Ethiopia coronavirus cases reported on Thursday are the highest ever. 150 new cases reported over the past twenty-four hours. 123 of the cases are reported from the capital Addis Ababa. 

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 4, 2020 :
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5141 
Newly confirmed cases: 150
Total confirmed cases: 1636
Active cases: 1336
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 16
New cases of recovery: 4
Total registered recovery: 250
Reported death so far: 18 
Total number of tested people so far: 125,570
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

Coronavirus cases latest update from the Ministry of Health did not say if there are individuals with a recent travel history or not. Recent trends indicate that most of the newly confirmed coronavirus cases are people with no travel history. To be a little more accurate, the number of patients with no travel history and no known contact with an infected person has increased.

Statement from the Ministry, on Thursday, said that the rate of infection has gone up by 300 percent compared to the rate of infections in the first two months after the patients were confirmed.  

In terms of age, the latest confirmed cases are between  3 and 73 years of age. 

Gender:
Male: 94
Female: 56 

Geographical distribution :
Addis Ababa: 123 
Afar region: 1
Amhara region: 13
SNNPR: 3
Oromia region: 2
Somali region : 6
Tigray region: 2 

Citizenship:
Ethiopians: 147
Other : 3 

Ethiopia’s state of emergency introduced in April to enforce preventive measures against the spread of Coronavirus is still in place. 

For Coronavirus cases reported between May 20 and June 3, please check the information below:

Update for June 3, 2020 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4120
Newly confirmed cases: 142
Total confirmed cases: 1486
Active cases: 1219
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 6
New cases of recovery: 15
Total registered recovery: 246
Reported death so far: 17
Total number of tested people so far: 120,419
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for June 2, 2020 : 

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3932
Newly confirmed cases:87
Total confirmed cases: 1344
Active cases: 1,097
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 8
New cases of recovery: 14
Total registered recovery: 231
Reported death so far: 14
Total number of tested people so far: 116,309 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia coronavirus update for June 1, 2020 : 
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2926
Newly confirmed cases: 85
Total confirmed cases: 1257
Active cases: 1,026
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 8
Total registered recovery: 217
Reported death so far: 12
Total number of tested people so far:  112,377 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update May 31

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2836
Newly confirmed cases: 109
Total confirmed cases: 1172
Active cases:950
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 209
Reported death so far: 11
Total number of tested people so far: 109,451
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia’s Coronavirus update for May 30, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5034
Newly confirmed cases: 95
Total confirmed cases: 1063
Active cases: 845
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 5
New cases of recovery: 11
Total registered recovery: 208
Reported death so far: 8
Total number of tested people so far: 106,615
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for May 29,2020 

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5015
Newly confirmed cases: 137
Total confirmed cases: 968
Active cases: 761
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 6
Total registered recovery: 197
Reported death so far: 8
Total number of tested people so far: 101,581
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for May 28 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4950
Newly confirmed cases: 100
Total confirmed cases: 831
Active cases: 631
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 10
Total registered recovery: 191
Reported death so far: 7
Total number of tested people so far: 96,566
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Coronavirus update for May 27 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4352
Newly confirmed cases:30
Total confirmed cases: 731
Active cases: 542
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 14
Total registered recovery: 181
Reported death so far: 6
Total number of tested people so far: 91,616
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Update for May 26, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3410
New confirmed cases: 46
Total confirmed cases: 701
Active cases: 526
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 8
Total registered recovery: 167
Reported death so far: 6
Total number of tested people so far: 87,264
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Ethiopia Coronavirus update May 25, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2844
New confirmed cases: 73
Total confirmed cases: 655
Active cases: 489
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 1
New cases of recovery: 7
Total registered recovery: 159
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 83,854
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update May 24, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4048 
New confirmed cases: 88
Total confirmed cases: 582
Active cases: 423
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 152
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 81,010
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update May 23, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3757
New confirmed cases: 61
Total confirmed cases: 494
Active cases: 336
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 23
Total registered recovery: 151
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 76,962
*Two patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March

___

Update for May 22, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3686
New confirmed cases: 34
Total confirmed cases: 433
Active cases: 298
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 5
Total registered recovery: 128
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 73,205
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

___

Update for May 21, 2020:

Number of Tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3747
New confirmed cases: 9
Total confirmed cases: 398
Active cases: 268
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 123
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 69,507
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update for May 20, 2020 :

Number of Tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3460
New confirmed cases:24
Total confirmed cases: 389
Active cases: 260
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 2
Total registered recovery: 122
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 65,760
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

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The post Ethiopia Coronavirus cases 1636 confirmed cases, 250 recoveries, 18 deaths appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

In its latest update of Coronavirus cases in the country, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health disclosed that a thirty-five years old woman died of the disease. The new confirmed cases reported on Friday is the highest. 

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 5, 2020 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5798
Newly confirmed cases: 169
Total confirmed cases: 1805
Active cases: 1522
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 18
New cases of recovery: 12
Total registered recovery: 262
Reported death so far: 19
Total number of tested people so far: 131,368
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

As seen from the geographical distribution of confirmed cases data given below, the bulk of the cases are from the capital Addis Ababa. 

In terms of age, the youngest is just one year old and the oldest new patient is 78 years old.  

Gender:
Male: 111
Female: 58

Geographical distribution :
Addis Ababa: 138
Amhara region: 6
Harari region: 1
Oromia region: 11
Somali region: 5
Tigray region: 4

Citizenship:
Ethiopians: 168
American: 1

For Coronavirus cases reported between May 20 and June 4, please check the information below:

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 4, 2020 :
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5141 
Newly confirmed cases: 150
Total confirmed cases: 1636
Active cases: 1336
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 16
New cases of recovery: 4
Total registered recovery: 250
Reported death so far: 18 
Total number of tested people so far: 125,570
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

Update for June 3, 2020 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4120
Newly confirmed cases: 142
Total confirmed cases: 1486
Active cases: 1219
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 6
New cases of recovery: 15
Total registered recovery: 246
Reported death so far: 17
Total number of tested people so far: 120,419
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for June 2, 2020 : 

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3932
Newly confirmed cases:87
Total confirmed cases: 1344
Active cases: 1,097
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 8
New cases of recovery: 14
Total registered recovery: 231
Reported death so far: 14
Total number of tested people so far: 116,309 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia coronavirus update for June 1, 2020 : 
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2926
Newly confirmed cases: 85
Total confirmed cases: 1257
Active cases: 1,026
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 8
Total registered recovery: 217
Reported death so far: 12
Total number of tested people so far:  112,377 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update May 31

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2836
Newly confirmed cases: 109
Total confirmed cases: 1172
Active cases:950
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 209
Reported death so far: 11
Total number of tested people so far: 109,451
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia’s Coronavirus update for May 30, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5034
Newly confirmed cases: 95
Total confirmed cases: 1063
Active cases: 845
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 5
New cases of recovery: 11
Total registered recovery: 208
Reported death so far: 8
Total number of tested people so far: 106,615
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for May 29,2020 

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5015
Newly confirmed cases: 137
Total confirmed cases: 968
Active cases: 761
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 6
Total registered recovery: 197
Reported death so far: 8
Total number of tested people so far: 101,581
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for May 28 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4950
Newly confirmed cases: 100
Total confirmed cases: 831
Active cases: 631
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 10
Total registered recovery: 191
Reported death so far: 7
Total number of tested people so far: 96,566
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Coronavirus update for May 27 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4352
Newly confirmed cases:30
Total confirmed cases: 731
Active cases: 542
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 14
Total registered recovery: 181
Reported death so far: 6
Total number of tested people so far: 91,616
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Update for May 26, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3410
New confirmed cases: 46
Total confirmed cases: 701
Active cases: 526
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 1
New cases of recovery: 8
Total registered recovery: 167
Reported death so far: 6
Total number of tested people so far: 87,264
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Ethiopia Coronavirus update May 25, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2844
New confirmed cases: 73
Total confirmed cases: 655
Active cases: 489
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 1
New cases of recovery: 7
Total registered recovery: 159
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 83,854
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update May 24, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4048 
New confirmed cases: 88
Total confirmed cases: 582
Active cases: 423
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 152
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 81,010
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update May 23, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3757
New confirmed cases: 61
Total confirmed cases: 494
Active cases: 336
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 23
Total registered recovery: 151
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 76,962
*Two patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March

___

Update for May 22, 2020

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3686
New confirmed cases: 34
Total confirmed cases: 433
Active cases: 298
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 5
Total registered recovery: 128
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 73,205
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

___

Update for May 21, 2020:

Number of Tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3747
New confirmed cases: 9
Total confirmed cases: 398
Active cases: 268
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 1
Total registered recovery: 123
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 69,507
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

__

Update for May 20, 2020 :

Number of Tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3460
New confirmed cases:24
Total confirmed cases: 389
Active cases: 260
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit : 0
New cases of recovery: 2
Total registered recovery: 122
Reported death so far: 5
Total number of tested people so far: 65,760
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

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The post Ethiopia Coronavirus cases : 1805 confirmed,262 recoveries19 deaths appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

General Kemal Gelchu criticized Jawar Mohammed and Oromo Media Network (OMN). He sees the inevitability of OMN’s march to irrelevance if it fails to liberate itself from the influence of Jawar Mohammed

borkena
June 5, 2020 

Oromo National Party chairman, Brig. General Kemal Gelchu, had an interview with Andafta Media. He remarked on the extension of General election, what his party thinks to address the existing “constitution crisis” (he does not seem to accept how the government is going about getting a constitutional interpretation to legitimize extension of the election), and about Jawar Mohamed and his media Oromia Media Network (OMN). 

He also seized the opportunity to explain what could be described as “rivalries”  among the bigger ethnic-Oromo nationalist parties (namely Oromo Liberation  Front, Oromo Federalist Congress, and Oromo National Party) on the issue of “leading the struggle of the Oromo people” which rather sounds more like a power struggle.  

Regarding the postponed election, “Whatever the reason is,” he said, “not having an election is a gap and it means that the government will not have the power once the term is completed in September.” 

Then again, he said that his party is not claiming an election must take place under the existing circumstances. There has been an election for the past 27 years but has not solved the country’s problem, he said. He qualified his remark to make the point that the elections held during the stated time were neither free nor fair except for the 2005 election. 

He discussed his party’s Oromo National Party proposal to resolve the existing crisis. He said the formation of the opposition party council composed of the major parties in the country and provide direction to the government until the next election.  He elaborated on his position. “It could be implemented without the need to dissolve the parliament, House of Federation or council of the executive,” he said. 

He also warned about the move to grasp power exploiting the existing situation in the country. Along that line, he talked about Jawar Mohammed whom he described as a figure whose influence is waning.  He insinuated that Jawar Mohammed is moving after his ego forgetting about the circumstances of people and the country.  However, he also recognized him for “his contribution in the struggle so far.”  Oromia Media Network (OMN), whose founder and owner is Jawar Mohammed, is also criticized. General Kemal Gelchu is of the view that the OMN will lose unless it frees itself from Jawar. While not denying that Jawar has become an influential figure out of nowhere, General Kemal implied that the former has lost sight of the extent of his influence and power. 

The video below, embedded from Andafta Media, has part I of the interview with General Kemal Gelchu.  Part II is not yet uploaded on Youtube.

Cover photo : screenshot from the video

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The post Jawar Mohammed is losing ground, says General Kemal Gelchu appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia’s Coronavirus case surpassed 2000 after 86 people tested positive over the past 24 hours in different parts of the country. As well, the Ministry of Health reported 7 COVID 19 related deaths during the same time. Six of the deaths are from Addis Ababa where the rate of infection is higher in the country and one death is reported in Oromo region of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 7, 2020 :
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 6092
Newly confirmed cases: 86
Total confirmed cases: 2020
Active cases: 1647
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 32
New cases of recovery: 63
Total registered recovery:344
Reported death so far: 27
Total number of tested people so far: 142,960
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

According to information from the Ministry of Information, the new coronavirus patients confirmed over the past twenty-four hours are between 7 and 82 years of age.

Gender:
Male: 51
Female: 35

Geographical distribution :
Addis Ababa: 66
Amhara region: 1
Dire Dawa: 1
Oromia region:7
SNNPR: 4 
Tigray region: 7

Citizenship:
All Ethiopians:

For Coronavirus cases reported between June 1 and June 6, please check the information below:

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 6, 2020 :
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5500
Newly confirmed cases: 129
Total confirmed cases: 1934
Active cases: 1631
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 27
New cases of recovery: 19
Total registered recovery:281
Reported death so far: 20
Total number of tested people so far: 136,868
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 5, 2020 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5798
Newly confirmed cases: 169
Total confirmed cases: 1805
Active cases: 1522
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 18
New cases of recovery: 12
Total registered recovery: 262
Reported death so far: 19
Total number of tested people so far: 131,368
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

Ethiopia Coronavirus cases update for June 4, 2020 :
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 5141 
Newly confirmed cases: 150
Total confirmed cases: 1636
Active cases: 1336
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 16
New cases of recovery: 4
Total registered recovery: 250
Reported death so far: 18 
Total number of tested people so far: 125,570
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020 

Update for June 3, 2020 :

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 4120
Newly confirmed cases: 142
Total confirmed cases: 1486
Active cases: 1219
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 6
New cases of recovery: 15
Total registered recovery: 246
Reported death so far: 17
Total number of tested people so far: 120,419
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia Coronavirus update for June 2, 2020 : 

Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 3932
Newly confirmed cases:87
Total confirmed cases: 1344
Active cases: 1,097
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 8
New cases of recovery: 14
Total registered recovery: 231
Reported death so far: 14
Total number of tested people so far: 116,309 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

Ethiopia coronavirus update for June 1, 2020 : 
Number of tested people over the past twenty-four hours: 2926
Newly confirmed cases: 85
Total confirmed cases: 1257
Active cases: 1,026
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: 4
New cases of recovery: 8
Total registered recovery: 217
Reported death so far: 12
Total number of tested people so far:  112,377 
*Two Coronavirus patients were Japanese nationals and have returned to their country in March 2020

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The post Ethiopia Coronavirus: Over 2000 confirmed cases reported, 344 recovery, 27 deaths appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 8, 2020

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday has appeared before the parliament to address questions on current affairs.

Questions on the status of Coronavirus situation and what the government is doing about it, Water hyacinth threat against Lake Tana which is the source of Nile and what government is thinking about it, and the next general election and reactions of political actors,among others, were raised.

The following video from the state media – Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) – has the entire question and answer session.

Cover photo : screenshot from Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation Video

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The post Ethiopian PM address questions from parliamentarians appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael says election is an exercise of self-determination which he says is in the Ethiopian constitution

borkena
June 7, 2020

Barely two weeks after a young man was killed over alleged violation of the state of emergency measure in Mekelle, Tigray Regional State announced on Saturday that it has lifted the state of emergency measures that it imposed about two months ago as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

Rural-urban mobility and movements between towns were banned, among other measures. The decision is in effect as of Monday, June 8, 2020.

Explaining why it is lifted now, acting head of the regional state and chairman of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Debretsion Gebremichael said that the restrictions are now removed to stimulate economic activities – as reported by Deutsche Welle Amharic service.  The economic impact of Coronavirus has been severe in the Tigray region – he added.

A report by VOA Amharic said that driving license training schools are permitted to start classes on condition that they have only ten students in the class.

Bars can re-open, too. And the condition is that they will operate until 8 p.m. and must operate “with caution”, as reported by VOA Amharic.

State emergency measures introduced by the Federal government to arrest the spread of Coronavirus are still in effect. However, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow at an alarming rate. Tigray is one of the regions where confirmed Coronavirus cases are reported daily.

In a press statement with media outlets in Tigray on Saturday, Debretsion also recalled that a political decision has been made to conduct an election which he equated with a constitutional “self-determination” right. The Federal government sent a stern warning that no election is allowed in the country outside of the recognition of the election board. With TPLF’s leadership intransigence and defiance in going about the election in the region, it is unclear as to what could transpire in the region.

We are having a conversation with political parties, in the region, that have agreed with the decision to conduct the election in August, Debretsion said, implying that there are parties in the region who did not agree with the decision.  Arena Tigray is one of the biggest opposition parties in the region and it does not support elections in August of this year. The Tigray branch of the ruling party, Prosperity Party, has condemned TPLF for its decision about election.

Debretsion also talked about the protests in the region in connection with arrangements for local government. He said people have the right to protest but criticized road blockades.

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The post Ethiopia: TPLF lifted SoE measures,elections to be treated as Self-determination appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 9, 2020

In part two of his interview with Andafta Media, General Kemal Gelchu reveals what he says is the truth about Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) political strategy.

OLF has long disowned the armed struggle in Wollega and Guji area of Ethiopia. Kemal Gelchu said he does not believe it. He said OLF is still employing armed struggle and peaceful struggle at the same time.

He also spoke about Amnesty International’s recent report on violations of rights in Ethiopia. For Kemal, the problem with the report is that it is one-sided. He says armed groups (that is a reference to Oromo Liberation Front) are committing even more egregious rights violations in the regions they are operating.

Former General Kemal Gelchu who is the founder and leader of Oromo National Party did not spare Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, too. He sees the pursuit of constitutional interpretation to resolve the crisis related to the election as an “illegal” process. The constitution does not need interpretation, he said. He also argues that the decision was made without consultation with opposition, and the outcome could lead to conflict, he seems to be live.

The second part of his interview is featured below.

Video : embedded from Andafta Media YouTube channel
Cover photo : screenshot from the video.

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The post Kemal Gelchu reveals the truth about Oromo Liberation front appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

The family says that the report by Eritrean Press regarding Ethiopian fighter pilot Colonel Bezabeh Petros does not have any concrete evidence. His brother says they have information where he in in Eritrea.

borkena
June 9, 2020

This past weekend an Eritrean news source, Eritrean Press, reported that Bezabeh Petros, an Ethiopian fighter pilot who was shot down while on an airstrike mission in Eritrea during the border conflict, “died of a natural cause in Asmara” several years after he was captured (and borkena reported about it) 

However, the families of the Bezabeh Petros say that he is alive.  DW Amharic cited, on Monday, the families of Bezabeh as saying that information emerging on social media is not concrete and contradicts with the information.

Professor Beyene Petros, Bezabeh’s brother and a notable politician in the opposition quarter said “What we know is that Colonel Bezabeh is alive. We have mistrust about the information that is emerging. Because they are not supported by concrete evidence.” 

The claim that he died several years ago is contradictory to the information we have. “Some people whom we trust have told us that they have seen the Colonel months ago. They even have information about where he is in Eritrea including the institution he is in,” Professor Beyene Petros told DW Amharic.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not remark on the issue so far. The government of Eritrea has not said anything officially, either.

Colonel Bezabeh Petros has served in the Ethiopian Air Force since the Somalia invasion of Ethiopia in the late ’70s and was awarded the highest award.

When a border war broke out between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998, the government needed his service.  What is known about the mission during the war is that he parachuted when the jet he was flying was shot.

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The post Families of Ethiopian fighter pilot Bezabeh Petros say he is alive appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Wolayta Committee for Human Rights (WCHR) says calls by activists and politicians that could lead to ethnic clashes in South Ethiopia

WCHR
June 10, 2020

As we honor the victims and approach the 2 year mark of the 2018 Wolayta massacre in Hawassa and other cities, Wolayta Committee for Human Rights (WCHR) is disturbed and condemns the recent calls for violence the last few days by activists and politicians; particularly from Wolayta, Gamo, Sidama and Dawro. 

As the federal and regional governments continue to negotiate on reshaping the administration of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region; it is important the process is peaceful and ethical. 

However, the process of decentralizing the SNNPR has so far lacked transparency and trust among the stakeholders. Instead, the process has created a hostile environment. The government of Abiy Ahmed has expressed its intention to create peace and discourage competition due to growing statehood requests in the past by the dozens of ethnic groups in SNNPR. In reality, the flawed process itself is encouraging more political and dangerous ethnic competition. After the recent round of meetings, elites and activists from several ethnic zones have began insulting, defaming and threatening each other and their communities. 

WCHR asks the government to address this crisis before it gets out of control. 

The last few years are proof that lack of strong will and security can quickly lead to a humanitarian crisis. The first job of every government should be the safety and protection of human life, particularly Ethiopian minorities residing in territories marked for a “native” or named after a certain majority. Recent threats on the movement of people and goods between warring zones is a recipe for violence against minorities (the “others” or “outsiders”) in every zone. 

WCHR supports the government to continue advocating co-existence and promote multi-ethnic regions in the south. Members and supporters of WCHR who attended the recent forums have asked the government to prioritize human rights and protect minorities everywhere. To achieve this goal, our members have asked the SNNPR and federal government of Abiy Ahmed to consider creating independent federal or charter cities (Hawassa, Sodo, Arba Minch etc) with “special interests” allocated to corresponding ethnic zones or states. We have also advocated for “open borders” between zones and states to promote peace and unity, including between Gedeo & Guji, and between Sidama & Wolaita.

It is imperative that the Ethiopian government prioritizes the human life and security of all its citizens, instead of prioritizing the political interests of any politician, elite or activist.

As the ongoing violence between Oromos in Wolega and the deadly internal clashes between ethnic Gurages with different dialect, custom or religious background shows us; rewarding statehood or autonomy to any Ethiopian ethnic group does NOT guarantee peace. The formula for peace and human rights is a government and people with a social contract fully dedicated to protecting the basic right to life and individual rights for all human beings in Ethiopia. 

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The House of Federation decision to extend the terms of regional and federal house of representative allows Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to remain in power until the next election which will take place once the Coronavirus threat is arrested. Radical Oromo Opposition groups opposed the decision.

borkena
June 10, 2020

Ethiopian House of Federation (upper house) decided that regional state councils and Federal Parliament will continue to work until next election

The Ethiopian House of Federation (the upper house in the Ethiopian Federal government structure) on Wednesday passed a decision for the regional and federal house of representatives to continue working until after the Coronavirus is declared to be not a threat in the country.

The decision is informed by a recommendation from the Constitutional Inquiry Commission which was tasked to interpret the Federal Constitution of Ethiopia to resolve what many considered to be a “constitutional crisis.”

It means that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power until the next election which is now set to take place between nine and twelve months after a relevant authority (like Public Health Institute of Ethiopia or the Ministry of Health) declares Coronavirus no longer a threat to the public.

The decision did not come as a unanimous one. Four members of the Federation, whose identity is undisclosed, voted against the motion to let the regional and federal house of representatives to continue to work until the next election whose schedule is unknown.  One member of the house abstained, and one hundred and fourteen members voted in favor of the motion.

On May 6, the Ethiopian Federal Parliament passed a decision to have articles of the constitution in pursuit of postponing the 6th general election without violating the constitution. The decision came after the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia advised the parliament that it can not go ahead with the scheduled election in August 2020 due to the coronavirus situation in the country.

Three articles of the constitution (54, 58, and 93) that were said to be relevant to resolve the constitutional limbo were selected for interpretation. The vote in the House of Federation and the consequent decision represents the culmination of the process.

Despite the outcome being presumed to be legal, it is said to have political repercussions.

Opposition from TPLF and ethnic Oromo Nationalist Bloc

As a demonstration of opposition to delayed national election, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (which administers Tigray regional state in northern Ethiopia) reiterated that it will go ahead with organizing an election in the region. 

The latest expression of resistance to the postponed election happened this week. Speaker of the House of the Federation, Keria Ibrahim who is a member of TPLF, unexpectedly announced her resignation just a day before the meeting she called to discuss the findings of the Constitutional Inquiry Commission. “I cannot oversee a process as speaker of the Federation, a decision that endangers the constitution,” she said, appearing on Tigray Mass Media Agency (TMMA) television on June 8. 

Yesterday, news emerged that a spokesperson of TPLF wrote a letter to members of the international community including the African Union seeking intervention to avert what it called Ethiopia’s move in a dangerous path which makes a reference to the deferred election as a manifestation of intent to install a dictatorial regime.

Chairperson of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Birtuakan Mideksa, appeared on state TV sometime in May to express that Tigray Regional State cannot conduct an election on its own terms as the mandate to conduct an election is exclusively, and constitutionally, reserved for NEBE.

The Federal government of Ethiopia sees the task of ensuring no “illegal” election is taking place as a matter of enforcing the constitution of the country. 

TPLF is not the only challenge to the Federal government. Radical ethnic Oromo nationalists are also claiming that the government made all the decisions about constitutional interpretations “without consulting with the opposition.”  Activists with radical Oromo ethnic nationalism political convictions, like Jawar Mohammed, are also mobilizing for a protest to reject the government after September 30, 2020 – which was meant to be the end of the term for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) have issued a joint-statement opposing the House of Federation’s decision to extend the term of government.

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Police Commission in Oromo region of Ethiopia seems to have resolved to stop Jawar Mohammed from triggering another round to instability in the region

borkena
June 10, 2020

When Jawar Mohamed wrote a status update sometime in late October  2019 saying his life was under threat which triggered a crisis in Oromo region of Ethiopia which led to the death of at least 86 innocent civilians, the government (regional or Federal) did not act in the direction holding him legally accountable. Going after him was apparently considered to be politically risky.

Based on a statement that the Oromia region Police Commission released on June 9 in reaction to Jawar’s status update on social media, the region’s police do seem to be ready to act against the brutes of Jawar Mohammed.

“The  Oromia Liyu Police has killed another young man named  Sadik Haji Ibro in Dinsho, Bale Zone last night. Extrajudicial killings have become daily occurrence in the region. People are from the rural areas are descending on the town in protest,” is the statement that Jawar wrote for his 1.9 million followers on facebook. 

The statement from Oromia Police Commission denies the allegation and warned Jawar to refrain from disseminating what it called “inaccurate information” with the aim to disrupt “peace and stability in the region.”  Jawar’s statement is also seen in the light of a move to blackmail the integrity of special forces in the region – based on police statements.

Furthermore, it stated that it will hold Jawar legally responsible for inciting messages published on different platforms.

Those who tend to see Jawar’s activism as a heinous one seem to doubt that police in Oromo regional state will go after Jawar.

Notable politicians in the Oromo opposition quarter, like Kemal Gelchu, have started to speak out that Jawar’s activism is becoming more about his ego rather than for the cause of Justice.  

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borkena
June 11, 2020

Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gedu Andargachew, had a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia, Johan Borgstam, in Addis Ababa, without both removing their facemasks.

Coronavirus situation in the country and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam were among items discussed in their meeting.

The European Union is now part of the tripartite talk between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan as an observer for which Gedu expressed appreciation – according to a brief statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister shared on a social media page.

The statement cited Ambassador Johan Borgstam as saying that he has a strong “belief that Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt would solve outstanding issues over the dam through negotiation.”

Apart from the European Union, South Africa and the United States of America are attending the negotiation as observers. While expressing interest in getting insights into best practices whenever the negotiating parties solicit for it jointly, Ethiopia said that an agreement has been reached for the role of the observers to remain observers only.

The latest round of the tripartite talk is not all smooth. Although Egypt, with its claim of “historical right” over the Nile which Ethiopia is not recognizing, is back to the tripartite negotiating table with a stellar effort from Sudan, Ethiopia said on Wednesday that Egypt lacks good faith and transparency in the negotiation.

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borkena
June 12, 2020

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy has released latest update on the tripartite talk on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

An agreement has been reached on the terms of reference for the role of observers, according to the Ministry. As reported on Wednesday, the European Union, South Africa and The United States of America are participating in the talk as observers.

The Ministry also said that an agreement is reached to “focus on the upcoming negotiation on the outstanding differences.” And Ethiopia has requested negotiating parties to approach the talk in good faith and with a vision for a win-win solution.

Negotiators from the three countries (and observers) have a day off on Friday. And the talk will continue on Saturday.

The statement from the Ministry is quoted below:

THE MINISTRY OF WATER, IRRIGATION AND ENERGY
11 JUNE 2020

Addis Ababa (11 June 2020): The tripartite negotiation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the Guidelines and Rules for the first filling and annual operation for the GERD continued for the third day on Thursday, 11 June 2020, via video-conference in the presence of the observers.

Under the Chairmanship of Ethiopia, the three countries deliberated on issues of concern on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. They also exchanged views on the Guidelines and Rules Ethiopia shared with the two downstream countries and the proposal by Sudan.

Ethiopia reiterated the need for the three countries to focus on and approach the negotiation with good faith and commitment to achieve a win-win outcome.

Ethiopia also underlined the only avenue for a result that serves the mutual benefit of the peoples of the three countries lies in technical negotiation.

Today’s meeting resulted to adoption of the terms of reference for the observers that was discussed and agreed on the previous day. It has also been agreed to compare the exchanged documents and focus on the upcoming negotiation on the outstanding differences.

The negotiation will reconvene on Saturday, 13 June 2020, with the chairmanship of the Sudan.

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed spoke about priorities during extended government mandate period

borkena
June 12, 2020

Days after ethnic Oromo nationalist parties and some national parties expressed opposition to the recent decision from the Ethiopian House of Federation on the next general election; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy has conveyed a video message for the Ethiopian people.

In the eleven and a half minute’s messages, he expressed his conception of the process that led to the decision, the challenges he thinks Ethiopia is facing, and priorities for the government during an extended period.

“The process that led to the decision of the House of Federation [which extended the terms of the federal and regional house of representatives and the prime minister’s on a temporary basis] is unprecedented,” he said, “it has demonstrated that the democracy of our country could further develop on its own.”

After the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia reported to House of People’s Representatives expressing its inability to conduct the sixth general election as scheduled in August due to the Coronavirus situation in the country, the parliament referred the case to the House of Federation (the Upper House) recommending to have the constitution interpreted to postpone the election legally. The Upper House, in turn, referred the matter to the Constitutional Inquiry Commission. The Ethiopian upper house’s decision to temporarily extend the terms of the regional and federal parliaments is informed by the recommendation from the commission. 

Abiy Ahmed in his message said that the process has addressed the current challenges while “helping the country to experience democracy.”

In what seems to be a message for the opposition parties which opposed the decision of the upper house, Prime Minister Abiy said that “the decision is a decision for the people, not for the government, or parties.”  He also said that he sees the moment a mission is given to the government to defend the country and the people. It is time for more responsibility.

“Ruling party will continue to have discussion and consultation with the opposition on major national issues in the interest of developing democracy further and building national consensus, ” is another key message he conveyed to the opposition. He emphasized the importance of reaching consensus with the opposition on major national issues that will define the future of the country although he left it blurry as to what those issues are. Opposition parties have been accusing his government of not having adequate consultation on the issue of postponing the election and extending the terms of government on a temporary basis.

Abiy addressed that accusation too. “It is not time to point fingers at one another.”  He added, “We will work together to ensure the next election is free, fair and credible.”  

He also seized the opportunity to speak at length about the socio-economic challenges that Coronavirus is posing, and he called upon Ethiopian opposition parties to do their part to tackle it.

There is anticipation, according to Abiy Ahmed, that the Coronavirus situation could get worse as the rainy and cold season for the country is arriving.

In terms of government priority during the extended period, he sees the possibility of challenges to the sovereignty of Ethiopia – among other issues.

Watch his video message below ( in Amahric)

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borkena
June 14, 2020,

In part two of the interview (part one is here) with Dereje Haile, Abadula Gemeda responds to allegations of corruption.

Watch the interview below

Video : embedded from Arts TV Youtube channel
Cover photo : screenshot from the video

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Ethiopia says that the talk has to focus on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and interest to maintain colonial era water resource arrangement, on the part of Egypt, is unacceptable.

borkena
June 14, 2020

Egypt has been claiming about “historical rights” over the Nile river all along. It is based on the arrangements with the British Colonial government in the 1920’s and 1950’s. Although more than 85 percent of the Nile water originates from Ethiopia, the country was excluded from the agreement.

Ethiopia says that Egypt reflected same position in the latest round of the tripartite virtual meeting is chaired, which happened on Saturday. Egypt on the other had accuses Ethiopia of “rejecting fundamental issues.”

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy has issued another Press Release on Sunday. It reads as follows :

PRESS RELEASE ON THE CONTINUATION OF THE TRIPARTITE NEGOTIATION ON THE GERD

THE MINISTRY OF WATER, IRRIGATION AND ENERGY14 JUNE 2020

Addis Ababa (14 June 2020): The tripartite negotiation between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the Guidelines and Rules for the first filling and annual operation for the GERD continued for the fourth day on Saturday, 13 June 2020, via video-conference in the presence of the observers.

Under the Chairmanship of the Sudan, the three countries negotiated on technical issues on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD. Based on the filling schedule of the GERD, the countries reached understanding on the first stage filling, volume of environmental flow, guidelines for first stage filling and the approach to drought management rules. The Countries also reached an understanding on dam safety rules, environmental and social impact assessment studies, and entry into force of the Guidelines and Rules. On Sunday the three countries will exchange the Guidelines and rules incorporating the outcomes of the negotiation.

While recognizing the progress made in the previous days of the negotiations, Ethiopia would like to stress that;

First, the ongoing negotiation is not on the allocation of the Blue Nile waters. Second, Ethiopia will be bound by the guidelines and rules for first filling and annual operation of the GERD that it will sign with the two downstream countries. Third, such a commitment will only be guided by the Declaration of Principles of March 2015 that stipulates relevant international principles that are adequate for a GERD project. Fourth,any attempt to confuse the international community or campaign to exert maximum pressure on Ethiopia to accept colonial based treaties that it is not a party to and foreclose its legitimate right of using Abbay/the Blue Nile camouflaged in the guidelines and rules on the first filling and annual operation is unacceptable.Fifth,Ethiopia stresses that it is a genuine negotiation based on good faith and transparency that will result in finalizing the process with a win-win outcome. 

In this context, The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia has found the Press Release of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt of 13 June 2020 regrettable. Despite the accusation of the Spokesperson that the “negotiations are faltering because of Ethiopia”, the truth is we have made progress and if the ongoing negotiation is to falter it is only because of Egypt’s obstinacy to maintain a colonial based water allocation agreement that denies Ethiopia and all the upstream countries their natural and legitimate rights.

On the way forward, the countries agreed to take stock of the outcomes of the negotiation and continue the negotiation on outstanding issues.

The negotiation will reconvene on Monday, 15 June 2020, with the chairmanship of the Egypt.

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Religious leaders to head to Mekelle, north Ethiopia, as part of effort to mediate TPLF and Federal government

borkena
June 15, 2020

Apart from external challenges that mainly emanates from Egypt’s position to continue to monopolize the Nile water by maintaining a colonial-era water resource arrangement agreement, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPFL) has been standing between Abiy Ahmed’s administration and his reform measures.

Tigray in North Ethiopia is not intact by any means. Yet, no reform measures have been implemented in the region. For leaders governing it at the moment resistance to the reform is the cause.

The trend jeopardized the Federal government’s duty to enforce the rule of law.  The latest string of confrontation is over the sixth general election which the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) canceled due to the coronavirus situation in the country.

The upper and lower houses of the government established a legal procedure to “constitutionally” extend the election. The Upper house decided for election to take place anywhere between 9 to 12 months once the Coronavirus is declared to be no more a public health emergency. The terms of the Federal and regional house of representatives are temporarily extended after September 2020 which was supposedly the end of the terms.

On the other hand, Tigray regional state council took a different path but in the direction of the resistance to the reform measures. It endorsed executive and central committee members’ decision to go ahead with an election in the region – a decision which is against the National Electoral Board and the Federal government of Ethiopia.

There has been a rumor that TPLF leaders wanted a face-saving u-turn from their decision to conduct an election in the region.  They wanted a mediator to be sent to them. It is not established if that is really the case.

However, it is not confirmed that religious leaders from Ethiopia’s Inter-Faith Council have started an effort to mediate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and TPLF leaders who are now based in Mekelle after they lost dominance in Federal government power.  Public Relations head of the council, Hadji Mesud Adem, is cited as saying that the situation in Ethiopia requires intervention from mediators.

According to Deutsche Welle Radio Amharic service, senior leaders in Tigray regional state have nodded to the mediation effort via the Ethiopian Interfaith Council, and they have agreed to attend discussions.

It is also confirmed that the religious leaders will be heading to Mekelle, Tigray, for the mediation although it is undisclosed as to when they are traveling north.

No speculation at his point as to what TPLF regional state in the north would demand in return for accepting the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia’s decision and the House of Federation decision.

In a way, traditional mediation has become customary, since Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in April 2018, wherever the rule of law is endangered. Based on experience in the Oromo region of Ethiopia, mediation with radical forces did not work, and the government is engaging militarily armed ethnic nationalist groups in the region.

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Ethiopia gets it why it is so; Egypt wants to continue the monopoly of the Nile water with the 1959 colonial era arrangement. Ethiopia sees no way other than mutual benefit

borkena
June 16, 2020

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said on Tuesday that Egypt continues to have inappropriate dual approaches to the tripartite talk.

As the talk between the three countries (Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan) continues for the sixth day focusing on the first stage of filling and the annual operation of the Dam, Egypt is engaged in what the Foreign Minister described as “unethical activities” outside of the negotiation process.

“They are part of the negotiation, but they are also reaching out to various international organizations[only with their own narrative of the situation],” Gedu said in an explanation to his claim that Egypt is not in the tripartite talk wholeheartedly. The United Nations Security Council is among the organizations that Egypt is resorting to in order to score a point against Ethiopia while being part of tripartite negotiation.

He also accused Egypt of sabotaging Ethiopia’s development efforts in different ways. “No agreement has been reached with Egypt; their interest is to implement the 1959 agreement,” he added.

Reiterating that Ethiopia is financing the project with local sources by mobilizing the public and noting that the country contributes to over 86 percent of the Nile Water, he said that Egypt, a country that has nothing to offer – in his words, is not ready to accept what it is offered.

He also emphasized that Ethiopia firmly believes in mutual benefit and is relentlessly working to ensure that the negotiation is successful.  

On the other hand, he hailed the role Sudan played for the resumption of the tripartite talk.  

He remarked so during a news conference with local journalists in which he shared developments during the first five days of negotiation between the three counties.

During the fifth day of negotiation, which is about the first stage of filling and the annual operation of the dam, Ethiopia clarified its position regarding the drought situation. Experts and activists have been campaigning that Ethiopia cannot and should not be burdened with a commitment to provide water in the event of drought.

It seems to be the case that Ethiopian negotiators get the point that experts are making. From the latest press release from the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy, Ethiopia made it clear the negotiating parties have a shared responsibility in the event of drought. “Ethiopia underlined the need to follow an approach that ensures the joint responsibility of the three countries in the incidence of drought while preserving the optimal operation of the GERD,” the statement said.

The green project, which partly aims to maintain ecological balance in the country, is underway for the second time. The leaders believe that the project is relevant to the Grand Renaissance Dam project.

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borkena
June 16, 2020 

Ethiopia says is preparation is underway for the first phase of filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

According to a report by Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC), forest clearing work will start this Thursday. Benishangul regional state is officially handing over the land needed for the filling phase of the dam. 

The work is already contracted out to 45 enterprises. However, 25 other contractors are shortlisted if their service is needed to ensure that the clearing work is completed within the intended time frame. 

Forest clearing part is said to cost the government about 33.1 Ethiopian Birr, and about six million birr is paid out in down payment. 

One thousand hectares of land are prepared for the water catchment area of the dam, according to the report. The work will kick off starting next week. 

The clearing project is expected to create temporary jobs for 1200 youth in the region. 

Ethiopia is having a tripartite talk on the GERD. Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gedu Andargachew, does not seem to be optimistic about the negotiation. He told journalists on Tuesday that Egyptian interest in continuing monopoly over the Nile water creating an obstacle to the success of the negotiation.

However, Ethiopia is preparing to fill the dam starting July – the reason why forest clearing work is launching next week. 

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Leaders in Tigray regional state claim that the problem is not between them and the Federal government

borkena
June 16, 2020

A delegation composed of 52 individuals drawn from Ethiopian Interfaith Council leaders and prominent figures on Monday had a meeting with TPLF leaders, including Debretsion Gebremichale who is the chairman of the organization and president of Tigray region, in Mekelle.

The mediators claim that the effort is their own initiative and had nothing with the ruling party in the country – Prosperity Party (PP). 

State-owned media like Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) and Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) did not cover the story. 

The meeting between the mediators and Tigray regional state leaders was a closed one and no media was allowed.

“The discussion was about peace,” Pastor Daniel who is a member of the mediating team told reporters in Mekelle after the meeting, as reported by VOA Amharic service. 

The mediators say TPLF leaders in Tigray regional state have confirmed their interest in and readiness for peace. 

Debretsion Gebremichale, president of the region, is cited as saying “we are ready to be part of a meeting that you [religious leaders] call at any time.” 

Based on VOA Amharic, TPLF leaders seem to be keen to exploit the opportunity to position themselves as leaders of political forces that are opposing the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his Prosperity Party. 

The leaders in Tigray assert that the problem is a national one, and it requires a national solution. 

Dr. Abraham Tekeste, Tigray Region Urban Development, and Trade and Industry office head said “The problem is not between Tigray region and the Federal government. The problem is national, and it requires a national dialogue.” 

The Federal government or Prosperity Party officials have not remarked about TPLF’s position.  The mediating team has a plan to travel to Amhara, Oromia, and Somali regions of Ethiopia. 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has established, about a year or so ago,  a Truce and Reconciliation Committee to resolve political problems in the country. However, not a concrete result is obtained so far.  

Tigray regional sate leaders have decided to conduct election in the region without authorization from National Electoral Board of Ethiopia which is one of the reasons for the tension.

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