borkena
March 11,2019

Ethiopian Airlines announced on Monday that it has grounded all its B-737-8 MAX (ET-AVJ) planes after same plane crashed shortly after take off on Sunday killing 8 crews and 149 passengers from 135 countries.

In one of its latest press release, the airlines wrote on its website “Following the Tragic accident of ET 302/10 March B-737-8 MAX (ET-AVJ), Ethiopian Airlines has decided to ground all B-737-8 MAX fleet effective yesterday March 10, 2019 until further notice.”

It is not determined yet if the cause of the accident is linked to technical problem of the plane or if a foul play is involved in it.

On October 29, 2018, Indonesian Lion Air plane B-737-8 plunged to Java sea just minutes after take off from Jakarta killing all 189 people on board of the plane.

Aljazeera reported on Monday that China and Indonesia have also grounded all B-737-8 MAX following Nairobi bound Ethiopian Airlines plane tragic accident.

According to the report, China ordered domestic airlines in the country to ground about 100 B-737 MAX 8 planes as a safety precaution. And the China’s Civil Aviation Administration put a deadline for airlines to do so.

Boeing reportedly issued an advisory regarding operation of its B-737 MAX 8 after the tragic accidents killed hundreds of people.

Ethiopian Airlines lines has four B-737 MAX 8 and they are all grounded effective Sunday March 10,2019.

Ethiopian Airlines is the largest carrier in Africa with well over 100 destinations around the world and is also one of the safest airlines based on its 70 years of service. This year, the airline won Best African Airline of the year for the seventh time.

The airlines recently witnessed huge terminal expansion and has also inaugurated its own five star hotel just minutes away from Bole International Airway.

___
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 Airlines grounded all B-737-8 MAX as extra-safety measures appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
March 15,2019

Ethiopian Airlines staff, as well as musicians and actors in Ethiopia, organized on Friday a solemn event to commemorate victims of ET 320 crash.

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Bole International Airport on March 10, 2019, and there was no survivor from 157 people, including flight crew, aboard the plane.

Wreckage of the plane is found near Debrezeit, about 44 kilometers south east of the capital Addis Ababa.

___
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 Airlines staff, Musicians mourn victims of ET302 crash appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
March 16,2019

A fundraiser organized in Sheraton Addis on Saturday to support internally displaced people currently living in Amahra region raised 610 million birr.

It was organized by Amhara Development association. Senior regional and federal government authorities, including Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, have attended the event.

The fund raised today is intended to organize durable support system for Ethiopians of ethnic Amhara origin displaced from different parts of the country.

The target was to raise over a billion Ethiopian birr to permanently support more than 91,000 displaced people currently in the Amhara regional state.

Demeke Mekonnen called up on all Ethiopians from border to border to support the effort to support displaced people durably.



___
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 Amhara Development Association raises 610 million birr to support IDP appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
March 17,2019

Remains of Ethiopians who lost their lives due to Ethiopian Airlines plane crash last week are laid to rest at Kiddist Selassie Menbere Tsebaot (Holy Trinity Cathedral) Church in Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa. Their burial at Kiddist Selassie Menbere Tsebaot clearly testifies that the victims are now considered as patriots and/or citizens who have contributed to the cause of Ethiopia.

And that is how the father of captain Yared, Getachew (MD) who practices in Kenya, understood the loss of his son. In an interview with FanaBC, he said “Yared was exceptionally compassionate with a great level of filial piety. I have special affection for him than the rest of my children. I see his death as a sacrifice paid to Ethiopia.”

Tens of thousands of residents of Addis Ababa attended the funeral ceremony.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) Patriarch, Abune Mathias, led rituals and prayers at Kiddest Selassie in the tradition of the Ethiopian Church.

The funeral took place exactly a week after the tragic accident happened in a place near Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)

Early in the morning before the funeral ceremony, a memorial service was organized at Bole International Airport. High ranking government officials, families and religious leaders and Ethiopian Airlines staff have attended the event in the recently expanded airport.

Grieving staff members and families joined the solemn procession from Bole International Airport to Kiddist Selassie Cathedral.

On Friday, Ethiopian Airlines staff, Musicians and actors in the country had organized a memorial service for the victims.

The number of Ethiopians who died in the accident is 18, according to a report by state media. 157 people died in the accident and victims are from 35 countries and from more than four continents.

32 of the victims are from Kenya and the Ethiopian embassy in Kenya organized a memorial service in the traditions of various faith groups in the country, EBC reported on Sunday citing Ethiopian embassy in Kenya.



___
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 victims of ET302 crash laid to rest in Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Neamin Zeleke disclosed yesterday that he has left Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 movement following disagreement with the party. No personal issues with any one of the party leadership, he said.

borkena
March 19,2019

Neamin Zeleke was one of the top leaders of Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 movement for many years.

Those who know him closely describe him as a selfless man who put the cause of Ethiopia first. His life and his family was a matter of secondary concern.

The movement he served with dedication, he even travelled to Eritrea in the service of it, is no more outlawed and is no longer based outside of Ethiopia for its name is crossed off the lists of terrorist organizations that the Ethiopian parliament announced sometime in 2009.

Yesterday, ESAT, US-based Ethiopian News broadcaster whom Neamin once served as an executive director reported that Neamin Zeleke has announced his resignation from the movement.

Neamin has confirmed the news today that he is no longer with the party.

The reason?

He has a difference with the party regarding the way demobilized former rebel forces are handled. He said, “the party did not honor its pledge to reintegrate and support former armed forces of the organization who were based in Eritrea, and that the issue is tormenting his conscience.”

Neamin is currently in the United States.

The movement which has now become a party, by forming alliances with other opposition groups in the country, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the development.

Individuals like Abebe Gelaw who is presumed to be a key supporter of Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 movement and was also executive director of ESAT, wrote a social media update on Tuesday following news of the resignation of Nemain. Abebe says “The organization needs to resolve the issue that caused Neamin to leave the party.”



___
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 Key Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 leader says good riddance to the movement appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
March 20,2019

Tragic accident involving a passenger’s bus claimed the lives of 14 people in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, on Tuesday, reported government-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).

15 others have sustained serious injury and are reportedly hospitalized in Adigrat Hospital.

Yet, two children reportedly sustained no injury, whatsoever, and are currently in good conditions, according to FBC report.

The bus was reportedly carrying 31 passengers, traveling from Adigrat to Azeba. It was plunged to a deep gorge in a locality known as Foga Qiat.

Causes of the accident not yet established and police is investigating it.

Source : FBC



___
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 Tragic car accident claimed 14 lives in Tigray,Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

State-owned broadcaster,Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation,still dominated by the ruling party and/or government, say critics.

borkena
March 21,2019

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as Ethiopian radio and television agency, got additional board members today.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed his picks to the Federal Parliament for approval and the parliament has approved them all on Thursday.

The six additions to the board are drawn from the ruling party and out sides of it.

Fekadu Tessema, who is currently head of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), is appointed as chairperson of the board.

The rest of the new board members are Tefera Derbew ( EPRDF member and also used to be a federal minister), Ergoge Tesfaye, Yetnebersh Nigussie (a lawyer by profession and disability rights activist, among other roles), Ustaz Abubakr ( activist and committee member of Ethiopian Muslim affairs) and Abdiwas Abdullahi.

Membership in the board of Merara Gudina, ethnic Oromo opposition party leader and Political Science professor at Addis Ababa University, and Kamila Jundi will be unaffected by the new appointments, according to Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation report.

Oath taking ceremony of newly appointed members is postponed although dates are unspecified.

Board members of the state owned broadcaster used to be individuals entirely affiliated with and partisan to the ruling coalition. This time, however, prominent individuals and/or activists outside of the party are included.

Activists criticize politicians from within the ruling party should not have been included in the board.



___
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 Broadcasting Corporation gets new board members appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Demeke Mekonnen retained his position as Amhara Democratic Party chairman and Gedu Andargachew is included in the executive committee

The regular meeting of Amhara Democratic Party (ADP) on Sunday picked Amhara Regional State’s president, Ambachew Mekonnen, as the party’s vice-chairman.

The party has also elected new executives to the ruling coalition in the country (Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front).
The 36 members’ executive committee of the ruling coalition is drawn from four ethnic-based parties that constitute the coalition.

Deputy Prime minister, Demeke Mekonen, retained his ADP party chairmanship position.

The rest of the elections, based on information from the region’s Communication’s Affair Bureau, are as follows:

Ambachew Mekonnen (Party vice chairman)
Laa’qe Ayalew (member)
Melaku Alebel
Migbaru Kebede
Yohannes Boayalew
Dagmawit Moges (also currently serving as Minister for Federal Ministry of Transport)
Gedu Angargachew (resigned as president of the regional state on March 8)
Benalf Andualem
Tefera Derbew
Yinager Dessie
Nigussu Tilahun
Tsega Arage

Teaming up with two other coalition members in the ruling coalition, ADP, formerly known as ANDM, played a crucial role for political reform in the country. Recently, there have been rumors that the party is not in good terms with Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) but party officials dismiss the rumor as incorrect.



___
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 Amhara Democratic Party (ADP) picks Ambachew Mekonnen as party vice-chairman appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
March 25, 2019

Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 meeting with supporters and the public in Bahir Dar which was planed to take place on Sunday at the region’s council auditorium was canceled after the leadership wet with serious opposition.

The intention of the meeting, according to Mengistu Amare who is said to be Bahir Dar City’s Arbegnoch Ginbot 7secretary, as reported by AMMA, was to discuss Ethiopia’s current situation and address questions from the public.

Why the party’s plan to hold a discussion in Bahir Dar met with resistance? Certain youth groups in the city do seem to have a rather hostile attitude towards Ginbot 7 movement which is not an ethnic-based movement.

According to a report by Amhara Mass Media Agency (AMMA) on Sunday, youth groups who opposed the movement say “Ginbot 7 is an enemy of Amhara.”

“Ginbot 7 knows that the country’s politics is tense with ethnic politics yet it plots to weaken Amhara nationalism by propagating Ethiopian politics only to Amhara,” is one of the reasons why some youth seem to be seeing the party as an “enemy.”

Member of the movement’s discussion committee in Bahir Dar, Alemu Fetene, is cited as saying that Ginbot 7 used a formal invitation paper for those who were meant to participate in the discussion. The youth groups who oppose the meeting point out that it is not appropriate for Ginbot 7 to claim that it is engaging the public while it selectively called members of the public with invitation paper.

Berhanu Nega, leader of the movement, had to speak over the phone to supporters of the party who flocked to the premises of the region’s council in Bahir Dar.

And he told his supporters that they will have the meeting in the future and that his party will work based on the covenant more than 100 opposition parties in the country signed.

How serious was the opposition to Ginbot 7 meeting in Bahir Dar? Serious enough that the meeting had to be canceled for security reasons and serious enough that some angry and armed youth groups had to carry AK 47 during the protest march in the city.

Amhara Democratic Party officials and many politicized Ethiopians had condemned the tendency towards violence against Ginbot 7 and its leaders.



___
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 Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 Bahir Dar meeting postponed following violence appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Citizens Charter Group (CCG)
March 26,2019

PRESS RELEASE To: The Ethiopian People

The Citizens Charter Group (CCG), a loose group of non-partisan Ethiopian scholars and former civil servants, issued a historic civic vision called “The Citizens Charter for a Democratic Ethiopia.” The Charter articulates an abidingly uniting “vision” for a democratic and prosperous Ethiopia. We invited all Pan-Ethiopian political parties to endorse the Charter although few did, at least publicly. Ethiopiawinnet: Council for the Defense of Citizen Rights was the first rights-based movement to adopt it.

Another window of opportunity for systemic change has just opened as a result of an unprecedented nationwide civil disobedience. That we are now impelled to spell out the practical implications of the core principles of Ethiopian civic nationalism, elucidated in the Charter, shows that we did get the big things right. We dared imagine an Ethiopia that can be republican, liberal, democratic, and prosperous.

The yearlong interregnum between the era of unbridled pillage aimed at nation de-building and the yet unborn order of democratic inclusiveness gives Ethiopians a fleeting historical moment to reflect on what to do now. The confidence-building measures which have been initiated by the reformist group within EPRDF, led by PM Abiy Ahmed, are necessary for meaningful change. They certainly are not sufficient for a decisive transition to a brave new social order.

Full version of the press release is HERE on PDF format.



___
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 A People’s Transition Manifesto for a United Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (The Citizens Charter Group) appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

The office of the prime minister seem to have plans to hold talks with Balderas Addis Ababa Council leader, Eskinder Nega.

borkena
March 30,2019

Office of the prime minister disclosed on Saturday that it did not allow Balderas Addis Ababa Council planned press conference to take place due to security.

It was planned to take place at Ras Hotel starting 9:30 a.m. in the morning.

Diplomats, activists and journalists were trickling to the venue when police arrived at the scene and dispersed them saying that police is carrying out “order from higher government authority”

Now it seems that the order came directly from the office of the prime minister.

Press Secretary in the office of the prime minister, Nigussu Tilahun, told Fana Broadcasting Corporate (government affiliated media) that the event organized by Balderas Council, which is headed by Eskinder Nega, had to be cancelled on grounds of security consideration. Factors that made the government to think that there is security concern is unspecified.

Yet, Nigussu Tilahun, in an effort to elaborate Abiy Ahmed government’s reason as to why the press conference had to be stopped, said that there was a concrete evidence of security concern and that the event would have led to violence.

The press secretary,however, admitted that a journalist should not be prohibited from organizing press conference.

The Prime Minister’s office will hold conversation with Eskinder Nega and organize press conference in the future, he said, as reported by Fana Broadcasting.

Balderas Addis Ababa Council was established after radical Oromo ethno-nationalist elements claimed ownership of Addis Ababa. But many Ethiopians were alarmed more when Oromo Democratic Movement issued a statement on March 7 vowing that it will work to ensure ethnic Oromo ownership of Ethiopia’s capital.

Balderas advocates that Addis Ababa belongs to all Ethiopians and Addis Ababans, not to a single ethnic group in the country. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently reflected similar position, but in a murky way, against the position of his party, ODP.

Lemma Megersa, former boss of prime minister Abiy Ahmed and currently president of Oromia, dismissed on Saturday allegations of plots to change demographic composition of Addis Ababa. He says that it is a story invented for character assassination. But it is clear, unlike last year, that he has lost a considerable number of support base outside of Oromo region of Ethiopia.



___
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 Addis Ababa Balderas Press Conference prohibited due to security concern, says gov.t appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 2,2019

Ethnic Oromo students at Haramaya University, in Harar – South Eastern part of Ethiopia,reportedly clashed with police on Tuesday, according to citizen’s report on social media.

A report by Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT), citing its sources from the region, says the clash left over ten students wounded and they are admitted at Harar Hiwot and Fana hospitals.

Ethnic-Oromo students at Haramaya University were demonstrating in the university campus chanting the slogan that “Addis Ababa belongs to Oromo.”

The protesters have reportedly destroyed property in the university campus but not much is known at this time regarding the extent of the damage.

Classes are discontinued and some students have reportedly left campus out of security concerns.

Government media outlets did not report about the issue until the publication of this post nor government authorities have remarked on the situation.

Some federal authorities including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have disclosed their position on the matter. They believe that Addis Ababa belongs to all Ethiopians. Oromo Democratic Party, on the other hand, has issued a communique in early March stating that it will work to ensure that ownership of Addis Ababa belongs to Oromos.



___
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 Students clash with Police in Haramaya University appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 3,2019

Oromo Regional State removed former General Kemal Gelchu as Oromia regional state administrative security office head, reported state broadcaster Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday citing Oromia regional state.

However, the reason why he is removed is unexplained.

He is a chairman of Oromia Unity and Freedom Front chairman and has been living in Eritrea from well over 10 years after he defected with a contingent of army that he was leading.

The have been reports that his appointment as security chief in Oromo regional state was vehemently opposed by the militant faction of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) which is said to have much influence and power over government structure in the region.

However, there is no confirmation if his removal has something to do with appeasement policy towards the militant OLF.



___
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 Kemal Gelchu removed as Oromo region security chief appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 4,2019

Lideta 8th bench of the Federal High Court suspended the transfer of 40/60 Condo units after 98 residents filed a lawsuit against Addis Ababa City Administrative housing enterprise, Urban Development and Construction Ministry and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, according to a report by FanaBC.

The residents claim, based on the initial agreement entered into, that it was Commercial Bank of Ethiopia that was supposed to distribute the housing units on the basis of draws. But it violated city administration regulation when it included those who saved as low as 40 percent of the cost while there were those who saved 100 percent of the cost.

As well, the residents say that the way the housing units were distributed is against the agreement between them and the banks.

The court suspended the distribution of the housing units until the court case is settled.

It was at the begging of last month that the city administration decided to transfer 18,576 housing units to residents who were registered for it and saved at least 40 percent of the cost.

At the time, the acting Mayor, Takele Uma who is also an executive member of Oromo Democratic party (ODP), also made his own administrative decision in connection with the transfer of a certain percent of the housing units to those who were not even registered for it.

He did so on alleged grounds that the housing units were developed at the expense of “Oromo farmers” and he saw his decision as a sort of compensation for what government did which caused a stern criticism among residents of Addis Ababa and detractors of ethnic politics.

Defendants are to respond to the charge on May 17, 2019.



___
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 court suspends the transfer of Condo units in Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 5, 2019

Freedom of speech and expression, especially when it comes to social media usage, was recklessly exploited so much so that what rather constitute hate speech was mistaken for it.

The issue has become a matter of concern for government and society like, and Ethiopian Federal Prosecutor has prepared a draft bill which it says will help fight dissemination of false information and hate speech.

Draft legislation was discussed on Friday in a forum organized by law faculty of Addis Ababa University. The forum was attended by opposition party representatives and academicians, among others.

If ratified, citizens involved in the writing and/or deliberate dissemination of hate speech could be put behind bars up to three years and pay up to 10,000 Ethiopian birr fine.

An individual or individuals who happen to cause fear or threat as a result of hate speech could face up to 10 years of jail terms.

The intention, according to a report by state broadcaster, EBC, is to ensure that freedom of expression is not pursued at the expense of the dignity, security, and safety of other citizens.



___
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 poised to come up with legislation to fight hate speech appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 8,2019

Relative peace is restored to regions in North Shoa and South Wollo along Addis Ababa-Dessie road following two days of attack from an organized and well-armed group, the Ethiopian government announced today.

The security situation in Karakore, Majete, and Ataye is improved but some places are still not safe according to AMMA report on Monday which cited residents from these areas.

Yet residents say that enough forces are not deployed to the region which has caused security concern, added the report.

Top government official in the office of the prime minister has confirmed, in an interview with EBC, that the situation is better but not entirely resolved.

It was earlier on Monday that Ethiopian National Security Council issued a statement authorizing the Ethiopian Defense Force and Amhara regional state security forces to take necessary measures against groups who launched attacks on civilians.

What is known about the group that has launched the attack is that it is well armed, including with group weapons, and that they are dressed in Defense Forces uniform which is begging the question from the public.

How does the ruling party see the latest security issue?

In a blog published and shared on social media on April 8, 2019, the ruling coalition (Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front – EPRDF) said that the violence is intended not only to reverse “the region’s development,” but also to create friction and suspicion between Oromo an Amhara people with the aim to weaken the potential and will between these two people to work together.

While the government thinks that the latest string of violence, and this time it happened in north-central part of the country, was a planned one, it did not disclose to the public as to who the perpetrators are.

However, North Shoa zone head has reportedly said about the need to call a spade a spade and pointed his fingers to militant Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).

Nigusu Tilahun, Press Secretary head in the office of the Prime Minister, told state broadcaster, EBC, on Monday that the federal government has established a task force tasked to investigate it and is already deployed to the region.

How activists and many Ethiopians see it

There seems to be a point of agreement with government position in that the latest violence is well planned with the intention to bring conflict between ethnic Amhara and ethnic Oromos.

The difference is that people tend to unequivocally place the blame on Oromo Liberation Front.



___
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 government says relative calm restored in North Shoa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 9,2019

Ethiopia’s is facing emergency situation once again as its highest mountain chain, Semien Mountains which is one of the major tourist attractions in the country, is burning again.

State Broadcaster, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, cited North Gondar Zone Communication affairs coordinator to report that the fire broke out around 6 p.m local time.

It started in Mitgogo locality.

It is unclear if the Federal government has already responded to the emergency.

Not even a fortnight ago, the mountain burned for five days before volunteers and local people managed to put it out.

While the causes of the fire is not yet established, although the regional government promised to soon after the first fire, there are beliefs that the fire is an act of arson.



___
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 facing emergency situation as Semien Mountains fire rages again appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 11,2019

Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), is meeting again.

State Broadcaster, EBC, said on Thursday the meeting, which it says is a regular one, will take place starting Monday, April 14, 2019, in the capital Addis Ababa.

As well, the source added that the meeting will evaluate a six months performance, seemingly in light of decisions made on different issues and strategies adopted to implement desired changes.

In addition, the meeting is expected to discuss a range of agenda item relating to current affairs.

Earlier in the week, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), had its meeting in Mekelle and reportedly discussed regional, and national affairs.

It has been reported in social media, soon after TPLF completed its meeting on Wednesday this week, that the party requested EPRDF meeting. TPLF has been criticizing the way Abiy Ahmed’s administration handled the reform measures in the country.
Among many critics are, violation of the constitution and the constitutional order, and “hate propaganda on the people of Tigray.”

Outside of TPLF, the reformist administration that has been in power for a litter over 12 months now is criticized for the inability to enforce rule of law across the country.

The latest string of violence unfolded in north-central Ethiopia in the town of Ataye and Kemise along the Addis Ababa-Mekelle road. More than dozens of citizens are reportedly killed and the Federal government has not yet disclosed the identity of the organized and well-armed group that launched the attack in the above-mentioned towns.

Political observers say the ruling coalition is still living internal problems including a power struggle to dominate the federal politics. Currently, Oromo Democratic Party, one of the four member parties in the ruling coalition is reportedly dominating the coalition and the Federal government has gone as far as claiming ethnic ownership of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.



___
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’s ruling coalition council meeting again appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Fight between individuals in Gambella prison escalated ethnic violence between ethnic Nuér and ethnic Agnuak. 92 inmates escaped in the ensuing situation.

borkena
April 16,2019

Gambella region prison administration, in the southwestern part of Ethiopia, disclosed that 92 inmates escaped following violence in the facility.

According to a report by DW Amharic which cited Gambela City Mayor (Kot Mentap), it was a fight between two individuals, which happened on Monday, that escalated to prison-wide violence.

The two individuals got into a fight when fetching water and then the fight took a form of ethnic conflict between Nuér and Agnuak.

Gunfire rocked Gambella City at a time when the violence broke out in the prison facility, added the report by DW citing an eye witness, whose name is not mentioned in the report, from the city who claimed to know that he knows the prison. He also remarked that the number of prisoners who escaped is high given the total number of prisoners.

Gambella City Mayor said that security forces are deployed to recapture inmates.

There are no reports of casualties from the violence in the prison.

In recent times, violence in prison and attempts to escape prison is recurring in Ethiopia. In March of this year, clashes in prison in Bahir Dar, capital of Amhara regional state, reportedly left five prisoners dead.



___
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 92 inmates escape from Gambella prison as individual fight escalates to ethnic one appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
April 16,2019

Tigray Regional State announced that over 40 youth from the region are dead as a boat capsized in the Red Sea, according to a report by FanaBC on Tuesday.

The victims were reportedly trying to cross to Saudia Arabia and Yemen. Most of the youth were reportedly from Atsebi Wonberta locality of Tigray.

Relatives of the victims are informed about the tragedy according to public relation affairs head of Atsebi Wonberta, Woineeshete Zelalem, as reported by Fana Broadcasting.

The accident happened on Sunday, April 7, 2019, in the sea between Djibouti and Yemen according to three survivors of the accident who happened to return to Tigray region.

Tigray regional state has issued a statement expressing its “deep sorrow” over the tragedy.



___
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 Tigray regional state disclosed over 40 dead due to boat accident in Red Sea appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.