Despite significant gains in freedom in the last four months, anarchy was on the rise to the point that groups with an apparent political motives to achieve are mistaking anarchy for freedom- and seems deliberate. There has been a horrifying killing in Oromo region and an orchestrated killings in Somali region. PM made it clear today that lawlessness and anarchy will not be tolerated.

borkena
August 19,2018

Mounting lawlessness in different parts of Ethiopia, mainly in Somali and Oromo regions of Ethiopia, have been causing security problems for Ethiopians. There have been killings, destruction of properties and displacement of people since prime minister came to power in April of this year.

The situation made Ethiopians doubt the competence of prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration when it comes to enforcing laws in the interest of protecting the security of Ethiopians.

Reputable human rights advocacy groups, like Human Rights Watch, have been calling for Abiy Ahmed’s government to stand tall in terms of protecting human rights and hold perpetrators of human rights abuses, mostly in Oromo and Somali regions, accountable and make them face justice.

In what seems to be a response to internal and external pressure, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed had a press conference today to address the situation.

While noting the achievements of Ethiopia in history, religious and cultural values relevant for justice in the society, and the achievements along the lines of freedom in the past four months, the prime minister admitted that his government is experiencing challenges as forces seeking to reverse the change are causing a crisis like situation in terms of security of citizens.

Apart from lawlessness, the prime minister sees tendency for actions motivated by hate. The situation is posing a threat on the safety and security of citizens and endangering peace in the country, he claimed. His government, says Abiy, believes that mob justice is posing a risk to the existence of the country and need to stop immediately.

He added that his government will no longer tolerate ethnic based attacks that leads to killings, destruction of property and displacement of people as the situation is causing loss of freedom for citizens and security crisis for the country. The only guarantee for the security, peace and freedom of our citizens is, Abiy exclaimed, to enforce law and the constitutional order “with all the means we have.”

He called up on all Ethiopians to stand along side the government in the effort to hold persons who violate the law accountable as doing so is not a matter of choice but a matter of existence.

For law enforcement agencies, he wants them to hold individuals or groups accountable whenever the law is violated rather than watching it as it happens with a sense of indifference.

He also advised groups who seek to achieve a political goal to resort to a peaceful means and stop instigating ethnic based violence and creating insecurity for the public and make a distinction between freedom and anarchy.

Many analysts see a national security risk in ethnic politics that is fueling ethnic based attacks in different parts of the country, yet prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s government seem to be in a hostage situation when it comes to doing away with it as the basis of power for his government fundamentally emanates from ethnic politics.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Anarchy mistaken for freedom will not be tolerated, says Ethiopian Prime minister appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Reppie Waste to Energy Project might cause controversy between Ethiopian Electric Power and project contractors, Cambridge Industries

borkena
August 19,2018

Ethiopia inaugurated today Reppie Waste to Energy plant which was reportedly constructed at a cost of US$95 million.

President Mulatu Teshome attended the inauguration ceremony and he is cited as saying that he is very pleased to see that the project is now completed and operational.

The Ethiopian Electric Power’s project is constructed on 37 hectares of land in outskirts of the capital Addis Ababa.

The project is said to be Africa’s first waste to energy facility and is expected to generate 185 gigawatts of electric power.

Apparently, there was a narrative on the part of Ethiopian Electric Power that the project will generate 50 MW (megawatt) of electric power to help increase power supply to Adids Ababa and its environs. Up on completion, however, it is learned that the plant can only generate 25 MW of electric power.

Ethiopian Electric power claims that it has reached an agreement with the contractors, Cambridge Industries, to get additional power transformers and spare parts to raise the electric generating capacity to 50 MW, according to a report by Fana Broadcasting Corporation.

Cambridge Industries, on other hand, told Fana Broadcasting Corporation that it did not have any agreement or negotiation with Ethiopian Electric Power to supply additional power transformers for the project. It was agreed from the outset that the project will generate 25 MW of power, not 50 says Cambridge Industries.

Fana did not mention if Ethiopian Electric is reached for clarification on the matter and if they have evidence for its claim.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Reppie Waste to Energy Project inaugurated today appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Press Release
HWPL,Press and Media Department (International)
August 20,2018

Political and social representatives in Africa and Middle East were gathered to discuss international cooperation for peacebuilding through a series of events held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia including the “Ethiopia Peace Conference” on August 15 with education experts and civil society, the “Addis Ababa Summit” with political leaders from Africa and the Middle East and the “Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders” on August 16.

On August 15, government, educator and youth sought a way to reconciliation for peace at the ‘Ethiopia Peace Conference’ held in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At this event, attended by former President of Ethiopia Negasso Gidada, representatives of 10 universities, state minister of education and 700 university students, the DPCW Advocacy Signing Ceremony was held to invent cooperative peacebuilding with the participation of people from every field of society.

Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa’s municipal government who addressed a speech saying ” Addis Ababa city administration has a deep conviction that the launching of peace education in the Universities could help promote harmony among students regardless of their nationalities, cultural background and religions.” at the event, emphasize about the necessity of peace education and also says that the City Administration pledges to extend every support necessary to institutions engaged in the implementation of this peace education project. In addition, the eleven university presidents and representatives who attended the event laid the foundation for peace education in Ethiopia by signing an MOU to agree on peace education at their universities.

The Chairman of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light(HWPL) who visited Ethiopia following a peace tour to the United Nations in May, says “We should also write a letter to the president to support the Implementation of international laws for the cessation of war. It says that the people have all the power of the state. That’s why the president has no reason to refuse what the people want.”. And the Chairman presented a role of civil society for peace and urged them to join peace activities.

In the ‘Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders’, “No religion teaches fighting or killing each other. In order to resolve the religious conflicts, we all must know the Scriptures, and I hope that we can show first from the Ethiopian Protestant Church by Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders.”

In addition, about 50 pastors who participated in a pre-seminar and signed the Pledge for the Regular Operation of Open Dialogue in Ethiopia had time to deliver it to Mr. Lee, Chairman of HWPL. They signed that religious leaders should lead in creating a peaceful environment through holding a regular event for different religious groups starting December this year.

At the “Addis Ababa Summit” held in Medium CR, African Union Commission and co-hosted by international organizations including, Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices(IAC), International Law Association(ILA) Egyptian Branch and HWPL, politicians from Africa and the Middle East discussed the need for the international law for peace to bring out stability in the regions and promote peace-related projects at each continental level.

RT. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda stressed the role of political leaders for realization of peace. “DPCW draws upon the principles of peace expressed through the ages through which the people of the world expressed their desire for global peace and called upon world leaders to put aside their vested interests that stand in the way of world peace and harmony. ”
With this, prominent leaders had the time to sign on the Signature in Support of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW).

Before these events in Ethiopia, official declaration of support for the DPCW by heads of African countries such as Eswatini and Republic of Seychelles was followed.

The DPCW deals with the international cooperation to institutionalize and culturally develop peace and cessation of war through the cooperation of world legal experts by HWPL. In this Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War covers the develop friendly relations between nations, prohibit the use of the forces, respect of the international law, foster religious freedom, and spread a culture of peace.
Over 15th to 16th days, HWPL had the time to sign for the support of DPCW with participants from all walks of life. DPCW was created by international law experts for building the peace world without the war. During the two-day peace tour, participants at each event pledged to support and urge the DPCW for sustainable peace.

The Chairman Lee of HWPL, who held the summit with Ethiopian leaders during the 29th Peace Tour, emphasized the importance of peace movement to work as one in which each stratum came together, saying “If there is an answer to peace, then any family of the global village born in this era should become a messenger of peace, ending war and making sustainable peace a legacy for future generations..”
___
For more information about the press release, contact Yuri Kim : press_gj@hwpl.kr



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopia Begins the Harmony of Peace through Collaboration of Politics, Education, Religion and Civil Society (Press Release) appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 20,2018

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) says it will help the Ethiopian government “fight lawlessness and anarchy”, according to a report published today by government-affiliated media Fana Broadcasting Corporation.

The party’s spokesperson, Tolera Adeba, is cited as saying that his party will work to stop illegal actions perpetrated in the name of his party.

OLF is not interested in creating insecurity and risking peace but in liberating people and bring about peace and democracy, the spokesperson added according to the source.

Tolera Adeba added that any illegal activity planned to obstruct “Oromo People’s struggle” in the name of OLF does not represent the party.

Last week, a picture of armed combatants with OLF fag operating in Wollega region of Ethiopia was widely shared on social media and it is unclear if the spokesperson is disowning any armed groups in different parts of Oromo region of Ethiopia who claim to be OLF fighters.

OLF signed a peace accord with representatives of the government of Ethiopia, which was led by foreign minister Workneh Gebeyehu, in Eritrea some two weeks ago. As per the agreement, OLF is to pursue its political goal through peaceful means.

Meanwhile, the regional government in Oromo region of Ethiopia disclosed today that it has arrested groups engaged in criminal activity in the region in the name of Qeerroo, a youth group that relentlessly resisted repression under TPLF in the immediate years before Abiy Ahmed, who is an Oromo himself, was elected as Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned that mistaking lawlessness and anarchy for freedom will not be tolerated. In the same week, Lemma Megersa, president of Oromo regional state warned against illegal and criminal activities in the region.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post OLF to help government fight “lawlessness and anarchy” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 21,2018

Ethiopian Muslims have celebrated 1439th Eid al Adha holiday across the country. In the capital Addis Ababa, tens of thousands of faithful celebrated it at the Addis Ababa Stadium, where there was a holiday prayer (Salat al-Eid Adha)

For nearly a decade Ethiopian Muslims have been resisting government attempt to interfere in the administrative affairs of Ethiopian Muslims and even imposition of new Islamic teachings. The attempt somewhat created division among the laity of Ethiopian Muslims.

The issue is now resolved following an effort by prime minister Abiy Ahmed and this year’s holiday is celebrated with a spirit of unity, according to Ethiopian Broadcasting corporation report.

Video credit: Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian Muslims celebrated Eid al Adha across the country appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 21,2018

As the ruling coalition (EPRDF) 36-member executive committee (it is the highest government body of the party) continues its meeting for a second day, reports emerged today that an arrest warrant has been issued on Getachew Assefa.

He was head of National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for many years until he was removed from his position months after the ruling coalition picked Abiy Ahmed as prime minister.

In a breaking news coverage today, US based Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) cited sources to report that Getachew Assefa is not attending EPRDF executive committee meeting and has left the country.

ESAT added that the former intelligence chief spent about a month in hotel in Mekelle, which is not named, before he fled the country to Sudan.

Some members of Tigray regional police reportedly facilitated his escape. Yet, the source did not publish further details as to how and when he fled Ethiopia.

From the report, arrangement was also made for his family members to leave Ethiopia earlier.

Getachew Assefa, who is one of the nine executive members of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and a member of EPRDF executive committee, is implicated in numerous serious crimes including ethnic based violence in different parts of Ethiopia.

On July 31, about 45 Federal police members were detained up on arrival at Mekelle international airport tasked with arresting alleged criminals and it was this week that Tigray regional government released them.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Former intelligence chief became fugitive as Ethiopia issues arrest warrant appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 22,2018

EthioTelecom, Ethiopia’s state-owned telephone service provider, introduced a reduction in service charge rates for a range of services which nearly halved the cost.

In a press statement today, Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethiotelecom, announced that consumers will get a 43 % discounted rate for internet service, a 40% discount rates for local calls, 45 % in Text message service charge rate and 54 % discount on broadband service.

The discounted rate is effective as of today.

EthioTelecom is said to be among state-owned government corporations which are to be partially privatized, and the government has already formed an advisory board to help make the process transparent and accountable.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post EthioTelecom introduced a reduction in service charge appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

.Three days of EPRDF Executive meeting endorsed economic,political and foreign policy reform measures, among others
. Reforms to be institutionalized
. TPLF ambition to revert back to “revolutionary democracy” did not happen

borkena
August 22,2018

The 36 member Executive Committee of Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, EPRDF, concluded its regular meeting which was underway for the last three days.

The committee which is drawn from four ethnic-based parties that constitute the ruling coalition has reportedly endorsed reform measures introduced since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in April of this year.

Sources close to the government says that committee has a positivist evaluation the undertakings in the past five months.

Fitsum Aregaa, Chief of Staff in the office of the Prime Minister, announced today that the executive council has emphasized the need to institutionalize the reform measures in the interest of ensuring their sustainability.

The EPRDF Executive Committee has concluded its regular meeting today. The Committee endorsed the wide ranging reforms underway. While supporting the speed, the Council emphasized the need to further institutionalize the reforms to ensure their sustainability. #Ethiopia 1/2.

— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) August 22, 2018

A range of reform measures has been taken in the past five months including the release of political prisoners, broadening the political space in the country for opposition parties which apparently compelled parties that were labeled as “terrorists” to return to Ethiopia and ending the two decades state of war situation with Eritrea. In the economic front, the ruling party has decided to partially privatize government-owned enterprises including Ethiopian Airlines which is hailed by multilateral financial institutions like IMF and World Bank, and governments in the west including the United States.

Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), one of the four parties in the ruling coalition, has been opposing the reform measures on grounds that “the constitution has been violated” and is calling for a return to “revolutionary Democracy ideology.”

Despite decisive reform measures that noticeably won the support of the majority of Ethiopians, there have been growing security concerns due to ethnic-based violece in different parts of the country to the point that lawlessness and anarchy became a challenge for prime minister Abiy Ahmed administration and he had to issue a statement warning that “mistaking anarchy for freedom will not be tolerated.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post EPRDF EC endorsed reform measures as it concluded meeting appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 23,2018

Azeb Asnake (pictured) who is executive director of Ethiopian electric power is removed from her position, according to a report by government media sources.

It is unclear why she is removed from her position.

Azeb was named the 2017 POWER-GEN Woman of the Year.

There has been a rumor in social media recently that she would be removed in connection with an alleged corruption allegation but no evidence-based report is published yet.

Fana Broadcasting (FB) reported that the chairman of the Board of Ethiopian Electric power wrote a letter of appointment to Dr. Abrahm Belay who will be taking over from Engineer Azeb Asnake.

Based on the report, the new executive director worked as Cyber Technology engineer within Ethiopia’s intelligence department, National Intelligence, and Security Agency.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Azeb Asnake (Eng.) terminated as executive director of Ethiopian Electric power appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 23,2018

Zewdie Gudeta (pictured left)a prominent Oromo activist and an important voice for democratic Ethiopia suddenly passed away yesterday, according to a report by ESAT.

He was one of the leaders of Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) and was an active participant during the formation of Ethiopian National Movement.

He was also among featured speakers in Vision Ethiopia’s conference and has contributed articles (both in Amharic and English) to borkena.com

He was an enlightened man who aspired and worked for a democratic Ethiopia unlike radical ethno-nationalist activists.

Editor of borkena would like to express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Zewdie Gudeta

To watch his speech during Vision Ethiopia event, please check this link



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Zewdie Gudeta a prominent Oromo activist passes away suddenly appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang witnessed singing of cooperation agreements between Vietnam and Ethiopia as he is visiting the country.

borkena
August 23,2018

Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, arrived today in the Addis Ababa for a three days official visit in Ethiopia.

He was greeted up on arrival at Bole International Airport by President Mulatu Teshome.

The visiting Vietnamese president also met with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss bilateral relation and ares of cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the two countries have signed Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Investment Cooperation.

Trade,investment,tourism,education, aviation and telecommunication are among the areas identified for cooperation. As well, an agreement has been reached on mutual visa waivers arrangements.

Fitusm Arega, Chief of staff in the office of the Prime minister, disclosed that Abiy Ahmed raised and talked about Đổi Mới, Vietnamese economic reform introduced in 1986 with the objective to create a socialist Oriented Market economy in the country.

PM Abiy Ahmed today received HE Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of Vietnam. PM Abiy noted Vietnam’s sustained economic growth after introducing its Reforms (Doi Moi). The two parties agreed to strengthen their ties in agriculture, trade, Investment & human capital. #Ethiopia. pic.twitter.com/FjpfQZHF89

— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) August 23, 2018

The two countries have also reportedly singed investment protection agreements.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia cited President Quang as saying that the discussions he held with Ethiopian authorities
” were fruitful as they helped both sides explored areas of expanding and strengthening ties in aviation, telecommunications, education among others.”



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang on a three days visit to Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

ANDM seemingly wants a complete break from it past; intends to change name and its emblem

borkena
August 23,2018

The central committee of Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) is discussing a range of issues along the lines of rebranding itself and reforming its political ideology, according to a report by the regional state media -Amhara Mass Media Agency.

Migbaru Kebede who is a member of ANDM’s central committee and the party’s rural political organizing head says the party will discuss in depth to draft political agenda that will be presented at the upcoming 12th congress of the party.

Evaluation of the changes undertaken in the last three years after the 11th congress is part of the agenda to be drafted.

Also, the party disclosed that it intends to rebrand its name and change party emblem. If it happens, this is going to be for the second time in the history of the party. Before adopting its current name after the overthrow of colonel Mengistu’s regime, ANDM was known as Ethiopian People Democratic Movement (EPDM).

When the late Meles Zenawi engineered the current ruling party in a way to be a coalition of four ethnic based parties, EPDM was compelled to rebrand itself as ANDM. And some say even the name was imposed on it.

The reason it is rebranding itself this time around is seemingly because of public opinion as it is believed that the name and party emblem do not represent Amhara people. The question is that has always been the case in the last 27 years; why now?

Perhaps the party is exploiting the revolutionary fervor among its members to change itself or it is intending to do it now perhaps to signal that it is no longer under the control of the TPLF, or it is a sign that the party could now face competition from newly formed parties that claim to have wider acceptance among ethnic-Amhara.

ANDM is also rethinking as to whether to reform “revolutionary democracy” ideology or not.

Regulations and rules that are believed to be outdated (they are not named) are also to be amended, according to AMMA report.

ANDM is not the only member of the ruling coalition to embark on rethinking ideology and rebranding itself. Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) has disclosed its intention to do same some two or so weeks ago.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post ANDM to rebrand itself while rethinking revolutionary democracy ideology appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 24,2018

Traffic Controllers of Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority are set to stage a strike starting August 28.

A report by Ethiopian Reporter quoted the civil aviation to report that the workers are striking over a dispute with the management in connection with benefits, pay raise and professional advancement.

Workers are quoted as saying “just demands we have been raising for the last eight years on matters related to recognition of professional accreditation, salary and benefit did not get a timely and adequate response”

The report added that the workers have submitted their demands to the prime minister’s office on June 18, as well.

It is unclear if the workers will go on strike until the government addresses their demands.

Bole International Airport has become one of the busiest terminals in the region and the workers strike will certainly affect the operation of the airport and Ethiopian Airlines as well.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Traffic Controllers change gears for a strike starting Monday appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) purged Bereket Simon and Tadesse Kassa from Central Committee membership, which is one of the key decision making body in the party.

borkena
August 24,2018

Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) purged Berket Simon (pictured right) and Tadesse Kassa (pictured left) from Central Committee Membership.
Owing to an amendment to existing party regulation, the two key members of ANDM central committee will no longer be allowed to even sit during a central committee meeting of the party.

The practice before amendment allows a long time central committee members to attend a meeting even if they do not have a voting privilege.

According to ANDM central committee, which held its regular meeting in the last two days, Bereket Simon and Tadesse Kassa will remain suspended from the central committee until the 12th party congress. And the central committee has concluded its meeting today, according to breaking news coverage by Amhara Mass Media Agency (AMMA).

Bereket Simon and Tadesse Kassa are suspended on grounds that the party believes they do not stand for or defend the interests of ethnic Amhara. It is widely believed that they are opposed to the ongoing reform and change in the country and allegedly working with forces interested in reversing the change.

They are also implicated in scandals TIRET, a “Charitable Endowment Corporate Organization” owned by Amhara regional state.

However, the party does not seem to reveal as to what exactly was the scandal.

ANDM central committee is said to have drafted agenda for the upcoming party congress and is expected to make fundamental changes including rebranding the party and changing, or at least adjusting, “revolutionary democracy” ideology, among other things.

Bereket Simon, who served as Federal Government Communication Minister and Advisor to the late Meles Zenawi, is an extremely unpopular figure in the region and he is believed to be a champion of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (Supremacy). He recently published a new book entitled “Ye Ethiopia Tinsae” which translates to The Renaissance.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Berket Simon suspended from ANDM central committee membership,says the party appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

ETHIOPIAN DIASPORA TRUST FUND ADVISORY COUNCIL

PRESS RELEASE
August 24, 2018

The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Advisory Council (Council) is pleased to acknowledge the statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia on August 9, 2018 announcing the formation of the Council to promote, support and coordinate Ethiopian diaspora engagement in development efforts in Ethiopia.

On various occasions, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has challenged Diaspora Ethiopians to lend their financial support to critical, vital and unmet development needs in Ethiopia by donating USD$1. He has also publicly stated that the Trust Fund “money will not be part of the government budget. It will be administered through its own board.”

The response to Prime Minister Abiy’s challenge has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora.

The members of the Council are committed to using their diverse expertise and talents to ensure a successful outcome for the Fund. This will not be accomplished by Prime Minister Abiy and the Advisory Council alone, but through our collective efforts and commitments to help our country. We hope to make an announcement of new Council members in the near future reflecting the collective commitment of diaspora Ethiopian communities.

As part of its essential tasks, the Council is developing a comprehensive and robust accountability and transparency structure for the Fund. The Council believes the Fund is most likely to be successful if contributors, beneficiaries and other stakeholders have a clear understanding of the Fund’s objectives and how it will be administered, managed, implemented and reported. One important element of accountability is the establishment of an independent board to oversee the Fund. The Council will adopt best practices to ensure a high level of accountability and transparency in the implementation of the Fund.

The Council is aware that contributors in the Ethiopian Diaspora have diverse views about how their contributions should be used to address development needs in our country. The Council aims to systematically seek and incorporate the diverse views of the Ethiopian Diaspora in identifying the range of development efforts to be supported by the Fund.

The Council is acutely aware of the great enthusiasm and commitment of Diaspora Ethiopians to make their contributions now. Many have asked why they simply cannot deposit their contributions into a bank account.
The Council wishes Ethiopian diaspora supporters of the Fund to be aware of the legal and regulatory compliance requirements in setting up the Fund.

We are working with multiple financial institutions across the globe to ensure maximize the highest rate of return for the contributions made by Diaspora Ethiopians to the Fund. We do this by making sure we follow all legal requirements for all countries, including Ethiopia, are met and the proper processes and controls are put in place for money transfers. The Council shall do its best to get all account setup completed as soon as possible. We appreciate the patience of the Ethiopian Diaspora as we endeavor to set up the Fund properly.

The Council must also meet requirements of U.S. federal and state laws which govern the operation of charitable organizations.It takes time to process applications and secure regulatory approval.

The Council is also working on a variety of other tasks, including governance structures and processes for the Fund.

We ask the Diaspora Ethiopian community to continue to bear with us and understand that we are giving our best efforts to get the Fund on line as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Council respectfully asks Ethiopian Diaspora supporters of the Fund to hold their first month’s contributions in reserve until next month when we shall provide an update.

The Council shall provide regular updates on its work through press releases, a new official website to launch in the foreseeable future and other media channels.

The Council is aware of various individual and group efforts to independently create and manage a separate Diaspora Fund. The Council wishes Ethiopian Diaspora supporters of the Fund to know that it has no connection or associations with such independent efforts or undertakings. We hope such individuals and groups will collaborate with us once we announce the official launch of the Fund.

The Council operates on the principle that doing it right the first time is more prudent than rushing into doing something for the sake of expediency and going back and fixing it.

The Council wishes to thank all Ethiopian Diaspora supporters of the Fund for their extraordinary enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the Fund. We pledge to do everything in our power to make sure the Fund is operational at the earliest possible opportunity.

Alemayehu G. Mariam, Chair of the Council

Contact: EDTF2018@gmail.com

Amharic version is available HERE



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Advisory Council Press Release appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 25,2018

Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Defense Force, General Seare Mekonnen, met with Chris Smith, United States’ congressman who led a delegation to Ethiopia this week to “to talk about the country’s reform efforts since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office” as reported by the Voice of America.

The meeting took place at the office of Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Defense force.

Ethiopian government media outlets report indicates that the discussion mainly focused on regional security issues.

Ethiopia’s defense chief of staff told Chris Smith and members of his delegates that Ethiopia is diligently carrying out peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, in Darfur and Somalia and the security situation is improved, as per a report by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

He also talked about the terrorist group in Somali, Al-Shabab. “Al-Shabab is weakening in its military posture,” perhaps implying that it no longer has the capability to impose security threat in the region.

Ethiopia and the United States have been partners in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa for nearly two decades now and the United States has been one of the major donors to Ethiopia.

Chris Smith has been an advocate for human rights in Ethiopia. He initiated H.R. 128, a bill that called for an end for human rights abuses in Ethiopia and a reform measures relevant for promoting democracy ad peace in the country, which was passed in the House of Representatives this year.

Chris Smith is quoted as saying that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the ongoing change in Ethiopia. His delegation also met with prime minister Abiy Ahmed.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post General Seare Mekonnen met with Congressman Chris Smith and delegates appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 25,2018

In his first ever press conference as Prime Minister, which was attended by many local and international journalists, Abiy Ahmed revealed information that shocked Ethiopians to the core.

Somali regional government arrested political prisoners along with Lions and Hyena. And it was meant to be a form of torture.

“It is hard to believe. It is like a movie. Prisoners used to be kept along with Lions and Hyena,” Abiy told journalists.

It is to be recalled that in his last weeks in power, Abdi Illey reportedly ordered an intensified and open ethnic based attack in Somali region of Ethiopia including in the region’s capital Jijiga targeting Amhara, Oromo and even Somalis who dared to oppose his administration.

Dozens of Ethiopians were killed during the attack which was mainly launched by the region’s special force and Youth group organized by the deposed regional administration. More than ten churches were burned along with seven priests and thousands of residents in Jijiga and Kebri Dehar were displaced. And government was compelled to deploy members of the defense force to the region.

The regional president, Abdi Illey, is currently in custody.

Speaking about the fate of notorious Abdi, Abiy Ahmed said that legal measure will be taken although he did not spell it out if he is going to be prosecuted, and if so when that is happening. Human Rights Watch has been calling for an investigation into human rights violations and prosecution of those who perpetrated it.

Prime Minister Abiy also talked about, among many other things, alleged schism within the ruling coalition’s (EPRDF) and its political ideology. He dismissed the rumor about the division.

Regarding party ideology, the PM said, “The party has not yet changed direction as far as political ideology is concerned.” He also stated that there has been consensus within the ruling coalition Executive Committee members on all the agendas during the recent meeting (it happened this week.)

The prime minister also expressed his views that he would like people not to single out Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as a party that is resisting the ongoing change in the country. “There are individuals who support the change and work for peace and prosperity of Ethiopians; there are also those individuals who do not support and accept the change. This is the case in all EPRDF member parties,” he added.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Political prisoners in Somali Region were kept with lions and Hyenas, Abiy Ahmed revealed. appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

.They are to be held accountable and face justice in connection with manufactured security crisis in Somali region which brought about widespread humanitarian crisis in the region.
.Former President of the region, Abdi Illey, is one of them.

borkena
August 26,2018

Days after news of appointment of new acting president to Ethiopia Somali region, the regional council passed a decision to lift immunity from prosecution rights of seven members of Somali Regional State Councils, reported Ethiopian State Media – Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation.

The decision was passed with unanimous vote, according to Ahmed Shide who is cited by EBC.

The names of members of the councils is not disclosed. However, Ahmed Shide, Chairman of Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party that is governing the region, told EBC that those members of the regional state council whose immunity is lifted are believed to be involved in the recent security crisis in the region which left dozens of people dead, displacement of thousand of residents in many towns in the region and destruction of property, among other things.

Based on the party’s chairman, Somali Region Council members who are implicated in the recent crisis, apparently including Abdi Mohammed Illey who served as president of the region, are prone to be charged in a court of law although it remains unclear whether they are going to be charged in a Federal or regional Court.

Abdi Illey was detained after the Federal government deployed defense force to the region following organized attack by his Liyu Force and the Youth Group that he organized.

The next step for the region is, says Ahmed Shide, “to appoint new leadership, who are believed to be capable of bringing justice to the region by resolving challenges, at different levels in the regional structure.”

Mustefa Mohammed Omar was appointed acting president to the region with a rank of deputy president. He is appointed to join Federal House of Federation Council, representing Somali region.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Immunity of Seven Somali Region Council members lifted appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
August 27,2018

Former Somali Regional State president Abdi Mohammed Omar, a.k.a. Abdi Illey, is arrested today in the capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopian government disclosed officially though government media.

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) report says that he was arrested from his residence located around Atlas Hotel in Addis Ababa.

A video footage released by Ethiopian government media shows Federal Police members escorting Abdi Illey into a white car parked outside of what is said to be his residence.

EBC report added that five AK 47 and 5 handguns were recovered from his house, but the report did not say if his guards were arrested with him.

However, the source has reported that police is arresting other former officials implicated in causing humanitarian and security crisis in the region for a long time now. Early this month alone, dozens of Ethiopians were killed (and they were targeted based on their ethnic identity), thousands of residents were displaced, businesses attacked and destroyed, tens of thousands residents of towns in the region including Jijiga(which is the capital of Somali Regional State) displaced and more than ten churches were burned among other things.

Office of the Federal Prosecutor is cited as saying that Abdi Mohammed Illey will be charged with crimes of human rights violations and inciting religious and ethnic-based violence in Somali region of Ethiopia. The office also added that he will be charged with “other crimes” without giving details about it.

In the past, Abdi Illey was also implicated in squandering government resources and reportedly spent as pleased.

EBC report added that Abdi Illy’s residence in the capital is under the control of the Federal Police.

News of the arrest of Abdi Illey was rumored soon after the Federal government deployed members of the defense force to the region following ethnic based massacre targeting Amhara and Oromo in the Somali region of Ethiopia early this month but government did not announce it. Apparently, he was under house arrest in the capital Addis Ababa.

Government officially disclosed his arrest today after Government Communications Minister and Chairman of Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party, Ahmed Shide, made public yesterday that Somali Region Council members lifted immunity of seven council members, apparently including the region’s former president – Abdi Illey.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Abdi Illey arrested in the Capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Gov.t disclosed officially appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

.Bereket thinks ANDM is a danger to Ethiopia
.“My freedom of movement is restricted”
. Eritrean president is behind the decision in ANDM

borkena
August 27,2018

This week, Central Committee of Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) passed a decision to suspend Bereket Simon and Tadesse Kassa (a.k.a Tinkishu) from their membership from the central committee until the upcoming party congress in September which is expected to permanently purge the aforementioned senior party executives.

Berekt Simon is reacting to the news and taking his fight on the media. “ANDM leaders have no reason to suspend us,” says Bereket Simon. He went on to claim that his suspension has something to do with Eritrean leader President Isayas Afeworki’s advice.

“I have heard that Hailemariam Desalegne told Eritrean President Isayas Afeworki that TPLF leaders have become obstacles [seemingly for the change] and president Isayas has told him to sweep them away. ANDM leaders were also in Asmara and they are told the same thing,” says Bereket Simon.

He further claims that his mobility is restricted across the country, and he seems to implicate ANDM in that.

“My wish was to spend the last years of my life either in Bahir Dar or Gondar…my freedom of movement is restricted,” he added. Last month a story was in the news regarding Bereket. Youth Group in Debre Markos reportedly received information that he was in one of the hotels in the city and they attacked it.

In regards to the party which he led for well over two decades, Bereket claims that the existing ANDM leadership is a threat to Ethiopia and he called on Ethiopians to struggle against them.

ANDM has a different story on the purger. Migbaru Kebede is a central committee member and head of central committee office.

He says Bereket Simon and Tadesse Kassa were suspended on grounds of squandering of public resources in TIRET, parastatal, during their leadership, he told Ethiopian Satellite Television.

In connection with the allegation that ANDM existing leadership is a threat to Ethiopia, Migbaru says that the party is striving to extricate Ethiopia and the people of Amhara from a dangerous situation, and it is achieving results in that direction.

Bereket Simon was a right hand man of the late Meles Zenawi and is considered by many Ethiopians as one of the responsible person for the killings of hundreds and thousands of Ethiopians over the past two decades. He has served as Federal Government Communications Affairs minister and as an adviser to Meles Zenawi, among other roles.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Eritrean president behind my purger from ANDM, says Bereket Simon appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.