#Ethiopia: RRS disputes EHRC's claims, stresses advances in refugee human rights conditions

The Refugees and Returnees Service (#RRS) has refuted the findings of the report disseminated by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) earlier this week, asserting that it fails to reflect the recent improvements in the treatment of refugees.

On 25 December, 2023, the EHRC published a report detailing the human rights conditions of refugees and asylum seekers within Ethiopia. The Commission's report highlighted deficiencies within the refugee registration and documentation process.

In an official communication to the Ethiopian News Agency, the RRS recognized the Commission's endeavor to positively influence the refugee issue. Nevertheless, the service expressed reservations regarding the substance and manner in which the report was presented.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1740984048011325782

#Sudan #RSF chief Hemedti foreign trips end isolation

In a significant development amidst Sudan's ongoing conflict, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as 'Hemedti,' has re-emerged on the international stage. This week, Hemedti embarked on his first foreign tour since the outbreak of hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese army in mid-April, marking his return to the public eye.

His diplomatic journey included a meeting with President of #Uganda, Yoweri Museveni and a visit to the Prime Minister of #Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed in #Addis_Abeba, where discussions centered on "peace and stability in Sudan."

These meetings challenge the narrative of isolation surrounding Hemedti, fueled by rumors concerning his health and political standing.

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/sudan-rsf-chief-foreign-trips-end-his-isolation-signal-peace-4477308

#Ethiopia: Unrest fuels health emergency in the #Amhara region, spurs a surge in communicable and non-communicable diseases

The Amhara Regional Health Bureau is currently engaged in a critical struggle, one that extends beyond the immediate conflict engulfing the region. With security in jeopardy, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, new mothers, and other at-risk individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary health and nutritional support.

This is a direct result of the turmoil, which has seen over 270 health facilities looted and essential medical transportation, including ambulances and patient transport vehicles, stolen or rendered inoperative. Of the 341 health projects initiated to enhance healthcare access, only 89 continue to make progress. The remaining projects have been halted, leaving a void in healthcare provision. The impact is stark: child vaccination rates have dropped below 60%, and more than 700 HIV patients are facing treatment disruptions due to supply chain issues.

#Malaria prevention efforts are also suffering, with control measures like indoor spraying limited to just 6 of the 30 districts in need. The bureau is working tirelessly with public health experts to find solutions to these pressing challenges, but as the conflict persists, the health of the Amhara region's residents hangs in the balance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-unrest-fuels-health-emergency-in-the-amhara-region-spurs-a-surge-in-communicable-and-non-communicable-diseases/

#BRICS to grow as Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, #Ethiopia join ranks

The BRICS alliance is poised for a significant expansion as #Saudi_Arabia, #Iran, the #UAE, Ethiopia, and #Egypt are set to join the group on 01 January, 2024, according to #South_Africa's representative to the bloc. This move integrates some of the world's leading energy producers with major consumers among developing nations, enhancing the group's global influence.

#Argentina, however, has opted out following a policy reversal by its new President Javier Milei. The five new members have already engaged in a BRICS sherpa meeting in #Durban, signaling their commitment to the group, with plans to participate in an upcoming meeting in #Moscow.

Now, with around 30 countries expressing interest in the bloc and #Nigeria aiming to join within two years, BRICS is set to play an even more prominent role on the world stage.

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/brics-to-grow-as-saudi-iran-uae-egypt-ethiopia-join-ranks-1.2016308

#Ethiopia: Violent militant assault in North Shewa’s #Dara district results in 18 deaths, six injuries

The Dara district in the #North_Shewa Zone of #Oromia has been rocked by a brutal two-day attack, starting on 24 December, leaving 18 dead and six injured. Local sources blame the "#Fano militants" for the violence, with the militants reportedly coming from neighboring Marabe and Wagidi districts, plus Rema town. The offensive began on the afternoon of 24 December and lasted until the next evening.

A government employee from Dara informed Addis Standard that the attacks, involving heavy weaponry like artillery, targeted multiple villages. Six severely injured individuals are now being treated at Dara Hospital in #Gundo_Meskel, the district's administrative hub.

The violence has also disrupted local education, with the militants' presence leading to the closure of schools in 10 of the district's 41 villages. "All schools in the 41 villages, excluding the district administration center (Gundo Meskel), have been shut down," a source reported.

https://addisstandard.com/news-violent-militant-assault-in-north-shewas-dara-district-results-in-18-deaths-six-injuries/

#Ethiopia- The federal govt slams #Tigray region's alarm bell over impending #famine crisis

On Friday Tigray region's interim president Getachew Reda issued a statement revealing that millions were in the brink of a humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the 1984/85 catastrophic famine.

In response, the federal government slammed the call, accusing regional officials of "politicizing the crisis", "misappropriating" funds allocated for social and economic activities to "feed combatants" and lacking the "moral ground to talk about the suffering of the people."

#Sudan's #RSF Leader Meets with #Djibouti President to Advance Sudan Peace Process


Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, engaged in discussions with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, aiming to address Sudan's political crisis. Hemetti briefed President Guelleh on recent developments, outlining the RSF's vision for a comprehensive political settlement to alleviate conflict and suffering in Sudan.

Djibouti, holding the rotating chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD), is preparing to host talks between Sudan's military leaders in early January. Mandated by an IGAD summit on December 9th, direct negotiations between General Hemetti and Sudan's Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1741695904732627174?s=20

News: #Sudan’s former PM Abdallah Hamdok, #RSF leader set to meet in #Addis_Abeba today

Sudan’s pro-civilian Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) said in a statement released Sunday that “the meeting aims to address pressing issues related to protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and exploring pathways towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.”

Despite series of letters sent by Taqadum to Sudan’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Hemeti, urging them “to engage in urgent discussions to address the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” there was no confirmation of al-Burhan’s attendance in the meeting.

In a statement on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of Sudan’s independence on Sunday, al-Burhan, who is also the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, sent out harsh criticism against countries hosting RSF commander Hemeti “to stop interfering.”

“I am sending a message to the countries that receive those killers to stop interfering in the affairs of Sudan,” al-Burhan said in a televised speech. https://wp.me/p7BpQh-aw9

#Ethiopia's Health Minister Reports High Stunting Rates Among Children

At a national forum convened to evaluate the progress of the Seqota Declaration, aimed at reducing undernutrition in Ethiopia, Dr. Liya Tadesse presented data indicating a stunting prevalence of 39% among children under the age of five, with an additional 11% suffering from thinness. The Ethiopian Press Agency reported on the forum's emphasis on the country's initiatives to combat malnutrition and its detrimental impact on child development.

The forum was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen and other high-ranking officials, who examined the progress of programs initiated since 2022 under the Declaration, including the expansion of the country's food system. An assessment indicated that over 59,000 children have benefited from food assistance through the program.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1741761493316579377?t=gG-0Lh_18AWjQStnl8KZ9g&s=19

#Ethiopia: Manufacturing makeover: With introduction of new policy, gov’t takes steps to fuel industrial growth

Ethiopia is set to revamp its manufacturing sector with a new policy that aims to balance export promotion and #import_substitution. This strategic shift, supported by the Minister of Industry, Melaku Alebel, underscores the critical need to bolster small to large enterprises for economic growth.

However, the sector has been grappling with macroeconomic and security challenges, affecting productivity and capacity utilization. Companies like Kality Metal Products Factory face high demand but struggle with production and delivery due to foreign currency shortages, which also hampers raw material imports.

Contraband goods further strain the industry, with many firms operating below capacity, leading to a dip in the manufacturing sector's GDP contribution. The #UNDP reveals that out of 5,000 firms, 446 closed amid these challenges. Yet, the government, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remains optimistic, with 376 factories resuming operations and a notable $131 million from recent exports.

The Prime Minister reported a 7% growth in the sector and improved production capacity utilization. The nation also achieved self-sufficiency in coal and beer barley, reflecting efforts to reduce foreign currency usage. Despite only 20% of firms seeing government support benefits, addressing financial challenges remains crucial for the sector's success.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-manufacturing-makeover-with-introduction-of-new-policy-govt-takes-steps-to-fuel-industrial-growth/

#Eritrean community tensions lead to violent clash with police in South #London

On Saturday, a protest in #Camberwell, south London, escalated into a violent confrontation with the Metropolitan police, reportedly due to tensions within the Eritrean community. Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators, some armed with sticks, clashing with police officers and disrupting traffic.

The Metropolitan Police Service stated that eight individuals were detained on charges that included violent disorder, criminal damage, carrying an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker. Of the four officers who sustained injuries during the incident, one required hospital treatment but was subsequently released.

In the aftermath, a significant police force remained in the area along Camberwell Road well into Saturday evening. The disturbance began when around 50 individuals gathered outside a private establishment and violence ensued, with the incident occurring near the Lighthouse Theatre.

To manage the situation, Scotland Yard deployed additional officers and enacted a dispersal order effective until 7 am on Sunday. This order granted the police authority to remove individuals from the vicinity to restore order.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/camberwell-road-protest-police-london-b2471328.html