#Ethiopia: Food aid resumes in #Amhara’s Bugna district following two-month suspension over security concerns

Food aid deliveries have resumed in Bugna district, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, following a two-month suspension due to security concerns. The resumption was made possible after community elders facilitated an agreement with local authorities. The district, which has been heavily impacted by conflict and drought, had experienced delays in aid distribution due to clashes between government forces and #Fano militants.

Alemu Yimer, head of the North Wollo Zone Disaster Prevention and Food Security Office, confirmed that over 16,000 quintals of grain have been delivered since December 17 to assist more than 110,000 residents in Bugna. Meanwhile, additional aid is being coordinated for nearby Lalibela town, which is also facing severe shortages. The U.S. Embassy in #Addis_Abeba has acknowledged the crisis, emphasizing ongoing efforts to support nutrition and food aid in the region.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47555

#France supports #Ethiopia’s quest for sea access through discussion

French President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed France’s support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access through peaceful dialogue and respect for international law. Macron, during his visit to #Addis_Abeba on Saturday, said his country is ready to assist Ethiopia in responsibly addressing the matter while respecting neighboring countries’ sovereignty.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said discussions with Macron focused on Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts for #Red_Sea access. “France supports our peaceful and lawful pursuit of sea access,” Abiy stated, emphasizing the importance of international law and negotiations.

On domestic issues, Macron commended the progress made under the Pretoria Agreement, which ended Ethiopia’s two-year war in #Tigray. He underlined the importance of transitional justice and the rule of law, adding that France remains committed to supporting those affected by the war.

The visit also highlighted bilateral cooperation, including the restoration of Ethiopia’s National Palace and UNESCO-listed sites like the Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches. Macron described the partnership as strong and forward-looking.

https://www.voanews.com/a/france-supports-ethiopia-s-quest-for-sea-access-through-discussion/7910045.html

#Somalia, #Turkey sign agreement allowing Turkish fishermen to operate in Somali waters

Somalia and Turkey have signed an agreement permitting Turkish fishermen to operate within Somalia's territorial waters under a framework focused on sustainable fisheries management. The agreement was announced after discussions in #Ankara between Turkey's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and Somalia's Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden.

"Turkish fishermen have extensive experience in international waters," Yumaklı stated, adding, "I believe we can share our expertise in fishing and ensure the sustainable use of Somalia's resources." A joint technical team will oversee the implementation of the agreement, with the first meeting proposed to be held in Turkey to establish guidelines and monitor compliance.

The agreement comes as Somalia seeks to enforce a trawler ban introduced in April 2024 to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that has depleted marine resources and affected local livelihoods

https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/turkish-fishermen-to-operate-in-somali-waters-despite-ban

#Ethiopia: World Bank’s $700 million loan targets #CBE restructuring, financial overhaul of NBE and DBE

The World Bank has approved a $700 million loan to strengthen Ethiopia’s financial sector. The funds will support restructuring the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), modernizing the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), and transforming the Development Bank of Ethiopia (#DBE) into a sustainable finance institution.

Last month, Ethiopia’s parliament approved a 54.6 billion birr capital boost for CBE. Legislators also passed a law authorizing the Ministry of Finance to issue 10-year Treasury bonds to address 845.4 billion birr in non-performing loans from state-owned enterprises, with a three-year grace period for repayment.

https://addisstandard.com/daily-scoop/

#Ethiopian Catholic bishops report disruption to church operations, urge paths to peace

The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops' Conference reported a "severe disruption" to church operations amid ongoing conflicts, including the "closure of numerous parishes," in their Advent pastoral message, released on Sunday, December 22, at the conclusion of their 57th annual plenary assembly in Mojo.

The bishops highlighted the devastating impact of violence on institutional infrastructure. "Our clinics, schools, and pastoral centers have been devastated," the statement read, noting that church personnel "have had to operate under conditions of extreme insecurity," with some forced to leave their posts due to "credible threats to their safety."

The pastoral message also addressed the broader humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the toll on communities enduring a "legacy of displacement, loss, and destruction." It described families being "torn apart" in regions affected by conflict and economic instability, leaving many without access to "essential pastoral services and spiritual support."

While recognizing recent peace-building initiatives, the bishops called for greater commitment to dialogue among stakeholders. "True leadership is shown in listening, seeking truth, and working tirelessly for the common good," they stated, urging religious and political leaders to prioritize "sustainable paths to peace." They also advocated for "a comprehensive approach to national reconciliation" through inclusive dialogue and tangible action.

https://catholicbishopsconferenceofeth.africa-newsroom.com/press/catholic-bishops-conference-of-ethiopia-pastoral-message-for-advent-december-2024?lang=en

Progress or Hardship?: How #Ethiopia’s economic reforms impact low-income households amid inflation, escalating cost of living

Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms, aimed at boosting government revenue and addressing macroeconomic challenges, have left low-income households grappling with skyrocketing living costs and persistent inflation. Civil servants and fixed-wage earners, like Lombebo Mulatu, describe an increasingly unsustainable reality.

“My salary barely covers the basics,” said Lombebo, a federal government worker in #Addis_Abeba. “Rent alone consumes over 65% of my income. It’s a constant struggle to put food on the table.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Milkessa Mohammed, a teacher in Oromia, who noted, “We are praying just to feed our families and raise our children. Saving is unthinkable.”

Economic measures such as increased electricity tariffs, revised tax laws, and rising service fees have intensified the financial burden on households. Despite government efforts to curb inflation and adjust public sector salaries, experts warn that the reforms disproportionately affect lower-income groups. “Any rise in consumption taxes substantially increases their cost of living,” said macroeconomist Merid Tullu.

Amid escalating hardships, there is growing concern over the balance between revenue-boosting policies and the economic wellbeing of ordinary citizens. "Blindly adopting external recommendations without considering domestic realities may lead to unintended negative consequences," emphasized Henok Fasil, a consultant at the #UN Economic Commission for Africa.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47560

Piracy in #Somalia resurges, fueled by grievances over illegal fishing

In Somalia, Somali fishermen are turning to piracy once again, citing violent confrontations with foreign trawlers and the destruction of their livelihoods. Farah, one of the fishermen who spoke to the BBC, said, "Ships came and took all our equipment and belongings." His colleague Diiriye added, "There were bullets in their bodies. They had no guns; they had gone to the sea with their nets to make their livelihood."

The resurgence of piracy comes after nearly a decade of calm, with Operation Atalanta reporting no incidents between 2020 and 2022. However, piracy returned in 2023, with six attacks, rising to 22 incidents in 2024. Farah justified their actions, saying, "When someone intimidates you and robs you, it is compulsory to fight. They caused the fight."

Illegal fishing by foreign vessels, often armed, has fueled tensions in Eyl, a town historically dependent on fishing. The fishermen accuse trawlers of taking their catch and killing locals. "We use the RPG to stop the ship. When the ship doesn’t stop, we shoot over it. We don’t kill. The aim is to get something, not to kill," Diiriye said.

#Puntland authorities acknowledge the challenges of illegal fishing but highlight progress in security. Puntland Maritime Police Force commander Farhan Awil Hashi stressed the need for economic solutions: "Young people must get jobs, always. If the person is busy doing something, they will not think about heading to the sea and hijacking ships."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8vl8n9gypo.amp

Two farmers killed in militant attack in South #Ethiopia's #Kore zone

Two farmers were killed on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in an attack by armed militants in Qore Kebele, Gorka District, Kore Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State. The victims were reportedly tending to their cattle when the assailants launched the attack, residents and officials told Addis Standard.

A resident, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, claimed the perpetrators were “Shene militants who crossed over from West Guji Zone of Oromia Region.” Describing the incident, the resident said, “First, they shot them with Kalashnikovs, then butchered them with machetes. What happened was beyond words—a very shameful and horrific act.” Deputy Chairperson of Qore Kebele, Destaye Yohannes, confirmed the killings and expressed frustration over the lack of support from higher authorities despite frequent reports of insecurity.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47580

#Somalia delegation heads to #Addis_Abeba to strengthen ties under Ankara Declaration

A delegation from Somalia, led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Omar, is set to visit Addis Abeba today, December 23, 2024, to reinforce commitments outlined in the Ankara Declaration. In a statement on Monday, Somalia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the visit “underscores Somalia's unwavering commitment to deepening bilateral ties with #Ethiopia, as outlined in the Ankara Declaration forged by the leadership of both nations.” The delegation will “focus on exploring transformative opportunities to cultivate a partnership founded on mutual respect, common interest, and cooperation.”

The Ankara Declaration, signed in Ankara during a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reaffirmed “respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.” It also addressed Ethiopia’s desire for “assured access to and from the sea,” while emphasizing respect for “the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47584

#News_Alert: #Somalia accuses #Ethiopian forces of “blatant aggression” in border town of #Doolow

The accusation came a few hours after Somalia announced a visit by a delegation, led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Omar, to travel to Addis Abeba today to reinforce commitments outlined in the Ankara Declaration.

Earlier today, local media in Somalia reported about clashes in Doolow, a town near the border with Ethiopia.Forces from Somalia federal army and Jubaland regional troops are present in the area where Ethiopian forces patrol strategic locations including the local airport.

As of the publication of this news, there has been no comment from the Ethiopian government.

Read the news here: https://addisstandard.com/?p=47587

Progress or Hardship?: How #Ethiopia’s economic reforms impact low-income households amid inflation, escalating cost of living

As Ethiopia pursues sweeping economic reforms to secure financial stability and external loans, the cost of living continues to rise, impacting low-income households and public servants across the country.

For Lombebo Mulatu, a federal employee in #Addis_Abeba, inflation has turned daily life into a battle. “Rent alone consumes over 65% of my income,” he said. “It’s a constant struggle to put food on the table.” The weight of these struggles echoes across Ethiopia, as public servants like Milkessa Mohammed, a teacher in the #Oromia region, face similar challenges. “Saving is unthinkable,” Milkessa noted.

While government officials tout the necessity of reforms, including new taxes and increased public service fees, experts caution against measures that disproportionately burden the vulnerable.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47560

#Egypt FM says external presence in #Red_Sea "unacceptable," discusses regional stability with #Somalia

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty declared that "the presence of any party other than coastal countries of the Red Sea is unacceptable" during bilateral talks in Cairo on Monday with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.

The ministerial discussions addressed regional developments, including the recent #Ankara-mediated negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Fiqi noted these diplomatic efforts were "successful in curbing further violence in the region," preventing what he described as "a dangerous explosion that could have burned everyone's interests."

The talks focused on regional maritime security following Ethiopia's January agreement with #Somaliland. Fiqi emphasized the importance of preserving "Somalia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity" as technical discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia are set to commence by February 2025.

Both ministers concluded their Cairo meeting by signing a joint statement committing to elevate their nations' ties "to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership."

https://www.africanews.com/amp/2024/12/23/egypt-and-somalia-meet-to-discuss-red-sea-and-developments-in-somaliland/

#Ethiopia: Seismic activity rises near #Fentale Mountain: 4.9 magnitude quake reaches #Addis_Abeba

Two earthquakes were reported near Fentale Mountain, in the Metehara area, yesterday, 23 December, 2024. The first occurred around 3:00 PM, while the second and stronger earthquake struck at 10:41 PM, registering a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale.

The tremors from this later earthquake were felt as far as Addis Abeba, as confirmed by Addis Ababa University (#AAU). Earlier in the day, another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 on the Richter scale was also recorded near Fentale Mountain around 3:00 PM.

According to Professor Atalay Ayele, Head of the Seismology Department at AAU, the Awash Fentale district and the Metehara area have experienced a series of earthquakes of varying magnitudes since 19 December, 2024. However, the recent 10:41 PM earthquake stands out as one of the strongest, with its tremors reaching Addis Abeba.

Ever since late September 2024, the Awash Fentale Mountain area has been experiencing a series of earthquakes. Since then, repeated earthquakes have been recorded, with tremors reaching Addis Abeba, Afar, Dire Dawa, and surrounding areas.

In a recent interview with Addis Standard, Professor Atalay explained that while large, destructive earthquakes are rare in Ethiopia, minor tremors are frequent. “However, they still pose a significant risk to infrastructure and human safety, particularly in regions with vulnerable buildings and populations,” he emphasized.

Follow the link to read the full interview.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47027

#Ethiopia reiterates commitment to ‘fully implement’ #Ankara agreement following discussions with #Somalia delegation

Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, affirmed the country's commitment to "fully implement" the Ankara Agreement after high-level discussions with a Somali delegation led by Ali Omar, Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Somali delegation, which arrived in #Addis_Abeba on December 23, 2024, engaged in talks focusing on “strengthening bilateral relations” and exploring strategies for effectively implementing the agreement. Ambassador Mesganu emphasized Ethiopia's dedication to ensuring “peace in Somalia is peace for Ethiopia,” while Ali Omar described the discussions as “fruitful,” reiterating Somalia’s resolve to deepen cooperation under the Ankara Declaration.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47595

#Ethiopia’s bid to rejoin #AGOA falls short, again, as #US maintains suspension in latest announcement

Ethiopia’s bid to rejoin the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has failed again, as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on 21 December that “the list of African countries eligible for AGOA will remain unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year.” Ethiopia was initially removed in 2021 following the brutal war in the #Tigray region, which witnessed “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” as stated in President Joe Biden’s executive order.

The suspension has hurt Ethiopia’s economy, with foreign companies exiting its industrial parks. Ethiopia called the decision “misguided,” saying it “fails to take into account the commitment of the Government of the United States to value the well-being of ordinary citizens” and impacts “the livelihoods of more than 200,000 low-income families, mostly women who have nothing to do with the conflict.” Sam Michel, USTR Spokesperson, confirmed that “the list of eligible and ineligible countries will remain unchanged for 2025.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47601

#Ethiopia denies #Somalia’s accusation of attack, blames ‘spoilers of peace’ for #Doolow incident

Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (#MoFA) rejected Somalia’s claims of Ethiopian forces’ involvement in clashes in the town of Doolow, describing the allegations as “not true.” The Ministry attributed the incident to “certain elements intent on destabilizing the Horn of Africa,” labeling them as “perennial spoilers of peace in the region” who aim to derail the normalization of Ethiopia-Somalia relations under the #Ankara Declaration.

Somalia had earlier condemned what it called an “unprovoked and unexpected attack” by Ethiopian troops on Somali National Army, intelligence, and police bases in Doolow. The attack, Somalia alleged, violated the Ankara Declaration and posed a challenge to “ongoing peace efforts,” further warning against additional incidents and asserting it “will not remain silent in the face of such violations.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47605

#Ethiopia sees 72% surge in coffee exports, $797 million earned in five months

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority announced that the country earned $797 million from exporting 178,000 metric tons of coffee in the first five months of the current fiscal year. This marks a 72% increase in export volume and a 55% rise in revenue compared to the same period last year, surpassing the target of 117,000 metric tons set for the period.

Shafi Umar, Deputy Director-General and Head of Marketing at the Authority, stated that Ethiopia is on track to generate $1 billion from exporting over 200,000 metric tons of coffee by mid-year. Coffee remains Ethiopia’s top export commodity, contributing over a quarter of the nation’s annual export earnings and supporting the livelihoods of more than ten million individuals in the supply chain.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47592