#Ethiopia: Stone Age Ethiopians knew how to source their iron-rich rocks
To reach these conclusions, a team of researchers from #Spain and #France carried out chemical and technological analyses of the largest known collection of red and yellow mineral pigments, commonly called ochre, dated between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago, and found at Ethiopia’s Porc-Epic cave.
The study reveals that human groups visiting this site gradually modified the techniques used to produce pigments, as a result of cultural or environmental changes that limited their access to better-quality raw materials. The research also shows that the area’s inhabitants were able to predict the properties of different ochre types accessible in their environment and gradually adapt their technology according to changes in the availability of raw materials.
https://www.mining.com/stone-age-ethiopians-knew-how-to-source-their-iron-rich-rocks/
To reach these conclusions, a team of researchers from #Spain and #France carried out chemical and technological analyses of the largest known collection of red and yellow mineral pigments, commonly called ochre, dated between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago, and found at Ethiopia’s Porc-Epic cave.
The study reveals that human groups visiting this site gradually modified the techniques used to produce pigments, as a result of cultural or environmental changes that limited their access to better-quality raw materials. The research also shows that the area’s inhabitants were able to predict the properties of different ochre types accessible in their environment and gradually adapt their technology according to changes in the availability of raw materials.
https://www.mining.com/stone-age-ethiopians-knew-how-to-source-their-iron-rich-rocks/
MINING.COM
Stone Age Ethiopians knew how to source their iron-rich rocks
Middle Stone Age Ethiopians progressively replaced exotic iron-rich high-quality rocks with lower quality, poorer in iron, but locally available ones. Researchers now have clues as to why this happened.
#Ethiopia: #MIGA, #World_Bank increases insurance coverage for Tulu Moye geothermal in Ethiopia
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency of the World Bank (MIGA) has increased the guarantees issued to #Tulu_Moye SAS of #France covering its equity and quasi-equity investments in Tulu Moye Geothermal Operations Plc of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The original guarantees of $67.5 million were issued in 2021 for a period of up to 15 years against the risks of breach of contract, expropriation and war and civil disturbance, which have now been increased to $117 million, $49.5 million over the original amount.
MIGA also used the IDA Private Sector Window MIGA Guarantee Facility, which provides a shared first loss layer of up to $40.95 million, of which IDA’s share is $32.76 million.
The project consists of the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Phase 1 of a planned 150-MW greenfield geothermal power plant in #Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. Power generated in Phase 1 will deliver up to 50 MW that will be sold to Ethiopian Electric Power, the state-owned utility, under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
This project will be one of the first geothermal independent power producers in Ethiopia. The second phase will involve the development of 100 MW over the next five years. Phase 1 is expected to be operational by the end of 2023. The MIGA guarantees cover activity for Phase 1 only. https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/miga-world-bank-increases-insurance-coverage-for-tulu-moye-geothermal-ethiopia/
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency of the World Bank (MIGA) has increased the guarantees issued to #Tulu_Moye SAS of #France covering its equity and quasi-equity investments in Tulu Moye Geothermal Operations Plc of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The original guarantees of $67.5 million were issued in 2021 for a period of up to 15 years against the risks of breach of contract, expropriation and war and civil disturbance, which have now been increased to $117 million, $49.5 million over the original amount.
MIGA also used the IDA Private Sector Window MIGA Guarantee Facility, which provides a shared first loss layer of up to $40.95 million, of which IDA’s share is $32.76 million.
The project consists of the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Phase 1 of a planned 150-MW greenfield geothermal power plant in #Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. Power generated in Phase 1 will deliver up to 50 MW that will be sold to Ethiopian Electric Power, the state-owned utility, under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
This project will be one of the first geothermal independent power producers in Ethiopia. The second phase will involve the development of 100 MW over the next five years. Phase 1 is expected to be operational by the end of 2023. The MIGA guarantees cover activity for Phase 1 only. https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/miga-world-bank-increases-insurance-coverage-for-tulu-moye-geothermal-ethiopia/
Think GeoEnergy
MIGA, World Bank increases insurance coverage for Tulu Moye geothermal, Ethiopia
MIGA under the World Bank has expanded the insurance coverage for the Tulu Moye geothermal project in Ethiopia, further mitigating project risks.
#Ethiopia-#France: Delegation of French companies to arrive in Ethiopia
Twenty French companies will begin pre-investment screening visits to Ethiopia today.
The world’s most populous landlocked country has long enjoyed an economic partnership with France. Between 1996-2020 French companies invested USD 84 million there, creating over 4000 jobs. Today’s visits follow those from French Chamber of Commerce officials in June.
Ethiopia consistently posts strong economic growth rates and boasts a young population eager to work. The country, however, is sliding towards authoritarianism and shifting away from the West. This visit from French CEO’s directly follows Ethiopia’s formal acceptance into the BRICS.
The BRICS now contain 46% of world population. The group increasingly alters trading patterns and threatens Western-led geopolitical order.
https://www.foreignbrief.com/delegation-of-french-companies-to-arrive-in-ethiopia/
Twenty French companies will begin pre-investment screening visits to Ethiopia today.
The world’s most populous landlocked country has long enjoyed an economic partnership with France. Between 1996-2020 French companies invested USD 84 million there, creating over 4000 jobs. Today’s visits follow those from French Chamber of Commerce officials in June.
Ethiopia consistently posts strong economic growth rates and boasts a young population eager to work. The country, however, is sliding towards authoritarianism and shifting away from the West. This visit from French CEO’s directly follows Ethiopia’s formal acceptance into the BRICS.
The BRICS now contain 46% of world population. The group increasingly alters trading patterns and threatens Western-led geopolitical order.
https://www.foreignbrief.com/delegation-of-french-companies-to-arrive-in-ethiopia/
#EU pledges to join #US-led #Red_Sea patrol effort
The European Union said yesterday that member countries will contribute to the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed #Houthi rebels from #Yemen.
"Irresponsible Houthi actions are a threat to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," tweeted Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, after an emergency meeting of the bloc's Political and Security Committee.
The EU's endorsement will make it easier for countries to join the American effort.
The #UK has joined, while Italy is sending a warship. #France, which has a destroyer in the area, said on Tuesday it was interested but had not yet committed to joining the operation.
Other countries were waiting for the EU to move. The bloc is already running the Atalanta anti-piracy mission off the coast of #Somalia, which is led by Spain and has included vessels from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Italy. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-pledges-to-join-us-led-red-sea-patrol-effort/
The European Union said yesterday that member countries will contribute to the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed #Houthi rebels from #Yemen.
"Irresponsible Houthi actions are a threat to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," tweeted Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, after an emergency meeting of the bloc's Political and Security Committee.
The EU's endorsement will make it easier for countries to join the American effort.
The #UK has joined, while Italy is sending a warship. #France, which has a destroyer in the area, said on Tuesday it was interested but had not yet committed to joining the operation.
Other countries were waiting for the EU to move. The bloc is already running the Atalanta anti-piracy mission off the coast of #Somalia, which is led by Spain and has included vessels from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Italy. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-pledges-to-join-us-led-red-sea-patrol-effort/
POLITICO
EU pledges to join US-led Red Sea patrol effort
The EU’s endorsement will make it easier for countries to commit to the operation.
Passport rankings shift: #Ethiopia slips to 93rd amidst conflict
In the latest Henley Passport Index Report released last week, Ethiopia's passport has dropped four places, now ranking at 93 globally since July last year. This decline is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Meanwhile, #Uganda experienced a slight dip, moving from 72nd to 73rd place, and #Kenya, #Tanzania, and #Rwanda maintained their positions at 67th, 69th, and 76th, respectively. Though Rwanda's ranking remained unchanged, the number of countries its passport holders can visit without a visa rose from 63 to 66. Kenya leads with access to 76 countries, followed by Ugandans (69) and Tanzanians (73).
The Henley Openness Index, utilizing data from the International Air Transport Association (#IATA), ranks #France, #Germany, and #Italy as the world's most powerful passports. #Mauritius retains its top position in #Africa, slipping one rank to 29th globally, allowing passport holders to visit 148 countries visa-free.
In the latest Henley Passport Index Report released last week, Ethiopia's passport has dropped four places, now ranking at 93 globally since July last year. This decline is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Meanwhile, #Uganda experienced a slight dip, moving from 72nd to 73rd place, and #Kenya, #Tanzania, and #Rwanda maintained their positions at 67th, 69th, and 76th, respectively. Though Rwanda's ranking remained unchanged, the number of countries its passport holders can visit without a visa rose from 63 to 66. Kenya leads with access to 76 countries, followed by Ugandans (69) and Tanzanians (73).
The Henley Openness Index, utilizing data from the International Air Transport Association (#IATA), ranks #France, #Germany, and #Italy as the world's most powerful passports. #Mauritius retains its top position in #Africa, slipping one rank to 29th globally, allowing passport holders to visit 148 countries visa-free.
#UNSC to convene over #Ethiopia- #Somalia tension despite opposition from Ethiopia
The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations this afternoon to address the situation between Ethiopia and Somalia under the “Peace and Security in Africa” agenda item. #France organized the meeting in response to #Somalia's request, citing concerns over Ethiopia's MOU with Somaliland. Somalia argues the deal "constitutes an unlawful transgression" of its sovereignty.
However, Ethiopia maintains the agreement was done based on "commercial bases and mutually acceptable terms in line with international norms." It prefers the #AU handles the matter rather than the UNSC. The #UN envoy for the Horn of Africa will brief Council members.
Last week, Ethiopia's ruling party decided to pursue "practical implementation" of the agreement while giving attention to "the principles of give and take to secure additional options to port access with other neighboring countries."
https://addisstandard.com/news-unsc-to-convene-over-ethiopia-somalia-tension-despite-opposition-from-ethiopia/
The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations this afternoon to address the situation between Ethiopia and Somalia under the “Peace and Security in Africa” agenda item. #France organized the meeting in response to #Somalia's request, citing concerns over Ethiopia's MOU with Somaliland. Somalia argues the deal "constitutes an unlawful transgression" of its sovereignty.
However, Ethiopia maintains the agreement was done based on "commercial bases and mutually acceptable terms in line with international norms." It prefers the #AU handles the matter rather than the UNSC. The #UN envoy for the Horn of Africa will brief Council members.
Last week, Ethiopia's ruling party decided to pursue "practical implementation" of the agreement while giving attention to "the principles of give and take to secure additional options to port access with other neighboring countries."
https://addisstandard.com/news-unsc-to-convene-over-ethiopia-somalia-tension-despite-opposition-from-ethiopia/
Addis Standard
News: UNSC to convene over Ethiopia-Somalia tension despite opposition from Ethiopia - Addis Standard
News: UNSC to convene over Ethiopia-Somalia tension despite opposition from Ethiopia Addis Standard -
Western envoys urge ceasefire in #Sudan, support #Jeddah peace talks
Ahead of the one-year mark of the conflict in Sudan, Western nations are calling for a unified international effort to address the deteriorating situation. In a joint statement following a meeting in #Oslo, special envoys from #France, #Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.
The envoys welcomed the planned resumption of peace talks in Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia, describing it as the most developed peace process. They stressed the importance of a coordinated international response, including support for an inclusive Sudanese process leading to a restored democratic transition.
The statement also highlighted the upcoming #Paris Humanitarian Conference as an opportunity to address funding gaps and coordinate an effective response to the crisis. The envoys reiterated the importance of respecting international law and addressing the humanitarian situation to achieve lasting peace.
https://sudantribune.com/article284240/
Ahead of the one-year mark of the conflict in Sudan, Western nations are calling for a unified international effort to address the deteriorating situation. In a joint statement following a meeting in #Oslo, special envoys from #France, #Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.
The envoys welcomed the planned resumption of peace talks in Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia, describing it as the most developed peace process. They stressed the importance of a coordinated international response, including support for an inclusive Sudanese process leading to a restored democratic transition.
The statement also highlighted the upcoming #Paris Humanitarian Conference as an opportunity to address funding gaps and coordinate an effective response to the crisis. The envoys reiterated the importance of respecting international law and addressing the humanitarian situation to achieve lasting peace.
https://sudantribune.com/article284240/
Sudan Tribune
Western envoys urge ceasefire in Sudan, welcome Jeddah talks
April 8, 2024 (OSLO, Norway) – Ahead of the one-year mark of Sudan’s devastating war (April 15th), Western nations are pressing for a united international front to address the worsening crisis in Sudan. In a joint statement following an Oslo meeting, special…
#UN: #Sudan conflict claims thousands of civilian lives, displaces millions in one year
The UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan has reported that the nearly year-long conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and millions of displaced individuals.
According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the fighting has led to the internal displacement of over 6 million people, while nearly 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. In total, approximately 24 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian aid.
As the conflict nears its one-year mark on April 15, #France, #Germany, and the European Union will co-host a Humanitarian Conference for Sudan in #Paris. UN officials, including Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, will advocate for increased aid resources and improved humanitarian access.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-04-12/UN-Sudan-conflict-claims-thousands-of-civilian-lives-in-a-year-1sJrQAXDsBy/p.html
The UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan has reported that the nearly year-long conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and millions of displaced individuals.
According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the fighting has led to the internal displacement of over 6 million people, while nearly 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. In total, approximately 24 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian aid.
As the conflict nears its one-year mark on April 15, #France, #Germany, and the European Union will co-host a Humanitarian Conference for Sudan in #Paris. UN officials, including Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, will advocate for increased aid resources and improved humanitarian access.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-04-12/UN-Sudan-conflict-claims-thousands-of-civilian-lives-in-a-year-1sJrQAXDsBy/p.html
CGTN
UN: Sudan conflict claims thousands of civilian lives, displaces millions in one year
The UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan reports that nearly a year of fighting in the country has left thousands of civilians dead and millions more displaced, a UN spokesman said on Thursday."It said that fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
#Saudi_Arabia to host #Sudan peace talks in coming weeks: US
Saudi Arabia will host peace talks within the next three weeks regarding the conflict in Sudan, according to the United States and local Saudi news reports.
The discussions will take place in #Jeddah, a port city in Saudi Arabia, as mentioned in the reports.
The announcement of peace talks was made on Monday at an international conference on Sudan held in Paris, which was backed by #France and raised over two million Euros in aid for the country.
"Considering the urgency for peace, we welcome Saudi Arabia's decision to restart the Jeddah talks within the next three weeks," stated Tom Perriello, the #US Special Envoy for Sudan, in a post on X on Monday.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240417-saudi-arabia-to-host-sudan-peace-talks-within-the-next-three-weeks-us/
Saudi Arabia will host peace talks within the next three weeks regarding the conflict in Sudan, according to the United States and local Saudi news reports.
The discussions will take place in #Jeddah, a port city in Saudi Arabia, as mentioned in the reports.
The announcement of peace talks was made on Monday at an international conference on Sudan held in Paris, which was backed by #France and raised over two million Euros in aid for the country.
"Considering the urgency for peace, we welcome Saudi Arabia's decision to restart the Jeddah talks within the next three weeks," stated Tom Perriello, the #US Special Envoy for Sudan, in a post on X on Monday.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240417-saudi-arabia-to-host-sudan-peace-talks-within-the-next-three-weeks-us/
Middle East Monitor
Saudi Arabia to host Sudan peace talks within the next three weeks: US
Saudi Arabia will host the peace talks within the next three weeks on the war in Sudan, the United States said, local Saudi news reports. The discussions will be held in Saudi Arabia's...
#UK authorities charge South Sudanese and Sudanese nationals over immigration offences following channel incident
British authorities have charged two men, a South Sudanese and a #Sudanese national, with immigration-related offences following the tragic deaths of five migrants, including a child, who attempted to cross the English Channel from #France earlier this week.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) stated that a 22-year-old man from South Sudan faces charges of assisting unlawful immigration and attempting to enter Britain without valid entry clearance. Another 22-year-old Sudanese man has been charged solely with attempting to arrive without proper documentation.
Both individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before a court in Kent, southeast England, on Friday. The NCA statement also mentioned that an 18-year-old Sudanese man has been released on bail pending further inquiries into the incident.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-police-charge-two-men-with-immigration-offences-after-channel-migrant-deaths-2024-04-26/
British authorities have charged two men, a South Sudanese and a #Sudanese national, with immigration-related offences following the tragic deaths of five migrants, including a child, who attempted to cross the English Channel from #France earlier this week.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) stated that a 22-year-old man from South Sudan faces charges of assisting unlawful immigration and attempting to enter Britain without valid entry clearance. Another 22-year-old Sudanese man has been charged solely with attempting to arrive without proper documentation.
Both individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before a court in Kent, southeast England, on Friday. The NCA statement also mentioned that an 18-year-old Sudanese man has been released on bail pending further inquiries into the incident.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-police-charge-two-men-with-immigration-offences-after-channel-migrant-deaths-2024-04-26/
Reuters
UK police charge two men with immigration offences after Channel migrant deaths
British police have charged two men with immigration offences after five migrants, including a child, died when a small boat crossed the English Channel from France earlier this week .
#Djibouti in the midst of global sea route dispute
Djibouti, a small East African nation, is at the center of a significant geopolitical hotspot. Missiles fired by Houthi militants from #Yemen are falling near Djibouti's 195-mile coastline, while the country navigates complex regional dynamics. Bordered by #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Ethiopia, Djibouti remains a critical player in the region despite its challenging neighbors.
Djibouti's strategic importance has grown, highlighted by recent #Houthi missile attacks. When the US requested permission to conduct operations against the Houthis from its naval base in Djibouti, the government declined, as stated by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. Despite its critical stance on Israel’s actions against #Hamas, Djibouti allowed #EU naval vessels to dock and refuel, supporting efforts to counter Houthi threats.
The conflict has boosted Djibouti’s main port, with more ships unloading goods for transshipment through the Red Sea. This growth underscores the importance of international investments in Djibouti’s military and intelligence infrastructure. Positioned at the junction of the #Red_Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti hosts military bases from #China, #France, and the US, with #Germany also expressing interest. Djibouti's challenging location paradoxically enhances its strategic value.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-17/next-africa-houthi-red-sea-attacks-make-djibouti-a-priority-after-hamas-attack
Djibouti, a small East African nation, is at the center of a significant geopolitical hotspot. Missiles fired by Houthi militants from #Yemen are falling near Djibouti's 195-mile coastline, while the country navigates complex regional dynamics. Bordered by #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Ethiopia, Djibouti remains a critical player in the region despite its challenging neighbors.
Djibouti's strategic importance has grown, highlighted by recent #Houthi missile attacks. When the US requested permission to conduct operations against the Houthis from its naval base in Djibouti, the government declined, as stated by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. Despite its critical stance on Israel’s actions against #Hamas, Djibouti allowed #EU naval vessels to dock and refuel, supporting efforts to counter Houthi threats.
The conflict has boosted Djibouti’s main port, with more ships unloading goods for transshipment through the Red Sea. This growth underscores the importance of international investments in Djibouti’s military and intelligence infrastructure. Positioned at the junction of the #Red_Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti hosts military bases from #China, #France, and the US, with #Germany also expressing interest. Djibouti's challenging location paradoxically enhances its strategic value.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-17/next-africa-houthi-red-sea-attacks-make-djibouti-a-priority-after-hamas-attack
Bloomberg.com
How a Tiny African Nation Helps Police a Key Sea Route
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#Ethiopia wins financing assurances key for new #IMF loan
Ethiopia has obtained financing assurances from its official creditors, potentially advancing its efforts to secure a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to sources familiar with the matter.
An official creditor committee, co-chaired by #France and #China, reportedly met last week to approve these assurances. This indicates that bilateral creditors are willing to restructure their loans to Ethiopia in a way that aligns with the IMF's program requirements.
Ethiopia has been in discussions with the IMF for over two years for a new program after its previous loan was disrupted in 2021 due to a civil war that impacted investor sentiment and economic growth. The country defaulted on its overseas bond payments in December.
The IMF requires financing assurances from creditor countries before approving a new loan program. While the IMF has not yet announced a staff-level agreement for Ethiopia, progress has been made with Ethiopian authorities and development partners, according to an IMF spokesperson.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-18/ethiopia-wins-financing-assurances-key-to-unlock-new-imf-loan
Ethiopia has obtained financing assurances from its official creditors, potentially advancing its efforts to secure a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to sources familiar with the matter.
An official creditor committee, co-chaired by #France and #China, reportedly met last week to approve these assurances. This indicates that bilateral creditors are willing to restructure their loans to Ethiopia in a way that aligns with the IMF's program requirements.
Ethiopia has been in discussions with the IMF for over two years for a new program after its previous loan was disrupted in 2021 due to a civil war that impacted investor sentiment and economic growth. The country defaulted on its overseas bond payments in December.
The IMF requires financing assurances from creditor countries before approving a new loan program. While the IMF has not yet announced a staff-level agreement for Ethiopia, progress has been made with Ethiopian authorities and development partners, according to an IMF spokesperson.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-18/ethiopia-wins-financing-assurances-key-to-unlock-new-imf-loan
Bloomberg.com
Ethiopia Wins Financing Assurances Key for New IMF Loan
Ethiopia’s official creditors have granted financing assurances to the country to help fast-track approval of a new loan by the International Monetary Fund’s executive board, according to people familiar with the matter.