hesitation, human rights concerns

Ethiopia's aspiration to rejoin the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) faces uncertainty as the US remains hesitant due to ongoing concerns. The suspension, initiated in late 2021 amid the civil war with the #Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF), has left industrialists and analysts skeptical about a swift reinstatement.

The recent peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF in 2022 raised hopes, but human rights violations in other regions, such as #Amhara, have complicated the situation. Patrick Heinisch, a Germany-based economist, emphasized the shifting nature of US preconditions, making Ethiopia's reinstatement in 2024 seem unlikely.

The impact of the suspension has been felt in Ethiopia's textile sector, with H&M closing operations in the country. The #UNDP report highlighted the exodus of foreign firms and the lack of global market access, especially in textiles, as a result of the AGOA suspension.

While the Ethiopian government has encouraged seeking alternative markets in #Asia or #Africa, challenges persist due to differing market characteristics. Additionally, Ethiopia's future in AGOA may be influenced by US domestic politics, as AGOA is set to expire in 2025.

https://www.just-style.com/news/pessimism-around-ethiopia-agoa-reinstatement-in-2024/

#Sudan war: General Burhan blames fall of Wad Madani on 'negligence'

Sudan's army chief has sharply criticized commanders for their role in the fall of #Wad_Madani to the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), a rival paramilitary group. The strategic city, previously considered a safe haven amidst the eight-month civil war, was abandoned by the army without resistance, prompting over 300,000 people to flee.

Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has vowed to hold those responsible for the "surprise withdrawal" accountable. The RSF claims to have taken the entire Gezira state, a statement that remains unconfirmed. Amidst the uncertainty, aid workers are withdrawing from the area, fearing further conflict.

The RSF's growing influence, believed to control a significant portion of the capital, #Khartoum, and the western #Darfur region, has caused widespread displacement. Civilians, still reeling from previous upheavals, face renewed panic and uncertainty. Wad Madani, once a bustling hub for aid operations, now stands as a "ghost town," with essential services halted and residents in despair.

Many who have fled are seeking refuge in other states, with concerns mounting that the RSF may extend their reach further. The #UN has identified Sudan as experiencing the world's largest displacement crisis, with an estimated seven million people forced from their homes.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67801561

#Ethiopia: Legacy of Fierce Advocacy and Decency, Humanitarianism and Professional Eminence: A Tribute to Urge Dinagde

Respected #Oromo activist and educator Urge Dinagde recently passed away, leaving a profound legacy of empowering youth through community-driven learning initiatives. In a moving tribute, Dr. Henok Gabisa commemorates Urge's life. Born to persecuted Oromo parents, she defied expectations, symbolizing triumph over intergenerational trauma. Dr. Henok delves into Urge's formative years, professional accomplishments, and her role in the #OromoProtest movement.

Urge's legacy extends beyond advocacy to humanitarian efforts, as exemplified by her Village School Project. Dr. Henok details Urge's dedication to increasing access to quality education in remote communities. She consistently demonstrated kindness, integrity, and a commitment to empowering others.

Although no longer able to parent directly, Urge leaves behind a rich heritage passed down through family and friends who knew her exemplary character and commitment to empowering Oromo youth. Urge's inspiring legacy of empowering communities 'one village and one school at a time' will live on through the students she touched.

https://addisstandard.com/legacy-of-fierce-advocacy-and-decency-humanitarianism-and-professional-eminence-a-tribute-to-urge-dinagde/

#Ethiopia: Thousands of #IDPs in #Amhara region grapple with forced return to unstable areas

Over 1,725 IDPs in the Amhara region are facing a forced return to their original homes in the #Oromia region, despite ongoing conflicts. This move is part of an agreement between regional authorities, aiming to gradually resettle displaced individuals.

However, many IDPs express fears about returning to potentially unstable areas and prefer to wait until safety is assured. The #Farta district, currently hosting around 345 households, along with other zones, is struggling to support the displaced, with over 54,000 IDPs relying on limited aid amidst conflict and drought.

The situation is critical, with directives forcing thousands from temporary shelters, raising concerns over their future security and well-being.

https://addisstandard.com/news-thousands-of-idps-in-amhara-region-grapple-with-forced-return-to-unstable-areas/

#Sudan: Burhan, Hemetti set for historic summit to end Sudan’s turmoil

A high-ranking Sudanese official disclosed that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Chairman of the Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, has agreed to meet with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemetti,” the Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The announcement follows al-Burhan’s address to Sudanese army officers in the Red Sea military region just 24 hours earlier, where he evoked the possibility of negotiating with the paramilitary forces. However, he emphasized his unwillingness to sign a peace agreement that involves any form of humiliation or insult towards the people and the armed forces.

Read more at https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1738541548445286726?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA

#Ethiopia says payment default on $1 billion #Eurobond was not due to its inability to pay but a decision to adhere to its request for debt relief treatment under the G20 Common Framework, Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Plan and Development, told state-affiliated media.

With official creditors' debt service suspension to a tune of $2.2 billion, Ethiopia is now "seeking to ensure consistency and fairness by requesting other external creditors, including bondholders, to participate in similar debt arrangements."

However, Minister Fitsum also admitted Ethiopia was facing a decline in foreign currency reserve due mainly to "conflicts" and "geopolitical" factors, among others.

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

Tigray faces a perilous crossroads post-peace agreement. The #TPLF battles the interim administration, risking fragile stability. Ongoing dismissals, political tensions, and defiance of orders threaten peace in a region already scarred by war. As power struggles intensify, humanitarian crises deepen. Aid cessation leads to fatalities, a drought affecting 20% of agricultural land, and over two million people in dire need. Internal displacements compound, leaving millions without basic resources.

Dori Asgedom, Chairman of the Asimba Party, urges swift resolution. Tigray's people, still recovering from conflict, face dire consequences if political conflicts persist. The urgency lies in addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring governance for the well-being of citizens.

Persistent restrictions on political freedoms echo the past. Opposition leaders face arrests, hindering democratic processes. The international community must unite to condemn these oppressive measures. Experts highlight the need for inclusive political transitions, acknowledging the challenges of dismantling single-party dominance. Assefa Leake (PhD) emphasizes the difficulty of establishing representative systems due to entrenched habits.

Despite uncertainties, there's hope for positive change. Getachew Argawi, a journalist, sees a shift in power structures, granting authority to non-TPLF officials and opposition parties. "As Tigray rebuilds, unity and collaboration are paramount."

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

130 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in military operations in central, southern #Somalia

In a major victory against #al_Shabaab, Somalia's Defense Ministry announced the elimination of at least 130 militants in simultaneous operations across central and southern Somalia. The Somali National Army, supported by local forces, conducted three days of strategic campaigns in #Mudug province and #Jubaland state, liberating significant territories.

The military also seized weapons from terrorist hideouts, dealing a blow to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The ministry referred to the operation as a fight against the "Khawarijs," denoting the first Islamic sect rebelling against early Islamic rule. Notable areas like Caadley, Buurta Yagoos, and the vicinity of Baraag Ismaaciil in Mudug were successfully freed from al-Shabaab.

Somalia, grappling with persistent insecurity, faces threats from al-Shabaab and ISIS. The intensified conflict follows the Somali president's declaration of an "all-out war" against al-Shabaab last year, with the terrorist group having targeted the government and African Union forces since 2007.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/130-al-shabaab-terrorists-killed-in-military-operations-in-central-southern-somalia/3091281

#Ethiopia: Public Service Transport to introduce 150,000 contactless digital IDs in trial implementation

The Public Service Transport Service has recently announced the importation of 150,000 #digital_IDs, which are set to undergo a trial implementation in the coming two months. Kalkidan Gebeyehu, the IT director of the Public Service Transport Service, revealed to the Ethiopian Press Agency that these digital IDs utilize NFC technology and operate through sensor-based contactless systems.

Kalkidan emphasized that this new digital card will effectively address the issues associated with the current paper IDs in use. According to him, the digital ID is designed to be comprehensive, containing all necessary personal information.

He further explained that the buses will be equipped with software to facilitate card verification. This verification process, known as the "validator," will enable customers to simply approach the bus with their digital card for validation.

#Ethiopia: Restoring a sight: The fight against Corneal Blindness in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the battle against corneal blindness is both a challenge and an inspiration. Without comprehensive national data, the scale of this vision impairment crisis is hard to quantify, but it's believed to affect hundreds of thousands. Despite this, between 2013 and 2022, the Eye Bank of Ethiopia has facilitated over 2,177 corneal transplants, offering new hope and a chance to reconnect with the world.

Personal triumphs in this fight, like those of Tariku Hussien, who regained his sight and future through transplantation, and Wegayehu Fetene, who overcame a failed transplant to continue his education, highlight the life-changing impact of these medical interventions. Dr. Eden Teferi, despite her struggle with keratoconus, achieved her medical degree and regained her vision in 2022, illustrating the resilience and determination prevalent among those affected.

The demand for corneas, however, far exceeds the supply, with only 11 corneal transplant ophthalmologists nationwide and significant bureaucratic obstacles. Dr. Mulugeta Demisse emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address these issues, including improving infrastructure, investing in training, and enhancing the Eye Bank's autonomy.

https://addisstandard.com/feature-restoring-a-sight-the-fight-against-corneal-blindness-in-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia: Teachers in #Hadiya Zone endure arrests, intimidation as wage fight intensifies

Teachers in Ethiopia's Hadiya zone are facing arrests as they demand overdue salaries amid a crackdown by regional security forces. Sources tell Addis Standard that educators in the #Central_Ethiopia region are under threat, creating a climate of fear. Despite partial salary disbursements, the issue persists, with some teachers and civil servants still unpaid. Social media has become a platform for teachers to voice their grievances, particularly in #Hossana town.

The problem is acute in rural areas like East and West #Badwacho districts, where schools have shut down due to unpaid educators. Harassment and salary withholding are reported as punitive measures against those who question the delays. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has noted that since 2019, salary delays affecting 9,000 teachers have been routine. The situation worsened in August 2023 with wage cuts for government employees, leading to public service disruptions and forcing residents to seek healthcare elsewhere.

The EHRC is calling on the government to address these salary issues, uphold labor laws, and protect fundamental rights, ensuring that wages are paid timely as mandated.

https://addisstandard.com/news-teachers-in-hadiya-zone-endure-arrests-intimidation-as-wage-fight-intensifies/