#Ethiopia: More than 100 civilians killed by unexploded ordnance in #Tigray

More than 100 civilians have lost their lives in the Tigray region of Ethiopia due to accidents involving unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind after the two-year war in the region, local authorities reported.

Teklay Tesfaye, administrator of Kola Temben district, informed the BBC that 112 civilians have died in his district alone from UXO explosions. "There is almost no area where explosives have not been planted," he stated, attributing the widespread contamination to the various forces involved.

According to Colonel Gebremichael Hagos, head of engineering at Tigray's Peace and Security Office, the entire region faces risks from UXO scattered in residential areas, farmlands, and public spaces. He shared that the range of explosive threats encompasses small arms ammunition to aircraft bombs, posing dangers to returning displaced populations.

Authorities have focused on clearing schools before the resumption of classes, but limited resources hinder comprehensive efforts. "The main problem is the lack of finance and equipment. It cannot be done only by the capacity of the regional government," Gebremichael said, calling for international assistance and collaboration.

https://shorturl.at/ghiC8

#Ethiopia dismayed over #EU visa restrictions

Ethiopia expressed dismay on Thursday over the EU Council's decision to impose visa restrictions on citizens of the Horn of #Africa nation. Nebiyu Tedla, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ethiopia would request the council to reconsider these "unfair" restrictions.

The EU Council's decision, made on 29 April, extends the processing time for visas from 15 days to 45 days. This action was taken, citing Ethiopia's alleged failure to assist in the repatriation of its nationals staying illegally in EU countries.

Consequently, Ethiopians will no longer be eligible to obtain visas for multiple entries into EU countries, and diplomatic and service passport holders will no longer be exempt from visa fees.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ethiopia-dismayed-over-eu-visa-restrictions/3215188

#Ethiopia: #MITHRA Metals, a prominent private investment firm based in the #UAE, recently announced a strategic move that underscores its dedication to fostering global partnerships in the mining industry.

The firm has acquired 240,000 shares of #ANS Exploration, headquartered in #Toronto, #Canada. This significant investment is in line with MITHRA Metals’ strategic outlook in identifying and engaging with promising mining companies worldwide, it said in a recent statement.

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This acquisition provided ANS Exploration and now Mithra Metals, with a strong presence within the #Tigray region of the country and added to its exploration portfolio in the highly prospective Nubian Shield.

The Daro and Zager licenses, located in the Neoproterozoic rocks of the Arabian Nubian Shield encompassing approximately 600 square kilometres, are considered promising for gold and base metals exploration, particularly Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) mineralization. ANS Exploration, in an earlier statement, had said it was reviewing historic data and utilizing remote sensing imagery to identify potential VMS targets for exploration in the near future.

This strategic investment in ANS Exploration represents the firm’s proactive approach to identifying and collaborating with mining companies that exhibit promising growth prospects and align with its values of responsible and impactful investment.

An executive at MITHRA Metals, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are delighted to announce our investment in ANS Exploration. This partnership exemplifies our strategic vision for the future, as we seek to unlock the vast potential of the mining sector in Ethiopia and beyond. We believe that by investing in sustainable mining projects, we can drive positive economic and social impact while generating attractive returns for our stakeholders.” https://gulfbusiness.com/mithra-metals-expands-global-footprint-with-ambitious-acquisition/

#Ethiopia: Thousands displaced amid clashes between communities in #Afar, #Somali regions

Over 38,000 individuals have been displaced across three districts of the Afar region as a result of recent clashes with the neighboring Somali region. The Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs of the House of Representatives confirmed the significant displacement following discussions on the conflict situation in Afar, based on reports received from regional authorities.

The committee brought together regional officials, disaster management authorities, and security leaders to gather information on the clashes, evaluate the humanitarian impact, and coordinate response efforts. Dr. Fathi Mahdi, Vice Chairman of the parliamentary committee, stressed the importance of relevant authorities collaborating to achieve a lasting resolution to the recurring conflicts in Afar. He also urged the displaced individuals to consider returning to their villages once sustainable peace is established.

Recent clashes between militias from the Afar and Somali regions have been reported by Addis Standard, particularly along the border areas. The conflicts, which occurred in locations bordering the #Gabi_Rasu Zone in Afar and the #Sitti Zone in the Somali region, resulted in casualties and injuries on both sides.

For more details, please follow the link to access the full article.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=43064

#Ethiopia: #US Embassy in #Addis_Abeba hosts photo exhibition commemorating 120 years of bilateral relations


The U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba has organized a photo exhibition highlighting the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and the United States. Titled "A Visual Journey of 120 Years of Bilateral Relations," the exhibit features a collection of photographs capturing key moments and developments in the countries' diplomatic history.

The exhibition was inaugurated on May 8, 2024, by U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga and State Minister of Tourism Sileshi Girma. It will be on display at the Ethiopian National Museum until May 26, followed by showings at the Addis Ababa University Institute of Ethiopian Studies from May 29 to June 8, and the Hyatt Regency from June 17 to July 7.

#Sudan army, #RSF to return to negotiation table ‘without conditions’

The Civil Democratic Forces alliance (#Tagadom) founding conference, initially delayed twice, is now set to convene in #Addis_Abeba on 26 May, 2024, as confirmed by spokesperson Bakri El Jak to Radio Dabanga this week. Elaborating on ongoing negotiations in #Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia, El Jak hinted at preliminary discussions taking place.

Established in October last year, Tagadom emerged from the amalgamation of mainstream Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC-Central Council) members and other Sudanese pro-democracy entities. Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok assumed the role of chair.

The alliance's core objective is to forge a robust democratic front against the protracted conflict involving the Sudan Armed Forces (#SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1789185635649024484

#Ethiopia: Gov’t to introduce regulation governing electric vehicles

The Petroleum and Energy Authority has revealed plans for the imminent introduction of regulations governing electric vehicles (#EVs) following the completion of its preparation phase. In a meeting yesterday, Authority officials convened with representatives from companies operating within the oil sector to deliberate on the draft regulation.

The proposed regulation, designed to foster a conducive environment for the proliferation of EVs, will address crucial aspects such as power supply infrastructure for electric vehicles and tariff determination. Seharla Abdulahi, director general of the Authority, affirmed the ongoing efforts aimed at swiftly enacting this directive into operation.

Last month, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics disclosed that the tally of imported and domestically assembled electric vehicles in Ethiopia has exceeded 100,000.

#Ethiopia, #Djibouti take over management of Ethio-Djibouti Railway after six years of commercial operations

After six years of transformative service, the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) formally transferred management of the #Ethio_Djibouti_Railway to the Ethiopian and Djiboutian governments. The ceremonial handover was held in #Addis_Abeba on 10 May, 2024.

Initiated in 2018, the railway spans over 750 kilometers, connecting Addis Abeba to Djibouti port. Part of #China's Belt and Road Initiative, the project received a total investment of $4 billion, with major contributions from China Exim Bank and the Ethiopian government. The Djiboutian government added $878 million to support its construction.

Abdi Zenabi, executive director of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, highlighted its transformative impact: "This strategic coastal railway has fundamentally altered the transportation dynamics, resulting in diminished transit durations and enriched trade prospects."

Since its inauguration, the railway has facilitated the transportation of approximately 530,900 passengers and 7,328,500 metric tons of cargo.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=43816

#Ethiopia utilizes #Lamu port for fertilizer import, supporting LAPSSET corridor

Ethiopia has received its first cargo shipment through the Lamu Port, signaling its support for the development of the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project.

The vessel MV Abbay II, operated by the Ethiopian Shipping Line, arrived at the port carrying 60,000 metric tons of fertilizer. This shipment signifies #Kenya and Ethiopia's active collaboration in realizing the long-standing LAPSSET corridor initiative, proposed 54 years ago.

William Ruto, the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), hailed the vessel's arrival as a crucial step towards strengthening economic ties between the two nations. He highlighted that the 60,000-ton fertilizer shipment was the largest bulk cargo of its kind ever handled by Kenyan ports.

Girma Amante, the Ethiopian Agriculture Minister, stated that Lamu port was selected to facilitate the import and export of goods, thereby supporting Ethiopia's growing economy. He commended Kenya's efforts in operationalizing the Lamu port, enabling Ethiopia to seamlessly conduct maritime trade.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/business/article/2001495017/boost-for-lapsset-as-ethiopia-imports-fertiliser-via-lamu-port

#Ethiopia: #NEBE extends voter registration period for postponed elections

The National Election Board of Ethiopia has announced a one-week extension to the voter registration period for by-elections and re-elections that were postponed during the 6th round of national elections in 2021. This decision applies to the remaining polls in the Benishangul Gumuz and #Afar regions, as well as the Jigjiga 2, #Meskan, and #Mareko constituencies.

The initial voter registration period was scheduled to conclude on May 13, 2024. However, the board cited several reasons for extending the deadline until May 20, 2024, including overlapping public and religious holidays during the registration timeframe, delays in opening certain polling stations, and requests from political parties contesting the elections.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1789927182707327394?t=M6czTRggD5AixjynSaF6tQ&s=19

New #BRICS members not keen to support #India, #Brazil’s claim to UNSC permanent seat

India's aspiration for support from new BRICS bloc members in its bid for a permanent seat on the #UN Security Council faces challenges, with countries like Egypt and Ethiopia expressing reluctance, according to sources familiar with the matter. The expansion of the BRICS grouping last year to include #Egypt, #Iran, the #UAE, #Saudi_Arabia, and #Ethiopia was anticipated to strengthen India's position. However, disagreements have emerged regarding the support for India, Brazil, and South Africa's UNSC aspirations.

Initially, there was an understanding that new members would back these aspirations. However, Egypt and Ethiopia, among others, argue that this condition wasn't explicitly communicated to them. Efforts to garner support for UNSC reforms, including backing for India's permanent membership, were highlighted in the Johannesburg Declaration 2023. Despite this, consensus among new members remains elusive.

Russia, set to host the BRICS Summit in October 2024, faces the challenge of aligning all members' positions on UNSC reform. India, alongside Brazil and #South_Africa, continues to advocate for expanded representation of developing countries. The upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will provide an opportunity to reassess members' stances on UNSC reforms and membership.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/new-brics-members-not-keen-to-support-india-brazils-claim-to-unsc-permanent-seat/article68167729.ece

#Ethiopia logs over 1,500 corruption allegations in current fiscal year

The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Ethiopia has announced it received more than 1,500 allegations related to corruption during the current fiscal year.

Ferda Gemeda, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission's Corruption Information Management department, told state media that 1,451 of these allegations were submitted from regional and city administrations across the country.

Ferda shared that out of the 80 allegations received directly from federal institutions, 65 cases accompanied by supporting information were forwarded to the federal police for investigation. He explained that allegations originating from regional levels are typically investigated jointly by the commission and the respective regional legal bodies.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1789945168889573595

#Ethiopia-#Somaliland #MoU: The “first phase” of work by the technical committee on the #Ethiopia- Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), “has now been completed”: Chairman

The chairman of Somaliland's technical committee for the task of the implementation of the MoU Bashe Awil Haji Omar, revealed to local media that the “first phase” of their task “has been completed” and that their work is now entering a “second legal phase”, which is to treatise the pact.

“...the first phase has now been completed, which was to collect the information and the different views of the community, what we have collected and prepared, will be converted into action by preparation of the final document of the MoU”, Mr Omar said, adding that the agreement will be “prepared professionally with a British legal firm that we have retained.”

https://horndiplomat.com/2024/05/13/the-initial-phase-of-the-formulation-of-somaliland-ethiopia-mou-has-been-completed-says-committee-chair-bashe-awil/

#EU allocates €1M to combat #cholera outbreak as death toll in #Ethiopia mounts to above 500

Ethiopia’s ongoing cholera outbreak picked up an unprecedented pace since March 2023, with over 2,276 cases and 50 deaths, while putting 3.3 million people at risk.

Now, cholera cases have reportedly reached a cumulative total of 44,044, including 571 deaths, the EU said.

In February, the World Health Organization (WHO) set up 17 standard cholera treatment centers across Ethiopia, including the capital Addis Abeba. https://addisstandard.com/?p=43819