#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Administration acknowledge IDPs grievances as three-day protest continues in #Mekelle

The Tigray Interim Administration (#TIRA) has addressed grievances raised by Internally Displaced Persons (#IDPs) during ongoing peaceful protests in Mekelle, which began on January 13 under the theme “Yak’el” (“Enough is Enough”). In a statement, the interim administration acknowledged that “The failure to implement key provisions of the Pretoria Peace Agreement has deepened political instability in the region,” and described the protests as a “constructive effort to bring attention to the urgent situation facing the people of Tigray.”

The protests, organized by Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society, are still ongoing at Romanat Square in Mekelle. Demonstrators have chanted demands such as “Return us to our homes” and “Living in tents is enough.” Many IDPs continue to endure harsh conditions, with a recent report revealing nearly 300 deaths at the Hintsad center in Shire over the past three months due to hunger, inadequate medical care, and insufficient aid.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47960

#Sudan shelling claims over 100 lives near #Khartoum

At least 120 people were reported killed on Monday following shelling in the Dar-Salam area of Omdurman, near Sudan's capital, Khartoum. The Ombada Emergency Response Room noted that the toll is provisional and could increase. Health workers have warned of dwindling medical supplies as they struggle to treat the injured.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread destruction, displacing over 12 million people and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict stems from a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). Most of Omdurman is under army control, while the RSF holds parts of Khartoum and surrounding areas.

Recent clashes in Omdurman have escalated, with both sides exchanging shellfire. Residents have reported widespread damage to homes and civilian areas. Emergency response teams face difficulties accessing affected zones due to continued fighting, further straining local healthcare services.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly90w8vjyko

#Ethiopia: Dual Faces of #Addis_Abeba’s Corridor Project: Tales of transformation, displacement

Addis Abeba is undergoing a profound transformation under the ambitious Corridor Development Project, which aims to modernize the city while addressing traffic congestion and urban aesthetics. The project, launched in two phases, spans a total of 172 kilometers and 2,857 hectares. While the initiative promises economic growth and infrastructure improvements, it has also displaced thousands of residents and businesses, sparking mixed reactions.

The project’s redevelopment of the Anbessa Garage to Goro Corridor, featuring aesthetic enhancements like illuminated streetlights and fountains, has drawn admiration. Yet, for displaced business owners, the experience is mixed. Mesud Jamal, a former Goro jewelry shop owner, expressed support, saying, “As long as it is believed to benefit the city, I am in favor of it.” Despite relocating, he admitted, “Business activity has improved at the newly opened shop compared to before.”

However, not everyone shares Mesud’s optimism. A bar owner from Yerer Sefer lamented abrupt demolitions, claiming, “My bar and restaurant were demolished without prior notice… about five businesses, including a private clinic, were removed.” He voiced frustration over insufficient compensation: “I was promised I’d be paid, but so far, we haven’t received anything.”

A study highlighted the project’s dual impact, citing benefits such as a 30% reduction in traffic congestion and GDP growth but warning of social costs, including displacement and cultural loss. Mayor Adanech Abiebie pledged transparency, relocation housing, and a five-billion-birr compensation fund, yet some residents remain skeptical. “No one is against development,” one displaced resident said, “but a well-planned project would have been better.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47899

#Ethiopia: #Addis_Abeba Trade Bureau targets fuel stations causing ‘unnecessary queues,’ warns of legal action for noncompliance

The Addis Abeba Trade Bureau announced it would take action against fuel stations causing "unnecessary queues," citing practices such as selling fuel solely for cash, creating artificial shortages, or failing to operate full-time. This follows a recent proclamation by parliament aimed at regulating the petroleum products trade system.

During a press briefing on January 14, Habiba Siraj, head of the Bureau, stated that "there had been no fuel shortages in the city over the past six months," noting that 125 stations received an average daily supply of 3.45 million liters of fuel, including 2 million liters of diesel and 1.45 million liters of gasoline. She disclosed that legal measures had already been taken against nine stations found violating regulations, including smuggling fuel and conducting improper transactions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47970

#EU to provide €40 million in humanitarian aid for #Ethiopia

The European Union (EU) has announced plans to allocate €40 million in initial humanitarian aid for Ethiopia in 2025, citing the ongoing impacts of "conflicts, recurrent climate shocks, and outbreaks of infectious diseases." The EU noted that this will bring its total humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia to €436.5 million since 2020.

The funding, according to the EU, will support humanitarian partners in delivering "protection, food aid, access to clean water and hygiene, shelter, and nutritional assistance." It will also cover disease prevention, primary health care, and education for children affected by crises.

The package aims to prioritize support for internally displaced persons and refugees, particularly those newly arriving from neighboring countries such as Sudan. The EU emphasized its continued commitment to addressing Ethiopia's pressing humanitarian needs through targeted aid.

https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/news/eu-provides-eu40-million-humanitarian-aid-ethiopia-2025-01-14_en

#Ethiopia: #GERD requires additional 80 billion birr despite 97.6% completion

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, which is 97.6% complete, requires an additional 80 billion Birr to finalize the remaining construction work, according to the GERD Project Coordination Office.

Initiated 14 years ago with an initial cost estimate of 80 billion Birr, the project still faces a substantial financial gap to complete the last 2.4%. Dawit Amare, a Director at the Development Bank of Ethiopia (#DBE), which oversees GERD bond sales, highlighted the financial gap and stated that over 20.2 billion Birr has been raised through public bond sales.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47973

Rescued #Ethiopian nationals charged with contravening Immigration Act

Twenty-eight Ethiopian nationals found in a house in Sandringham, #Johannesburg, #South_Africa, appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with contravening the Immigration Act. The individuals, aged between 18 and 21, were discovered at a residence on Luster Road last week and were found to have entered South Africa without documentation.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said, “Authorities responded to a tip-off regarding suspicious activity and found 28 naked individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, who were reportedly held captive.” Some of the rescued individuals required medical attention, while others reportedly escaped through windows and burglar bars during the police intervention. The case is being investigated by the Hawks’ serious organized crime unit to determine if the group were victims of human trafficking.

Due to scheduling constraints, the individuals appeared in three separate courtrooms on Tuesday. “The cases have been postponed to February 14 to allow for medical assessments of the injured individuals,” Mjonondwane said. She added that other cases were remanded to January 17 and 27 after some of the accused abandoned their bail applications. Investigations are ongoing.

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-01-14-rescued-ethiopian-nationals-charged-with-contravening-immigration-act/

#Ethiopia: Two youths shot dead by militia members in East #Hararghe, #Oromia region: Families report

Two young men, Kadire Shuaibe and Jafar Abdulrazzaq, were reportedly shot and killed by militia members on the evening of January 13, 2025, in Kurfa Chele district, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region. The victims, residents of Gurawa district, Lafto kebele, were returning home from Maya town on a newly purchased motorcycle, according to their families.

“These youths were very young and had no disputes with anyone. We don’t understand why government security forces would kill them. The family is in deep grief,” a relative told Addis Standard. Efforts to obtain comments from local officials have been unsuccessful, while the incident adds to growing criticism over alleged security force actions in Oromia, including other recent killings that have sparked outrage and protests.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47979

#Ethiopia: Fed. Court passes guilty verdict against senior clergyman, others in fraudulent attempt to withdraw over US$6M from #AU account

The Federal High Court in Addis Abeba convicted Kesis Belay Mekonnen, a senior Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (#EOTC) clergyman, and others for attempting to fraudulently withdraw over US$6 million from the African Union’s (AU) account. The court found the defendants guilty of submitting falsified payment orders to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (#CBE) at its AU headquarters branch, according to state media.

The case stems from an incident on 15 April 2024, when the AU revealed that the fraudulent payment orders were submitted by “an individual who is not an employee of the African Union.” The orders, valued at over US$6 million, were linked to purported “construction and water drilling works.” Prosecutors accused the defendants, led by Kesis Belay, of engaging in a “coordinated and organized criminal act” that police said could “tarnish our good relations with African countries.” The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 30 January.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47984

#Ethiopia: Recent increase in fuel price directly raises individual expenses by two percent - Fitsum Assefa, Minister for Planning and Development

Fitsum Assefa, Minister for Planning and Development, stated that research shows the recent fuel price increase has directly raised individual expenses by 2%. Speaking to state media, she noted that while there are additional indirect effects on the cost of goods and inputs, efforts are needed to strengthen societal resilience to these changes.

She outlined government interventions to mitigate the impact, including a 300% salary increase for low-income employees and a 60 billion birr allocation for urban and rural safety net programs designed to shield vulnerable groups from economic shocks.

Fitsum also addressed the inefficiencies linked to blanket fuel subsidies, describing them as fostering illicit trade and creating economic distortions. She advocated for targeted subsidies focused on supporting public transportation and low-income citizens.

Watch!

‘We’re not pirates,’ say hijackers of #Chinese ship off #Somalia’s coast

A seven-week standoff concluded this week with the release of a Chinese fishing vessel and its 18-member crew, hijacked off #Puntland’s coast. The incident has drawn international attention to ongoing disputes over illegal fishing in Somalia’s waters, which locals claim threaten their livelihoods.

“We are not pirates. We are a community under siege,” said Liban Hassan, one of the hijackers, who claims foreign trawlers are depleting fish stocks and polluting the seas. Despite this justification, the Chinese embassy in Somalia strongly condemned the hijacking, describing it as a “vicious action” that endangered navigation and the crew.

Illegal fishing has plagued Somalia since the collapse of its central government in 1991, with unregulated foreign trawlers exploiting the absence of maritime governance. Somali law prohibits trawlers from operating within 24 nautical miles of the coast, a rule often flouted. “When we go out at sea, they shoot at us, destroy our boats, and prevent us from feeding our families,” Liban alleged.

While some locals empathize with the hijackers’ frustrations, others, including tribal leaders, oppose their methods. “The pirates are exploiting local grievances for personal gain,” said Garad Jama Isse, a chief from Garacad, who urged communities to “unite against” both illegal fishing and piracy.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/1/15/were-not-pirates-say-hijackers-aboard-chinese-ship-off-somalia-coast

#Gaza ceasefire deal reached by #Israel and #Hamas

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of war, according to mediators Qatar and the United States. The agreement, set to begin Sunday if approved by Israel’s cabinet, was described by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani as "a significant step toward reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian needs."

The initial six-week phase will include the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the daily entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. "This mechanism paves the way for future negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that phases two and three would focus on reconstruction and further agreements.

US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, emphasizing its potential to "halt the fighting, enable humanitarian assistance, and reunite hostages with their families." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that final details are still being reviewed, while Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya called the agreement "a milestone" for Palestinians.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9vx3d0j3o.amp

#Ethiopia: Gov’t mandates EV importers, assemblers to install charging stations before resuming operations

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced that electric vehicle (#EV) importers and assemblers must “ensure they have proper charging infrastructure in place” before resuming operations. Berho Hassan, State Minister for Transport and Logistics, stated that “many of these companies have already set up charging stations,” while over 400 businesses are currently involved in EV importation and distribution.

Worku Desta, Deputy Head of the Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau, said charging stations are being added to parking facilities as part of the Corridor Development Project’s second phase. He further noted that a study is underway “to transition fuel stations in #Addis_Abeba into charging stations for electric vehicles,” aligning with the government’s goal to import 439,000 EVs by 2030.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47987

#Ethiopia: #Axum court summons five schools over hijab ban, suspends directive citing rights violations

The Axum District Court has summoned five schools to respond to allegations of barring Muslim students from attending classes while wearing hijabs, following a complaint filed by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. The council alleges that 159 Muslim students were denied entry due to their religious attire, prompting legal action to address the matter.

In a preliminary ruling, the court suspended the schools' directive prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing hijabs, citing potential "irreversible rights violations." Following a hearing on 14 January, the court ordered the schools to appear on 24 January 2025 to address the allegations

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47997

#Ethiopia: Displaced families from #Afar earthquakes endure dire conditions amid overwhelmed shelters; thousands left without adequate water, food aid

Over 58,000 people displaced by recent earthquakes in the Afar region are struggling to survive in overcrowded shelters, facing critical shortages of food, water, and basic supplies. Many residents report that aid from government and humanitarian organizations remains inadequate, leaving vulnerable populations in dire conditions.

Fakir Ahmed, who fled Segneto Kebele in Dulecha district to the Daido shelter camp in Amibera district, described walking 67 kilometers to safety with his family. “We left everything behind—our home and belongings. We came empty-handed,” he told Addis Standard. While aid has reached the camp, Fakir noted, “The number of people here far exceeds the assistance provided. We don’t even have cooking oil to prepare meals.”

Recent earthquakes, including a 5.8-magnitude tremor on January 4, have damaged homes, schools, and infrastructure, forcing thousands into displacement. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA), food aid has reached some shelters, but 2,250 households remain unsupported, and water shortages persist, raising concerns about disease outbreaks. Local authorities and humanitarian groups are working to address these challenges, but residents stress that immediate action is needed.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47990