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.

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#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

#Somalia suspends flights to #Kismayo after aircraft diversion, deepens tensions with #Jubaland

The Somalia federal government has suspended all flights to Kismayo following the unauthorized diversion of a Halla Airlines plane to Doolow in the Gedo region. According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the aircraft, originally scheduled to fly from #Mogadishu to Kismayo, had its communication systems disabled and was redirected without approval.

“This unauthorized seizure endangered the safety of the aircraft and its passengers,” the SCAA said in a statement. The suspension, it added, is a precautionary measure to prevent similar incidents. Kismayo, a key economic and political hub in Jubaland, now faces travel and trade disruptions due to the flight ban.

Halla Airlines confirmed the incident. CEO Ismail Barwa described it as a severe breach of aviation safety protocols. “Our crew was forced to deviate from their planned route, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on board,” Barwa said during a press briefing.

Jubaland officials have condemned the suspension, accusing Mogadishu of exploiting the situation to increase political pressure on the semi-autonomous region. “This suspension is a reckless and punitive measure that hurts ordinary citizens,” said Jubaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifitah Mohamed Mukhtar.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Dec/199524/somalia_suspends_kismayo_flights_after_plane_commandeered_escalating_federal_rift.aspx?utm_source=hiiraan&utm_medium=SomaliNewsUpdateFront

#Ethiopia: #CETU calls for peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts, urges immediate action to address workers’ economic hardship

The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has called for immediate and peaceful resolution to the “ongoing conflicts in certain regions,” citing their “extensive impact on lives, livelihoods, and displacement.” In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, CETU stressed the economic strain on workers, urging the government to reduce income tax and activate a legally mandated Minimum Wage Board.

Following its 20th general assembly on 18 December, CETU highlighted that conflicts have led to “business closures, job losses, and worsening economic hardships.” The confederation warned of the “escalating inflation” and rising costs that “low-wage workers and their families can no longer bear,” reiterating previous calls for systemic measures to alleviate the burden.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47619

#Ethiopia: Gov’t to introduce performance-based budgeting for public universities

Professor Birhanu Nega, Minister of Education, announced a shift to performance-based budgeting for universities during a signing ceremony for performance contracts with 47 higher education institutions on December 25, 2024. He explained that funding will no longer depend on the number of instructors but will be assessed based on three criteria: “its contributions to research, the quality of students it produces, and its overall performance.”

The Minister also highlighted that universities failing to meet expectations could be “downgraded into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers.” Criticizing the previous approach, he remarked, “Future budget allocations will also consider factors such as integrity and institutional effectiveness.” These changes are part of broader reforms in the education sector.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47622

#Ethiopia: At least 35 killed in land dispute clashes between “pastoralists and gov’t militias” in #Dacawaley, #Somali region: Sources

At least 35 people were reportedly killed and several others injured in clashes between “local pastoralists” and government militias on December 25, 2024, in Dacawaley kebele, Harshin district, Somali Regional State, multiple sources told Addis Standard.

One source, who requested anonymity, claimed that the violence was initiated by “special police forces” and militias from Yoale district, citing a longstanding land dispute between the Isaaq and Ogaden subclans as the underlying cause.

In contrast, another informant alleged that the latest violence involved armed groups from neighboring #Somaliland, suggesting that the conflict was exacerbated by the killing of Yoale district’s security head on November 20 and subsequent attacks on reconciliation efforts.

Efforts by Addis Standard to independently verify these claims were hindered by network disruptions in the area. The Somali Regional government has not commented on the incident as of this report.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47626

#Ethiopia Federal Court sentences 81 Al-Shabaab members to up to 20 years in prison

The Federal High Court, #Dire_Dawa branch, Jigjiga Criminal Court Rotating Bench sentenced 81 individuals accused of engaging in “terrorist activities as members of the Al-Shabaab group” to up to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, state media reported. The Ministry of Justice’s Organized and Trans-Border Crime Dire Dawa regional branch prosecutor presented evidence under the file name of Muktar Abdi, charging the defendants under provisions of the Ethiopian Federal Criminal Code of 2004 and the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes Proclamation No.1176/2020.

The accused were convicted for “leading and participating in terrorist activities” and for their “association with Al-Shabaab,” an internationally recognized terrorist organization, with their membership and involvement dating back to 2022. Federal prosecution presented “57 eyewitness testimonies and 396 pages of documentary evidence” during the trial, leading to 18 of the accused being sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while the remaining received sentences ranging from 12 to 18 years.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47645

#EHRCO, #EHRDC latest rights groups suspended by Civil Society Authority, citing 'deviation' and alleged 'lack of independence'

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) have been suspended by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO). The move follows similar actions taken against other prominent organizations, including the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (#CARD) and Lawyers for Human Rights (#LHR).

ACSO alleged that the organizations had "deviated from their founding objectives" and were "not remaining independent." EHRDC refuted the accusations, stating it had "adhered to its foundational principles" while maintaining "utmost independence, accountability, and transparency." Similarly, EHRCO disputed allegations of acting "beyond its founding objectives," emphasizing its commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47652

#Ethiopia: From discussing border areas to “rimland across #Indian_Ocean”

Dr. Abdi Zenebe, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), praised the recent #Ankara_Declaration signed between Ethiopia and #Somalia.

The agreement, and “the declaration that followed and the action plan that is attached to it”, has brought a number of benefits for the Horn of Africa,” he said, including “regional integration agenda” and “reducing tensions [and] strengthening the peace.”

At the same time, Dr. Abdi says, it played an important role in bringing about a recognition that Ethiopia “has a legitimate demand; this is recognized.”

In Addition, “through this agreement with Mogadishu, now Ethiopia will not only [be] limited to have access toward the Red Sea, but also to Indian Ocean, (Western Indian Ocean); to the Gulf of Aden.”

This is a “transcendental matter” that sees Ethiopia “from talking about the border areas and regions” to “discussing about rimland across the Indian Ocean.”

#Just_in: #UN’s #WHO Chief, staff safe after airport bombing in #Yemen

The World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Tedros Adhanom and staff safe after #Israel’s aerial bombardment of the Sana’a Airport, in Yemen, earlier today.

According to Dr Tedros, the UN mission was in Yemen “to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess Yemen’s humanitarian situation,” which concluded today.

But as the delegation prepared to depart Sana’a, the airport came under aerial bombardment, leaving one plane crew member injured and at least two people dead. “The air traffic control tower, departure lounge - just a few meters from where were - and the runway were damaged”, Tedros said, delaying the delegation’s departure.

The WHO staff extended condolences to the families of the victims, reiterating calls for the immediate release of the detainees.

Al-Shabab commander killed in drone strike in #Somalia, group confirms

Al-Shabab has confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire, one of its senior commanders, in a drone strike near Kunyo Barrow in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region. The militant group attributed the attack to the United States but did not specify the date of the incident.

The United States Africa Command (#AFRICOM) reported conducting an airstrike on December 24, targeting al-Shabab militants approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Kunyo Barrow. While AFRICOM did not disclose the names of those targeted, it stated, “The command will continue to assess the results of the operation and provide additional information as appropriate.” Somalia’s Ministry of Information described the strike as “well-planned” and executed in collaboration with international partners.

Mire, a designated global terrorist by U.S. officials in 2022, served as the head of al-Shabab's regions department and held multiple roles within the organization. He was reportedly targeted while traveling between Jilib and Kunyo Barrow. In July, Mire was included in Somalia’s anti-money laundering sanctions list along with other key al-Shabab figures.

https://www.voanews.com/a/al-shabab-says-one-of-its-commanders-killed-in-drone-strike/7914910.html