News: #Ethiopian refugees trapped in #Sudan in peril as aid workers flee continued fighting
By Mihret G Kristos
Ethiopian refugees who fled the brutal in #Tigray in early November 2020 and are sheltered in two refugee camps in Tunaydbah and Um Rakuba in Eastern Sudan, told #AddisStandard that they are “in danger” following the outbreak militarized violence in Sudan on 15 April and aid workers’ evacuations.
According to the UNHCR, since November 2020, Sudan has welcomed and assisted some 58,000 Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers but the refugees there put the number of people in the two camps as high as 80,000.
“We are worried about our safety, food, and other basic humanitarian aid because most of the aid workers are leaving the refugee camps,” Henok Askale, 28 who fled Humera, Tigray in 2020 and has been living in Tunaydbah camp ever since told Addis Standard.
He added that thousands of Sudanese IDPs who are displaced by the ongoing fighting are also fleeing to refugee camps creating overcrowding, adding that the monthly food aid they used to receive has already been interrupted.
Another Ethiopian refugee living in Um Rakuba camp, Haftom Teklay, 30 also told Addis Standard that the number of people from the towns who are seeking shelters in the refugee camps has been increasing from time to time.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-refugees-in-sudan-in-danger-as-aid-workers-flee-continued-fighting/
By Mihret G Kristos
Ethiopian refugees who fled the brutal in #Tigray in early November 2020 and are sheltered in two refugee camps in Tunaydbah and Um Rakuba in Eastern Sudan, told #AddisStandard that they are “in danger” following the outbreak militarized violence in Sudan on 15 April and aid workers’ evacuations.
According to the UNHCR, since November 2020, Sudan has welcomed and assisted some 58,000 Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers but the refugees there put the number of people in the two camps as high as 80,000.
“We are worried about our safety, food, and other basic humanitarian aid because most of the aid workers are leaving the refugee camps,” Henok Askale, 28 who fled Humera, Tigray in 2020 and has been living in Tunaydbah camp ever since told Addis Standard.
He added that thousands of Sudanese IDPs who are displaced by the ongoing fighting are also fleeing to refugee camps creating overcrowding, adding that the monthly food aid they used to receive has already been interrupted.
Another Ethiopian refugee living in Um Rakuba camp, Haftom Teklay, 30 also told Addis Standard that the number of people from the towns who are seeking shelters in the refugee camps has been increasing from time to time.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-refugees-in-sudan-in-danger-as-aid-workers-flee-continued-fighting/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian refugees trapped in Sudan in peril as aid workers flee continued fighting
Um Rakuba refugee camp which was reopened in November 2020 to accommodate Ethiopians fleeing conflict in the Tigray region (Photo: WFP) By Mihret G Kristos @MercyG_kirstos Addis Ababa - Ethiopian refugees who fled the brutal in Tigray in early November 2020…
Updated: #Ethiopia says “constructive” talks with OLA concluded today with no agreement; #OLA says understandings reached “on some outstanding issues” but not on “key political matters”
The week-long talks between the representatives of the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) that was taking place in, Zanzibar Tanzania, and described by Redwan Hussien National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as “constructive” concluded today without agreement.
“While the talks have been largely constructive,unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on some issues during this round of the talks,” Ambassador Redwan tweeted, adding that “both parties have acknowledged the need to continue these talks with a view to resolving the conflict permanently and peacefully.”
In a statement sent to #AddisStandard, the OLA on its part said that “while understandings were reached on some outstanding issues, unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on key political matters during this round of talks.”
“The OLF-OLA would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through an honorable political settlement,” the group said.
The Government Communication Service also confirmed the information and said that although the talks were “largely constructive,” but it was “not possible” to reach an agreement “on some issues during this round of talks.”
This is the first official update from both the Ethiopian government and the OLA since the start of the talks last week.
https://addisstandard.com/newsalert-ethiopia-says-constructive-talks-with-ola-concluded-today-with-no-agreement/
The week-long talks between the representatives of the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) that was taking place in, Zanzibar Tanzania, and described by Redwan Hussien National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as “constructive” concluded today without agreement.
“While the talks have been largely constructive,unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on some issues during this round of the talks,” Ambassador Redwan tweeted, adding that “both parties have acknowledged the need to continue these talks with a view to resolving the conflict permanently and peacefully.”
In a statement sent to #AddisStandard, the OLA on its part said that “while understandings were reached on some outstanding issues, unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on key political matters during this round of talks.”
“The OLF-OLA would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through an honorable political settlement,” the group said.
The Government Communication Service also confirmed the information and said that although the talks were “largely constructive,” but it was “not possible” to reach an agreement “on some issues during this round of talks.”
This is the first official update from both the Ethiopian government and the OLA since the start of the talks last week.
https://addisstandard.com/newsalert-ethiopia-says-constructive-talks-with-ola-concluded-today-with-no-agreement/
Addis Standard
Updated: Ethiopia says “constructive” talks with OLA concluded today with no agreement; OLA says understandings reached “on some…
From Left: Redwan Hussien,Prof. Mohammed Hassan, Dr. Gedion Timothwos and Taha Abdii Addis Abeba - The week-long talks between the representatives of the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) that was taking place in, Zanzibar Tanzania…
News: #Tigray region launches “high-level investigation” into food aid theft, calls on humanitarian agencies to resume suspended aid operations
#USAID, the US Agency for International Development has also announced on Wednesday, 03 May that it has made “the difficult decision to pause all #USAID-supported food assistance in the Tigray region until further notice”.
The aid agency said it “uncovered that food aid, intended for the people of Tigray suffering under famine-like conditions, was being diverted and sold on the local market, noting that both the federal government and the Tigray interim regional administration have expressed their willingness to work with the agency in identifying those responsible and to hold them accountable.
On 01 March #AddisStandard reported that despite reports of unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to the Tigray region since the peace agreement, internally displaced people (IDPs) in Tigray region, including those sheltered in the capital Mekelle, said they are not receiving adequate humanitarian aid.
Earlier in January #AddisStandard also reported that more than 54, 000 IDPs sheltered at an IDP camp in Abiy-Adi, central Tigray, were suffering from severe shortage of food and medicine supplies.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-region-launches-high-level-investigation-into-food-aid-theft-calls-on-humanitarian-agencies-to-resume-suspended-aid-operations/
#USAID, the US Agency for International Development has also announced on Wednesday, 03 May that it has made “the difficult decision to pause all #USAID-supported food assistance in the Tigray region until further notice”.
The aid agency said it “uncovered that food aid, intended for the people of Tigray suffering under famine-like conditions, was being diverted and sold on the local market, noting that both the federal government and the Tigray interim regional administration have expressed their willingness to work with the agency in identifying those responsible and to hold them accountable.
On 01 March #AddisStandard reported that despite reports of unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to the Tigray region since the peace agreement, internally displaced people (IDPs) in Tigray region, including those sheltered in the capital Mekelle, said they are not receiving adequate humanitarian aid.
Earlier in January #AddisStandard also reported that more than 54, 000 IDPs sheltered at an IDP camp in Abiy-Adi, central Tigray, were suffering from severe shortage of food and medicine supplies.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-region-launches-high-level-investigation-into-food-aid-theft-calls-on-humanitarian-agencies-to-resume-suspended-aid-operations/
Addis Standard
News: Tigray region launches “high-level investigation” into food aid theft, calls on humanitarian agencies to resume suspended…
WFP food aid distribution in Tigray (Photo: WFP Ethiopia/twitter) Addis Abeba - The Tigray region Interim Administration (IA) has announced the establishment of a committee to conduct investigation into the aid theft that led to international aid agencies…
News: Gov’t, #OLA negotiators “created trust, positive atmosphere for second round talks”: #IGAD
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, said he is “pleased with the progress made” during the first round of peace talks held between the representatives of the Government of Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in #Zanzibar, #Tanzania.
IGAD told #AddisStandard this afternoon that Dr Workneh “is pleased with the progress made during the first round of peace talks between the Federal Democratic Government of Ethiopia and the Promo Liberation Army (OLA), especially given that the team of negotiators from both sides started negotiating in good faith and have created trust and positive atmosphere for the second round of talks.”
Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson of the IGAD Executive Secretary, said that the regional bloc “appreciates and applauds the efforts made by all parties involved in moving the peace process forward and remain confident that this Ethiopian-led and owned process will be successful and will lead to a lasting peace.”
“The Executive Secretary has assured both sides the use of his “good offices” if and when needed by the parties,” Nuur told #Addis_Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/news-govt-ola-negotiators-created-trust-positive-atmosphere-for-second-round-talks-igad/
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, said he is “pleased with the progress made” during the first round of peace talks held between the representatives of the Government of Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in #Zanzibar, #Tanzania.
IGAD told #AddisStandard this afternoon that Dr Workneh “is pleased with the progress made during the first round of peace talks between the Federal Democratic Government of Ethiopia and the Promo Liberation Army (OLA), especially given that the team of negotiators from both sides started negotiating in good faith and have created trust and positive atmosphere for the second round of talks.”
Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson of the IGAD Executive Secretary, said that the regional bloc “appreciates and applauds the efforts made by all parties involved in moving the peace process forward and remain confident that this Ethiopian-led and owned process will be successful and will lead to a lasting peace.”
“The Executive Secretary has assured both sides the use of his “good offices” if and when needed by the parties,” Nuur told #Addis_Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/news-govt-ola-negotiators-created-trust-positive-atmosphere-for-second-round-talks-igad/
Addis Standard
News: Gov’t, OLA negotiators “created trust, positive atmosphere for second round talks”: IGAD
From Left: Professor Mohammed Hassen, dr Benti Ujulu, Ejerso Urgessa, Taha Abdi, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, and Jiregna Gudetta. Addis Abeba - The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, said he is "pleased…
News Analysis: Education resumes in #Tigray with “poor condition of school facilities”, nearly 400 schools remain inaccessible
By Molla Mitiku
*Kiros Gu’ush (PhD), interim head of the bureau, told #AddisStandard that in the capital Mekelle, all private schools have already started teaching learning activities; whereas, only 58 public schools have begun teaching as the remaining 21 schools are still hosting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
*According to the bureau head, nearly 400 schools in Western, Southern and North Eastern parts of the region have once again remained closed as the areas are still under the occupation of #Eritrean and #Amhara forces.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-education-resumes-in-tigray-with-poor-condition-of-school-facilities-nearly-400-schools-remain-inaccessible/
By Molla Mitiku
*Kiros Gu’ush (PhD), interim head of the bureau, told #AddisStandard that in the capital Mekelle, all private schools have already started teaching learning activities; whereas, only 58 public schools have begun teaching as the remaining 21 schools are still hosting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
*According to the bureau head, nearly 400 schools in Western, Southern and North Eastern parts of the region have once again remained closed as the areas are still under the occupation of #Eritrean and #Amhara forces.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-education-resumes-in-tigray-with-poor-condition-of-school-facilities-nearly-400-schools-remain-inaccessible/
Addis Standard
News Analysis: Education resumes in Tigray with “poor condition of school facilities”, nearly 400 schools remain inaccessible
By Molla Mitiku @MollaAyenew Addis Abeba – The Educational Bureau of Tigray has announced that students have started getting back to schools since 01 May 2023 in different parts of the region. Authorities had earlier scheduled classes to start around mid…
The Interview: Amb. Teshome Toga - Navigating #Ethiopia’s delicate ambition to demilitarize amidst “deliberate misunderstanding”, hoping to avoid a fourth DDR
As the Commissioner of the newly constituted National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) Ambassador Teshome Toga is tasked with one of the toughest assignments in #Ethiopia, a country seeking to disarm, demobilize & reintegrate (#DDR) hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants despite the risks of ongoing militarized conflicts.
On top, the widespread misunderstanding on the exact roles of the NRC isn't making Amb. Teshome's task easy.
#AddisStandard’s Molla Mitiku interviewed him on a wide-rage topic related to NRC's works & the challenges thereof.
Excerpts
“… there are people who deliberately misquote us when we had this engagement with regional governments, with the media and that is I think part of the politicization of the efforts that we are trying to make….”
A must read interview.
https://addisstandard.com/the-interview-amb-teshome-toga-navigating-ethiopias-delicate-ambition-to-demilitarize-amidst-deliberate-misunderstanding-hoping-to-avoid-a-fourth-ddr/
As the Commissioner of the newly constituted National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) Ambassador Teshome Toga is tasked with one of the toughest assignments in #Ethiopia, a country seeking to disarm, demobilize & reintegrate (#DDR) hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants despite the risks of ongoing militarized conflicts.
On top, the widespread misunderstanding on the exact roles of the NRC isn't making Amb. Teshome's task easy.
#AddisStandard’s Molla Mitiku interviewed him on a wide-rage topic related to NRC's works & the challenges thereof.
Excerpts
“… there are people who deliberately misquote us when we had this engagement with regional governments, with the media and that is I think part of the politicization of the efforts that we are trying to make….”
A must read interview.
https://addisstandard.com/the-interview-amb-teshome-toga-navigating-ethiopias-delicate-ambition-to-demilitarize-amidst-deliberate-misunderstanding-hoping-to-avoid-a-fourth-ddr/
Addis Standard
The Interview: Amb. Teshome Toga- Navigating Ethiopia’s delicate ambition to demilitarize amidst “deliberate misunderstanding”…
The Interview: Amb. Teshome Toga- Navigating Ethiopia’s delicate ambition to demilitarize amidst “deliberate misunderstanding”, hoping to avoid a fourth DDR Addis Standard -
Analysis: Envisioning post-war #Tigray’s political landscape and prospects of political pluralism
By Million Beyene
Ethiopia’s Tigray region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating war that broke out in November 2020, the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) that silenced the guns has brought a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution.
However, the looming question on everyone’s mind is who will emerge as the winner of a future election and administer the region after the interim administration’s term ends. For over three decades, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been the sole ruling party in the region, prompting concerns that it may continue to cling onto power and perpetuate its history of dictatorship.
Despite the destruction wrought by the atrocious war that Tigrayans were subjected to, there are many who believe that the political landscape in Tigray has undergone a seismic shift.
#AddisStandard spoke with Tigrayan politicians & academics who share their views on what lies ahead.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-envisioning-post-war-tigrays-political-landscape-and-prospects-of-political-pluralism/
By Million Beyene
Ethiopia’s Tigray region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating war that broke out in November 2020, the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) that silenced the guns has brought a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution.
However, the looming question on everyone’s mind is who will emerge as the winner of a future election and administer the region after the interim administration’s term ends. For over three decades, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been the sole ruling party in the region, prompting concerns that it may continue to cling onto power and perpetuate its history of dictatorship.
Despite the destruction wrought by the atrocious war that Tigrayans were subjected to, there are many who believe that the political landscape in Tigray has undergone a seismic shift.
#AddisStandard spoke with Tigrayan politicians & academics who share their views on what lies ahead.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-envisioning-post-war-tigrays-political-landscape-and-prospects-of-political-pluralism/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Envisioning post-war Tigray’s political landscape and prospects of political pluralism
Creative design: Matias Samuel/Addis Standard By Million Beyene @MillionBeyene Addis Abeba - Ethiopia's Tigray region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating war that broke out in November 2020, the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement…
#Ethiopia: Communities urge continuous engagement between government, #Oromo Liberation Army to end war in #Oromia
By Abdi Biyenssa
Community participants of a workshop on fostering peace in Western Oromia urged for a continued engagement between the government and Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in order to end the war in Oromia and bring bring lasting peace to the region.
Abba Gadaa Asfaw Kebede, a participant from East #Wollega, an area most affected by the near five years war between government forces and the OLA, on his part said that the war was affecting “trade activities, obstructing agricultural production, affecting access to basic social and infrastructure services such as education, healthcare, transport, communication” not to mention “the fear and tensions” hovering over the region.
“People are starving,” he told #AddisStandard, “peace has no option,making a ceasefire is necessary to save the people from starvation.”
Abba Gadaa Asfaw also stressed that “the elimination of the root causes of conflict is the cause for sustainable peace in the region.”
https://addisstandard.com/news-communities-urge-continuous-engagement-between-government-oromo-liberation-army-to-end-war-in-oromia/
By Abdi Biyenssa
Community participants of a workshop on fostering peace in Western Oromia urged for a continued engagement between the government and Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in order to end the war in Oromia and bring bring lasting peace to the region.
Abba Gadaa Asfaw Kebede, a participant from East #Wollega, an area most affected by the near five years war between government forces and the OLA, on his part said that the war was affecting “trade activities, obstructing agricultural production, affecting access to basic social and infrastructure services such as education, healthcare, transport, communication” not to mention “the fear and tensions” hovering over the region.
“People are starving,” he told #AddisStandard, “peace has no option,making a ceasefire is necessary to save the people from starvation.”
Abba Gadaa Asfaw also stressed that “the elimination of the root causes of conflict is the cause for sustainable peace in the region.”
https://addisstandard.com/news-communities-urge-continuous-engagement-between-government-oromo-liberation-army-to-end-war-in-oromia/
Addis Standard
News: Communities urge continuous engagement between government, Oromo Liberation Army to end war in Oromia - Addis Standard
News: Communities urge continuous engagement between government, Oromo Liberation Army to end war in Oromia Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia- Analysis: Farmers endure market sabotage, inflation and price disorientation as government wheat export story takes news headlines by storm
By Getahun Legesse
Getahun traveled to #Bale_Robe in #Oromia where he spoke with farmers and union leaders on the impacts of the government’s forces procurement of wheat produces.
Excerpts:
The #Bale and #Arsi zones vast plain fields are well known for abundant wheat supply to the country, and what farmers in these areas say they witnessed no significant reduction in wheat production this year than previous years.
Ahmed Ali, a farmer in Ali town, a small town in Agarfa district of Bale zone, Oromia region, asserts that wheat price inflation was “observed after the government started buying wheat” through local unions at a fixed rate.
According to him government officials informally forced wheat farmers to sell their product at a fixed price of 3,300 birr per quintal until it purchased the amount it needed. The market was then “liberated”.
“Although both the farmers and local merchants have a good deal of wheat in their stores, both were unwilling to sell at such price,” he told #AddisStandard.
***
“The government bought the crop in huge quantity from farmers at a fixed rate. This certainly has interrupted the market chain and triggered wheat hoarding and illicit trade”, Gutu Tesso (PhD).
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-farmers-endure-market-sabotage-inflation-and-price-disorientation-as-government-wheat-export-story-takes-news-headlines-by-storm/
By Getahun Legesse
Getahun traveled to #Bale_Robe in #Oromia where he spoke with farmers and union leaders on the impacts of the government’s forces procurement of wheat produces.
Excerpts:
The #Bale and #Arsi zones vast plain fields are well known for abundant wheat supply to the country, and what farmers in these areas say they witnessed no significant reduction in wheat production this year than previous years.
Ahmed Ali, a farmer in Ali town, a small town in Agarfa district of Bale zone, Oromia region, asserts that wheat price inflation was “observed after the government started buying wheat” through local unions at a fixed rate.
According to him government officials informally forced wheat farmers to sell their product at a fixed price of 3,300 birr per quintal until it purchased the amount it needed. The market was then “liberated”.
“Although both the farmers and local merchants have a good deal of wheat in their stores, both were unwilling to sell at such price,” he told #AddisStandard.
***
“The government bought the crop in huge quantity from farmers at a fixed rate. This certainly has interrupted the market chain and triggered wheat hoarding and illicit trade”, Gutu Tesso (PhD).
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-farmers-endure-market-sabotage-inflation-and-price-disorientation-as-government-wheat-export-story-takes-news-headlines-by-storm/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Farmers endure market sabotage, inflation and price disorientation as government wheat export story takes news headlines…
A-farmer inspecting his wheat crop in Assasa-Ardaita area, Oromia ©Addis-Standard By Getahun Legesse @Birmaduu2 Bale, Robe (Oromia)– For outside onlookers, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially unveiled the country’s plan to export wheat to neighboring…
News: #IDPs stage massive demonstrations in major #Tigray cities against suspended aid, delay in their return home
By Mihret G Kristos
Yibrah Yemane, one of the coordinators of the protest which was held in Mekelle, told #AddisStandard that the protesters demanded quick solutions from the federal government, interim administration of Tigray, and NGOs for the urgent questions of IDPs.
“Following the suspension of humanitarian aid, IDPs have become vulnerable to hunger and different diseases,” said Yibrah.
Millions remain displaced
*Although a permanent cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the federal government and the #TPLF in November last year, and the agreement’s article 5 mandated the former to “facilitate the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees whenever the security situation permits.”
*As recently as April this year, tens of thousands of Tigrayan civilians were forcibly displaced from ten woredas in Western #Tigray alone, which remains under the occupation of #Amhara Forces.
Aid suspension
On 01 May humanitarian workers that #WFP, the #UN agency which is responsible for delivering food from the UN and other partners to Tigray, has suspended aid deliveries to the Tigray region pending internal investigation into the theft of food meant for hungry people.
#Addis_Standard recently reported that at least six individuals have reportedly perished only in one week due to hunger-related health complications, while 421 households are facing risks in the Amdi Weyane, Debre Hayla Kebele, Samre Woreda.
https://addisstandard.com/news-idps-stage-massive-demonstrations-in-major-tigray-cities-against-suspended-aid-delay-in-their-return-home/
By Mihret G Kristos
Yibrah Yemane, one of the coordinators of the protest which was held in Mekelle, told #AddisStandard that the protesters demanded quick solutions from the federal government, interim administration of Tigray, and NGOs for the urgent questions of IDPs.
“Following the suspension of humanitarian aid, IDPs have become vulnerable to hunger and different diseases,” said Yibrah.
Millions remain displaced
*Although a permanent cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the federal government and the #TPLF in November last year, and the agreement’s article 5 mandated the former to “facilitate the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees whenever the security situation permits.”
*As recently as April this year, tens of thousands of Tigrayan civilians were forcibly displaced from ten woredas in Western #Tigray alone, which remains under the occupation of #Amhara Forces.
Aid suspension
On 01 May humanitarian workers that #WFP, the #UN agency which is responsible for delivering food from the UN and other partners to Tigray, has suspended aid deliveries to the Tigray region pending internal investigation into the theft of food meant for hungry people.
#Addis_Standard recently reported that at least six individuals have reportedly perished only in one week due to hunger-related health complications, while 421 households are facing risks in the Amdi Weyane, Debre Hayla Kebele, Samre Woreda.
https://addisstandard.com/news-idps-stage-massive-demonstrations-in-major-tigray-cities-against-suspended-aid-delay-in-their-return-home/
Addis Standard
News: IDPs stage massive demonstrations in major Tigray cities against suspended aid, delay in their return home
Demonstration in Shire (Photo: Tigray Television/Facebook) By Mihret G Kristos @MercyG_kirstos Addis Abeba - Hundreds of thousands of IDPs in the Tigray region have staged massive protests in major cities of the region, calling on NGOs and the government…
News: #Tigray health bureau expresses concern over whereabouts of at least 13,000 #HIV patients in post-war
By Mihret G Kristos
The Tigray Health Bureau has expressed profound concern about a significant number of HIV/AIDS patients of at least 13,000 in number, who have been unaccounted for since the two years war that has ravaged the region was concluded in November last year.
Fisaha Birhane, the Director of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control at the regional health bureau, told #AddisStandard that during the initial phase of a survey aimed at identifying AIDS patients in Tigray, 13,000 out of 46,000 known patients who were receiving antiretroviral medications prior to the war have gone missing.
“Among the missing patients, some may have tragically lost their lives due to inadequate medical treatment and services during the war, while others may have sought refuge in different areas”, Fisaha explained.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-health-bureau-expresses-concern-over-unknown-whereabouts-of-at-least-13000-hiv-positive-individuals-post-war/
By Mihret G Kristos
The Tigray Health Bureau has expressed profound concern about a significant number of HIV/AIDS patients of at least 13,000 in number, who have been unaccounted for since the two years war that has ravaged the region was concluded in November last year.
Fisaha Birhane, the Director of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control at the regional health bureau, told #AddisStandard that during the initial phase of a survey aimed at identifying AIDS patients in Tigray, 13,000 out of 46,000 known patients who were receiving antiretroviral medications prior to the war have gone missing.
“Among the missing patients, some may have tragically lost their lives due to inadequate medical treatment and services during the war, while others may have sought refuge in different areas”, Fisaha explained.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-health-bureau-expresses-concern-over-unknown-whereabouts-of-at-least-13000-hiv-positive-individuals-post-war/
Addis Standard
News: Tigray health bureau expresses concern over whereabouts of at least 13,000 HIV patients in post-war - Addis Standard
News: Tigray health bureau expresses concern over whereabouts of at least 13,000 HIV patients in post-war Addis Standard -
News: #Fincha sugar factory stops production amid continued instability in Western, Central #Oromia
By Abdi Biyenssa
An employee of the factory who asked to be anonymous for security reasons told #AddisStandard that “the factory has stopped its daily activities because of ongoing conflict”, as a result, some of machinery of the factory were “vandalized”.
It is recalled that on 18 May, #Addis_Standard reported about days of fierce fighting in the villages surrounding Fincha Sugar Factory followed by some of the villages having been overrun by the #OLA as a sequel of intense fighting supported with heavy weaponry in several parts of the Oromia region since the first attempt to peacefully resolve the war in Oromia was concluded without an agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fincha-sugar-factory-stops-production-amid-continued-instability-in-western-central-oromia/
By Abdi Biyenssa
An employee of the factory who asked to be anonymous for security reasons told #AddisStandard that “the factory has stopped its daily activities because of ongoing conflict”, as a result, some of machinery of the factory were “vandalized”.
It is recalled that on 18 May, #Addis_Standard reported about days of fierce fighting in the villages surrounding Fincha Sugar Factory followed by some of the villages having been overrun by the #OLA as a sequel of intense fighting supported with heavy weaponry in several parts of the Oromia region since the first attempt to peacefully resolve the war in Oromia was concluded without an agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fincha-sugar-factory-stops-production-amid-continued-instability-in-western-central-oromia/
#Ethiopia: Uproar after mayor’s bodyguard abducts young woman in #Hawassa, regional police in pursuit, detain six suspects
By Natnael Fite
A close associate of Tsega’s family, told #AddisStandard that Tsega was abducted as she was preparing to get marry her fiance with whom she has completed a marriage counseling offered by her church.
Alemayehu Themothewos, head of peace and security bureau of the #Sidama region, told #Addis_Standard that footage from CCTV cameras confirmed the abduction of Tsega Belachew by the suspect, Constable Yehualamebrat Woldemariam, on 23 May.
“We have been conducting intensive surveillance after receiving information about her abduction,” Alemayehu said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-uproar-after-mayors-bodyguard-abducted-young-woman-in-hawassa-police-in-pursuit-of-abductor-arrest-six-accomplices/
By Natnael Fite
A close associate of Tsega’s family, told #AddisStandard that Tsega was abducted as she was preparing to get marry her fiance with whom she has completed a marriage counseling offered by her church.
Alemayehu Themothewos, head of peace and security bureau of the #Sidama region, told #Addis_Standard that footage from CCTV cameras confirmed the abduction of Tsega Belachew by the suspect, Constable Yehualamebrat Woldemariam, on 23 May.
“We have been conducting intensive surveillance after receiving information about her abduction,” Alemayehu said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-uproar-after-mayors-bodyguard-abducted-young-woman-in-hawassa-police-in-pursuit-of-abductor-arrest-six-accomplices/
News: #Blinken, #Demeke meet as #USAID suspends food aid to #Ethiopia after widespread, coordinated diversion
The news came shortly after the USAID said it has “made the difficult but necessary decision” it cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance in Ethiopia “until reforms are in place.”
In an email sent to #Addis_Standard via the US Embassy in Addis Abeba, USAID spokesperson said “after a country-wide review, USAID determined, in coordination with the Government of Ethiopia, that a widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia.”
Earlier today, #AddisStandard published news exposing country-wide donor-funded food diversion in Ethiopia covering seven regions and involving the federal government and regional entities.
https://addisstandard.com/news-blinken-demeke-meet-as-usaid-suspends-food-aid-to-ethiopia-after-widespread-coordinated-diversion/
The news came shortly after the USAID said it has “made the difficult but necessary decision” it cannot move forward with distribution of food assistance in Ethiopia “until reforms are in place.”
In an email sent to #Addis_Standard via the US Embassy in Addis Abeba, USAID spokesperson said “after a country-wide review, USAID determined, in coordination with the Government of Ethiopia, that a widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia.”
Earlier today, #AddisStandard published news exposing country-wide donor-funded food diversion in Ethiopia covering seven regions and involving the federal government and regional entities.
https://addisstandard.com/news-blinken-demeke-meet-as-usaid-suspends-food-aid-to-ethiopia-after-widespread-coordinated-diversion/
#Ethiopia: Towns in West #Gojjam zone, #Amhara region return to normalcy after deadly civil unrest
Three fatalities and multiple injuries have been reported in the West Gojjam Zone, following civil unrest since Sunday in the towns of #Denbecha, #Jiga and #Finote_Selam, Zemenu Tadele, the Head of the Zone’s Communication Office, confirmed to #AddisStandard.
According to Zemenu, the unrest instigated conflicts between unidentified armed groups and government security forces, leading to the regrettable loss of three lives and injuries to over 20 individuals, while the escalated tension also precipitated a temporary closure of the crucial arterial road connecting #AddisAbeba and #Bahirdar
https://addisstandard.com/news-towns-in-west-gojjam-zone-amhara-region-return-to-normalcy-after-deadly-civil-unrest/
Three fatalities and multiple injuries have been reported in the West Gojjam Zone, following civil unrest since Sunday in the towns of #Denbecha, #Jiga and #Finote_Selam, Zemenu Tadele, the Head of the Zone’s Communication Office, confirmed to #AddisStandard.
According to Zemenu, the unrest instigated conflicts between unidentified armed groups and government security forces, leading to the regrettable loss of three lives and injuries to over 20 individuals, while the escalated tension also precipitated a temporary closure of the crucial arterial road connecting #AddisAbeba and #Bahirdar
https://addisstandard.com/news-towns-in-west-gojjam-zone-amhara-region-return-to-normalcy-after-deadly-civil-unrest/
Addis Standard
News: Towns in West Gojjam zone, Amhara region return to normalcy after deadly civil unrest
Transport and business activities resumed in Finote Selam and Dembecha towns (Pictures: Finote Selam and Dembecha communication offices/Facebook) Addis Abeba - Three fatalities and multiple injuries have been reported in the West Gojjam Zone, following civil…
News: #Ethiopian army member accused of killing four, injuring three in #KebriDehar, #Somali region; opposition #ONLF urges immediate action
At least four people were killed in Kebri Dehar city, in Somali regional state, after a soldier purportedly identified as a member of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) indiscriminately fired on civilians, multiple witnesses told #AddisStandard. The incident which occurred in 08 Kebele near the ENDF military camp left three others injured according to the witnesses.
“A soldier suddenly opened fire and shot seven civilians, four of them died and three others were severely injured and were taken to the Kebri Dehar hospital” one of the witnesses said.
#ENDF spokesperson colonel Getinet Adane was not immediately available to respond to Addis Standard’s request for a comment but later referred the questions to the federal government communication service.
There is no official statement from Somali regional government as of the publishing of this news either.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-army-member-accused-of-killing-four-injuring-three-in-kebri-dehar-somali-region-opposition-onlf-urges-immediate-action/
At least four people were killed in Kebri Dehar city, in Somali regional state, after a soldier purportedly identified as a member of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) indiscriminately fired on civilians, multiple witnesses told #AddisStandard. The incident which occurred in 08 Kebele near the ENDF military camp left three others injured according to the witnesses.
“A soldier suddenly opened fire and shot seven civilians, four of them died and three others were severely injured and were taken to the Kebri Dehar hospital” one of the witnesses said.
#ENDF spokesperson colonel Getinet Adane was not immediately available to respond to Addis Standard’s request for a comment but later referred the questions to the federal government communication service.
There is no official statement from Somali regional government as of the publishing of this news either.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-army-member-accused-of-killing-four-injuring-three-in-kebri-dehar-somali-region-opposition-onlf-urges-immediate-action/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian army member accused of killing four, injuring three in Kebri Dehar, Somali region; opposition ONLF urges immediate…
Kebri Dehar city. Photo: Abdirahman Isak/Kebri Dehar City Addis Abeba – At least four people were killed in Kebri Dehar city, in Somali regional state, after a soldier purportedly identified as a member of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) indiscriminately…
Analysis: Explosive remnants of war threaten farming activities, add layer to dire food crisis in #Tigray region
“I cannot resume farming unless the explosives are removed from my farmland by professionals. This has made me and my family suffer from socio-economic problems,” farmer Gebremedhin Gebrehiwot, 30, told #AddisStandard.
A report which was obtained and reviewed by #AddisStandard notes that plenty of landmines and explosive remnants of war, light and heavy weapons remain in areas where active military engagements took place and, are putting lives of people at a great risk.
90% of the total incidents have occurred in remote rural areas and 45% of the explosive stricken areas are farmlands.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-explosive-remnants-of-war-threatens-farming-activities-adds-layer-to-dire-food-crisis-in-tigray-region/
“I cannot resume farming unless the explosives are removed from my farmland by professionals. This has made me and my family suffer from socio-economic problems,” farmer Gebremedhin Gebrehiwot, 30, told #AddisStandard.
A report which was obtained and reviewed by #AddisStandard notes that plenty of landmines and explosive remnants of war, light and heavy weapons remain in areas where active military engagements took place and, are putting lives of people at a great risk.
90% of the total incidents have occurred in remote rural areas and 45% of the explosive stricken areas are farmlands.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-explosive-remnants-of-war-threatens-farming-activities-adds-layer-to-dire-food-crisis-in-tigray-region/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Explosive remnants of war threaten farming activities, add layer to dire food crisis in Tigray region
Explosive remnants of war (ERW). Photo: UNMAS Ethiopia Addis Abeba - Farmers in Kola Tembien in Central Tigray, one of the major battle grounds during the two years destructive war between Ethiopian government and the Tigrayan forces are unable to get back…
Recap Analysis: #Fertilizer shortage amidst widespread illicit trade cripples farmers, threatens productivity
Last week, #AddisStandard published this analysis highlighting how farmers across #Ethiopia whose livelihood is dependent on subsistence farming are crippled by severe lack of fertilizer with fears of missing the planting season. Read the analysis here -
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-fertilizer-shortage-amidst-widespread-illicit-trade-cripples-farmers-threatens-productivity/
Since then, farmers in various parts of the country continued staging peaceful protests demanding access to fertilizer. (Pictures farmers in #Amhara region)
***
According to economist Gutu Tesso (PhD), the current widespread illicit trade of fertilizer is caused by the shortage of supply, which in turn is caused by the country’s insufficient foreign currency stock. Gutu adds that the government’s inability to properly regulate distribution of the available fertilizer has enabled the illegal market.
Last week, #AddisStandard published this analysis highlighting how farmers across #Ethiopia whose livelihood is dependent on subsistence farming are crippled by severe lack of fertilizer with fears of missing the planting season. Read the analysis here -
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-fertilizer-shortage-amidst-widespread-illicit-trade-cripples-farmers-threatens-productivity/
Since then, farmers in various parts of the country continued staging peaceful protests demanding access to fertilizer. (Pictures farmers in #Amhara region)
***
According to economist Gutu Tesso (PhD), the current widespread illicit trade of fertilizer is caused by the shortage of supply, which in turn is caused by the country’s insufficient foreign currency stock. Gutu adds that the government’s inability to properly regulate distribution of the available fertilizer has enabled the illegal market.
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Upgrade your experience to gain a Full Access Membership for only $50 annually and get unlimited access to our high-end contents including our in-depth analyses and investigative reports, as well as high-end op-eds, commentaries, and opinions which will be…