In northern #Ethiopia, a new #famine could rival the worst of the past

In the #Tigrayan village of #Yechila, so many people are dying of hunger that the local officials have lost count. Farmers have abandoned their fields because they are filled with deadly landmines, and starvation is spreading.

The village’s roads and houses are still heavily damaged from missile strikes in the recent war. The local hospital has become a shelter for the homeless.

“We are all waiting for our turn to starve to death,” said Tsehay Assefa, an elderly villager who recently buried her son, a farmer who died of hunger, and one of her grandchildren.

Across the Tigray region, in northern Ethiopia, thousands of people have perished from lack of food in the 14 months since the end of the disastrous two-year war in which Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers fought against Tigrayan forces. Now drought is compounding the devastation. A famine is looming that could rival the worst famines of the past, relief workers say.

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“This latest famine is much bigger than the 1984 famine,” said Gebrehiwot Gebregzabher, head of the Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission.

“This famine is invisible, it’s impacting more people, and the response has been minimal, unfortunately,” he told The Globe in an interview.


https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ethiopia-tigray-region-famine/

#Ethiopia: Ministry of Peace undergoes leadership shakeup as PM Abiy appoints new state ministers

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made new appointments to the Ministry of Peace, following the departure of Taye Dendea and Seyum Mesfen from their respective posts as state ministers. The BBC has verified that Kayredin Tezera (left) and Cherugeta Genene (right) are the newly appointed State Ministers.

The Ministry of Peace is a relatively new addition to the federal government's executive bodies, established under the administration of Prime Minister Abiy. Taye had held the position of state minister of peace since October 2022 but was dismissed by the Prime Minister a few weeks prior to the recent appointments.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1740281023319965945?s=20

#Ethiopia: Hemeti arrives in Addis Abeba as #IGAD backed meeting with al-Burhan postponed

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), made a significant visit to #Addis_Abeba, Ethiopia, today. Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, he was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonen.

This visit occurs amidst the postponement of a crucial meeting between #Sudan’s key military figures, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti. The meeting, slated to be held in #Djibouti on 28 December, 2023, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has been delayed due to "technical reasons," as confirmed by Djibouti's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate a ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid in Sudan. It was to be chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. However, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed about the postponement, citing the RSF delegation's inability to attend the scheduled talks. As a result, the meeting is now anticipated to take place in early January.

https://addisstandard.com/news-hemeti-arrives-in-addis-abeba-as-igad-backed-meeting-with-al-burhan-postponed/

#Ethiopia: Gov’t to expand Public-Private Partnership scheme into the housing arena

The Ethiopian government is expanding its public-private partnership (#PPP) initiative to the housing sector! The PPP Office, operating under the Ministry of Finance, has launched a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to seek potential investors interested in participating in a large-scale affordable housing initiative. This project aims to construct approximately 80,000 mixed-use housing units across the nation.

The RFQ process will identify qualified private developers capable of executing this ambitious initiative. The first phase involves constructing over 3,600 units, with a focus on providing housing for the Federal Housing Corporation (#FHC) and employees of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (#EBC).

Successful developers will have the opportunity to submit detailed proposals for specific housing developments, potentially gaining eligibility for future housing projects in the government’s pipeline.

https://addisstandard.com/govt-to-expand-public-private-partnership-scheme-into-the-housing-arena/

Op-ed: Hail Egypt! As she bids farewell to the GERD negotiations, Hail Egypt

In an Op-ed, Dejen Yemane Messele, a lecturer and Ph.D. candidate in Law, argues that #Egypt's withdrawal from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) negotiations is a significant moment for #Ethiopia, one that honors and upholds the nation's sovereignty. Messele contends that this move should be seen as a positive development, a chance for Ethiopia to assert its rightful management over the Nile waters without the constraints of external negotiations that have long been a stumbling block to the country's progress.

The op-ed emphasizes that Ethiopia should now abandon its 'confidence building' mantra and refrain from engaging in further discussions that do not serve its national interests. The writer suggests that Ethiopia, along with #Sudan, should follow Egypt's lead and bid farewell to the GERD negotiations, thereby avoiding the perpetuation of a colonial mindset that has historically disadvantaged the nation.

Furthermore, the writer points out that Egypt's claim to have 'guaranteed rights' under international charters to defend its water and national security is unfounded, as no such rights exist that would undermine Ethiopia's sovereignty over the Abay waters. The op-ed calls for Ethiopia to respond with gratitude to Egypt's decision to leave the negotiations, as it removes a significant barrier to the country's development and utilization of the GERD.

https://addisstandard.com/op-ed-hail-egypt-as-she-bids-farewell-to-the-gerd-negotiations-hail-egypt/

#Kenya now makes U-turn on $2b #Eurobond buyback plan

Kenya’s National Treasury says it’s not keen on buying back part of the $2 billion Eurobond that matures in June 2024 citing investors’ ‘strong’ confidence in government’s fiscal policy stance.

“Buy back is one of the strategies for 2024 but doubt whether investors are willing to sell before maturity of the bonds,” Treasury Director of Debt Management Haron Sirma told The EastAfrican.

“It reflects strong investor confidence on government fiscal policy stance. You can’t force investors to sell.”

This means the government could fork out about Ksh19.66 billion ($135.6 million) in interest payment on the bond this fiscal year, going by the current exchange rate of Ksh145 per US Dollar.

The 10-year bond priced at 6.78 percent was issued in 2014 to fund infrastructure projects under the then Jubilee administration. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/kenya-now-makes-u-turn-on-2b-eurobond-buyback-plan-4363218

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

In Ethiopia, corneal blindness remains a significant health challenge, impacting the lives of thousands across the nation. Tariku Hussein and Eden Teferi are among those who have faced this adversity. Tariku, who lost his sight at an early age, underwent a corneal transplant that marked a turning point in his life. The procedure enabled him to pursue his education further and secure employment, illustrating the profound difference such medical interventions can make.

Eden Teferi, similarly affected by impaired vision, persevered through her education and successfully obtained her medical degree. Her corneal transplant in 2022 marked a pivotal moment, allowing her to practice medicine and serve her community. These individual stories of perseverance and recovery highlight the critical work being done by the Eye Bank of Ethiopia and healthcare professionals dedicated to addressing corneal blindness.

Despite the successes, the demand for corneal transplants exceeds the available supply, and the country faces a deficit in trained corneal specialists. This gap underscores the need for increased donor awareness and improved medical training to ensure that more Ethiopians can access these life-altering procedures.

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

#Ethiopia’s Abiy, RSF’s Hemetti discuss conflict resolution efforts in #Sudan

In a significant meeting held in Addis Abeba this Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed convened with Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo "Hemetti," who commands the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). The talks focused on the protracted conflict in Sudan, with both leaders examining potential strategies to bring the crisis, which has been ongoing since mid-April, to an end.

Following the discussions, Prime Minister Abiy shared insights in a brief statement on platform X: "Earlier today, I had the honor of hosting Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and his delegation to discuss ways to achieve peace and stability in Sudan."

Hemetti, however, did not provide any public comments after his engagement with Prime Minister Abiy.

https://sudantribune.com/article280762/

#Ethiopia: #UN, rights group urge Ethiopia to adopt victim-centered approach in transitional justice

A new report by the UN Human Rights Office and Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) urges the Ethiopian government to develop a transitional justice policy grounded in international human rights standards and centered around victims. Over 800 individuals across regions provided input in consultations emphasizing the need for accountability, truth-seeking and reparations for past violations.

The report stresses the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, safely returning displaced populations, and upholding the rights and needs of victims. It notes communities' willingness to support transitional justice if processes are independent, impartial and comply with international norms.

However, rights activists have previously expressed skepticism about the current implementation and Ethiopia's commitment to full accountability and adherence to international standards given past concerns. Critics worry domestic initiatives may lack thorough international scrutiny of widespread abuses.

https://addisstandard.com/news-un-rights-group-urge-ethiopia-to-adopt-victim-centered-approach-in-transitional-justice/

#Ethiopia: Gov’t denies reports of recent drone strike in Horro Guduru

A senior government official has categorically denied recent reports of an aerial strike on a church in Ethiopia's Oromia region. Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu told Reuters that the accounts of the air strike are "an absolute lie."

Contrary to the government's denial, Addis Standard reported a distressing incident on December 25, 2023, where a drone strike targeted the church during a congregation, resulting in eight fatalities and leaving three others critically wounded.

The three injured individuals are currently receiving care at Kombolcha City Hospital, facing severe health challenges. The incident has cast a shadow over the community, heightening tensions and imposing a heavy silence in the wake of the tragedy.

Among the victims were young artists Damena Lika and Dugasa Wakene, whose loss has deeply affected the local community. The area, already strained by the conflict with the Oromo Liberation Army, faced further restrictions as residents were prevented from mourning the deceased.

https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-strike-in-oromias-kombolcha-district-results-in-eight-deaths-three-injuries/

Editorial: After hundreds die of starvation in #Ethiopia, millions more are in grave danger. Stop denial and declare a national emergency before too late!

Ethiopia faces a dire humanitarian crisis as rampant famine devastates the #Amhara and #Tigray regions, with the southern and southeastern parts of the nation on the verge of similar conditions. In the Tigray region, a severe drought, intensified by conflict, has led to the reported deaths of over 400 individuals in December, including children. Although the formation of an Emergency Response Committee is a measure towards addressing the crisis, the circumstances call for an intensified intervention by the federal government.

The Amhara region is experiencing comparable distress, with the combination of drought and conflict resulting in significant food deficits and instances of starvation. It is reported that over 20 individuals perished due to starvation in the Wag Himra and North Gonder zones in November, and the ongoing conflict has obstructed the provision of crucial humanitarian aid, placing close to one million people in danger. The crisis also permeates the #Borena Zone in #Oromia and the #Liban, #Afder, and #Dawa zones in the #Somali Region, where communities are attempting to recuperate from previous intense droughts.

Recently, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (#FEWS_NET) has issued an urgent warning, placing parts of the Tigray, Somali, and Oromia regions, along with northeastern Amhara, in the 'Emergency' category (IPC phase 4). The network alerts that in the absence of sufficient food supplies and income from livestock, there is a legitimate risk that these areas may deteriorate into even more dire conditions.

Notwithstanding the federal government's proclamation of a significant aid initiative, the actual response has been woefully insufficient, demonstrating a clear disconnection between the critical needs evident on the ground and the level of attention provided by the authorities.
In this week's editorial, Addis Standard emphatically implores the Ethiopian government to recognize the severity of the crisis and to immediately issue a national emergency declaration. This urgent plea is essential as the nation deals with the severe consequences of a prolonged drought and persistent conflict, which have substantially disrupted the food production and distribution infrastructure.

https://addisstandard.com/editorial-after-hundreds-die-of-starvation-in-ethiopia-millions-more-are-in-grave-danger-stop-denial-and-declare-a-national-emergency-before-too-late/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim admin seeks five billion birr lifeline amidst salary crisis

Facing a severe budget crisis, Tigray's interim administration has requested a substantial loan of five billion birr from the Ethiopian federal government. This financial distress, which has led to unpaid civil servant wages for 17 months, particularly impacts primary and secondary school teachers. Mihret Beyene, Tigray's finance chief, highlighted the federal government's failure to allocate funds according to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, causing a 2.6 billion birr deficit for the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

The region's teachers, deeply affected by the lack of income, have ceased work in protest, demanding the overdue salaries that affect their livelihoods and ability to fulfill financial commitments. The situation has grown so dire that a peaceful demonstration is being considered for 24 January, 2024, if a timely resolution is not found.

The Tigray Teachers Association has resumed teaching duties in good faith, hoping for a swift government response to their plight. The education bureau's head, Kiros Guesh, acknowledges the teachers' struggles and assures that negotiations with the federal government are ongoing. This financial challenge is not isolated to teachers but is a collective outcry from all government employees in Tigray for the resumption of salary payments.

https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-interim-admin-seeks-five-billion-birr-lifeline-amidst-salary-crisis/

Deadly drone strikes claim lives in #Ethiopia's #Amhara Region, Sparking Mourning and Fear

In the aftermath of a lethal drone attack in Wegel Tena that claimed five civilian lives, mourning and fear have enveloped communities across Ethiopia's Amhara region. Hospital officials have confirmed the destruction of an ambulance, the tragic loss of its driver, and casualties among employees and civilians from a nearby construction site during the incident on November 30. Footage obtained by Al Jazeera shows the aftermath, with the ambulance destroyed, consistent with an aerial hit.

Experts accuse the Ethiopian government of engaging in collective punishment by failing to differentiate between fighters and non-combatants in its drone targeting. Yirga Gelaw, an Ethiopian academic, stated, "The drone strikes have increased dramatically in recent weeks, and almost all the strikes have targeted civilians."

Both the government and non-state Fano militias claim proximity to victory over the other, but the ongoing conflict appears poised to extend into 2024 as the government increasingly relies on its expanding drone arsenal, supplied by foreign partners such as the #UAE and #Turkey.

Observers denounce the deployment of armed drones against Ethiopian civilians as cruel and a violation of international law. They advocate for the protection of non-combatants and urge a pursuit of negotiated peace, rejecting a strictly military solution to halt the escalating hostilities and the humanitarian crisis gripping the Amhara region.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12/29/collective-punishment-ethiopia-drone-strikes-target-civilians-in-amhara

#Ethiopia: Impending drought-related humanitarian crisis in #Tigray prompts urgent international aid appeal

The Tigray region is on the cusp of a humanitarian disaster, with its interim administration issuing a desperate plea for global aid amid war's devastation and severe drought. Echoing the tragic famine of the 1980s, the current crisis has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, healthcare collapse, and has left millions impoverished and over a million displaced.

The situation is dire, with food insecurity intensified by poor rains, unpredictable climate, and locust infestations. The most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are already succumbing to hunger, while millions more face the threat of death. Officials stress the urgency for immediate international intervention to prevent an escalating catastrophe. More than two million people are experiencing acute food shortages, and in just one month, starvation claimed nearly 400 lives, 25 of whom were children.

Despite the severity, some caution against labeling the situation as famine. The federal government's Disaster Risk Management Commission (#DRMC) warns against misinformation, stating, "The information that the drought has escalated to famine is unfounded," urging careful consideration of the crisis's portrayal.

https://addisstandard.com/news-impending-drought-related-humanitarian-crisis-in-tigray-prompts-urgent-international-aid-appeal/

#Ethiopia: #Amhara Region Universities to Resume Classes After Security-Related Academic Interruption

The Ministry of Education has announced that universities in Ethiopia's Amhara region will resume classes in two weeks, starting from January 10, 2024. This decision follows a disruption in the academic calendar due to security concerns in the region, preventing the 10 universities from commencing the first term of the academic year.

The resolution stems from discussions involving key stakeholders, including Minister of Education Professor Birhanu Nega, president of Amhara Region Arega Kebede, university presidents, and relevant security authorities. The ministry highlights that, given the perceived relative stability in the region, a collective agreement has been reached to enable universities to invite students and resume educational proceedings.