News: Heavy fighting near #DebreBirhan as violence continues to rock Amhara region, more cities impose restrictions
Several cities in the #Amhara region, including the capital Bahir Dar, have continued to witness violence on Tuesday following protests against the government’s move to disband the regional special forces and “reorganize” them into regular police and the national army.
#AddisStandard spoke to eyewitnesses from #Debre_Birhan #BahirDar, and Kombolcha cities where clashes between civilians and members of the national defense forces (ENDF) as well as between the Amhara regional special forces and the army were reported.
According to an eyewitness who talked to #AddisStandard on conditions of anonymity, there was heavy fighting between the #ENDF and members of the Amhara regional forces from early morning to late afternoon on Tuesday in Debre Birhan city, about 120 kilometers North East of Addis Abeba.
“The situation has gotten worse; the people are currently in a serious state of tension,” the eyewitness, who is a resident of the city, said. He fears that several people may have been killed and wounded during the fighting.
https://addisstandard.com/news-heavy-fighting-near-debre-birhan-as-violence-continues-to-rock-amhara-region-more-cities-impose-restrictions/
Several cities in the #Amhara region, including the capital Bahir Dar, have continued to witness violence on Tuesday following protests against the government’s move to disband the regional special forces and “reorganize” them into regular police and the national army.
#AddisStandard spoke to eyewitnesses from #Debre_Birhan #BahirDar, and Kombolcha cities where clashes between civilians and members of the national defense forces (ENDF) as well as between the Amhara regional special forces and the army were reported.
According to an eyewitness who talked to #AddisStandard on conditions of anonymity, there was heavy fighting between the #ENDF and members of the Amhara regional forces from early morning to late afternoon on Tuesday in Debre Birhan city, about 120 kilometers North East of Addis Abeba.
“The situation has gotten worse; the people are currently in a serious state of tension,” the eyewitness, who is a resident of the city, said. He fears that several people may have been killed and wounded during the fighting.
https://addisstandard.com/news-heavy-fighting-near-debre-birhan-as-violence-continues-to-rock-amhara-region-more-cities-impose-restrictions/
Addis Standard
News: Heavy fighting near Debre Birhan as violence continues to rock Amhara region, more cities impose restrictions
Debre Birhan city, 120 kilometers North East of Addis Abeba (Photo: Debre Birhan city Communication Affairs Office) Addis Abeba - Several cities in the Amhara region, including the capital Bahir Dar, have continued to witness violence on Tuesday following…
#Ethiopia: #Amhara state emergency command imposes curfew in multiple cities, orders resumption of businesses after claiming local militia retreats
The Command Post imposed curfews in major cities and towns, and issued notice public service providers, government, community and commercial establishments in #Bahir_Dar, #Gonder, #Debre_Birhan, #Debre_Markos, #Showa_Robit and #Lalibela cities to resume work as of tomorrow 10 August.
Shortly before announcing the curfew with movement restrictions, the Command Post announced that "measures has been taken and the rule of law has been restored" in the aforementioned cities against the #Fano militia that was engaged in military hostilities with government forces for the last five days. Calling the local militia “bandit group”, the Command Post claimed it has received support from the local communities to drive out the Fano armed combatants from the city centers.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amhara-state-emergency-command-imposes-curfew-in-multiple-cities-orders-resumption-of-businesses-after-claiming-local-militia-retreats/
The Command Post imposed curfews in major cities and towns, and issued notice public service providers, government, community and commercial establishments in #Bahir_Dar, #Gonder, #Debre_Birhan, #Debre_Markos, #Showa_Robit and #Lalibela cities to resume work as of tomorrow 10 August.
Shortly before announcing the curfew with movement restrictions, the Command Post announced that "measures has been taken and the rule of law has been restored" in the aforementioned cities against the #Fano militia that was engaged in military hostilities with government forces for the last five days. Calling the local militia “bandit group”, the Command Post claimed it has received support from the local communities to drive out the Fano armed combatants from the city centers.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amhara-state-emergency-command-imposes-curfew-in-multiple-cities-orders-resumption-of-businesses-after-claiming-local-militia-retreats/
Addis Standard
News: Amhara state emergency command imposes curfew in multiple cities, orders resumption of businesses after claiming local militia…
Temesgen Tiruneh, Director General of National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and leader of the military Command Post overseeing the federally declared State of Emergency (SoE) Addis Abeba - The State of Emergency General Command Post of the Amhara…
#Ethiopia: #Amhara region breathes sigh of relief as major cities return to routine
Major cities in Amhara region like #Gondar and #Debre_Birhan are experiencing a return to normalcy following a period of conflict. The recent lifting of the prohibition on Bajaj vehicles in Debre Birhan is a clear indication of improving conditions and a move towards peace.
Residents are witnessing positive changes in their daily lives. Bajaj vehicle operators have resumed their services in designated shifts, reflecting a significant improvement in the region's security. A local operator expressed joy at returning to work, stating that the city has regained its previous calm.
Despite past challenges, critical services like financial institutions and medical facilities have resumed operations in Gondar. Although intracity transportation is functioning, transit into and out of the city remains limited.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amhara-region-breathes-sigh-of-relief-as-major-cities-return-to-routine/
Major cities in Amhara region like #Gondar and #Debre_Birhan are experiencing a return to normalcy following a period of conflict. The recent lifting of the prohibition on Bajaj vehicles in Debre Birhan is a clear indication of improving conditions and a move towards peace.
Residents are witnessing positive changes in their daily lives. Bajaj vehicle operators have resumed their services in designated shifts, reflecting a significant improvement in the region's security. A local operator expressed joy at returning to work, stating that the city has regained its previous calm.
Despite past challenges, critical services like financial institutions and medical facilities have resumed operations in Gondar. Although intracity transportation is functioning, transit into and out of the city remains limited.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amhara-region-breathes-sigh-of-relief-as-major-cities-return-to-routine/
Addis Standard
News: Amhara region breathes sigh of relief as major cities return to routine - Addis Standard
News: Amhara region breathes sigh of relief as major cities return to routine Addis Standard News -
#Ethiopia: #IDPs recently returned from #Amhara to #Oromia region opt to return to their previous shelters, while others choose to stay despite turmoil
Authorities announced plans for the potential repatriation of displaced individuals from Oromia to Amhara, sparking skepticism among the displaced community who fled Oromia to escape conflict. Asheber Takele, along with his family, was among those who left their home in #Sibu_Sire district, seeking refuge in an IDP center in #Debre_Birhan city, known as the “China camp.” Despite reservations, they were transported back to Oromia, where they faced dire conditions and security concerns.
Asheber described overcrowded shelters and observed ongoing security threats, including abductions. He expressed worries about his family's health due to lack of medical care and eventually returned to Debre Birhan city. In contrast, Bekele Girma and his family chose to stay in Oromia, despite facing significant challenges upon returning to their village in the #Leka_Dulecha district.
Bekele's once-prosperous agricultural enterprise was devastated, leaving him and his family grappling with destitution. They sought assistance from authorities but received no compensation for their losses. Both Asheber and Bekele are part of a government-sponsored program aimed at rehabilitating and recovering IDPs. However, challenges persist in ensuring compliance with international IDP return principles, with humanitarian organizations struggling to reach communities in conflict-affected areas. Food scarcity and inadequate humanitarian aid exacerbate the plight of IDPs, with many facing acute shortages and delays in assistance distribution.
In Amhara, over 66,000 displaced individuals from other regions reside across 88 sites. However, the ongoing conflict in the region complicates aid distribution, leaving thousands of IDPs vulnerable to food insecurity and resource shortages. Despite promises of repatriation and restitution, displaced individuals like Asheber and Bekele continue to endure hardships.
https://addisstandard.com/idps-recently-returned-from-amhara-to-oromia-region-opt-to-turn-back-while-others-choose-to-stay-despite-turmoil/
Authorities announced plans for the potential repatriation of displaced individuals from Oromia to Amhara, sparking skepticism among the displaced community who fled Oromia to escape conflict. Asheber Takele, along with his family, was among those who left their home in #Sibu_Sire district, seeking refuge in an IDP center in #Debre_Birhan city, known as the “China camp.” Despite reservations, they were transported back to Oromia, where they faced dire conditions and security concerns.
Asheber described overcrowded shelters and observed ongoing security threats, including abductions. He expressed worries about his family's health due to lack of medical care and eventually returned to Debre Birhan city. In contrast, Bekele Girma and his family chose to stay in Oromia, despite facing significant challenges upon returning to their village in the #Leka_Dulecha district.
Bekele's once-prosperous agricultural enterprise was devastated, leaving him and his family grappling with destitution. They sought assistance from authorities but received no compensation for their losses. Both Asheber and Bekele are part of a government-sponsored program aimed at rehabilitating and recovering IDPs. However, challenges persist in ensuring compliance with international IDP return principles, with humanitarian organizations struggling to reach communities in conflict-affected areas. Food scarcity and inadequate humanitarian aid exacerbate the plight of IDPs, with many facing acute shortages and delays in assistance distribution.
In Amhara, over 66,000 displaced individuals from other regions reside across 88 sites. However, the ongoing conflict in the region complicates aid distribution, leaving thousands of IDPs vulnerable to food insecurity and resource shortages. Despite promises of repatriation and restitution, displaced individuals like Asheber and Bekele continue to endure hardships.
https://addisstandard.com/idps-recently-returned-from-amhara-to-oromia-region-opt-to-turn-back-while-others-choose-to-stay-despite-turmoil/
Addis Standard
IDPs recently returned from Amhara to Oromia region opt to turn back, while others choose to stay despite turmoil - Addis Standard
IDPs recently returned from Amhara to Oromia region opt to turn back, while others choose to stay despite turmoil Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia: #IDPs recently returned from #Amhara to #Oromia region opt to return to their previous shelters, while others choose to stay despite turmoil
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have recently returned from Amhara to the Oromia region in Ethiopia are confronted with a difficult decision: to remain in their hometowns despite ongoing instability or to return to their previous shelters in Amhara. The government-initiated repatriation process, launched last year, has been met with apprehension from the displaced community due to the persistent turmoil in their native villages.
Asheber Takele, an IDP whose name has been altered for safety considerations, recounts his family's ordeal of being forcibly transported back to the East Wellega Zone in Oromia, where they faced a lack of provisions and overcrowded lodging. Witnessing ongoing security concerns and health challenges, Asheber eventually relocated back to the IDP center in #Debre_Birhan city, Amhara.
In contrast, Bekele Girma and his family chose to remain in the Oromia region, despite the widespread violence and conflict. Upon returning, they found their homestead devastated and their agricultural enterprise collapsed. Without compensation, the family now resides near the district administration office, where venturing beyond a kilometer's radius poses significant risks.
The challenges faced by IDPs in both Amhara and Oromia regions persist, with many struggling to access adequate food, shelter, and humanitarian assistance. Aid agencies and the government are making concerted efforts to provide support, but their initiatives have been hindered by insufficient resources and prevailing insecurity.
https://addisstandard.com/idps-recently-returned-from-amhara-to-oromia-region-opt-to-turn-back-while-others-choose-to-stay-despite-turmoil/
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have recently returned from Amhara to the Oromia region in Ethiopia are confronted with a difficult decision: to remain in their hometowns despite ongoing instability or to return to their previous shelters in Amhara. The government-initiated repatriation process, launched last year, has been met with apprehension from the displaced community due to the persistent turmoil in their native villages.
Asheber Takele, an IDP whose name has been altered for safety considerations, recounts his family's ordeal of being forcibly transported back to the East Wellega Zone in Oromia, where they faced a lack of provisions and overcrowded lodging. Witnessing ongoing security concerns and health challenges, Asheber eventually relocated back to the IDP center in #Debre_Birhan city, Amhara.
In contrast, Bekele Girma and his family chose to remain in the Oromia region, despite the widespread violence and conflict. Upon returning, they found their homestead devastated and their agricultural enterprise collapsed. Without compensation, the family now resides near the district administration office, where venturing beyond a kilometer's radius poses significant risks.
The challenges faced by IDPs in both Amhara and Oromia regions persist, with many struggling to access adequate food, shelter, and humanitarian assistance. Aid agencies and the government are making concerted efforts to provide support, but their initiatives have been hindered by insufficient resources and prevailing insecurity.
https://addisstandard.com/idps-recently-returned-from-amhara-to-oromia-region-opt-to-turn-back-while-others-choose-to-stay-despite-turmoil/
Addis Standard
IDPs recently returned from Amhara to Oromia region opt to turn back, while others choose to stay despite turmoil - Addis Standard
IDPs recently returned from Amhara to Oromia region opt to turn back, while others choose to stay despite turmoil Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia: Drivers in #Amhara region hit hard by fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices
Drivers in urban areas of the Amhara region are facing severe fuel shortages and inflated prices, hindering their mobility. In #Bahir_Dar, the regional capital, drivers endure disrupted queues due to limited fuel supplies, with most stations closed.
Heavy truck drivers wait days for refueling, while taxi drivers resort to the black market for fuel at exorbitant prices. Last week, DW reported diesel prices exceeding 350 birr for two liters, far above the standard rate.
Drivers blame regional authorities for not curbing illegal fuel sales, with millions being made unlawfully. However, Ibrahim Mohammed of the Amhara Regional Trade and Market Development Office assures efforts to address the crisis, with 253 operational fuel stations out of 280.
In #Debre_Birhan, drivers face similar challenges, describing an almost complete absence of gasoline. While prices remain stable, concerns loom over the situation's persistence. Taxi operators fear sustaining operations as prices soar.
https://addisstandard.com/drivers-in-amhara-region-hit-hard-by-fuel-shortages-skyrocketing-prices/
Drivers in urban areas of the Amhara region are facing severe fuel shortages and inflated prices, hindering their mobility. In #Bahir_Dar, the regional capital, drivers endure disrupted queues due to limited fuel supplies, with most stations closed.
Heavy truck drivers wait days for refueling, while taxi drivers resort to the black market for fuel at exorbitant prices. Last week, DW reported diesel prices exceeding 350 birr for two liters, far above the standard rate.
Drivers blame regional authorities for not curbing illegal fuel sales, with millions being made unlawfully. However, Ibrahim Mohammed of the Amhara Regional Trade and Market Development Office assures efforts to address the crisis, with 253 operational fuel stations out of 280.
In #Debre_Birhan, drivers face similar challenges, describing an almost complete absence of gasoline. While prices remain stable, concerns loom over the situation's persistence. Taxi operators fear sustaining operations as prices soar.
https://addisstandard.com/drivers-in-amhara-region-hit-hard-by-fuel-shortages-skyrocketing-prices/
Addis Standard
Drivers in Amhara region hit hard by fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices - Addis Standard
Drivers in Amhara region hit hard by fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia-#China: Wuqiao-trained Ethiopian circus artists relish China memories
Thomas Debebe saw a career boost after a one-year scholarship program at #Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, in north China's Hebei Province.
Thomas was a member of a circus group in #Debre_Birhan, 130 kilometers north of Addis Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia, in 2019, when he went to Wuqiao, a far cry from Shewa Robit, his native town in central Ethiopia.
"There, I learned lots of circus arts, performing skills involving storytelling and improvisation," Thomas, a Cyr wheel performer, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"I, along with my colleagues who were trained in China, are now able to exhibit different circus arts of international standard," he said.
“We managed to create synchronization between Chinese and Ethiopian cultures, and performed them in different shows in Ethiopia and beyond. In China, I learned different techniques in Cyr wheel art."
https://english.news.cn/20240507/79356ff221534fa4b7b2d0e0bf9509f8/c.html
Thomas Debebe saw a career boost after a one-year scholarship program at #Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, in north China's Hebei Province.
Thomas was a member of a circus group in #Debre_Birhan, 130 kilometers north of Addis Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia, in 2019, when he went to Wuqiao, a far cry from Shewa Robit, his native town in central Ethiopia.
"There, I learned lots of circus arts, performing skills involving storytelling and improvisation," Thomas, a Cyr wheel performer, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"I, along with my colleagues who were trained in China, are now able to exhibit different circus arts of international standard," he said.
“We managed to create synchronization between Chinese and Ethiopian cultures, and performed them in different shows in Ethiopia and beyond. In China, I learned different techniques in Cyr wheel art."
https://english.news.cn/20240507/79356ff221534fa4b7b2d0e0bf9509f8/c.html