Members of the Holy Synod of EOTC in Addis Abeba. Photo: EOTC Media Center

Addis Abeba – In a statement released after and emergency plenary session held yesterday on the election of bishops to be held in Tigray region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s (EOTC) Holy Synod said the planned appointment of bishops “violates articles 37 and 38 of the church’s constitution, is inappropriate from the point of view of the church’s canon, which violates the central administration of the church and harms its unity.”

Tigray Orthodox religious leaders announced yesterday their intentions to adhere to the planned nomination of bishops for dioceses organized under the newly established See of Selama Kessate Berhan Archdiocese of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is scheduled to take place on 16 July.

In a letter addressed to the media calling for the coverage of the nomination event, the head office of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan Archdiocese said 10 episcopates are due to be appointed in the holy city of Aksum, marking another major turn in the widening schism within the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church.

This came in the backdrop of the return of a delegation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) led by His Holiness Abune Mathias I, the patriarch, from Mekelle to Addis Abeba on Tuesday without securing a face-to-face meeting with the leaders of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan Archdiocese in Tigray.

In its statement today, the Holy Synod has called on the federal and Tigray regional governments “to help solve problems through dialogue and to facilitate a forum for dialogue.” AS

Khat market in Kombolcha district, East Hararghe

By Abdi Biyenssa @ABiyenssa

Addis Abeba – Farmers and exporters of the lucrative khat crop, an essential stimulant plant, cultivated in vast areas of in the Oromia region are facing an unforeseen socio-economic crisis as a result of disruptive government regulation. The repercussions of this state-intervention has sent shock-waves across the sector, affecting everyone toiling to make ends met either from farming, or trading the mild stimulant eaf; from the humble farmers in the countryside to the bustling export agencies in towns and cities.

Traditionally a coffee cultivating areas in Oromia region have in recent decades transitioned to a predominantly khat producing places; this is particularly visible in districts such as Oda Bultum, Badessa, Gelemso, Habro, Chiro, and Boke in East and West Hararghe zones. The move from coffee to khat was driven by the khat’s attractiveness that have found a ready market domestically and internationally. But so too the ever widening crisis affecting countless households.

“The shift to khat farming was an economically driven decision by the farmers due to the plant’s high market demand and resilience,” Tofik Abdela, a researcher and agricultural economist specializing in Khat at Oda Bultum University explained.  However, he noted that the increased involvement of the government in the Khat market under the pretext regulating the business has resulted in “an alarming financial aftermath that’s taking a heavy toll on the farmers”.

The mild stimulant plant grows mainly in Ethiopia, Kenya and Yemen; but Ethiopia was known to be the biggest exporting country up until 2020. According to a research published in 2020 on Khat marketing and its export performance in the Ethiopian economy, Khat industry was “one of the leading agricultural sectors. The industry constitutes 4% of the country’s export earnings andshares9.4% of total merchandise export.”

The once vibrant market is now gutted to merely navigate its bare existence, thanks in large part to inexplicable and often unpredictable state intervention in the market. Recently, the crisis has made its way to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s attention during his last parliament appearance on 06 July. MP Mohammed Qophe asked the PM about the endless challenges surrounding the khat export trade, and the persistent challenges the khat farmers are facing. The Prime Minister responded simply saying, “the problem still exists, and we need to find a solution.” “We are discussing it with concerned parties with the aim of addressing the farmer’s pertinent issues” he said.

Double deposit, multiply crisis

In April 2022 the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration (MoTRI) announced that it had doubled the export price for khat, which requires an exporter to deposit to an Ethiopian bank US$10 for a kilo of exported khat instead of the long-time fixed price of US$5. Even though the decision was reversed for a short period following a subsequent ban from Somaliland Khat Association, it was later reinstated, causing major disruptions of the khat market and placing an unsustainable burden on the khat exporters and the farming community.

A month later, the same ministry announced that it had revoked 830 business licenses of Khat exporters who are allegedly “involved in illegal activities” including failure to renew business licenses and misuse of their services.

The Ministry promised to increase the country’s income from khat export and streamline the legal trading system and to take measures to set up a national level of information flow, and organize a task force to “prevent illegal trade and smuggling, clarifying information, as well as tightening and monitoring Khat export” at national level.

But until today, the exorbitant deposit of US$10 for a kilo of khat that exporters are forced to pay, causing a major disruption in the marker, remain in place.

Representatives from prominent khat export agencies, Biftu Baha and Brighton, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed the repercussions of this increased export price. “Such a surge in export prices has disrupted our export routes. While we continue to ship to Hargeisa and Djibouti, we’ve had to halt exports to Mogadishu and Puntland,” a representative of Biftu Baha said, adding that khat exporters from countries like Kenya have dominated these markets due to lower prices.

He further added that the gap between the production cost of khat and its market or export price, [the US$10 exporter is expected to deposit to a bank for a kilo of chat] is cutting deep into their profits plunging them deeper into crisis. Making it worse is the frequent taxation at multiple checkpoints at municipal and regional level.

“The Oromia regional government and the Awaday municipal administration are imposing a combined levy of 22 birr per kilogram of khat, 17 birr and 5 birr respectively,” the representative explained. “The situation in the Somali region mirrors the same, leading to a total levy of 44 birr per kilogram. This is without exclusive of the federal government’s levy.” Such heavy taxation without taking into account transportation and other costs associated with the production and export of khat in an industry operating on thin margins, is a devastating blow, he added.

Khat farm, Kombolcha district, East Hararghe

The fallout from the disrupted supply lines and the hefty taxes have pushed these agencies to their breaking point. A member of Brighton Khat Export Agency, who asked to be anonymous, told Addis Standard that the agency which was established at an initial capital of 24 million birr with farmers, traders, and investors constituting its 150 members has halted Khat export after it incurred a loss amounted to 400 million birr owing to heavy taxation, uniform US$10 export price per kilo for all types of Khat, which some exporters refer to as ‘federal government tax’, and additional burdens, such as surging expenses for transportation, accommodation, among others.

“There are certain types of khat that deserve to be levied a tax of ten dollars, but the government imposed a levy of ten dollars on all varieties of exported khat,” he noted. Another Khat export agency, Biiftuu Bahaa, was rendered out of operation in a similar manner. Biiftuu Bahaa’s loss accounts for 350 million birr according to a shareholder who spoke to Addis Standard anonymously. The financial strain on these agencies is immense, the repercussions however, go beyond export agencies’ balance sheets instigating layoffs and resultant distress on countless families.

“Our organization alone had to let go of a significant portion of our workforce. And each of these workers have families that are now deprived of a steady income. The human toll of this crisis is extensive,” said the member of Brighton agency.

“Our survival is intertwined with the khat market’s success. If it fails, we fail.”

Khat Farmer

Meanwhile, at the root of this value chain, the farmers bear the brunt of this crisis. Farmer Faud Ahimed from the khat capital Aweday city in East Hararghe zone shared his personal experience, stating, “the price of khat, which we used to sell at 2000 to 3000 birr, dropped to 200-500 birr. Not only farmers but also traders and workers whose activities are related to the production and trade of khat are exposed to unemployment and all the families and people who support these workers and traders have lost their livelihoods and are exposed to hunger and misery.”

The effects of these changes have spilled over to the youth population. According to Fuad,  in the city of Awaday alone, tens of thousands of youths lost their jobs and were forced to return to the countryside without income to support their families. Fuad shed light on their financial struggles, stating, “We took loans to buy gasoline for khat production, but without a market for our khat and with income losses, we can’t repay our debts.” He further explained, “We’re on the edge. It’s difficult to afford basic educational supplies for my children, and providing for my family is increasingly challenging.” 

Farmer Ibrahim Mohammed, who lives in Ugaas Leencha village, Haramaya district, East Hararghe zone added, in a desperate scramble for survival, farmers have resorted to selling their livestock and making charcoal bricks from wood for sale. “We’ve sold all our animals to support our families, and our houses are empty. Despite these sacrifices, we’re still not able to improve our livelihoods,” he lamented, exposing the underbelly of their struggle.

in the city of Awaday alone, tens of thousands of youths lost their jobs and were forced to return to the countryside without income to support their families

“Our survival is intertwined with the khat market’s success. If it fails, we fail,” he expressed. Ibrahim further added “The people of Hararghe and khat are like fish and water. We cannot survive without a market for our khat.” Both farmers said as a result of significantly depreciated khat prices and an absolute lack of market, despite uninterrupted production, the once lucrative product is now used as an animal fodder.

The farmers have little choice but to grow khat due to the challenging geography of Hararghe, which is unfit for other crops like Teff or wheat, says khat researcher Tofik Abdela. “Khat can be produced four times in a year, unlike other agricultural goods. Also the terrain is mostly unbecoming for the cultivation of other crops or cereals because of the uneven geography of Hararghe,” Tofik said.

According to Tofik in Hararghe, a farmer with a household of seven members owns 0.6 hectares of land on average, and the farmer relies on the sale of khat to provide for his family’s basic needs like clothing, food, and education. An income from cultivation of any other crop on an equivalent land cannot substitute khat, Tofik said. “Some individuals do not comprehend the weight of the issue; they think farmers cultivate khat for social and cultural reasons. But the farmers do not have any other economical options to support a living,” he emphasized.

Highlighting further flaws in the government’s approach to khat taxation, Tofik urged for a comprehensive review. “The government’s classification of khat as a non-agricultural luxury commodity, and the subsequent heavy tax imposition, is a major oversight. For many households here, khat isn’t a luxury but a lifeline,” Tofik added.

“As a result it has been confirmed that the farmer’s income has immensely plummeted and the country’s foreign currency earning has deteriorated”

Kasahun Gofe, state minister

“Experts in khat, individuals familiar with its varieties, and specialists in the field must conduct research on the khat production, prices and export markets as opposed to government officials to avoid ill-informed decisions,” Tofik urged. Tofik also drew attention to the striking difference between Ethiopia’s heavy khat taxation and Kenya’s trader-friendly policies. “In contrast, the Kenyan government provides substantial support to its khat traders, charging less for aerial transportation. This disparity is increasingly clear, and it’s no surprise that Kenyan traders are gaining a competitive edge,” Tofik stated.

Insiders however argue that underlying the economic factors, the politicization of the khat trade marked by attempts over the past recent years by the Oromia region administration to empower local trading companies in the khat export trade that was long dominated by Somali traders including from Somaliland and Somalia, is the reason for the disruption of the khat trade. As such, they recommend greater trade diplomacy between the Somali and Oromo leadership to resolve the crisis.

In May, following growing grievances of khat farmers, exporters and the wider population in Eastern Oromia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration conducted an investigation into gridlock facing the khat export trade. According to Kasahun Gofe, state minister of the ministry, heavy and multiple taxation, existence of several irregular tax checkpoints, individuals with export license not being in operation and sometimes using their license for illicit purposes are identified to be the main underlying causes.

“As a result it has been confirmed that the farmer’s income has immensely plummeted and the country’s foreign currency earning has deteriorated,” Kasahun wrote on Facebook.

The Ministry has discussed the outcome of the investigation with representatives of relevant stakeholders including the Customs Commission, National and Commercial Banks, Regional trade bureaus, Federal Police and the Prime Minister’s Office and agreed on separate and collective measures to be taken by respective offices.

Subsequently, the ministry issued a circular in June ordering the removal of all tax checkpoints put in place by local administrations without the consent of the Customs Commission and prohibiting any form of taxation by regional and municipal bodies of exported khat. Regardless of the decision, Addis Standard learned from sources on the ground that none of the corrective measures have been implemented and the crisis has continued unabated as of July. AS

Pirme Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Photo: PM Abiy

Joint Statement on Ethiopia – Egypt Relation as released by the Office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Addis Abeba – Today, July 13, 2023 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, received Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), and resumed discussions.

The two leaders reiterated their mutual political will to enhance the bilateral relations between their two countries, politically, economically and culturally, based on the common desire to achieve their mutual interests and the prosperity of the two brotherly people, and which will also actively contribute to the stability, peace and security of the region, and their mutual ability to deal with common challenges.

The two leaders discussed means to overcome the current stalemate in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations, and in this regard, they agreed on the following points:

1. To initiate expedited negotiations to finalize the agreement between Egypt, Ethiopia and The Sudan on the filling of the GERD and the rules of its operations, and they will do all the necessary efforts to finalize it in 4 months;

2. During the period of these negotiations, Ethiopia has indicated its commitment, during the filling of the GERD within the hydrological year 2023-2024, not to cause significant harm to Egypt and Sudan, in a manner that provides the water needs of both countries.

Addis Abeba – A panel of United Nations experts has strongly condemned Ethiopia’s recent expulsion of hundreds of Eritrean individuals, stating that it is a clear violation of international law. The experts are urging authorities to immediately cease any further deportations and put an end to the arbitrary detention of Eritrean refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants. They emphasize that collective expulsions are illegal under international law and that deporting people without properly assessing the risks they may face upon return, such as torture or enforced disappearance, is considered refoulement. This principle of non-refoulement, which is protected by international human rights treaties and legal instruments, applies universally, irrespective of nationality or migration status.

The UN experts have also expressed concerns about cases of family separation resulting from these mass deportations. Reports indicate that parents are being compelled to return to Eritrea while their children are left behind in Ethiopia.

The UN’s statement comes after the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) revealed that numerous refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Eritrea, have been detained in different areas of the capital for not presenting documents revealing their immigration status. The EHRC’s statement was based on complaints filed by Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in Addis Ababa.

Previous reports from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Eritrea and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea have extensively documented various human rights violations against forcibly returned Eritreans, including torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, trafficking, and arbitrary detention. In light of these circumstances, the experts are urging Eritrean authorities to provide information on the status of the deportees and ensure that they have access to their families, legal representation, and the right to contact anyone of their choosing.

The Ethiopian Refugee and Returnee Service (RSS) recently claimed that those who were deported were not refugees or asylum seekers. However, the United Nations experts contradicted this claim in their statement released on July 14, 2023, affirming that the deported group consisted of both registered and unregistered individuals seeking protection.

Given the urgency of the situation, these UN experts are now calling on organizations, particularly the UNHCR, which is responsible for safeguarding refugee rights, to actively collaborate with Ethiopian authorities in addressing the barriers that hinder asylum-seekers and refugees from accessing the asylum system and obtaining necessary documentation. AS

Aba Serekebirhan Woldesamuel, seen in side Addis Abeba Bole International Airport. Photo: Tigray TV

Addis Abeba – Tigrayan Orthodox priest, Aba Serekebirhan Woldesamuel, has been stuck at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport since July 12, 2023. Aba Serekebirhan, who is of Tigrayan native and a members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) based in Australia, was traveling to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, via Addis Abeba Bole International Airport when he said that security forces prevented him from continuing his journey to his final destination. 

Speaking to Addis Standard by phone from the airport, Aba Serekebirhan expressed his frustrations and called the situation a “violation of his human rights.”

Lawyers have filed complaints on his behalf and obtained a court order for him to appear at a court of law, he said, but security forces have not allowed him to leave the airport.

Aba Serekebirhan, who is known for being an outspoken critic of the war in the Tigray region and for making provocative remarks, had been the head of the Education Training Department at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). He has been in Australia for the past three years, and has served as chief administrator of Debre Tsion St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Sydney.

Recent reports circulating among local media claim about his involvement in the planned nomination of ten Archbishops for dioceses under the newly established See of Selama Kessate Berhan Archdiocese of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

On 12 July, 2023, Tigray Orthodox religious leaders announced their intention to conduct the nomination event on July 16, 2023. The decision has been dismissed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod in Addis Abeba as a decision which “violates articles 37 and 38 of the church’s constitution, is inappropriate from the point of view of the church’s canon, which violates the central administration of the church and harms its unity.”

Aba Serekebirhan himself denied the reports that he was traveling to Mekelle to participate in the nomination ceremony. Upon his arrival at the airport, he told local media that his visit to Tigray was to meet with family and victims of the two-years war in the region, and maintained he has no intention of participating in the nomination event.

Asked by Addis Standard to comment, Ashenafi Zeray, senior corporate communications officer at Ethiopian Airlines, said the matter did not concern the Airlines.

Federal police spokesperson, Jeylan Abdi, on his part said that he has no information regarding the stranded priest. AS

Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed said an armed attack on 07 July in the Benishangul Gumuz Region, Metekel Zone, Gilgel Beles City was carried out by members of the local armed rebel group that has signed a peace agreement with regional authorities.

Eight people were killed, including three local militia, and 16 others were seriously injured. Several residents were forced to flee the area. The attack was conducted by members of the rebel Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement (GPDM), which has signed a peace agreement with the regional government.

In March this year more than 370 GPDM leaders and members who were detained during different operations in the region were released following the peace agreement with the local government. Harun Umer, Benishangul Gumuz Regional Police Commissioner, said that the leaders and members of the opposition political organizations were released through reconciliation and amnesty.

Citing local residents and local government officials EHRC said the attackers were members of the armed group who were camped in a camp near the city of Gilgel Beles in order to disarm in accordance with the agreement made with the local government while the the victims were members of non-native communities who live in the area.

The violence was proceeded by the death by a car accident of a native Gumuz teenager, which was settled after an agreement between the driver and the deceased’s family. It was followed by a killing by members of the armed group of a shepherd near the city of Gilgel Beles, according to EHRC report.

Gilgel Beles city hosts the headquarter of a joint office between the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regional states which was established to promote peace and development, in the bordering areas of the two regions. The office is accountable to the presidents of both regions and is expected to thwart security breaches in advance and is tasked to monitor signs of security threats to prevent conflicts.

The area is under a “relative peace for the time being” following the deployment of members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) after the attacks.

The attack is a reminder of the need to ensure the the work of disarming and rehabilitating armed combatants as important part of ensuring peace and security, said EHRC Chief Commissioner Dr. Daniel Bekele. It is a reminder “that the process has requirements and principles that must be followed.”

Paying equal attention to the implementation of such processes and the close monitoring of their impact on the affected areas can effectively prevent human rights abuses, Daniel noted.

The latest attack is not the only incident that claimed the lives of civilians despite the peace agreement. In March last year, armed militants killed at least 20 civilians in attack on a public bus traveling from Metekel to Guba was ambushed; dozens more were also injured. Officials blamed the attack on unnamed “anti-peace forces” infiltrating through Sudan, and had carried out similar attacks on civilians in the past. AS

Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed said an armed attack on 07 July in the Benishangul Gumuz Region, Metekel Zone, Gilgel Beles City was carried out by members of the local armed rebel group that has signed a peace agreement with regional authorities in October last year.

Eight people were killed, including three local militia, and 16 others were seriously injured. Several residents were forced to flee the area. The attack was conducted by members of the rebel Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement (GPDM), which has signed a peace agreement with the regional government.

In March this year more than 370 GPDM leaders and members who were detained during different operations in the region were released following the peace agreement with the local government. Harun Umer, Benishangul Gumuz Regional Police Commissioner, said that the leaders and members of the opposition political organizations were released through reconciliation and amnesty.

Citing local residents and local government officials EHRC said the attackers were members of the armed group who were camped in a camp near the city of Gilgel Beles in order to disarm in accordance with the agreement made with the local government while the the victims were members of non-native communities who live in the area.

The violence was proceeded by the death by a car accident of a native Gumuz teenager, which was settled after an agreement between the driver and the deceased’s family. It was followed by a killing of a shepherd by members of the armed group near the city of Gilgel Beles, according to EHRC report.

Gilgel Beles city hosts the headquarter of a joint office between the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regional states which was established to promote peace and development, in the bordering areas of the two regions. The office is accountable to the presidents of both regions and is expected to thwart security breaches in advance and is tasked to monitor signs of security threats to prevent conflicts.

The area is now under a “relative peace for the time being” but it took the deployment of members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) after the attacks.

The attack is a reminder of the need to ensure the the work of disarming and rehabilitating armed combatants as important part of ensuring peace and security, said EHRC Chief Commissioner Dr. Daniel Bekele. It is a reminder “that the process has requirements and principles that must be followed.”

Paying equal attention to the implementation of such processes and the close monitoring of their impact on the affected areas can effectively prevent human rights abuses, Daniel noted.

The latest attack is not the only incident that claimed the lives of civilians despite the peace agreement. In March last year, armed militants killed at least 20 civilians in attack on a public bus traveling from Metekel to Guba was ambushed; dozens more were also injured. Officials blamed the attack on unnamed “anti-peace forces” infiltrating through Sudan, and had carried out similar attacks on civilians in the past. AS

A Growing Practice of Medical Care in Town

The practice of sending older people and those who need special care to specialized centres are rare in Ethiopia. Instead, they remain at home, depending on their loved ones. Caregiving for the elderly and long-term patients usually remains the responsibility of family members. The practice has been tied so closely to African tradition that there is even a saying that “Because you [i.e., the child’s older parents] have taken care of me to grow teeth, I will take care of you till your teeth fall out. As young men and women now would rather spend their day at their schools and jobs than take care of the elderly and sick, this tradition seems to be changing slowly but surely, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome. 

Yesufanta Bisrat fell, resulting in a twisted ankle and hip surgery. After he was done with the procedure and discharged from the hospital, he needed someone to care for him as he was in a wheelchair.

“I couldn’t move my leg for nearly a month after surgery, so I wondered where I would go,” Yesufanta says. “Even though my family is nearby, they are also quite busy.”

Since he had to be in a wheelchair, he also needed someone to serve him meals, as he hadn’t been able to do much since the incident. In addition, he also needs help going to the toilet, so he needs someone to take care of him.

Because family members are frequently engaged in day-to-day activities, this may unintentionally cause them to neglect older people. Due to the increasing number of seniors living in the community and family caregivers being frequently busy, older people can quickly feel unappreciated, which could be bad for their health.

Nursing homes are helpful in situations like these. A nursing home’s primary goal is to offer assistance and care to older people who require it and have special medical issues or impairments that make daily life difficult for them.

Residents of a nursing home care facility have access to competent nursing care and 24-hour medical treatment because there is always at least one qualified and registered nurse on the premises.

In Ethiopia, traditional beliefs presuppose that younger family members will care for older people. Families, including children and relatives, are expected to care for the elderly; thus, helping them is seen as a blessing and a good opportunity for children.

However, relying solely on families’ results in unreliable care, and the family caregivers, typically women and girls are burdened financially, psychologically, socially, and physically. Similarly, unstable employment and poverty can lead to inadequate family care.

Family caregivers frequently lack the finances necessary to offer better care or are compelled to choose between neglecting their dependent relative or their work, school, or other economic pursuits. Caregiving can frequently harm a person’s health, leaving them with less time to focus on their needs. In addition, the financial expenditures for providing care might also be high.

“I asked my family for advice, and they told me about a caregiving Centre,” says Yesufanta.

Doing some research, he discovered Grace Nursing Home, a Centre that would best serve his interests. Yesufanta spent almost a month at the Centre, receiving the care the Centre offered until he recovered.

“It feels like home; the staff is like a family,” Yesufanta says of the atmosphere at the Centre.

Some nursing homes offer specialized care centres; they have staff members who look after resident patients with a particular medical condition. The facility might focus on providing care for those with dementia, severe learning difficulties, or other conditions.

While all nursing homes provide housing and personal care, certain speciality nursing homes also offer additional services for residents with more complex requirements. Private companies, local entities, or charitable organizations may manage care facilities.

Dr Natnael Hailu and Dr Tsion Solomon founded Grace Nursing Home. A familiar relative of theirs who had Parkinson’s disease and only had his son to care for him inspired Dr Natnael, a medical doctor who graduated from Hayat Medical College, and his partner, Dr Tsion, who both work in private and public hospitals, to start a nursing home in Addis Ababa.

“Given that he had to support his father while also working, it was difficult for his son,” Dr Natnael says. “Dr Tsion and I occasionally visited him at home and offered our assistance when possible.”

Dr Natnael and his colleague witnessed situations like these at the hospitals where they work. The case prompted the two to decide to start a nursing home. They were well aware that many would desperately need the services of such a Centre.

“But it was a little difficult because nursing homes are not something our tradition is familiar with. Most of us are accustomed to keeping our elders at home when they cannot care for themselves. However, we are making progress in raising awareness after broadening the range of services we offer thanks to the numerous testimonies from our residents who helped raise so much awareness,” says Dr Natnael.

Most family caregivers need proper advice on handling complex health issues while providing care. According to Dr Natnael, few caregivers are familiar with dementia, how it affects behaviour, and how to better the lives of senior patients.

“We generally admit all senior patients with chronic illnesses that are not contagious, such as pneumonia, because it can spread from person to person, or those who don’t need psychiatric care because those are acute instances that need treatment in hospitals. We currently have ten nursing staff and three physicians, including myself, and we have plans to expand in different cities,” said Dr Natnael.

Long-term caregiving service is witnessing a quick transformation lately, leaving urgent shortages of service providers. While the Ethiopian population, like the rest of the world, is ageing, support systems from extended families are deteriorating over time, calling for new policy interventions to enhance senior citizens’ long-term care. The situation creates an opportunity for bold and strategic reform. Cultural sensitivity is a big concern in this activity, involving non-governmental organizations, social institutions, volunteer groups, other pertinent stakeholders, and government authorities.

The population is rapidly ageing in several African nations, especially in the 60 years and older segment, which is growing even more quickly. More than 5 Pct of Ethiopia’s population accounts aged people above 60. This proportion of senior citizens will increase to nine per cent by 2050.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (2013), the geriatric population in Ghana increased from 213,477 in 1960 to 1,643,381 in 2010, almost an eightfold growth in 50 years. Women make 56Pct, while men represent 44Pct of those 60 and older.

As the living standard improves and life expectancy increases, the size of the geriatric population also increases in many countries, calling for more caregivers.

11th Year • June 2023 • No. 118 EBR

Addis Abeba – A new report by the non-profit Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) revealed that with more than 100,000 fatalities, the war in Ethiopia, which was third deadliest in 2021, became the most deadly conflict in the world in 2022, as the year records highest battle-related deaths from state-based conflicts than in any year since 1984.

The report which was published on Thursday said more than 204,000 battle-related deaths were recorded worldwide in active state-based conflicts during 2022, with the wars in Ethiopia and Ukraine accounting for 89% of the deaths.

“While the war in Ukraine gained most attention, the parallel war between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was more lethal. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) estimates that about 81,500 battle-related deaths occurred because of the war in Ukraine, while 100,200 battle-related deaths resulted from the parallel war between the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF” the report said.

The report underlined that documenting war crimes and battle-related deaths in Ethiopia has been difficult, and “casualty figures should be understood as a conservative baseline”.

The total number of casualties in the two years war has not been officially disclosed by both Ethiopian government and the TPLF, but former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the chief mediator of the war said in January this year, that the war may have killed as many as 600,000 people.

PRIO also said that the other war in Ethiopia, between the government of Ethiopia and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), was one of the seven conflicts in the world that have increased in severity in 2022 from the top ten list. It stated that 55 conflicts were recorded in 2022, eight of which crossed the 1,000 battle-related deaths threshold and were classified as wars including Ukraine and Ethiopia.

According to the report, the year 2022 also marked a dramatic shift in the conflict landscape both in location and intensity, where previously Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria were the conflicts with the highest numbers of battle-related deaths in the world. In 2021, for the third consecutive year, the conflict with the most battle-related deaths occurred between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban. In the same year, the second deadliest conflict was between the Government of Yemen and the Forces of Hadi, the report noted. AS

Management members of the Ethiopian orthodox Tewahdo (EOTC) Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office. Photo: EOTC TV

The management of the Ethiopian orthodox Tewahdo (EOTC) Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office also called on nationwide dioceses of the Church to denounce the establishment of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan by leaders of Tigray Orthodox Tewahdo Church.

Addis Abeba – Management members of the Ethiopian orthodox Tewahdo (EOTC) Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office issued eight points resolution warning against the establishment of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan and related activities by the leaders of Tigray Orthodox Tewahdo Church to appoint ten bishops as candidates for episcopates.

In what can be seen as a veiled legal threat against the establishment of the separate structure in the Tigray region, the eighth point of the resolution stated that while exhaustively following peaceful resolutions to implement all the options to the end stands, a legal committee established through the legal services department of the Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office will work to “uphold the rights and interests of the church by following the appropriate legal procedures,” and for it to be presented to the Holy synod and given instructions.

The Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office issued the statement after convening a meeting on 18 July to discuss about the latest developments in the Tigray region after regional Orthodox Church leaders held a ceremony on Sunday 16 July and elected ten candidates as would be espiscopates to lead dioceses both in the Tigray region and abroad under the newly established Tigray Orthodox Tewahdo Church the See of Selama Kesate Birhan, a structure separate from the EOTC Holy Synod in Addis Abeba.

However, the Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office warned that “the seriousness of the problem tests the Church’s unity and sovereignty, and endangers all the dioceses, and the central structure of the church,” and called on “all the dioceses” of the EOTC across the country to “protest against the action and send a call for peace.”

The Office also called on native Tigrayan leaders of the religion and scholars of the Patriarchate to convey a teaching and messages highlighting “the damage” of the “un-canonical” move by the Tigray Orthodox will cause on the church in order to “protect the unity and peace of the church” using the media of the Church.

Officials of the church at all levels, scholars, and followers of the Church should also “stand together and protest against the action and implement the [Church’s] decisions passed at the central level to protect the unity and sovereignty of the church,” the Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office further said. It also puts a guideline for Tigrayans working under the Addis Abeba Diocese to “be invited to become part of the solution by raising awareness about the seriousness of the problem through discussion forums facilitated by the General Office of the Patriarchate.

In yet another call by the Church for government’s intervention to stop the move by Tigray religious leaders, the Office said that as the violations of the constitution and the canons…”go beyond the church and undermine national unity and sovereignty”, as well as “cause a national crisis”, the federal government and the interim administration of the Tigray region “should pay special attention to the problem and prepare a discussion forum to play their roles.”

A call was also issued the Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office to the “Archbishops in the region to protect the Constitution and the Canon” of the Church and “stop those” who the Secretariat accused making the move in “violation of the Canon and open the door of peace to dialogue.”

The Tigray orthodox Church leaders established the news structure See of Selama Kesate Birhan independent of the Holy Synod in Addis Abeba, which they accused of of endorsing and financially supporting a “war of genocide that was declared on the people of Tigray.” The See of Selama Kesate Birhan was subsequently established after Tigrayan Archbishops decided to cut ties with the Synod in February last year.

A year later in a joint statement issued on 07 February, three Archbishops of the Tigray Orthodox Church said that the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church See of Selama Kesate Birhan, which they said has come into existence “with the blood of the Tigray people” is “non-negotiable”, and is not “up for sale.”

The Holy Synod in Addis Abeba had already dismissed the move calling it “a new illegal regional structure”, which violates “the institutional unity and existing structural organization of our church.” AS

Addis Abeba – A mother of two children named Shugri Abdulahi Ibrahim was shot dead while 16 others were injured by security forces in Birqod district of Jarar zone in Somali regional state on Tuesday, after security forces opened fire on protesters. A resident who preferred to remain anonymous told Addis Standard that the protest erupted after individuals allegedly commissioned by the regional government sealed a water borehole vital for locals.

According to the resident, Shugri was shot dead while breastfeeding her four-month old baby at her doorstep. Two out of the 16 injured were in a critical condition and were taken to Jigjiga referral hospital, which is located more than 240 km kilometers from Birqod district, they added. Following the protests, security forces went door to door and arrested more than 80 people, including elders, religious leaders, women, and youth, another informant told Addis Standard.

In a separate incident, federal government forces allegedly shot and injured six individuals in Hargelle district, Afder zone in an assault on a bus traveling from Dollo Odo to Gode on the same day, a source told Addis Standard adding that the victims were taken to Hargelle hospital. A doctor from the hospital confirmed to Addis Standard that four of the injured are receiving treatments at the hospital, one critically injured victim is referred to another hospital whereas the other remaining victim was discharged after immediate treatments. 

In June, at least four people were killed,  three others injured 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. Earlier in March, Addis Standard reported quoting a local official who said three people were killed and six others were severely injured after members of the defense forces fired on a crowd during a protest held in Ayisha district, Sitti Zone of the Somali region.

Local and regional officials were unreachable for comments on the two latest incidents. AS

Addis Abeba – The World Bank said the Addis-Djibouti corridor will get a significant upgrade with a $730 million grant following a newly approved Horn of Africa Initiative’s Regional Economic Corridor Project.

The “vital trade route and a lifeline for Ethiopia’s 120 million people,” received $730 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA), aimed at improving regional connectivity and logistics efficiency in Ethiopia along this key trade route connecting landlocked Ethiopia to the port of Djibouti, WB said.

“Improved regional connectivity and trade are essential to unlocking Ethiopia’s economic potential,” said Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance. “This project is important to support our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and regional integration, as we are now fully focused on sustaining the growth and reaping the peace dividends,” he added.

Over 95% of Ethiopia’s import-export trade (by volume) uses the Addis-Djibouti corridor. The project aims to upgrade the road to Djibouti, including the Mieso-Dire Dawa section, which is currently in poor condition and unsuitable for growing truck traffic. This section forces road users to take a longer route through Mille, adding 146 kilometers to their journey. Upgrading the Mieso-Dire Dawa section to a four-lane expressway will reduce transport time, enhance road safety, save fuel and maintenance costs, and reduce pollution. This upgrade is crucial for Ethiopia’s economic growth and social development, as it will improve the efficiency and capacity of this crucial trade route.

Other project benefits include enhancing Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness by improving logistics efficiency through regulatory and institutional reforms, investments in logistics facilities, and building the government’s capacity to facilitate the modal shift to railways. The project will also provide opportunities for private sector participation in operating freight truck terminals. Additionally, investments in secondary roads will connect local communities to the main corridor, increase job opportunities for underserved communities and women, and contribute to long-term development outcomes.

“This is a transformative initiative for Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region. It will improve connectivity, enhance trade volumes, create job opportunities, and improve access to basic services with a greater flow of goods and people across the Horn,” said Ousmane Dione, World Bank Group Country Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

“The Addis-Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor project is one of the priority operations that we are supporting in the Horn to help connect hinterland to ports and markets, and to increase opportunities for regional trade. It’s expected outcomes extend beyond economic growth and social development in Ethiopia, as it will enhance regional integration and generate spillover benefits for the entire region,” said Boutheina Guermazi, World Bank Director for Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East.

The project is aligned with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for Ethiopia, and is part of the Horn of Africa Initiative, which aims to tackle common development challenges in member countries, including Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. These projects align with the African Continental Free Trade Area, promoting socioeconomic development, reducing poverty, and increasing Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy. Dispatch

Addis Abeba – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed days after Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. President Zelenskyy also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Abiy to visit Ukraine. Ethiopia was one of the eight African countries who abstained from submitting a vote on a UN resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.

According to the official website of the President of Ukraine, during the call, the leaders discussed Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the illegal obstruction of maritime traffic, and the attacks on Ukraine’s port and energy infrastructure.

This marked the first-ever phone conversation between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Zelenskyy. Prime Minister Abiy confirmed the conversation on Twitter, stating that they discussed bilateral and international matters of mutual interest, as well as the means of bringing peace between Ukraine and Russia.

President Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine had already delivered nearly 300,000 tons of food to Ethiopia under the Black Sea Grain Initiative and an additional 90,000 tons of grain under the Grain from Ukraine Humanitarian Initiative. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to act as a guarantor of global food security and expressed interest in enhancing bilateral relations with Ethiopia, especially in the areas of security and digitalization.

Moscow’s unilateral withdrawal from a UN deal that previously guaranteed safe passage for grain shipments across the Black Sea occurred on July 17, 2023. Following Russia’s withdrawal, wheat prices on the European stock exchange surged by 8.2% to 253.75 euro per ton on July 19, 2023, compared to the previous day. Before the war, Ukraine and Russia collectively provided over one-quarter of the world’s wheat supply.

The decision by Russia has drawn criticism from some African leaders. The Kenyan government described it as a “stab in the back” for countries facing drought. According to the UN, Ukraine has already shipped 625,000 tons of food as humanitarian aid to countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen under the grain deal. AS

By Mihret G/kristos @MercyG_kirstos

Addis Abeba – The Tigray war, which later spilled over to the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, has resulted in the loss of countless lives, the destruction of historical churches, artifacts, and manuscripts, as well as the shelling of significant landmarks, including Debre Damo. Debre Damo, built in the 6th century by Abuna Aregawi, one of the revered Nine Saints, is one of Ethiopia’s renowned historical landmarks. It sits atop a steep-sided amba, or flat-topped mountain.

During the war in the Tigray region, numerous old monasteries and church sites, including Debre Damo, were destroyed. The abbot of Debre Damo Monastery, Aba Gebretsadikan Areya, claims that Eritrean forces bombed the monastery on 11 January, 2021, using heavy weapons from an area called Siro near Gerhu Sirnay. The artillery strike destroyed twelve monk shelters on top of the mountain, resulting in the death of one monk. The monastery itself has 28 cannon emplacements.

Aba Gebretsadikan told Addis Standard that troops repeatedly shelled Debre Damo in October 2022, striking it eleven times over two continuous days. “The monastery’s top area was targeted seven times, while the guest houses at the bottom were hit five times.” This onslaught caused severe damage, including the injury of a monk, the destruction of over ten guest houses, and the deaths of monastery-owned cows. Aba Gebretsadikan emphasizes that the monastery lacks the necessary funds for restoration and is also facing food scarcity, appealing for urgent humanitarian aid to support the monks living there.

In another atrocity, an anonymous witness, for security reasons, told Addis Standard that his older brother, a farmer and father of nine children, was killed by Eritrean soldiers on 17 July, 2023, while seeking shelter at Ura Cherkos Church in the Gulomakeda Woreda of the Tigray region. The witness revealed that seventeen civilians, including a priest and a deacon, were also killed by Eritrean forces. The church was desecrated, and the victims’ bodies were left unburied, causing an unbearable stench in the area.

The harrowing massacre by Eritrean forces at the Maryam Dengelat Orthodox Church in Eastern Tigray and the massacre of hundreds in the holy city of Axum including in the Saint Mary of Zion church were among other widely reported atrocities committed during the war that involved Orthodox churches in the Tigray region.

Despite well documented reports, from rights organizations, including by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the Synod has failed to denounce the massacre. It had also distanced itself from a remark by His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the Church, who described the massacre in Axum as “people left over the ground like leaves.”

Megabi Brhanat Tesfay Hadera, the chief secretary for the newly established See of Selama Kessate Berhan Archdiocese of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church, explains the magnitude of the atrocities committed against followers of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Tigray during the two-year-long war. Numerous churches and monasteries were demolished, including Debre Damo and Amanuel Maeuga Church in Wukro, located 47 kilometers from the regional capital, Mekelle. Al Nejashi Mosque also suffered damages. Witnesses claim that chemicals, including white phosphorus, were used to destroy these religious sites.

The chief secretary also states that priests, deacons, and monks in Tigray were targeted and killed inside churches. Churches, which should have provided sanctuaries for non-combatants, were turned into places of violence, with nuns, girls, and women being sexually violated. Megabi Brhanat Tesfay describes these acts as extreme cruelty that violates both religious laws and regulations. Additionally, churches in Tigray were used as hiding places for weapons instead of sanctuaries for civilians.

Even more distressing, many Ethiopian relics, including manuscripts and bibles, have fallen victim to looting and illegal sales. Reports emerged in early 2022 that these centuries-old artifacts were being advertised for sale on online platforms. There are suspicions that they were plundered from churches during the conflict in Tigray.

Turmoil within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Religious leaders in Tigray stressed that while followers of the Orthodox Tewahdo Church in Tigray suffered and churches were destroyed, the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) in Addis Abeba chose to remain silent. They further accused Archbishops of the EOTC of endorsing the war and disseminating inflammatory rhetoric against the Tigray people during the war.

On 07 May, 2021, the archbishops in Tigray went on and officially announced the formation of the new Tigray Orthodox Church, effectively cutting ties with the EOTC Holy Synod in Addis Abeba. This decision was in response to the perceived silence of the Synod while priests were killed, monasteries and churches in Tigray were destroyed, and religious heritage was looted during the war.

The Holy Synod in Addis Abeba, however, stated that the move by the religious leaders in Tigray violated the institutional unity and existing structural organization of the church. In July 2023, the EOTC was asked to condemn the inflammatory rhetoric from its monks, priests, and deacons and correct their mistakes according to the church’s canon. Failure to do so would result in the Tigray Church severing its relationship with the EOTC, according to the Council of Bishops. However, these efforts proved futile, as mentioned by Megabi Brhanat Tesfay.

Two weeks ago, the Holy Synod of the EOTC issued an official apology for its failure to support the Tigray Region Orthodox Church and its followers during the war. The apology acknowledged the synod’s failure in various aspects, including its absence in Tigray and its inability to provide humanitarian aid. However, it was not enough to ease the growing tension between the EOTC and Tigray religious leaders since the start of the war.

Megabi Brhanat Tesfay criticized the EOTC’s apology, stating that it did not accurately reflect the true extent of the atrocities and crimes committed against the people of Tigray and the followers of the religion. According to him, the apology failed to address the synod’s participation in the war and its support for the federal government, making it unacceptable to the Tigray Orthodox Church.

His Eminence Abune Abraham, the archbishop of Bahir Dar and head of the patriarchate office, refuted similar assertion during a press conference on 20 June, 2023. “Both parties are at fault,” he said. “Prior to the conflict’s escalation, we spoke with religious leaders in Tigray about defusing the situation. However, we didn’t receive a positive replay.”

In the days following the formal apology, His Holiness Abune Mathias I, the Patriarch of the EOTC, visited Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. However, he was unable to meet with Tigray religious leaders and only had discussions with regional authorities, including the president of the regional interim administration, Getachew Reda. The delegation reportedly did not receive a spiritual welcome or blessing ceremony from the blessed fathers, priests, and Sunday school members in the Tigray region.

Last week, the Tigray Orthodox Church proceeded with the election of ten high-ranking bishops despite objections from the Synod. The ten candidates were elected on July 16 to lead dioceses both in the Tigray region and abroad. On the same day, the Holy Synod held a ceremony to anoint nine bishops who will be assigned to lead various dioceses in the Oromia Regional State, as well as the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) and Southwest Ethiopia Peoples Regional States. The ceremony was led by His Holiness Abune Mathias I, the Patriarch of the EOTC.

Despite the challenges, Megabi Brhanat Tesfay expressed his respect for His Holiness Abune Mathias I, as the patriarch has been a voice for the voiceless people of Tigray during the war, while others have turned a blind eye.

On 18 July, management members of the Ethiopian orthodox Tewahdo (EOTC) Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office issued eight points resolution warning against the establishment of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan and related activities by the leaders of Tigray Orthodox Tewahdo Church to appoint ten bishops as candidates for episcopates.

In what can be seen as a veiled legal threat against the establishment of the separate structure in the Tigray region, the eighth point of the resolution stated that while exhaustively following peaceful resolutions to implement all the options to the end stands, a legal committee established through the legal services department of the Patriarchate’s Secretariat Office will work to “uphold the rights and interests of the church by following the appropriate legal procedures,” and for it to be presented to the Holy Synod and given instructions.

The Office yet again called for government’s intervention to stop the move by Tigray religious leaders, calling it a violation of the constitution and the church’s canons…”go beyond the church and undermine national unity and sovereignty”, as well as “cause a national crisis”, the federal government and the interim administration of the Tigray region “should pay special attention to the problem and prepare a discussion forum to play their roles”.

With Archbishops of the Tigray Orthodox Church saying in February 2023, that the See of Selama Kesate Berhan has come into existence “with the blood of the Tigray people”, and is “non-negotiable”, and is not “up for sale”, and with their unflinching position ever since, there is no insight to the resolution of the predicament that is threatening to split one of the oldest institutions of the Ethiopian state, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. AS

In London, the site for floral tributes is at Green Park next to Buckingham Palace, where officials who manage the so-called Royal Parks have issued guidance on what to do.

For instance, officials have asked the public to remove plastic wrapping from any flowers before leaving them. This will make it easier for the flowers to eventually be turned into compost at least a week after the funeral takes place.

They’ve also said, “We would prefer visitors not to bring non-floral objects/artefacts such as teddy bears or balloons.”

The advice was also shared with the BBC, as presenter Sally Nugent told viewers, “They are suggesting that there are enough Paddingtons and marmalade sandwiches in the parks at the moment so please feel free to bring flowers but maybe don’t bring any more Paddingtons or marmalade sandwiches for now.”

Ethiopia’s foreign exchange earnings may be improved using strategies that boost its export capabilities. It also needs to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for production of goods for export. These export items have to be competitive in the global markets. Such measures may improve the overall balance of trade of the country.

There are, however, several appropriate strategies that Ethiopia may apply for improving its foreign exchange earnings. Some of these strategies would be: diversification of exports; agricultural sector development; manufacturing and industrialization; services sector growth; trade facilitation and policy reforms; foreign direct investment (FDI); enhanced financial instruments; skills development and innovation; regional economic integration; risk mitigation strategies. The uses and benefits of each of the above strategies have to be considered seriously by the Ethiopian government policy makers.

The strategy of diversification of exports focuses on the promotion of non-traditional exports. This requires identification and promotion of new export products beyond the traditional ones. Experienced entrepreneurs have to be attracted to invest in the production of export items. Of course, identifying proper investors and markets for the new exports is of the essence. New products imply adding value and improving on existing products in the country.

Also it is of paramount importance to explore new economic sectors with the potential to produce and export new products. This measure presupposes the establishment and promotion of export processing zones in Ethiopia. These zones may attract foreign firms that encourage local production for export, and create employment opportunities for the local people. This process may generate income, which leads to demand for goods and services in the local markets. This requires promotion of sectors for new investment. Investors may be attracted to these sectors through provision of incentives for FDI.

Agricultural sector development and growth may require investment. This sector is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy with linkages to different economic sectors. It is, therefore, necessary to support and provide incentives to agribusiness initiatives that add value to agricultural products. Such products may be major foreign exchange earners in existing and new markets.

Marketing intelligence provides new opportunities in external markets. This requires advance preparation for processing, packaging, and branding to meet international market standards. In this regard, it is essential to identify and promote high-value agricultural products that have strong demand in international markets. Along with these agricultural crops, it is important to encourage export oriented manufacturing and industrial enterprises. Owners of these enterprises have to be given special support as they are foreign exchange earners.

It is, therefore, crucial to promote and develop export-oriented manufacturing industries that produce goods with a competitive advantage in global markets. To support these enterprises, the state has to improve infrastructure, including transportation and energy. Such efforts would support industrial growth and reduce production costs. The provision of infrastructure, including roads, water, and electric storage facilities is very crucial for the export sector.

Apart from the productive sectors mentioned earlier, it is useful to expand the services sector. The promotion of tourism through investment in the sector helps to attract tourists to historic parts of Ethiopia. In this regard, improvement of infrastructure and marketing attracts more international visitors.

The flow of tourists into Ethiopia generates foreign exchange, which the country needs for importing basic goods and services. In like regard, Ethiopia has to expand its services to promote and facilitate export. It may develop and promote sectors like IT, software, and business processes for outsourcing with the objective of earning foreign exchange. Along with improvement in the service industry, the facilitation of trade through simplification of procedures attracts investment to Ethiopia. This demands the streamlining of customs processes for reducing trade barriers. This makes it easier for businesses, public as well as private, to engage in global trade.

Concerned agencies have to evaluate and adjust tariffs and non-tariff barriers to encourage imports and exports. The removal of trade barriers would definitely improve competitiveness of Ethiopian businessmen dealing with international trade. Also, those engaged in foreign direct Investment (FDI) have to be encouraged to focus on sectors with high growth potential. There is a need to actively promote Ethiopia as an attractive destination for FDI, focusing on sectors with high growth potential.

Foreign investors are attracted by other countries with provision of tax holidays. It is a precondition to design investor-friendly policies and strategies. It is extremely essential to implement policies and strategies that facilitate foreign investment, such as tax incentives, property rights, and regulatory transparency. Opaque transactions would contribute to illegal operations which must be discouraged by concerned agencies. Contrabandists and illegal operators deny the country of its opportunities to attract formal investment.

In addition to FDI, local investment has to be encouraged through improved access to finance for businesses. In this regard, special attention is given to small and medium-sized enterprises to encourage them in expanding and entering global markets. One way of assisting them is through export credit facilities. The concerned agency has to establish these facilities to provide financial support to producers of exportable items. This initiative has to be accompanied by skills development and innovation, including investment in relevant and appropriate education and training schemes. The development of a skilled labor-force is carried out through investing in education and training programs. Such schemes ensure that the labor force is fully equipped to meet the demands of emerging manufacturing industries in the country.

A workforce that is available in the labor market with the right skill demanded by the market would easily be employed and earn better income. This, however, is possible only if research and development schemes are in place to match the supply of and demand for labor in the various sectors of the economy.

Research and development should also be applied to encourage innovation in key sectors to create new products and services with global appeal. This process generates employment and income for skilled workers in different regions of Ethiopia. This has to be extended to the neighboring countries through regional economic integration. Strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries and regional economic communities enhance intra-Africa trade. In this regard, there is a need to explore participation in regional customs unions and trade agreements to diversity market access.

Diversification of export markets is based on avoidance of over-reliance on a few markets by diversifying export destinations. This ensures the reduction of vulnerability to economic crises in some regions. There is, therefore, a need for developing and implementing strategies for risk management. Some of these strategies include hedging, to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates. Hedging is a mechanism that helps to limit losses and maintain assets. This can be used to survive difficult market periods. It gives protection against changes such as inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and others. It can be an effective way to diversify trading groups with numerous types of assets. This undertaking demands proficient and skilled personnel to manage market crises.

To avoid market crises, it may be advisable to hold foreign exchange accounts. Holding funds in a foreign exchange account can be helpful to diversify investments or to transact frequently in foreign exchange. Foreign exchange accounts offer investors the opportunity to invest or have access to a broader range of accounts with higher interest rates. These are generally seen as an investment, and can appeal particularly to investors that wish to diversify their assets. It is, however, important to realize that the income from interest rates may be eroded by fluctuations in the exchange rates, fees and taxes. It is also important to understand that there is tax liabilities that come with FDI used locally in Ethiopia. It is, therefore, advisable to get professional advice to make sure compliance with all legal requirements.

The enhancement of foreign exchange earnings requires measures that are holistic and coordinated. These measures help in controlling earnings and expenditures of foreign exchange in line with the rules and regulations of the government. This mechanism involves all transactions related to import and export in the various sectors of the Ethiopian economy. Implementing these mechanisms should be part of an overall and comprehensive strategy that deals with the distinctive and unique challenges and opportunities in the economic features of the country. Moreover, continuous evaluation and revision of these strategies will be helpful to guarantee and to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness through time. The effectiveness of these strategies is reflected in the enhancement of FDI that contribute to more foreign exchange earnings, high productivity, output and employment in Ethiopia.

BY GETACHEW MINAS

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2023

Iceland’s natural landscape provides numerous opportunities to experience some much-needed thrill. From exploring the whale population to scaling the volcano peaks, the list of outdoor adventures in Iceland you can do just goes on and on.

Aside from doing an Iceland ring road trip and the popular Golden Circle tour, here are the best 6 outdoor activities that you must put on your to-do list when you visit the Land of Fire and Ice.

1. Whale watching

You didn’t think we would talk about adventures in Iceland without mentioning whale watching? Well no, we are in no mood to commit this crime!

The cold waters of the country appeal to different marine lives, and undoubtedly, whales are the most popular among them. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Iceland has become one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching. A large chunk of the country’s tourism revenue originates from this activity.

The best time for whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months of April to September, when you can spot different species like humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas, and fin whales, among others.

Not only that, but you also have the rare opportunity to spot blue whales, which migrate to this part of the world in search of a better habitat during summers. Plus, dealing with the cold water breeze becomes easier when the temperatures are higher than usual.

As such, whale-watching tours operate from almost all over Iceland, but Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik emerge as the most popular spots. You can choose guided whale-friendly tours from these regions, which give you the best chance to spot the different whale species from a close (yet safe) distance.

However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider braving the cold and taking a tour in the winters amidst the snow-capped mountains and possibly, the majestic Northern lights!

2. Hiking on volcanoes

For many of our readers, the term “adventure” is synonymous with hiking, and we don’t want to disappoint them. So, if you’re a hiker by heart, don’t forget to check out the Krafla Fires caldera in the Myvatn region of Northern Iceland.

A series of earthquakes from 1975 to 1984 cracked open a volcanic fissure near this caldera to spit out lava and fire over the surrounding stretch. Although the lava isn’t visible anymore, you can well see and feel its “imprint” in the neighboring landscape and is often part of the lava cave Iceland tour.

For instance, you could be standing in feet-deep snow and touching the black patch of ground that’s still warm from the lava. This is surely one of the many adventures in Iceland you wouldn’t want to miss out on! Moreover, the path is adorned with natural thermal pools, steamy openings, and solidified lava rocks, which makes you feel close to nature like nothing else.

But the best part of this hike is a visit to the “Pit of Hell,” which is yet another creation of mother nature. It’s a massive crater formed by a large-scale volcanic eruption sometime during the early 1700s. With a diameter measuring more than 980 feet wide, this crater is nicknamed “Viti” by the Icelandic population- a word that literally translates to “hell.”

Interestingly, it’s also one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland, as the crater is filled with crystal clear turquoise water, making it a sight to behold. One of the best hikes and adventures in Iceland, we say, but watch your steps to avoid stepping onto something dangerous.

3. Snaefellsjokull—traveling to the center of the Earth

Now, you may be wondering how we can possibly refer to the famous fictional novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne while talking about Icelandic adventures. But Snaefellsjokull will make this a reality.

For the unversed, Snaefellsjokull is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano situated on the western part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. You may even spot it from over the Fax Bay in the capital city of Reykjavik.

Arguably the most popular of all the volcanoes in the country, Snaefellsjokull rose to fame only after being featured in the movie made on the above-mentioned novel. But people were still scared to visit this iconic landscape. After all, the thought of entering the Earth’s core can be nightmarish for most people.

However, it wasn’t the volcano’s scary perception that kept people away from it. It was all because of a local myth prevalent till the 19th century suggesting that this volcano was, in actuality, a doorway to hell.

All this changed when one man decided to trek up the volcano, only to discover the mesmerizing view of the country from atop. And today, it’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country.

4. Scuba diving in Silfra—one of the best outdoor adventures in Iceland!

For a country that’s famous for its marine population and natural landscapes, including scuba diving on the list of adventures here was a no-brainer.

Most people don’t know that the towering volcanoes and majestic mountain peaks in the country can be credited to its strategic position on the rift between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. The underwater landscape isn’t an exception either, meaning you can get the unique opportunity of swimming between these tectonic plates. How’s that to get the adrenaline rushing?

The best location to experience this is the Silfra Fissure, located in the middle of the Thingvellir National Park, which is among the top destinations for diving in Iceland and the rest of the world.

Although the crystal-clear water remains cold throughout the year, it has a visibility of more than 300 meters. This gives you the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the awe-striking underwater landscape full of land slopes, caves, caverns, and lava structures formed over millions of years in the region.

5. Rafting in Hvita River

Rafting activities are easily among the most preferred outdoor activities for adventure lovers, and you will often see tourists with little to no experience getting on rafts in Iceland. Sure, the waters are cold year-round, but all that adrenaline pumping through your body will negate the low temperatures in no time.

The Hvita River (located about an hour from the Reykjavik Arctic adventures) is a go-to for white water rafting activities. It flows by the breathtaking Bruarhlod canyon and the neighboring Geysir, giving you the best location to catch a glimpse of these scenic natural landscapes.

Some rafting companies also allow tourists to cliff jump into the (nearly) ice-cold Hvita river and warm themselves up with sauna sessions and beer once the activity concludes.

6. Jeep riding in Porsmork

If you aren’t particularly interested in water-based activities, then a jeep ride in Porsmork will definitely provide the right dose of adventure for you. And no, it isn’t a standard open-jeep ride.

The heavy-duty jeeps that take you through Porsmork, a valley covered in forest and tucked between three glaciers, are specially built for the rugged terrains of this region. They are designed to run on the rough grounds of the glaciers, steep inclines, as well as the rapidly flowing Krossa river while ensuring the safety of the riders.

According to a popular legend, Porsmork is the home to the Nordic God of strength, Thor, and the rough terrains of the region fully justify this.

At the same time, it’s covered by over 150 species of flora, which “softens” the landscape to make for a scenic view. Some people consider this to be a representation of the softer side of Thor, who is also known as the God of “healing and fertility.”

We’d suggest going for a two-day trip here so that you can also visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and lava caves of the Blue Mountains.

Ready to plan your trip to Iceland now? We bet you are! But before we leave you to it, here are a few words of advice.

We’d strongly recommend booking reputed guided hiking and whale watching tours to maximize your safety. This way, you can rest assured about not getting lost and following the required guidelines. Hence, you may want to do some research in advance to go with the best adventure tour companies.

Would you be interested to do any of these adventures in Iceland?

For the last 17 years, Niels Thomas has been working as marine mammal specialist and wildlife expert. With his work he focuses on aquatic wildlife conservation in Iceland. Protecting whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees and educating the public has always been a top priority for him.

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In 1946, Elizabeth became engaged to Lt. Philip Mountbatten — later Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. But her father asked that the news of their engagement not be made public until after she turned 21.

For her birthday, she delivered a speech during a tour of South Africa that was broadcast via radio around the Commonwealth. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said.

The couple were married in a relatively simple ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947. Elizabeth had to collect clothing coupons for her dress as Britain was still recovering from the war.

They had their first child, and Elizabeth’s heir presumptive, Charles — the future Prince of Wales — on Nov. 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace. Their second child, Anne, was born in 1950.

While Philip was stationed in Malta on naval duty, Princess Elizabeth visited him four times. However, after King George was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1951 and underwent surgery to remove part of his lung, Elizabeth had to take on more and more royal duties.

On Feb. 6, 1952, while on a visit to rural Kenya, Elizabeth received the news from her husband that her father had died, which meant her own accession to the throne. Her tour was abandoned, and the young woman who had flown to East Africa as a princess returned to Britain a queen.