#Ethiopia: #Amhara Education Bureau extends student registration to March 9, cites “security concerns,” low enrollment

The Amhara Regional State Education Bureau has extended the student registration deadline for the current academic year to 09 March 2025, citing “security challenges” and lower-than-expected enrollment. Eyerus Mengistu, Deputy Head of the Bureau, explained during a review meeting in Kombolcha that the extension aims to accommodate students affected by disruptions, noting that “registration will remain open under unique circumstances” until the new deadline.

Of the 7 million students initially expected to enroll, only 2.3 million have returned to school, while over 400,000 registered students are yet to report to their respective schools. Eyerus added that “security challenges” have disrupted education across the region, leaving over 4 million children unable to register. The academic year has been extended until July, with efforts to support late-enrolling students and address critical gaps in infrastructure and resources, the bureau reported.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48195

#Ethiopia: Transport Minister calls for end to checkpoint fees, cites impact on inflation and economy

Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics, has called for an end to fees collected at checkpoints, stating that such practices are slowing the economy and worsening inflation. He explained that these fees are added to the cost of goods, ultimately increasing prices for consumers, particularly poor urban residents and farmers. “This cost increase ultimately trickles down to poor urban residents and further burdens farmers,” he remarked.

Alemu urged communities in kebeles, cities, and districts to stop setting up checkpoints, highlighting their role in fueling inflation. “The payments you collect are adding to the problem of inflation. Understand this and refrain from establishing checkpoints,” he said.

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#Ethiopia: Twenty Karrayyu Gadaa leaders, community elders released after three weeks of detention

Twenty Karrayyu Gadaa leaders and community elders, detained and missing for 21 days, were released on Sunday, January 26, 2025, according to family members who spoke to Addis Standard. The elders, arrested in the #Fentale district, East Shewa Zone, #Oromia region, on January 6, were held at a military camp near #Awash_Arba before their release.

A relative of one of the detainees revealed they were kept in “a compound with detention facilities inside the ENDF residential area” and added, “No one had communicated with them or explained the reason for their arrest.” Another family member expressed relief, saying, “Thanks be to Waaqa [God], they returned home safely.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48200

#Somalia FM: We are under pressure to block #Egyptian troops

Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the country has faced “pressure to block Egypt” from joining the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), without specifying the source of the pressure. Speaking at a press conference, he said “many external forces” have pushed against Egypt’s involvement but reaffirmed that Somalia remains committed to its agreements.

“We have an active agreement with the Egyptian military,” Fiqi said, referring to a 2024 pact between the two countries. “It’s on this basis that they shall help us in execution of the responsibilities,” he added, without disclosing when the troops are expected to arrive. He also said Egypt has already provided weapons to the Somali National Army (SNA).

According to Fiqi, Egypt’s role will include “qualifying, restructuring, and training” the Somali National Army. Egypt had earlier declared its willingness to deploy troops, saying they would support the “brotherly nation” in addressing security challenges.

#Ethiopia has previously raised concerns about Egypt’s deployment of troops in Somalia’s security efforts, with observers linking Ethiopia’s position to tensions between the two countries over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-fm-we-are-under-pressure-to-block-egyptian-troops

#Ethiopia: Amnesty International urges action over ‘mass arbitrary detention’ in #Amhara, marks four months since arrests

Amnesty International has called for urgent international action over what it described as “a state-led campaign” of mass arbitrary detentions in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where thousands have been held “without charges for four months.” The rights group said Ethiopian forces and Amhara regional security “rounded up thousands” on September 28, 2024, transferring them to detention centers in different locations.

Marking four months since the arrests began, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said the “international silence” on the detentions is “beyond shameful.” Amnesty urged Ethiopian authorities to “immediately release everyone who is being arbitrarily held or charge them with internationally recognized crimes.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48206

#Ethiopia to require digital ID for school registration, integration expands

Ethiopia’s digital ID system, #Fayda, will be required for school registration starting next academic year, authorities announced. The move is part of a broader effort to integrate the ID into public services under the government’s digital transformation strategy.

Yonas Alemayehu, Director General of the #Addis_Abeba Civil Registration & Resident Services Agency, said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with schools. “Until now, registration in schools has been done essentially by presenting a child’s birth certificate,” he said, explaining that “the new plan, premised on a government ordinance, allows for children above the age of five to be enrolled and issued a biometric digital ID.” He added that “21 of the 116 districts have already been digitized.”

The expansion aligns with the government’s broader push to integrate Fayda into various sectors. Since its launch in 2022, it has been made mandatory for public servants, the tax system, government procurements, banking transactions, and domestic flights. Yodahe Zemichael, Executive Director of the Ethiopia National ID Program (NIDP), is quoted as explaining “the importance of the ID in the school milieu.”

Authorities plan to issue Fayda to 90 million people by 2030. Currently, over 11.4 million have obtained the ID, which is designed to complement the Kebele ID system by providing a more secure, centralized, and inclusive identification solution.

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/school-registration-adds-up-to-expanding-use-cases-of-ethiopias-digital-id

Three #Ethiopians killed in #Somalia’s #Puntland, several reportedly detained over alleged ISIS links

Three Ethiopian nationals were killed in Somalia’s Puntland region amid accusations of “links to the terrorist group Islamic State (#ISIS),” while several others have reportedly been detained, residents told Addis Standard. The violence, which began on 26 January, saw one Ethiopian killed by security forces, followed by the deaths of two others who were allegedly “beaten by the public” in Bosaso the next day. Ethiopian residents reported a surge in “arbitrary arrests, beatings, and looting” targeting Ethiopian migrants and refugees in Garowe and Bosaso.

A Puntland resident, who requested anonymity, said the killings were tied to allegations that Ethiopians were “involved with the terrorist group ISIS [known locally as Da’ish].” However, he questioned the sweeping crackdown, stating, “There may be Ethiopians involved, but punishing all Ethiopians under the pretext that a few individuals are linked to this group is not justified.” Another Ethiopian resident linked the crackdown to “growing resentment” against Ethiopians following Ethiopia’s maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU) with #Somaliland, adding that similar violence erupted after the deal was signed.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48210

#ICC to seek arrest warrants over #Sudan’s West Darfur atrocities, prosecutor says

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will seek arrest warrants for individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Sudan’s West #Darfur region, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan told the United Nations Security Council on Monday. He described an escalating pattern of violence, including mass killings, targeted attacks on civilians, and sexual violence.

Khan told the council that “criminality is accelerating in Darfur” and highlighted concerns over sexual violence. “Civilians are being targeted, women and girls are subjected to sexual violence, and entire communities are left in destruction,” he said. He characterized the situation as a “hard-edged analysis based on verified evidence.”

The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when fighting erupted between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Darfur, which witnessed genocide and war crimes two decades ago, has once again become a focal point of violence. Khan said the current crisis bears “very clear echoes” of the violence in 2003, stating that the “same communities” are suffering under similar conditions.

https://www.euronews.com/2025/01/28/icc-to-pursue-arrest-warrants-over-atrocities-in-sudans-west-darfur-region

#Op_ed: Human Rights Under Siege: How security forces in #Oromia fuel terror, fear to control residents through lawlessness

In this op-ed, Terje Østebø, a professor at the Center for African Studies and the Department of Religion at the University of Florida, argues that the human rights situation in #Ethiopia is “not only significantly worse” than in previous years, but that the “reasons, motivations, and nature of human rights violations are new and quite unprecedented.” The op-ed states that security forces, local militias, and government-aligned institutions operate with impunity, engaging in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and financial extortion. The author highlights a pattern of abuses reported on social media, which he asserts “confirm findings from my own recent research on human rights violations in Oromia.” The piece contends that “control is, in other words, maintained through lawlessness, and security is preserved through insecurity.”

The op-ed examines the role of Koree Nageenyaa, a security committee that, according to a Reuters investigation, is responsible for extrajudicial killings in Oromia. The author asserts that the committee is not just a regional entity but is “replicated at zonal and district levels throughout Oromia, working in parallel to institutions like the Bulchiinsaa Nageenyaa.”

The piece states that these structures allow government forces to operate beyond public scrutiny, with security officials arbitrarily labeling individuals as supporters of the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) as a means to extract money. According to the op-ed, enforced military connoscriptions, including of underage boys, have become widespread, with families forced to pay ransoms ranging “from 100,000 to 500,000 birr” for the release of detained children.

The op-ed concludes that the Ethiopian government has failed to maintain institutional control, allowing security forces and local militias to act with autonomy. The author argues that “corruption is what is creating this; everyone is struggling to survive,” adding that local authorities have turned taxation and law enforcement into mechanisms of extortion.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48188

Plane crash in #South_Sudan kills 20 oil workers

A small aircraft carrying oil workers crashed on takeoff from an oilfield airport in South Sudan’s Unity State on Wednesday, killing 20 people, according to Gatwech Bipal, the region’s information minister. The plane was en route to the capital, #Juba, when it went down, Bipal said.

The passengers were oil workers of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes #China National Petroleum Corporation and state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation, he added. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals and one Indian.

President Salva Kiir stated that engineers and technical staff were among those killed and pledged a “thorough and swift investigation” into the cause of the crash. Bipal did not provide additional details on the circumstances. While initial reports put the death toll at 18, Bipal told Reuters that two survivors later died. One person survived.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/plane-crash-south-sudans-unity-state-kills-18-uns-radio-miraya-reports-2025-01-29/

#American_Airlines jet and #US Army helicopter collide, crash in Washington DC

An American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a military helicopter near #Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, officials said. Emergency teams, including boats and divers, are searching for survivors.

The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was approaching the runway at around 21:00 EST (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday when it struck a US Army Black Hawk helicopter that had taken off from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, a defense official said. The impact caused the plane to break apart in the river. The helicopter was carrying three US Army soldiers at the time of the crash.

US President Donald Trump said he had been "fully briefed on the terrible accident," adding, "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79d7y0l03po

#Puntland police deny killing of #Ethiopian nationals, confirm “minor” incident

Puntland police have dismissed reports that Ethiopian nationals were killed in the region, calling the claims “false.” However, they acknowledged a “minor incident” involving stone-throwing at immigrants and stated that those responsible were “in custody.”

The denial comes as Ethiopian residents in Puntland told Addis Standard that three Ethiopian nationals were killed in separate incidents, allegedly over suspected links to ISIS. Witnesses reported that one Ethiopian was killed by security forces on 26 January, while two others were “beaten by the public” and killed in Bosaso the next day.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48224

#Kenya, #Egypt sign 12 new deals to boost ties, drive economic transformation

Kenya and Egypt have sealed 12 new agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, education, and technology exchanges between the two nations.

The deals, signed by President William Ruto and Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Wednesday, cover a wide range of sectors including political consultations, diplomatic training, and youth empowerment.

President Ruto highlighted that the agreements will enhance cooperation in several areas, such as gender equality, maritime partnerships, higher education, scientific research, and sustainable development.

“These agreements will further expand our collaboration in telecommunications and IT, space cooperation, governance, housing, construction, and urban development,” he said.

https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/news/110006/kenya-and-egypt-sign-12-new-deals-to-boost-ties-drive-economic-transformation

#IMF backs #Ethiopia’s tax reforms to boost revenue amid economic challenges; warns inflation could hit 25% after mid-2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed support for Ethiopia’s ongoing tax reforms, aimed at increasing government revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes and streamlining exemptions. In its latest country report, released on 29 January 2025, the IMF stated that the government is “finalizing a directive to streamline and eliminate tax exemptions for imported intermediate inputs for new local and foreign investments.” The report further highlighted that tax policy assessments are “progressing as planned,” with a focus on “closing gaps in the corporate income tax regime” and “streamlining the presumptive tax system for small and unincorporated businesses.”

Additionally, the IMF warned that inflation could rise to approximately 25% between mid- and late 2025 before gradually declining to single-digit levels by 2028. While headline inflation dropped to 17% in November 2024 from 19% in September, the report noted that “socio-economic conditions remain challenging,” citing “high inflation, food insecurity in certain regions, ongoing conflict, and displacement affecting millions of people.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48228

#Ethiopia: Parliament appoints Berhanu Adelo as new Chief of Ethiopian Human Rights Commission

The House of People's Representatives appointed Berhanu Adelo as Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) on January 30, 2025, filling the position left vacant since Daniel Bekele (PhD) stepped down in July 2024. Berhanu, who previously served as Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, was also a member of parliament following the 2005 general election. He holds a law degree from the Civil Service University and a master’s in international human rights from India.

Daniel Bekele (PhD), who led EHRC since 2019, left office on July 5, 2024, upon the "completion of his tenure." His tenure saw the release of several key reports, including a 130-page National Inquiry report on systemic human rights violations. Rakeb Melese, the Deputy Commissioner, had been serving as Acting Chief Commissioner until Berhanu’s appointment.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48232

#Ethiopia: Federal Court sentences senior clergyman to 5 years in prison, 10,000 Birr fine for attempting to withdraw over $6M from #AU account

The Federal High Court Lideta Branch has sentenced Kesis Belay Mekonnen, a senior Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC) clergyman, to five years in prison and a 10,000 Birr fine for his role in an attempted financial fraud targeting the African Union (AU). Two co-defendants, Eyasu Endale and Bereket Mulatu, received three years and three months in prison, with a 3,000 Birr fine each.

The case involved allegations that Kesis Belay Mekonnen and four others attempted to withdraw over $6 million from an AU account at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. The AU stated that “a series of Payment Transfer Orders were submitted” at its headquarters branch in #Addis_Abeba by “an individual who is not an employee of the African Union.” The court found the defendants guilty of a “coordinated and organized criminal act” and ordered their sentences to be enforced by the Addis Abeba Correctional Facility.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48238

#IMF Chief to make first visit to #Ethiopia, amid ongoing economic reforms

The Ministry of Finance announced that Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will make a two-day working visit to Ethiopia from February 8 to 9, 2025. According to the Ministry, she will hold discussions with senior Ethiopian government officials, marking her first visit to the country since taking office in 2019. Her visit comes as Ethiopia implements major macroeconomic reforms, including a shift to a market-based foreign exchange regimeand tax adjustments aimed at increasing revenue.

The Ministry stated that Georgieva's agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other high-ranking officials to review Ethiopia’s "economic development, key policy priorities, and ongoing reforms."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48244

#Ethiopia: Muslim students at #Dilla University resume studies after agreement lifts niqab ban

Forty-four Muslim female students at Dilla University, who had been barred from campus for wearing the niqab, have resumed their studies after “an agreement reached with the university administration.” The students had been unable to access education, food, and dormitory facilities for over a week, with some seeking shelter in mosques for more than five days. However, an agreement reached on 27 January allowed them to attend classes while wearing the niqab.

Nuredin Abdelah, Chairman of the Dilla University Muslim Students Association, confirmed the development, stating that the students had been banned for about 10 days. “We tried to resolve it internally but weren’t successful,” he said. Following a statement from the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, “they invited us for discussion,” which led to a decision for the students to return to classes on Tuesday.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48248

#Ethiopia saves $1 billion annually as wheat imports halt, state minister says

Melese Mekonen (PhD), State Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture Development, said Ethiopia has not imported wheat for the past four years, attributing it to increased domestic production. "It has been four years since we stopped importing wheat," he said, adding that with local production meeting demand, "the government has saved the $1 billion spent annually on wheat imports."

He stated that Ethiopia cultivated 3.4 million hectares of wheat using irrigation this year and plans to expand by an additional 300,000 to 500,000 hectares in autumn, targeting a total production of 340 million quintals.

According to Melese, wheat is now grown in three seasons—regular harvest, irrigation, and autumn—strengthening self-sufficiency. "With surplus production, Ethiopia began exporting wheat two years ago," he said, describing it as "significant progress in agricultural development over the past six years."

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Fact-checkers in #Ethiopia take on disinformation amid rising tensions

As tensions between Ethiopia and #Somalia heightened last year, social media platforms saw a surge in misinformation, including a video falsely claiming to show Egyptian troops training in Somalia. The footage, which garnered 34,000 views on X, was later debunked by fact-checkers who verified it was old and unrelated to current events.

The spread of false or misleading content remains a global issue, with research indicating that disinformation is used to "inflame tensions," "create confusion" and "weaken trust in institutions." However, efforts to combat misinformation face challenges, especially with Meta's recent decision to shut down certain fact-checking tools, including CrowdTangle, and its plan to phase out Facebook’s fact-checking program in the U.S.

In Ethiopia, fact-checking organizations such as HaqCheck continue their efforts to train specialists and journalists in identifying and countering misinformation. Netsanet Tesfaye, a communications expert, said he sought additional training after witnessing how "deep fake or AI-generated" content was being used to mislead the public. HaqCheck’s lead fact-checker, Kirubel Tesfaye, emphasized that social media is often used to "manipulate" speeches by government officials and spread misleading narratives related to internal conflicts and diplomatic disputes.

Fact-checkers in Ethiopia rely on various digital tools, such as reverse image searches and verification software, to assess the credibility of online content. However, with Meta discontinuing some monitoring tools, organizations like HaqCheck have had to adapt. "Now we've reverted to manual monitoring, using keywords," Kirubel said. Beyond debunking misinformation, HaqCheck also publishes fact-checked reports across different media platforms to ensure accurate information reaches the public.

https://www.voanews.com/a/fact-checkers-in-ethiopia-take-on-disinformation-amid-rising-tensions/7956133.html