Mahlet Fasil

Addis Abeba, February 05/2018 – The federal high court fourth criminal bench has today sentenced four defendants in the file name of Gurmesa Ayano et.al to six more months in jail in “contempt of court”. This is the second time the court has handed a six month sentencing against the four defendants: Gurmesa Ayano,  Gurmesa Ayano, Dejene Taffa, Addisu Bulala and Bekele Gerba (seen in the above picture). All the four will be serving 12 months in total for contempt of court.

Outside the court room, veteran opposition leader Bulcha Demeksa (retired) and Tiruneh Gemta of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), the party the defendants are from, are seen discussing the court’s decision.

The judges said they were sentencing the defendants for interrupting the court hearing for 30 minutes. This morning, the court was about to pass innocent or guilty verdict but all the defendants have refused to stand up and confirm their presence when called by the judges; they said standing up and speaking to the judges was the reason they were sentenced to six months during the last hearing on January 11.

The hearing for the verdict in the case, one of the high profile terrorism and criminal cases against opposition party members, is now re-adjourned until March 07/2018.

Family members, friends and supporters as seen outside the court room after the sentencing.

Background

All the defendants, originally 22, have spent more than 18 months in jail (and 14 months after they were formally charged) when on July 13/2017, the court acquitted five of the 22 defendants, reduced the terrorism charge against Bekele Gerba to criminal charges, and ordered the remaining 16 to defend the terrorism charges brought by the federal prosecutors.

The court’s decision came after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn pledged to release “some prisoners” who are currently being prosecuted and to pardon some political leaders who have already been convicted and are serving their sentences as part of the government’s attempt to create a space for a national dialogue. Many have expected the likes of senior opposition political party leaders and members such as Gurmesa Ayano and Bekele Gerba among those to be released.

AS

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Reyot Media First Year Anniversary Celebration

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122nd Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa

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For the past seven years, Ethiopia and Egypt have fought over the construction of a dam on the Blue Nile.

The Ethiopians say the project will boost its economy, but the Egyptians claim it will cut off their water supply.

Ethiopia, which is financing the project alone and hopes to become the continent’s biggest power generator and exporter, dismisses the claims.

Sudan supports the dam because it will regulate floods and provide electricity and irrigation.

Talks between the three governments have stalled for months but they have now decided to draw up a report of solutions to the issue and agreed to hold heads of state meetings annually.

Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to finish the initial technical study within one month.

TRT World’s Philip Owira reports.

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Egypt and Sudan are at odds over an Ethiopian plan to build a huge hydropower dam near the Sudanese border. Cairo fears the project will restrict their access to water, but Khartoum says it’s essential for their agriculture. Could these growing tensions spill over into a full blown water war?

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Aaron Maasho

Reuters

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – An Ethiopian court sentenced a senior opposition leader to six months in jail for contempt of court on Monday because he raised his hand when addressed by the judge rather than standing, his lawyer said.

The court ruling came despite a government push to release politicians jailed after mass protests broke out three years ago in the Oromiya region over accusations of land grabbing.

More than 2,000 political prisoners have been released since January as part of a package of reforms announced to try to calm lingering tensions.

Bekele Gerba, secretary general of the opposition group Oromo Federalist Congress, was arrested in December 2015 and charged with involvement in terrorism. The charge was later reduced to inciting violence.

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“He had raised his hand when called upon by the judge. The judged deemed that as contempt of court as he did not rise and delivered a six-month sentence,” his lawyer Ameha Mekonnen told Reuters.

Last month, the court had also sentenced him for a similar period after Bekele and other opposition party members sang a protest song during the trial. A separate verdict on his incitement charge is expected on March 7.

Hundreds died in the violence in the Horn of Africa country in 2015 and 2016, as protests broadened into demonstrations against political restrictions and perceived human rights abuses.

The government in Addis Ababa is often criticized by rights groups for using security concerns as an excuse to stifle dissent and media freedoms. It denies the charges.

Last month the United Nations human rights body called on Ethiopia to review the status of a “large number of people” still behind bars. The total number of people that remain imprisoned for taking part in the demonstrations is unknown.

The body said the government should review anti-terror legislation and laws “to ensure that they are neither interpreted nor implemented too broadly, thereby resulting in people being arbitrarily or wrongfully detained”.

Laws placing “undue restrictions” on non-governmental organizations and restricting the media should also be revised, the U.N. said.

Merera Gudina, the leader of Bekele’s Oromo Federalist Congress, is among those recently released. The group is a member of Ethiopia’s largest opposition coalition.

Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Katharine Houreld and Matthew Mpoke Bigg

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U.S. Ambassador Michael Raynor and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Hirut Woldemariam,jointly launched a new project for the preservation of Bete Golgotha Mikael Church in Lalibela, on Saturday, February 3, 2018.

The preservation work is funded with a grant from the U.S. Embassy through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  The project will invest a total of $500,000 dollars (about 13.7 million Birr) with an additional $119,500 dollars in matching funds from the World Monuments Fund.

This project will utilize innovative, non-intrusive, and proven techniques which were piloted during a previous AFCP project in 2016 at Lalibela.  Local craftsmen will be trained in these techniques so that they can be shared and replicated for future projects.

In remarks during the launch ceremony, Ambassador Raynor hailed the living culture represented by Lalibela’s historic churches saying, “These churches are as vibrant and relevant today as they have ever been, and taking steps to preserve them now will help them remain vibrant and relevant in perpetuity.  We’re working to restore structures that are not only integral to Ethiopia’s past, but that represent a religion and culture that are very much alive and active today.” He added, “Ethiopian culture is remarkable for many reasons, including its diversity – and its tolerance of diversity. But in seeking to preserve the symbols of Ethiopian culture, through projects like the one we’re celebrating today, we must also work to redouble our appreciation for the timeless values that underlie Ethiopian culture:  values that include peaceful political expression and peaceful tolerance of such expression.”

Since 2003, the U.S Embassy has supported the renovation of nine historical heritages throughout Ethiopia, including most recently the restoration of Bete Gabriel Rafael in Lalibela.

Ethiopia’s Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) and the World Monuments Fund (WMF) signed the commencement for the project in the presence of the Ambassador and the Minister.

This project is supported by the United States Embassy; the World Monuments Fund; the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage; the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church; the Administration of Lalibela Town; the Amhara Region Bureau of Culture and Tourism; and Addis Ababa University.

Source: U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia

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(CNN) — Rambunctious, manic, beguiling, exciting — it’s hard to accurately describe Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia’s capital, which translates as “New Flower” in the country’s Amharic language, shows little sign of losing its youthful, lusty edge and is the pulsing heart of this eclectic nation’s resurgence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“Addis,” as it’s often simply known, is the world’s third-highest capital city at 2,400 meters, and has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik about 1892.

Life is lived very much outdoors on its bustling streets thanks to comfortable temperate weather boosted by months of nonstop sunshine.

“Perhaps the highest praise one can direct at this chaotic, contradictory and compelling city is this: Addis Ababa does feel exactly as the Ethiopia capital should feel — singularly and unmistakably Ethiopian,” says travel writer Philip Briggs.

Here’s 10 of the best things to check out when you travel to Addis.

1. Black gold

Ethiopia is famous for its coffee and Tomoca is one of the oldest joints in town.

James Jeffrey

It’s impossible to separate Ethiopian culture — that unparalleled Ethiopian-ness — from coffee.

This is the land of the finest Arabica coffee — as legend would have it, discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd boy and his goats sometime around the sixth century.

And Addis is the city of cafés, traditional coffee stalls in bars and restaurants, and women walking the streets with thermos flasks — all dispensing potent high-quality coffee.

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All modes of coffee distribution are worth trying, though you may struggle to sleep for some time afterward.

One of the city’s first roasters and deserving of legendary status is the original Tomoca Coffee shop off Churchill Avenue (Tomoca, Wawel St, Addis Ababa; +251 91 122 1412).

Alem Bunna off Bole Road is another traditional favourite, while Kaldi’s Coffee chain offers a more modern, Starbucks-esque experience, popular with hip and trendy young things. (Kaldi’s Coffee, Sarbet Adams Pavillion Building, Roosevelt St, Addis Ababa; +251 11 371 4258)

Extra tip: The delicious Ethiopian version of a macchiato is worth a try — many foreigners confess to being unable to start their days without two of them. Or you could ask for a spriss, which is half coffee and half tea.

2, Local art and fashion

Addis Ababa’s arts scene is thriving. Makush Art Gallery is a popular draw.

James Jeffrey

Ethiopia’s expanding art scene is aptly demonstrated by the 600-plus painting collection at Makush Art Gallery off Bole Road.

Another good spot is Asni Gallery and Café in Kebena. Many hotels, such as the Hilton and Radisson Blu, do a good job of displaying impressive works by local artists.

When it comes to fashion, Ethiopian designers like to combine the old with the new as illustrated by the Mafi label of Mahlet Afework, one of the best known and most daring designers.

Yefikir Design specializes in Ethiopia’s traditional style of white cotton with strips of intricate colourful patterns along edges. (Yefikir Design, Africa Ave, Addis Ababa; +251 93 003 5109)

Extra tip: When it comes to shopping, the Mercato market — one of Africa’s largest — occupies a swathe of the city easily missed by tourists. It’s an eyeful to say the least, in which anything appears to be available, though it’s best go with an Ethiopian guide, and with a watchful eye on your pockets.

3. Dancing

Ethiopians are superb dancers. Regardless of age, all Ethiopians appear to relish the chance to hit the dance floor (or turn any location into a dance floor). And they love it when a foreigner joins in, or at least tries to.

You can’t beat finding a so-called “azmari bet” for live music and to witness the wild, eye-popping traditional iskista dance of the Amhara people.

Related content

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The city’s evolving music scene will keep you guessing with its variety, ranging from Ethio-Jazz — the African Jazz Village bar at the Ghion Hotel close to Meskal Square offers one of the best examples of this Ethiopian speciality — to Amharic rap pumping out of bars and nightclubs. (Ghion Hotel, Ras Desta Damtew Av. Addis Ababa; +251 115 513 222)

Extra tip: The easy-to-miss Fendika asmari bet near the Radisson Blu is a long-time favorite, where you can also try a glass of Ethiopia’s fabled tej honey wine. (Fendika, Zweditu Street, Addis Ababa; +251 91 154 7577)

4. Ethiopian history

Ethiopians take their history very seriously, and they have good reason: Ethiopia has one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions. It was one of only two African countries not colonized, plus it’s widely accepted that the first humans came from the Rift Valley running through Ethiopia.

Hence, in the National Museum of Ethiopia, you’ll find the legendary Lucy, the oldest and most complete hominid skeleton ever discovered, which was found in the northeastern Danakil desert (an amazing travel experience itself). (National Museum of Ethiopia, King George VI St., Addis Abab; +251 11 111 7150).

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Then there’s the treasure trove of the Ethnological Museum, on the Addis Ababa Universitymain campus (Algeria Street, Addis Ababa; +251 92 074 7162), showing the full sweep of Ethiopia’s cultural and social history across two floors filled with all sorts of ancient artifacts, Ethiopian art and religious icons.

Extra tip: Addis Ababa serves as the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, which provides an excellent domestic service to visit the historic marvels around the country such as Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and Harar’s ancient walled city.

5. Local food

Injera is Ethiopia’s national dish — a grey, spongy bread with vegetables and sauce toppings.

James Jeffery

It’s a rite of passage to try local staple injera — a spongy pancake-like bread piled with various meats, vegetables and delicious hot sauces.

Addis has a number of well-known traditional restaurant options, which typically also put on traditional dancing displays while you eat.

The 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant is a longstanding favorite (Namibia Street, Addis Ababa; +251 11 618 2253).

Farther from the city center is Totot Restaurant (+251 11 646 0718) in Mebrat Hail, specializing in kitfo, a spicy minced beef dish often praised by Ethiopian supermodels for its nutritional powers.

Extra tip: It’s well worth diving into any of the thousands of local eateries serving traditional Ethiopian fare — it’s relatively safe to go truly local as food is well prepared. You shouldn’t be deterred by windows full of carcasses that accompany most local restaurants: meat doesn’t come fresher, served straight from the fire.

6. Food that’s not injera

If you end up feeling the need for some more familiar sustenance, there are plenty of Western-styled restaurant options in Addis because of the city’s role as a diplomatic hub with a large expat community working for international organizations.

Ristorante Castelli (Mahatma Gandhi St, Addis Ababa; +251 11 157 1757) is one of the most famous, an Italian restaurant in the old Piazza area that has fed royalty, film stars and ex-US presidents.

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Other restaurants frequently recommended by Addis residents include Italian restaurant Grani di Pepe (28th Roundabout Abuare, Addis Ababa; +251 93 370 6647) and Belgium-themed Le Grand Rêve (+251 94 670 7892).

At Sky Steak House on the 8th floor of Dreamliner Hotel you can enjoy a good steak while watching airplanes taking off and landing at Bole International airport. Sichuan Restaurant(Oda Bldg. 3rd Floor; Kassanchis; +251 91 160 3926) is recommended for quality Chinese food.

Extra tip: If you’re simply after a good old-fashioned burger then most say you can’t beat Sishu Restaurant (+251 92 006 1063) on Alexander Pushkin Street.

7. Sports

Cycling, running and soccer are the favorite sports in Addis.

James Jeffrey

Most weekends there’s usually a cycle race somewhere in Addis, drawing enthusiastic crowds and a festive atmosphere as people sit outside bars and cafes drinking beers under the sun.

The soccer stadium at Meskal Square is a raucous experience — Ethiopians are soccer mad. Any weekend bars across the city are full of impassioned Ethiopians watching the English Premiership soccer league, clasping their heads in horror or cheering the goals.

And of course there’s running — the Great Ethiopian Run is an annual 10-kilometer road-running event growing in reputation and popularity that takes place in late November.

Extra tip: Ethiopian sport is getting more diverse all the time — rally car driving is taking off, with a number of events held throughout the year.

8. Decent accommodation

For those after sheer luxury, Sheraton Hotel (Taitu Street, Addis Ababa; +251 11 517171), built by Ethiopian billionaire Sheikh Mohammed Al Amoudi, remains an expensive treat, occupying a parallel dimension in central Addis. Even if not staying, it’s worth wandering round the palatial grounds.

There’s longstanding favorite the Hilton (Menelik II Ave., Addis Ababa: +251 11 517 0000), where the journalists who camped out during former days of tumult and revolution are now replaced by business folk gathering at the poolside bar and restaurant to thrash out deals.

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If you’re after cheaper and more traditional, then the Itegue Taitu hotel (+251 11 1 560787), the city’s oldest, deep in the boisterous warren that is the Piazza, still offers great deals. The hospitable Ghion Hotel close to Meskal Square is a time warp back to the 1960s with its décor and old fashioned manners. (Ghion Hotel, Ras Desta Damtew Ave., Addis Ababa; +251 11 551 3222)

Extra tip: Ras Hotel (Gambia St, Addis Ababa; +251 11 551 7060) occupies a superb central location on Churchill Avenue. Its patio bar and restaurant is a long established popular rendezvous spot for locals, and a good central spot for a pit stop when exploring the city.

9. Attractions off the beaten track

There’s bound to be a few surprises in a city of about five million people that’s capital of a country with a cultural, historical and linguistic identity quite distinct from the rest of Africa.

You can watch the sun rise from a rocky outcrop atop Yeka hill overlooking the area of Megananya to the east of the city before visiting the nearby 700-year-old rock-hewn church of Washa Michael.

Or there’s the Horn of Africa’s first space observatory high in the Entoto hills encircling the northern reaches of the city. As well as offering great panoramic views over Addis, it’s an indication of how far Ethiopian development wants to go.

Extra tip: At street level, another local custom is the tiny juice bars dotted all over the city serving delicious mixes of freshly squeezed juices.

10. Amharic language

Learning a few words of Amharic will go a long way with the locals.

Ian Swithinbank/Flickr

Similar to dancing, Ethiopians, young and old, love it when foreigners try to speak their language. Just one word is usually a great way to break the ice. It can be a mind-bogglingly diverse country for linguists with more than 80 dialects, but in Addis Ababa, Amharic is the most applicable.

Here are five essential phrases:

Selam: Hello

Ameseginalew: Thank you

Yirkirta: Excuse me or sorry

Konjo! Beautiful (a good word to use in reply to the many Ethiopians who will ask you how things are or how you are finding Ethiopia)

Yeut no? Where is …?

James Jeffrey is a freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, from where he writes about Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa for various international media. Twitter: @jamesinaddis.

Rambunctious, manic, beguiling, exciting — it’s hard to accurately describe Addis Ababa….

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By AFP
ADDIS ABABA

Clashes between two of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic groups have forced around one million people to leave their homes, according to a UN report seen by AFP.

Fighting between the Oromo and Somali peoples along the shared border between their two states occurred sporadically through 2017 but the situation intensified in September, leaving hundreds of people dead by a government estimate and displacing scores of others trying to flee the violence.

CONFLICT

Statistics from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) show that the conflict-related displacement is more widespread than previously known and one of the biggest seen by Ethiopia in recent years.

“Preliminary data from the latest round of the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix conducted in November 2017 indicates that around 1 million persons have been displaced due to conflict along the Oromia-Somali regional border,” dating back to at least 2015, said a report by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In 2017 alone, 700,000 people were displaced with the IOM recording a “significant spike” in September of that year.

An official with IOM’s office in the capital Addis Ababa declined to comment further on the data, cited in the OCHA report dated January 23.

ETHNICITY

Ethiopia is divided into ethnically demarcated federal states intended to give the country’s many ethnic groups self-determination.

While Oromos and Somalis have lived side-by-side in each other’s region, quarrels between the two ethnic groups over access to land and resources have occurred for years along the borders of their two states, Oromia and Somali.

The reasons for the conflict’s sudden intensification last year remain unclear, but both sides accuse the other of carrying out atrocities and forcing people of the opposite ethnic group out of their respective states.

“Often having fled with nothing more than personal possessions at hand, most of the IDPs remain in precarious conditions, fully dependent on government and international humanitarian assistance,” the IOM said.

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Hiber Radio Daily Ethiopian News February 5, 2018

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BBN Daily Ethiopian News February 5, 2018

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The government of South Sudan has boycotted the second phase of the IGAD-brokered South Sudanese peace talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

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By Sonia Farid
Special to Al Arabiya English
Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Upon his return from Cairo on January 19, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced that he rejected Egypt’s proposal to seek the mediation of the World Bank in the dispute over the Renaissance Dam, which is expected to affect Egypt’s share of Nile Water. Upon finishing a meeting in Addis Ababa with Desalegn and Sudanese Present Omar al-Bashir on January 29, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told reporters who asked whether the crisis was resolved that “there is no crisis” and none of the countries involved will be harmed.

On the same day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri said that all pending technical issues will be finalized within one month, still giving no details. Unlike the first statement, which gives the impression that the impasse stands and negotiations are still failing, the second implies a breakthrough. However, with no obvious change in the few days that separated the two statements and no official announcements of a resolution, the situation remains blurred and so is the fate of Egypt’s one and only lifeline.

Ambassador and former deputy foreign minister Ahmed Abul Kheir said that despite how reassuring the president’s statement was, it still does not mean the crisis is resolved. “I don’t trust Ethiopia especially following the rejection of World Bank mediation,” he said. “The World Bank would have been extremely helpful in disputed technical issues and we are worried that any other entity might be swayed by Ethiopia.”

Abul Kheir added that Egypt should have come out of the meeting with more tangible results. “Obviously, Egypt had to do with good will gestures and promises rather than concrete agreements since unfortunately Ethiopia is in a stronger position and we need to be patient.” He, however, doubted that anything can be resolved within one month as the foreign minister said since the two countries have been negotiating for the past three years and are still unable to reach a middle ground. “This is, of course, unless Ethiopia offers huge concessions, which is extremely unlikely.”

Expert in African affairs Amani al-Tawil argued that the results of the negotiations in Cairo and Addis Ababa are not announced because both parties opted for discretion so that matters would not be blown out of proportion by the media, which was especially the case in Egypt where an anti-Ethiopian discourse prevailed in most media outlets.

“We also need to take into consideration that the Egyptian regime is cautious not to adopt a confrontational stance and to solve the issue through diplomacy and good will.” Tawil refuted claims that the ambiguity of the situation is attributed to the regime’s inability to manage negotiations.

“Such claims overlook the fact that the current regime inherited the problem. This is a result of years of negligence of African affairs under Mubarak as well as strained relations with African countries when the Muslim Brotherhood came to power,” she explained. Tawil, however, admitted that the two sides have not reached any agreement on the main pending issues. “For example, there is obviously no progress on the issue of filling the dam reservoir,” she said, in reference to both the timing and the speed of the filling, a major bone of contention between the two countries.

For professor of political science Tarek Fahmy, the optimistic tone with which the president spoke following his meeting with Desalegn and Bashir is due to Egypt’s ability to gain more ground in the negotiations. “Egypt scored a number of diplomatic victories in this meeting. First, Ethiopia did not reject the principle of mediation, so an international organization other than the World Bank can be asked to do this job,” he said.

“Second, the technical committee which stopped following an earlier deadlock in negotiations will now resume its work.” Ethiopia and Sudan, Fahmy added, also pledged not to make any agreements regarding the filling of the reservoir without involving Egypt. “All these achievements imply that Egypt did not offer any concessions and adhered to its position as far as its historic rights to Nile water are concerned.”

According to Ethiopian journalist Anwar Ibrahim, one of the reasons why negotiations are not moving forward is Egypt’s insistence on more demands in every round. “This includes the request for the mediation of the World Bank, which Ethiopia rejected because it believes that the two countries can resolve the issue without intervention,” he said.

“Add to this Egypt’s demand to know the amount of water to fill the reservoirs and the speed with which the water will be pumped and its request that Ethiopia constructs gates at the entrance to the dam in addition to proposals of joint administration of the dam.” Ibrahim added that he also heard reports that Egypt wanted to exclude Sudan from the negotiations. Ibrahim said that Egypt keeps adding demands despite reassurances from the Ethiopian side that its share of Nile water will not be harmed. “The Egyptian administration gives the impression that it is always trying to buy more time.”

Sudanese journalist Khaled al-Tijani Nour notes that strained Egyptian-Sudanese relations complicate the issue even more. “Both Egypt and Sudan are on the weak side since they are the downstream countries to be harmed by the construction of the dam, while Ethiopia calls the shots and that is exactly why it does not need to offer any concessions whatsoever,” he wrote.

“So, both Egypt and Sudan will eventually have to bow.” The problem, Nour explained, is that relations between the two countries have been souring lately, which is in Ethiopia’s best interest. “Ethiopia is aware that Egypt and Sudan will not unite against it so while they are both busy fighting, it is going ahead with its plans.”

Nour added that the technical issues over which Egypt and Ethiopia disagree are the least important. “This is not about water. This is about power. The Nile is just a strategic tool to determine who has leverage in the region and the problem needs to be dealt with from this perspective.”

BBN Daily Ethiopian News February 06, 2018

ESAT Reports

The faction led by Sebehat Nega that came out triumphant after a marathon of meetings and infighting within the TPLF has reportedly wanted Samora out and be replaced by one of the four-star generals recently promoted by the regime.

Sixty-one officers were promoted to the various ranks of general last week in an unprecedented move within the army. The rank and file is also expected to get promotions soon. Critics call it an attempt to quell the growing resentment within the army in which all major positions were controlled by Tigrayans holding over 90% of the top brass.

There has been growing tensions within the higher echelons of the army following recent divisions and power struggle within the TPLF, with officers showing allegiance to either factions.

Sebehat Nega, the founding member of the TPLF, has reportedly gained the upper hand and has been instrumental in removing Azeb Mesfin, the widow of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, from the Front and her position as the CEO of EFFORT, a party conglomerate that controls all aspects of business in the country. Abay Woldu, presumed to be the leader in the opposing faction has lost to Nega and has been removed from his position as Chairman of the TPLF and administrator of the Tigray region.

Nega and co have now moved to reshuffle the army in favor of their people. Younis and few other generals are expected to retire. The commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, Adem Ahmed (an Amhara) is expected to be replaced by Molla Hailemariam (Tigray).

Source:

Etenesh Abera

Addis Abeba, February 07/2018 – Following a statement released yesterday by the OPDO, member of  Ethiopia’s ruling party, EPRDF,  pledging to work with opposition parties including those outside of the country, Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) has released a statement welcoming the move and expressing its own readiness to work with OPDO. In addition, Leenco Lata, president of ODF, told Addis Standard late this afternoon that “there has always been go-betweens between us and OPDO leaders.”

OPDO’s lengthy statement was released late last night at the end of ten days meeting by the central committee. Among several promises the OPDO said it would implement as part of its ongoing reform, its emphasis on the importance of building multi party political system and its promise to work towards realizing that has caught the attention of many.

According to OPDO’s statement, the presence of opposition political parties in contributing towards creating a healthy market place of ideas, and in nurturing a democratic environment is invaluable. Differences among and between political groups and parties should accommodate “diversity of ideas” which will in tern contribute to the well-being of the country at large, the statement emphasized. “Democracy is a matter of survival for the people of our country,” the statement said, adding the “OPDO understands well that in order to establish a democratic structure whereby diversity of ideas can be tolerated, the role of political parties is essential.” To this end, the statement said, while respecting its differences, the OPDO is ready to work with opposition political parties “both from within and outside the country.”

Within hours, the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF), an opposition party in exile, has released its own statement in which it reciprocated its readiness to work with the OPDO. “We believe the call is timely and a major step in the right direction,” the statement says, “And we therefore wholeheartedly welcome and accept OPDO’s call.”

Furthermore, in a phone interview with Addis Standard, Leenco Lata, President of ODF, said “there has always been go-betweens between us and OPDO leaders,” especially since the idea of reform took effect within the current OPDO leadership. Leenco added that ODF is  “flexible regarding the procedure” to work with OPDO.

Commend and applaud

ODF’s statement said “while commending and applauding OPDO for the bold move, we want to take this opportunity to express our willingness and readiness to work with it not only to realize the aspirations of the Oromo people but also to make Ethiopia’s federation genuinely democratic and multi-national, for which we have been advocating since the founding of our organization.”

On his part, Leenco said ODF “will be consulting OPDO officials to see what is convenient for both sides.  We will be exploring more ways to work with the OPDO officials; at this time we are willing to consider all options,” he said, adding “ODF was established with a plan of returning back home and contributing to the process of building a democratic Ethiopia.” He mentioned that it was because of this commitment that he and other senior members of the ODF came to Ethiopia in March 2015.  However, they were quickly told to leave the country. “We have not stopped working on returning back since then.”

A breakaway from the oldest political party, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), ODF was established in 2013 by the founders and senior leaders of OLF itself, including Leenco Leta. AS

Ed’s Note: Addis Standard will release its detailed exclusive interview with Leenco Lata soon. 

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) — The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour will arrive in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on February 24, which gives Ethiopian fans the chance to experience football’s most prestigious prize.

Speaking at a ceremony here, Junedin Basha, President of Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), said the event would be a big draw in a football-mad nation.

“Ethiopia is home to 100 million people, most of whom are in the youth category. Its capital city Addis Ababa is the home to AU headquarter, so it makes sense to be chosen among 10 African countries the FIFA trophy will visit,” he said.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour kicked off last September in host country Russia and will visit more than 50 countries across six continents, travelling 126,000 kilometers in nine months leading to the football tournament.

The trophy will arrive in Ethiopia from Sudan, with an opportunity for Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and other ministers to view the trophy at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. The trophy will stay for a total of two days in Ethiopia.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 15, 2018 in Russia.

Ethiopia has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, with the national football team struggling to make an impact in international events. Enditem

Source: Xinhua

Reuters Thursday February 08, 2018 

The Central Statistics Agency said food inflation was at 18 percent in January, versus 17.4 percent in the previous month.

Non-food inflation was at 8.4 percent, compared with 9.4 percent in December, the agency said in a statement.

(Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Writing by Clement Uwiringiyimana; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

Addis Standard 2018-02-08

100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation – is Dedicated to Building Resilience in Cities around the World – Addis Abeba is a Founding Member of $164M Effort

Addis Abeba, February 08/2018 – Addis Abeba’s mayor Deriba Kuma has appointed Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene as Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), a new position created to lead city-wide resilience building efforts to help the city prepare for, withstand, and bounce back from the ‘shocks’ – catastrophic events like hurricanes, fires, and floods – and ‘stresses’ – slow-moving disasters like water shortages, homelessness, and unemployment, which are increasingly part of 21^st century life. As Chief Resilience Officer, Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene, who most recently served as deputy director, CRO Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network, will report directly to the mayor’s office and oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive Resilience Strategy for the city. Mayor Deriba Kuma additionally announces the creation of the Addis Abeba Resilience Project Office.

Speaking about Fitsumbrhan’s appointment, Mayor Deriba Kuma said, “Addis Abeba is the country’s capital, growth engine, and home to 25% of Ethiopia’s urban population. The city’s population is expected to double in the coming 10 to 15 years, bringing both challenges and opportunities to a country aspiring to be a middle income economy by 2025. I have a strong belief that as our first Chief Resilience Officer,  Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene will work closely with all concerned stakeholders and guide our city toward greater resilience, in the face of ever growing economic, social, and spatial demands. Furthermore, I would like to stress that my city administration is determined to guide the growth of Addis Abeba towards a more sustainable and resilient path.”

Appointing a CRO is an essential element of Addis Abeba’s resilience building partnership with 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation. The 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) organization is part of a $164M commitment by The Rockefeller Foundation to build urban resilience in 100 cities around the world. The position will be fully funded by 100RC for at least the next two years. Addis Abeba’s engagement with 100 Resilient Cities kicked off in December 2016 with a “Resilience Agenda-Setting Workshop,” and it is expected that under Fitsumbrhan’s leadership, the city is poised to take the next step in its resilience planning.

“We want Addis Abeba to be a model for the region,” said CRO Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene. “The city, and Ethiopia on the national scale, has already demonstrated global leadership in promoting climate resilience and a green economy. In my role as Chief Resilience Officer, I am looking forward to folding these types of initiatives into a more holistic resilience strategy. The Resilience Project Office will furthermore be critical in institutionalizing resilience thinking into city planning.”

The CRO is an innovative feature of 100RC’s resilience building program, specifically designed to break down existing barriers at the local level, account for pre-existing resilience plans, and create partnerships, alliances, and financing mechanisms that will address the resilience vulnerabilities of all city residents. In addition to providing financial and logistical guidance for establishing the CRO position, 100RC offers each city in the network technical support for developing a robust Resilience Strategy, access to a wide range of partner services to help develop and implement their resilience strategies, and membership in a global network of cities who can learn from and help each other.

“Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene joins a network of peers from cities across the globe that will share best practices and surface innovative thinking,” said Michael Berkowitz, President of 100 Resilient Cities. “Fitsumbrhan will become a global leader in resilience, and will be an asset for Addis Abeba and other cities around the world.”

The administrative capital of Ethiopia and the unofficial diplomatic capital of the continent, Addis Abeba faces some of the fastest rates of population growth and urbanization worldwide. Responding to these opportunities and challenges, the city’s resilience initiative looks at urban planning, innovative financing schemes, communication technology, and trans-regional development to address issues as far-reaching as public health, affordable housing, unemployment, flooding, and secure infrastructure. Mr. Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene will be charged with fostering a citywide dialogue that ultimately cultivates a holistic view of resilience.

Fitsumbrhan will receive personnel and technical support provided by 100RC; and utilize resilience building tools from private, public, academic, and NGO sector organizations that have partnered with 100RC. Addis Ababa’s Resilience Strategy will be a holistic, action-oriented blueprint to build partnerships and alliances, financing mechanisms, and will pay particular attention to meeting the needs of poor and vulnerable populations.

To further support the work of the Chief Resilience Officer, Proclamation No. 89/2017 legally established an independent Resilience Project Office for the period of five years. The City Government additionally committed funding of up to 750,000 USD for setting up the Office and covering the first year’s operational costs. Directly accountable to Mayor Deriba Kuma and under the leadership of Fitsumbrhan Tsegaye Beyene, the Addis Abeba Resilience Project Office will be responsible for developing a robust City Resilience Strategy and for mainstreaming its principles into existing and future city and sectoral plans. The Office will play a key role in the Strategy’s implementation by developing bankable project proposals and securing resources and partnerships at all levels for their successful execution. AS