Ethiopia’s Economic Surf: Riding the Reform Wave to Sustainability

Ethiopia’s Economic Surf: Riding the Reform Wave to Sustainability By Eyob Asfaw The Sunday night of the date- July 28 was different for Ethiopians living elsewhere within its boundary; especially for the urban elites who access the media and can easily resonate what was said.  On that date, the government unusually released a communique on which announced the macro-economic reforms, including its u-turn policy of foreign exchange liberalization. Henceforth, some commentators and analysts used to reduce the reform as a mere foreign exchange policy per se, other than a complete set of macro-economic policy.  Notwithstanding the criticism over the government surrenders for the Britton Woods Institutions as an impulse for desperate demand for forex currency, once has to look meticulously where the surfing macro-economic reforms are heading to in terms of  bringing social justice, regulating free riders,  ending poverty and taming hyper-inflation. Be that as it may, this piece will cover a snapshot overview that pinpoints on how best anchoring the recent macro-economic reforms in the pathways of Sustainable Development. From the vantage point of pathways of sustainable development, SDG- 1 ( end poverty in all its forms) and SDG-8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) have a close connection to the recent macro-economic reforms. In its nature, macro-economic reform is a local plan which is not yet sufficiently embraced as a specific goal in SDGs. Exceptionally, SDG 17.13 stipulated:  ‘enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence’.  In pursuant to SDG 17.13,  the national ten year plan of Ethiopia has specifically, nevertheless, sought to have coherence and integration with SDGs.  Therefore, policy coherence is one scheme of anchoring the surfing macro-economic reforms. Nevertheless, the people and the business community are looking for a preacher who eloquently explains the economic forecast.  By and large, the rule of the game introduced by this new forex through floating ought to be understood well by economic man to positively regulate its economic behavior. In resonance, I remember an encounter in which an old enough guy once upon a time suddenly yelled to bless youngsters; ‘Let the price of teff go down now by the divine intervention of God!!’ referring an Ethiopian staple crop whose price hiked due to inflation by then.  Understandably, the blessings shows how an ordinary economic man in Ethiopia do not know even what inflation means since it is unlikely to see price decrease in an age of hyperinflation  To his ignorance, I heard an expert was sharing his opinion: ‘ Demn! This forex liberalization resulted all of a sudden the money stock at the bank immediately inflated overnight’.  In contrary, we learnt that such opinion is erroneously forwarded, resulted precisely from misunderstanding what was going on. Arguably, inflation in the past was, and currently is, not a disease per se. Notwithstanding inflations’ multifaceted nature as a viral disease, the consuming community alike sometimes seems to develop an immunity through constant co-habitation with inflation. In the course of this surfing macro-economic reform, real devaluation are nor appearing coincidently the moment forex market liberalized. In his counterparts, the PM explanation during his Q&A session with higher official, can roughly be summed as follows: “ In Ethiopia, apart from fuel and fertilizer, what is not working on the black market? Including clothing…. Let alone that , when the government gives a contract for construction project( such as road) the contractors submit the price interms the black market account….There is no job in Ethiopia that normally costs 50 Birr for 1 dollar. Everything works in black market currency….The government buys fuel and fertilizers. Apart from that, everything else is determined by the black market.” In pursuant to his explanation, PM Abiy claims that the reform was not as such currency devaluation rather it can be taken as ‘unification’ of two forex markets ( be it the ordinary and the parallel-black market). On eve of the reform, indisputably, the export sector was highly discouraged than ever. Precisely his entire earn of USD can only be exchanged at the normal rate closer to 57 ETB/USD. Nevertheless, ‘unification’ is not known within the policy and academic circles, the real inflation was already predetermined by the black market before the current forex liberalization. This is not, however, to neglect the worst inflation upcoming. As anti-dote, the worst inflation can be tamed if we record productivity in investment and intensive agriculture through re-doubling efforts of hard working habits. In fact, the PM Abiy’s characterization on the reforms as bitter pill for the macro-economic malaise could turn out to add a salt into a wounded injury of the poor. A yearlong economic hardship can’t be underestimated for someone who can understand multi dimensionality of poverty. It has be remembered that the 2023 UNDP report underscored 68.7 percent of the population in Ethiopia are multidimensional poor;  involving nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel,  sanitation,  drinking water,  electricity  and housing assets in the measurement. In resonance, the PM Abiy said: ‘no further implementation if the macro economic reform affects the poor after evaluating in six months.” The questions are : are we going to suspend the fight to end poverty while we pay the price of macro-economic reforms?  How far the safety net scheme of this reform is reliable enough to relieve the deprivation to come? Against this backdrop, beyond the salary increment for low income employees, the government ought to disclose procedures that ensure resilience from the inevitable multidimensional poverty resulted in an age of macro-economic reforms. As a general thumb rule, however, we don’t have to forget that the defining major goals of macro-economy are economic stabilization, ­ distributional equity, ­ the achievement of broad social goals. Added to that, the Britton wood institution intertwined macro-economic reform within the framework of sustainable development to include financing sustainable development. Furthermore, macro-economic stability indisputably enhances growth prospects, increases employment and incomes and ensures that the right price incentives work to preserve the environment. .This is, however, not to hide the underlying error of the macro-economic reform provokes legitimate skepticism over the IMF and WBs priority for their intent to bring private sector into the forefront of the economy. How the private sector can be a reliable institution for our struggling economy is a question for many of us. In spite of its contribution, some actors in the private sector turn out to be free riders in the middle of abyss in economic recession. Being reduced to the rules of Mercato (largest open market found in Addis Ababa), the bigger private sector is criticized to be operated by business community ruled by the irrationality leading to monopoly and oligopoly. This feature, indeed, will make the Britton wood institutions’ prescriptive forecast about the private sector a null and void. In this milieu, I would like to forward a query: ‘Are we going to beef up a private sector which is impenetrable for tax extraction?’ Often the government laments that, the government couldn’t proportion tax evasion in spite of its potential to fiscal policy. As an analyst, I can say, that is the imminent danger which are facing to and will persist in the months to come.  Against the abovementioned background, the surfing macroeconomic reforms ought to regulate irrational economic behavior which is a chief reason for impoverishment of many. In short, we need to have the rigor and will to know surfing macro-economic reforms are heading for which eventually it will anchor on the pathways of Sustainable Development.  Be it ending poverty or ensuring inclusive economic growth, fundamentals of social justice ought not to be neglected in an age of fore market liberalization. Eyob Asfaw ([email protected]  ) is staff of Addis Ababa University and currently a PhD student of Sustainable Development at CSD, AAU. His interest includes governance, sustainable development, peace and inclusion.

Stephanie Sullivan Appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the African Union and Permanent Representative to UNECA

Stephanie Sullivan Appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the African Union and Permanent Representative to UNECA Stephanie Sullivan has been appointed as the new U.S. Ambassador to the African Union (AU) and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). She was sworn in at the U.S. Department of State headquarters, signaling a continued commitment to U.S.-Africa relations. Ambassador Sullivan brings a rich background in diplomacy. Her previous roles include serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana from 2019 to 2022, where she worked on strengthening U.S.-Ghana relations. Before that, she was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo from 2013 to 2017. Sullivan also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central African Affairs and Security Affairs at the Bureau of African Affairs from 2017 to 2018. Her extensive experience in Africa includes time as a consular and political officer in Cameroon and service as Chief of Operations for the Africa Region of the Peace Corps. Sullivan’s educational background includes a B.A. in English language and literature from Brown University and an M.S. in security strategy from the National Defense University at the National War College. Ambassador Sullivan is set to arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in the coming months, where she will engage with the AU and UNECA on issues such as economic development, security, and human rights.

Eritrea Suspends Ethiopian Airlines: A Deep Dive into Passenger Grievances and Ticket Price Hikes

Eritrea Suspends Ethiopian Airlines: A Deep Dive into Passenger Grievances and Ticket Price Hikes The Civil Aviation Authority of Eritrea’s Ministry of Transport and Communications announced the suspension in a notice published today in the government newspaper “Hadas Eritrea.” According to the announcement, Ethiopian Airlines flights will be suspended from September 30, 2024. Ethiopian Airlines later confirmed the suspension of all flights to Eritrea. In a press release, the Civil Aviation Authority stated that the airline was grounded due to “organized and systematic” abuse of Eritrean passengers. The airline was accused of improper procedures, including “theft of passengers’ luggage,” frequent flight and baggage delays, and failure to compensate passengers. The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority also cited an unreasonable increase in ticket prices as another reason for the suspension. “Repeated reminders given to Ethiopian Airlines to resolve the above-mentioned problems did not yield results, and from September 30, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea have been suspended,” the authority stated. In a message issued to Ethiopian Airlines passengers, the Eritrean government urged those planning to fly with the airline after September 30 to make alternative arrangements. Despite the planned suspension, Ethiopian Airlines continues to sell tickets for flights to Eritrea on its website and at ticket offices for dates beyond October 1. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five flights a week to Asmara. In addition to Ethiopian Airlines, Saudi Arabian, Turkish, and Egyptian airlines have regular flights to Asmara. Following a recent visit by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to Italy, an agreement was reached for Italian Airlines to start flights to Eritrea. Air travel between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which was interrupted for two decades due to the bloody border war, resumed in July 2010. This will be remembered. After Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power, flights between Asmara and Addis Ababa, which had been in a state of neither war nor peace, were resumed. The leaders of the two countries signed an agreement called the “Asmara Declaration,” which allowed the continuation of land transport, trade, and communication services that had been suspended alongside air travel. Currently, all border gates between the two countries are closed, but communication services remain open. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been restored following the end of the civil war in northern Ethiopia. It is worth noting that the Eritrean government sided with the federal government during the conflict in the north and attacked the forces of Tigray.

Ethiopia Receives Advanced Calidus MCAV-20 Armoured Vehicles from UAE

Ethiopia Receives Advanced Calidus MCAV-20 Armoured Vehicles from UAE Ethiopian National Defence Force Receives Calidus MCAV-20 Armoured Vehicles from UAE The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has recently taken delivery of hundreds of Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles, acquired from the United Arab Emirates. Arrival in Addis Ababa On July 20, a significant number of MCAV-20 vehicles were observed being transported by rail towards Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. This delivery marks a notable enhancement in the ENDF’s operational capabilities. Overview of the MCAV-20 The MCAV-20 is among several advanced vehicles produced by Calidus, including the LRV-20 lightweight 4×4 and Al Wahash 8×8. The MCAV-20, first showcased at the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in 2021, stands out for its robust design and high-level crew protection. Performance and Specifications Equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine generating 300 horsepower, the MCAV-20 can achieve speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour and has an operational range of 800 kilometers. Its independent suspension system and durable armor, which can withstand small arms fire and artillery shrapnel, including a blast-proof underbody, make it well-suited for challenging operational environments. Armament and Versatility The MCAV-20’s versatility is highlighted by its ability to accommodate various armaments, including a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 40mm grenade launcher. This adaptability makes it a valuable asset in diverse combat scenarios. Global Adoption The MCAV-20 has already been adopted by several other military forces, including the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Republican Guard of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the militaries of Mozambique and Mauritania. The ENDF’s acquisition of these vehicles underscores their commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities. By integrating the MCAV-20 into their arsenal, the ENDF is poised to significantly bolster its defense operations, ensuring better protection and mobility for its personnel.

Takele Uma Returns to Leadership as Ethio-Djibouti Railway CEO

Takele Uma Returns to Leadership as Ethio-Djibouti Railway CEO Addis Ababa (July 9, 2016) – (Dr.) Engineer Takele Uma Benti has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway by Prime Minister,Abiy Ahmed (Dr.). The appointment is effective immediately. Engineer Takele Uma Benti has a diverse background in government roles. He served as the Mayor of Addis Ababa, where he oversaw various urban development and infrastructure projects. His efforts were focused on enhancing the city’s infrastructure and public services. Following his tenure as Mayor, Engineer Takele Uma took on the role of Minister of Mines. In this position, he managed Ethiopia’s mineral resources and worked on policies aimed at boosting the sector’s contribution to the national economy. His work in the Ministry of Mines included attracting foreign investment and promoting sustainable mining practices. In addition to his governmental roles, Engineer Takele Uma spent two years at Harvard University pursuing an MBA. This academic experience provided him with advanced knowledge in business administration, strategic planning, and organizational management. The Ethio-Djibouti Railway is a key transportation link between Ethiopia and Djibouti, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries. Engineer Takele Uma’s appointment is expected to bring new strategies to the railway’s operations.

Somalia’s President Arrives in Ethiopia Amidst Escalating Tensions

Somalia’s President Arrives in Ethiopia Amidst Escalating Tensions Amidst escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed of Somalia has landed in Addis Ababa. This arrival is particularly significant, given the recent discord sparked by the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which President Mohammed has vocally opposed. His visit to the Ethiopian capital underscores the heightened diplomatic stakes and the urgency of addressing the issues that have strained relations between the two nations. This diplomatic visit is set against the backdrop of President Mohammed’s attendance at the 34th session of the African Union, an event that draws leaders from across the continent to deliberate on pressing regional challenges. The controversy surrounding the MOU—wherein Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent entity in return for a 50-year lease on a stretch of its coastline—has thrust Somalia and Ethiopia into a complex diplomatic entanglement, with Somalia asserting that such an agreement infringes upon its sovereignty. The Somali government’s response to the agreement was immediate and firm, marked by the recall of its ambassador from Ethiopia and a cabinet meeting that reinforced Somalia’s refusal to recognize the MOU. President Mohammed’s outreach to international leaders to rally support for Somalia’s position has garnered backing from Egypt, along with statements from the Arab League, the African Union, and the European Union, all advocating for the protection of Somalia’s sovereign boundaries. Amid this contentious atmosphere, President Mohammed’s statements to Al Jazeera have made it clear that any diplomatic dialogue with Ethiopia must commence with the revocation of the MOU. While it remains uncertain if meetings between President Mohammed and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will take place during the visit, the situation highlights the fragile balance between upholding national sovereignty and fostering regional diplomacy. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent remarks indicate Ethiopia’s aversion to conflict with Somalia, suggesting a possible avenue for peaceful resolution. 1 COMMENT Ittu Aba Farda February 17, 2024 At 3:30 am Okay bigots! This photo in your uncomely face! Go find a lake and jump in the deep end and don’t you even think about coming up You will be joined down there by your bosom buddy Iblis to take you to eternal inferno of hell. I bet you some of those brothers and sisters in Puntland and Galmudug are yelling at Somaliland ‘Pass the Dutchie, bro!’ while the rest are busy shoe shining their Arab-ness. But these ‘Arab-ies’ are still ‘abds’, niggers in el-Sisi’s demographic book. Wait a minute folks! I hear some loud noise similar to heavy artillery close to the palace in Addis/Finfine. I also see thru my high powered telescope a large army movement entering the palace. But the uniform they are wearing is not the one the ENDF soldiers use. When I zoomed in my telescope I discovered that these soldiers are from the Egyptian army. I tell you whenever el-Sisi says he is going to do something on Ethiopia, he backs it up. I can also see the entire 129 million Ethiopians down on their knees pleading el-Sisi’s soldiers for mercy. You should never forget the ‘Fact’ that Ethiopians were beaten by Egypt as if they robbed a bank in the Old West twice both at Gundet and Gura in 1875. Now they are in town and this time they will liberate Somaliland and will give me my own republic 1952 style. No wonder why certain neighborhood in Minnesota, Knoxville, Flint, Oslo, Stockholm and Melbourne are vacated now. My main man Abdul Fattah el-Sisi is my and Somaliland’s Simon Bolivar, The Liberator. Okay, you so-called patriots! One word out of you! Just even one word!!! Don’t think about it! I congratulate you cadres and traitors paid up by a foreign good-for-nothing!!! I’ve heard a lot about you and how you sustain yourself!!! Okay bigots! This photo in your uncomely face! Go find a lake and jump in the deep end and don’t you even think about coming up You will be joined down there by your bosom buddy Iblis to take you to eternal inferno of hell. I bet you some of those brothers and sisters in Puntland and Galmudug are yelling at Somaliland ‘Pass the Dutchie, bro!’ while the rest are busy shoe shining their Arab-ness. But these ‘Arab-ies’ are still ‘abds’, niggers in el-Sisi’s demographic book. Wait a minute folks! I hear some loud noise similar to heavy artillery close to the palace in Addis/Finfine. I also see thru my high powered telescope a large army movement entering the palace. But the uniform they are wearing is not the one the ENDF soldiers use. When I zoomed in my telescope I discovered that these soldiers are from the Egyptian army. I tell you whenever el-Sisi says he is going to do something on Ethiopia, he backs it up. I can also see the entire 129 million Ethiopians down on their knees pleading el-Sisi’s soldiers for mercy. You should never forget the ‘Fact’ that Ethiopians were beaten by Egypt as if they robbed a bank in the Old West twice both at Gundet and Gura in 1875. Now they are in town and this time they will liberate Somaliland and will give me my own republic 1952 style. No wonder why certain neighborhood in Minnesota, Knoxville, Flint, Oslo, Stockholm and Melbourne are vacated now. My main man Abdul Fattah el-Sisi is my and Somaliland’s Simon Bolivar, The Liberator. Okay, you so-called patriots! One word out of you! Just even one word!!! Don’t think about it! I congratulate you cadres and traitors paid up by a foreign good-for-nothing!!! I’ve heard a lot about you and how you sustain yourself!!! Comments are closed.

Can Ethiopia Find Peace Through Negotiation? Rwanda Provides Lessons

Can Ethiopia Find Peace Through Negotiation? Rwanda Provides Lessons Article by : Elias Demissie Currently, Ethiopia is passing through a non-predictable outcome. The whole world including Ethiopians believed there was a change of Regime in 2018, after the 2005 election in Ethiopia most of the opposition voices died and created an acquiesced atmosphere of the general public over the oppressing regime of EPDRF but this ambiance didn’t last for long and brought another strong chain of protests which managed to crack the EPRDF into two units following an internal power contestation.  nevertheless, the protesters’ sacrifices were used to get a better power position in the leading party. The infamous split of  EPDF  happened in 2018, creating two strong entities with the same leading ideology but different political capital and ethnic backgrounds. The subtle power friction resulted in bringing the current Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali to power hold,  who gave hope of bringing a change to Ethiopians and those interested in the country’s future, as it’s the same party with the identical ideology from the parent party EPDRF the leadership fell short by repeating the same mistakes which the youth of Ethiopia protest against. After the change, the party EPDRF split into two and created political fortresses in Addis Ababa and Mekele, The Addis Ababa group changed its name to Prosperity Party with only party reforms, but the Mekele half stayed the same with zero party alliance making it solely a TPLF where it has started some three decades ago. This made TPLF the black ship.  with its wrong political calculations soldiered with its 27 years of oppression, crime, genocidal acts, and human rights abuses made the party a bystander in the Ethiopian political Arena. Because of the inherent character of the leading party, OPDO/PP in Ethiopia is no different from its parent EPDRF.  it took a very short time to start State-sponsored killings and internal displacements of Ethnic Amharas by installing a new Governmental project called Oromuma, because of all these crimes unveiled; Ethiopians started to question if the change was genuine or not, yet what most forget was the protest only managed to split the party and withdraw the former oppressor and bring a New one. The outcome of the protests was only a shift from a Tigray political dominance to an Oromo one, amid all these problems happening the conundrum brought by Abiy Ahmed was to name his new party Prosperity Party which again ended in bringing nothing new from the former TPLF led government. While all these were happening TPLF from Tigray was waiting for an opportune moment to resume its power in the capital. COVID-19 was a lottery ticket to TPLF to swing some heavy shots on the leading gov’t.  Tplf believed it would be a golden ticket to Addis Ababa if they put the leading party In a legitimacy question. The power struggle ended in bringing a brutal civil war which made Ethnic Amharas pass through genocide and war crimes. Because the war added to the already happening genocide, massacre, and internal displacements by the Abiy Ahmed regime and its Mercenary group OLA-Shene, it made the suffering of Ethnic Amharas go on a hyperbole. The first civil war ended in catastrophic human rights abuse to genocide crimes against the people of Amhara. Because the whole world has turned a blind eye to these heinous crimes, ethnic Amharas continue to face countless genocides and human rights abuses in non-carrying areas like Oromia, Beninshangul Gumuz, and Addis Ababa to say the least. No one expected there would be another war happening in Ethiopia but it happened as a “war for war crimes” with no objective goal. In this war, the government of Ethiopia was able to defend the two critical wings of the war which are  Afar and Welkait, and leave the rest.  This enabled  TPLF forces to move deep into the Amhara lands of Wollo and Shewa. In the first war, GOE lost its international community support because of war crime allegations from the Tigray side, the government tried its best to contest the allegations by directly attacking the IC and the US specifically through a popular movement called NOMORE. The movement #NOMORE was so aggressive that some feared it might bring homegrown terrorism on US soil.  A resentment over the  US made a political shift of support to the Russian Federation, Some believed the country might take the stride to reignite the former Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu’s times of communism sidelined the US from the Horn of Africa politics. Nonetheless, the Ethiopian gov’t aggressive move over the IC failed miserably. But This doesn’t stop the gov’t from using the second TPLF aggression as a crime-balancing war by using a term called “tactical retreat”. Closing the two critical corridors and leaving other areas unprotected let the TPLF army move in the hearts of Amhara lands without a challenge which enabled them to commit war crimes of a very high magnitude. This left the Amhara people under the water. This plan of the gov’t was so successful that the IC started to show a soft heart to the GOE, which even pressured the IC to think about bringing peace by putting these two war criminal gov’t fragments on a negotiating table. Failed Negotiation of War Criminals and the Case of Rwanda July 1992 was the time when the peace talks started in Rwanda to bring two big actors The AKAZU Interahamwe embedded gov’t and the RPF to the negotiation table, both parties are known for war crimes and rampant civilian targeted genocide in  Rwanda and Burundi.  The UN was able to introduce the UNAMIR mission and tried to impose the ARUSHA accords in August 1993, yet the peace talks and arrangements failed. while these peace arrangements were happening Rwanda was passing through war crimes for consecutive three years, the very obvious mistake that the International community made was trying to bring criminals to a negotiating table, the only way to it should have been stopping the civil war and start an independent investigation to clear out the war and genocide criminals and proceed to negotiation. Because of the failure to see the shortcomings of sitting parties whose hands are soaked in crime Rwanda faced one of the deadliest genocide in the history of mankind.   This happened while the whole world was wide awake and under the presence of the UN peacekeepers. What should the International community learn from Rwanda The writer believes and advises that before creating peace, accountability, and justice shall prevail, then any peace talks and negotiations can be produced because the air is cleared from the violent actors. The case of Ethiopia: currently Ethiopia is passing through a brutal civil war in the north and government-sponsored genocide in Oromia, most give a lazy eye to the latter, because the focus is on the war.  Oromia a region where there is abundant Ethnic diversity has become a prison of Ethnic groups and minorities because of the enabling regional constitution which ushered in an Oromo ethnic group hegemony leaving other ethnic groups without any political representation this Single-handedly helped the government-sponsored genocide to go unnoticed. Because of the war in the North, the International community undermined the baby steps of the current genocide in Oromia against ethnic Amharas, the numbers are growing every day to bring an Apocalypse. These two big phenomena should be dealt with inseparably. Negotiations of criminals might only bring a non-confidential ceasefire which will then erupt as a bloody war any time soon. because the warring actors are on hold of their warring armies. To fix the current issue in Ethiopia the IC must push for justice before any peace talks and negotiations. Otherwise, the peace talks will fail drastically like the Arusha accords of Rwanda.

Journalist Fekadu Alemu, Head of Ethiopian National Media Support, Flees Country Amidst Safety Fears

Journalist Fekadu Alemu, Head of Ethiopian National Media Support, Flees Country Amidst Safety Fears The founder and Executive Director of Ethiopian National Media Support (ENMS), journalist Fekadu Alemu, has reportedly left the country due to safety concerns. Fekadu Alemu, a prominent journalist and the driving force behind ENMS, recently disclosed his decision to leave Ethiopia. Speaking to an anonymous source from Addis Insight, he suggested that the pressures he faced, stemming from his identity and his journalistic endeavors, along with intense surveillance by unidentified individuals, may have contributed to his departure. Our sources indicate that during his tenure at Fana Broadcasting Corporation, journalist Fekadu Alemu authored various articles under a pen name. Furthermore, he contributed critical and educational pieces on a wide range of political and social issues to prominent media outlets such as Wazema Radio, Addis Maleda, and Addis Insight Media. In addition to his career in journalism, Fekadu Alemu is recognized for his role as an educator and trainer in the fields of journalism and communication. He has imparted his knowledge and expertise at institutions including Axum University, Hawassa University, and various colleges in Addis Ababa. Drawing from his 13 years of experience as a journalist and educator, he established Ethiopian National Media Support (ENMS) in 2020. You can learn more about ENMS by visiting their website at https://www.facebook.com/newenms With ENMS, he has been leading and facilitating various media freedom project activities that significantly improved media professionalism in Ethiopia in collaboration with local and international organizations. The Chevening Africa Media Freedom Fellowship award cohort of 2022, African Civic Engagement Academy, University of Georgia 2021, and others are among the fellowships he has received. In closing, sources have indicated to Addis Insight that journalist Fekadu Alemu has applied for asylum in England, underscoring the challenges and concerns faced by journalists working in Ethiopia. 1 COMMENT Abdulrazaq Al-Harari November 13, 2023 At 4:29 am There will be more journalists who will use every chance they get to come here because they have seen how others before them who came here and found wealth they never imagined by talking and pushing war and destruction. Remember these were journalists who were so entrusted by the regime there that they were handpicked to accompany the president of the country. Others were enthusiastic members of the press who used to paint rosy picture of the governing regime present and past. Political asylum, who is eligible or not, is not like it used to be. It looks now that anyone can come here and talk bad about a seated regime and apply for political asylum. Then a human rights lawyer will take over and you will be allowed to stay and work until your case is finalized. That may take years. Meanwhile you will open up a YouTube channel or other social media platform spilling beans about the regime you were enthusiastically part of. Subscribers, followers and views will be swarming your channel which means easy gravy leading to riches you never imagined before. Hello Messay, The Abebe’s and others like them! You gotta be worried now! You will have fierce competition coming at you!!! One of these Abebe’s is said to be involved in tracking and accumulating IP addresses of every Diaspora he comes across on the websites comment section we all participate. He spends most of his time eave dropping on everyone he likes and does not like. If you have left comment on this or other websites, it is a sure thing that that Abebe has your IP address and may be watching you now. I hope someone will ask law enforcement folks to rein in on him. It is a serious crime of violation of privacy which is protected by the constitution. It cannot be carried out without a warrant from a judge. Such accumulating of IP addresses is said to be the norm with most of the websites we all come to looking for the latest news about Ethiopia. That is wrong and someone should tell them to stop doing that to their entrusting audience. For now, let’s be ready to see these new asylum seekers spilling the beans about their former boss who they used to be in company with. They are too smart to enjoy both sides of the world. They know where it is all easy gravy!!!! So, all of you fools among us! Go ahead and give them the views, the subscriptions and the likes! They need that 3-bedrooms 3-baths house! They need that European model 3-row SUV!! Remember they are asylum seekers who came here on a first-class ticket. You have to support them, you fools!!!! There will be more journalists who will use every chance they get to come here because they have seen how others before them who came here and found wealth they never imagined by talking and pushing war and destruction. Remember these were journalists who were so entrusted by the regime there that they were handpicked to accompany the president of the country. Others were enthusiastic members of the press who used to paint rosy picture of the governing regime present and past. Political asylum, who is eligible or not, is not like it used to be. It looks now that anyone can come here and talk bad about a seated regime and apply for political asylum. Then a human rights lawyer will take over and you will be allowed to stay and work until your case is finalized. That may take years. Meanwhile you will open up a YouTube channel or other social media platform spilling beans about the regime you were enthusiastically part of. Subscribers, followers and views will be swarming your channel which means easy gravy leading to riches you never imagined before. Hello Messay, The Abebe’s and others like them! You gotta be worried now! You will have fierce competition coming at you!!! One of these Abebe’s is said to be involved in tracking and accumulating IP addresses of every Diaspora he comes across on the websites comment section we all participate. He spends most of his time eave dropping on everyone he likes and does not like. If you have left comment on this or other websites, it is a sure thing that that Abebe has your IP address and may be watching you now. I hope someone will ask law enforcement folks to rein in on him. It is a serious crime of violation of privacy which is protected by the constitution. It cannot be carried out without a warrant from a judge. Such accumulating of IP addresses is said to be the norm with most of the websites we all come to looking for the latest news about Ethiopia. That is wrong and someone should tell them to stop doing that to their entrusting audience. For now, let’s be ready to see these new asylum seekers spilling the beans about their former boss who they used to be in company with. They are too smart to enjoy both sides of the world. They know where it is all easy gravy!!!! So, all of you fools among us! Go ahead and give them the views, the subscriptions and the likes! They need that 3-bedrooms 3-baths house! They need that European model 3-row SUV!! Remember they are asylum seekers who came here on a first-class ticket. You have to support them, you fools!!!! Comments are closed.

On the Horizon: Afwerki and Ahmed’s Imminent Confrontation at Saudi Summit

On the Horizon: Afwerki and Ahmed’s Imminent Confrontation at Saudi Summit The Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, a platform for dialogue and cooperation among African nations and Saudi Arabia, is set to witness a significant encounter between Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This meeting is particularly noteworthy given the recent tensions between the two leaders, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access. President Afwerki’s presence at the summit follows a period of strained relations with Ethiopia, especially after the 2018 peace deal he signed with Prime Minister Ahmed. The deal initially raised hopes for sustainable peace but later faltered due to ongoing conflicts with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Eritrean government’s involvement in these conflicts, alongside Ethiopian forces, has been a point of contention, especially after reports of human rights violations by Eritrean soldiers in the Tigray region. Moreover, President Afwerki’s regime faced sanctions from the European Union in March 2021 for human rights violations in Eritrea, which further complicated the geopolitical scenario. The Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed these sanctions as “baseless and offensive,” indicating a dismissive stance towards international criticism. On the other hand, Prime Minister Ahmed has publicly acknowledged the presence of Eritrean forces in Tigray, expressing gratitude for their assistance but also emphasizing Ethiopia’s sovereignty and the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces. This statement and Ethiopia’s quest for sea access mark a delicate phase in the relations between these two Horn of Africa nations. The Saudi-Africa Summit, therefore, presents a critical juncture for potential diplomatic engagement between President Afwerki and Prime Minister Ahmed. Their interactions could signal either a further deterioration or a possible reconciliation in their bilateral relations, with significant implications for regional stability and cooperation. Tags abiy ahmed ethiopia ethiopia news ethiopia news today ethiopian news