TB Joshua: Megachurch leader raped and tortured worshippers, BBC finds

Evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world's biggest Christian evangelical churches has been uncovered by the BBC.

Dozens of ex-Synagogue Church of all Nations members - five British - allege atrocities, including rape and forced abortions, by Nigeria's late TB Joshua. The allegations of abuse in a secretive Lagos compound span almost 20 years.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations did not respond to the allegations but said previous claims have been unfounded. TB Joshua, who died in 2021, was a charismatic and hugely successful preacher and televangelist who had an immense global following.

The BBC's findings over a two-year investigation include:

- Dozens of eyewitness accounts of physical violence or torture carried out by Joshua, including instances of child abuse and people being whipped and chained

- Numerous women who say they were sexually assaulted by Joshua, with a number claiming they were repeatedly raped for years inside the compound

- Multiple allegations of forced abortions inside the church following the alleged rapes by Joshua, including one woman who says she had five terminations

- Multiple first-hand accounts detailing how Joshua faked his "miracle healings", which were broadcast to millions of people around the world

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67749215

#NewsAlert: #Police names suspect of #Muslim imam’s murder in #Addis_Abeba, launches a hunt

The Addis Abeba Police disclosed an individual named Mohammed Shikur Abebaw as a suspect of the murder of Sheikh Abdu Yasin, who was the imam and khatib of Bedir Mosque located in Asko, Addis Sefer area in the capital.

Sheik Abdu Yasin was gunned down on Saturday, 06 January 2024, while he was returning to his home after performing the Isha prayer, according to the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council.

Police said the suspect, Mohammed Shikur Abebaw, who was raised by the deceased, is now on the run, and urged him to surrender, noting that an investigation team has been set up to track and arrest the individual. It called on anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspect to cooperate.

Sheikh Haji Ibrahim Tufa, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council said it was “a very sad and shocking incident” and called on the police to take swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice. AS

#Ethiopia - #OLF “gravely concerned” over safety of Ethiopian nationals in #Somalia as tension over Ethiopia-Somaliland #MoU escalates

The opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has expressed "grave concern" over the safety of refugee and non-refugee Ethiopian nationals currently residing in Somalia as tensions rise between Ethiopia and Somalia following #Ethiopia-#Somaliland MoU.

This comes amid escalating social media agitations and calls for the expulsion of Ethiopian nationals, particularly the Oromo, PM #Abiy_Ahmed's ethnic base, from Somalia.

“It’s crucial to recognize that refugees fleeing Ethiopia, whether Oromos or others, bear no ill intentions toward Somalia. Many, both refugees and non-refugees residing in the proximity, have coexisted, and are closely engaged in trade, farming, grazing, and worship,” OLF conveyed.

https://addisstandard.com/news-olf-gravely-concerned-over-safety-of-ethiopian-refugees-in-somalia-as-tension-over-ethiopia-somaliland-mou-escalates/

#Kenya says first ‘visa-free’ tourists arrive in country

Kenya said on Friday it had welcomed the first batch of foreign tourists who arrived under a simplified entry system it hopes will encourage more visitors.

The “maiden visa-free arrivals” landed in Nairobi from Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa and more were expected to touch down in coming days.

Immigration and Citizen Services principal secretary Julius Bitok said visa requirements would be waived for all travelers to Kenya regardless of nationality.
Under the new system, travelers apply online for an electronic travel authorization (ETA)and pay a $30 (R560) “processing” fee.

“Right now ... all countries around the world including Africa, Asia, America, Australia, and all over the world, are able to come in visa-free,” he said at the launch of the scheme at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/kenya-says-first-visa-free-tourists-arrive-in-country-6d434b33-c07c-44e3-9bff-e65490678afe

#Op-Ed: #Ethiopia-#Eritrea Tensions and Likely Scenarios

The Ethiopia-Eritrea relations started worsening after the peace agreement between Addis Abeba and the #Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2022. Addis Abeba and Asmara have very different positions on how the war they both waged against the TPLF ended and the role of Washington and the West in the peace arrangements, according to the Emirates Policy Center (#EPC).

Eritrea has been accused of trying to torpedo these arrangements because it refused to withdraw all its forces from Tigray. Asmara’s influence in Ethiopia has been growing, and its presumed support of Amhara rebels who rejected the federal government’s plans to dissolve and disarm their forces to integrate and unify Ethiopian armies caused tensions.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s campaign to secure access to a seaport announced on October 13, 2023, has further fueled tensions. Ahmed’s plan has brought the two countries to the edge of a military confrontation with consequences for the Ethiopian and Eritrean people and the regional and international actors and stakeholders, especially with more signs that the two sides are preparing for such a confrontation.

In this paper, the EPC highlights the main reasons behind the gradual split between the two previous allies, Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and how the two countries are inching toward war. The paper also explores likely scenarios for future Ethiopia-Eritrea relations.

https://addisstandard.com/op-ed-ethiopia-eritrea-tensions-and-likely-scenarios/

#Somaliland’s defense minister resigns over deal to give #Ethiopia access to the region’s coastline

Somaliland's Defense Minister Abdiqani Mohamud Ateye has resigned in protest against an agreement granting Ethiopia access to Somaliland's coastline. Ateye, in a local television interview, labeled Ethiopia as "our number one enemy" and voiced concerns over the stationing of Ethiopian troops in Somaliland.

The deal, which has not received an immediate response from either government, allows Ethiopia to lease a portion of Somaliland's coast, sparking division among Somaliland citizens. While some anticipate economic gains, others fear a loss of sovereignty. This agreement is significant as Ethiopia, the world's most populous landlocked nation, seeks a maritime outlet since losing its coastline to #Eritrea in 1993.

The deal's long-term implications could impact regional dynamics, with potential concerns from #Djibouti and #Egypt over their commercial and strategic interests. Experts predict increased political and diplomatic tensions in the region as a result.

https://apnews.com/article/somaliland-ethiopia-coast-deal-defense-minister-resigns-d8606e7221681e7adcd4a8219dae92c3

#Ethiopia: Debre Markos University prepares to welcome 11,000 students

#Debre_Markos University has announced comprehensive preparations to welcome approximately 11,000 students for the current academic year. In a statement to the Ethiopian Press Agency, the university's vice president of academic affairs, Yiheis Aregu (PhD), confirmed that the institution is gearing up to accommodate the student influx starting in January.

Yiheis highlighted that the university has engaged in productive discussions with community elders, religious leaders, and local individuals to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming students.

At the start of this week, announcements were made by three universities in the #Amhara region, including #Bahir_Dar, Debre Markos, and #Debre_Tabor, regarding the initiation of the registration period for their student bodies.

Why are the #Zimbabwe dollar, #Nigerian naira, #Ethiopian birr tanking?

The Ethiopian birr faced a significant downturn in 2023, mirroring the struggles of many #African currencies which hit record lows. Amidst a dollar shortage and waning foreign investment, the birr's value plummeted, with the USD/ETB exchange rate soaring to an unprecedented high of 56, marking a 99% decline since 2018.

Despite the end of Ethiopia's prolonged conflict, the nation has encountered challenges in revitalizing foreign capital influx. The economic strain led to a default on $33 million in foreign debt, prompting Ethiopia to seek debt restructuring similar to efforts by #Zambia and #Ghana.

However, such measures offer no guaranteed relief, as seen with the persistent depreciation of the Zambian kwacha and the Ghanaian cedi. Ethiopia's financial woes reflect a broader trend of currency devaluation across the continent and beyond, signaling a turbulent economic landscape for the year.

https://invezz.com/news/2024/01/09/why-are-the-zimbabwe-dollar-nigerian-naira-ethiopian-birr-tanking/

#Ethiopia: #Egypt vacates the seat at GERD negotiations, what is next?

After a decade-long dialogue, Egypt has officially withdrawn from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) negotiations, marking a pivotal moment in the tripartite talks involving Ethiopia, #Sudan, and Egypt. The move follows a stalemate in talks with Ethiopia, who insists on its right to use the Nile for its national development, countering Egypt's position that emphasizes historical water rights and security concerns.


The stalemate has been characterized by Ethiopia's assertion of its right to use Nile waters for equitable and reasonable utilization, clashing with Egypt's stance on maintaining historical water rights. This has led to a deepening rift, with Ethiopia accusing Egypt of adhering to a colonial-era mentality that hinders progress towards a fair agreement.

Experts like Tirusew Assefa, a hydrology expert at the University of South Florida, observed, "There has been minimal alteration in the respective positions of Ethiopia and Egypt]." Tirusrw's commentary underscores the enduring deadlock, with Ethiopia's developmental rights to the Nile's waters at the core of its stance. Gashaw Ayferam, a hydro-politics expert, added that the negotiations are hampered by "the geopolitical instrumentalization and securitization of the dam project," which limits the scope for negotiation flexibility.

The path forward is complex. Some analysts propose third-party mediation to break the impasse, while others foresee the potential for international forums to play a role. The coming period is crucial for the Nile Basin countries to explore new strategies for cooperation or risk deepening regional tensions.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-egypt-vacates-the-seat-at-gerd-negotiations-what-is-next/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray region appeals for aid to support students during drought catastrophe

The Tigray Education Bureau is sounding the alarm on a severe hunger crisis threatening the future of over 2.4 million students, with only 40% currently able to attend school. The #drought_stricken region is facing a dramatic increase in #school_dropouts, prompting urgent pleas for the establishment of student feeding programs to sustain education.

Kiros Guesh, the bureau's head, warns that without immediate action, thousands of students may abandon their studies. A recent assessment reveals that drought has affected 36 districts, 213 villages, and 625 schools, impacting the lives and education of 222,940 students. The #ongoing_drought exacerbates the crisis, with many students missing critical national exams due to hunger. With the next harvest nearly a year away, the bureau fears the worst and is calling for global humanitarian assistance.

In response, a dedicated unit has been formed to coordinate the implementation of school feeding programs. Alem Abrha, head of the #Irob district, reports that the drought has already claimed 77 lives in his area alone.

https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-region-appeals-for-aid-to-support-students-during-drought-catastrophe/

#Ethiopia: Internet shutdown costs Ethiopia nearly $2 billion in economic upheaval

In a striking 2023 report by #Top10VPN, Ethiopia has been identified as the country with the second highest economic losses due to government-imposed internet shutdowns, with a staggering $1.9 billion toll. This surpasses #Iran's losses and is second only to #Russia's $4.02 billion. The shutdowns, which included major platforms like Facebook and YouTube, were part of efforts to quell religious tensions, but they also led to a massive 3,651% spike in VPN usage as citizens sought access.

The blackout, which lasted thousands of hours, also extended to the #Amhara region amid political strife, though some services have since resumed. Sub-Saharan #Africa felt the brunt of these disruptions, with losses reaching $1.74 billion and affecting millions of users, marking it as the second most impacted region worldwide.

The reasons for these outages are varied, with the report citing school exams and protests as common causes. #Kenya, for instance, faced a $27 million loss from a week-long Telegram block due to exam leak concerns. The ripple effects of such internet restrictions are felt across the continent, with nations like #Senegal, #Algeria, and #Guinea facing their own economic challenges due to similar shutdowns.

https://addisstandard.com/news-internet-shutdown-costs-ethiopia-nearly-2-billion-in-economic-upheaval/

#Ethiopia: Over 40% of city employees pass competency assessment

The #Addis_Abeba City Administration has just unveiled the results of a thorough competency assessment for public service employees. Out of 15,151 who took the test, 6,517 have passed with flying colors.

This assessment is key to understanding the skill levels of the city's workforce. Tassew Gebre, the head of Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau, broke down the numbers: Only 34% of leadership staff hit the mark, while 50% of the general staff made the grade.

Though 15,592 signed up, a few hiccups meant not everyone could be tested. It was reported that 681 employee tests were invalidated due to various procedural issues, and another 441 staff did not attend the examination as planned.

https://addisstandard.com/news-over-40-of-city-employees-pass-competency-assessment/

#Ethiopia: #Malaria infections soar by 300,000 in one month; 1.8 million affected over six months

Ethiopia is facing a significant and concerning increase in malaria cases, as evidenced by a recent spike of 300,000 new infections in the previous month alone.

This alarming rise is highlighted by reports that disclose that, of the 5.3 million individuals tested due to suspected malaria in the past six months, a staggering 1.8 million have been confirmed to be infected with the disease.

Dr. Hiwot Solomon, Disease Prevention and Control Lead Executive Officer at the Ministry of Health, informed the Ethiopian News Agency that the federal government has allocated over 438 million birr to regional health institutions for the containment and prevention of malaria.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1744956061868495211

Conflict in #Sudan Threatens Famine, Agriculture in Crisis

Sudan's Al-Jazira state faces a looming famine as ongoing clashes between the army and paramilitary forces devastate the region's agriculture. The United Nations (#UN) reports over half a million people have sought refuge in the area, which until recently was a peaceful hub for farming.

Local farmer Ahmed al-Amin laments his inability to tend to his wheat due to the conflict, which has also forced hundreds of thousands to flee. The #RSF's occupation of land has left vital crops unattended, raising the specter of widespread hunger in a country where most food is imported.

The World Food Programme (#WFP) warns that nearly 18 million Sudanese are experiencing acute hunger, with the situation escalating towards "emergency levels." Despite no official declaration, experts like William Carter of the Norwegian Refugee Council predict an impending famine unless peace is restored.

The fighting has already claimed more than 12,190 lives, with additional casualties likely from the breakdown of essential services. The RSF's actions, including looting and land seizures, have disrupted local markets and agricultural operations, further endangering the country's food security.

https://www.theafricareport.com/332463/famine-threatens-sudan-after-war-claims-harvest/