Addis Standard
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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#Ethiopia: Conflict claims lives of three civilians in #Darra district, #Oromia region; another three reportedly ‘killed by gov’t forces' in West Wollega

At least three civilians were killed in a recent attack on 17 July, 2024, in the Darra district, #North_Shawa zone, Oromia region. The attack in Jiru Dad was attributed to "Fano militants," according to an anonymous resident. The victims were Mulu Geta (15), Ababu Tesema (17), and Jobo Abera (30), with Mulu and Ababu previously working as herdsmen.

The Darra district has seen ongoing violence between #Fano militia, the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA), and government forces, leading to significant civilian casualties. Last month, four civilians were reported killed, and in December 2023, eighteen people lost their lives in a two-day assault.

In #West_Wollega zone, government forces are also implicated in recent deaths. On 15 July, 2024, Ramadan Jiba and Tofik Damara were found dead after being taken to a military camp. On 16 July, Tawakal Mohammed was killed by government forces in Wanja village.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44876
#Ethiopia: #TPLF announces major reforms amid crisis, warns of ‘lengthy and demanding’ road to recovery

In a bid to save the party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has announced a series of sweeping reforms to restore its internal structure. During a press briefing on 19 July 1, 2024, spokesperson Amanuel Assefa acknowledged the party’s struggles with corruption, abuse of power, and an increasing disconnect from its base. He noted that the party’s once firm grip on power is weakening due to rising factionalism and dissent.

Previously, the TPLF has confirmed the severity of the crisis, with the central committee admitting the current challenges are the most severe in its 50-year history. Issues such as a lack of democratic practices, regional favoritism, populism, and corruption were highlighted. The party is set to convene its 14th Congress this month to debate and implement essential reforms.

Additionally, the TPLF is negotiating with the federal government to restore its legal status, revoked in 2021 by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia due to the party's involvement in armed violence against the government. Amanuel emphasized the party’s commitment to internal democratic reforms, free and fair elections for leadership positions, and establishing robust accountability mechanisms. However, he cautioned that the road to recovery will be lengthy and demanding.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44880
#Ireland announces €15 million in development, humanitarian funding for #Ethiopia

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has wrapped up a four-day visit to the Horn of Africa, culminating in impactful engagements in #Addis_Abeba. During his trip, he met with Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide to announce €15 million in Irish funding for development and humanitarian efforts.

In discussions with the National Dialogue Commission (#NDC), Martin shared insights from Ireland's experience with citizen assemblies and peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and learning from one another. He looks forward to hosting members of the ENDC in Ireland later this year.

Martin also visited the Association for Women's Sanctuary and Development's (AWSAD) Safe House, which provides crucial support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. He also announced the donation of €100,000 to AWSAD, which is run by retired Ethiopian judge Maria Munir.

https://tinyurl.com/49r5hv72
Two #Sudanese refugees die in #Ethiopia attack

Two Sudanese refugees died and ten others were injured during an incident on Saturday evening in the #Awlala forests of Ethiopia's #Amhara region, where refugees have been holding a protest since early May.

An anonymous source from the Awlala camp reported that armed individuals attacked the refugees. One person died immediately, while another, identified as the spouse of the first victim, succumbed to injuries later. Ten other refugees were wounded, some seriously.

The incident occurred shortly after representatives from the Ethiopian Refugee and Returnees Commission visited the area.

This event follows recent security challenges in the region. On 17 July, an attack near the nearby #Kumer refugee camp resulted in the deaths of nine Ethiopian security personnel.

In response to security concerns, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR) has been working to relocate refugees. In May, approximately 1,000 Sudanese refugees left the Kumer and Awlala sites due to safety issues and inadequate services. The UNHCR is currently moving refugees to a new settlement near Assosa in the Benishangul-Gumuz region.

https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/two-sudanese-refugees-die-in-ethiopia-attack
#Ethiopia: #Somalia ratifies defense pact with #Egypt

Somalia's cabinet has approved a defense agreement with Egypt, signed in January 2024.

The details remain undisclosed. During a visit to Cairo, Egypt pledged support for Somalia's sovereignty.

The agreement, speculated earlier this year, was presented to the Council of Ministers last week.

https://addisstandard.com/daily-scoop/
#Ethiopia: turning dry soil into fertile land

In Ethiopia's lowlands, alternating droughts and flash floods have severely damaged the soil, making farming challenging. However, a new initiative led by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (#GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (#BMZ), is bringing hope to the region.

GIZ, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and local partners, has constructed 514 weirs from natural stone. These structures slow water flow, allowing it to disperse and soak into the ground, raising the water table and revitalizing 38,692 hectares of land—an area equivalent to the size of Cologne, Germany. This project has significantly improved the lives of 48,500 local residents.

One beneficiary, Malyun Ahmed, from a village near Jijiga, shared how life has changed: "We can now collect water daily and wash our clothes every other day. The livestock gets enough to drink too."

With better water management, communities can now grow crops like maize and sorghum, and plant trees such as moringa, mango, and papaya to stabilize the soil. GIZ also provides training in soil conservation and mapping, ensuring that local communities can sustain and expand this vital system independently.

https://www.giz.de/en/mediacenter/fertile-land-ethiopia.html
#Ethiopia: #Wachemo University president, vice president detained on corruption charges

The president of Wachemo University, Dr. Habtamu Abebe, and the vice president, Tamrat Tagese, have been detained. According to a report by the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation, the officials are suspected of involvement in corruption and embezzlement.

This development follows the airing of an investigative documentary by the media, which highlighted the misappropriation of the university's resources.

Wachemo University, established in 2009, operates two campuses located in #Hosaena and #Durame cities. The institution currently enrolls over 8,000 students across various fields of study and programs.
#Ethiopia- #Ireland: Electric tractor created by Irish company unveiled in Ethiopia

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has unveiled an electric tractor in Ethiopia that was created by an Irish company.

The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense visited Ethiopia and Kenya last week.

“This electric tractor and associated systems have the potential to transform agriculture in Ethiopia,” Tánaiste said, adding that this was a “great example of how partnership and innovation across borders can make the world a better place”. https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/electric-tractor-created-by-irish-company-unveiled-in-ethiopia/
#Ethiopia: Landslide in #South_Ethiopia regional state claims the lives of more than 20 people

A landslide accident in #Gofa Zone, Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of the South Ethiopia regional state claimed the lives of more than 20 when it struck the area today at around 10 AM local time.

According to District Chief, Misikir Mitku, more than 20 bodies have been recovered so far. But he warned that the death toll is expected to rise.

Tilahun Kebede, president of the South Ethiopia regional state, has confirmed the tragedy and the death toll and told state media that efforts are underway to support those affected and displaced by the landslide. He pledged that coordinated actions will be taken to ensure safety measures for those at risk.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1815374043744252059
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#Ethiopia: #Oromia regional state government vows to continue military operations against armed groups

The Oromia region of Ethiopia has been experiencing armed conflict for approximately six years. Despite two rounds of negotiations between the federal government and Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA), efforts to establish peace remained elusive, and instability persists in the region.

In a recent address to the regional council, #Caffee Oromia, Regional President Shimelis Abdissa outlined the government's approach to the crisis. Shimelis stated that the regional government remains open to peaceful dialogue with opposing factions.

However, he also indicated that military operations would continue against armed groups that refuse to engage in a peaceful resolution to end the crisis.

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