News: Inquiry Board says it will investigate extrajudicial killings of civilians in Amhara region
News: Inquiry Board says it will investigate extrajudicial killings of civilians in Amhara regionNejat Girma, deputy chairperson of the State of Emergency Inquiry Board (Photo: Walta)Addis Abeba – The State of Emergency Implementation Inquiry Board has announced that it will investigate the reported extrajudicial killing of civilians by government security forces in Merawi, a town in the East Gojam Zone of Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Nejat Girma, Deputy Chairperson of the Inquiry Board, told the BBC that following a preliminary report released by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) earlier this week confirming at least 45 civilians were recently killed, the Board has decided to launch an independent investigation. The preliminary report said that civilians were subject to “extrajudicial executions” by security forces. However, several reports of the killings drew sharp criticisms both locally and from international human rights groups. The EU expressed serious concern and called for an independent investigation, while the US government demanded “unfettered access” for human rights monitors and accountability for perpetrators.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 16, 2024 09:09 UTC
Ethiopian Wheat Farmers: A Story of Resilience and Innovation for Food Security
In the heart of Ethiopia, a quiet revolution unfolds on the golden wheat fields, telling a story of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of food and nutrition security. In Ethiopia, a study encompassing wheat farmers paints a promising picture: 70.85% of households are reaching the threshold of food security. Furthermore, the distribution of fruit trees under the Presidential Horticulture Recovery Plan illustrates a holistic approach to agriculture, intertwining crop diversity with food security. In the face of adversity, Ethiopian wheat farmers and the broader agricultural community demonstrate unwavering determination and adaptability. The story of Ethiopian wheat farmers is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and collective action in overcoming the hurdles to food and nutrition security.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 16, 2024 01:03 UTC
Ethiopia Bulletin, January - December 2023
press releaseIn Ethiopia, the humanitarian needs in areas affected by armed conflict and violence remained sadly enormous in 2023. During 2023, we sustained our efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance and protection to affected people in Tigray region after the end of the two-year conflict in November 2022. In Amhara region, we provided emergency medical and other aid to people who were affected by the conflict that started in August 2023. 2,563missing people were found and reconnected with their families3,978,040Individuals benefitted from ICRC support to water supply145,992Persons provided with multi-purpose cash assistance. 1,576Army and Police Officers trained on basics of IHL and IHRLEthiopia Bulletin, January - December 2023
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 21:00 UTC
US Signs Agreement to Build Bases for Elite Somali Army Force
In a ceremony presided over by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of five military bases for Somalia’s National Army. According to a statement from Somalia’s National News Agency, SONNA, the bases will be for the Danab Brigade, the U.S.-trained elite unit of the army. “Our shared goal is to have the [Somali National Army] exercise full control over base operations when the facilities are completed, and the MoU just provides the blueprint to do that,” she said. investments in the SNA/Danab have borne fruit, fueling a formidable strike force that leads the offensives of the forces of Somali security against al-Shabab,” Mohamud said. In January, after news broke of the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt said, “Egypt will not allow any threat to Somalia.”
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 20:51 UTC
Wars, disintegration of regional blocs top agenda of ministers at 37th AU summit
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 20:37 UTC
Hambericho, Ethiopia Coffee goalless, Adama and Insurance draw
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 19:11 UTC
Ethiopia Names Artist for Its First-Ever National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 18:52 UTC
Richmond Food News: Feb. 15-21
(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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 18:26 UTC
Ethiopia to start mining Bitcoin through new data mining partnership
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 18:22 UTC
Learn about Ethiopian Israelis
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 17:43 UTC
The End of the Prosperity Party and Dr. Abiy’s Politics of Fear
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 17:29 UTC
PhosAgro joins Arab Fertilizer Association – New Business Ethiopia
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.
Source:News Business Ethiopia
February 15, 2024 15:38 UTC
DR Congo rebel attacks on gold mine and South African soldiers kill 14
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 15:28 UTC
Bill Duke to Receive Ja’Net DuBois Lifetime Achievement Award from PAFF
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 14:49 UTC
Ethiopia Rejects Allegations Its Forces Massacred Civilians as the West Urges an Investigation
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.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 15, 2024 14:44 UTC