borkena
August 31, 2020

A court in Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), in the Oromo regional state, ruled on Monday that police are not getting another two weeks of extended time “to complete an investigation on Lidetu Ayalew.”

The court said that the investigation file is now closed and the defendant is invited to apply for bail rights — as reported by state media Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).

The court cited criminal code article 1, sections 1 and 2 to rule that a police request for 14 more days is not reasonable in view of the law.

It was for the fourth time that Lidetu appeared before the district court in Bishoftu town -where he has a residential home.

He had been asking the court to consider his medical condition (he said that he has a heart condition that could make him vulnerable to the Coronavirus disease). One of his complaints was that the prison condition has made social distancing difficult.

Lidetu was arrested in connection with the violence in the Oromo region following the assassination of Hachalu Hundesa at the end of June 2020 but law enforcement bodies established that the massacre in some places started before even the death of Hachalu was announced.

Police suspected Lidetu, a co-founder of the Ethiopian Democratic Party, of organizing youth in Debre Zeit for protest. 

What is clear is that he has been a vocal critic of the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He particularly declared in the open that Abiy’s government would be illegal beyond September 30 on grounds that it would not have a constitutional basis.

His supporters seem to link his arrest to his critique of Abiy Ahmed’s government.  

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: Court grants Lidetu Ayalew chance to apply for bail rights appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

From the finding of research that EZEMA, one of the Ethiopian opposition, released, it happened under the watch of Addis Ababa mayor Takele Uma, now Federal Minister for Petroleum and Mining

borkena
August 31, 2020

A study released by Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) reveals 210,000 square meters of land were illegally appropriated in the capital Addis Ababa. It was appropriated in the form of land grabbing across five sub-cities, it was said.

The study was underway for more than two months in five sub-cities of Addis Ababa and 25 locations. According to the party, residents in the city provided preliminary information for the party. Researchers conducted an interview and a field trip — among other methods — to come up with the conclusion that a land grab and illegal transfer of condominium units had happened.

EZEMA, one of the opposition parties in the country, also said that it has verified that the land grab happened with the direct involvement of government authorities as beneficiaries of the land grab deals. The land-grabbing targeted extensive plots of land in the city, according to the statement from the party.

Months after coming to power, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed, through a phony back door path, Takele Uma as the mayor of Addis Ababa.

Illegal transfer of condominium units

EZEMA also conducted an investigation into an illegal transfer of condominium units in Addis Ababa. And the findings revealed that residents of the city who had been registered for and saved money for the condo units for more than fifteen years did not get a condo unit.

On the other hand, the condo units were transferred for people who were not registered and or saved money for it. The transfers violated regulations enacted for the distribution of condominium units constructed by the government. EZEMA added that the regulations were also altered in an effort to have a legal ground for the transfer of condominium units for people who would not otherwise qualify for it.

Action

EZEMA is calling for the government to hold those officials who are responsible for the illegal transfer of condominium units and illegal distribution of land.

This month Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed removed Takele Uma as Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa (he was acting in the capacity of Mayor actually) and replaced him with his close confidant, Adanech Abiebie.

However, residents have been demanding for an elected mayor. Opposition parties like Baladera For Genuine Democracy had been campaigning to expose illegal demolitions, land grabbing, and the illegal transfer of condominium units in the city. Its leader Eskinder Nega has been thrown to prison with trumped-up charges in connection with the latest massacre in the Oromo region of Ethiopia.

EZEMA’s report is noticeably outraging to residents of the city and beyond.

The government of Abiy Ahmed is yet to respond to the allegation.

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:Opposition says Addis Ababa authorities indulged in illegal land grabbing appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Takele Uma says transfer of Condominium unit in Addis Ababa to unregistered citizens was implemented as per government policy

borkena
September 1, 2020

A day after an opposition party released findings from investigative research on selected sub-cities in the capital Addis Ababa — which revealed that hundreds of thousands of square meters of land were illegally transferred to land grabbers —former mayor of the city Takele Uma denies it. He called it a “false” report.

In a status update on his Facebook page, he said “you may disintegrate a country with false information but you may not build a country with it-there is no political profit from it.”

The study released on Monday accused city administration authorities of illegally transferring over twenty thousand condominium units. What makes it illegal, as far as the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice party — the entity that revealed the information — is that hundreds of thousands of residents of Addis Ababa registered for it, and we’re saving money for it for over a decade.

The former mayor defended the illegal transfer of the Condo units when he said that it was something that the cabinet decided. Based on his assertion, those who got the condo units when they were not on the waiting list are people “who were displaced from their land.”

“Of the 67,000 families who owned land but were reduced to laborers or security, the condominium units were transferred to 20,000 of them who were in the worst situation. And what has been done is the least, not much,” he said in his Facebook message.

Other than that, he added, there is no family that was given a condo unit illegally. 

Furthermore, he painted an image of himself who was fighting against illegal land grabbing. “Regarding land grabbing, we had been taking strong measures against it since day one,” he said.

Takele Uma also criticized the Ethiopian Citizens For Social Justice Party (EZEMA) for what called a “lack of solidarity with those peasants who were inhumanly displaced from their holdings.”

On Monday this week, EZEMA called for an investigation into what it called unprecedented illegal land grabbing and illegal transfer of Condominium units. Addis Ababa City authorities including the then Mayor, Takele Uma who is currently appointed as the minister for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, are indicted in the scandal.

Radial ethnic Oromo activists are voicing their support to Takele Uma. The Condo units were transferred to ethnic Oromo “peasants.”

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

The post Former Addis Ababa mayor denies land, condominium scandal appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Unlike fire incidents in the past which usually happen either in the evening or night time, Bole fire happened during broad daylight

borkena
September 2, 2020

Addis Ababa City Administration Fire Department disclosed on Wednesday that a fire in Bole district caused property damage that is estimated to be well over 12 million Ethiopian birr. No human casualty is reported.

According to the report by state media, EBC, it happened in broad daylight around 12:25 P.M. local time in the CMC area of Bole district near Alitad Michael.

Dozens of businesses are damaged. One bar and restaurant and 29 business stores are said to have been destroyed in the accident.

City authorities claim that the damage could have been much worse had it not been for the fire fighting unit. Gulilat Getaneh, the head of public relation team in the fire department of the city, is cited as saying that property worth about 48 million birr is saved.

EBC reported that 74 firefighters and 14 fire trucks were deployed in addition to support from the residents in the area.

The cause of the fire is not yet determined. However, an investigation is underway, according to the report.

The city’s new mayor Adanech Abiebie has visited the scene. It is reported that she pledged to support those who suffered loss of properties.

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 Bole fire damaged 12 million birr worth of property appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Lion attacks have become recurring problems in Ethiopia

borkena
September 2, 2020

Lion attacks in Abobo district of the Gambella region of Ethiopia reportedly left five people dead and one other person seriously injured in the past twelve months.

Last year, two people were killed in the district in the months of July and August (Ethiopia’s rainy months). The rest of the people were killed this year since July 2020.

According to Abobo district head Umo Tuto, who spoke to BBC Amharic about the problem, one of the latest victims of the attack was a thirty years old daily labourer who was working in a sesame farm. He was attacked on the road after his farm work.

The other victim was a woman (unnamed). She was attacked around 6:00 p.m. local time as she was walking in the street in the district.

Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority was reportedly informed about it to act on the group of lions that attack people in the region but did not happen, and the lions continue to wreak havoc on human life, the district head Umo Tuto told BBC Amharic Service.

Regional authorities do not have the mandate to kill the lions. It falls within the power of the Federal government.

Kahsay Gebretinsae is the director of wildlife education in the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. BBC Amharic quoted him that he said “A team deployed to eliminate the group of lions that were causing danger. But only one was taken down.”

For him, it is not a flock of lions that is causing the problem but a group of lions.

The district authorities do not seem to be pleased with the work of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority.

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 Lion attacks in Gambella region of Ethiopia killed five people appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
September 5, 2020

Kenane Tafese Teklemariam a student of York University reportedly drowned on Thursday this week at which is about 90 kilometers north of Toronto.

Originally from Ethiopia, she had been living in Canada for about ten years now, with her parents.

Her body was recovered after two days of search by Ontario Provincial Police after underwater search.

CTV news cited Feven Mengistu, a freind, who said : “She wanted to hold a ladder and place her feet in the water, but she didn’t know the wave was pretty strong.” She was not wearing a life jacket.

Detail of the funeral arrangement is unavailable at this time.

borkena would like to express heartfelt condolence to the family and friends of Kenean Tafesse.

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 Kenan Tafesse York University Student reportedly drowned at Lake Simcoe appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
September 10, 2020

On Wednesday this week, people who registered to vote in Tigray regional state cast their vote since 6 p.m. in the morning across the 2600 polling stations organized across 38 electoral zones. 

The regional government had announced earlier that 2.7 people eligible voters have registered to vote.  Five political parties, including the ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) — a party that dominated Ethiopian Federal government for about 27 years until it was removed in 2018 —, took part in the election. TPLF is expected to win the election. 

“The day showed that the people of Tigray will only be governed by an entity that it has voted for,” Tigray regional government said after the election. 

In an interview with Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporate (State media) this week, PM Abiy Ahmed said the election in Tigray is illegal, and that the outcome will not be valid.  

Ethiopian Upper House, House of People’s Representatives, called the election in Tigray as null and void after a meeting on Saturday last week. 

The election ended with no reported security incident. At this writing, the outcome of the election is not released. 

The Ethiopian Parliament and the House of People’s representatives postponed the six general elections due to the coronavirus situation in the country. 

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 region election, Federal government position appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia aims at curbing corruption with the introduction of new banknotes.

borkena
September 14, 2020 

Following months of rumors about possible change of Ethiopian currency banknotes, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government announced on Monday that features of existing notes are changed. A new denomination is also introduced.

The 10 birr, 50 birr and 100 birr denominations have got a complete new feature including colour changes. The 10 birr denomination has now a 100 birr look in terms of colour and bears a picture from the old 5 birr notes – a farmer collecting coffee. The new fifty birr note does not have change in terms of colour. The picture represents Ethiopia’s ambition to transform agriculture in the country.

The new 100 birr notes has the old 5 birr notes look with a picture of Ethiopia’s main tourist attractions sites.

The government also introduced a new 200 denomination. This banknote looks much like the 100 birr note which was in use before the coming of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to power in 1991.And it bears a symbol of peace – a dove with palm leaves. 

According to a report from the state media, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the government hopes to curb corruption and illicit trade among other things.

It is also believed that the new features will make counterfeiting impossible. During last Ethiopian Year, authorities from the Ethiopian National Bank announced hundreds of billions of birr are stashed outside of the banking system.

Last month, the National Bank of Ethiopia introduced a new limit to the amount of cash withdrawal and cash stash for individuals and businesses to 1.5 million birr only. 

 It is widely believed that TPLF leaders and individuals linked to former TPLF leaders have stashed billions of Ethiopian birr illegally. 

Much of the printing work for the new Ethiopian currency is completed, and it is said to be at the exchequer in the National Bank Ethiopia. Distribution of the new banknotes is to be announced and law enforcement bodies are expected to have a significant role in the course of implementing the changes.

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 : new banknotes introduced in an effort to curb corruption, illicit trade appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian government aims to control old birr notes to not enter the country from the neighboring countries

borkena
September 14, 2020 

The National Bank of Ethiopia announced that 2.9 billion Ethiopian birr is ready for distribution to different parts of the country. Governor of National Bank of Ethiopia Yinager Dessie said 3.7 billion birr is spent for printing the new banknotes. 

One of the key regulations that the government introduced along with the banknotes change is that individuals will have to appear in person with identity cards to exchange old banknotes with new ones. The measure is intended to control illicit circulation of billions of Ethiopian birr and corruption. 

According to information from The National Bank of Ethiopia, billions of Ethiopian birr is said to be illegally circulating in the neighbouring countries. And the government says that it has put security measures in place in the border areas to control the inflow of old notes from those countries.

On Monday Ethiopia introduced new banknotes for three denominations and introduced one new denomination. One hundred Ethiopian Birr was the highest bill. After the new introduction, the 200 bill is the highest bill. 

The current five birr note will be changed to coin, as reported by the state media. 

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 2.9 billion birr new banknotes ready,announces National Bank of Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Just like Oromo region, Benishangul Gumuz is the part of Ethiopia where ethnic Amhara experienced recurring attacks and killings.

borkena
September 16, 2020

Ethnic-Amharas and Agews in the Benishangul region of Ethiopia had reportedly experienced another round of attack. It happened this week in Bulen and Wonbera districts of the region.

The region’s peacebuilding and security office head Abera Bayatta confirmed to Ethiopian State media that the attack in the above mentioned places have claimed the lives of innocent citizens but did not specify the number. It is unclear why the authorities were unable to provide information about the number of casualties a day after the attack.

The attack was launched by armed groups. Some were armed with firearms like AK 47. Others were armed with spears.

DW Amharic said on Wednesday that it spoke to a resident from Gilgel Beles area -who spoke anonymously due to security concerns. They said that the attackers were armed with heavy weaponry. 

The informant also claimed that the perpetrators carried out the attack in the broad daylight and speculated that they could have links to government officials in the region. “The attackers change their location as soon as security forces are deployed to the areas where they carried out the attack,” is the explanation given to the claim about a link with government officials, as reported by DW Amharic.

Security authorities in the region said on Wednesday that an investigation is launched to determine the security incident this week.

Abara Bayata, Benishangul region head of security office, told Ethiopian News Agency that the armed group inflicted heavy casualties in Bulen and Wombera districts. He linked the group with opposition parties operating in the region.  “Opposition political parties operating in the region provided them with military training,” he said.

In Melkan Kebele of the district, the armed group detained 36 people and demanded 20,000 Ethiopian birr per person and the detainee had to pay it, Mr. Abera told ENA.

The source also said that members of the Defense Force were deployed to the region. An unspecified number of attackers are reportedly killed by joint operation of security forces and the defense force. 

However, the region’s security authorities admitted that the armed groups are not eliminated and are still operating in the region. This may mean another round of attack on ethnic-Amhara and ethnic-Agews living in the region.

Thousands of residents in the districts had been displaced in connection with the latest string of attacks. 

There had been a recurring attack against ethnic Amharas in Benishangul region. The most recent was in July 2020 which left at least 14 Ethiopians 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 Benishangul Gumuz latest round of attack claimed lives appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Editor’s note : The following content is a press release from Amhara Association of America regarding the massacre in Benishangul Gumuz region

Amhara Association of America
September 17, 2020

Targeted attacks against Amharas have occurred again in Benishangul-Gumez Region of Ethiopia. Amhara Association of America (AAA) has received reports that 89 people mainly Amhara/Agew have been killed by Gumez militias in an attack spanning several days starting September 4. We are still collecting information, but here is what we have learned from our sources in Ethiopia:

The attacks were carried out in three kebeles (sub-districts) of the Bulen District, Metekel Zone, by a militia comprised of ethnic Gumuz (which comprise about 34% of the population in Bulen). The militias seized the victims from their homes during the night in three kebeles (Eipare, Koshe Gonjie and Moji) and took them to Eipare primary school. The militias handcuffed the victims, took them one by one to a shed they built nearby, and then shot them execution-style. Some were apparently killed in other locations for refusing to be taken to the school.

AAA has identified 37 victims from the Eibare Kebele (see the list below). The 89 victims across Bulen District include 5 Shinasha (largest ethnic group in Bulen) who opposed the Gumuz militia’s actions. Another 20 people were wounded and are being treated in a hospital in Bulen, while an additional 80 people are “unaccounted for” by the local government. Approximately 1,200 people across 239 households have been displaced in these districts and are currently sheltered in a meeting hall in Bulen Township (capital of the district).

The victims were displaced from their homes in these kebeles in March 2020 by unknown assailants but were resettled back to their homes in June by the government. The Gumez militia told their victims in this attack that they are being killed for not respecting their order to leave “their (Benishangul) region”. The regional government responded first to this attack by censoring information by limiting data and cellular services but has now deployed the federal army after information started spreading beyond the Region.

This latest attack follows similar attacks against Amharas in Metekel zone of Benishangul in July. Examples include:

• On July 27th, Gumez militiamen killed 14 Amharas and wounded six in Jadia Kebele, Guba District of Metekel Zone.
• On July 31st, armed Gumez militia mounted an attack in Alemhal Kebele of Guba woreda, Metekel Since the attack was during the day the targeted Amharas managed to save their lives but their houses and properties were set ablaze and more than 2500 Amharas in the area (Alemhal, Kota, Mankush) flee for their life.
• On August 25th, Gumez militiamen went to a house of Neguse Tesfa in Ayesad, and wounded his wife (Dafash) and killed his daughter (Yeneguse).
• On September 2nd, armed militia groups killed farmer Aschalew and two youngsters who were herding cattle (Gezahegn and Habtam) and took more than 50 animals.
• On September 8th, Gumez militia mounted similar attacks in Aygalie kebele and killed the following Amharas:

1. Daso Abera
2. Addisu Senbeta
3. Tilahun Abebe
4. Mekuraia Abebe
5. W/o Mantegebosh

Given the increasing frequency of the attacks in B-G and the regional government’s refusal to acknowledge until information about these attacks have been leaked, there seems to be implicit permission by the local authorities for this violence to occur.

List of Victims from the Eibare Kebele

One of the survivors, Ato Setotaw Awoke lost four family members and three employees:

1. Yeserash Gessese- his wife
2. Ayenew Setotaw-son
3. Belesti Setotaw-son
4. Eyersualem Setotaw- daughter
5. Ebababey Lake-employee
6. Gashaw—employee
7. Niguessie – employee

Additional names of individuals killed:

1. Yetayesh Mihret and her newborn triples
2. Ato Bisahw and his six other family members
3. Bekele and his six family members
4. Workayehu Tefera
5. Abebayehu Asferawu
6. Tejitu Tadese
7. Dagnachew Zewdu
8. Bezaiwt Abebe
9. Abebe Ekadalamewu
10. Mekonene
11. Fentanesh
12. Yengussie
13. Agegnehu
14. Gebrehiwot
15. Mesganaw

We are asking anyone who has information regarding this tragedy to please email AAA at info@AmharaAmerica.org.

Note: This report has been shared with international human rights organizations, U.S. Congressional officials, State Department, and media.

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 Mass Murder of Amharas in Benishangul-Gumez Region (AAA Press Release) appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health recommended conditions under which the election could take place.

borkena
September 18, 2020

In June 2020, the House of Federation announced that it had extended the terms of the federal and regional house of representatives nine months after the coronavirus pandemic is declared “no more a public health threat.” The decision came following a constitutional interpretation practice by an Inquiry Commission established by the House of Representative itself.

Postponement of the election was initiated by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) when it consulted with the Ethiopian Parliament saying that the coronavirus situation in the country made it difficult to undertake activities leading to the election which was meant to take place in August 2020.

Now the Ministry of Health is proposing to the Ethiopian Parliament that the sixth general election could take place under specific circumstances. 

Lia Tadesse, the Minister, made the proposal when she appeared in the parliament on Friday to report on the coronavirus situation in the country and the next steps to be taken, as reported by the state media, Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC).

In the report, she indicated that the spread of Coronavirus is not decreasing in Ethiopia. However, she said, the ministry managed to build capacity “to prevent the spread at all levels,” – a claim that rather sounds contradictory that the spread is not halted.

As of September 17, 2020, the total number of confirmed cases in the country, both active and inactive cases, is 66,913. Ethiopia has so far tested 1,176,252 people across the country.

According to the Ministry, the forecast on the spread of the disease and the number of deaths in the months to come depends on social distancing and the use of facemasks.

Regarding the general election, the Ministry said that it reflected on international experiences under circumstances of a pandemic like coronavirus.

The Ethiopian Election was postponed, said the Minister, at the time when the capacity to prevent and control the pandemic was not strong.

While the pandemic is still a threat, the Ministry now claims that it has better experience and capacity in terms of controlling it. It is also indicated that the pandemic could stay for a longer period which the ministry knew even at the time when the election was postponed. The difference this time around is that the Ministry claims that it has better knowledge of the distribution and has better prevention capacity.

However, it recommended preconditions for conducting the election.

1) Preparation of implementation of election ethics and guidelines that are tailored to the prevention of COVID-19

2) Preparation to implement the guidelines

3) In the event that high infection happens in certain areas, handling the election in a different way

FBC reported that the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives is discussing the proposal from the Ministry and is expected to pass a decision.

Opposition political parties have not yet reacted to the proposal.

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 general election could take place, says Ministry of Health appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission urges authorities in Benishangul Gumuz region to investigate recurring incidents of mass killings

borkena
September 18, 2020

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)on Thursday called on impartial investigations into the circumstances that led to the massacre of civilians and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents sometime last week.

The statement said that EHRC has received “disturbing” reports from  Bulen and Wonbera districts of Metekel Zone of the Benishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia, and that it is “deeply concerned by security events unfolding in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Region,” said the statement from the commission.”

Furthermore, the statement said that EHRC has confirmed from Benishangul Gumuz regional authorities that there were two isolated incidents of violence on September 6 and between September 7 to September 13.

It is also indicated that the regional government confirmed that there were killings of civilians and tens of hundreds of residents had been displaced from the regions mentioned above. However, the number of people killed is still unspecified by government authorities. Other reports from concerned organizations indicate that at least 89 people (mainly ethnic Amhara and Agaw) were massacred by Gumuz region militias which the EHRC did not mention in its report.

The Federal Police and the National Defense Force had been deployed to the areas to restore stability and hundreds of civilians displaced from their homes are now returned, according to the EHRC report.

It is also noted that incidents like these had been recurring in the region and EHRC urged the regional authorities to launch an impartial investigation into the killings and hold accountable those who are responsible for it.

EHRC also “encouraged political groups and other stakeholders in the region to engage in constructive dialogue, and to refrain from any form of incitement and acts of violence.”

Ethiopian activists and politicians have been expressing outrage against prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration for failing to protect citizen’s right to life and security.

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 Benishangul Massacre: Ethiopian Human Rights calls for an impartial investigation into it appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

As was the case with the massacre in the Oromo region of Ethiopia, the federal government avoids revealing the ethnic-based nature of attacks in Benishangul Gumuz region

borkena
September 18, 2020

There had been recurring attacks targeting mainly ethnic-Amharas in the Benishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took over the office in 2018.

The latest string of attacks was not covered by state media. More than a week after what is said to be a horrifying ethnic-based attack, as described by state media in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the number of people killed in the attack is still unknown.

Major General Mohammed Tessema Ethiopia’s Defense Force Head of indoctrination spoke about it on Friday. For him, the attacks were not ethnic-based ones. And they are perpetrated by “disenchanted youth.”

Amhara region’s Communications Affair office Director Gizachew Muluneh had a press statement on current affairs including the latest massacre in the Benishangul region. He described the attack as “horrifying.” From what he said the attack was rather politically motivated and targeting ethnic Agaw-Amhara.  Amhara Mass Media Agency quoted the director that he said “The Perpetrators had adequate military training and were well-armed. The attack was planned one with logistical support from internal and external anti-reform forces,” the

The conflicting information on the incident and the magnitude of the attack added impetus to the dwindling public trust on the government of Abiy Ahmed as far as protecting the security of citizens and enforcing the rule of law is concerned.  A noticeable outrage is observed among Ethiopians on social media platforms.

The Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, the Minister for Peace Muferiat Kamil, Chief of Staff of the Defense Force Adem Mohammed, and the presidents of Benishangul and Amhara regions had a conversation with residents of Bulen and Wonbera districts where the attacks took place. They told residents that “Government is determined to put in place the necessary durable solution to resolve the problem.”

Residents expressed that they still have security concerns and demanded that the security forces should not be negligent about their duties so that innocent civilians could focus on their livelihoods and live in peace.

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 Conflicting reports on Benishangul massacre triggering outrage appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Attorney General of the Federal Government of Ethiopia charged Jawar Mohammed and dozens of others with several counts of criminal offenses

borkena
September 20, 2020

The Attorney General of the Federal Government of Ethiopia announced on Saturday that it has charged Jawar Mohammed and twenty-three other individuals of a criminal offense with inciting violence that could lead to civil war.

The statement from the Office of Attorney General said that the defendants article 240 of the 2004 criminal code to instigate ethnic and religious-based violence. Several other criminal codes are cited.

Bekele Gerba, Secretary of Oromo Federalist Congress, is also charged.  Some of them are charged in absentia. Dejene Gutema, Birhanemeskel Abebe, and Tsegaye Ararsa are in that group.

Jawar is facing ten counts of charges including fraudulent actions in the telecom sector.

Reports from local media outlets indicated in the past that Jawar allegedly smuggled Satellite receivers, that are not allowed in the country, to record electronic mail communications and phone conversations between politicians and prominent figures.

Furthermore, Jawar, owner of Oromia Media Network and member of Oromo Federalist Congress — a political party which he is allegedly radicalizing, is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms.

Citizen reports on social media claimed that there had been attempts to facilitate a political decision for his release from prison. Attorney General’s action to charge Jawar came days after the news circulated on social media.

He was arrested following the death of singer Hachalu Hundessa and is implicated in the unrest which claimed over 240 lives in the Oromo region of Ethiopia and for the destruction of properties worth billions of birr in several towns in the region.

In October 2019, more than 86 people were killed in the Oromo region of Ethiopia after he wrote a Facebook update saying his life was in danger after the government withdrew security details.

Jawar Mohammed’s supporters had been protesting in the diaspora as they see his arrest as a politically motivated one.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government had been widely criticized for allowing the repeated massacres in the part of Ethiopia where Jawar Mohammed is believed to have a strong influence — Oromia. In what seems to be a knee-jerk reaction, the regional government purged and arrested hundreds of security personnel who were either directly involved in supporting the massacre or who were negligent about disposing of their responsibilities.

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 charged radical Oromo activist Jawar Mohammed with inciting violence appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
September 20, 20 

Afar people’s spiritual leader Sultan Hanfare Alimirah reportedly passed away at the age of 74. 

He had been serving as the Sultan of Afar People since 2011, according to Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). Earlier, he had served as the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Kuwait, and as president of the Afar regional state. 

He will be laid to rest on September 21 in Asaita town, Hadele Gera, as reported by EBC. 

The borkena team would like to express heartfelt condolences to his family and for Ethiopians. 

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 Sultan Hanfare Alimirah, Sutan of Afar People, passed away appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia is opening only Six borders by the end of this month

borkena
September 21, 2020 

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s Immigration Nationality and Vital Events Agency announced on Monday that it is reopening six borders to neighboring countries. 

Those opening this month are in the West, South, South East, and South Western parts of Ethiopia, as reported by the state media Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC).

The Director of the Agency Tamiru Ubetu said that borders in the Somali, Gambella, Benishangul, and Southern Ethiopia will be opened as of this month. It is indicated that the decision to open the six borders came following a joint study with other stakeholders.  It is implied that Ethiopia’s northern border will remain closed. 

The borders were closed as part of the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. At the time, there were reports about the illegal entry of Coronavirus infected people – especially in the southeastern parts of the country.  

Increasing the number of borders 

The Director of the immigration agency said that the number of border checkpoints that Ethiopia currently has is not enough given the length of Ethiopia’s border areas. 

And the Ethiopian government is working to increase the number to twelve. Some of the new checkpoints are already operational although they are not officially launched, as reported by FBC.

Furthermore, Mr. Tamiru is cited as saying that work is underway to finalize infrastructural necessity to ensure that the checkpoints have international standards.  

For the director, the reopening of the borders is essential to control illegal entry to the country. 

Last week, Ethiopia announced that it will have a tight border control in connection with newly introduced new banknotes to control billions of Ethiopian birr that are said to be available in the neighboring countries. 

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 to reopen the borders to neighboring countries appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Dissenting voice in the parliament was not adequate to disapprove the proposal to hold the sixth Ethiopian General Election

borkena
September 21, 2020 

The Ethiopian parliament on Tuesday approved a proposal to hold the sixth General Election during this Ethiopian Year (2013). The decision was made after the Ministry of Health advised the parliament on Friday that the postponed general election could take place under special conditions. 

When the Ethiopian election was officially postponed on in June based on a recommendation from the Commission of Constitutional Inquiry, a body instituted to interpret the constitution to find a legal loophole for the postponed election, it was recommended that the election could take place between nine months to one year after the coronavirus pandemic, the reason for the postponement of the election, was declared no more a health threat. 

The Minister for health, Lia Tadesse, did not say that the Coronavirus pandemic is no longer a public health threat when she appeared in the parliament last Friday. However, she said that the ministry had developed the capacity to identify and prevent Coronavirus cases and that the election could take place under specific circumstances. 

The Parliament discussed the election on Tuesday based on the recommendation from the Ministry of Health about the possibility of holding the capacity this year. What it means is that the election will be prepared in consideration of prevention methods for the spread of Coronavirus disease. 

One member of the parliament voted against the proposal while eight others abstained. The election date is yet to be announced by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). 

Government’s decision to hold an election this year is not taken lightly by some of the opposition political party leaders. Professor Merera Gudina, leader of the Oromo Federalist Congress, for example, has expressed skepticism about the government’s change of mind with regard to the sixth general election. 

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 Parliament nods to the proposal to hold General Election this year appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Amid recurring security crisis that is claiming hundreds of lives, Abiy Ahmed’s government is preoccupied with fundraising for tourism projects

borkena
September 24, 2020

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has repeatedly expressed an aspiration to build a prosperous Ethiopia. The establishment of the Prosperity Party, out of the ruins of what used to be a coalition of four major parties that ruled the country for over a quarter a century, in November 2019 as a single national party was meant to be a vehicle to achieve “Prosperity.”

Yet, his government failed time and again, as seen in the past two years, to fulfill the basic functions of government- providing security to Ethiopians living in different parts of the country.

When more than 240 Ethiopians were massacred in the Oromo region of Ethiopia in early July 2020, just to mention the most latest security incident that affected thousands of Ethiopians, with the guise of protest against “the killing of Hachalu Hundessa,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government inundated the state-owned media with the message “the government-run out of its patience and that it will no longer tolerate acts of violence against civilians.”

His government dared to explain the “patience” in terms of “broadening the democratic space” in the country. What it means is, essentially, that there was confusion about the government’s duty of protecting the security of citizens and broadening the democratic space in the country. The recurrent carnage in the Oromo region of Ethiopia was an orchestrated one ( at least the government has admitted that the massacre in July 2020 was an orchestrated one and that some government authorities took part in it) and perpetrators were none other than radicalized ethnic Oromo nationalists.

In most cases, the attack was against non-Oromos (mainly Amharas) and the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church when the victims were ethnic-Oromos. However, government authorities dared to cover-up the ethnic-based nature of the attacks.

Another large-scale massacre happened in the Metekel zone of the Benishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia early this month. Weeks after the attack, the government has not yet provided the public with accurate information regarding the extent of casualty. In this latest attack, the victims were ethnic Amhara and ethnic Agaws. But again, the government denies the ethnic-based nature of the attack that is said to have claimed the lives of at least 89 people, according to a report by Amhara Association of North America. As in the case of Oromo region of Ethiopia, some government authorities in the Benishangul region had facilitated the massacre in the region.

Metekel zone is also placed under the so-called “Command Post” – the Ethiopian government’s practice of putting troubled regions under the temporary administration of military commanders. It did not resolve security problems in some parts of the Oromo region of Ethiopia, and it is unlikely to resolve the problem in the Benishangul region.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has made it customary to arrest hundreds of thousands of people in the aftermath of such a large-scale attack, and that is what happened in connection with the Benishangul Gumuz region’s latest massacre (note that there had been repeated massacres in that region too). The regional government announced that it has arrested about 370 suspects in connection. The political system that has made recurrent massacres possible in different parts of the country is not yet a point of conversation in the government that is priding itself as “reformist.”

The rule of law and protection of the security of citizens continue to be a priority for Ethiopians. But Abiy Ahmed’s government is toiling on projects to boost the tourism sector in the country. These projects are given extensive coverage on state media outlets while the security challenges are essentially ignored. In fact, government media outlets did not even cover the attacks on ethnic Amhara and Agaw in the Benishangul Gumuz region.

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

The post Abiy Ahmed’s government continues to fail to protect security of citizens appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
September 25, 2020

The state media, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, reported on Friday that actor Almaz Haile passed away in the capital Addis Ababa.

The report said she was sick for weeks and passed away in the early morning of Friday.

Almaz, also known as Mami, was in the Ethiopian entertainment industry for over 40 years, and has acted in dozens of plays and Amharic movies.

She will be laid to rest on Saturday at Kidist Selassie Menbere Tseba’ot church.

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 Actor Almaz Haile passed away in the capital Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.