The Executive Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the African Union was held in Addis Ababa from Wednesday (Feb. 14) to Thursday (Feb. 15). The Council of ministers coordinates and takes decisions on policies in areas of common interest to Member States. Blocs in turmoil include the east African community in which Burundi and Rwanda are once again in a standoff. The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) called for greater impact of Africa. The work by the council of ministers of Foreign Affairs includes preparing the ordinary session of the assembly of the heads of state and government of the African Union.

Hambericho Durame pulled off a surprise result when they held Ethiopia Coffee to a goalless draw. Adama City and Ethiopian Insurance played out a 2-2 draw in the first fixture of the day. It was Adama City who drew first blood as early as the sixth minute through Biniam Ayiten to go 1-0 up. Ayiten completed his brace in the 68th minute as Adama went 2-0 up and looked to be routing Ethiopian Insurance. Adama are in sixth place with 23 points, level with Fasil Kenema in fifth position.

The painter Tesfaye Urgessa will represent Ethiopia for the country’s first-ever national pavilion at this year’s 60th Venice Biennale, which runs from April 20 until November 24, 2024. His exhibition “Prejudice and Belonging” will take place at Palazzo Bolani and is curated by the writer Lemn Sissay. Urgessa’s work stands out for its focus on classicized human figures, often distorted or entwined with each other in domestic settings. “This is not only a personal milestone, but also a proud moment for Ethiopian art and culture,” said Urgessa in a press statement. Other nation’s presenting their first pavilions at Venice this year include Benin and Morocco.

(Richmond magazine)Family TiesThere’s a special energy that runs through a family business, a place with a personal touch. County officials have revealed initial details about the inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week (March 29-April 7), with more info coming soon. (Richmond magazine)In our 2024 “Dining Deck,” we highlight some of the key culinary players on the local restaurant scene. This week, Richmond City Council approved changes that would allow tax payments to be applied to the month they are made versus to delinquent balances, as currently required by a state law. (Axios Richmond, Richmond BizSense)Known for her gorgeous blooms, medicinal herbs and other plants, Ash Hobson Carr of Mechanicsville’s Hazel Witch Farm announced that this spring will be her last season.

The Ethiopian government is set to begin mining Bitcoin through a new partnership with Data Center Service — a subsidiary of West Data Group, according to Ethiopia-based Hashlabs Mining CEO Kal Kassa. Changing regulatory landscapeThe venture is not without its challenges and controversies, particularly concerning the energy-intensive nature of Bitcoin mining. Despite these concerns, the Ethiopian government’s move towards regulating “cryptographic products,” including mining, reflects a cautious yet optimistic approach to embracing the potential economic benefits of Bitcoin mining. The trend is part of a larger movement that has seen Chinese Bitcoin mining operations relocate in response to regulatory pressures at home and the search for cost-effective, regulatory-friendly environments abroad. The arrival of Chinese miners is underpinned by broader geopolitical and economic considerations.

Director-general of the Ethiopia National Project, Roni Akale, will enlighten the Central Florida community about the Ethiopian-Israeli community and its progress in assimilating into Israeli culture. ENP works to ensure the full integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into Israeli society, in a unique and special partnership with global supporters, the Goverment of Israel and the Ethiopian-Israeli community itself. At informative meeting, Akale will discuss ENP’s endeavors in Ethiopian-Israelis education, empowerment and impact, and wartime response. The event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at Decision Tactical, 430 Town Center Cir., Sanford. From 2008 to 2010 Roni served as chairman of the Representatives of Ethiopian Jewish Organizations in Israel.

All of a sudden the prospect of Dr. Abiy losing power loomed over the horizon. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it.”Fear of losing power has corrupted Dr. Abiy politically, morally, intellectually, and affectively. I think to characterize Dr. Abiy’s claims as lies is giving an unwarranted bad reputation to liars. Dr. Abiy’s politics of fear and his “bullshitting” are less and less effective. The Prosperity Party is in its death throes and Dr. Abiy knows it.

PhosAgro’s accession to the Arab Fertilizer Association (AFA) was agreed in principle at a meeting between the Company’s management and the Association on the sidelines of the Second Russia–Africa Summit in July 2023. The AFA, operating under the auspices of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, brings together key players – 180 companies from 29 countries, including OCP Group (Morocco), Ma’aden and SABIC (Saudi Arabia) – in the global fertilizer production and supply chain. The Arab region, including AFA members, accounts for around 68% of global production of and 50% of global trade in triple superphosphate, 37% of diammonium phosphate production, around 70% of global trade in phosphate rock and 41% of global trade in urea. PhosAgro was the first representative of the Russian mineral fertilizer industry to join the organisation. The company’s main products, including phosphite, 57 grades of fertilizer, phosphate feed, ammonium, and sodium tripolyphosphate, are used in around 100 countries on all inhabited continents.

Separate attacks on Wednesday saw 12 killed in attack on gold mine and two South African soldiers killed in base. Rebel attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed at least 14 people, including two South African soldiers, amid an uptick in violence. The injured were taken to the nearest hospital in Goma for medical attention,” the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said. CODECO, a separate rebel group, is a loose association of militia groups mainly from the ethnic Lendu farming community. It has fought other rebel groups, and is known to target areas rich in gold and minerals in the resource-rich country.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. More information is available paff.org.About the Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement AwardOriginally the Pan African Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, but renamed after the late “Good Times” actress and co-founder of PAFF, The Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement award holds immense significance within the Black entertainment industry and beyond, serving as a beacon of recognition for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, culture, and society at large. Named in honor of the iconic actress, singer, and humanitarian, Ja’Net DuBois, this award celebrates a lifetime of creativity, innovation, and dedication to one’s craft. Through honoring individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world through their talent, advocacy, and philanthropy, the Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement award inspires others to strive for excellence and use their talents to make a positive difference in the world. Bill’s autobiography, “Bill Duke: My 40-Year Career on Screen and Behind the Camera” was released in November 2018. He was also recognized by his peers with a Lifetime Achievement Tribute from the Directors Guild of America’s African- American Steering Committee in 2010.

Addis Ababa, Feb 15 (AP) Ethiopia's government on Thursday dismissed allegation its soldiers massacred scores of civilians last month in the country's restive Amhara region as the West is demanding an investigation into the killings. A rebellion broke out in Amhara — Ethiopia's second-biggest province — last year when the government moved to dissolve regional forces and absorb them into the federal army. Rights monitors have documented a range of human rights abuses by government forces during the conflict, including alleged extra-judicial killings. The two sides began fighting even before the Tigray conflict ended in November 2022 with a peace deal. Amhara is now under a state of emergency that suspends civil liberties and gives extra powers to the security services.

Ethiopia’s government on Thursday dismissed allegation its soldiers massacred scores of civilians last month in the country's restive Amhara region as the West is demanding an investigation into the killings. A rebellion broke out in Amhara — Ethiopia’s second-biggest province — last year when the government moved to dissolve regional forces and absorb them into the federal army. Rights monitors have documented a range of human rights abuses by government forces during the conflict, including alleged extra-judicial killings. The two sides began fighting even before the Tigray conflict ended in November 2022 with a peace deal. Amhara is now under a state of emergency that suspends civil liberties and gives extra powers to the security services.

Addis Abeba – The 75th Gadaa power transfer ceremony of the Gujii Oromo, marking the handover of power from the Harmuufaa to Roobalee Gadaa classes have commenced in Me’ee Bokkoo, a ritual site found in Annaa Sorraa district of Gujii zone, Southern Oromia. Inscribed by the UNESCO in 2016 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Gadaa is an indigenous democratic system of governance exercised by the Oromo people regulating political, economic, social and religious activities. Today marks the first day of Gumii, congress of Gadaa leaders who gather to legislate customary laws that govern the Gujii for the coming eight years. The actual power transfer ceremony, which takes place every eight years seeing rotation of power between the five Gadaa classes; Dhallanaa, Harmuufaa, Roobalee, Muudanaa and Halchiisaa, is expected to be held next week following the completion of legislation by the Gumii. Photo Courtesy: Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau and Oromia Tourism CommissionAdvertisement

Taye Aske Selassie Speaking at the African Union Executive Council (MFAE)borkena“I wish to propose the inclusion of Amharic as one of the official languages of the African Union,” Atske Selassie said in his first speech, as Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, at the 44th Executive Council of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Amharic is one of the ancient languages in Africa with its alphabets and is widely spoken in Ethiopia – one of the most populous countries in Africa with 120 million people. Currently, the language is the working language of the Ethiopian government. Nigerien movie star, Rahmatou Keita, has been campaigning to make Amharic one of the working languages of the African Union since 2017. This year’s theme of the African Union summit is: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”__Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkenaLike borkena on FacebookJoin the conversation.

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