#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

World Bank staff question #Ethiopia debt assessment reached with #IMF, memo shows

An internal #World_Bank memo has raised concerns over Ethiopia’s debt sustainability analysis (DSA), jointly prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). The document, reviewed by Reuters, questions the validity of the assessment, a key reference in Ethiopia’s ongoing debt restructuring discussions.

Authored by World Bank consultant Brian Pinto and Chief Economist Indermit Gill, the memo stated, "We found that the bondholders have interpreted the DSA correctly, but the DSA itself may be faulty." It added, "The disagreements about Ethiopia's debt sustainability will be repeated as other countries become debt distressed."

Ethiopia’s State Finance Minister Eyob Tekalign said the DSA was recently reviewed by IMF and World Bank teams during the latest evaluation of the Fund’s loan program, adding that “no major changes” were made. An IMF spokesperson confirmed the November review, noting that DSA updates are a routine part of such assessments but declined to comment on the memo.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/world-bank-staff-question-ethiopia-debt-assessment-reached-with-imf-memo-shows-2024-12-23/

#Ethiopia: Assistance underway for #Amhara's #Bugna district amid severe food shortages

Tesfaw Batable, Commissioner of the Amhara Disaster Prevention and Food Security Commission, announced that food aid has been distributed to Bugna District with the support of #UNICEF and the World Food Programme (#WFP).

The commissioner stated that plans are underway to assist 110,000 individuals through collaborative efforts involving the Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) and the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission. "The response is coordinated and supported by a research team on the ground," he added.

Food aid to the district had been suspended for several months due to security challenges in the area, leaving over 110,000 residents in critical need.

Watch!

#German official accused of pressuring embassy to grant #Schengen visas to group of #Ethiopians

A German Ministry of Foreign Affairs official has been accused of pressuring staff at the country’s embassy in #Addis_Abeba to issue Schengen visas to a group of Ethiopian nationals. According to reports, the official issued formal instructions to approve the visas despite objections. One recipient of the visas reportedly sought asylum in Nuremberg after entering Germany.

Embassy staff raised concerns about the directives with relevant authorities, highlighting that they felt compelled to grant the visas under pressure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the allegations, and specific details, including the number of visas issued or the status of the recipients, remain unclear.

This accusation follows a series of controversies involving the Ministry. In July, it faced scrutiny over allegations of issuing visas based on forged documents for nationals of Afghanistan, Syria, and Türkiye. Investigations into these claims are ongoing.

In August, additional allegations emerged involving nepotism, with reports that the spouse of a senior official played a role in influencing visa decisions and training embassy staff.

https://schengen.news/german-official-accused-of-pressuring-embassy-to-grant-schengen-visas-to-a-group-of-ethiopians/

#Chinese EV giant #BYD debuts in #Ethiopia with five electric models, MOENCO partnership

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, introducing five battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, including the Seagull hatchback and the Tang SUV. The launch event, held in #Addis_Abeba, marked BYD’s partnership with #MOENCO, a leading automotive distributor in Ethiopia representing over 20 global brands, including Toyota.

BYD also inaugurated a service center and showroom in Kality, Addis Abeba, offering sales and maintenance services. “This entry into the Ethiopian market marks a significant milestone in BYD’s expansion within the East African region,” said Ramy Yao, Sales Director of BYD Africa. MOENCO announced the opening of a dedicated BYD showroom at the Kal Building in Megenagna, showcasing its range of electric and hybrid vehicles, which include warranties of up to eight years for batteries.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47611

#UNICEF, partners scale up health and nutrition support in #Oromia; targeting zero-dose children, malnutrition

In Rayitu, a drought-prone area of Oromia, UNICEF and partners under the #Ethiopia Crises to Resilience Programme (EC2R) are delivering critical health and nutrition services to vulnerable communities. At Arda Kelo health post, mothers walk long distances to ensure their children receive essential vaccines and nutrition aid. “I was encouraged by the community health volunteer not to miss monthly vaccinations for my children,” says Asmah Shemamut, whose son Imraan is among those vaccinated.

With 6.6 million people in Oromia needing humanitarian assistance, including 1.78 million under-vaccinated children, the program prioritizes addressing immunization gaps and malnutrition. “About 50 percent of measles cases in Ethiopia are in Oromia,” says Tesfaye Ayalew, UNICEF Health Specialist. “We focus on community mobilization, using health volunteers to identify zero-dose children and encourage mothers to vaccinate them.”

In addition to immunizations, the program tackles malnutrition by providing Super Cereal Plus (SCP) and other supplementary foods. Mariam Ibro, a mother affected by drought, shares her experience: “We lost most of our livestock, and now rely on firewood sales. The SCP has helped my malnourished son recover.” Through the EC2R program, UNICEF, WFP, and partners address acute malnutrition among children and breastfeeding mothers, supporting resilience in Ethiopia’s most vulnerable communities.

https://www.unicef.org/ethiopia/stories/treating-zero-dose-and-malnourished-children

#Ethiopia: Cholera outbreak declines in Ethiopia, new cases reported in #Benishangul_Gumuz

Ethiopia has recorded progress in controlling the cholera outbreak that began in August 2022, with affected districts decreasing from 65 in late September to 25 by mid-November 2024. Weekly cholera case counts have also dropped sharply, from over 200 at their peak to 59, according to the Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin.

Despite these improvements, the Bulletin reported a new cholera outbreak in the Benishangul Gumuz region, linked to population displacements from the #Amhara region.

Former #Somalia military official deported from #US following human rights violations conviction

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., removed Yusuf Abdi Ali, 71, a citizen of Somalia and former Lieutenant Colonel in the Somalia National Army, to Somalia on December 20. Ali, also known as “Tukeh,” served as Commander of the Fifth Brigade in northwest Somalia from May 1987 to July 1988. During this period, the Somalia National Army committed serious human rights violations, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

“The United States will not be a safe haven for those who commit human rights violations, and we will persist in our efforts to pursue justice for the victims of these crimes,” said ERO Acting Executive Associate Director Russell Hott. A Department of Justice immigration judge ruled on February 8, 2024, that Ali personally engaged in acts of torture and ordered Somali National Army soldiers under his command to “detain, torture and assist in extrajudicial killings.” Based on these findings, the judge issued an order for Ali’s removal to Somalia.

The investigation into Ali began in March 2020, initiated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., at the request of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. HSI located and arrested Ali in November 2022, and he remained in custody until his removal. In a separate 2019 civil lawsuit, a jury in the Eastern District of Virginia found Ali liable for torturing a Somali herder and awarded damages to the plaintiff.

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-washington-dc-removes-high-ranking-somali-national-convicted-human-rights