Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018

Deutsch-Äthiopischer Verein Press Review - Nachrichten und Meinungen aus und zu Äthiopien 10. Oktober 2017 - 17. Februar 2018

Development and Humanitarian Issues ...... 1 Politics, Justice, Human Rights ...... 9 Economics ...... 103 Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources ...... 112 Media, Culture, Religion, Education, Social and Health ...... 116 Sport ...... 121 Horn of Africa and Foreign Affairs ...... 121

Development and Humanitarian Issues

8.2.2018 UNDP and OCHA Chiefs renew call for new way of working . ReliefWeb, UNDP Report of 31.1.2018 Breaking down the silos between humanitarian and development actors to address recurrent crises The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Achim Steiner and the United Nations Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock concluded a three-day joint mission to Ethiopia by urging all stakeholders to increase cooperation to withstand humanitarian and climate-related crises. The goal of the visit was to assess impact of recent droughts and highlight Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its national systems and the relevance of the UN’s new approach to crises or ‘New Way of Working’ (NWOW). The two senior UN officials began their visit on Saturday 27 January with a field visit to Gode, in the Somali region, which is home to more than 400,000 conflict-affected internally displaced persons and where current relief activities are targeting more than 3.3 million beneficiaries. Another highlight of the trip was a high–level event held in Addis Ababa on Monday 29 January, on the margins of the 30th African Union Summit under the theme “New Way of Working — From Vision to Action. National, Regional and Global Experience”. Co- hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the event was meant to galvanize stakeholders’ support for ongoing work on the NWOW in Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular. Underscoring the UN’s commitment to this new paradigm, SG Guterres said: “We have a moral obligation to do better and we have the tools and knowledge to deliver on that obligation. We must break down the silos that have existed for too long between humanitarian and development actors .” “The new way of working is very relevant to Ethiopia, as it will reinforce the systems and institutions the country has been building and strengthening over the past several years, with a focus to build resilience through development work while addressing the humanitarian agenda in an integrated and sustainable way,” said the Prime Minister Desalegn as he pledged his Government support. Outlined at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, the NWOW approach which calls for bridging the divide between humanitarian and development practitioners is also designed for contexts where short-term humanitarian response and medium to long- term development programming are required simultaneously. “While the humanitarian system is very effective in saving millions of lives every year, we could generate greater value for money, better results and solve problems faster if we join up better with development actors.” indicated Mr. Mark Lowcock. Ethiopia has been leading the way in operationalizing the NWoW to build the resilience of its people and reduce the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The government is scheduled to call a high level partners meeting to develop concrete actions around NWOW commitments. In an overall assessment of his visit UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner indicated that he is “particularly excited by the latest policy directions we are witnessing in Ethiopia. Many of the systems and policies that have been put in place over the years allow us to look at a situation where the emergency support system is functioning. There is no catastrophe and the economy of Ethiopia is able to continue to develop.” Mr Steiner also added: “As Ethiopia moves into a middle income country it can break many new boundaries and barriers. We want to work together to ensure that all citizens of Ethiopia are able to be part of that future vision of Ethiopia and also the Sustainable Development Goals.” https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/undp-and-ocha-chiefs-renew-call-new-way-working

2.2.2018 Norway, Canada to Strengthen, Boost Cooperation with Ethiopia . Reliefweb Norway and Canada have expressed interest to strengthen and boost their multi-faceted cooperation with Ethiopia. Norway is keen to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, education, health, migration, peace and security; and Canada in food security, agro-business, and peace and security. n an exclusive interview with ENA, Norway’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Andreas Gaarder said, “We are already engaged in areas of agriculture which I always consider as the backbone of our engagement and we are also working in partnership in crucial areas such as education, migration and strengthening good governance and democracy as well as regional stability.” 1

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 According to him, health is also the major area where his country will broadly engage since global health coverage is still a challenge. There will be no new area of cooperation this year “but a matter of deepening and strengthening the already existing cooperation which is broad all in itself”, he said. Ambassador Gaarder pointed out the recent visit of Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and Foreign Minister Marie Eriksen Søreide signifies the breadth and depth of the cooperation between the two countries. peaking about investment in Ethiopia, the Ambassador said “… there is a lot of interest in other areas (besides the potash mining underway in the country), and I sense investors from the region are looking at the Ethiopian market.” Commenting about development in the country, Gaarder said “I am very happy to see the changes that Ethiopia has traveled so far and expect more economic activities between the two countries.” Ethiopia is one of the 12 focus countries for Norwegian development cooperation worldwide and a pilot country for Norway's global education assistance. In 2017 the first direct flight between Oslo and Addis Ababa took place as the first African airline ever to land in Norway, further strengthen the Ethio-Norwegian relationship. Canada’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Philip Baker on his part has expressed his country’s interest in advancing the "excellent" bilateral cooperation with Ethiopia. Empowering women, food security as well as peace and security are few of the many areas that will strengthen our cooperation, he stated, adding that “this is something huge for Canada coming in Ethiopia this year.” “We are looking for more agro-business whereby we can look for Canadian firms to work with Ethiopian firms to add more value to the raw product, be it tomatoes or teff,” the Ambassador said. Baker stated that Canada wants to see more value added products before any product leaves the country and creating massive job opportunities for many young Ethiopians is very important. “The deep-rooted relationship between the two countries is not just built on development, which is strong, but also on trade, policy and partnering,” he emphasized. The flow of Canadian investors and the Ethiopian Airlines flights to Canada have increased over the years and this certainly is a sign of interest to unleash the potential here, Baker said. He noted “Ethiopia is effectively implementing an excellent program on safety net in bringing eight million people out of poverty, half of whom are women.” According to Baker, Ethiopia has a number of comparative advantages and the government is engaged in huge infrastructural investments like roads which will provide access for small communities to get their products to the market. He suggested that the government keep up working on the reform to show the international community that Ethiopia is open for business and safe and stable. Ethiopia is a country of focus for Canada’s international development assistance, and Canada is the third largest bilateral country donor to Ethiopia. Canada’s bilateral development cooperation program is focused on food security, agricultural growth and sustainable economic growth. Interventions also recognize the importance of advancing democracy and human rights to ensure that Ethiopia’s development progress is inclusive and sustainable https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/norway-canada-strengthen-boost-cooperation-ethiopia

29.1.2018 UN Chief warns world hunger on the rise . Addis Standard United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has warned that hunger is on the rise the world over with Africa registering the highest rates. He was speaking during an event organized on the margins of the African Union Summit under the theme “Renewed Partnership to End Hunger in African by 2025 – Five Years Later: Taking Stock of Progress and Lessons in Light of the Sustainable Development Goals.” The Secretary General said agricultural and livestock productivity in Africa was under threat largely due to conflict and climate change. He added, “climatic shocks, environmental degradation, crop and livestock price collapse and conflict are all interlinked”. Against this backdrop, Mr. Guterres urged governments to adopt national agricultural policies and investment plans that focus not only on agricultural sector development but on poverty, hunger, and resilience to climate change. “Climate change adaptation should be promoted as an integral part of conflict prevention, with special attention to sustainable agriculture and pastoralist and semi-pastoralist livelihoods. It is important to highlight that the majority of undernourished people in Africa live in countries affected by conflict,” he said. The UN Chief stated that sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth was vital to achieve both SDG1 on poverty and SDG2 on hunger and that it also influences many other goals. In the same light, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva said, “Hunger-fighting initiatives in Africa need to be deepened and broadened to put the continent back on track to eliminating the scourge of undernutrition.” “Achieving zero hunger in our lifetime is still possible,” he added, noting however that this will require a redoubling of current efforts and a push for political commitment and timely concrete actions. In his remarks, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, said his government has made significant progress in fighting hunger. “In recent years we have managed to overcome food security challenges by increasing our domestic purchasing power” and that their use of “indigenous approaches” will continue until goal of zero hunger is achieved. The event was jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the African Union Commission, with support from FAO and the ECA. Other participants included President Alpha Condé of Guinea; former heads of state; African Ministers of Agriculture; leaders of civil society organizations and the private sector. ECA http://addisstandard.com/news-un-chief-warns-world-hunger-rise

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 26.1.2018 UN Humanitarian and Development Chiefs' Mission to Ethiopia - 27-29 January 2018 . UNDP, UNOCHA Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock and United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner will travel to Ethiopia from January 27 to 29 to highlight the immense challenge of persistent food insecurity and the new approach to addressing it. Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in development and addressing food insecurity over the past three decades, but its susceptibility to drought has resulted in recurring food insecurity. In recent months, hundreds of thousands of people on the border between the Somali and Oromo regions have been displaced, requiring additional humanitarian response. Today, millions of people need assistance to survive, for which US$900 million will be required this year. The UN principals will highlight the need to continue life-saving humanitarian assistance as an urgent priority, while simultaneously laying the foundations for long-term resilience to future shocks and recovery. They will meet with senior Government officials and humanitarian and development partners, and travel to field locations to meet people who have been affected by drought and assess programmes that link the humanitarian response with resilience and recovery. They will also attend the African Union Summit and participate in a high-level meeting on the New Way of Working. Who: Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Achim Steiner, United Nations Development Programme Administrator What: Joint Mission to Highlight Food Insecurity and New Approaches to Address It When: January 27-29, 2018 Where: Ethiopia https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/media-advisory-un-humanitarian-and-development-chiefs-mission-ethiopia-27-29-january

16.1.12018 Dürre in Äthiopien. Fünf Millionen Menschen benötigen dringend Hilfe . World Vision / epo.de Nach dem wiederholten Ausbleiben von Regenfällen in Äthiopien hat sich die Ernährungssituation in dem ostafrikanischen Land dramatisch verschlechtert. Nach Angaben der Kinderhilfsorganisation World Vision ist besonders das Leben und die Gesundheit von Kindern bedroht. Eine von FEWS-NET (Famine Early Warning System Network) veröffentlichte Frühwarnung und Analyse zur Nahrungsmittelunsicherheit deutet darauf hin, dass etwa 5,5 Millionen Menschen zwischen Februar und Mai 2018 dringend humanitäre Hilfe benötigen werden . Besonders betroffen sind die Bewohner in den südlichen und südöstlichen Regionen des Landes. Etwa 3,6 Millionen Kinder, schwangere Frauen und stillende Mütter sind stark unterernährt. (…) http://www.epo.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14405:duerre-in-aethiopien-fuenf-millionen-menschen-benoetigen-dringend- hilfe&catid=27&Itemid=69

5.1.2018 Ethiopia Working to Improve Refugees’ Access to Education . ENA Ethiopia through the Administration for Refugee and Returnees Affairs (ARRA) is working to improve the provision of education to refugees sheltering in camps in the country. Through the activities carried out so far gross enrolment rate in primary education for refugees has reached 70.5 percent in 2017, according to ARRA. Currently, some 177,745 refugees are enrolled in primary, secondary, pre-school, and alternative education in refugee camps in various parts of the country. Ethiopia hosts more than 850,000 refugees mainly from Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan in 27 camps. In an exclusive interview with ENA Communication and Public Relations Team Leader at ARRA Suleyman Ali said the primary education enrolment rate has increased by 8.5 percent compared to the previous year. “The Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs is providing primary education, health care, protection and food for refugees. We are currently working on administering educational centers in refugee camps,” Suleyman stated. The refugees are attending classes in 58 primary, 18 Secondary, 80 early childhood education and care (ECCE) centers, and 20 alternative basic education (ABE) learning centers. Through the campaign conducted under the motto of “No school age child shall be out of school”, the institution has managed to ensure some 20,573 new enrolments in 2017, he added. Construction of schools and deployment of qualified teachers are also among the activities that ARRA is engaged. “We have also constructed additional 28 blocks of classrooms having four classes for each room and we were able to employ some 288 teachers including 139 qualified Ethiopian nationals. We were able to provide training for these teachers,” he stated. In its effort to improve educational access for refugees, ARRA is cooperating with international organizations such as save the children. Education in Emergency Team Leader at Save the Children, Abera Mekonen told ENA that efforts are being exerted to improve refugees’ access to education in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders. The support covers childhood care, early childhood education, primary education and alternative basic education. “Education is very important even in emergency, it is a sign of stability, and school is a centre of safety and protection.” Mentioning that the demand for classrooms is increasing, he stressed on the need to build more temporary learning spaces. “We must have expanded certain class rooms that the teachers could handle to make a change in quality. It is very critical because unless. We focus on individual child; unless the teacher focus on individual child it is difficult to maintain quality.” Moreover he said “We are working in collaboration with the government, key stakeholders and other development partners to create more spaces, we need more teachers and we need more materials.” In addition to enabling refugees attend primary education; ARRA has also been working on secondary and tertiary school programs for refugees by providing scholarships. The government has provided scholarship for refugees mainly Eritreans since 2010; however, the program was opened for refugees from South Sudan and Somalia since in 2012, according to ARRA. Some 2,386 refugees have so far

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 joined public universities through government scholarship program. In 2017 alone, some 514 refugees have joined public universities through the program. In addition, refugees are also attending technical and vocational education in Addis Ababa and Shire. A total of 6,773 refugees have so far enrolled in TVET schools. Ethiopia is home to the world’s 5th largest refugee population, hosting more than 850,000 refugees. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/social/item/4124-ethiopia-working-to-improve-refugees-access-to-education

29.12.2017 Number of drought hit People in need of aid to decrease - Commission . Waltainfo The National Disaster Prevention Commission indicated that number of people in drought hit areas in need of food aid is expected to decrease since January. Public Relation Director of the Commission, Abebe Zewde, told Walta that it is possible to know the number of people in need of food aid since coming January as the data for the main harvest season is accomplished. The outcome from the meher, the main farming season in Ethiopia, harvest is encouraging and shall contribute to significantly decrease the number of people in need of food aid. There are about 8.5 million people in need of food aid at present but this number is expected to decrease in the coming months, he noted. Abebe indicated that the aid supply for people dwelling in drought hit areas is well underway since last July. About 15 kilograms of grain, nutritious food, edible oil and other basic supports are being provided in about 8 rounds so far, he underscored. This aid supply scheme included those displaced due to the conflict around the border between Oromia and Somali Regional states, he added. The aid supply is being in collaboration with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Education. The aid scheme shall be strengthened to the level of rehabilitating people displaced from the two regional states. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=3

21.12.2017 Ethiopia, World Bank Sign 470m USD Financing Agreements. ENA The government of Ethiopia and the World Bank today signed two financing agreements amounting to 470 million USD to improve quality of education, and productivity in livestock and fisheries. A grant amounting to 300 million USD to support the General Education Quality Improvement Project for Equity (GEQIP-E) is the first agreement that the two sides have signed. Finance and Economic Cooperation Minister, Dr. Abraham Tekeste said during the occasion that project aims to support government’s efforts towards improving access and quality education. The Project will support efforts to improve internal efficiency, equitable access and advancing the system for planning, policy formulation and reform, he added. It will help to build upon achievements made by its predecessors - GEQIP I and II - and transform the education system by focusing on results and improving teaching practices, among others. The second financial assistant - a 170 million USD loan - signed between the two sides is to improve productivity in the livestock and fisheries sectors and boost their contribution to the country’s economy. The Livestock and Fisheries Development Project is aimed to unleash the country’s potential in the sectors. Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa and the fifth largest in the world. The livestock sector continues to be a major source of foreign exchange earnings and accounts for nearly 20 percent of the total GDP. The Minister said that the project targets to increase productivity commercialization of producers and processors in selected value chains, strengthening service delivery systems, and respond effectively to emergencies. Appreciating the World Bank’s continued support to critical sector such as education and livestock, Dr. Abraham said, “We hope that the Bank will continue to maintain this intent and sprit in the future to further enhance our cooperation.” World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia Sudan and South Sudan Carolyn Turk on her part said that the Bank has supported public primary and secondary education in Ethiopia through GQEIP almost for a decade. Turk added that GQEIP I and II have helped the country to improve the learning environment of schools by providing critical inputs. “The progress Ethiopia has made in education sector is commendable. Unlike other countries; Ethiopia has been able to avoid the deterioration in quality education that often accompanies a rapid expansion of access,” Turk said. However, she emphasized that more work needs to be done to further scale up the modest improvement in learning outcomes at the primary and secondary level. In recognition of these positive achievements, and the government’s strong dedication to address challenges in the sector, though GEQIP-E, Turk said “the World Bank is reaffirming its continued support”. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/4082-ethiopia-world-bank-sign-470m-usd-financing-agreements

12.12.2017 Addis inculcates 200,000 residents in urban Safety Net Scheme . Waltainfo The Addis Ababa City Administration said registration of beneficiaries of the second phase of urban safety net program will begin today. In his press briefing yesterday, Mayor Diriba Kuma said over 200,000 poor residents of the city will benefit from the safety net program. Some 32,000 will get direct financial aid and 168,000 dwellers will receive support by engaging in urban community-based environmental development activities. The aim of the safety net program is to enable poor residents of the city to become food self-sufficient and create assets by working in various development-oriented activities. Urban cleaning, city greening and dry waste management are accordingly among the activities to be undertaken in this second phase of urban safety net program, it was learned. The first phase urban safety net program had benefited

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 over 123, 000 inhabitants of Addis Ababa. Registration of this second phase safety net program will be carried out in 10 sub-cities of the capital city. (ENA) http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=35409

7.12.2017 EU to expel Ethiopians: leaked document says . ESAT News A leaked document obtained by the Addis Standard says the European Union and the Ethiopian regime are close to signing an agreement to return Ethiopians in Europe who have not been granted refugee status. The document says the Ethiopians will be returned voluntarily or otherwise. Meanwhile, the African Union says it now plans to repatriate 20,000 African migrants in detention centres in government-controlled parts of Libya in the next six weeks – an increase on previous plans. According to the BBC report, African governments are under pressure to act after TV reports showed sub-Saharan Africans being sold as slaves in the country. The report said the AU said it was working to organise consular services for stranded migrants and landing rights for planes to fly them out of Libya. Some countries have already begun flying their citizens back home. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/eu-expel-ethiopians-leaked-document-says

1.12.2017 Ethiopia Plans to Close 27 Refugee Camps . VoA Africa The government of Ethiopia says it will close all 27 refugee camps in its territory over the next 10 years and integrate residents into local communities. "There will be a gradual transition from a camp-based protection model to supporting refugees directly within host communities,” Zeynu Jemal, deputy director of the Administration for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA), told VOA's Horn of Africa Service. Ethiopia hosts more refugees than all but one other country in Africa, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). More than 850,000 refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Eritrea live in camps jointly run by the U.N. and the government.In September 2016, European leaders pledged to support the creation of jobs for refugees in sub-Saharan Africa with the aim of curbing migration to Europe. Ethiopia was assured of a $500 million aid and loan package from the European Investment Bank in exchange for providing work permits to refugees. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has told European officials that his country will create 30,000 jobs for refugees and allow them to work in newly established industrial parks. “We are creating economic opportunities in Ethiopia,” Zeynu Jemal told VOA. “Agriculture creates jobs if they have the skillset, we provide access to micro-financing to boost entrepreneurship, and we are also building industrial parks that can create jobs.” Ethiopia itself faces enormous unemployment rates with nearly a fourth of its predominantly young population out of work. The Horn of Africa nation is hoping to capitalize on refugee job creation pacts where the international community helps build opportunities both for its citizens and refugee population. In doing so Ethiopia has secured much-needed capital for its projects and hopes to create at least 60,000 jobs for its citizens, in addition to the jobs for refugees. The European Union is on board with the plan and has begun funneling funds to build infrastructure and economic activities in Ethiopia. “The pledges Ethiopia made and the actions it is taking today are exemplary and inspire many African states,” said Daniel Endres, a UNHCR official. U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Rayon expressed his government’s willingness to support Ethiopia and the UNHCR in their efforts to implement the project. https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-plans-to-close-27-refugee-camps/4145088.html

28.11.2017 Ethiopia strengthens initiatives to accommodate refugees . Xinhua The Ethiopian government on Tuesday launched a Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which aims to transform the socio-economic condition of refugees presently relocated in the country. The newly introduced CRRF, together with the recently launched civil registration program that was launched by the east African country, is expected to benefit some of the 890,000 refugees that were relocated to Ethiopia mainly from its neighboring countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia in 26 refugee camps across the country. The CRRF, which was launched in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa with representatives of UN agencies and other non- governmental organizations, is said to be part of the Ethiopian government's plan that envisages to improve the socio-economic conditions of refugees through the provision of education, trainings and employment opportunities. Fitsum Arega, Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), said during the launching that one among the initiatives incorporated through the newly introduced framework is the creation of employment opportunities through Ethiopia's industrial parks development projects. According to Arega, the constructions of three industrial parks are currently underway in different parts of Ethiopia, with particular emphasis given to helping significant number of refugees through job creation. (…) Prior to the CRRF, the east African country had also launched a civil registration package for refugees, which includes registration of refugees' vital life events, including birth, death, marriage and divorce, directly with national authorities. Civil registration offices were also established in each of the 26 refugee camps, as well as in the seven locations with a high concentration of refugees in the country, so as to accommodate the civil registration package. According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), civil registration package for refugees is a "historic first and a ground-breaking development for refugee protection in Ethiopia, not previously realized over decades." More than 70,000 refugee children born in Ethiopia over the last decade have not had their births registered and will soon be issued with birth certificates, according to UNHCR. Accordingly, children born before the new law came into force can also obtain a birth certificate

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 retroactively, it was noted. According to UNHCR, the civil registration package for refugees is one of the nine pledges made at the Leaders' Summit held in New York in September 2016. Other commitments included to grant work permits to refugees, strengthen access to education, to allow a significant number of refugees to reside outside of refugee camps and to locally integrate long-staying refugees, the statement indicated. The framework, among other things, aims to enhance refugee self-reliance and inclusion, provide refugees with better possibilities for solutions to their plights, and ease pressure on host countries. As the Ethiopian government is presently scrutinizing a draft proclamation which allows refugees to live out of camps, the country has received 103,263 new refugees in the first ten months of 2017, pushing the total number of refugees living in the country to 889,071, according to UNHCR. According to Kisut Gebreegziabher, Assistant Communication Officer at UNHCR, the newly arrived refugees are mainly from South Sudan, Eritreans and Somalia, respectively. The draft proclamation is expected to be presented to the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives for approval in the coming months. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/29/c_136785978.htm

17.11.2017 World Bank announces $4.7b loan, grant to Ethiopia . APA News The World Bank has announced a $4.7 billion loan and grant to support development projects in Ethiopia over the next three years, APA can report on Friday.The $4.7 billion is 50% in loan and 50% in grants, with the loan given on “very favourable terms that all of us would like to borrow,” World Bank country director to Ethiopia Carolyn Turk told APA. The announcement came as the bank launched its five- year (2018-2022) Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Ethiopia which, among other objectives, is set to increase the number of people with access to electricity to 50 percent. It also seeks to decrease stunting prevalence in children aged 0-23 months by 36 percent, and to protect up to 14 million people from food insecurity; double the area of reforested lands and the number of land use certificates; and, reduce travel time on upgraded roads by more than half (56 percent) to make market centers more accessible farmers. “We just launched what we call the country partnership framework. It is a three-year framework based on the framework under which the World Bank would support Ethiopia by availing up to 4.7 billion dollars. “We have jointly identified the focus areas as structural transformation of the economy; resilience and inclusiveness, and it is about institution-building,” Dr. Abraham Tekeste, Minister Finance and Economic Cooperation of Ethiopia told APA. The Country Partnership Framework is designed to support the country’s Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II), while supporting the Bank’s twin goal of eliminating extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/world-bank-announces-4-7b-loan-grant-to-ethiopia

3.11.2017 Germany announces € 212.6 M development aid . ENA Germany has announced a total of €212.6 million to support implementation of agriculture, education and biodiversity projects and programmes in Ethiopia.The announcement was made after a summary record of the negotiations on development cooperation between the governments of Ethiopia and Germany was signed on Friday. Both countries have agreed to continue cooperation in sustainable land management, strengthening drought resilience and enhancing agricultural productivity, including agricultural mechanization and technology for small-holder farmers, Finance and Economic Cooperation State Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Admassu Nebebe said after signing the agreement. The agreement will also support conservation and sustainable use of Ethiopia’s huge biodiversity resources. The State Minister assured that all that the aid funds will be effectively used for the intended purpose. Germany’s Sub-Saharan Africa Director-General Dr. Stefan Oswald said the agreement was reached looking at the very strong drive of Ethiopians in implementing their projects. “In this case, Ethiopia is a positive example in implementing Agenda 2063 of the African Union”, he stated, adding that if a country is to achieve the Agenda, Ethiopia would be one of those. Noting that Ethiopia’s large population is an opportunity and a challenge at the same time, Dr. Oswald stressed that “in this regard, mobilizing and releasing the strings on the private sector is certainly a very important issue”. Germany’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Brita Wagener, said she will go around the country to observe how the projects are benefitting the people. “I am very confident that what we concluded today will really enhance German-Ethiopia relations further” she added. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/3911-germany-extends-over-212-mn-euros-assistance-for-implementation-of-dev-t-projects

19.10.2017 Why can’t booming Ethiopia handle this year’s drought? James Jeffrey, IRIN Ethiopia can’t seem to escape the blight of drought, no matter how hard it tries. Despite impressive economic growth and decades of capacity building, it faces another humanitarian crisis as one of the worst droughts in living memory scorches the Horn of Africa.At the beginning of the year, 5.6 million Ethiopians were in need of food aid, primarily in the south and southeast of the country. That number recently jumped to 8.5 million. An additional headache is that this year’s response by the government and international partners is proving less decisive than last year’s effort. In 2016, more than 10 million people were reached, food aid poured in , and the government spent hundreds of millions of its own money averting a major humanitarian catastrophe. Why are the numbers in need increasing? The January estimate of 5.6 million came from the government’s Humanitarian Requirements Document, an annual assessment in collaboration with international partners detailing Ethiopia’s humanitarian needs. The revised figure followed spring rains in April that 6

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 petered out too soon, taking any hopes of revival with them. “The situation is unprecedented,” said Sam Wood, Save the Children’s humanitarian director in Ethiopia. “That was the third failed rainy season in a row, so it’s a cumulative effect of failed rains hitting vulnerable communities. “Ethiopia has made lots of progress, but when you have a problem of this sort of scale, duration and scope, any system is going to be overwhelmed .” Adding to concerns is the chance the Hagaya/Deyr short rains (October to December), accounting for up to 35 percent of annual rainfall in the southeast, could prove a dud too due to the continuing El Niño effect. The current humanitarian bill is $1.26 billion. So far only $334 million has been received. Why the cash shortfall? At the beginning of the year, the UN warned that 20 million people were at risk of starvation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and northeast Nigeria. “Aid budgets from donor countries have already committed most of their funding responding to other conflicts or disasters for this year, and this resulted in less funding for drought-affected people in Ethiopia,” said Geno Teofilo with the Norwegian Refugee Council. “There is also donor fatigue regarding droughts in East Africa,” he added. Others note how droughts don’t seize the public imagination to the same extent as disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, meaning there’s less motivation to delve into one’s pockets. This year, the Ethiopian government has committed $147 million compared to last year’s unprecedented $700 million. “The government has many development demands,” Mitiku Kassa, Ethiopia’s state minister of agriculture and commissioner for its National Disaster Risk Management Commission, told IRIN. “If we divert too many funds to humanitarian needs, it will be difficult to continue growth, so we have to request support from the international community.’’ What are the consequences on the ground? Pastoralists in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, bearing the brunt of this drought , have lost hundreds of thousands of sheep, goats, and camels. Often whole flocks have died, representing a family’s entire livelihood, leaving people no choice but to retreat to makeshift settlements, surviving on aid from the government and international agencies.A survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration between May and June 2017 identified 264 of these sites containing around 577,711 internally displaced persons, or IDPs. Overwhelmed by numbers and additionally challenged by diminishing funds, aid agencies began cutting food rations and faced running out of money entirely this July, until last minute donations from Britain, the EU, and the United States guaranteed food shipments through to the end of the year. At the same time, the World Food Programme was able to increase its humanitarian support from 1.7 million people to 3.3 million in the Somali region. For now, deaths on a large scale have been limited to animals, though infant malnutrition rates are increasing to dangerous levels, accompanied by reports of cholera outbreaks. How is the Ethiopian government handling the situation? The government has faced accusations it played down the severity of the crisis to keep the country from looking bad internationally. It was too conscious, critics say, of protecting the narrative of Ethiopia’s remarkable economic renaissance over the last decade – one that has enticed foreign investors. “Since 2015, we have been working with international aid agencies, making assessments together and disclosing the numbers of beneficiaries,” Kassa, the agriculture minister, hit back. “So, nothing can be hidden. The government has recognised how serious the situation is.” Some aid workers in the Somali Region, however, have spoken about animosity between the federal government in Addis Ababa and the semi-autonomous regional government, resulting in a disconnect that has increased the risks faced by the vulnerable. But even if national and regional governments were in perfect harmony, the logistical challenges would remain huge. The Somali Region is hot and arid, with few good roads and infrastructure, and has a significant nomadic population. That makes it harder for local and international aid agencies to conduct accurate assessments to ensure effective action. What else is having an impact on the response? Earlier this year, inter-community conflict broke out between ethnic Somali and Oromo in the Somali Region, resulting in dozens of deaths and more than 50,000 people displaced. It became unsafe for smaller aid agencies to move around. On top of all this, Ethiopia hosts more than 838,000 refugees from Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea and other crisis-ridden countries. Meanwhile, although the Ethiopian government felt confident enough to end a state of emergency earlier this year, following more than a year of political protests and bloodshed , discontent hasn’t disappeared. Grievances over land reallocation and ethnic federalism – both factors during recent clashes in the Somali Region – as well as government corruption, the lack of jobs, freedom of expression, and political transparency, all heave beneath the surface . While both the United States and Britain – two of the biggest donors – have continued supporting Ethiopia’s humanitarian needs so far, both their governments face continuing pressure to reduce overseas aid. US President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget blueprint promises to slash American contributions to international aid institutions, including the WFP. Is climate change the real bogeyman? Pastoralists in their seventies and eighties who have lived with frequent droughts say this one is the worst in their lifetimes – and they aren’t the only ones to notice.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018

“While working in Central America, East Africa, and the Middle East, I’ve always talked to elder people, especially those in agriculture, and the message from them is consistent,” Wood said. “Weather patterns are becoming less predictable and when rain comes it is too much or too little.” When natural disasters strike, the situation of vulnerable populations can quickly deteriorate into a food and nutrition crisis. What needs to be done? The people leading the main aid organisations say the public must be kept aware of the drought, to try to keep money rolling in. “A humanitarian need is a humanitarian need even if it is not as dramatic as other disasters,” said Wood. “If we don’t scale up and sustain the response, then everything that came before comes to naught.” Yet even if resources can be found to cover this drought and its fallout, building capacity and livelihood security for the future is another matter entirely. It can take pastoralists who have lost more than 40 percent of their animals more than seven years to rebuild flocks. As a result, international agencies and the government face having to restock flocks or provide pastoralists with new livelihoods – further stretching budgets. Due to the increasing frequency of droughts, both the Ethiopian government and UN agencies are increasingly focusing on investing in strengthening people’s resilience. In Ethiopia’s northern drought-prone Tigray Region, irrigation schemes, fruit nurseries, and health centres are boosting productivity, increasing incomes and improving nutrition so that rural people can better withstand natural disasters. “The government’s goal is to create climate resilience within the context of sustainable development,” said Kassa. “Then, one day, we will be able to deal with drought without any appeals.” http://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2017/10/19/why-can-t-booming-ethiopia-handle-year-s-drought

13.10.2017 Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management System Appreciated . ENA As the world marked the International Day for Disaster Reduction, Ethiopia appreciated for efforts in minimizing impacts of disasters through its disaster risk management system. Amira El Fzil, Commissioner for Social Affair at the Africa Union Commission, appreciated Ethiopia’s effort towards reducing the number of people affected by natural and manmade disasters. “It is a positive step for the country to handle disaster related problems”, she explained. Mitiku Kassa, National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner said disaster risk management activities are underway along with economic development and technological advancement in Ethiopia. Mitiku said Ethiopia is working to build resilience of communities through integrated disaster risk management system, since disasters related to climate change remain to be the major challenge facing the country. “Ethiopia has been working towards attaining the vision of building the capacity of communities and national authorities to withstand the impact of hazards through a comprehensive and coordinated Disaster Risk Management System in the context of sustainable development”, he said. (…) http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/social/item/3829-ethiopia-s-disaster-risk-management-system-appreciated

10.10.2017 Ethiopia Lifts 5.3m People out of Poverty over 5 years . ENA Ethiopia has managed to lift about 5.3 million people out of the poverty over the past five years, according to an Interim Report on 2015/16 Poverty Analysis Study. The report which was launched today indicated that the East African nation has made tremendous progress towards eradicating poverty between 2010/11and 2015/16. It also indicated that the national poverty incidence has declined markedly over the recent years, in which the national headcount poverty rate fell to 23.5 percent in 2015/16 from 29.6 percent in 2010/11. The number of poor people has also declined to 21.8 million from 25.1 million, while the population has increased from 84 million to 93 million during the reported period. Deputy Commissioner of Plan Commission, Getachew Adem said both rural and urban areas witnessed a decline in food poverty in the stated period. In spite of the recent El-Nino driven drought that drastically hit many parts of the country, regional food poverty declined in 8

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 all regional states except in Harari, which remains almost unchanged. Wide-ranging and multifaceted pro-poor programs that have been implemented in rural and urban areas like intensification of agriculture, infrastructure development, and food security, among others have contributed in poverty reduction, he said. Modernizing agriculture and expanding industrial development that could create more job and diversification of exports is critical in poverty reduction, he added. The efforts that have been exerted in agriculture towards ensuring food security coupled with those in other socio-economic sectors have helped Ethiopia meet most of MDGs, Getachew noted. According to the report, efforts of the government to create favorable environment for private sector investment, job creations, and distribution of subsidized food items to urban poor also contributed to poverty reduction. Representative of the Development Assistance Group (DAG), Andrea Ghione said Ethiopia has taken significant steps in ensuring strong economic growth and robust progress in the provision of social services. He said a report such as the poverty analysis report being launched today stands out among the factors that are helping to drive these advancements. “The report will be an important anchor for programs that are targeting funding for poverty reduction where it is needed most - to the poorest and the most vulnerable. More importantly it will allow for appropriate policy alignment at all levels,” he indicated. Furthermore he stated that development partners remain committed to partnering with Ethiopia to build on the achievements of GTP-II. The report has prepared by the National Plan Commission with the financial and technical support from DAG and the UNDP. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/3819-ethiopia-lifts-5-3m-people-out-of-poverty-over-5-years

4.10.2017 Displacement continues in Eastern Ethiopia . Durame.com Displacement of Oromos and Somalis in Eastern Ethiopia continued despite statement by authorities that they had put an end to the crises that was sparked by land dispute between the two ethnic groups. The number of Oromos displaced from the Somali region and Somaliland has reached 70,000. But the numbers of Somalis displaced from the Oromo region remains unknown. The national defense forces were seen accompanying Somalis leaving the Oromo region, according to reports by local media. (…) http://www.durame.com/2017/10/displacement-continues-in-eastern.html

Politics, Justice, Human Rights

17.2.2018 Directive for State of Emergency to be Issued Following Parliament’s Approval. ENA Directive for the implementation of the state of emergency will be introduced after parliament approved the declaration, Siraj Fegesa Minister of Defense said. The State of emergency that Ethiopia has declared yesterday will be presented to the House of peoples representatives within 15 days for approval. According to the Ethiopian constitution the parliament should endorse a declaration providing for state of emergency within 15 days if it is in recess. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4309-directive-for-state-of-emergency-to-be-issued-following-parliament-s-approval

17.2.2018 Ethiopia bans protests, publications that incite violence during emergency rule . Reuters Ethiopia’s state of emergency imposed on Friday includes a ban on protests and publications that incite violence, Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa said on Saturday. The move was made a day after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his surprise resignation in a televised speech on Thursday, saying he wanted to smooth the way for further reforms. https://in.reuters.com/article/ethiopia-politics-ban/ethiopia-bans-protests-publications-that-incite-violence-during-emergency-rule- idINKCN1G10EE?rpc=401&

17.2.2018 State of Emergency remains in effect for six months, says Defense Minister . Fana Broadcasting Corporation The State of Emergency declared yesterday will remain in effect for six months, said Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa. In his press briefing today, the Minister said the the decree will be tabled to the House of People’s Representatives with 15 days. According to the Minister, the State of Emergency was needed to protect the constitution and constitutional order. Siraj also dismissed as false rumors of military takeover of the government. According to the Minister, a command post has already been set up following the declaration of the State of Emergency by the Council of Ministers yesterday. The decree prohibits preparing, printing and circulating via media writings that could cause disturbance and suspicion among people as well as displaying or publicizing signs which could stir up violence. The decree allows law enforcement bodies to detain without court warrant any individual who orchestrated, led and organized as well as took part and suspected of taking part in criminal acts against the constitution and constitutional order. The individual will face justice after necessary investigation. In order to seize materials which were utilized and could be used to commit crimes, law enforcement bodies could search any houses, areas and vehicles as well as stop, ask and search a person without a court warrant http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/11369-state-of-emergency-remains-in-effect-for-six-months,-says-defense-minister

17.2.2018 No Ethiopia military takeover, minister says amid emergency . Elias Meseret , AP

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Ethiopia’s defense minister has ruled out a military takeover a day after the East African nation declared a new state of emergency amid the worst anti-government protests in a quarter-century. Siraj Fegessa on Saturday also ruled out a transitional government. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn remains in the post for now after making the surprise announcement Thursday that he had submitted a resignation letter to help planned political reforms in one of Africa’s best-performing economies succeed. The state of emergency will last for six months with a possible four-month extension, similar to one lifted in August, the defense minister said. The new state of emergency, which effectively bans protests, will be presented for lawmakers’ approval within 15 days. Siraj said security forces have been instructed to take “measures” against those disturbing the country’s functioning, with a new special court established to try them. Ethiopia’s cabinet on Friday cited deaths, ethnic attacks and mass displacement as reasons for the latest state of emergency. The announcement followed crippling protests in towns across the restive Oromia region on Monday and Tuesday that called for the release of political prisoners and urged the government to carry out rapid reforms. Similar protests have taken place across Ethiopia since late 2015, leading the government to declare a state of emergency in October 2016 after hundreds of people reportedly had been killed. A stampede at a religious event southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, that month claimed the lives of several dozen people. That state of emergency led to the arrest of more than 22,000 people and severely affected business. Rights groups alleged that people were beaten and subjected to arbitrary detentions. The government said those arrested by mistake were released and those who unwillingly took part in the unrest were released after what it described as “trainings.” The United States has responded to the latest unrest by warning its embassy personnel to suspend all travel outside of the capital. And Ethiopia’s state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting corporate reported that the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, met and discussed current political issues with Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu in New York. Befekadu Hailu, a prominent blogger who has been jailed for his writings, urged Ethiopia’s government to “carry out genuine reforms, negotiate with legitimate opposition groups and prepare the country for a free and fair election” to solve the unrest. The new state of emergency will create a group of people with conflicting interests, Befekadu said. “The state of emergency was tested a year ago. It brings temporary silence but not normalcy.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/no-ethiopia-military-takeover-minister-says-amid-emergency/2018/02/17/4e2b602a-13d1-11e8-a68c- e9374188170e_story.html?utm_term=.ca4053f12cde

17.2.2018 Breaking: Ethiopia rules out transitional government as trail of chaotic events prior to State of emergency announcement leaves many anxious . Liyat Fekade, Addis Standard A senior government official told Addis Standard that there will be no need for a transitional government, an idea widely entertained by many to steam growing fears of rupture within the ruling EPRDF. This comes as a trail of chaotic events preceded the announcement last night of the reinstatement of another state of emergency, leaving many Ethiopians suspect a deliberate tactic to pave ways for a military takeover in the wake of the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Ethiopians also suspect the move to declare a state of emergency as a deliberate move by the TPLF apparatchik to replace the outgoing PM with another weak “puppet.” But a senior government official who wants to remain anonymous disputed the claims in an interview with Addis Standard this morning and said that it was nothing more than a “disorganized” trail of events due to the unexpected suggestion by the executive committee of the EPRDF to re-instate the emergency rule. He also ruled out the idea of a transitional government saying the government in power is still a “constitutionally mandated government.” The re-reinstatement of the state of emergency was first suggested during an emergency meeting by the EPRDF executive committee on Thursday, the same meeting PM Hailemariam used to announce his resignation. The council of ministers was then called to convene on Friday afternoon to discuss and announce the re-reinstatement of the state of emergency, as per article 93 of the constitution, which mandates the council the right to declare a state of emergency in extreme cases such as invasion by a foreign enemy and breakdown of law and order, among others. However, the eventual announcement was followed by a trail of confusing events, including a statement by Ethiopia’s minister of communication, Dr. Negeri Lencho, on the VOA Afaan Oromo denying reports of another state of emergency; a presser called at the office of the Prime Minister for early afternoon and was called off again late in the evening on Friday (local journalists were told to convene at 9 am on Saturday to attend another presser to be given by Siraj Fegessa, the minister of defense); and an unexpected announcement of the state of emergency by the state broadcaster EBC barely 40 minutes after the presser at the PM office was called off. The announcement on the state TV appeared to be incomplete as it did not specify a crucial detail on the time frame for the state of emergency. Within a span of half an hour, the official Facebook pages of EPRDF, and ANDM, issued a statement saying the state of emergency was declared for six months. These events have made many Ethiopians take to their social media to express their fears and speculations of a government trick, a deliberate tactic of a possible military takeover or a tactic to intimidate the OPDO leadership, which is vying, and is widely speculated to replace the outgoing PM. “Govt playing tricks. After waiting for 7 hours at the palace for an announcement, journos were told to leave & not to expect anything tonight. 40 mins later, govt announces emergency rule,” wrote Aaron Masho, Reuter’s correspondent based in Addis Abeba, on his twitter page.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 “The state of emergency just declared via the state broadcaster is quite bizarre. The declaration stated that the SOE will take effect as of today, and yet it said nothing about the conditions of the SOE, its restrictions, and how long it will last. The ministers convened today to discuss the SOE reportedly couldn’t agree on a final decision. Although they were expected to make announcements to journalists later today, they failed to do so as they haven’t yet made a decision. Meanwhile, a certain group has decided to declare state of emergency unilaterally and announce it via the state broadcaster,” wrote Dr. Wondwossen Teklu, who is known for providing critical comments reflecting on various political events in Ethiopia. “TPLF is quietly assuming absolute power via its military proxy in ways that excluded ANDM and OPDO.” Hassen Hussein, Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Undergraduate College, on his part reflected in his twitter post suggesting the events indicate TPLF’s tactic to “intimidate” the OPDO leadership. “PM resigns & it’s sign of deepening democracy? Declare state of emergency & it’s to aid reform? All these to intimidate OPDO to settle for a puppet PM? The follies of TPLF’s top brass & security apparatus & oligarchy! Fortunately this is 2018; not 2006 nor 1992. God save Ethiopia.” However, the senior government official who gave the interview to Addis Standard this morning insisted that the statement by Dr. Negeri Lencho denying the re-reinstatement of the state of emergency was a mere coincidence of “information gap” because Dr. Negeri, along with Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the foreign minister, (both from the OPDO), are currently on a working tour to the US. Nevertheless, confusion continues. The presser by Siraj Fegess, which was scheduled for today at 9:00 AM local time was postponed to 12:00 PM. According to the official, this is due to delays on the details of the State of emergency to be explained by Siraj Fegessa. He also said that yesterday’s meeting by the minister of council lasted until 7:30 PM and the work to write the details of the decree were ongoing “pretty much the whole night.” But he hinted that the state of emergency would be less imposing than the previous one. Siraj Fegessa is expected to provide information that a command post, similar to the previous one, is set up to enforce the state of emergency. He is also expected to explain more details including the tabling to the national parliament of the decree within 15 days, corroborating Addis Standard’s breaking news and to dismiss fears of a military takeover. Addis Standard could not verify if Siraj will be providing the entire details on the scoop of the emergency rule, but the state media will be announcing the details during the evening bulletin. But some have already expressed skepticism on whether the national parliament would give the decree a blanket pass like the previous one. It is expected that MPs from the OPDO and ANDM will resist endorsing the decree. The fast unfolding events in the last three days have drawn several international media headlines, as well as comments from diplomats expressing concerns. “Rush of events. Release of many prisoners, resignation of the Prime Minister. Now State of Emergency. We hope the situation remains peaceful,” said Georg Schmidt, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa & Sahel at the German Minister for Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Ethiopians are nervously waiting for the details of the emergency decree and sections of their constitutional civil liberties that are to be suspended by the emergency decree for at least six months. https://addisstandard.com/breaking-ethiopia-rules-out-transitional-government-as-trail-of-chaotic-events-prior-to-state-of-emergency-announcement- leaves-many-anxious/

16.2.2018 Nach dem Rücktritt des Premierministers: Äthiopien sortiert sich neu . Deutsche Welle Premierminister Hailemariam Desalegn galt als Spielball der verschiedenen politischen Lager Äthiopiens. Proteste gegen die Regierung bekam er nicht in den Griff. Sein Weggang kann beides bedeuten: Neuanfang oder Chaos. Es ist ein Schritt, der nicht völlig überrascht - und dennoch einige Fragen aufwirft: Nach monatelangen Spekulationen hat Äthiopiens Premierminister Hailemariam Desalegn am Donnerstag seinen Rücktritt erklärt . Die Probleme des Landes seien zu groß geworden, sagte er: "Weil es in unserem Land viel Unruhe gibt und viele Menschen gestorben sind und es zu hohen Sachschäden gekommen ist, befindet sich die Regierungskoalition EPRDF in einer Phase der Reform", sagte er. "Weil auch ich Teil dieser Reform bin und eine Lösung für die Probleme finden möchte, werde ich aus eigenem Willen als EPRDF-Vorsitzender und Ministerpräsident zurücktreten". Schlechtes Krisenmanagement eines politisch isolierten Premiers Einen Tag zuvor war Südafrikas Präsident Jacob Zuma nach zahlreichen Korruptionsvorwürfen zurückgetreten. Doch während Zumas Rücktritt durchweg Erleichterung auslöste, stimmt Hailemariams Entschluss viele Äthiopier nachdenklich. Der Journalist Merga Yonas Bula aus der Amharisch-Redaktion der DW glaubt noch nicht, dass der Abtritt des Premiers einen grundlegenden Wandel bedeutet. "Es gibt deutliche Zeichen, dass er in den letzten Jahren keine wirkliche Macht hatte", sagt er. "Hailermarian hat selbst einmal gesagt, dass er Entscheidungen treffen musste, ohne die dafür notwendigen Informationen bekommen zu haben." Das liegt an der ambivalenten Rolle, die der Premier von Anfang an innehatte. Im Gegensatz zu seinem Vorgänger Meles Zenawi gehört Hailermarim nicht der Machtelite aus der Tigray-Ethnie an, die seit Mitte der neunziger Jahre die Regierung, die Armee und den Geheimdienst dominiert. Auch die Parteien, die Äthiopiens größte Ethnien Oromo und Amhara in der Regierungskoalition EPRDF vertraten, ließen ihn links liegen. Auf dem Weg ins Chaos - oder zu weiteren Reformen Oppositionsvertreter begrüßten gegenüber DW den Rücktritt. Wenn Menschenrechte nicht respektiert würden und wenn es über Jahre nicht gelinge, Rechtsstaatlichkeit und gute Regierungsführung zu sichern, sei es an der Zeit, den Rücktritt einzuleiten, sagte Mulatu Gemechu vom "Föderalistischen Kongress der Oromo" (OFC). Er reiche aber nicht aus, sagte Beyene Petros vom "Forum für eine

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 föderale Demokratie in Äthiopien", kurz Medrek: "Die Ankündigung ist noch keine Garantie, dass die gesamte Regierung zurückgetreten ist. Deswegen ist die Lage weiter unklar." Die Chefs der Regierungsparteien und der Ministerrat haben sich am Freitag zu geheimen Beratungen zurückgezogen. Nach dem Rücktritt des Außenseiters Hailemariam werde das Gleichgewicht neu ausgehandelt, schätzen Beobachter. Seit 2 Jahren kommt es immer wieder zu Massenprotesten gegen die autoritäre Regierung, die teils blutig endeten. Beobachter glauben, dass die Regierung Zugeständnisse machen muss, um die Lage zu beruhigen. Bisherigen Schritte wie die Freilassung einiger tausend politischer Häftlinge seien nur Makulatur, schätzt DW-Journalist Merga Bula: Man habe nur die bekannten Köpfe der Protestbewegung entlassen, zahllose weitere blieben in Haft. Nach den ersten Machteinbußen des Tigray-Lagers ist offen, ob es zu einer Einigung zwischen den Amhara- und Oromo-Parteien kommt. Beide könnten in den jeweiligen Bevölkerungsgruppen für Unterstützung werben - und so eine Eskalation herbeiführen. Der scheidende Premierminister hatte verkündet, für eine Übergangslösung bereitzustehen. Er appellierte besonders an die Jugendlichen, die Ruhe zu bewahren: "Alle sollten einander gemäß unserer äthiopischen Tradition Respekt entgegenbringen", sagte er in seiner Rücktrittserklärung. Reformkurs im Ausnahmezustand? Noch ist kein Nachfolger für Hailemariam bekannt. Doch der Druck sei groß, nun einen Kandidaten der Oromo-Partei OPDO zu benennen, sagt DW-Journalist Bula. Äthiopiens größte Bevölkerungsgruppe fühlt sich schon lange abgehängt, hier waren die Proteste zuletzt am größten. "Dabei haben sich einige junge Menschen verdient gemacht, die Hoffnung auf eine Verbesserung der Situation versprachen", so Bula. Politikwissenschaftler Mehari Yohannes von der Mekelle-Universität im Bundesstaat Tigray spricht sich klar für einen Oromo als Nachfolger Hailemariams aus. Und das nicht nur deshalb, weil Äthiopiens größte Ethnie - im Gegensatz zu den Amhara - noch nie an der Macht war. "Viele politische Argumente der Amhara-Opposition sind mit der föderalen Verfassung nicht vereinbar", so Mehari im DW- Gespräch. "Sie wollen einen Staat, der ganz anders strukturiert ist. Bei den Oromo hingegen gibt es eine deutliche Tendenz, das föderale System mit einigen Zusätzen und Behelfslösungen anzuerkennen." So könne eine Oromo-geführte Regierung zum Kitt für das Land und für die Konflikte innerhalb der Regierungskoalition EPRDF werden, sagt Mehari. Doch zunächst beschloss die Regierung am Freitagabend, einen neuen Ausnahmezustand zu verhängen. http://www.dw.com/de/nach-dem-r%C3%BCcktritt-des-premierministers-%C3%A4thiopien-sortiert-sich-neu/a-42620306

16.2.2018 Äthiopien verhängt wegen Unruhen erneut Ausnahmezustand . Die Presse Um die verfassungsmäßige Ordnung zu schützen, ruft die Regierung erneut den Ausnahmezustand aus. Seit zwei Jahren gibt es in Unruhen in Teilen des Landes. Wegen Unruhen ist in Äthiopien erneut ein Ausnahmezustand verhängt worden. Die Lage im Land könne nicht mehr mit einfachen Mitteln bewältigt werden, erklärte das Kabinett am späten Freitagabend in einer Mitteilung, über das staatliche Fernsehen. Der Ausnahmezustand sei nötig, um die verfassungsmäßige Ordnung zu schützen. Seit mehr als zwei Jahren herrschen in Teilen Äthiopiens Unruhen. Immer wieder kam es zu regierungskritischen Demonstrationen, bei denen Hunderte Menschen getötet und Tausende festgenommen wurden. Bereits 2016 hatte die Regierung für zehn Monate einen Ausnahmezustand verhängt. Am Donnerstag hatte Regierungschef Hailemariam Desalegn überraschend seinen Rücktritt erklärt. Er wolle somit dazu beitragen, die Probleme im Land zu lösen, hatte er gesagt. https://diepresse.com/home/ausland/aussenpolitik/5373483/Aethiopien-verhaengt-wegen-Unruhen-erneut-Ausnahmezustand?from=rss

16.2.2018 Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency . ENA The Council of Ministers has declared a state of emergency effective from Friday, 16 February 2018 by adopting the decree providing for the emergency ruling. The Council of Ministers said the emergency rule is aimed at protecting the constitution and constitutional order, as well as ensuring security and stability of the country. Protecting freedom of movement and the rights of citizens to live wherever they choose as well as build assets, are also among the motives for the ruling. The Council in its press briefing noted that the violence that have been going on in some areas are undermining the security and stability of the country as well as the value of the people that promote peaceful coexistence. The violent activities have also led to ethnic based attacks which led to the displacement, death and injury of people, damage on property, and hindered investment. These violent activities are hurting the economy and put the peaceful and free movement of citizens under question. The Council said it is important to adopt the decree, as the public has requested the government for protection and the dangerous activities have continued to expand and extend in time. The Ethiopian constitution under article 93 provides the power for the Council of Ministers to decree a state of emergency in case of external invasion, a breakdown of law and order which endangers constitutional order, natural disaster or an epidemic occur. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4308-ethiopia-declares-state-of-emergency

16.2.2018 Breaking – Ethiopia to declare three month state of emergency as of today . Addis Standard The Council of ministers is set to declare a state of emergency for three months as of this morning, a source close to the government told Addis Standard. The military will be in charge via a command post, which will be “reporting to the Prime Minister,” according to our source. 12

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The move follows yesterday’s resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn both as Prime Minister, Chairman of EPRDF and his own party, the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). Initially, there there was a “strong push” against the decision from members of two of the parties that make up the EPRDF: the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO) and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the two parties that govern Oromia and Amhara regional states, according to our source. However, “the state of emergency will be declared this morning as the security situation in the country is getting volatile,” said the source. Details of parts of the civilian constitution to be suspended will be announced at the end of the ministerial council’s meeting, but it is likely to be not much different than the October 2016 nine month state of emergency , which was extended by additional four months. The “government will submit the decision to national parliament within the next 15 days,” our source said, adding the delay to table the decision to the parliament was because the parliament is currently in mid-term recess. The state of emergency is to be declared amidst increasing power struggle, especially between the OPDO and ANDM, to replace the outgoing Prime Minister. http://addisstandard.com/breaking-ethiopia-to-declare-three-month-state-of-emergency-as-of-today

16.2.2018 PM's resignation expected from responsible leader: Government . Waltainfo The decision of Hailemariam Desalegn to resign as Prime Minister of Ethiopia is expected from a responsible leader, Government Communication Affairs Office head, Dr. Negeri Lencho said. The ruling party has been carrying out deep reforms taking into consideration the problems facing the country over the last two years. Accordingly, members of the ruling coalition- Ethiopia People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are directed to evaluate themselves in which some are done with the evaluation and some others are yet to finalize the evaluation. Dr. Negeri said that efforts are made to tackle people from displacement, losing life and avoid the damage of property. According to him, the PM decided to resign wanting to be part of solutions for these problems. He said that the new prime minster will be elected to succeed Hailemariam Desalgn as per the country’s constitution; and until then he will remain on duty. The succeeding Prime Minister will decide on the coming members of cabinets. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/detail/37215

16.2.2018 Ethiopian PM departure brings no change, opposition says. Mail Online, AFP Ethiopian opposition leader Merera Gudina says the country needs real change after the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Ethiopia's opposition reacted cautiously on Friday a day after the surprise resignation of the prime minister, warning it did not herald real change since the ruling party remains in power. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned on Thursday after weeks of anti- government demonstrations and growing splits within the country's ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. With the EPRDF and its allies controlling every seat in parliament, it is unclear what difference Hailemariam's departure will make, said prominent opposition leader Merera Gudina, chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC). "What the people are demanding is fundamental change," Merera told AFP, saying that Hailemariam's departure was a matter of internal party politics. "So the change of an individual is really the homework for the EPRDF, not the people of Ethiopia." However, Merera said he was "cautiously optimistic," that Hailemariam's departure could offer an opening for them. "There are, after all, possibilities... to move forward," Merera said. "The EPRDF as an organisation has a serious problem and really blocked the democratisation of the Ethiopian state and society -- and is really responsible for many of its crisis," he added. Hailemariam will remain in office until parliament and the EPRDF coalition confirm his resignation from the most powerful post in Africa's second most-populous nation. It remains unclear if his successor will be sympathetic to the protesters' grievances, or return Ethiopia to the authoritarian governing style of Hailemariam's predecessor Meles Zenawi, who led the rebels that ousted dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991. Merera was released from jail in January, when the government began pardoning and dropping charges against hundreds of prisoners including many high-profile dissidents. Hailemariam said it was a way "to improve the national consensus and widen the democratic platform". The OFC chairman's release was a key demand of dissidents from the Oromo people, whose campaign of anti-government protests that began in December 2015 are seen as a key reason why Hailemariam resigned. The protests were quelled after Ethiopia imposed a 10- month state of emergency in October 2016, but hundreds of people died in the uprisings, and violence continues to occur sporadically, particularly in the two protest hotbeds, Oromia and Amhara regions. Earlier this week, young men wielding sticks and stones blocked roads leading out of the capital Addis Ababa and businesses shut in Oromia. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5399041/Ethiopian-PM-departure-brings-no-change-opposition-says.html

16.2.2018 All parties need a stake in Ethiopia's future, says opposition leader . Reuters Ethiopia’s ruling coalition has lost its authority and all parties should be involved in mapping the country’s future, an opposition leader said on Friday, a day after the Prime Minister resigned.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Mulatu Gemechu, deputy secretary of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, said the Horn of Africa country needed a completely new political system. “Ethiopians now need a government that respects their rights, not one that keeps beating and killing them,” he told Reuters. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn unexpectedly resigned on Thursday in what he described as a bid to smooth reforms. Africa’s second most populous nation has been plagued by years of unrest. A wave of strikes and demonstrations hit towns near the capital this week as protesters successfully pressed demands for jailed opposition leaders to be released. More than 6,000 political prisoners have been freed since January as the government has struggled to placate simmering anger among the two largest ethnic groups, the Oromo and Amharic, who complain they are under-represented in the country’s corridors of power. The Oromo Federalist Congress is one of seven parties that make up the biggest opposition coalition, MEDREK. Mulatu’s views were echoed in the Oromo heartlands of central Ethiopia, the site of a series of violent protests against Hailemariam’s government in 2015 and 2016. “Our land can’t continue being taken from us. Oromos should not be jailed for exercising their rights,” said Dinkissa, a university student in Ambo, a town in the region. “Oromos have been always mistreated. His (the prime minister‘s) resignation will not mean anything unless our rights are respected. Whoever comes to power should know that. Otherwise, we will not stop protesting.” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-politics/all-parties-need-a-stake-in-ethiopias-future-says-opposition-leader- idUSKCN1G00OT?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldN ews+%28Reuters+World+News%29&&rpc=401

15.2.2018 Analysis: Amid a revolutionary stupor, Ethiopia’s ruling party dumps its leader . Hassen Hussein, Addis Standard After six years of power struggle within the ruling party since the death of the only leader the party had known; three years of relentless protests by the Oromo, later joined by the Amhara; and mounting turmoil in the country, the Chairman of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the country’s embattled Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, resigned today in a televised speech to the nation. His resignation wasn’t totally unexpected. Still, it led to some wild and impromptu jubilations on the streets and a collective sigh of relief. His end is partly his own making, the new circumstances, and the oldest rule of politics—that a leader without a solid base of support from which to govern is no leader at all. Prime Minister Hailemariam had literally no political base—hailing from a small ethnic group in the south—in a country where political loyalty is defined along ethnic lines. When he assumed the reigns in 2012, many presumed that he would gradually grow out of the shadow of his predecessor, the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and become his own man. He stayed in Meles’s cocoon till the bitter end. To make matters worse, while holding onto the formal trappings of the office, he relinquished actual power to the head of the country’s powerful security chief, Getachew Asseffa, and the equally powerful Chief of Staff, General Samora Yunus. And he watched helplessly, at times as a clueless clown, as the two deployed the full might of the state and all instruments of oppression to suppress unprecedented protests by the Oromo and the Amhara, the country’s largest and second largest ethnic groups, as well as different groups from his own home turf, the southern region. However, no amount of repression would restore control of the streets to the ruling party. Hailemariam offered a slew of apologies and promises of reform but his generals and security operatives, no longer accountable to him or to anyone else for that matter, continued to kill, detain, and displace—nullifying his apologies and promises. The country suffered its biggest crisis in its history when over a million Oromo were displaced from their homes by the Ethiopian Somali state militia, the notorious Liyu Police, with the tacit acquiesce and support of the federal army and security establishment. That is when he formally broke with the new leaders of OPDO, who until then deferred to him out of respect for the oppressed peoples of the Southern regional state, who, like the Oromo, faced decade after decade of marginalization and exploitation by the domineering center. Hailemariam’s fate was sealed in the recent meeting of the powerful Executive Committee (EC) of the ruling party, the real power in Ethiopia since 1991. EPRDF is a coalition of four member organizations— the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM), and the Tigrean Liberation Front (TPLF). Hailemariam has been chairman of SEPDM since 2001—making him the longest-serving head of the constituent members of the ruling party, after his mentor and benefactor, the late Meles Zenawi. As a response to the popular rejection, the ruling party promised a “deep renewal” but this remained a lip service until the relentless protests led to the abrupt and unceremonious downfall of Muktar Kedir, Chairman, and Aster Mamo, Deputy Chairman on the OPDO in October 2016—a month before the country imposed a nine-month long state of emergency. However, the effects of Oromo protests didn’t end in Oromia and with the state of emergency. In December, TPLF, the dominant group in the four-party coalition, dumped its long-time chairman, Abay Waldu, and elevated technocrat Debretsion Gebremichael. That left SEPDM and ANDM with the same leaders who oversaw the disaster that was Ethiopia since 2014. Hailemariam’s resignation signals that change has finally arrived in the South and it is expected that ANDM would do likewise. Contrary to suggestions, the resignation doesn’t leave a power vacuum nor cause a constitutional crisis because Hailemariam has always been a nominal figure. The constitution stipulates that the Prime Minister would be elected from among members of the federal parliament. Since the latter is made up exclusively of members of the ruling party, it is the ruling party – hence the EPRDF Council of Ministers – that would render the final decision on the matter and parliament would simply rubber-stamp it. Accordingly, it is presumed that the 180-member EPRDF Council would hold an emergency meeting within days and perhaps weeks to choose Hailemariam’s successor. Whoever the council elects will be leading a country in the grip of revolutionary fervor, which is a herculean task for anyone, let alone a ruling party in power single-handedly for over a quarter century. Few doubt that the incoming chairman of the ruling party and consequently the Prime Minister would be Oromo—and thus from OPDO. Since the election of Lemma Megersa as President of the

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Oromia National Regional State and Chairman of OPDO, not only has he built quite a reputation for himself as a credible and capable reformist leader that can transcend the country’s ethnic and religious divides, he has also surrounded himself with many other capable individuals including Dr. Abiy Ahmed, head of OPDO’s secretariat. To complicate matters, Lemma is currently not a member of the federal parliament and his party has to either hold a snap election to fulfill constitutional muster, name a temporary figure, or split the position of party chairman and Prime Minister. Neither option is desirable given the extraordinary situation. A country in such crisis needs a strong leader and a unified leadership with a cross-section of support from the populace as well as the opposition. Few fit that bill better than Lemma Megersa. However, even for Lemma implementing the reforms promised and steering the country towards a soft landing – ending years of dictatorship and ushering in democracy – requires a rare caliber short of miraculous. The country urgently needs a whole host of reforms—from security sector reform to the subordination of the military under a neutral civilian leadership and making it representative of the country’s diverse population; from judicial reform and clamping down on corruption and abuse of power to rescinding of the draconian laws that made high crime and treason out of a routine exercise of constitutionally guaranteed rights; and from equitable distribution of economic opportunities to opening up the political space for the opposition, the press, and civil society. These, while the requirement of stabilizing the country. Given the heady circumstances, the future Prime Minister cannot rely on the support of the ruling party alone. He needs to reach out to the opposition – say by going as far as including prominent leaders of the opposition in his cabinet – and calming frayed nerves in all quarters, from the public to the aging aristocracy that dominated the country’s political and economic life since 1991. EPRDF made its most lethal error in 2012 by failing to elect a credible figure as Prime Minister. It could still commit the same error. Luckily however, it would be the last error it would make as a ruling party as it would be swept away by people power in a matter of months if not sooner. Should it learn from its errors and desire to make history, its best bet lies with OPDO’s Lemma Megersa. If Lemma does indeed ascend to assume the reins, I would wish him well. May the force be with him! He needs it. http://addisstandard.com/analysis-amid-revolutionary-stupor-ethiopias-ruling-party-dumps-leader

15.2.2018 PM Hailemariam Submits Letter of Resignation . ENA Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn today announced that he has submitted his letter of resignation as prime minister and chairman of the ruling party EPRDF. He said that he decided to resign from both posts so as to contribute to the ongoing efforts towards bringing solution to the current situation in the country. The Premier noted in his speech that people have been displaced and injured, as well as investment and properties are damaged due to the recent unrest. Hailemariam believes that his resignation is important to carry out reforms that lead to sustainable peace and democracy. Hailemariam said he would stay as prime minister until the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the country's parliament accepted his resignation. “I will stay in power as Prime Minister of the country and chairperson of the party till the parliament accepted the letter of resignation officially,” he affirmed. Hailemariam, who served as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, sworn in as Prime Minister in September 2012, following the death of Meles Zenawi. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4299-breaking-news-pm-hailemariam-to-resign-from-power

15.2.2018 Ministerpräsident Hailemariam Desalegn zurückgetreten . ZEIT Online Auch die jüngste Freilassung politischer Gefangener wendete die Stimmung gegen ihn nicht: Nach Protesten mit Toten und Verletzten ist Äthiopiens Premier zurückgetreten. Der äthiopische Ministerpräsident Hailemariam Desalegn hat nach landesweites Protesten gegen die Regierung seinen Rücktritt eingereicht. Er hoffe, dass der Schritt geplanten Reformen zum Erfolg verhelfen und einen "andauernden Frieden" schaffen werde, sagte Hailemariam. Er wolle Teil der Lösung sein, sagte er im äthiopischen Rundfunk. "Ich glaube, dass die Forderungen und Fragen der Öffentlichkeit erfüllt und beantwortet werden sollten", sagte er. Ob die Abgeordneten den Rücktritt annahmen, war zunächst nicht bekannt. Zugleich will Desalegn auch den Vorsitz der Regierungskoalition niederlegen. Beide Ämter wolle er kommissarisch ausüben, bis das Parlament und die Koalition einen Nachfolger gefunden hätten, sagte der 53-Jährige. Als möglicher Nachfolger gilt der Chef der Verwaltungsregion Oromia, Lemma Megerssa. Auch dem Vizeministerpräsidenten werden Chancen eingeräumt. Eine vorgezogene Neuwahl gilt als unwahrscheinlich. Hailemariam übernahm das Amt 2012 nach dem Tod des damaligen Regierungschefs Meles Zenawi. Zuvor war er Vizeministerpräsident und Außenminister, 2013 wurde er zum Vorsitzenden der Afrikanischen Union gewählt. Landesweite Proteste gegen die Regierung In Äthiopien gab es 2015 und 2016 die größten Proteste gegen die Regierung seit 25 Jahren. Unmut herrscht vor allem bei den beiden größten Volksgruppen des Landes, den Oromo im Süden und Westen sowie den Amhara im Norden. Sie sehen die Minderheit der Tigray in der Regierungskoalition überrepräsentiert. Laut der offiziellen äthiopischen Menschenrechtskommission wurden bei der Niederschlagung der Proteste mindestens 940 Menschen getötet. Durch die Verhängung eines zehnmonatigen Ausnahmezustands von Oktober 2016 bis August 2017 wurden die Proteste

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 weitgehend unterdrückt, es gab nur vereinzelte Demonstrationen. Kürzlich ließ die Regierung mehr als 6.500 Oppositionelle, Journalisten und andere Gefangene frei und kündigte an, sie wolle den "demokratischen Raum" für alle ausweiten. Der äthiopischen Regierung wurde seit langem vorgeworfen, kritische Journalisten und Oppositionsführer festzunehmen. Menschenrechtsorganisationen forderten ihre Freilassung. Politische Grabenkämpfe unter Mitgliedern der Regierungspartei hätten zu einem Riss im politischen Establishment geführt, sagte der Oppositionspolitiker Yilikal Getnet. Dass Hailemariam aus einer ethnischen Minderheit stammt, habe möglicherweise bei seinem Rücktritt eine Rolle gespielt. "Es gibt keine Einigkeit innerhalb der Regierung. Dazu kommt die Massenbewegung der Menschen, die die Partei machtlos gemacht hat", sagte der Oppositionspolitiker. http://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2018-02/aethiopien-hailemariam-desalegn-ministerpraesident-ruecktritt

15.2.2019 Äthiopiens Regierungschef Desalegn tritt zurück . Deutsche Welle Er habe sein Bestes gegeben, die Krise zu bewältigen, schrieb Hailemariam Desalegn in seinem Rücktrittsgesuch. Jetzt wolle er nach den Massenunruhen den Weg zu Reformen freimachen. Es war der staatliche Sender Fana, der den überraschenden Rücktritt von Äthiopiens Regierungschef Hailemariam Desalegn meldete. Er habe sein Bestes gegeben, die derzeitige Krise zu bewältigen und wolle mit seinem Rücktritt zu einer Lösung beitragen, zitierte der Sender den 53-jährigen. "Die Unruhen und eine politische Krise haben zum Verlust von Menschenleben und zur Vertreibung viele Menschen geführt", sagte Hailemariam Desalegn anschließend in einer Fernsehansprache an die Nation. "Ich betrachte meinen Rücktritt als unerlässlichim Bemühen um Reformen, die zu einem nachhaltigen Frieden und zu Demokratie führen", sagte er. Er werde geschäftsführend im Amt bleiben, bis die regierende Revolutionäre Volksdemokratische Front Äthiopiens (EPRDF) und das Parlament seinen Rücktritt annähmen und einen neuen Regierungschef bestimmten. Unruhen und Massenfestnahmen Hailemariam Desalegn ist seit 2012 an der Macht. Seit mehr als zwei Jahren kommt es immer wieder zu regierungskritischen Demonstrationen, die oftmals gewaltsam unterdrückt werden. Mehrere tausend Menschen wurden nach Angaben von Menschenrechtsgruppen zeitweise festgenommen, darunter auch prominente Oppositionspolitiker und Journalisten. Seit Anfang des Jahres hat die Regierung mehr als 6400 aus politischen Gründen inhaftierte Gefangene freigelassen. Trotzdem kam es auch in der jüngeren Vergangenheit immer wieder zu Protesten. Unmut herrscht vor allem bei den beiden größten Volksgruppen des Landes, den Oromo im Süden und Westen sowie den Amhara im Norden. Sie sehen die Minderheit der Tigray in der Regierungskoalition überrepräsentiert. Es ist das erste Mal, dass ein Regierungschef in dem ostafrikanischen Land zurücktritt. Hailemariam Desalegn hatte das Amt 2012 vom früheren marxistischen Rebellenführer Meles Zenawi übernommen. http://www.dw.com/de/%C3%A4thiopiens-regierungschef-desalegn-tritt-zur%C3%BCck/a-42600418?maca=de-rss-de-region-afrika-4022-rdf

15.2.2018 The relentless protests that forced the Prime Minister to resign . Gonje de Wadla. African Arguments The stepping down of Hailemariam Desalegn will not satisfy Ethiopia’s protesters. But it is a start. Hailemariam Desalegn has announced his resignation as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and chair of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). According to some analysts, the prime minister since 2012 was expected to step down at the EPRDF congress scheduled for later this year, but today’s move came as a surprise. Desalegn said he would formally step down once a successor is chosen and claimed his departure was part of the government’s attempts to change how it operates. “I see my resignation as vital in the bid to carry out reforms that would lead to sustainable peace and democracy,” he said in a televised address. The government has faced a crisis of legitimacy in recent years amidst huge protests across much of the country, particularly by members of the populous Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups. Hundreds of people have been killed in resulting clashes with security forces. Desalegn’s resignation can be seen as a response to the fact these protests have continued despite brutal crackdowns and gestures of reform. As analyst Mohammed Ademo says: “Make no mistake. This momentous transformation isn’t a favor from a benevolent vanguard party. It’s the cumulative outcome of years of relentless struggle by democracy activists and opposition. Many died fighting to see this day.” Oromo and Amhara protests Ademo says Desalegn’s replacement is widely expected to come from the Oromo party in the ruling coalition. Protests in the Oromiya have been particularly sustained and this week saw a concerted three-day strike across the region. Enormous numbers blockaded roads and marches on the streets of towns and cities. An Oromo prime minister would not necessarily mean the regime would change it how it governs, but it would be a symbolic victory for the protests in that region.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 However, as speculation grows about what happens next, protests in Ethiopia’s northern Amhara region – although generally lesser covered – should not be forgotten. Just last month, demonstrations flared up in Amhara too, resulting in bloody clashes and several deaths. These weeklong events were triggered in the town of Woldiya when people taking part in a popular religious festival chanted anti- government slogans. Security forces responded violently , leading to the deaths of at least six civilians and one security agent. Angry at this bloodshed, protests then spread to the nearby cities of Kobo and Mersa where government offices and private property were attacked, leading to millions of dollars of damage. At least eight more people were killed in the resulting crackdown. Grievances and triggers These recent anti-government demonstrations are the continuation of those that emerged in late-2015. At that time, members of the Oromo and then Amhara – Ethiopia’s two largest ethnic groups, who together make up about two-thirds of the population – began protesting in huge numbers. The grievances that triggered those protests were not resolved, but temporarily suppressed through force and the imposition of a state of emergency from October 2016 to August 2017. The Oromo protests have deep roots and encompass widespread disaffection with the government regarding human rights abuses and lack of freedoms, but they were initially triggered by an urban development plan in the capital. Addis Ababa is located within the Oromiya region and activists complained that the proposed expansion would have seen it swallow up Oromia land and towns. The Amhara’s reasons for protesting have been similarly manifold. They have demanded greater respect for human rights and democracy. They have called for more economic investment in the Amhara region to create employment and spur development. And they have expressed anger at an unfair political economy that disproportionately benefits supporters of the regime. However, one of key triggers of the Amhara’s protests has been the disputed territory of Wolqaite. Activists claim that this large agricultural district was annexed by neighbouring Tigray regional state despite the fact its residents largely identify as Amhara, and a committee was established to campaign for its return. The government’s decision in 2016 to detain this group’s leaders using Ethiopia’s notorious anti-terrorism law was one of the main triggers of the widespread protests that followed. It remains to be seen how many of these protesters demands will, and can, be met by a new EPRDF prime minister. Infighting in government As well as on the streets, growing discontent with the ruling class has also manifested in the corridors of power. In office since 1991, the ruling coalition known as the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is composed of four ethno-nationalist parties. This includes the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organisation (OPDO), and the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). However, by far the most senior and strongest party within the coalition is the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Representing an estimated 6% of the population, the TPLF oversaw the formation of the other three parties in government and handpicked their leaders. Over the years, the TPLF has taken advantage of its dominance to favour its political base. Today, Tigreans dominate key political and economic positions, including in the army, security establishment, key federal ministries, and state-owned corporations such as Ethiopian Airlines and Ethio Telecom. The government’s junior parties have typically been acquiescent. But with growing pressure from their constituencies, the OPDO, and to a lesser extent ANDM, have become more assertive. They have demanded less interference from the TPLF in their regional affairs and expanded political and economic roles at the federal level. At times, decisions and policy directions provided by federal authorities have been over turned by regional authorities, and vice versa. Some are now suggesting the new prime minister will be from the OPDO. While this would be symbolically meaningful, it is too early to say how significant it would be in terms of governance. TPLF loyalists would still hold key positions and it is notable that outgoing Desalegn is not from the TPFL either, but the SEPDM. He was chosen by the former PM Meles Zenawi to be his successor and was viewed by many as a puppet of the TPLF. Ethiopia after Desalegn Years of unaccountability, the collapse of rule of law, and the ethnicisation of the country’s politics have pushed Ethiopia to tipping point. Injustice, repression and lack of democracy have instilled a sense of despondency, particularly among Ethiopia’s youth. This has driven many to view protests as the only viable means of bringing about meaningful political change. As these sustained mobilisations have continued, the government has been forced to offer ever greater signs that it is willing to reform, most notably through Desalegn’s resignation as well as the recent release hundreds of political prisoners. But unless this leads to real steps to institute rule of law, redefine the political economy, and promote a fairer distribution of resources, discontent will only be staved off momentarily. Protesters in Oromiya, Amhara and beyond may see the PM’s resignation as a victory, but they will crucially be watching closely for what happens next. http://africanarguments.org/2018/02/15/ethiopia-the-relentless-protests-that-forced-the-prime-minister-to-resign

14.2.2018 Ethiopia: End Game? Bronwyn Bruton, Atlantic Council

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Update: On February 15, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned following months of sustained protests and pressure from the country’s aggrieved and marginalized ethnic groups. The country’s ruling party, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), now faces a crisis of leadership as it determines Ethiopia’s next prime minister. This author predicted the imminent ouster of Hailemariam and offered speculation as to the next person to hold that post—including the momentous challenges any new prime minister will face. Above all, Ethiopia’s new leader faces an increasingly emboldened population who demands real political reforms— which will require a painful, and potentially fraught, distribution of economic resources and power away from the TPLF ruling elite. The protest movement playing out in Ethiopia is one of the most consequential conflicts on the African continent – more than any other, it has the potential to upend US policy in the Horn of Africa. It could disrupt counterterrorism efforts in Somalia and reduce the number of peacekeeping troops in South Sudan. But alarmingly, it has barely registered in Washington policy discussions or in the American press. Ethiopia’s Oromo population is celebrating a victory today that is probably unprecedented in African history. Without extensive violence or bloodshed, and while almost all of its leading voices languished in jail, a grassroots protest movement has managed to force one of the most powerful regimes in Africa to surrender to its demands. As an organized strike involving tens of thousands of Oromo youths drew closer to the capital city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopian authorities agreed to release a host of important political prisoners, including Bekele Gerba, a compelling activist whose release from prison the government has fiercely resisted. (Just the week before, Bekele had been sentenced to an additional half-year behind bars, for the crime of singing a protest song in front a judge.) In honor of Bekele Gerba’s release, the Oromo strikes were suspended, and the crowds in the street turned jubilant. Then, on February 14, authorities stunned and delighted the protestors further by releasing other extremely prominent dissidents (including among others the blogger Eskindir Nega, opposition leader Andualem Aragie, former Gambella Governor Okello Akway, and the Muslim religious freedom activist Ahmedin Jebel), some of whom had been imprisoned on “terrorism” charges for years. Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Desalagn had promised the release of a large number of political prisoners in early January, and did later release a number of political activists, including opposition leader Merera Gudina . Government officials claimed at the time that the move was intended to widen the political space and foster a genuine dialogue with the political opposition and with the ethnic-based protest movements. But skeptics (including the majority of protestors) saw the move as largely symbolic, and perhaps even calculated to sow discord within the opposition, as some individuals were released and not others, and particularly as the most influential figures remained behind bars. After the events of February 13 and 14, however, there can be little doubt about the seriousness of the Ethiopian authorities. The severity and persistence of the protest movements have clearly become an existential threat to the regime, and the need to diffuse the protests’ momentum is imperative enough, apparently, to overcome differences of opinion between the so-called “moderate” and “hardliner” factions with the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which is the most powerful faction with the ruling party. The TPLF’s alarm is well-founded; the only question is whether its belated concessions to the protestors, after years of growing unrest, may be too little, too late. Anger at the perceived economic and political dominance of the small Tigrean ethnic faction is a moving force behind the protests, and the threat of a genocide or other targeted ethnic violence against Tigrean individuals appears to be escalating. Fearful Tigrean citizens have reportedly relocated in large numbers from the Amhara and Oromo regions of the country, and attacks on Tigreans (a rarity in the past) are reported . At the same time, violent clashes between other ethnic groups, particularly the Oromo and Somalis , have dramatically increased. Tensions are high across the board; the protestors are flush with victory; and the newly-released scores of political dissidents may vie for prominence. Is there any chance of the protests subsiding? Probably not, though it is surely the TPLF’s hope that Bekele Gerba, Ahmedin Jebel, Eskindir Nega and their colleagues will prove to be wise and moderating voices in the coming dialogue. They have in the past not only been decisively less radical, but have been firmly committed to non-violence – unlike the radio and social media personalities, some of the based in the diaspora, that have risen to prominence in their absence and are now driving the opposition discourse in real time. Having achieved so much through protest, it is unlikely that the Ethiopian people will accept half-hearted reforms. Speculation is rampant, for example, that Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalagn – who is not Tigrean but is widely regarded as an instrument of the TPLF elite – will be replaced with an Oromo at the ruling party’s upcoming conference in three weeks’ time. (Lema Megersa, president of the Oromia Regional State, is a prime focus of this speculation.) These rumors are mere speculation, but have taken on the force of expectation, and disappointment could easily lead to another round of protests. Another round of civilian deaths at the hands of Ethiopian security forces, or the declaration of another state of emergency, could have the same effect. Next time, the Ethiopian government’s concessions may not be enough to halt the protests. If dialogue fails, and the security forces are unleashed, the resulting conflict will be bloody and awful – and will certainly not succeed in ending the uprising. Implications for US Policy Washington, of course, has every incentive to avoid such a scenario. The United States has much at stake in Ethiopia, whose troops and cooperation have been essential to Washington’s efforts to stabilize Somalia and South Sudan. American strategy in the Horn of Africa is deeply flawed and is demonstrably failing to achieve its objectives (as the situation in both countries continues to deteriorate). But no alternative policy proposals are on table, and a sudden collapse of Ethiopian capacity to support American policies with African boots on the ground would be catastrophic. The African Union mission in Somalia, already on its last legs, would probably not survive a sudden and wholesale withdrawal of Ethiopian forces – and countless civilian lives in Southern Sudan would be endangered. A disordered Ethiopia is of course more vulnerable to incursions by the al Qaeda- linked Somali terror group, al Shabaab, which has already managed to establish a vibrant offshoot in Kenya amid similar social conditions (a large population of unemployed youths, a disenfranchised and villified Muslim population, and rampant police brutality).

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Unfortunately, few countries are more poorly positioned than the United States to play a constructive role in Ethiopia’s future. This stems from Washington’s long history of providing budgetary support to the Ethiopia’s ruling party, the close cooperation between the two countries’ military and intelligence services, and the long-standing refusal of American officials to criticize the human rights record of the regime or to challenge the imprisonment of thousands of civilians. Washington’s silence on Ethiopia’s deteriorating human rights and security situation is a result of many factors. First and foremost, of course, the Ethiopian regime has served as Washington’s indispensable partner in the “war on terrorism” since the early 2000s. Second, the former prime minister and architect of the ruling party, Meles Zenawi, cultivated warm personal friendships with senior American policymakers who subsequently championed the regime and shield it from public criticism. Third, as is the case in Rwanda, Western policymakers paraded Ethiopia as an “African success story” as a means of facilitating continued aid and investment to the continent, and drawing attention to the human rights narrative was inconvenient. Fourth – and not least important – public criticism of the Ethiopian regime was found by American diplomats not to work very well: over the years it has resulted in numerous journalists, diplomats and American non-governmental organizations being expelled from Ethiopia over the years, without causing a whiff of improvement in the regime’s conduct. And Ethiopia’s ability to restrict access to the African Union (AU headquarters are located in Addis) has led many otherwise reputable analysts and journalists to practice self-censorship. Ethiopia has also proved very willing to retaliate against diplomatic pressure by holding American security interests hostage: in September 2017, for example, when the House Subcommittee on African Affairs attempted to pass a resolution drawing attention to Ethiopia’s human rights abuses, Ethiopia’s then-ambassador to the United States, Girma Birru, visited the Subcommittee members and threatened to withhold counterterror cooperation in Somalia . Faced with this threat, the Subcommittee immediately abandoned the resolution. (The Subcommittee threatened yesterday to bring the resolution to the floor for a vote on February 28, unless the Ethiopian government gives UN investigatory teams access to the country.) The most credible voices among the protest movement have already condemned US inaction, and would not consent to a dialogue with US officials – indeed, they argue that engaging with Washington would erode their credibility, and they are probably right. Washington can of course attempt to pressure or persuade the TPLF to undertake credible and meaningful reforms – but Washington’s chequered diplomatic history with Addis suggests that such efforts are unlikely to bear fruit. It is also unclear what reforms would appease the public: while there have been calls for Ethiopian security forces to leave the Oromo and Amhara and other regions (including the Somali or “Ogaden” zone), absolutely no one is demanding fresh elections (which have historically been heavily rigged) or other staple democratic measures to restore the peace. The next month, and days, will be decisive. The Ethiopian regime will either commit to its current course and expand on its commitment to reform, signaling this commitment perhaps by offering the prime ministership to an Oromo leader. Or it will double down on its previous course, and declare a state of emergency. But this would be a deadly decision, as a new state of emergency would surely be regarded by opposition leaders and the protestors as a declaration of war. Ethiopia’s only hope for peace is a series of rapid and sincere concessions by the TPLF elite, which must certainly involve a meaningful redistribution of political and economic power. The Ethiopian public has tasted its power, and one way or another, the status quo will not survive. http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africasource/ethiopia-end-game

14.2.2018 Relatives rejoice release of prominent prisoners . Samuel Getachew and Nahom Tesfaye, The Reporter A jubilant crowd of thousands celebrated as Kaliti prison released some of its noted prisoners earlier today. Even an anti-riot police couldn’t curb the enthusiasm as many stood for hours, including diplomats from the Norwegian embassy to welcome the release of one of its citizen Okello Akway Ochalla. Akway joined others, including journalist Eskinder Nega, Andualmem Aragie, Olaana Lelisa, Woubshet Taye, Emawayish Alemu, Chaltu Takele, Ahmedin Jebel, Kinfe michael Debebe and Berhanu Tekleyared. “I feel like I was reborn today”, said the mother in law of Eskinder (the mother of journalist Serkalem Fasil). “I may not be his biological mother, but he is my son. I am overjoyed that he is able to come out and live a normal life, including being reintroduced to his son that he had not seen for a long time”. The Reporter also witnessed a large crowed in Adama Stadium's welcoming ceremomy celebrating the release of Bekele Gerba, a prominent opposition leader who is the chair of the Oromo Federalist Congress. Bekele, speaking to The Reporter, stated that rejoicing of his release is unfulfilled as his colleagues who are struggling for democracy and justice in the country still remain in jail. He also expressed his discontent over the number of released prisoners since the government promised to release within two months. Hence, he called up on the government to open the political space and participate more people that say they are concerned of the country’s political fate. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/relatives-rejoice-release-prominent-prisoners

14.2.2018 Zone 9 bloggers’ charges dropped . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter The charges on the remaining members of the Zone 9 bloggers group have been dropped by the Federal Attorney General today. The bloggers whose charges have been dropped are Natnael Feleke, Befekadu Hailu and Atnaf Berhane who were charged by the infamous anti-terrorism proclamation. Upon arriving in court today for their appointment, the three defendants were told that their charges have been dropped and that they are free to go home. Some of the defendants from Zone 9 bloggers group have been acquitted of their charges earlier.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 In related news, the 746 defendants including Eskinder Nega and Andualem Arage are scheduled for release from prison today, The Reporter has learnt. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/zone-9-bloggers-charges-dropped

14.2.2018 Eskinder’s release must herald a new dawn of respect for human rights. Amensty International . ecadforum Commenting after Ethiopian journalist and Amnesty International prisoner of conscience Eskinder Nega walked out of prison a free man today, as part of a government pardon of 746 prisoners, Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, said: “We are delighted that Eskinder Nega is finally free after close to seven years in jail on trumped up terrorism charges. We hope the release of this courageous journalist, along with hundreds of other prisoners, heralds a new dawn in the Ethiopian government’s handling of political dissent, a dawn of tolerance and respect for human rights. The Ethiopian government must show good faith and free hundreds of other prisoners of conscience who remain behind bars simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression. The authorities must also take steps to reform the legal system under which arbitrary detentions and torture of dissidents have been allowed to flourish. A good place to start would be a review of the sweeping and draconian anti-terrorism law which has been used to unjustly and ruthlessly deprive many dissidents of their freedom. If the Ethiopian government is serious about turning over a new leaf, it must order an impartial and independent investigation into allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of prisoners, and the swift prosecution in fair trials of those found responsible for it.” Opposition politicians and Amnesty International Prisoners of Conscience Andualem Arage and Bekele Gerba were also released today and yesterday respectively. Background At the time of his arrest, Eskinder was editor of the Satanaw newspaper. He was arrested after publishing an article about the Arab Spring in which he asked whether a similar grassroots movement for democracy could take hold in Ethiopia. He was charged under the draconian Anti-Terrorism Proclamation with providing support for terrorists and sentenced to 18 years in prison. https://ecadforum.com/2018/02/14/ethiopia-eskinders-release-must-herald-a-new-dawn-of-respect-for-human-rights

14.2.2018 Public urged to give time for Oromia state to implement directions set by OPDO Central Committee . Fana Broadcasting Corporation The Oromia regional state should be given time to implement the directions set by the Central Committee of the Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO), the state’s communication affairs bureau said. Umi Abajemal, deputy head of the bureau yesterday issued a press conference regarding the damages caused by blocking of roads and ceasing of commercial activities staged in some parts of the regional state. The blocking of roads and ceasing of commercial activities held since Monday under the banner ‘Free remaining prisoners!” and demanding development benefits, have been turned into violence in some areas such as Batu, Legetafo, and Jimma, she said. About eight people were injured as well as public and private properties were damaged as a result of the violence that occurred in these areas, according to the deputy head. She further said a total of seven people, four in Amaresa camp and 3 in Bale zone, were killed because of the recent conflicts in the areas. The government will take the necessary measures against those responsible for the conflict, she said, further urging the public to refrain from any destructive activities. The deputy head also called on religious leaders, Aba Gedas, and elders to scale up the ongoing efforts to stabilize the areas and prevent the occurrence of additional damages. The regional state expressed its heartfelt condolences for the loss of life caused by the conflict. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/11341-oromia-state-should-be-given-time-to-implement-directions-set-by-opdo-central-committee- bureau

13.2.2018 Ethiopia frees Oromo leader and prisoner of conscience Bekele Gerba . OPride.com Ethiopia on Tuesday released prominent Oromo opposition leader Bekele Gerba and six of his Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) colleagues from prison. Authorities dropped all charges against the freed leaders, a day after a #OromiaStrikes blocked roads and staged rallies bringing the restive Oromia state to a standstill. The news of Bekele’s release was welcomed with warm and spontaneous celebrations across the country. Bekele, secretary-general of OFC, was arrested in December 2015 at the height of the three-year long Oromo protests. He was initially charged terrorism but his charges were later reduced to criminal offenses for allegedly inciting violence. “He just walked out of prison. We have confirmed that all charges against him have been dropped,” Mulatu Gemechu, a member of the OFC’s leadership told Reuters.The other six OFC leaders released today are Gurmessa Ayano, Addisu Bulala, Dajane Xafa, Getu Garuma, Tesfaye Liban and Beyene Ruda. The move is a response to deepening protests demanding Bekele’s release and part of a promise Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn made last month to build national consensus and widen the democratic space. https://www.opride.com/2018/02/13/ethiopia-frees-oromo-leader-prisoner-conscience-bekele-gerba

13.2.2018 Ambassador calls for restraint in use of lethal force, constructive political engagement . Ethiopia Observer 20

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Michael Raynor appealed for calm in light of events over the past several weeks in Ethiopia by drawing attention to the US’s support for increasing the pace of democratic reform, respect for human rights, and creating space for inclusive dialogue in the past.“One thing I’ve observed during my four-plus months here is that matters are rarely as clear-cut as anyone would like them to be. My goal is for our Embassy to play a constructive role in Ethiopia, one that supports the aspirations of those who seek a better future, without dictating what that future should be or how Ethiopia should get there,” the Ambassador said. While lauding some promising steps in releasing political detainees in recent weeks, Ambassador Mikael called on the Ethiopian government to let people “express themselves peacefully, and to be confident that they can do so. Lethal force to protect the safety of the public, even in the face of violent protests, must always be a last resort.” The Ambassador also urged the Ethiopian people “to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful expression and dialogue. Political engagement needs to be done constructively – through strengthening institutions rather than destroying them, and never through the destruction of property, livelihoods, and lives.” The Ambassador said he was upset by the reports of deaths and violence, “even as I am hopeful about what Ethiopia can accomplish if stated goals of reform are followed through with quick and comprehensive action. As we seek to partner with all Ethiopians toward that better future, everyone must do their part. The United States will stay the course in Ethiopia, and I hope I can count on each of you to do the same.” http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/02/13/ambassador-calls-restraint-use-lethal-force-constructive-political-engagement

13.2.2018 Tony Blair cancels his visit to industry zone as strike erupts . Birhanu Fikade, The Reporter Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's visit to the Eastern Industry Zone, a Chinese built manufacturing zone, has been canceled following the ongoing strike around Oromia and the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Leading his team from Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to Ethiopia, Blair was scheduled to visit the industry zone erected at Dukem, some 30 kilometers from Addis Ababa. However, the former Prime Minister was forced to cancel his visit as unrest and stay-home strike engulf the region on Monday. The Reporter could not find out what his next task will be after the cancellation of his visit. Monday morning Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn met Blair and discussed issues of manufacturing industries housed in the industrial parks. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change is behind the technical support and introduction of the deliverology phylosophy across government bodies in Ethiopia. Since 2013, the former premier was engaged in assisting African governments via Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative, a for profit entity and currently, the Tony Blair Institute is tasked in providing governance and other leadership supports. Tony Blair Institute, trading as Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, is a company registered in England and Wales. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/tony-blair-cancels-his-visit-industry-zone-strike-erupts

13.2.2018 German Chancellor tasks Ethiopian PM to widen democratic space . Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, africanews The German government has urged Ethiopia to widen the democratic space in the country whiles noting some level of implementation of recently announced political reforms. Germany, an ally of the East African economic giant, also tasked Addis Ababa to do more in the area of releasing other prisoners, spokesperson for the German government, Stephan Seibert said on Monday. Seibert said Germany made its views known in a phone call between Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Ethiopian counterpart Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. “During the conversation, they discussed political developments in the country, among others. The Chancellor welcomed that the Ethiopian government released a larger number of people, who were arrested for political reasons, since the beginning of this year. “She encouraged the Premier to take further steps in widening the democratic space in the country, including further releases of prisoners,” the German Embassy in Addis Ababa wrote on its Facebook wall. Its ambassador, Madam Wagener, in January 2018 had met with top opposition leader Merera Gudina during which time the embassy said both parties had fruitful discussions over political developments in Ethiopia. Gudina had just been released after over 400 days in detention. The government dropped a multiple criminal charge against him. He was arrested in December 2016 after returning from an European tour. Several of Ethiopia’s allies and the United Nations have stressed the need for Addis Ababa to open up the political space and to also improve its human rights record. Rights groups have repeatedly slammed the government for stifling dissent and muzzling opponents. http://www.africanews.com/2018/02/13/german-chancellor-tasks-ethiopian-pm-to-widen-democratic-space

12.2.2018 Bundeskanzlerin Merkel telefoniert mit dem Premierminister von Äthiopien, Hailemariam Desalegn . Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung Der Sprecher der Bundesregierung, Steffen Seibert, teilt mit: Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel hat heute ein Telefonat mit dem Premierminister von Äthiopien, Hailemariam Desalegn, geführt. Hierbei kam auch die innenpolitische Entwicklung Äthiopiens zur Sprache. Die Bundeskanzlerin begrüßte es, dass die äthiopische Regierung seit Anfang des Jahres eine größere Zahl aus politischen Gründen inhaftierter Personen freigelassen hat. Sie ermutigte den äthiopischen Premierminister zu weiteren Schritten der demokratischen Öffnung des Landes einschließlich weiterer Freilassungen. https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/BPA/2018/02/2018-02-12-telefomat-merkel-aethiopien.html

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 12.2.2018 Three day stay-at-home protest begins as prosecutors “suspend” charges against Bekele Gerba et al . ESAT News Towns across the Oromo region today saw the beginning of a three day stay-at-home protest to pressure the regime to release political prisoners. Residents of several towns took part in the strike to also demand that Agazi forces leave their villages. Shashemene, Bale, Woliso, Metu, Bishoftu, Alemgena, Harar and 20 districts in Eastern Hararghe have taken part in the stay-at-home protest. Administrative offices, schools, businesses and transportations were shutdown. Reports also show that two major highways leading to the south of the country from the capital were closed today. The highway to Arbaminch via Shashemene was also closed. Meanwhile, regime prosecutors announced that charges against prominent Oromo opposition figure, Bekele Gerba and all other defendants who are leading members of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) have been “suspended.” The office of the General Prosecutor announced that the case involving Bekele Gerba, Gurmesa Ayana, Addisu Bulala, Dejene Taffa, Getu Garuma, Tesfaye Liben, and Beyene Ruda has been sent to the Pardon Board and the defendants would be released when the President approves their pardon, according to the broadcaster controlled by the regime. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/ethiopia-three-day-stay-home-protest-begins-prosecutors-suspend-charges-bekele-gerba-et-al

12.2.2018 Hamaressa killings Update . ESAT News Victims killed on Sunday by TPLF/Agazi forces were trying to stop a truck carrying contraband goods. Jemal Amede, administrator for East Hararghe Zone told BBC Amharic that local police and some of the youth at the IDP had stopped a truck heading to the Somali region. He said Agazi soldiers came out of nowhere and opened fire. The truck had originated from the Capital Addis Ababa. Ahmedin Temam, who is sheltered at the camp says the truck was stopped by the police and the community at the camp for carrying contraband goods. The people in the truck phoned the Agazi soldiers who opened fire at the local police and IDPs on arrival. The TPLF/Agazi soldiers have now took control of the IDP camp in Hamaressa town, Eastern Ethiopia, according to the report. The BBC report put the number of dead at six, including a local police officer. Critics have been blaming contraband trading by TPLF operatives and Agazi soldiers for the recent crises in Eastern Ethiopia. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/hamaressa-killings-update

12.2.2018 At least four killed in IDP camp in Eastern Ethiopia . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News Four people, including a local police officer, were killed on Sunday when TPLF Agazi soldiers opened fire at a camp sheltering Internally Displaced People in Hamaressa town in Eastern Ethiopia. Media controlled by the TPLF regime confirmed the death. A dozen people were also injured. The IDP camp holds some of the nearly one million people displaced as a result of recent deadly attacks against the Oromos in the Somali region by Agazi forces and the notorious Somali Region Special police, also known as the Liyou Police in the local language. Although exact figures are not known, hundreds were killed in the last two years in Eastern Ethiopia. The displaced were protesting on Sunday the lack of basic services at the camp and were demanding that they be repatriated to their villages when the Agazi forces opened fire. Photos of the victims shared on social media platforms show gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Over a dozen people were shot and killed in December in Chellenko, another town in Hararghe, Eastern Ethiopia. Agazi forces had mistaken a large family working on a farm for protesters and opened fire. No one has so far been brought to justice for the killings of civilians in a country where the regime sends its killing squads to people exercising basic rights. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/least-four-killed-idp-camp-eastern-ethiopia/

12.2.2018 Charges on Bekele Gerba and Others Dropped . ENA Charges on seven detainees suspected of trespassing against the laws of the country by taking part in conflicts including Bekele Gerba have already dropped, the Federal Attorney General unveiled. The detainees whose charges are dropped include Bekele Gerba, Gurmesa Ayana, Addisu Bulala, Dejene Tafa, Getu Garuma, Tesfaye Liben and Beyene Ruda. Since the individuals are sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court, the Office has to present a proposal for the President of the country in order for them to be pardoned. The charges were dropped after the Office of Attorney General applied for the Federal High Court to drop the charges as per its authority bestowed upon it through the proclamation providing for its establishment. The decision to drop cases of detainees suspected of trespassing the law came following the direction by the Executive Committee of the EPRDF to widen the political space. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4287-charges-on-bekele-gerba-and-others-dropped

12.2.2018 Ethiopia wants political prisoners to sign “confession” forms before release . EthioReference When Ethiopia announced last month that it would release political prisoners and close a controversial detention facility, many viewed it as a promising sign that the Horn of Africa nation was shifting toward real democracy. Since then, nearly 6,000 political prisoners and journalists have been released , according to Reuters. These included Merera Gudina, chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress and journalists Darsema Sori and Khalid Mohammed, who were both held on anti-state charges . The attorney general’s office said it would pardon 746 others, including the prominent journalist Eskinder Nega and opposition politician Andualem Arage.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Yet disturbing details continue to emerge over the conditions under which some of those jailed are being released. On Friday (Feb. 9), the Committee to Protect Journalists said Nega was asked to sign a “false confession” stating that he was a member of Ginbot 7, an organization the government deems a terrorist group. After he refused, he was returned to his cell. CPJ also told Quartz that Nega was asked to sign the form a second time during the weekend. Arage and opposition leader Abebe Kesto were also asked to sign—both refused to endorse the allegations against them, according to family members. “The government believes that signing a document saying he was a member will exculpate its behavior in jailing an innocent man.” The directive to sign pardon letters jeopardizes the steps taken to calm lingering tensions, observers say. Ethiopia has struggled for the last two years with ongoing protests by the country’s two largest communities, the Oromo and Amhara, which are calling for an end to decades of systemic exclusion . The government reacted to those protests with force , drawing criticism from both the United Nations and its allies in the West. Facing mounting unrest, the government announced it would drop the cases against some of those arrested and on trial in a bid to foster reconciliation. Angela Quintal, the Africa program director for CPJ, said the government looks like it’s still “trying to justify” Eskinder’s unlawful detention and prosecution. “It’s as though the government believes that signing a document saying he was a member will exculpate its behavior in jailing an innocent man.” For those who have been pardoned, officials have also said they will be freed only after undergoing “rehabilitation training.” That program has been under fire in the past, with the camps holding the accused described as having conditions akin to those of the Roots , the American saga about slavery. http://www.ethioreference.com/archives/9867

11.2.2018 Defense Forces, Police Hold Peace Marches Across the Nation . ENA A peace march was held today in Addis Ababa by the National Defense forces, Addis Ababa and Federal Police commissions. Participants of the peace march travelled from Tewodros Square to Meskel Square on foot. Speaking at the opening of the event, Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa said the security forces, in addition to their contribution towards ensuring peace and security, will further strengthen their contribution to the realization of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. “As our security force is an army of peace and development, it has been making monthly contribution to GERD, besides creating favorable situation for development and peace in the country in general. It is also playing a leading role to in contributing financial support for the dam by purchasing the seventh round bond”, Siraj added. According to the Minister, the nation has managed to implement integrated development projects, including GERD, over the last two decades since it has succeeded in building a security force that is capable of protecting the sovereignty, and national interest of the country. The march is one of the indicators of the contribution of the Defense forces, Addis Ababa and Federal Police commissions to development endeavors, including the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that will be realized peacefully. The event in Addis Ababa was organized by the Defense forces, Addis Ababa and Federal Police commissions, in collaboration with Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Meanwhile, peace marches were similarly held across the country, ENA correspondents reported. The events were observed across the nation with the view of developing the contributions of the Defense forces and the police in the development of the nation. The Defense forces and police have expressed their strong commitment to discharge their responsibilities not only in keeping peace but also in playing active role in the ongoing development endeavors in the country. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/4284-defense-forces-police-hold-peace-marches-across-the-nation

11.2.2018 Ethiopia Opens Three-Day Talks With Somali Rebels . Harun Maruf, VoA News The first round of three-day talks between Ethiopian officials and representatives from the Ethiopian rebel group of ethnic Somalis, Ogden National Liberation Front (ONLF), began Sunday at a secret location in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Delegates from the two sides arrived Saturday for the talks that are being facilitated by Kenyan officials. Abdulkadir Hassan Hirmoge, a spokesman for the ONLF, confirmed to VOA Somali that the talks have begun. Hirmoge said each side has sent a delegation of four members. The ONLF delegation is led by Foreign Secretary Abdirahman Mahdi. It is unclear who is leading the Ethiopian delegation, but photos released by the Kenyan facilitators show the president of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, Abdi Mohamud Omar, sitting on the opposite side of the table, along with other officials. A source close to the talks told VOA Somali that "Day One of the talks covered considerable ground and ended on a high note." Hirmoge cautioned that it was too soon to say how the talks might end because "there are big issues at stake." "We can't talk prematurely, but these talks are about principles, on compensation, on self-determination, on freedom, referendum, on the economy and centuries-old aggression," he said. ONLF and the Ethiopian government fell out in 1994 after a dispute over self-determination. The dispute drove ONLF to war and turned the ethnic Somali state, rich with gas and oil, into a deadly battleground that claimed many lives. In April 2007, ONLF rebels attacked an oil field in an Obolleh village near the regional capital of Jigjiga, killing 67 Ethiopian soldiers and nine Chinese oil workers. In response, Ethiopia heavily militarized the region and carried out a brutal operation, according to human rights organizations. Previous failures

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Talks were held in 2012 and 2013 in Kenya without concessions from either side. Rashid Abdi, Horn of Africa project director for the International Crisis Group, said there were a number of issues that made the previous talks difficult. "They (talks) have been characterized by a lot of mutual suspicion and a lack of confidence. But I think there was also the death of (former Ethiopian prime minister) Meles Zenawi, and the transition had an impact on how the talks should proceed," he said. "I think clearly all parties seemed to lack a bit of focus. On the part of the ONLF, I think they came to the table without having a clear vision on how they wanted to proceed, while the Ethiopians were basically seeking very minimal tactical advantages." Even with the talks having resumed, Abdi said it won't be easy for the two sides to reach an agreement without significant compromises. The main sticking points are the Ethiopian constitution and referendum. "Ethiopians want ONLF to concede on the issue of the constitution," Abdi said. "ONLF previously said they were not going to recognize the federal constitution, and that was one of the sticking points. So, I suspect this issue will not be quickly resolved. "Then there is the issue of what exactly ONLF wants? Does it want greater autonomy in the Somali region? Does it simply want power sharing, so that it can be part of the federal system? Does it want to monopolize power in the region? Does it want full independence? Those are the key issues." History of unrest Ethiopia has seen political upheavals since 2016 following waves of protests in the Oromo region. There was also deadly ethnic violence in 2017 between Ethiopian Somalis in Oromo, which claimed dozens of lives and displaced tens of thousands of people. ONLF's Hirmoge said conditions on the ground in Ethiopia have something to do with the resumption of these talks. "Now, we believe there have been big changes in Ethiopia. The conditions are changing. People cannot be silenced now. The talks coincide at a time when things are changing in Ethiopia on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. These have their own ripple effects," Hirmoge says. "I believe the conditions around the talks are better," he added. "The prediction is different compared to previous ones (talks), but I don't want to prejudge the result." . Abdi agrees that the timing of the talks is interesting and could work in favor of the stressed Ethiopian government. "It comes at a time when Ethiopia feels under pressure from many multiple forms," he said. "It has serious unrest, so they desperately need a good story. So, the resumption of the peace talks plays well internationally. Ethiopia can say 'We are engaging the opposition.' It's good publicity, but one has to also consider whether there is really a strategic shift and interest to find a peaceful settlement, or are we simply back to the old games of simply playing tactical games?" VOA Somali could not reach Ethiopian officials for comment. https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-opens-three-day-talks-with-somali-rebels/4249097.html

10.2.2018 Former army chief calls for establishment of independent commission . Yohannes Anberbir, The Reporter Former Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces, Tsadkan Gebretensae (Let. Gen.), called for the establishment of an independent commission, to prepare a level political playing field for the upcoming elections, if Ethiopia is to shrug off its current challenges and become a stable country. In an exclusive interview with The Reporter, Tsadkan indicated that, the current situation in the country is beyond the control and management capabilities of the current system and only an independent commission, which is free from the dominance of the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) can save the country from any unforeseen fate that awaits it. Tsadkan’s proposal came at a time when every kind of discontent, public distaste and grievance are dragging the people out of their homes and swarm the streets chanting anti-government slogans and songs. Nothing more demonstrates this than the fatal protests in Northern Wollo Zone, in towns of Woldia, Kobo and Mersa, just a few weeks ago. Other factors, which claimed the lives of many and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, are indicators that the country is in a state of difficulty in managing the chaos. The conflicts in the country and the “illegal demonstrations”, as the government describes them, have for long been externalized until the government took all the responsibility, blaming its leadership and the failure to deliver its promises as a government. Although, taken as a good start, the government’s inclination towards minimizing the political discontent of the public to infrastructural demands was heavily criticized and it seems to have shaken the government to its spine. Hence, after a grueling 17-day meeting, undertaken by the central committee members of the coalition, the government came to admit that the state of the federation is at risk and the majority of the public’s demands are of political discontent. The most internationally acclaimed decision made by the Government, was the releasing of “prisoners who were political party members”. (…) However, Tsadkan seems unsatisfied by these measures. The independent commission he recommended is to be under the Office of the President of the Federation and no member of the commission should be drawn from the EPRDF to maintain neutrality. The commission will be in place for two years until the next national elections, in which all national political parties will run for representation in offices at the federal and regional levels. For the two years – during which the independent council is tasked with leveling the political landscape – the government will have the role of running public offices and the party will be treated as any other political party and prepare itself to run for the election that follows. In addition to this, he recommended that the political parties both in the country and abroad will be given the opportunity to come into the country and join the political process in a peaceful manner. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/former-army-chief-calls-establishment-independent-commission

10.2.2018 Former Blue Party president to from a new party . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Following elders’ mediation efforts to find solutions to the predicament Blue Party finds itself in, former president, Yelekal Getnet (Eng.), and other members who were ousted from the party, due to differences over the issue of audit report, have finally decided to form a new political party. The mediators revealed that the leadership of the party headed by Yeshiwas Assefa, who is recognized as the president of the party by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), is not willing to comply with the decisions of the mediators. “In order to stop the fragmentations in opposition political parties, we are trying to sort out our problems within the party in an amicable way; hence, we were able come to a consensus. However, the existing leadership of the party blocked all possible ways of working together,” the former president of the party told The Reporter. He went on to say that, the former leadership, in consultation with the members of the party, have decided to establish a new political party that focuses on youth, women, citizenship, nation building, basic human rights and equality. In this regard, the party has established a committee that has seven members to undertake the necessary legal procedures and pertinent requirements to establish a new political party. The name of the newly established party will be “Ethiopian National Movement (ENM)” and will submit its registration request to the NEBE by Monday, February 12, 2018, Yelekal told The Reporter. He further stated that the established party would strongly work to eradicate the politics of hatred and try to ease the stubborn spirit that is persistent in the political landscape of the country. It also plans to conduct its founding conference very soon, he said. “According to our agreement based on the recommendations of the mediators, we have agreed with the former president to dissolve his newly established party and rejoin the party again. They have a lot to contribute to the party, we are still waiting on them and the door is always open if they want to comeback” president of Blue, Yeshiwas Assefa, told The Reporter. Meanwhile, mediators Temam Ababulgu, Tadiwos Tantu and others also wrote a warning letter to the current president, Yeshaiwas Assefa. They warned that if the current leadership did not comply with their words, the mediators will reveal the destructive activity of the current leadership through different media outlets. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/former-blue-party-president-new-party

10.2.2018 Former census chief to run electoral board . Yonas Abiye, The Reporter The House of People’s representatives (HPR), on Wednesday, endorsed the nomination of Samiya Zekaria, former Director General of the Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency (CSA) for two decades before leaving her post in 2016 on an ambassadorial duty, to chair the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). During the extra ordinary session called by House Speaker Abadulla Gemeda, the House also endorsed the appointments of nine members for the newly-proposed management of NEBE comprising a chairperson, vice chairperson and seven board members. Being the first woman to chair NEBE, her appointment makes her the third chairperson of the institution, since the incumbent came to power in 1993. Meanwhile, Demoze Mame, was picked as her deputy. Similarly, seven individuals consisting of three women, in addition to Samiya, and five men were appointed as members of the board in a vote that saw two MPs vote against while two showed abstentions. The seven members are: Belay Mekonnen (Rev./Kesis), Yeshihareg Damte, Feteen Abay (Prof.), Tsehay Menker, Tekalegn Gebreselassie, Jemal Mohammed, and Habte Fichala. The House welcomed the gender composition of the board which consisted of four women. NEBE is one of the key institutions in the country regarded as a democratic institution, structurally accountable to the legislative organ. However, it usually entertains contentious receptions among the public due to the political nature of the nation it is endowed with. It is usually criticized for being biased and loyal to the ruling party instead of its basic foundation to serve in a neutral manner, for all political parties in the country. The government is also repeatedly criticized for influencing the institution to undertake its mandate to enhance the democratization process through free and fair elections. Along with the institutions, its board members have also been widely viewed as controversial among various groups particularly from political organizations, activists and critics. The notable figures that had run the board in the past five elections since 1993 include, former chairpersons Kemal Bedri and a more recently Merga Bekana (Prof.) .Kemal Bedri, best known for his role during the much disputed and controversial elections of 2005, saw the highest number of parliamentary seats won by the then emerging opposition parties the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and others before it ended in chaos and violence. His successor, Merga, who has led NEBE after the 2005 election until last year before leaving to Paris for diplomatic role, was also controversial. It was during the latter’s reign that, the ruling party took over 100 percent parliamentary seats after sweeping the entire opposition. Now, Samiya, who has been serving as Ethiopia's Ambassador to Nigeria since 2016, has officially replaced Merga. She was once a controversial figure following the 2006 national census result. It was the result of the Amhara region’s population that had stirred a heated debate among the-then parliament as well as the public that later prompted the House to vote for a re-count of the population of the region designated as inter-census. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/former-census-chief-run-electoral-board

9.2.2018 Regime set precondition on release of Eskinder Nega, Andualem Arage . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News Prison authorities have demanded that Eskinder Nega and Andualem Arage, two prominent prisoners among the hundreds who were “pardoned’ yesterday by the regime, to sign a document saying they were jailed because they were members of Patriotic Ginbot 7, an opposition group based abroad. Sources say the prisoners of conscience have refused to do so.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Eskinder Nega, an award winning journalist and Andualem Arage, a leading member of the now defunct opposition party, Andenet have been jailed for over six years accused of being members of the group outlawed by the dictatorship and of “terrorism”. The duo were among the over 700 other prisoners of conscience who were “pardoned” yesterday and were expected to walk free. The prosecutor general of the regime announced yesterday that 746 political prisoners have been “pardoned” and would be released upon completion of a propaganda “training” and after the President signs off on their “poardon.” Prison authorities on Thursday brought documents to Eskinder Nega and Andualem Arage which demand the two sign off saying they were members of PG7. Authorities presented a similar request several times in the course of the detention of the duo but they have refused to sign saying they were not members of PG7 and that they were innocent of the terrorism charges brought by the regime. Families, friends and Ethiopians were waiting for the two and the hundreds of political prisoners to walk free. But Thursday’s development have casted a shadow over the duo’s freedom. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/ethiopia-regime-set-precondition-release-eskinder-nega-andualem-arage

8.2.2018 Some 746 Prisoners, Suspects to be Pardoned and Released . ENA Some 746 prisoners and suspects will be pardoned and released, the Federal Attorney General disclosed today. It is to be recalled that the Executive Committee of EPRDF had passed a decision to drop the cases of suspects under custody and those of prisoners after their cases are examined. The individuals to be pardoned do not include those involved in murder, serious physical injury, destruction of the national economy, and attempt to forcefully undermine the constitution. Accordingly, 417 prisoners sentenced at federal level for involvement in terrorism, chaos and disturbances, religious extremism and other crimes will be pardoned and released. From among those to be pardoned, 298 are in the Federal Correctional Center and 119 in correctional centers in Amhara Region. Among the prisoners to be pardoned are Eskender Nega and Andualem Arage who were sentenced for involvement in terrorism. Similarly, the cases of 329 suspects were dropped. Of these 278 are at federal level, 33 in Tigray and 18 in Amhara regional states. The pardoned prisoners and suspects will be released after receiving reform training. The list of the prisoners to be pardoned and released has to be approved by the president before their release. The Amhara and Oromia regions had released 6,376 prisoners and suspects in line with the decision passed by the Executive Committee of EPRDF. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4274-some-746-prisoners-suspects-to-be-pardoned-and-released

8.2.2018 Äthiopische Regierung begnadigt weitere 700 politische Gefangene . Deutsche Welle Äthiopiens Regierung hat angeordnet, zahlreiche politische Gefangene aus der Haft zu entlassen. Dies soll ein erster Schritt zu mehr Demokratie in dem afrikanischen Land sein, heißt es aus Regierungskreisen. Von den Freilassungen sollen nach Angaben staatlicher Medien auch der Journalist und Blogger Eskinder Nega sowie Oppositionsführer Andualem Arage profitieren. Etwa 417 der begnadigten Inhaftierten säßen wegen "Terrorismus, Aufruf zur Gewalt, religiösem Extremismus und anderen verwandten Verurteilungen" im Gefängnis, berichtete der Radiosender Fana. Eskinder Nega wurde in Haft wegen seines Einsatzes für die Menschenrechte vom Schriftstellerverband PEN in den USA mit dem "Freedom to write"-Preis geehrt. Die auf einem Terrorismusgesetz basierende Verurteilung Arages und Negas im Jahr 2012 war international kritisiert worden. Äthiopiens Regierungschef Hailemariam Desalegn hatte bereits im vergangenen Monat angekündigt, dass seine Regierung eine ungenannte Zahl von inhaftierten "Politikern" in die Freiheit entlassen würde. Präsident muss zustimmen Nach Angaben des Radiosenders sollen die Gefangenen nach Abschluss eines "Rehabilitationstrainings" und der Zustimmung des äthiopischen Präsidenten Mulatu Teschome freigelassen werden.Zuvor hatte Hailemariam Desalegn angekündigt, demokratische Freiheiten in dem autoritär regierten Land auszuweiten. Nach Angaben des Senders haben die äthiopische Regierung und die Regionalregierungen bislang fast 6.400 Gefangene begnadigt. Unruhe im Staat Damit reagiert Äthiopien auf wachsende Unruhen im Vielvölkerstaat. Seit mehr als zwei Jahren gehen vor allem Angehörige der Oromo und Amharen auf die Straße, um für mehr Mitbestimmung zu demonstrieren. Wie weit die politische Öffnung gehen soll, ist scheinbar auch innerhalb der Regierungspartei umstritten. Begnadigungen wechseln deshalb immer wieder mit neuen Verurteilungen von Kritikern der Regierung ab. So hatte ein Gericht erst vor wenigen Tagen Haftstrafen gegen vier Mitglieder der Opposition verhängt, weil sie die Aussage im Gericht verweigert hatten. Die Lage in Äthiopien ist angespannt, nicht zuletzt wegen der anhaltenden Dürre, die in weiten Teilen des Landes Hungersnöte ausgelöst hat. Das Frühwarnsystem der Vereinten Nationen, FEWS-Net, rechnet damit, dass zwischen Februar und Mai 2018 etwa 5,5 Millionen Menschen dringend auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen sind. Besonders betroffen sind Kinder. http://www.dw.com/de/%C3%A4thiopische-regierung-begnadigt-weitere-700-politische-gefangene/a-42511270?maca=de-rss-de-region-afrika-4022-rdf

8.2.2018 Opposition Party Sees Opening as Ethiopian Government Vows Changes . Nizar Manek, Bloomberg An Ethiopian opposition party whose chairman was freed after more than a year in prison plans to step up its activity as the Horn of Africa nation’s government pledges greater openness in the wake of mass protests. The Oromo Federalist Congress will open an initial 20 offices in the Oromia region and “start to organize our people,” Chairman Merera Gudina said in an interview in the capital, Addis Ababa. 26

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 That could make it a competitor to the ruling coalition’s regional sub-party in elections due by 2020 in a central region that’s been roiled by more than two years of often fatal demonstrations. “We have reached a stage where people have refused to be ruled in the old way, and the ruling party cannot rule in the old way,” Merera said. Arrested in Ethiopia after taking part in a 2016 discussion panel in Brussels, he was freed in January as state-linked media reported the pardoning of a first wave of more than 500 detainees. Unrest that began in Oromia in late 2015 has damaged Ethiopia’s reputation as an investment destination and posed one of the biggest challenges to the ruling coalition since it came to power in the early 1990s. The government has said the release of some political detainees is intended to “widen the political sphere.” Opposition Merger Merera said his party, which was formed from a 2009 merger of two opposition groups, has written to inform Oromia’s regional government of the decision to open offices, but that there’s officially no restriction. The region’s spokesman, Addisu Arega, didn’t respond to two phone calls and two text messages seeking comment. Merera didn’t rule out working with the ruling coalition’s local branch, the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization. “If OPDO leaders have the political will to think outside the box and develop a capacity to think outside the box, we will support them,” he said. The OFC chairman also called for Ethiopia’s National Election Board to be “transformed” into an independent and neutral body, alleging it’s controlled by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, which made a clean sweep at the last vote in 2015. The former deputy head of the board, Addisu Gebreziabher, didn’t immediately respond to two calls and two text messages seeking comment. Jailed Supporters “The government’s talking about national reconciliation, national dialogue, national consensus, but there are a lot of political prisoners, not only from our party,” Merera said. He estimated the number of OFC supporters jailed at “hundreds or thousands,” including some key party officials. The ruling party-linked Fana Broadcasting Corp. reported Thursday a new round of pardons for 746 detainees, including 400 jailed by federal authorities on charges such as inciting violence and religious extremism. Authorities in Oromia and the northern Amhara region have previously pardoned a combined total of about 5,500 people. Attorney General Getachew Ambaye didn’t respond to calls and text messages seeking comment on the detainees. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-08/opposition-party-sees-opening-as-ethiopia-government-vows-reform

7.2.2018 TPLF faction to depose Chief of Staff Samora Yunis . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News A faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a regime ruling Ethiopia with an iron fist, has decided to depose Chief of Staff Samora Yunis, according to ESAT sources. The faction led by Sebehat Nega that came out triumphant after a marathon of meetings and infighting within the TPLF has reportedly wanted Samora out and be replaced by one the four star generals recently promoted by the regime. Sixty-one officers were promoted to the various ranks of general last week in an unprecedented move within the army. The rank and file is also expected to get promotions soon. Critics call it an attempt to quell the growing resentment within the army in which all major positions were controlled by Tigrayans holding over 90% of the top brass. There has been growing tensions within the higher echelons of the army following recent divisions and power struggle within the TPLF, with officers showing allegiance to either factions. Sebehat Nega, the founding member of the TPLF, has reportedly gained the upper hand and has been instrumental in removing Azeb Mesfin, the widow of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, from the Front and her position as the CEO of EFFORT, a party conglomerate that controls all aspects of business in the country. Abay Woldu, presumed to be the leader in the opposing faction has lost to Nega and has been removed from his position as Chairman of the TPLF and administrator of the Tigray region. Nega and co have now moved to reshuffle the army in favor of their people. Younis and few other generals are expected to retire. The commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, Adem Ahmed (an Amhara) is expected to be replaced by Molla Hailemariam (Tigray). https://ethsat.com/2018/02/ethiopia-tplf-faction-depose-chief-staff-samora-yunis

7.2.2018 Amb Samia appointed Chairman of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia . Fana Broadcastin Corporation The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has appointed Ambassador Samia Zekaria as Chairman of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Samia’s appointment, including her deputy and other seven members of the Board, were proposed by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Demoze Mame was appointed as Deputy Chairman of NEBE. The House also approved the appointments of seven members of the Board. Ambassador Samia has served as Director General of the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA). She has also been serving as Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria since last Ethiopian fiscal year. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/11287-amb-samia-appointed-chairman-of-the-national-electoral-board-of-ethiopia

7.2.2018 OPDO Central Committee Replaces 14 MembersCouncil . ENA The Central Committee of the Oromo Peoples Democratic Organization (OPDO) has decided to replace 14 members of the Council of the OPDO/EPRDF. The Organization that has been engaged in a thorough discussion for ten days has also decided to suspend four members of the central committee until the next assembly. The Committee has also provided a warning to a member of the Central Committee, the Organization told ENA in a press statement. The Organization has passed the decision to ensure accountability, and sustaining the strength of the organization. 27

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 In its ten days deliberations, OPDO has emphasized the need to work in an integrated manner to sustain the ongoing development and maintain peaceful coexistence among the people. It has discussed and put direction on the need to listen to the queries of the public and take rectifying measures. The Organization has given emphasis during the discussions on the need to take measures on problems that challenge the federal system; ensure fair wealth distribution, participatory political system, and benefit of the public. The Committee has also emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship with other national parties of the EPRDF thereby strive together to realize the common goal. It emphasized THE need to fight practices that could endanger the federal system including corruption and corrupt practices, as well as maladministration, and abuse of power together with the public. Noting the loss of lives and property damage due to conflicts, the Committee emphasized the need to take the responsibility for the problems and appropriate rectifying measures. Rehabilitating Ethnic Oromos who displaced from the Somali regional state due to conflicts, reducing youth unemployment and improving livelihoods, ensuring good governance and rule of law are among the priorities of the Organization. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4265-opdo-central-committee-replaces-14-memberscouncil

7.2.2018 OPDO takes measure on 19 EPRDF Council, Central Committee members . Waltainfo The Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) has indicated through a ststement it released yesterday that it has taken measure on 19 members of the EPRDF Council and the Central Committee. The party central committee indicated that it has successfully finalized the 10-day long detailed reform, the statement said. The party has set future directions after deeply evaluating the current political, economic and social situations in the country, the statement noted. The party indicated that it has deeply discussed the need for sustaining the peace and unity of the people in the country at large and the regional state through cooperation between the people and the regional government. The party noted on the need to properly listen to the woes of the public, requesting heartfelt forgiveness from the public, and taking the necessary corrective measures by all the sister parties of EPRDF. As part of its measure to make timely reform, the party has replaced 14 of its members representing it in EPRDF Council, suspended 4 central committee members till the coming meeting and warned one central committee member. Rehabilitation of people displaced from the Ethiopian Somali Region, minimizing unemployment, taking corrective measures against mal- administrative deeds, modernizing service provision systems, restructuring the judiciary, prosecutors, police, woreda and kebelle administrations, ensuring peace and security and the rule of law, are among the tasks scheduled to be undertaken by the party. The party noted also that it has planned the economic and political reasons that could potentially hurdle the federal system in a scientific way and address public woes in a timely manner. Equitable economic distribution, participatory political system, working with strict discipline to induce peace and justice and attaining public satisfaction is important, the statement noted. The relation between member parties of the EPRDF should be strengthened in a democratic manner and in a way that enables to attain mutual goals and prevent possible dangers that the country could face, the party added. The party also reminded that many lives were lost, properties ruined and peace and tranquility in the region compromised due to the recent violent incidents in the region. It also stressed on the need to take responsibility for such scenarios and take corrective measures. Directions are set for the effort to make those who tried to attain personal and group gains at the expense of federal system and who did immoral deeds not witnessed in our history accountable to justice, to prevent such mistakes from happening again, and enable the rule of law prevail throughout the country and strengthen the struggle reach a higher level through the participation of the public at large. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=36950

6.2.2018 TPLF takes measure against six central committee members . Waltainfo The Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) announced that it has taken measure against its six central committee members following the meeting held in Mekelle city, capital of Tigray region. In the three days-long meeting, the committee reviewed its deep reform moves and passed decisions including firing of Birhane Kidanemariam and Aregash Beyene from central committee membership. The committee also issued warning for four committee members. TPLF has put direction to keep the momentum of deep reform movements as higher officials continue to hold discussions at zones of the region. The committee also directed a holistic discussion in the coming weeks in a way to answer questions of good governance, and democracy and hold leaders responsible. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=36910

6.2.2018 TPLF activists test water overtly showing penchant for secession as the party struggles to restore dominance . borkena.com (…) The resistance to TPLF across Ethiopia is having a spillover effect on its supporters. What appears to be problematic is that its support base entirely constitutes ethnic Tigray and a significant portion of Tigrean speakers, which is about seven percent of Ethiopia’s population, live outside of Tigray region. They seem to be, from what information shared across social media and Ethiopian media outlets, increasingly coming under attack from angry and disenchanted Ethiopians. TPLF response to the situation in most cases is military which is further complicating the political crisis and aggravating anti-TPLF sentiment. (…) Some analysts tend to think that TPLFites cadres may just be testing the water when they brought up secession agenda. But a considerable number of politicized Ethiopians in social media seem to take the agenda-setting effort seriously and the reaction is unexpected “please go ahead and do it.” (…) What many seem to ask

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 is whether Tigray will be at peace should it take secession path in view of so many controversial issues including land in the west, south and east of Tigray. https://www.borkena.com/2018/02/06/tplf-struggles-to-restore-dominance

6.2.2018 Former Ethiopian president to receive partial retirement benefits . Ethiopia Observer Dr. Negaso Gidada, Ethiopia’s first president after the fall of the Derg regime, is set to receive partial retirement benefits that were suspended when he parted ways with the current regime. Negasso, in power from 1995 to 2001, will have access to a private car and healthcare coverage as part of a retirement package. This is a constitutional right that was taken away from him when he decided to join the opposition party. The announcement came from the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO), the party that he once led but later dismissed him unceremoniously when he clashed with the former powerful Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in a central committee meeting on June 2001. Negasso continued his political activism, even when the regime came up with a bill that stipulated former presidents who engaged in political activities would lose their pension and all other retirement benefits. Negaso won a seat in Dembi Dolo as an independent in the 2005 elections for the House of People’s Representatives. In 2011, he was elected head of the country’s largest opposition party, Unity for Democracy and Justice and served for four years. He eventually left the party and retired from politics. In a 2016 interview with the Amharic daily Addis Zemen, Negaso pleaded for the reinstatement of his rights since he was no longer involved in any partisan political activity. He said he was facing financial constraints, practically living on the income of his wife. Speaking to the BBC Amharic after the latest decision, Negaso said he is grateful that the OPDO leaders made the gesture even thirteen years later but insisted that his case is not a party one, rather a federal state affair. “As a former president, my full rights and benefits have to be reinstated,” he said. The OPDO leaders, who are trying to rally dissatisfied group in the Oromia region behind them, have been in talks with the popular politician for the past two years to lure him into their party politics, according to sources. There was a plausible satisfaction when he agreed to show up at their meeting on November 2017. Even though Negasso was the type of candidate the party sought to recruit, it is unlikely that the 75-year-old politician would pledge allegiance, observers said. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/02/06/former-ethiopian-president-receive-partial-retirement-benefits

5.2.2018 PM appoints 3 new Deputy Defense Chief of Staffs . Waltainfo Prime Minister Hailemariam Deselegn has officially appointed three Defense Generals with the status of Deputy Chief of Staff. Accordingly, General Se’are Mekonnen Yimer, General Birhanu Jula Gelelcha and General Adem Mohammed Muahmed are appointed to be Deputy Chief of Staffs, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office indicated. President Dr. Mulatu Teshome also has granted senior appointments to members of the defense force. He appointed 40 Brigadier Generals, 14 Major Generals, 3 Lieutenant Generals and 4 Generals yesterday. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=36909&category=2

5.2.2018 Ethiopia releases Islamic school teachers . BBC News More than 60 Islamic school teachers have been released from prison in Ethiopia where they had been accused of being a security threat. The teachers in Jijiga in Ethiopia's Somali region had been serving sentences of between three and 20 years. They were released after Islamic scholars met regional government officials. The Ethiopian authorities have in the past accused Islamic schools, known as madrasas, of teaching extremist views. http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa- 42461208?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5a784f8f281185064bc64b48%26Ethiopian%20opposition%20 politicians%20jailed%20for%20contempt%26&ns_fee=0#post_5a784f8f281185064bc64b48

5.2.2018 Ethiopia among lowest performers in Rule of Law Index . Eskedar Kifle, Capital According to the WJP Rule of Law Index, released by the World Justice Project (WJP), Ethiopia places 16th from 18 countries in the Sub- Saharan Africa Region and 10th out of 12 low income countries. The Index puts Ethiopia’s world raking at 107 from 113 countries. (…) The Index measures adherence to the rule of law in 113 countries worldwide based on more than 110,000 households and 3,000 expert surveys. Featuring primary data, the WJP Rule of Law Index measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice; Ethiopia’s ranking in all eight factors is low. (…) http://capitalethiopia.com/2018/02/05/ethiopia-among-lowest-performers-rule-law-index

4.2.2018 Hailemariam promotes army generals amid tension in the country . Ethiopia Observer Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn promoted military commanders on Friday in show of support for the army amid political tension in the country. The promotion comes amid accusations of heavy-handed approaches by the army to subdue public protests in the

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Oromia and Amhara regions. Hailemarim has promoted 40 senior officers to the rank of generals, 14 brigadier generals to major-generals, three major generals to lieutenant-generals, and four lieutenant generals to generals, Radio Fana reported. Three of the latter, Seare Mekonnen Yimer, Adem Mohammed and Berhanu Jula Gelelcha would double as deputies to General Samora Muhammad Yunis, the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), who is rumoured to be stepping down from his position soon. The appointment of three deputy Chief of Staff from three ethnic groups, Oromo, Amhara and Tigre is widely seen an effort to bring about a proportional representation of ethnic groups in the army brass. Abraham Woldemariam Genzebu, a Tigrayan close to Samora Yunis, is left out from the deputy role, some suspecting that he might be the one to replace the Chief of Staff. Abraham’s promotion is seen as controversial because his name is often associated in the displacements of half million people along the borders of the Oromia and Ethiopian Somali regional states in his role as head of the Eastern Defence Command of the ENDF. Geresu Tufa, an Amsterdam based Oromo activist said that Abraham is responsible for the atrocities committed by troops under his command, and that of president of Somali Regional State Abdi Mohamud Omar. Geresu said he should be charged for genocide, not given promotion. Hundreds have died in the protests and successive waves of repression in the last three years in the Oromia and Amhara regions. Analysts say the continuing disorder indicates a deep-rooted discontent with decades of rule by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. A month ago, Prime Minister Hailemariam promised to free political prisoners and shut a prison infamous for torture, a promise yet to be fully realised. However, security forces continued shooting, killing more than twenty in the past two weeks. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/02/04/hailemariam-promotes-army-generals-amid-tension-country

3.2.2018 15 dead in Woldia, surrounding clashes: Regional Gov’t . The Reporter The Amhara Regional State has disclosed today that the total number of people killed in clashes between the security forces and protesters in Northern Wollo towns has reached 15. This was announced in a statement released by the regional administration’s cabinet, today. The clash began following an allegation of politically charged songs sang by protesters to which the security forces replied and demonstration turning violent. Thirteen of the deceased are civilian residents of Woldia, Kobo and Mersa while the remaining two are members of the security. Convening its condolences for the lives lost, the regional administration stated that the cause of the conflict were the piled up democratic and constitutional demands of the people as well as associated grievances which were not properly addressed in the past years. The regional government also said that it is committed to carry out the needed work to redress the grievances. Restoration of peace and order to the mentioned areas is underway after discussing the issues with the residents and those suspected of causing damages to property are being brought before the court of law, the statement adds.Also denouncing the alleged disproportionate use of force by the security apparatus and the killing of protesters, the region vowed to undertake a high level investigation and they all will be hold those responsible to account, the statement read. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/15-dead-woldia-surrounding-clashes-regional-govt

2.2.2018 U.S. gave 28 day ultimatum to Ethiopia regime to allow UN rapporteurs . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News The United States on Wednesday gave a 28 day ultimatum to the Ethiopian regime to announce its consent to allow rapporteurs for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights investigate human rights violations in the country. House majority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R) said he communicated to the Ethiopian regime that they need to announce by February 28, 2018 that they will allow rapporteurs appointed by the United Nations to independently investigate the state of human rights in Ethiopia. According to the majority leader, if the regime fails to do so, House Resolution 128, a resolution supporting human rights in Ethiopia, will be put to the floor of the House for vote in March. “Should the government not announce by Feb. 28 that it will allow the UNHCHR to independently examine the state of human rights in Ethiopia, then we will bring the resolution to the floor during the month of of March. Furthermore, should the government announce it will allow access by the deadline but then not actually follow through and give the UN access, we will bring the resolution to the floor,” McCarthy said in a letter to Ethiopian civic and political groups whom he met on Monday. “There is no question this resolution has had and continues to have an impact. We are committed to the shared goal that the human rights of every Ethiopian should be respected, honored, and protested,” McCarthy added. The Ethiopian regime had repeatedly refused demands by the High Commissioner and other rights watchdogs for an independent investigation into the killings of hundreds of anti government protesters since November 2015 when protests began in the Oromo region of Ethiopia. By the regime’s own admission, over 900 people were killed in 2015 through 2017. There has been more deaths of protesters in 2018 and hundreds of others lost their lives in Eastern Ethiopia in a shoot to kill operation by the Special police force of the Somali region. The regime blames ethnic clashes between the Oromo and Somali communities for the deaths. On Monday, a meeting was held between representatives of Ethiopian civic and political groups with majority leader McCarthy, Rep. Chris Smith and Rep. Mike Coffman that deliberated on ways of moving forward House Resolution 128, a resolution supporting respect for human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia. Introduced in the House in February 2017 the resolution was scheduled to be on the House floor for a vote on October 2, 2017, but has been indefinitely postponed. Res. 128, among others, calls for sanctions against Ethiopian officials responsible for committing gross human rights violations. It also called for the regime to allow a United Nations rapporteur to conduct an independent examination of the state of human rights in Ethiopia. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/u-s-gave-28-day-ultimatum-ethiopia-regime-allow-un-rapporteurs 30

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018

1.2.2018 Prisoners from Amhara region used as laborers in salt fields in Afar . ESAT News According ESAT sourcers, it was not clear if the company, Yara International was aware that the laborers provided to it were prisoners. The source also said the prisoners, who work under the watchful eyes of security personnel, might have not received the meager payments payments regularly. The prisoners are said to come from North Wollo Zone and it was not clear if the regional administration had a hand in sending them to Afar, a region known for its unforgiving hot temperatures. Ninety percent of businessmen in the salt and brine salt business in Afar hail from Tigray, according to Afari Rights Watchdogs, while those local businessmen from Afar were made to dissipate. Yara International began its operation in November 2017 in Afar and is building a plant for processing potash and brine salt. https://ethsat.com/2018/02/ethiopia-prisoners-amhara-region-used-laborers-salt-fields-afar

31.1.2018 TPLF soldiers arrest hundreds of youth in Northern Ethiopia . ESAT News Soldiers for the TPLF regime known as Agazi have arrested hundreds of youth in Woldia and Mersa towns in Northern Ethiopia. The towns have recently been hit by anti-regime protests and TPLF soldiers responded killing dozens of people in Woldia, Mersa, Sirinka, Kobo towns and other nearby localities. ESAT sources said that TPLF soldiers have arrested about 300 people in Woldia and took them to a prison in Chifra in the Afar region. About 200 others were also rounded up in Mersa and were taken to the same prison in Afar. In Woldia, TPLF soldiers force detainees walk on their knees over cobblestones. They have also reportedly beaten residents including children and pregnant women. Schools, offices and businesses remained closed in the towns. Several highways remain closed and trucks transporting goods from Kobo to Tigray were seen accompanied by TPLF Agazi soldiers. The violence by TPLF soldiers in Northern Ethiopia began two weeks ago when they shot and killed 13 people at the annual religious festival of Epiphany in Woldia town. Several others were also killed in Mersa, Kobo and Sirinka towns. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-tplf-soldiers-arrest-hundreds-youth-northern-ethiopia

31.1.2018 Opinion: Demystifying the bold-move by the Oromia Regional State leadership vis a vis Ethiopia’s quest for a better tomorrow . Daniel Behailu (PhD), Addis Standard Ethiopia is in a chaotic state of facts for the last five years and in the last three years the chaos has grown into a different phase. There have been persistent resistance mainly in Oromia and Amhara and southern nations nationalities and people’s regional states against state led rights abuse, corruption and mal-administration. In some areas, protesters were openly chanting slogans such as ‘ yemengist leboch’ (government thieves ). There was no mistaking that the prime target of these protests is the ruling party, EPRDF [1] . throughout this, the party’s way of dealing with the crisis was mainly via leadership reshuffling, which it thinks would either confuse or diffuse the push for real change, accountability, rule of law and good governance. All in all, the movement has created a leadership turmoil and shakeups that EPRDF has never witnessed hitherto. Yet again, the protests have also created a leadership circle that seemed to have understood the magnitude of the crisis and try to face it head on. In Oromia, young and vibrate leaders have come to the fore front. Initially, President Lemma Megerssa (Pictured), and his team have been received with mixed feelings, but as days and months go by the doubt and mistrust seem to be losing momentum and popular confidence is building with Ethiopians openly expressing the ability and stature of Lemma Megerssa and his team. He has demonstrated up until now that he has what it takes to understand the magnitude of the crisis and tried to come up with negotiated settlements. He has taken public stand on the need to deal with corrupt and inefficient leaders, contraband dealers and respect for rule of law by the mighty power wielders of Ethiopian politics. However, the federal government seem to have been threatened; at the same time ‘inside network’ [2] groups taking the cover of the federal government and security forces keep wrecking havoc in the regions where the leaders are winning popular support. Now the issue is, where is this move taking the nation to? Is there a need to worry on the part of the federal government? Should it take this opportunity and weed out the ‘ inside network’ circle and work in collaboration with the regions to discharge the responsibility of the federal power? And, to what extent the regions also push the federal government and claim their sovereignty as per the constitutional boundaries? Could this be a hope or a despair? Will there be a politics of compromise or the historic course of politics of mutual destruction and hatred? In what is to follow, we will walk through these issues and debate the matter. The writing is simply intended to initiate a debate and bring out the issues for discussion and deliberation. (…) Der vollständige lange Artikel findet sich hier: http://addisstandard.com/opinion-demystifying-the-bold-move-by-the-oromia-regional-state-leadership-vis-a- vis-ethiopias-quest-for-a-better-tomorrow

30.1.2018 Amhara Regional State to pardon over 2900 prisoners. borkena.com Communication head of Amhara regional state, Nigusu Tilahun, announced that Amhara regional state resolved to pardon 2905 prisoners. The decision was passed today during the regional council meeting in Bahir Dar. The regional state media, Amhara Mass Media Agency, reported about it as well. The regional media also cited the Federal prosecutor to report that charges of 598 people in custody will be dropped but did not give details about major political figures included in the list of people to be released.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 It is unclear, from the news update of Amhara Communication Head and Amhara Mass Media Agency report, as to when the prisoners are going to be released. Lawyers of Colonel Demeke Zewdu, who was arrested in 2016 after resisting Tigray region security forces came to his residence during night time to detain him in connection with Wolkait issue, have proved in court that government evidence in support of the case against colonel Demeke Zewdu is wrong. Other political leaders like Mamushet Amare of All Ethiopian Unity Party and Andualem Arage are still languishing in prison. They were charged in connection with their political activity but the federal government, which many Ethiopians think is TPLF, charged them with terrorism charges. The ruling party passed the resolution to release political prisoners in order to broaden “democratic space” in the country but the Ethiopian government made headlines in major media outlets after prime minister Hailemariam Desalenge disowned his words that his government has decided to release political prisoners. Oromo regional state pardoned nearly three thousand prisoners last week and the Federal government has released prominent opposition leader Merera Gudina, chairman of Oromo Federalist Congress party, who was given a hero’s welcome in his hometown Ambo. The Ethiopian government has detained numerous journalists and Ethiopians with dissenting political views and the Federal government has not made it clear yet if it is releasing them all. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/30/amhara-regional-state-to-pardon-over-2900-prisoners

30.1.2018 Government acquits charges of 598 people in Amhara . Waltainfo The Federal Prosecutor has indicated that charges of 586 people is acquitted based on the recent decision of the government to do so for the creation of national consensus and widening the democratic space. Chief Federal Prosecutor, Getachew Ambaye, told Walta TV today that the charges are acquitted based on the decisions of both the federal and Amhara regional state administration. The people to be acquitted are 224 from North Gondar, 176 from Awi Zone, 107 from West Gojam Zone, 41 from East Gojam Zone, 17 from South Wolo Zone, 3 from North Wollo Zone, 14 from Oromia Special Zone, 13 from South Gondar Zone, 2 from Waghimra Zone, and one from North Shewa Zone. The suspects are expected to be released from custody after decision of the respective courts and taking reform training, he indicated. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=36754

30.1.2018 Federal Police reportedly attacking Gonder University students . borkena Federal police reportedly entered Gonder University and attacked students for resisting to sit for exams. At least three students are said to be in Gonder hospital and their condition is said to be life-threatening, according to activists’ report with a connection in the region. At this writing, the news is not reported by the regional Amhara Mass Media Agency or Federal government media outlets. More update will be published regarding the development in Gonder University as it becomes available. In another development, six residents of Gonder are killed yesterday due to electric shock accidents during a religious ceremony. Critics have blamed the city administration as they think that the lives of the victims could have been saved had the city administration acted in a timely manner with a sense of responsibility. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/30/gonder-university-attack-federal-police

30.1.2018 Seyoum Mesfin says TPLF is facing unprecedented danger . borkena.com Speaking in Tigrigna during TPLF’s latest meeting in Mekelle, one of close confidants of the late Meles Zenawi and long time Ethiopian foreign affairs minister Seyoum Mesfin openly told TPLF member that the party is facing unprecedented danger which need the party to act fast. Translation of the Tigragigna speech published on Ethiomedia seem to suggest that the TPLF is living a deep crisis. “Comrades, the danger ahead of us is very very worrisome. Before the sun set on us, we have to run, and run fast, to reverse the impending danger or our continuity is questionable,” reads a partial excerpt of his Tigrigna speech which is translated to Amharic by Ethiomedia editor, Abraha Belai. He added that it has been a long time since the party betrayed the people of Tigray, dashing the hope of peace,justice and democracy for which Tigreans sacrificed their children. “The people of Tigray, we betrayed long time ago, feels like killed twice” and alluded to the confusion of what direction to take. “Similarly, continued Seyom Mesfin, “the youth that was supposed to inherit our[TPLF’s]heritage is betrayed by its lead organization and confused as to what direction it should take”. He recommended that the organization should kill no more time to kneel down and beg for the apology of the people of Tigray and he warned “we have no time”. Although it is very hard to tell how his speech resonate with people in Tigray,theoretically and practically the political base of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), his speech is likely to trigger anger among the rest of Ethiopia. The rest of Ethiopia outside of Tigray has seen not only exploitation and repression but many families have lost loved ones because of TPLF’s chauvinistic and belligerent policy. Tigray has always been party of Ethiopia and no Tigreans,historically speaking, was a target of hate because of ethnic identity. Because of the image of Tigray that TPLF created over the last twenty plus years, attitude towards Tigray identity and an image of Tigray is transformed to a negative one. At a time when discontent about TPLF has reached to a breaking point, the organization still carries out killings in different parts of the country. And TPLF leaders have always tried to convince people in the rest of Ethiopia that there is no distinction between TPLF and the

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 people of Tigray. It is time for these leaders to change the narrative, own their own problems and leave power peacefully without causing irreversible chaos for Tigreans and the rest of Ethiopians. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/30/ethiopia-seyoum-mesfin-says-tplf-is-facing-unprecedented-danger

28.1.2018 Pictorial: Ambo crowd gives Dr. Merera Gudina a hero’s welcome . Addis Standard Today hundreds of thousands of people from Ambo, a city 125 km west of Addis Abeba, and its environs came to welcome veteran opposition party leader Dr. Merera Gudina. Dr. Merera, chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) was released from prison last week after spending more than a year a prison. Since then, he has been busy receiving jubilant supporters from all walks of life. But today, he went to his birth place, where he enjoys a massive support. His supporters came in droves from every vicinity of the city of Ambo. The program at the Ambo stadium lasted only few minutes. And Dr. Merera used the time to thank the people and the police for peacefully coordinating the massive turnout to welcome him. Die Fotos sind hier zu sehen: http://addisstandard.com/pictorial-ambo-crowd-gives-dr-merera-gudina-heros-welcome

27.1.2018 Protests spread in North Wollo towns, ten killed in Mersa . Ethiopia Observer Demonstrators in the Amhara region defied the threat of a security clampdown on Friday and Saturday as they spilled onto the streets of several towns. Thousands have demonstrated, opposing the killings of innocent people at Timket festival in Woldia and calling for an end to police beatings, with protests reported in Habru districts of Mersa, Robit, Gobiye, all of the towns crossed by the main all weather road from Addis Ababa to Mekele. In Mersa around 10 people were shot dead today, according to the town residents cited by Deutsch Welle Amharic service. Three of them were killed by Habru Woreda Justice Bureau head, who also injured three others, before being fatally shot himself in an ambush, the radio cited multiple sources. Thousands of security officials and defence force members were deployed to break up the protests. Mersa is a town known for its Saturday market located at 490 kilo meters North of Addis Ababa.In a another nearby town, Robit a person is reported to have been killed. Roughly 200 people have been arrested in Kobo town, according to other reports. Protesters attacked police stations, stoned government vehicles and offices and torched enterprises. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/01/27/protests-spread-north-wollo-towns-ten-killed-mersa

27.1.2018 At least eleven people, including a district court head, killed in Mersa, north Wello, as protests spread; residences, a local court, government offices and a police station burned down . Etenesh Aberra, Addis Standard At least eleven people “possibly more” were killed today in Mersa town, some 27 km before Weldiya, in north Wello zone of the Amhara regional state in northern Ethiopia. Several people were wounded and a local court, a police station, residences and a local administrative office were also burned down. Today’s protest was part of a continued anti-government protest following the killing of civilians in Weldiya city during a religious festival last week on Saturday. According to an audio record sent by a resident and was received by Addis Standard, anti-government protests erupted this morning when thousands of the town’s residents took to the streets in an area called “aware”; but then several more protests erupted in various parts of the town when security forces “shot and wounded a young man.” “The protesters were chanting anti-government slogans and slogans denouncing the killings in Weldiya and the arrest of hundreds of people from Kobo city yesterday”, the eye witness said in the audio. According to a latest information from another source in the city, at least eleven people were killed by security forces and several others were wounded. “This number is possibly more”. The wounded were taken to Dessie and Weldiya hospitals. As of now, a hybrid of federal and regional security forces are deployed throughout the town and in localities surrounding the town. “The protests have subsided but tension is still high,” our source said. Today’s protests followed yet another deadly protest in Kobo town between Tuesday and Friday . Yemiru Yifrashwa, a businessman who runs spare parts shop in Kobo told Addis Standard by phone yesterday that the protests in Kobo began peacefully on Tuesday when “thousands of the city’s residents took to the street to protest against the killings in Weldiya.” The harsh response from security forces triggered anger among many young people in the city,” he said, adding there were arbitrary arrests on Tuesday and Wednesday nights “when members of the federal army began searching for young people by going door-to-door; they have detained many of the city’s young people and took them God knows where.” According to the BBC Amharic, yesterday, more than 200 people were detained by security forces in Kobo city in post-protest crackdown yesterday. “The arrests were partly what triggered today’s protest in Mersa,” the eye witness in the audio received by Addis Standard said. DW Amharic also reported today that residents and government offices, including a local administrative office, were burned down. Furthermore, inmates have escaped from a local police station. Quoting a source, DW said that protesters have accused the Habru district court head of wounding by a fire arm three civilians. The head of the court was killed by residents in an apparent retaliation; his house was also set on fire, the portal reported. In a televised message through the Amhara region TV station on Thursday, Gedu Andargachew, president of the region also admitted the death of civilians and property damages both in Weldiya and Kobo. The president blamed it on the regional state’s failure to deliver on its mandates, which led to “piles of grievances.” “This is ANDM’s problem,” he said referring to the party governing the region. “The result of

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 this conflict is loss of lives, property damages and hindrance on civilians from pursuing a peaceful life.” He promised that the party will work closely with religious leaders, elders and rank and file administrative members if the region to “restore peace.” http://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-eleven-people-including-a-district-court-head-killed-in-mersa-north-wello-as-protests-spread-residences-a-local- court-government-offices-and-a-police-station-burned-down

26.1.2018 Ethiopia 'pardons 2,000 prisoners' jailed over Oromo protests . Jason Burke, The Guardian Hundreds have died in the protests and successive waves of repression since 2015 More than 2,000 prisoners jailed for involvement in unrest that gripped Ethiopia between 2015-2016 have been pardoned, officials said on Friday. The release is the latest of several in recent weeks, as authorities make efforts to calm continuing unrest since mass protests broke out in the Oromo region - dominated by the Oromo ethnic group - over accusations of land grabbing two years ago. Hundreds have died in the protests and successive waves of repression. Analysts say the continuing disorder indicates a deep-rooted discontent with decades of rule by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. There have also been demonstrations and clashes in parts of the east African country dominated by the Amhara group. (…) On Friday, top officials in the Oromo region announced that 2,345 inmates had been pardoned, of whom 1,568 had already been convicted and sentenced. Earlier Merera Gudina, an opposition leader who was arrested in December 2016 on his return from Brussels where he had addressed members of the European parliament on the violence in Oromiya, was freed alongside 114 other inmates. The government in Addis Ababa has long been accused by rights groups of using security concerns as an excuse to stifle dissent and media freedoms. It denies the charges. Last week the United Nations urged Ethiopia to review the status of a “large number of people” still behind bars. Nineteen people linked to a group known as Ginbot 7, considered “terrorists” by Ethiopian authorities, were recently sentenced to lengthy prison terms. UN human rights spokesperson Liz Throssell said the Addis Ababa government should review anti-terror legislation and laws “to ensure that they are neither interpreted nor implemented too broadly, thereby resulting in people being arbitrarily or wrongfully detained”. Laws placing undue restrictions on non-governmental organisations and restricting the media should also be revised, Throssell told a news conference in Geneva earlier this week. (…) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/26/ethiopia-pardons-2000-prisoners-jailed-over-oromo-protests

26.1.2018 Bishop thinks Woldia killings were premeditated . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News A deputy bishop for a diocese in Northern Ethiopia says he thinks the Epiphany day killings in Woldia town last week were premeditated. The deputy bishop, Abun Ermias told Hara Tewahido, a religious website, that the office of the diocese has specifically informed the local authorities that security forces should not be deployed to the religious ceremony last Saturday. He said they told the authorities that the church would take care of the security and order during the Epiphany. The father blames security forces for the loss of lives. At least 13 people were shot and killed when TPLF soldiers rained bullets on a crowd of Epiphany goers who allegedly chanted anti-TPLF slogans at the conclusion of the annual religious festival. Among them is a nine-year old, Yosef Eshetu, who was murdered by TPLF soldiers while he was on his way to the religious reenactment of the baptism of Jesus. Father Ermias said the church does not believe the youth did anything wrong on that fateful day. “The youth were just angry at the sight of the security forces on their religious day. They might have hurled insults at the soldiers or some might have thrown stones. But the response from the soldiers was fire,” he told Hara Tewahido. “It looks like they just came to shoot at people.” “So many were killed and injured. We still don’t know how many,” Father Ermias said. Even priests carrying the the replica of the Arc of the Covenant in the religious procession were attacked with gas canisters and were able to complete the procession with the help of other priests, according to father Ermias. “We don’t know why they (the soldiers) came to a religious ceremony. And it looks like they came to kill. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-bishop-thinks-woldia-killings-premeditated

26.1.2018 Ethiopia's Oromo leader meets German envoy over political developments . Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, africanews.com Barely two weeks after criminal charges against him were dropped and he was released from prison, Dr. Merera Gudina, a leading opposition member in Ethiopia has hit the ground running. Gudina, leader of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) has been talking and acting politically since his release from jail on January 17, 2018. The German Embassy in Addis Ababa shared photos of Gudina meeting with the Ambassador on Thursday January 25. “Both had a fruitful discussion about current political developments in Ethiopia. “The Ambassador expressed Germany’s relief about Dr Merera’s release. She also expressed Germany’s gratitude for his relentless and peaceful commitment to fostering Ethiopia’s democracy. “Dr Merera thanked the Ambassador for the continuous support that Germany has rendered to his case. He encouraged Germany to continue its contributions to finding a lasting solution to the political challenges of the country,” the Embassy’s social media handle said. Local media showed him at the offices of the OFC with other leaders of the party.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Gudina, an academic and former lawmaker, became a central figure around anti-government sentiments. He was arrested in December 2016 after he returned home from an European tour where he addressed the EU parliament over political events back home. The government said he was arrested for flouting a state of emergency provision by meeting anti-government elements on his tour. His initial terrorism charge was downgraded to multiple criminal charges last year. Addis Ababa released him after the ruling EPRDF coalition decided early January 2018 to drop charges against some category of politician detainees as a means of fostering national unity. Gudina and about 500 others were released on January 17, 2018. He has since stressed that until the government engages in meaningful dialogue with the main opposition parties, it was just a matter of time before a new round of protests break out. http://www.africanews.com/2018/01/26/ethiopia-s-oromo-leader-meets-german-envoy-over-political-developments

24.1.2018 EPRDF agrees to amend anti-terrorism proclamation . Yeshambel Beamlaku, Waltainfo The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the national political parties agreed to make amendments on some articles of the anti-terrorism proclamation. The political parties have discussed on anti-terrorism proclamation for the 5 th consecutive round today. The opposition parties argued that some articles contradict with the constitution, violate human rights and shutter political space for peaceful struggle; on the other hand, the ruling party, EPRDF underlined that the proclamation never contradicts with either the constitution or any of the international laws and conventions that Ethiopia has adopted so far. It was noted that the responsibility entrusted to police while believing that a possible terrorist act may occur; the police are entrusted to gather information and evidence and arrest suspects without a court order; it leaves a space for police forces to exercise unlimited power are some of the articles proposed by the opposition parties for possible amendments. In addition, they mentioned the omission of an article that allows the gathering of information through intercepting or conducting surveillance on telephone calls and internet, stating that it violates individual rights. It was noted that the Ethiopian Raey Party (ERAPA) has resigned from the national political parties negotiations ahead of the agreement made by the parties on the amendments of anti-terrorism proclamations. Walta has learnt EPRDF expected to present the amended anti- terrorism proclamations during the next national political parties negotiations. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=2

24.1.2018 ERP drops out of negotiations with EPRDF . Neamin Ashenafi, The Reporter The Ethiopian Raey Party (ERP) has announced to have dropped out of the ongoing political parties’ negotiation with the incumbent EPRDF after yearlong negotiations. This was known today at the fifth day of the negotiation being carried out on the infamous anti- terrorism proclamation. “Because of lack of acceptance to our proposals throughout the negotiations we have carried out since the beginning, ERP has dropped out of the negotiation,” the parties representative announced stating that no representative of the party will attend the negotiations from now on. ERP also stated that the total abandonment of the anti-terrorism proclamation is imminent. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/erp-drops-out-negotiations-eprdf

24.1.2018 Ethiopian opposition leader calls for dialogue . enca.com, AFP Ethiopia's government needs to hold negotiations with the country's most-popular opposition parties or risk the return of destabilising protests, veteran dissident Merera Gudina said in an interview, days after leaving prison. A cause celebre for opponents of Ethiopia's government during his time behind bars, Merera is the only prominent opposition politician to be freed since Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced earlier this month that his administration would release an unspecified number of the many dissidents jailed in the country. The announcement came amid continuing anti-government unrest in Ethiopia despite authorities ending a 10-month state of emergency last year and ongoing dialogue between the government and some opposition groups. In an interview with AFP on Tuesday, Merera said the dialogue holds little promise because the opposition parties involved are unpopular, while the prime minister's goal for the prisoner amnesty to "improve the national consensus and widen the democratic platform" will not be met if more prisoners are not released. "I think [for] the ruling party, it is time to rethink, and stop these piecemeal things and lead this country to a real national dialogue and a national consensus. That's the only way out," Merera, 61, who chairs the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, said at his home in the town of Burayu west of the capital Addis Ababa. Merera was detained in December 2016 shortly after the state of emergency declaration, which followed months of anti-government protests. Hundreds died and tens of thousands were arrested. (…) Outside of our control Protests have continued since the August 2017 expiry of the emergency decree, and the prisoner amnesty along with the government's assurance that more detainees will soon be released is widely seen as an attempt to temper the discontent. "Millions of youth are outside of our control. If we don't present something real to them, again they can go out of control," said Merera, who is Oromo. While he was charged with an array of offences, Merera believes his arrest was an attempt to sap the morale of the protesters and sow disunity among the country's opposition parties. He said he considered retiring from politics after spending more than a year incarcerated during his trial, but decided against it after the reception he received from supporters upon his release.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 "A country of 100 million, is too big, too big for one group. That is clear to everybody, I think including to them, those who lead us," Merera said. "Really, controlling state power should not be the end of the world. They should see life after that." http://www.enca.com/africa/ethiopian-opposition-leader-calls-for-dialogue

24.1.2018 6 arrested for inciting unrest at Ethiopian religious festival . Xinhua Police in Arba Minch city in Ethiopia's Southern regional state said Wednesday six people were arrested over a deadly clash at a religious festival. Beta Anjelu, Coordinator at Gamo Gofa Zone Command Post of Southern regional state, said the six are suspected of trying to incite riot at Epiphany Celebrations last week. (…) Anjelu said police are looking for four more suspects. News of the arrests came after a clash involving protestors and police in Woldiya city, in northern Amhara regional state, left seven dead. Six of the dead were civilians and one was a security officer, while two other officers and 15 civilians were injured. (…) http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/24/c_136921548.htm

23.1.2018 Three killed for lowering flag at half-mast to mourn death of compatriots . ESAT News TPLF security forces shot and killed three people in Alem Tena, East Shewa today while holding a sit in protest at a flagpole to mourn the death of protesters in Woldia and Moyale in the weekend. The deceased had lowered the flag to a half-mast to mourn the death of protesters this weekend. Security forces put the flag back to full-mast at which point the protesters held a sit in protest. According to information obtained from Oromo activists, the forces shot and killed the three people execution style. The killing has sparked angry protests by residents in Meki and other nearby towns. The local UN office in Ethiopia also said in an alert to its staff that violent protests have been reported in Alem Tena. The office also said the main highway between Mojo and Awassa has been blocked by security forces. Protests were also held in Mendi, Wollega at a burial of a young man shot and killed yesterday by security forces. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-three-killed-lowering-flag-half-mast-mourn-death-compatriots

23.1.2018 UNHRC Condemns Gov’t for the Woldia Epiphany Festival mishap . Dawit Endeshaw, The Reporter United Nation High Commission for Human Rights (UNCHR) condemned the recent incident in Woldia, North Wello Zone which claimed the lives of six civilians and one security officer. The Commission in its statements issued today, January 23, 2018, called the tragedy regrettable. “We are extremely concerned by the use of force by security officials against worshippers celebrating the Ethiopian Orthodox festival of Epiphany this weekend that left at least seven people dead and a number [of worshippers] injured,” reads the statement. Further, the commission stated that the incident “reportedly took place when the security forces tried to stop people from chanting anti- government songs and allegedly opened fire on them. Protesters reportedly later blocked roads and destroyed a number of properties.” “This incident is all the more regrettable, as it comes just two weeks after Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, officially announced its intention to undertake reforms,” the statement lamented. Finally the commission called for independent and impartial investigation of the incident and insisted on ensuring that those responsible of the violation to be accountable. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/unhcr-condemns-govt-woldia-epiphany-festival-mishap

22.1.2018 Death toll on rise in Woldia killings . ESAT News The death toll in Woldia town reached 13 as two people were shot and killed on Monday by TPLF security forces. Residents of the town were returning from the burial of some of the deceased on Monday and were chanting slogans denouncing the regime when the forces opened fire. At least two people who were taken to the hospital after Saturday’s shooting have died, according to sources. Several people were also brutally beaten by the security forces and some have been taken to the local hospital. Protests have continued for the third day in Woldia with the youth demanding the TPLF forces to leave the town. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-death-toll-rise-woldia-killings

22.1.2018 Woldia massacre: Ethiopian security forces kill a dozen, turning a holiday procession into nightmare . Zecharias Zelalem, Opride.com Ethiopian security forces on Saturday killed nearly a dozen people and wounded many others turning a time honored holiday gathering into a nightmare. It’s becoming an all too familiar storyline in Ethiopia: A religious festival that was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a scene of carnage by the security forces’ disproportionate use of force to dispense crowd. The Woldia massacre, in the Wollo district of the Amhara state, took place on the second day of the Ethiopian Epiphany or “Timket” celebration. Reliable casualty figures are hard to come by amid an internet blackout in the city and surrounding areas, but local reports indicate that federal forces fired live ammunition on unarmed civilians, who chanted anti-government slogans. The death toll is expected to amid rise reports that many are being treated for critical injuries at the Woldia City General Hospital. (…) On Saturday, the youth in Woldia who turned out in droves were as vociferous and exuberant as they always are on this day, according to eyewitness reports. Political tension has been high in the area in recent months so security was apparently beefed up to ensure that the occasion would not become an opportunity to voice the collective resentment of the region’s people.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Activists allege that yesterday’s calamity came as a result of retaliatory action by federal security forces against celebrating youth, who chanted political slogans condemning the Ethiopian government. Some protesters reportedly hurled stones at local police officers before the army started shooting at the crowd but none of the demonstrators were armed. Security forces are said to have warned the youth to stop chanting anti-government slogans before unleashing bullets on those who defied the orders. According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Deutsche Welle, the crackdown lasted for hours, with sounds of intermittent gunshots running from 3pm to 6pm local time. The city’s residents also reported seeing troops putting up blockades and restricting the movement of people. A nurse at the Woldia Hospital told Addis Standard that at least 18 people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The city remains militarized. The thousands who left their homes to witness the traditional sending off of the St. Michael “Tabot” may have been stranded as the military set up checkpoints around Woldia. (…) The outbreak of fresh protests on January 20 in Woldia is almost certainly a result of simmering tensions and growing resentment felt among residents because the repression across the region in recent years. In a statement posted on Facebook, Amhara State Communications Affairs head Nigussu Tilahun said a “clash” between local youth and security forces have resulted in the loss of lives. He offered no details or casualty figures, but pledged to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killing of innocent people. On Sunday, Amhara State President Gedu Andargachew made a surprise visit to Woldia and met with residents and community representatives. He stated that the responsibility of keeping the streets of Woldia safe wasn’t just that of security forces but also “requires the cooperation of everyone in society.” In a telephone interview with the State-run EBC, although he never explicitly strayed from the narrative of a “clash between security forces and festival goers,” he noted “in tragic incidents such as what happened (in Woldia on Saturday), the ones who often suffer the most are innocent civilians. The ringleaders who stay in the background and egg others on to commit acts of violence are rarely harmed.” It isn’t clear who he was referring to. Later, it was reported that everyone who was detained during the chaos was freed after Gedu personally intervened on behalf of their loved ones and community elders. Meanwhile, Amare Goshu, police chief of the North Wollo zone that encompasses the Woldia municipality, gave a highly conflicting statement to EBC. He corroborated the claims that no more than seven had died in the incident, without pointing a finger at anyone. He then went on to declare that his men have regained control of the city and are working alongside religious and community leaders to address concerns of worried residents. At the same time, he claimed that youths had laid siege to the city, rioting and damaging property, and that the local police was working to subdue those who sought to wreak havoc in the city. Despite the deaths and destruction on the heels of a very important day in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar, there have been no public statements or messages of condolences by anyone affiliated to the Church’s governing body or the Patriarch Abune Mathias. No church officials have made themselves available for comment although victims were worshippers and its members who organized mass celebrations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is also yet to make a statement on the tragedy. https://www.opride.com/2018/01/22/woldia-massacre-ethiopian-security-forces-kill-dozen-turning-holiday-procession-nightmare

22.1.2018 Tote bei Unruhen in Äthiopien . ZEIT ONLINE, AP, mib Wenige Tage nach der Freilassung von Oppositionspolitikern ist es erneut zu gewaltsamen Protesten in Äthiopien gekommen. Mindestens sieben Demonstranten starben. Bei Unruhen in Äthiopien sind am Wochenende mindestens sieben Menschen gestorben. Offenbar begannen die Auseinandersetzungen, als junge Männer am Rande des christlichen Timkat-Festes am Samstag in der Region Amhara die Polizei angriffen. Augenzeugen berichteten, die Sicherheitskräfte hätten auf steinewerfende Demonstranten geschossen. Bis Sonntagmittag seien Schüsse zu hören gewesen, berichteten Augenzeugen. Hotels, Restaurants und Geschäfte seien von aufgebrachten Demonstranten in Brand gesteckt worden. (…) http://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2018-01/unruhen-aethopien-opposition

22.1.2018 TPLF removed Azeb Mesfin as EFFORT CEO . borkena.com In what said to be a manifestation of defeat of Abay Woldu faction within TPLF, Meles Zenawi’s widow Azeb Mesfin is removed as head of EFFORT investments – the ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front business conglomerate with virtual monopolistic status in the country. The giant TPLF parastatal is worth well over $6 billion. Azeb Mesfin was also removed from the nine member executive committee of TPLF when the party concluded months long internal evaluation in December of 2017. Abay Woldu, who was chairman of TPLF and president of Tigray regional state, was also removed from the executive committee of the TPLF on grounds of incompetence only to be appointed as Ethiopia’s Ambassador in London. (…)

21.1.2018 Detainees over Woldia’s Epiphany clash released . Dawit Endeshaw , The Reporter All detainees in relation to the two-day Epiphany Festival conflict of Woldia Town, located in Northern Wolo Zone of the Amhara Regional State, have been released today, The Reporter learnt. After a meeting between the Amhara region president Gedu Andargachew and religious leaders, youth representatives and the elders of Woldia Town, all of those detained in relation to clash were released from prison, the zone’s security head Aderaw Tsedalu told The Reporter . “The detainees were released up on the request of the youth representatives in the meeting with the President,” he said. Aderaw also added that the youth were given the freedom to express themselves in the meeting and the situation in the town has now improved.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Regarding the damages, however, the security head said that further investigation is underway to identify the number of the dead as well as injured and the damages to property. The exact number of the detainees was not revealed by security as well. Nevertheless, the zone’s police department head Commander Amare Goshu’s, on his statement to the regional broadcaster, Amhara Television, confirmed earlier that seven people were reported to have died in the clash while at least 15 civilians and security officers also sustained injuries. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/detainees-over-woldias-epiphany-clash-released

21.1.2018 14 year-old among seven killed as TPLF forces shot at Epiphany goers . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News At least seven people were killed on Saturday in Woldia town in northern Ethiopia as TPLF security forces shot live fire at people gathered to celebrate the annual Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany. The youth in Woldia, known for their strong display of defiance against the TPLF, were chanting songs denouncing the regime when the forces rained bullets on them on one of the holiest days for the Orthodox christians on Saturday. Several people have reportedly been taken to the hospital sustaining gunshot wounds, some with serious injuries. Police commander for the North Wollo Zone confirmed to the regional TV that six people were shot and killed by security forces. Amare Goshu said one member of the force was among the dead. He said two members of police sustained serious injuries and added that at least 15 people were injured in total. He blamed the protesters for starting the violence saying they had attacked security forces with stones and the forces responded with live bullets. Gruesome pictures of the dead were shared instantly on social media. Burial ceremonies on Sunday turned violent as angry protesters attacked and set ablaze a number of businesses owned by regime affiliates. Hotels and restaurants providing services to TPLF security were targeted. Roads leading in and out of the town remain shut on Sunday, according to sources who also said students of Woldia University were prevented from leaving their campus to join residents in the protest. Gunfire could be heard most of Sunday in the town that has seen one of the deadliest weekend in recent months. Anti-regime protests at the Woldia University turned deadly last month when security forces shot and killed four students. The students were denouncing the killing of two students from the Amhara region at the Adigrat University in Tigray. Soccer fans in the town also responded with attacking TPLF affiliate businesses last month after fans from a Tigray soccer club hurled ethnic rant and slur. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-14-year-old-among-seven-killed-tplf-forces-shot-epiphany-goers

20.1.2018 Ethiopia must rework anti-terror laws, free more detainees - U.N. Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, africanews The United Nations has welcomed the positive political moves undertaken by the Ethiopian government after it released a number of detained politicians earlier this week. The U.N. however said there was more to be done in the area of freeing more more detainees and the need to rework anti-terror laws and other legislations that unduly targeted the media and activists. According to a U.N. human rights spokesperson, Liz Throssell, Ethiopia was at a critical juncture and the U.N. was ready to offer help in any way. “We do think that Ethiopia is at a key moment and that’s why we are saying that we stand ready to help Ethiopia,” Throssell said. “These are positive developments. We urge the government to continue to take steps to release individuals detained for expressing their political views,” Throssell added. The government announced in early January that it was set to discontinue cases against some political detainees and to release them as a means of fostering national unity. Of the over 100 released this week, Merera Gudina, a former lawmaker was the highest profile personality. Gudina, leader of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) was arrested in late 2016 and spent over 400 days before his release. Gudina was charged with terrorism before it was downgraded to multiple criminal charges. He is said to have met anti- government forces during a trip to Brussels. He denied the charges during his trial and reiterated his stance after release. He has said he is ready for dialogue with the government. http://www.africanews.com/2018/01/20/ethiopia-must-rework-anti-terror-laws-free-more-detainees-un

18.1.2018 Statement by the EU Spokesperson on recent political developments in Ethiopia . Delegation of the European Union to Ethiopia The release from prison of political leaders and activists in Ethiopia, including Dr. Merera Gudina, and the decision of the Ethiopian Government to assign a Task Force to look into the possible extension of the measure to additional individuals, are important steps in widening political space in Ethiopia. In this context the announcement of the closure of the Maekelawi detention centre is another positive development. Freedom of expression and right to assembly are crucial components of a democratic society. Within the framework of the EU Ethiopia Strategic Engagement, the EU continues to encourage the Government to address the grievances raised by the protestors, notably through an inclusive and constructive dialogue with the opposition and civil society. The revision of the relevant legislative frameworks, such as the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and the Electoral Law, are also essential elements of the reform process. https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ethiopia/38399/statement-spokesperson-recent-political-developments-ethiopia_en

18.1.2018 EPRDF Agrees to Amend Articles in Anti-terrorism Proclamation . ENA The ruling party EPRDF has agreed the amendment of some articles and inclusion of one article in the Anti-terrorism Proclamation and rejected the inclusion of five new articles during the negotiations it held today with 15 national political parties. The articles related to terroristic acts and the punishments can be revised, though it is relatively milder than those of other countries, the party said. It also 38

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 agreed that the article which allows police to arrest without court warrant be amended with the idea that arrest can be made without warrant in the presence of imminent danger. The party reminded the opposition that a new proclamation on defining the use of necessary and reasonable force is underway. The Criminal Code is under revision too. With respect to introducing new articles to the proclamation, the ruling party has accepted the inclusion of an article that allows compensation for detained alleged suspects found innocent. Describing the Anti-terrorism Proclamation as “a proclamation that neither contradicts with the Constitution nor narrows the human and democratic rights of citizens”, EPRDF opposed the other proposed ideas on the proclamation. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4174-eprdf-agrees-to-amend-articles-in-anti-terrorism-proclamation

18.1.2018 Ruling party holding secret talks with ONLF . Ethiopia Observer Ethiopia’s government is holding secret negotiations with the Ogaden National Liberation Front, an outlawed separatist group, Ethiopia Observer learnt. As the ruling party’s internal vulnerabilities has increased due to home grown protests, the regime has made the secret approach for talk on the status of the contested Ogaden region with ONLF that it has once labelled as a terrorist organization. The framework for negotiations was agreed during initial meeting a month ago in Dubai and the principal meeting is due in the coming weeks in Nairobi, according to the sources. The ruling party was represented at the talks by General Gabre, the commander of the Ethiopian military forces in Somalia, Abdi Mohamoud Omar, president of Somalia regional government, and the ONLF delegation was led by Abdirahman Mahdi, ONLF head of foreign affairs. Founded in the early 1980s, the ONLF aims to create an independent state in Ethiopia’s southeastern Ogaden territory, which is mainly inhabited by ethnic Somalis. In 2011, Addis Ababa labelled ONLF a terrorist organization, alongside al-Shabab and al-Qaida. Abdikarim Sheikh Muse, a top member of ONLF, was handed over to Ethiopian authorities on August 28, 2017 after he was detained by Somali security forces in the central Somali town of Galkayo. Repeated attempts for peace talks in the past have failed, including a high-profile meeting hosted by Kenya’s government on October 2012. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/01/18/ruling-party-holding-secret-talks-with-onlf

17.1.2018 Merera Gudina calls for release of all political prisoners as he walks free . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News A day after spokesperson for the Ethiopian regime, Negeri Lencho, says the release of a prominent opposition leader would be decided after two months, Merera Gudina, along with over a hundred other prisoners of conscience, has been freed today after fourteen months of detention. A number of other leading opposition figures and journalists as well as thousands of other prisoners of conscience still remain in jail. Bekele Gerba, Andargachew Tsege, Andualem Aragie, Eskinder Nega, Woubshet Taye and Nigist Yirga are to name only a few. State television paraded the 115 prisoners as they were being handed out certificates after completing a two day “training” before they had secured their freedom. Speaking to reporters of ruling party media, Merera called on the regime to release all political prisoners. He also called for negotiations by all parties and stakeholders to work towards the creation of a democratic country. A week ago, prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced leaders of political parties would be released to “widen the political space” and “bring about national consensus.” But his office backtracked and said the premier was not in anyway indicating that the country holds political prisoners. With conflicting statements coming from the regime spokesperson, the prosecutor general and officials within the TPLF, the fate of hundreds of other prisoners of conscience remain unclear. Merera was arrested at the airport in Addis Ababa in November 2016 as he arrived from Europe. Dr. Merara Gudina, Chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, was in Brussels where he and Berhanu Nega, also a leader of the opposition Patriotic Ginbot 7, testified at the European Parliament on political crises in Ethiopia and the gross human rights violations being perpetrated against ordinary Ethiopians by the TPLF. Gudina was accused of trespassing the then state of emergency by having contact with opposition groups abroad that the regime outlawed and labelled “terrorists.” The TPLF regime routinely labels opposition party members and independent journalists as “terrorists” and uses the draconian Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to prosecute dissidents. “The release of opposition politician Merera Gudina and hundreds of other detainees in Ethiopia today must only be a first step towards freedom for all prisoners of conscience, in the east African country,” Amnesty International said today. “Hundreds of prisoners of conscience continue to languish in jail, accused or prosecuted for legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression or simply for standing up for human rights,” said Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa. “The Ethiopian authorities must now immediately and unconditionally release all remaining prisoners of conscience, including those who have already been convicted, as they did nothing wrong and should never have been arrested in the first place. To continue holding them is to perpetuate the gross injustice that they have already bravely endured for too long.” https://ethsat.com/2018/01/merera-gudina-calls-release-political-prisoners-walks-free

17.1.2018 The dismissed president of Tigray region appointed as an ambassador . Ethiopia Observer The recently dismissed Tigray People’s Liberation Front chairman (TPLF) and president of the region, Abay Woldu is assigned to diplomatic post, in an appointment that is causing a stir. Abay Woldu, president of the Tigray region since 2010 and president of TPLF since 2012, has been removed from his post, stripped of his chairmanship and executive member position a month ago, accused of gross inefficiency and incompetency. However, in startling move, Abay has been awarded an ambassador job, according to the state media, Radio Fana, though it did not say to which country he has been designated. “In Ethiopia, picking someone with no diplomatic experience to be an ambassador is not unusual, but awarding such post to someone that has been demoted is incomprehensible,” a retired career 39

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 diplomat said. A political commentator, Gizaw Legesse reacted saying that how on earth someone found incompetent to run his region could represent his country. “I get discouraged when I observe our unjustified optimism about TPLF,” he wrote. A pro-government blogger said there is no surprise here, even though the party had issues with him, he is someone who has served faithfully the party for several decades. Abay joined the liberation front in the late 1970s and has served as member of the executive committees of the ruling collation and TPLF since 2000. He has served as TPLF deputy for several years until his election as president in 2012, after the death of Meles Zenawi. Abay’s wife, former TPLF fighter, Tirfu Kidanemariam Gebrehiwet is Ethiopian ambassador to Australia. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/01/17/the-dismissed-president-of-tigray-region-appointed-as-an-ambassador

16.1.2018 Gov't Fulfilling Pledges to Address Public Grievances: GCAO . ENA The government has started implementing the promise it made to the public in the resolutions passed by the Executive Committee of EPRDF, according to the Government Communication Affairs Office. In a press conference he gave today, Government Communication Affairs Minister Dr. Negeri Lencho said measures are being taken by the government to restore peace and stability in the country and to widen the political landscape. According to him, charges against over 500 suspects were dropped and measures are being taken to pardon some prisoners, including political party members, who were sentenced for the crimes they committed in accordance with the constitution. The Minister stated that the federal government is working with regional governments and other stakeholders to rehabilitate the displaced from Oromia and Somali regional states. Currently, preparations have been completed to rehabilitate over 86,000 displaced people in Oromia Regional State on the basis of their preferences, he added. The displaced will be given houses, and the areas of employments they will be engaged in is identified, it was learned. Those who chose to go back to their original homesteads will be repatriated, Dr. Negeri said. He further pointed out that unrest in some public universities has been put under control and academic peace restored. The Minister said the federal police will continue to investigate any kind of trespassing of the law by everyone irrespective of age, and has no cause to attack the youth. Dr. Negeri noted that the country will continue strengthening its strategic relationship with foreign countries, neighboring countries in particular. He further added that the official visit of Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn to Egypt will cement the multi-faceted relations between the two countries. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4159-gov-t-fulfilling-pledges-to-address-public-grievances-gcao

15.1.2018 Charges on 528 Detainees Dropped . ENA Charges on 528 detainees suspected of trespassing the law of the country by taking part in conflicts have already dropped, the Federal Attorney General disclosed. Getachew Ambaye, the Attorney General said the detainees whose charges are dropped will be released on Wednesday after going through a two-day rehabilitation training. Detainees who are not suspected of murder, inflict severe bodily injuries, involve in destruction of infrastructures and did not try to oust constitutional order by force are eligible to the termination of charges. Of the total cases terminated, 413 are from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples regional state who were apprehended while taking part in the clashes occurred in Gedeo and Konso woredas, while the remaining are from the federal level. According to Getachew, dropping of such cases is the short-term plan of the task force established to resolve problems in justice area. The task force is working to amend the over 50 years old Criminal Code, and Commercial Code as well as introduce a new proclamation on the use of proportional power in its medium-term plan. According to Getachew, building a strong justice system that would comply with the development of the country has incorporated in the long-term plan. Through these consecutive activities, the public’s growing demand for good governance, fairness, and quick judiciary services will be maintained, he added. Noting that dropping cases will be continued, Getachew said that this in no way of trespassing legal procedures rather helps maintaining the rule of law. “Ensuring rule of law will never be tabled for negotiation” the Attorney General stressed. Getachew noted that identifying cases which would be eligible to the same treatment in other regional states will be made through the task force. The decision to drop cases of detainees suspected of trespassing the law came following the direction by the Executive Committee of EPRDF to widen the political space. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4156-charges-on-528-detainees-dropped

15.1.2018 Ethiopia to free opposition leader, others jailed for involvement in unrest . Aaron Maasho, Reuters Ethiopian authorities have dropped charges against a senior opposition leader and hundreds of others who had been jailed for involvement in unrest that gripped the country in 2015 and 2016, the country’s attorney general said on Monday. Hundreds have been killed in violence in the Horn of Africa country since protests first erupted in its central Oromiya province over allegations of land grabs. Several dissident politicians have since been jailed having been charged with involvement in terrorism and collusion with the secessionist Oromo Liberation Front, which the government has branded a terrorist group. Facing mounting unrest, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced earlier this month that jailed politicians would be released and those facing trial would have their cases dismissed in a bid to foster reconciliation. On Monday, Attorney General Getachew Ambaye told journalists that 528 people had so far been selected for clemency, including Merera Gudina - leader of the opposition group Oromo

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Federalist Congress who was arrested in late 2015. Getachew said criteria for their selection involved taking into account proof that the suspects did not take part in actions that led to killings and severe injury, damaging infrastructure, and “conspiracy to dismantle the constitutional order by force”. “All 528 will be released within two months,” he said. Merera was arrested after a trip to Brussels to meet members of the European Parliament, and formally charged with attempting to “dismantle or disrupt social, economic and political activity”. He was also accused of backing a secessionist group Addis Ababa labels a terrorist movement, as well as flouting guidelines on a state of emergency that was imposed for nine months during his trip to Belgium. Nearly 700 people died in one bout of unrest during months of protests in 2015 and 2016, according to a parliament-mandated investigation. Rallies over land rights broadened into demonstrations over political restrictions and perceived rights abuses, before spreading into the northern Amhara region and - to a smaller extent - in its SNNP province in the south. In recent months, a spate of ethnic clashes have also taken place. Dozens of people were killed in several bouts of violence between ethnic Oromos and Somalis in the Oromiya region last year. Hailemariam made his announcement after the ruling EPRDF coalition concluded a weeks-long meeting meant to thrash out policies to address grievances. The unrest had triggered growing friction within the party. Some high-ranking members had subsequently submitted their resignation, while officials have openly squabbled with each other over the cause of clashes. Getachew said more pardons and releases are set to follow. Ethiopia, sandwiched between volatile Somalia and Sudan, is often accused by rights groups of using security concerns as an excuse to stifle dissent and media freedoms. It denies the charge. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-politics/ethiopia-to-free-opposition-leader-others-jailed-for-involvement-in-unrest-idUSKBN1F41V5

12.1.2018 Erneut 13 Regimekritiker zu Haftstrafen verurteilt . GfbV / epo.de Trotz der angekündigten Freilassung politischer Gefangener sind in Äthiopien in den vergangenen Tagen erneut 13 Regimekritiker zu Haftstrafen verurteilt worden . Das hat die Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker (GfbV) am Freitag in Göttingen berichtet. Das Oberste Bundesgericht in Addis Abeba habe am Mittwoch neun mutmaßliche Unterstützer der Oppositionsbewegung Ginbot 7 zu Gefängnisstrafen zwischen drei und sechzehn Jahren verurteilt. Gegen weitere vier Personen, unter ihnen den führenden Oromo- Oppositionspolitiker Bekele Gerba, seien am Donnerstag sechs Monate Haft verhängt worden, weil sie in einem Gerichtsverfahren aus Protest ein Lied angestimmt hätten. "Die jüngsten harschen Urteile gegen Regimekritiker zeigen, dass Äthiopien noch weit von einem politischen Frühling und einer Demokratisierung entfernt ist", kritisierte GfbV -Direktor Ulrich Delius. "Ohne weitreichende politische Reformen und die Respektierung grundlegender Menschenrechte insbesondere für die seit Jahrzehnten ausgegrenzte und verfolgte Bevölkerungsgruppe der Oromo wird Äthiopien nicht zur Ruhe kommen." Der äthiopische Premierminister Hailemariam Desalegn hatte am 3. Januar die Freilassung einiger politischer Gefangener angekündigt. Medien hatten daraufhin weltweit berichtet, das autoritär geführte Land werde alle politischen Gefangenen aus der Haft entlassen. Dieser Darstellung hatte die Staatsführung jedoch zwei Tage später widersprochen. Dass nicht von einer grundsätzlichen Neuausrichtung der Politik Äthiopiens auszugehen ist, macht nach Auffassung der GfbV auch der Fall des seit dem 30. November 2016 inhaftierten Oromo-Politikers Merera Gudina deutlich. Gudina muss sich seit Monaten vor dem Obersten Bundesgericht in Äthiopien verantworten. Denn er hatte gemeinsam mit anderen Oppositionspolitikern, die von den Behörden als "Terroristen" angesehen werden, an einer Anhörung im Europaparlament in Brüssel teilgenommen. Zuvor hatte er Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel bei ihrem Besuch in Äthiopien im Oktober 2016 über die katastrophale Lage der Menschenrechte informiert. Erst am 29. Dezember 2017 hat das Gericht einen Einspruch von Gudinas Verteidigern zurückgewiesen. Sie wollten verhindern, dass die Staatsanwaltschaft weiteres vermeintliches "Beweismaterial" gegen den Oromo-Politiker einreicht. Mehrfach haben die Verteidiger dem Gericht vorgeworfen, internationale Standards einer fairen Prozessführung zu verletzen. So wurde den Verteidigern laut GfbV zum Beispiel die Einsicht in eine Liste der Zeugen der Anklage verwehrt, so dass die Identität der Belastungszeugen bis heute nicht geklärt sei. http://www.epo.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14396:aethiopien-erneut-13-regimekritiker-zu-haftstrafen- verurteilt&catid=269&Itemid=33 oder https://www.gfbv.de/de/news/aethiopien-erneut-13-regimekritiker-zu-haftstrafen-verurteilt-8973

12.1.2018 Soldiers Charged With Terror Plot . Angola Press Ethiopia's Federal Attorney General on Thursday filed terror-related charges against five Ethiopian soldiers. The soldiers are accused of conspiring to recruit potential members for the banned rebel group Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). OLF, proscribed as a terror group by the Ethiopian government, claims to fight for the rights of ethnic Oromos who make up about 33 percent of Ethiopia's 100-million population. The rebel group, which has been engaged in armed struggle since the 1980s, has in recent years faded from public view, weakened by defections and internal fractures. (…) http://allafrica.com/stories/201801120647.html

11.1.2018 Mehr Freiheit in Äthiopien? Welt-Sichten Interview mit Nicole Hirt Die äthiopische Regierung hat eine Amnestie für politische Gefangene angekündigt. Nicole Hirt vom GIGA-Institut erklärt, warum das noch keine demokratische Öffnung bedeutet.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Anfang Januar kündigte der äthiopische Ministerpräsident Hailemariam Desalegn an, alle politischen Gefangenen würden freigelassen. Kurz darauf sprach er von einem Missverständnis und erklärte, nur einige Häftlinge würden amnestiert. Was halten Sie davon? Ich hätte mich gewundert, wenn Desalegn seine Erklärung nicht wieder zurückgenommen hätte. Es gibt tausende politische Gefangene in Äthiopien. Würden die alle freigelassen, dann wäre das ein bedeutender Politikwandel. Ich verstehe die abgeschwächte Version als eine Geste des guten Willens angesichts der Unruhen in den vergangenen Jahren. Sie meinen die Unruhen 2016? Warum eine solche Geste erst jetzt? Nachdem die Regierung den Ausnahmezustand im vergangenen Jahr wieder aufgehoben hat, sind auch die Proteste wieder aufgeflammt. Neu hinzugekommen sind bürgerkriegsähnliche Auseinandersetzungen entlang der Grenze zwischen den Regionen Somali und Oromia. Es kann also keine Rede davon sein, dass sich als Folge des Ausnahmezustands die Unruhe in Luft aufgelöst hat. Es gibt nach wie vor Unzufriedenheit und ein großes Konfliktpotenzial. Ist die Regierung instabiler geworden? Ja, es gibt Anzeichen dafür. Die Führungselite hat nach einer zweiwöchigen Klausur unlängst eingeräumt, dass sie die Situation nicht voll unter Kontrolle hat. Gibt es eine politische Opposition, die sich einig ist? Nein. Die Regierung hat seit den Wahlen 2005, bei der die Opposition relativ gut abgeschnitten hat, alles getan, um den politischen Spielraum einzuschränken. Das Antiterrorgesetz von 2009 lässt legalen Oppositionsparteien wenig Raum, sich politisch zu betätigen. Welche Länder haben Einfluss auf die äthiopische Regierung? China natürlich, das viel in Äthiopien investiert hat, das sich aber aus allen politischen Fragen heraushält. Auch die westlichen Geber halten sich traditionell zurück. Sie sehen Äthiopien immer noch als Hort der Stabilität und haben kein Interesse daran, dass sich die Regierung auf politische Abenteuer einlässt. Durchaus nachvollziehbar, oder? Ja, denn die meisten Nachbarn Äthiopiens sind sehr instabil. Die Frage ist nur, ob der autoritäre Druck der Regierung die Stabilität des Landes nicht viel mehr gefährdet als eine politische Öffnung. Der Schuss könnte am Ende nach hinten losgehen. Nicole Hirt ist freie wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am GIGA Institut für Afrika-Studien in Hamburg. https://www.welt-sichten.org/artikel/33288/mehr-freiheit-aethiopien

11.1.2018 Courts continue handing down prison terms to political prisoners . ESAT News Ethiopian courts, seen by many as instruments of the oppressive regime, have continued handing down prison terms to dissidents who insist terrorism charges brought against them were politically motivated. A court in Addis Ababa today sentenced thirty-three defendants to prison terms ranging from 15 to 18 years for allegedly being members and supporters of an opposition group, Patriotic Ginbot 7. The same court yesterday sentenced Girum Asnake to 4 years in prison for allegedly being a member of the same opposition group. News of recent sentencing by the regime courts, considered kangaroo courts by critics and rights watchdogs, came a week after the Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, promised to release political prisoners to bring what he called “national consensus” and “broaden the political space.” The regime insists it is not holding any political prisoner in its jails, drawing further criticism from rights groups and the international community. I a related news, the federal high court in Addis Ababa ruled that high officials of the regime, including the Prime Minister, should not be summoned to testify in a case involving Bekele Gerba and other officials of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC). The court earlier had summoned the officials to testify before the court. Bekele Gerba and three other defendants who staged their protest on the decision inside the court were sentenced to additional 6 months for “contempt of court.” Three others who were charged on a separate case for being members of Patriotic Ginbot 7 were also given three months for protesting the court’s decision not to summon regime officials in the case involving OFC leaders. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-courts-continue-handing-prison-terms-political-prisoners

10.1.2018 Armaments Being Smuggled into Addis Intercepted: Nat’l Security Council . ENA Huge number of armaments that were to be smuggled into Addis Ababa was intercepted over the last two months, the National Security Council has disclosed. In a press briefing he gave to journalists today, Head of the Secretariat of the Council Siraj Fegiessa said the intercepted armaments include about 270 Kalashnikov rifles, and 200 pistols, 66,000 round of bullets. Siraj, who is also Minister of Defense, said that the weapons were intercepted at the checking points of Assosa, Metema and Togowuchalie. By smuggling the weapons into the capital, the plan was to aggravate the prevailing situation by inciting unrest and armed conflict, Siraj pointed out. Regarding institutions of higher learning, Siraj said activities aimed at ensuring peace and stability at the institutions has bore fruits, referring the resumption of learning process at the universities. Siraj said the investigation being carried out on the cause of the conflicts and individuals who fuel the clashes will continue in collaboration with the public. He appreciated the initiative and participation of the public in helping security forces intercept the smuggled weapons as well as efforts towards ensuring peace and stability. 42

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Regarding allegations against members of the defense force of killing innocent people, Siraj said the rumor is baseless. Siraj said the accusations against the Defense Force known for its discipline are just “rumors that are never supported with a single evidence”. According to him, these rumors are fabricated stories aimed to tarnish the image of the Defense Force, which has got good recognition at the global arena for its commitment and respecting the rights of people. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4142-armaments-being-smuggled-into-addis-intercepted-nat-l-security-council

10.1.2018 Council appoints Dr. Deberetsion as Deputy Chief Administrator of Tigray . Waltainfo The Tigray Regional State Council in its 5 th extraordinary meeting has elected Debretsion Gebremicheal (PhD) as Deputy Chief Administrator of the region. Dr. Debretsion was appointed as deputy because he is not eligible to become chief administrator as he is not a member of the regional state’s council. Similarly, Addisalem Balema (PhD) is elected as member of the cabinet with a Deputy Chief Administrator portfolio. The council has also endorsed bureau and zonal administrators elections presented by Dr. Debretsion. Former Chief Administrator of the Region, Abay Woldu, has welcomed the new Cabinet administration made by the Executive Committee and also showed his interest to work closely and cooperatively with them. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/detail/36269

10.1.2018 Ethiopian government mounting crackdown in Oromo region of Ethiopia . borkena.com Days after the Federal police commission announced that it is working on “investigative” study of “ Qeerroo youth movement ” from the city of Dire Dawa, emerging reports indicate that government is mounting a crackdown on youth in Oromo region of Ethiopia. It came in the wake of Ethiopian government promise to release political prisoners, a promise which it later disowned on grounds that the prime minister was misquoted, and close an infamous torture chamber in the capital, Maekelawi. So far, confirmed, 16 youth are arrested in Guduru district in the past six days, reported ESAT citing sources who spoke to ESAT on the phone. Protest in Oromo region of Ethiopia is not completely called off as some towns are still witnessing it. Qeerroo, Oromo language speakers translate it as “Youth”, movement which is estimated to have about six million members across the region, according to information from officials from the regional state. Pro-TPLF activists dare to liken Qeerroo movement to that of Al-Shabab – an effort to frame the movement for an attack. OPDO leaders, who oversee the regional state and who showed tendency to not blame the popular protest during press briefing following completion of EPDRF’s meeting, seem to be in a collision course with the federal authorities regarding the move to crack down on Qeerroo as they tend to have a position that they youth do have a right to peacefully demonstrate. The federal government and pro-TPLF bloggers, on the other hand, have been accusing Qeerroo of bypassing government structure in many small towns in the region to impose what government says is Qeerroo rule. When government officials oppose demand from the movement, goes the accusation, they end up being eliminated. What is known to the public so far, for certain, is that the Qeerroo youth movement has been demanding change, at times openly calling for an end to the TPLF government, and it is vowing that no amount of pressure and attack from the government will make them drop popular protest for change. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/10/ethiopia-oromo-region

10.1.2018 Plans to crackdown on youth movement face backlash . ESAT News The announcement by Ethiopian regime authorities that they would investigate and crackdown on Qero, a network of youth in the country’s restive Oromo region that is behind the anti-TPLF protest for over two years, has drawn backlash from Oromo political leaders and activists. Reports show that the TPLF regime, through its security apparatus that is largely dominated by Tigrayans, has targeted the Qero in Eastern Ethiopia, accusing that the youth network of taking control of the local administrative structures, fire and appoint local officials and even release prisoners. The accusations by the regime were vehemently opposed by Oromo political leaders and activists. Representatives of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and activists told ESAT that the move by the regime to target the Qero was actually indirectly aimed at the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and its leader Lema Megersa, whom they said had exposed the political and economic corruption of the TPLF regime. A representative of the OFC said the goal of the movement by the Qero is freedom and that no amount of threat and intimidation would stop that movement. The Justice Bureau of the Oromo regional government went as far as saying that the attempt by the regime to investigate the Qero was illegal. A representative of the Bureau, Taye Denda told the Deutsche Welle radio that it was wrong to marginalize the Qero and still talk about development. He said the region has its own police force to keep the peace and security of the people and the intervention by the regime police was unwelcome and illegal. A similar youth movement in the Amhara region known as Fano has also been in the frontlines of the anti TPLF protest in the region. Critics say the camaraderie and mutual support by the Qero and Fano and their opposition against tyranny has angered the TPLF. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-plans-crackdown-youth-movement-face-backlash

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10.1.2018 Omo People’s Democratic Union calls for National Dialogue . borkena.com Ethiopian opposition from southern Ethiopia is calling for a national dialogue to resolve the political crisis in Ethiopia. Vice chairman of Omo People’s Democratic Union, Alemayehu Mekonnen, says if the statement that the ruling EPRDF party issued following its executive meeting is to bring about reconciliation in the country, the ruling party need to involve all Ethiopian citizens, reported Ethiopian Satellite Television. While commending confession from EPRDF for causing the problem which Ethiopia is facing now and for causing immense suffering to Ethiopians who clamored for justice,peace and democracy, the party demand the ruling party to organize a national dialogue and invite opposition parties (both in and outside of Ethiopia including armed opposition groups), religious leaders, civic organization and notable Ethiopians so as to bring about national reconciliation. If the ruling party fails to do that, warns Omo People’s Democratic Union, a wave of popular protest will wipe them out. International organizations including, The European Union, have been calling for national dialogue in Ethiopia to resolve the existing crisis. However, the ruling party showed no interest to pursue that avenue. It rather demonstrates a sense of entitlement to continue to rule the country, in fact with no sensible reform to reverse adverse effects of misguided policy. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/10/omo-peoples-democratic-union

9.1.2018 Human Right Council urges Ethiopian government to close other “torture facilities” . Arefaynie Fantahun, Ethiopia Observer Ethiopia’s prominent human rights organization, the Human Rights Council (HRCO) has urged the government to turn the rhetoric into tangible action in its commitment to upholding human rights, supporting democratic values. While welcoming the ruling coalition’s announcement to release political prisoners and close the infamous Maekelawi detention center in the capital, HRCO said there are many other similar “torture facilities” in the country and the government should shut down them all. The 4-page report released Saturday by HRCO stated that since anti-government protests erupted three years ago in the Amhara and Oromia regions , government security forces, particularly the federal police and defences forces have been using excessive and unnecessary lethal forces on peaceful and unarmed civilians. HRCO said the federal government authorities have not made any meaningful investigations into alleged security force violations. As matter of fact, the reports reads, certain police and security officials hampered the discussion and adoption of the legislation on the use of force and accountability in the parliament, which was prepared some years ago by the Ethiopian Federal Attorney General, making it impossible to safeguard the lives of citizens and protect their rights, according to HRCO. Meanwhile, HRCO applauded certain regional government’s security forces’ effort in exercising restraint during protests, and making a move to investigate the response of security forces who made alleged human rights violations and held certain federal and defences force members responsible. HRCO said it has been expressing serious concern about the restriction of the political space for the opposition, the increasing human right violations, and the danger this could pose for the very existence of country over the past twenty-five-year. “We call on the government to make concrete commitments to bring about deep reforms of laws, policies and actions towards ending longstanding political repression and human rights abuse in the country. And civil society institutions and the media should be allowed to function freely to play an instrumental role in the democratization process,” it concluded. The Ethiopian government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the report. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/01/09/human-right-council-urges-ethiopian-government-to-close-other-torture-facilities

9.1.2018 Joining the wobbly EPRDF is not the priority for the people of Somali region . OPride.com Ethiopia’s four-party ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), is facing growing internal discord and public pressure. Last week, its leaders gave a four-hour-long press conference to journalists from state-run media. The briefing was meant to address agreements reached during 18-day-long crisis talks. It did not break new ground but Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn made global headlines by halfheartedly pledging to release some jailed political party leaders and individuals. EPRDF is made up of four ethnic-based member parties: The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the Oromo People’s Democratic Party (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), and the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). The parties represent four of the country’s nine linguistic-based federal states. After two decades and a half of master-servant relationship between TPLF and the other three parties, the coalition began to show signs of unraveling in 2015. That is when OPDO and ANDM, who represent two of the most populous states in Ethiopia, started to demand respect and equality, and openly and publicly challenge TPLF’s domination over the country. To be clear, resistance to TPLF’s hegemony within the EPRDF did not start in 2015. We recall the humiliation and arrest of one-time Prime Minister Tamirat Layne of ANDM. We watched the televised drama between former Ethiopian President Negasso Gidada, of OPDO, and then-TPLF chair and long-time prime minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, where Negasso told the latter, “now I feel I am talking to Mengistu Hailemariam.” We have seen too many high-ranking desertions, including that of two presidents of Oromia regional state (Hassan Ali and Juneydi Sado) who fled to the United States. Juneydi’s wife was also harassed and jailed. And then there is the alleged poisoning of Alemayehu Atomsa, another president of Oromia.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 But it was in late 2015 that the Oromo and Amhara public finally rose up against injustice, tyranny and systematic corruption by EPRDF. It’s the reaction to this public anger that ripped EPRDF apart. OPDO and ANDM understood why their constituents were angry and started to identify with some of the people’s grievances. TPLF felt slighted and betrayed by this and tried to do what it has always done for 27 years: misrepresenting the people’s demands as the outcome of incompetence and complicity of regional leaders, particularly OPDO and ANDM. Luckily, this time leaders of the two parties forged an alliance and overcame potential purges. The genesis and trigger of the Oromo and the Amhara revolt is not the focus of this article. Instead, my intention is to shed light on one of TPLF’s strategies to defeat the OPDO-ANDM alliance and the implications of this strategy for the people of the Somali Region. TPLF is proposing to admit more satellite parties into EPRDF and to transform the governing coalition into one cohesive national party. This is TPLF’s way of fixing its disintegrating “command and control” system. It is not yet clear if the proposal was accepted by the OPDO and ANDM during last month’s marathon meeting. It is unlikely the two parties will accept the remake of the coalition without a corresponding change to the rules of the new format. One change that they are likely to insist on is proportional representation to checkmate the advantage TPLF is hoping to obtain by admitting smaller parties that are loyal to it. One of the first such parties to be admitted is the Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party (ESPDP), the ruling party in the Somali Regional state. What does this mean for the people of the Somali Region? First, joining EPRDF is not the agenda or the priority of the people of the Somali Region. It is not surprising that TPLF is setting a new agenda for the people of the Somali Region. TPLF leaders have long appropriated the right to speak for the people of the Somali Region. Or, more accurately, to present their problems as our solutions. The overriding agenda of the people of Somali Region is justice, human rights, and genuine self-rule. Second, joining EPRDF is not a promotion. It is like crying to board a sinking ship. It does not take a genius or a political scientist to understand that the tide of the Ethiopian politics is turning. Institutions such as the parliament are showing signs of getting back the power they were robbed over the last 27 years. The center of power is shifting from the ruling party to the parliament and the executive branch. The parliament is likely to be more powerful after the next elections because Oromia and Amhara state, which represent 65 percent of the population, are going to elect genuine representatives that are keen to challenge TPLF’s hegemony. Third, joining EPRDF is not prestigious. EPRDF, by its own admission, is the source of the inter-ethnic conflict and hate, as well as the rent-seeking and corruption that is wrecking the country. It oversaw one of the most violent episodes in Ethiopian political history. It is responsible for the lack of democracy, justice, and freedom, and for gross human rights violations against the people of Ethiopia. None suffered more than the people of the Somali Region during EPRDF’s 27 years reign. It is an insult and a humiliation to view joining a club owned by your killers as a mark of distinction and achievement. Fourth, joining EPRDF is not politically smart. EPRDF is in turmoil and will likely continue to be divided. Bringing more parties into the EPRDF will not end the inter-party power struggle. The Amhara and Oromo are likely to block any demands by the smaller, “satellite” parties if they see the later as TPLF appendage. Therefore, there are no obvious political benefits that joining EPRDF will bring to the satellite parties. It is also unlikely that EPRDF will be able to the rule the country alone. The future is one in which opposition parties will get empowered and EPRDF’s hegemony (if it survives its own schisms) is likely to wane. ESPDP is hoping that joining EPRDF will empower the state’s political leadership and allow it to continue to abuse the Somali people with impunity. This may not be entirely a misconception. The political leaders in Somali Region are already enjoying the backing of TPLF’s military and intelligence leaders. They won’t get any more political muscles by formally joining EPRDF. But they are right to think they will continue to enjoy impunity as long as TPLF calls the shots inside EPRDF. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like this will be the case much longer. https://www.opride.com/2018/01/09/joining-wobbly-eprdf-not-priority-people-somali-region

9.1.2018 Political Parties Negotiating on Anti-Terrorism Law. ENA The 16 national political parties negotiated today on the anti-terrorism law of the country. The negotiating parties have agreed over the importance of the anti-terrorism law but to consider its amendment and the inclusion of new articles. The group of 11 opposition political parties has requested the amendment of 4 articles, the omission of 6 articles and the introduction of 5 articles. Other individual opposition political parties criticized the law for narrowing the political space in the country. The ruling party, EPDRF, pointed out on its part that there is no convincing reason that compels the dropping and amending of the law. However, the party is willing to consider the inclusion of the articles proposed by the group of 11 opposition political parties. The anti- terrorism law is based on the Constitution and international anti-terrorism laws, the party argued. The parties agreed to continue the negotiation on Thursday, January 11, 2018. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4139-political-parties-negotiating-on-anti-terrorism-law

8.1.2018 Ethiopian national security council reflects on yet another daunting security assessment . Liyat Fekade, Addis Standard In another meeting attended by members of Ethiopia’s Security Council, participants at a day long meeting on Friday January 05 have reflected on yet another daunting security assessment compiled from various parts of the country since the council’s first meeting was held, during which an alarming security assessment document was presented. The participants on Friday’s meeting included Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa, who is the chairperson of the security council. Both PM Hailemariam

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 and Siraj Fegessa have chaired the meeting which was also attended by high level federal and regional defense and security officials and members of the federal and regional police forces among others. Two sources familiar with the meeting have told Addis Standard during the weekend that “concerns were raised by members of the national defense forces and the federal police regarding strong resistance from several parts of the public, particularly in Oromia and Amhara regional states.” Oromia and Amhara regional states are two of the biggest regional states which were hit by persistent anti- government protests in the last two years. The security council meeting was also told by participants from the federal security and intelligence forces that increasing trends of ethnic based attacks observed in various universities and cities in Oromia, Amhara and Tigray regional states have become the “most serious issues that have challenged both,” according to one of the sources who wants to remain anonymous. The issue of “diminishing lack of public confidence in the federal army and the federal police force” was also discussed in light of the October 26/2017 killings of ten civilians in Ambo, 125 km west of Addis Abeba, and the killings of more than a dozen civilians in Chelenko, East Hararghe zone of the Oromia regional state. “It was discussed in detail as one of the reasons for this lack of public trust,” said the other source who spoke to Addis Standard. The Oromia regional government and residents of both Ambo and Chelenko have blamed members of the national defense force for the killings. Participants of the Security Council meeting have also discussed the “difficult issue of the recent ethnic based attacks” observed in some universities, as well as the mid-December 2017 killings in Ethio-Somali and Oromia regional states that claimed the lives of close to eighty civilians. “Both were raised as examples that the work of restoring law and order was far from achieved.” At a press briefing he gave late on Friday, after the day long meeting of the council, Siraj Fegessa told local media representatives that the overall security situation in the country “has improved: since the Council’s meeting in October. However, he said the Council recognized that more needs to be done to consolidate the gains made so far. He also said normal teaching learning processes have resumed in the universities that have experienced disruptions following ethnic based attacks and student protests “except for three universities”. However, Siraj didn’t mention the three universities by name. He also refused to take more questions from journalists saying there will be another briefing for the media in due course. However, answering to one questions from a local reporter, Siraj said that the security crisis in Ethiopian Somali and Oromia adjacent zones were caused by border disputes and that since the first security council meeting police forces from both regions were made to vacate contested areas which were then manned by members of the federal army. The issue of absence of the federal government’s commitment in dealing with the Oromia-Somali crisis as well as its “lack of resolve to resettle hundreds of thousands internally displaced Ethiopians” who were “victimized” by the violence, which began showing signs of escalation as far back as December 2016 , “stood out as one of the hotly debated topics,” according to one of the two sources. Representatives from the federal defense and police forces on their turn blamed lack of cooperation from their regional counterparts, especially in Oromia and Amhara regional states, which led to “several deaths of innocent civilians” during protests. “A senior defense official said at the meeting that the federal government’s thinly spread budget has added to the already fragile dynamics between federal and regional security and intelligence officials in terms of coordinating their acts,” one of our sources said. The meeting has discussed the possibilities of increasing more security measures to be coordinated between federal and regional states “to contain what was agreed as the most serious of all security threats”: such as road blockages, ransacking of state affiliated properties, including army vehicles and ethnic based attacks, according to our sources. Meanwhile, Reporter, the weekly Amharic newspaper said in its Sunday edition that the federal police has established a special task force to investigate the “Qeerroo” (The Afaan Oromoo term for “Young man”), but who the federal police believes were “clandestine” groups responsible for impeding the federal defense and federal police forces activities in eastern Ethiopia. It is not clear if this decision is part of the security measures considered in the first security document . But many see the news as yet another crackdown against those who have continued staging ant-government protests especially in Oromia. http://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-national-security-council-reflects-on-yet-another-daunting-security-assessment

7.1.2018 Federal police commission launching investigation into Qeerroo movement . borkena.com Government possibly in a mission of framing Qeerroo, a youth movement in Oromo region of Ethiopia. The Federal police commission is launching an in-depth investigative study on “Qeerroo youth movement,” says a report published by a government-affiliated local newspaper. The Federal police already formed a task force based in Dire Dawa, in the South Eastern part of the country, and has already commenced working on the project. The clandestine youth movement is prevalent in Eastern Hararge (this is the region where there was a violent clash between two language speaking groups recently) where it is, added the report citing sources in government, manifesting a tendency to substitute government structure. The report added that the movement blocks roads affecting movements of trucks, confiscating goods and distributing them to local residents. Qeerroo movement goes to the extent of giving a command to personnel in government structure in the region and assassinating those who do not obey the command, according to Ethiopian Reporter “sources.” Towards the end of November last year, the movement managed to set free prisoners in Gara Muleta. However, an incident os assassinating government officials is not so far reported by other media outlets.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 In fact, it is public knowledge that the Querroo Youth Movement exist in the Oromo region of Ethiopia. However, the characterization by the government is perhaps intended to form a narrative which would frame the movement as something else and start, as some activists have observed, “Red Terror” style security operatives campaign to eliminate members of it. A statement in a website named after Qeerroo reads as follows : “We are determined to die in freedom than living in slavery” Qeerroo Oromiyaa. “We, Oromo and all other oppressed peoples students, declare to the world and the Ethiopian peoples that we are committed to be first in torching the revolution. Given the recent history of Oromo students’ movement, we are cognizant of the price of freedom.We are determined to die in freedom than living in slavery. We are confident that soon the remaining Ethiopian peoples would follow us in upholding the torch of the revolution so that their oppression, suffering, and slavery end here and now and give way, once and for all, for liberty, freedom, and democracy to prevail.” In fact, not much is known about the intent of Qeerroo movement in the rest of Ethiopia which is why there is noticeable reservation, if not skepticism, towards the movement. At times the movement uses radical ethno-nationalists’ flag. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/07/qeerroo-youth-movement-oromo-region

6.1.2018 At some point,though, the Gods will strike . Kebour Ghenna, borkena.com First thing first: Welcome Home to the thousands of political prisoners, now free to go home for Christmas. What do we make of a ruling party power that is superior to the law of the land? Anyway, this is a subject for another time. Today I’ll briefly reflect on the outcomes of the meetings of the Executive Council of EPRDF, namely on its approach to addressing the ethnic crisis of the past years. For many Ethiopians, there is still no contradiction in embracing a strong Ethiopian identity and yet taking pride in their own ethnic or linguistic background. The Ethiopian is still today an Ethiopian first but then an Amhara, Oromo, Tigray, Guraghe, or some other ethnicity at the same time. But this can change, and change fast. When people reassert such identities to express substantial unhappiness and perceptions of injustice, this often reflects their sense that things have gotten out of control. Hard positions about these identities are articulated, accentuating the differences between groups. This backlash appears to be strong among groups overwhelmed by economic pressures and a sense of hopelessness, seeking their last refuge in their ethnic identity. But we’re not yet at the “breakdown” or “new paradigm” stage yet. How do I know? Because I don’t see people up in arms! Yes, I definitely see signs of uneasiness, even incredulity but no widespread rebellion to take up arms and start shooting around. Everyone I talk to is still wondering where our leaders (the four Heads of the EPRDF constituent groups) are taking the nation. Of course, they don’t know where they’re taking the nation – and don’t want to know – because if they fail and create greater crisis – they would simply apologize and start again. That’s their modus operandi. That’s why they don’t bother articulate their plans. They think they have a strategy when they really don’t, at least not a strategy that people can get aligned to. This is what we’ve seen coming for the last 15-20 years. For EPRDF the ethnic problem, for example, is so straight forward. This is a problem it has resolved long ago. The type of ‘ethnic democracy’ it adopted is both correct and ethically superior to competing belief systems. End of discussion! What need to be managed are the symptoms: Making sure that all the four parties operate on equal footing, or recruiting an efficient and upright public servant, for example. At a minimum I expected the four leaders (after such long closed-door meetings) to introduce a ‘new vision for Ethiopia’ – a new course for Ethiopia – with strategies describing the ‘norms of acceptability’ and the responsibilities of citizenship in contemporary Ethiopia. I expected a vision to rebuild Ethiopia as a ‘community of communities’ accepting proper human rights culture. I expected a new discourse defining patriotism and nationalism that emphasizes civic engagement over ethnic and biological attributes. Simply put a debate between ‘ethnic nationalism’ – defining the nation in terms of ethnic origin and birth; and ‘civic nationalism’ – a nation defined in terms of shared values, not shared ethnicity. I expected them (the leaders) to bring to the fore the issues of modernization of Ethiopia’s political institutions. Building effective, transparent and predictable institutions, developing a country with legal rules…all these don’t seem to be part of the agenda. As a result, other political institutions are no longer able to operate as a true counterweight to EPRDF power. EPRDF authoritarians try to cast themselves as protectors of stable and effective government. Yet Ethiopians are discovering—both from daily experience and from national tragedies—that corrupt bureaucracies cannot deal successfully with ethnic violence, manage efficient public transport, create a regulatory framework that encourages the growth of small business or even do much about encouraging free media. Above all, they cannot reform themselves. Ethiopia itself will not truly be strengthened by authoritarianism. Authoritarianism will block the modernization of Ethiopia’s institutions and keep them weak. Over the long term, EPRDF’s policies can be no more successful than the institutions that support them and implement them. On their current course, therefore, they are likely to fail; they will limit rather than accelerate Ethiopia’s growth. So unfortunate the EPRDF does not back up. The institutions that were meant to restrain it — a constitution, the judiciary — are ignored or reshaped so the farce can continue to the end. 47

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 I suppose I went overboard with my expectations! Kebour Ghenna served as president of Addis Ababa chamber of commerce and is currently Executive Director of Initiative Africa He shared this article on his facebook page https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/06/ethiopia-pointthough-gods-will-strike

6.1.2018 Äthiopier hoffen auf einen politischen Frühling . Johannes Dieterich, Frankfurter Rundschau Regime will politische Gefangene freilassen, doch es gibt Grund zu Skepsis. Die Ankündigung der äthiopischen Regierung, politische Gefangene freizulassen und ein berüchtigtes Foltergefängnis in ein Museum umzuwandeln, ist innerhalb wie außerhalb des ostafrikanischen Landes auf freudige Überraschung, aber auch auf Skepsis gestoßen. „Ich könnte weinen vor Glück“, sagte der äthiopische Journalist und Menschenrechtler Atnaf Berhane, der selbst drei Monate lang in Addis Abebas Folterzentrum Maekelawi misshandelt wurde: Die Ankündigung der Regierung könne den „Anfang einer neuen Ära“ markieren. Auch Felix Horne von der Menschenrechtsorganisation Human Rights Watch zeigte sich „sehr überrascht“: Offen blieben allerdings noch „viele Fragen“ über die Zahl der Amnestierten und die Ernsthaftigkeit der Regierung im Allgemeinen. Zumindest sei der Status quo aufgebrochen, meinte Hallelujah Wondimu vom Internationalen Institut für Strategische Studien: „Äthiopiens Machtverhältnisse sind zweifellos in Bewegung geraten.“ Regierungschef Hailemariam Desalegn hatte am Mittwoch überraschend die Begnadigung und Freilassung aller verurteilten „Politiker“ sowie die Schließung des Folterzentrums Maekelawi angekündigt – bislang hatte die Regierung stets geleugnet, dass es in Äthiopien überhaupt politische Gefangene gebe. Einzelheiten über die Zahl der Amnestierten und den Zeitpunkt ihrer Freilassung wurden bislang zwar nicht bekannt: Doch die Maßnahmen seien im Zusammenhang einer allgemeinen „Erweiterung des politischen Spielraums für alle Äthiopier“ zu sehen, versicherte Desalegn. Die Skepsis von Beobachtern dieser Entwicklung schient dennoch angebracht zu sein. Denn inzwischen ließ die Regierung mitteilen: Dass „alle“ politischen Gefangenen eine Amnestie erhalten sollen, sei „ein Übersetzungsfehler“ gewesen. (…) Ob die Ankündigung der Regierung tatsächlich dem Beginn einer äthiopischen „Perestroika“ gleichkommt, sehen Beobachter noch skeptisch: Für eine wirkliche demokratische Öffnung seien sehr viel mehr Schritte nötig, sagte Analyst Seyoum Teshome, der wegen regierungskritischer Äußerungen bereits selbst im Gefängnis saß. http://www.fr.de/politik/ostafrika-aethiopier-hoffen-auf-einen-politischen-fruehling-a-1420547

6.1.2018 Oromia-Somali crisis continues rocking federal gov’t . Yonas Abiye, The Reporter • Government blamed for slow response • Half a billion birr allocated to help IDPs Reporting its findings Thursday before parliament, a team investigating deadly border clashes along parts of the border straddling Oromia and the Ethiopian Somali Region revealed that tensions have not yet been fully defused. The violence has left thousands dead, and led to the displacement of more than half a million people. The 16-page report, as presented by a 13-member team led by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, notes that the situation has aggravated from being a mere two-region affair to one that has already rocked the federal government. Reversing his decision to resign from the speakership the previous week, Abadulla Gemeda presided over the session marked by expressions of frustration by lawmakers against the incumbent government. Members of the team were drawn from five parliamentary standing committees, and conducted their fact-finding mission from November 5 to 11, 2017 in 16 weredas of both regional states. Team members Demeke Mekonnen, Minister of Federal and Pastoralist Affairs Kebede Chanie, Minister of Defense Siraj Fegessa, Federal Police Commissioner Assefa Abiyu and Disaster Risk and Management Commissioner Mitiku Kassa were in attendance as team coordinator Chanie Shimeka, who is deputy chair of the Democracy, Human Rights and Administration Affairs Standing Committee, presented the report. Shocking accounts of sexual violence are included in the report that details a worsening in the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Given the magnitude of the conflict, failure to deploy security forces in a timely fashion has also aggravated the situation, according to Chanie. The findings revealed that the IDPs were not getting adequate educational and health care services. Concluding its report, the team urged the government to bring all responsible parties to a court of law, and to scale up ongoing efforts to give succor to victims. The team praised regional states and local communities for the support they have been providing to the people sheltered in their respective areas. The team also called for more support to the ongoing peace conference to restore peace and normalize relations between the brotherly peoples affected by the conflict. Based on interviews with survivors sheltered at temporary camps, the team noted that the violence was caused by the Leyou Hayl (special police force), militias and some elements of the youth. The vast expanse of the geographic area under consideration has made determining the exact number of the deceased or IDPs difficult, the report also concludes. Meanwhile, many MPs castigated the team over the delay of the report, which they argued was supposed to have been made public a month earlier, wondering, “What else is an urgent a national crisis as the death of thousands of citizens and displacement of over 700,000 peoples?” Responding to the question about the delay in presenting the report, Chanie noted that senior government officials had already been informed about the findings but most people in leadership positions were pretty busy with meetings and forums over the past month. Some observers opined that it should not have been lost on MPs who had themselves boycotted regular sessions for weeks demanding appearance by the PM.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Regarding who really is behind the conflict and who should be held accountable, the report did not give much detail even though arrests were being made of some suspects and investigation is going on. Federal Police Commissioner Assefa Abiyu told MPs that some 107 individuals suspected of violating human rights are under investigation, and government agents are after 96 individuals suspected of involvement in the conflict. He also spoke of attempts at protecting wanted individuals by officials of both regions. Suspects already under investigation and those who are still at large include residents of the conflict areas, officials, members of the Leyou police, militias and the youth (otherwise referred to as qerro ). On the issue regarding delay to take action by members of the security forces, Minister of Defense Siraj Fegessa blamed it on the small number of uniformed personnel at hand during the first two days when the violence was at its worst. He, however, argued that had his forces not been deployed, the causality would have even been worse. Speaking of hurdles with the provision of emergency assistance to the IDPs, National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Mitiku Kassa told MPs that, “We are discussing ways of delivering unhindered assistance with leaders of both regions.” Meantime, MPs stressed that suspected perpetrators who violated human rights and caused loss of lives should quickly be made to face justice. Calling the violence “a historical mistake,” Tigray MP Mulu Gebre-Egziabher, urged the government to disclose the identity and role of all perpetrators behind the conflict “irrespective of who they are”. Seconding Mulu, MP Tsehay Demissie underlined that the government should no longer hide information from the public, and noted that the people know everything already. She further said that we cannot blame the unfolding saddening crisis on rent-seekers and contrabandists, who might have had lesser roles. “If justice is to prevail and if we really have to heal the wounds of survivors, accountability should begin from top regional and federal government levels,” Tsehay said. Hordoffa Bekele an emotionally-charged Oromia MP, questioned the government’s commitment to deal with the sorry plight of women and children. Another MP, Akilu Getachw, on his part, vented his anger thus, “This is neither merely about controlling illegal practices nor an ordinary criminal activity…All this criminal activity has not been committed without the knowledge of higher-ups. Hence, we should not continue beating around the bush. It is high time that we uncovered everything that our people demand to know.” He also asked, “Where was our army, a defense force that has been lauded for peace-keeping missions in other African countries. It is so ironic to see the army fail to safeguard its fellow citizens.” Responding to comments, Deputy Premier Demeke Mekonnen said that the government is trying to enlist religious leaders and Aba Gadas to help in efforts aimed at defusing tensions in some localities. However, he admitted that measures taken so far by the federal government to calm down the situation were insufficient. Demeke also said that the government has been working to prevent crime, provide support for IDPs and to return them to their original places of residence. He also noted that 500 million birr has been earmarked to rehabilitate IDPs. The fact-finding team concluded that the instability in the two regions remains a great concern and it would take a while before IDPs were resettled. However, many fear that the impact of the recent conflict will endure with complexity among the government structure while it is still uncertain as regards who should take blame at higher echelons of power. Finally, the session ended with lawmakers voting on a-12- point resolution proposed by the fact-finding team. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/oromia-somali-crisis-continues-rocking-federal-govt

6.1.2018 Government calls upon public to stand by its in problem solving move . Waltainfo The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) called upon the public to stand by it so that it will take measures to satisfy and win the trust of the people. In a statement the Government Communication Affairs Office sent to ENA said the government is reforming and readying itself to responsibly carry out promises that are bestowed upon it by the people. According to the statement, the government thoroughly looking into the problems facing the country over the last 25 years along with the impressive economic growth the country attainted. The government has put in place mechanisms to scientifically solve problems facing the country involving the people. To widen the democratic space of the country, statement said that the government will give leverage to civic associations, political organizations, media and other organizations to have their say. Failing to work in a speed where all people got satisfied is the major factor that triggered the political crisis happened in the country, the statement added. Statement noted that officials from higher leadership are responsible to the problems, which needs commitment to uproot the problem. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=2

5.1.2018 Here is what Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said and what he didn’t say . Zecharias Zelalem, OPride.com After a day of journalistic mishaps and mistranslations in both local and international press, we have some clarity on what exactly Ethiopian leaders said and did not say during Wednesday’s surprise announcement. In a much-anticipated press conference, the four chairpersons of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) briefed journalists from the state media on what the agreements they reached at nearly three weeks long closed session of the party’s Executive Committee. The meeting, held amid heightened political tensions across the country, turned into a big media speculation storm. Initial reports suggested that the Prime Minister used Wednesday’s presser to announce the unconditional releases of every single political prisoner in Ethiopia and plans to close the infamous Maekelawi prison. The report caught Ethiopia observers (and no doubt many Ethiopians) off guard. 49

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The international press went with a glowing but as we now know mistranslated sound bites and most of the world went to bed believing repressive Ethiopia has taken an unprecedented step forward in expanding human rights and political freedoms for its citizens. In fact, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce issued a statement lauding Ethiopia for “finally acknowledg[ing] that it holds political prisoners.” The Republican lawmaker called on Ethiopia to “quickly follow through on its commitments to release them and close a prison camp notorious for torture.” The Ethiopian government adamantly denies holding any political prisoners in its jails. Ethiopians on social media were much more skeptical. Many were quick to note it’s too good to be true. Twenty-four hours later, a different picture is emerging from a closer review of the prime minister’s actual comments and a thorough parsing by Ethiopian journalists, social media activists, and netizens. To be sure, much remains unclear but here is what I know to be factual: First, the unconditional release of all those unjustly incarcerated at several detention facilities across the country doesn’t appear to be on the cards. However, all indications are that a number of high-profile political prisoners will be released or pardoned on or ahead of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas, which will be on January 7, 2018. Second, the Maekelawi federal prison, widely known as a torture chamber for dissidents and government opponents, will be closed and turned into a museum. A new detention center will be built in its stead, a signal that Maekelawi’s closure doesn’t necessarily mean the end of torture and inhuman treatment for detainees as long as the legal system and its oppressive structures remain intact. So what went wrong? The big news was first reported, among others, by Associated Press and BBC claiming the ruling party has made a spectacular 180 degree turn to release all political prisoners. It appears that AP’s Elias Meseret was among the first to translate parts of the briefing from Amharic and spread the breathtaking declaration. AP’s wire copy was then picked up by the Guardian and many other western media outlets. Rights groups jumped on the report as well with Amnesty International suggesting the decision to free all political prisoners is a sign of “the end of an era of bloody repression in Ethiopia.” After the story made the rounds, snippets recorded from the nightly broadcasts were shared by local journalists on social media. The truth, it turns out, is much more somber. The Prime Minister didn’t actually announce the freedom of every political prisoner Ethiopia. In fact, he went to great lengths to avoid calling them “political prisoners.” Here is a word-for-word translation of the premier’s comments followed by AP’s version: It is known that there are political leaders and individuals whose crimes have resulted in court convictions or have resulted in their ongoing prosecution under the country’s law. Nevertheless, to create an atmosphere of national understanding and due to our belief that we can simultaneously expand our democratic horizons, some of them will be pardoned as per the law’s of pardon and as would be constitutionally permitted. We will proceed with this action while taking precautions to ensure the rule of law is respected throughout the process, and pursue the development of our democratic and political structure that oversees our multiparty system. Now, this is far from what most international media outlets quoted the prime minister as saying yesterday. The statement was vague and riddled with state propaganda to portray the government in Ethiopia as a well-oiled machine preparing for a brief pit stop before blazing onwards to glory. But it is a far cry from the media depiction of a regime that admitted to constitutional wrongdoings and is attempting to restart with a clean slate. One of the first questions from Ethiopians was: What constitutes a political prisoner? It is still unclear just how many prisoners will be released from the thousands held across the country, but we can immediately discard the suggestion that “all political prisoners will be freed” as a myth. Unfortunately, this was a case of bad translation. There is no way the prime minister would refer to anyone as a “political prisoner.” To do so would be to admit that they had been unjustly detained. Instead, the premier referred to the detainees as “political leaders or individuals whose crimes have resulted in court convictions or ongoing prosecution under the law.” Based on this statement, it will be a mistake to conclude that Ethiopia is abandoning its long-held position that it holds zero political prisoners. Similarly, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn did not admit that his government used the Maekelawi prison as a torture center. He noted that the detention center is will be closed because it is associated with atrocities committed by the Derg regime. To my knowledge, at the time of publication, no outlet has issued a retraction or acknowledged that Hailemariam’s comments were misrepresented. Indeed both AP and BBC carried follow-up stories, the later quoting an aide to the prime minister who said the premier was misquoted due to “mistranslation.” It is worth noting here that the initial Facebook on the verified “Office of the Prime Minister” page was edited at least eight times. The claim that Ethiopia had finally admitted holding political prisoners may have born out of the vague and contradictory Facebook postings by the PM’s official page and similar quotes by the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, which also edited its initial Facebook post several times. The posts may have led some to believe that Addis Ababa had finally given in and admitted what everyone else knew to be true. But, as I explained above, this simply isn’t the case. The Ethiopian Reporter on Thursday reported the pardoned prisoners could be released as soon as Friday or Saturday . The report does not answer the questions many are asking on who might be released, but implied that leaders of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, namely Bekele Gerba and Merera Gudina, are likely to be included in any releases. Meanwhile, the African Union also issued a rare statement reacting to domestic political developments in Ethiopia. In a communiqué shared online, AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed the “ pardoning or suspending of ongoing judicial cases of members of political parties and other individuals.” 50

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The language in AU’s statement, which mirrors Hailemariam’s comments, suggests AU was either notified or took extra steps to understand the claims. The AU leader’s message did not include a congratulatory message celebrating the releases of “all” political prisoners. EBC has released an extended hour-long segment it said was part I of the briefing. It is likely to offer more clues and information on possible next steps. Unfortunately, given the mainstream media’s fleeting interest, much of it may get lost in the whirlwind of misinformation that was based on incorrect translation. And the tens of thousands jailed merely because of their political views and activities may still languish in Ethiopia’s many torture chambers. https://www.opride.com/2018/01/05/ethiopian-prime-minister-hailemariam-desalegn-said-didnt-say

5.1.2018 Ethiopia’s TPLF must fix its disease, not symptoms . Teshome M. Borago, narzet.com After over 2 years of courageous Ethiopian protests and thousands of innocent lives lost, the TPLF ruling party has thrown crumbs and meaningless promise at the Ethiopian people once again. This week, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn first announced that “political prisoners” will be released. Suddenly, many naive international human rights organizations and leaders praised the regime. But just one day later, his TPLF handlers told him to reverse everything, accusing the media of “misquoting” his announcement. So, Hailemariam now completely rejects that “political prisoners” even exist in Ethiopia; therefore he claims that it is due to his party’s graciousness that “imprisoned or convicted politicians and others” will be pardoned. When have we witnessed this drama before? It was of course in 2007 when TPLF put on a masterful show of pardoning prominent opposition officials of the CUD party who were incarcerated right after winning the 2005 national election. That was a historic election where TPLF used its OPDO Oromo cadres to defame and attack the CUD party; just like it is currently using the Somali Liyu Police to attack the Oromo-Amara (#Oromara) alliance. The strategy failed then and CUD mobilized millions to win even populated regions of Oromia and 99% of the city votes. In response, TPLF declared state of emergency in 2005, killed hundreds of protestors and held opposition leaders as hostage. When most Western Powers denounced these barbaric acts, TPLF later freed the prisoners as a diversion tactic to portray an illusion of reform and change. However, after the prisoners release, the human rights situation in Ethiopia actually got worse and the ruling party decided to kick out even the small opposition figures in its parliament, successfully becoming a one-party tyranny like its Derg predecessor. Will the same tactic work for TPLF again? Ten years later, the TPLF seems to be using the same tactic to save its sinking ship. The problem is that Ethiopia is too big and too diverse to be ruled with an iron fist forever. After 2005, even after TPLF destroyed the legal opposition; diverse members of its own coalition had began to crack. Having fed narrow tribal propaganda of Oromo nationalism (OPDO) and Amhara nationalism (ANDM) for two decades as a tool to undermine cosmopolitan Ethiopian nationalists, the TPLF finally got a taste of its own medicine since 2015. Land and power disputes took ethnic dimensions and sparked regional protests that the ruling party has yet to recover from. The turning point of these isolated protests was when mostly Amara Gondar protestors (some armed with weapons and too close to TPLF’s hometown) began to strategically coordinate with Oromo protestors who suffocated the commercial routes of the center with their bravery and unflinching determination. Such Oromo-Amara alliance was recently fueled by their desperation to spread or nationalize their isolated movements, as well as inspired by Ethiopian nationalists like Teddy Afro, whose album in 2017 was featured in every major international media and quickly became an anthem for Ethiopians worldwide. Suddenly, even Oromo diaspora activists like Jawar Mohammed began to preach Ethiopian unity and virtually abandon divisive hot topics like tribalization of Addis Ababa and defamation of our patriotic ancestors. Jawar even defended Teddy Afro against government censorship as the #Oromara alliance grew. This yearlong unity of Ethiopian protestors has cornered the TPLF ruling party and made several pockets of the nation completely ungovernable. The regime’s divide and rule policy has faltered. And there is no sign that the new protests will end anytime soon. Unlike the systematic suppression of the urban opposition after the 2005 election, the TPLF will not be able to stop the current rural protests. For example, during the aftermath of that election, Meles Zenawi accelerated his program of the “One-to-five” network of spies around Addis Ababa. Since then, more Tigrayans have also migrated to the urban and many have become informers in every block of the cities, especially Addis Ababa. Ironically, the same destructive “ethnic-federalism” structure that has made the country ripe for ethnic conflicts is also the same structure that might end up killing TPLF and its spy program. The ongoing protests have now proven that TPLF is unable to keep its important 1-to- 5 spy program in the rural without the full support of OPDO and ANDM. Particularly in rural Oromia, once the program collapses, it is nearly impossible to restore this “one-to-five” structure without OPDO, due to language barriers and the shear size of the state. Also, unlike the millions of Amharas and southerners living inside Oromia towns, Tigrayans are almost nonexistent in much of the rural state. Therefore, OPDO or any Oromo opposition movement (if it has courageous leadership) will be more capable of defying the TPLF authority in the coming years. If the TPLF regime thinks it can throw crumbs and easily satisfy the protestors, it will be hugely mistaken. Therefore, addressing only the symptoms of the tyranny by tackling minor corruption cases and releasing prisoners will not be enough. Ethiopia needs a permenant systematic change by fixing its undemocratic institutions at the judiciary, civil service, federal agencies and particularly the military which lacks independence from the TPLF. So far, the TPLF ruling party seems to be uninterested in genuine reform and it might even attempt to slide back to its brutal military solution. It is upto the protest movements to force the regime and there are three more methods. First, the Oromo and Amara protests must somehow take their movement to the center of Addis Ababa and that requires further de- ethnicization of their end goal and rhetoric. Secondly, the “Oromara” protests must be more disciplined and avoid attacking any Tigrayan businesses and civilians. Thirdly, the Oromo and Amara protests must reach out to other ethnic groups, particularly the Somalis, whose 51

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Liyu Police gang have become TPLF’s new lifeline. This third step requires not only political leadership among Oromo and Somali diaspora communities but also discipline back home to stop ethnic clashes or revenge killings that have led to massive displacement of civilians along the Oromia-Somali borders. All these three strategies are vital to put more pressure on TPLF and set up a foundation for a transition to democracy. https://www.nazret.com/2018/01/05/ethiopias-tplf-must-fix-its-disease-not-symptoms

5.1.2018 Ethiopia to Consider Pardoning Some Members of Opposition Parties . Salem Solomon, VoA News The government of Ethiopia says it will consider pardoning or dropping charges against some members of opposition political parties accused of crimes. Initial news reports stated that Ethiopia will release all political prisoners, but that was based on an inaccurate translation of the prime minister's comments during a news conference Wednesday. The government had never before acknowledged that it detains political prisoners, and the possibility of a sweeping pardon drew reactions from activists, human rights groups and other governments. In a written statement , the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, a California Republican, said, "Ethiopia has finally acknowledged that it holds political prisoners. Now, the government should quickly follow through on its commitments to release them." The Ethiopian government has promised far less, however. Hailemariam Desalegn, the prime minister, said in Amharic that the government would review the cases of certain individuals affiliated with political parties, including party leaders, who have been charged with crimes. He also said that, in some cases, charges would be dropped or people would be released or pardoned, depending on investigation results. Prison closure What wasn't mentioned during the televised press conference was "political prisoners," "all political prisoners" or immediate pardons without review. Hailemariam said the notorious Maekelawi Prison will be closed and turned into a museum, although the prime minister did not give a timetable for the closure at the same news conference. The state-owned Fana Broadcasting Network said the government is closing the prison, located in the heart of Addis Ababa, because it was where Ethiopia's former Derg regime committed atrocities "under the guise of investigation." The government did not acknowledge that it currently treats prisoners inhumanely at the detention center, despite accusations by exiled dissidents and former prisoners. Human Rights Watch says the current government interrogates and tortures political prisoners at the facility. Both HRW and Amnesty International welcomed the announced closure of the prison as an important first step. But both groups emphasized that those behind the alleged torture in Maekelawi Prison must be investigated and held to account. In an email reaction shortly after the announcement, HRW's senior researcher for the Horn of Africa, Felix Horne, said, "Ensuring independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions is critical to send a strong and clear message to security officials across the country that torture is no longer permissible and will be punished." Activists have long accused the government and the ruling EPRDF coalition of using arrests, torture and imprisonment to suppress political dissent. The party has ruled Ethiopia since overthrowing the Marxist Derg regime in 1991. https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-consider-pardoning-some-members-opposition-parties/4194039.html

5.1.2018 Judge prevents tortured prisoner at Ma’ekelawi from showing his scars . ESAT News Two days after Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, said Ma’ekelawi detention center was used by the former marxist regime but not his government to torture opponents, a political prisoner asked a court in Addis Ababa today to show scars of torture on his body. But he was prevented by a judge, who sarcastically told the victim that he could sue his tormentors. Fedissa Guta was arrested in Wollega allegedly being a member of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a political party outlawed by the repressive regime. The news also came at a time when the regime in Addis Ababa insist there are no political prisoners in the notorious Ethiopian prrisons. Guta, who wish to tell the court the names of his tormentors, was also denied from doing so. A political prisoner recently showed scars of his body, injuries he said was sustained after he was flogged with electric wires. A number of political prisoners have shown their tortured bodies to a court in Addis Ababa but none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice. Accounts by released political prisoners and reports by rights watchdogs show that Ma’ekelawi, a detention center in Addis Ababa has been used as a torture chamber by the TPLF regime. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-judge-prevents-tortured-prisoner-maekelawi-showing-scars

5.1.2018 Effective Activities Undertaken in Restoring Peace, Stability: Minister of Defense . ENA The collaborative work done by federal and regional security forces in restoring peace and stability in parts of the country where conflicts were observed bring tangible results, the National Security Council said. The Council that consists federal and regional security forces had endorsed its plan to stabilize the areas affected by conflicts a month ago. The Council that evaluated its month long activities that were targeted to restore order in the areas said it has got promising results. In a press conference he gave on Friday, the Minister of Defense Siraj Fegiessa, said the plan was intended to restore order by ending the conflicts that were targeting institutions and the free movement of people as well as disturb stability of the country. In this regard, Siraj said effective activities were carried out to end acts that hinder the free movement of people by blocking major roads. “Due to the collaborative efforts, now relatively better peace is observed in the country`s main roads”, Siraj elaborated. Through the collaborative efforts of security

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 forces, community elders and religious leaders, peace has also restored to institutions of higher learning and learning process has resumed in almost all the institutions, he added. Regarding the conflict occurred between the administrative border of Oromia and Somali states, Siraj said the situation has shown improvement during the past month. “The federal security force has replaced the security forces of the two regional states` and deployed on major border areas of the two regional states. Now relatively better stability is observed in the areas and among the people of the respective regions” he said. According to Siraj, apprehending individuals who incite conflict and participate in the clashes has been conducting in collaboration with regional security forces and administrations. Highlighting that promising results have been gained over the past month in restoring order, Siraj noted that there are some issues that continue to be done afterwards. According to him, apprehending people involved in illegal acts, stopping unpermitted demonstrations as well as clashes in some areas are things need to be done. The joint security force agreed to continue on exerting its efforts to the sustainably ensure peace and security of the country. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4127-effective-activities-undertaken-in-restoring-peace-stability-minister-of-defense

5.1.2018 Ethiopia’s National Security Council meets today . Fana Broadcasting Corporation Chaired by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the National Security Council of Ethiopia is conducting meeting behind closed door at the Prime Minister’s office. In his opening remark, the Premier said works are underway to return to their village those people who were displaced by Oromia and Ethiopian Somali regional states’ border conflicts. The nine regional states and the two city administrations will present reports focusing on current security situations. The Council is expected to put forward directions after deliberating on the reports. Siraj Fegessa, Minister of Defense is expected to give a press conference at the end of the meeting. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10995-ethiopia%E2%80%99s-national-security-council-meets-today

4.1.2018 Chairpersons of Member Organizations of EPRDF Describe Federalsim as Cornerstone of Nat'l Unity . ENA Chairpersons of the four national member organizations of EPRDF said they are building the federal system based on values of tolerance and mutual respect of the peoples to make it a guarantee for their unity. The chairpersons briefed journalists yesterday on the deliberations of the EPRDF Executive Committee that was in session for 17 days to evaluate the activities of the organization. In its extensive evaluation session, the Executive Committee concluded that the federal system is the guarantor and the only viable system for the country, it has reached consensus that the cause of the current temporary challenge is the inability to lead the movement by understanding the objective reality in the country and failing to foresee problems and resolve them. Responding to the question that conflict arises "due to the establishment of the federal order on the basis of language", the Chairpersons answered in unison by stressing that the federal system addressed the age-old struggle of the Ethiopian peoples for the full respect of their culture, languages and identity. The federal system therefore delighted the nations, nationalities and peoples by responding appropriately to their demand. The Chairpersons, who underscored that the cause of current temporary problems that resulted in death, displacement of people and destruction of property is not the federal system, added that the problems are related to implementation and predatory persons in the localities. Chairperson of EPRDF and SEPDM, Hailemariam Dessalegn said, "I think it is important to deeply understand the inception of the Ethiopian federal system. The federal system is an outcome of the solemn declaration by the nations, nationalities and peoples to build democratic Ethiopia on the basis of mutual interest, respect and unity enshrined in the constitution. "When the nations and nationalities of Ethiopia resolved to build a single socio-economic entity, the federal system acknowledged the diverse culture and historical values of the peoples of this country cemented in their unity. "Therefore federalism created a common homeland in which there is no ground for favoritism or a situation in which others are discriminated. Our federal system is an inclusive system in which all stakeholders are included. Thus, the federal system cannot be a cause for any conflict." Deputy Chairperson of EPRDF and Chairperson of ANDM, Demeke Mekonnen said, "It is true that we have encountered recurrent conflicts. These conflicts have forced us to pay a lot of sacrifices. Any level of analysis on the root causes of these conflicts cannot however be attributed to the federal system, but correlating the issues with the leadership would enable us to look for viable solutions to resolving the conflicts in their proper order. Chairperson of OPDO, Lemma Megerssa said, "The federal system is not something that is superimposed on us but a system which the nations, nationalities and peoples of this country have willingly endorsed. The federal system is a system in which the identities of the peoples of Ethiopia was fully recognized and respected and a system that has answered the demands that the peoples of Ethiopia have voiced for ages. There is no problem with the federal system. The conflicts have never emanated from the federal system but from our inability to implement federalism properly." Chairperson of TPLF, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael said, "The federal system was enacted to solve the multifarious problems the country had faced. In the advent of the downfall of the Dergue, there were some 17 ethnic based armed groups which could have caused the balkanization of the country unless some drastic measure was taken. The solution to the impending catastrophe rested on acknowledging diversity. Therefore, our federal system was never a problem but a viable solution to resolve conflicts. The system dealt a blow to the proliferation of armed groups and enabled the peoples of

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Ethiopia to use their languages freely, cherish their history and practice their cultures. It is a system that ascertained equality among the peoples of Ethiopia and prompted them to engage in the development of their country, registering unprecedented economic growth." http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4120-chairpersons-of-member-organizations-of-eprdf-describe-federalsim-as-cornerstone-of-nat-l-unity

4.1.2018 Ethiopia PM 'misquoted' over prisoners . BBC News Ethiopia's government has denied that all political prisoners will be freed, saying that only some imprisoned politicians will be pardoned. An aide to the prime minister said a mistranslation led to him being quoted as saying that all political prisoners would be freed to promote dialogue. The prime minster also said a detention centre, allegedly used as a torture chamber, would be shut. Ethiopia has been hit by a wave of political unrest in recent years. Amnesty International welcomed the initial announcement, saying it could signal "the end of an era of bloody repression in Ethiopia" - although it warned that the closure of the Maekelawi detention centre should not be used to "whitewash" the "horrifying" events which took place under its roof. Ethiopia has always denied that there were any political prisoners in the country, as alleged by human rights and opposition groups. In a statement on Thursday, Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn's office said that "some members of political parties and other individuals that have been allegedly suspected of committing crimes or those convicted will be pardoned or their cases interrupted based on an assessment that will be made so as to establish a national consensus and widen the political sphere". It remains unclear how many people will be freed, or when. One of the main opposition groups, the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum (Medrek), said the government often engaged in "face- saving" measures and tried to "buy time" when it was "cornered". Medrek was, nevertheless, prepared to enter into dialogue with the government, if it was genuine and the talks led to free and fair elections, said the group's deputy leader, Beyene Petros. Who are the prisoners? Those held in jails across the country include opposition activists from the Amhara and Oromia regions, which were at the centre of anti- government protests in 2015 and 2016, and journalists who have criticised the government, says BBC Ethiopia correspondent Emmanuel Igunza. The prisoners also include UK citizen Andargachew Tsege, who was seized in 2014 when changing planes in Yemen and forced to go to Ethiopia , where he had been sentenced to death in absentia for his political activities against the state. It is difficult to know exactly how many politicians have been imprisoned, but our correspondent estimates that about 1,000 are held under the country's anti-terrorism proclamation, including high profile leaders from the opposition. However, there are another 5,000 cases still pending, made up of those arrested after a state of emergency was declared in October 2016, he adds. Will they actually be released? The government has given no timeline on the release of the prisoners, including those still awaiting trial. Our reporter notes a number of cases have political backgrounds, but are also linked to groups the government considers to be terrorists. Nineteen people linked to Ginbot 7 - deemed a terror group - were sentenced to prison terms just this week. Whether they will all be released remains to be seen. Any dialogue would have to include legitimate opposition groups like the Oromo Federalist Congress, whose leaders would have to be freed to fully participate in the process, our correspondent says. What about the detention centre? As well as releasing the prisoners, Mr Hailemariam announced the closure of Maekelawi - a detention facility in the capital, Addis Ababa, which Amnesty International described as a "torture chamber used by the Ethiopian authorities to brutally interrogate anybody who dares to dissent, including peaceful protesters, journalists and opposition figures". "A new chapter for human rights will only be possible if all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment are effectively investigated and those responsible brought to justice," Amnesty International added. The government strongly denies the torture allegations, but it has now decided the prison will become a "modern museum" - a move the privately-owned Addis Standard newspaper called for in an editorial in 2016 . A new detention centre will be opened, Mr Hailemariam said, which would comply with international standards. Why now? Our correspondent says detentions have always been a major concern. In December, social media users staged a day of action to remember those held behind bars. But this decision comes hot on the heels of a meeting between the parties which make up the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. Over the past months, infighting within the coalition, which has been in power for more than 25 years, has led the prime minister to acknowledge the need for change. The Oromo Peoples' Democratic Organization and the Amhara National Democratic Movement, which are part of the coalition, have been pushing for increased political space and the "respect of their people" following the massive anti-government demonstrations that have been witnessed in the country. Who is Hailemariam Desalegn? A trained engineer, Mr Hailemariam took the reins of power in 2012, after the death of Meles Zenawi, who had ruled since 1991. However, while the former deputy prime minister was a close ally of Mr Meles, he struggled to gain approval of the other EPRDF leaders in order to assume his new role. He is not known for tolerating dissent well, despite statements to the contrary, his critics say. In 2016, he blamed "anti-peace forces" for the violence in the Oromia region , a year after he told the BBC that bloggers and reporters arrested were not real journalists and had terror links. 54

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42570174

4.1.2018 President’s office requests list of convicted, charged political party leaders . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter The Office of the President requested the Federal Prisons Administration and the Federal Attorney General respectively to provide it with a list of political party members and leaders who are eligible for pardon as well as political party leaders and members currently on trial, The Reporter learnt. According to sources close to the matter, the President’s Office is due to receive the lists within two days. It is to be remembered that, in a joint briefing they gave to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) and Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) yesterday, the leadership of the four member parties of the EPRDF announced that opposition party members and leaders will be released and that charges against those undergoing trial will be withdrawn. The infamous detention and investigation center a.k.a. Maekelawi was also said to be closed and converted to a modern museum. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/presidents-office-requests-list-convicted-charged-political-party-leaders

4.1.2018 Reported tension between executive and intelligence authorities over list of political prisoners . borkena.com • Friction between executive and intelligence authorities in Ethiopia • Government denies that it did not say all political prisoners will be released A day after the Ethiopian government promised to release political prisoners (government calls them criminals) in an effort to “broaden the democratic space”in the country, there seem to be a bit of blurry and confusing information. A local newspaper with close links to the ruling party, Ethiopian Reporter, indicated in its report today that members of opposition parties and leaders who are in prison could be released latest by this Saturday. Merara Gudina and Bekele Gerba, chairman and first secretary of Oromo Federalist Congress, respectively, are presumed to be among the leaders to be released. The Office of Mulatu Teshome, president of Ethiopia, who has the constitutional power to grant amnesty to convicted prisoners, has requested prison authorities to send lists of convicted political party members and leaders. He has also requested Federal government prosecutor to hand over lists of political leaders and members whose case is still in court. Meanwhile, there is reported tension between intelligence chief on the one hand, and the executive and the judiciary on the other following the decision to release some political prisoners which the Ethiopian government announced yesterday. The tension is over the lists of people to be released. Member parties of the ruling EPRDF coalition have requested, says a report by Wazema Radio , the lists of prisoners to be released beforehand. The report, which cited anonymous insider sources, added that OPDO leadership have stretched themselves so as to get information in that regard but authorities in the intelligence unit are vowing to cross off names of some prisoners whom they consider as a `threat“ for the country. Today, the Ethiopian government denied that it did not say all political prisoners will be release. BBC reported today that “An aide to the prime minister said a mistranslation led to him being quoted as saying that all political prisoners would be freed to promote dialogue.” There are fears that releasing political prisoners selectively will cause renewed protest across the country. Some analysts seem to think that the hitherto dominant party in the ruling coalition TPLF, which do not seem to accept the reality that its domination is no longer acceptable for member parties which are in fact much bigger in terms of constituency,could carry out the executive decision to release prisoners in a way to bring about division among the parties that are challenging its domination. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/04/ethiopia-executive-intelligence

4.1.2018 Perpetrators of Oromia, Somali Border Conflict Must Face Justice Soon: HPR Representatives. ENA A fact finding team established by the House of People's Representatives (HPR) announced that 107 individuals suspected of violating human rights in the Oromia and Somali border conflict are under investigation. This was revealed today when the team presented its observations during a field visit to both regions to the HPR. Federal Police Commissioner, Assefa Abiy said investigation in identifying the cause that led to the violation of human rights and loss of lives in the two regional states will be finalized and reported to the House soon. Cases related to criminal acts are being investigated by the respective regional police forces and the commission is supporting them, he added. “The conflict has caused many deaths, displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and destruction of property in the regional states,” Assefa stated. According to the Commissioner, 98 and 9 suspects detained for violation of human rights are from Oromia and Somali regional states. The commission is hunting 96 individuals that are suspected of involvement in the conflict. Noting that assistance to the displaced did not arrive on time due to lack of well organized communication and evidence, National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Mitiku Kassa said, “We are discussing ways of delivering unhindered assistance with leaders of both regions.” Members of the House stated that those who violated human rights and caused the loss of many lives should quickly face justice, and added that the anti-constitutional acts were not committed by peoples of the regions. Rehabilitating the displaced should be done in a sense of urgency and peace conferences conducted to restore the deep rooted relationship of the peoples of the regional states. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4123-perpetrators-of-oromia-somali-border-conflict-must-face-justice-soon-hpr-representatives

4.1.2018 House speaker returns to his post. Yohannes Anberbir, The Reporter

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), Abadulla Gemeda is reported to have resumed his regular duties as Speaker today as he is seen presiding over proceedings at today’s parliamentary session. Abadulla tendered his resignation to the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) in October leaving his position as Speaker of HPR on the grounds that the dignity of the people and the party that he represents has been compromised and claiming that he could not continue in this situation any longer. Abadulla gave open press stament to the Oromia public broadcaster OBN and EBC at the time that he is not ready to divulge the full reason behind his resignation and said that he will reveal everything in due time. In subsequent weeks the HPR fall to the deputy Shitaye Minale while Abadulla was visible only in OPDO and EPRDF meetings and events. According to Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) is yet to accept the resignation of the Speaker while saying he has accepted Bereket Simon’s, who also decided to resign from all of his government responsibilities around the same time Abadulla did. However, in an unprecedented turn of events last week, both Abadulla and Bereket have announced their decisions to retract their resignations and return to government. Following this, Abadulla has been seen returning to his position in today’s parliamentary session which is listening to the reports of a taskforce organized to assess conflicts that occurred in many parts of the country especially along the borderlines of the Somali and Oromia Regional States. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/house-speaker-returns-his-post

3.1.2018 Protest continues despite promise to release “some” political prisoners . ESAT News Protests have continued today in a number of towns and villages in the country’s Oromo region despite an announcement by the regime that some political prisoners would be freed. Tensions remained high in West Arsi and West Shewa with protesters denouncing the regime from Shashemene to Kofele and Arsi Kokosa. Clashes with security forces have been reported in some places. Ambo and Bako towns have also continued anti-TPLF protests for several days now. In Adama, Goro High School students took to the streets protesting the arrest and detention of 18 students of Adama University. Eighteen students of the Adma University were arrested yesterday and taken to undisclosed location. Students believe they were targeted because they are ethnic oromos and ethnic Amhara. Classes have been disrupted in at least 20 of the 33 universities across the nation due to increasing protests against the TPLF and violent crackdown by its security forces. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-protest-continues-despite-promise-release-political-prisoners

3.1.2018 Growing Popular Opposition Continues to Put Pressure on Ethiopia’s Ruling Party . Endalk, Gobal Voices Over the last six months, an ongoing protest movement in Ethiopia has triggered a power struggle within the country's longtime governing coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front’s (EPRDF), posing an unprecedented challenge to its 27-year rule. On December 30, it became apparent just how much the growing opposition has threatened the political status quo when EPRDF addressed the country in a lengthy televised statement aimed at appeasing the three-year-old movement, which has braved deadly crackdowns to demand, among other things, fairer government representation of Ethiopia's ethnic groups. It came after the 36 members of the highest decision-making body of the EPRDF, the executive committee, convened in a heavily guarded secretive meeting that lasted a little over two weeks (from December 12 to 30, 2017 ). But if hopes were high the mounting pressure would result in serious political reform, they were dashed with the statement, which offered nothing of the sort. A coalition of power imbalances The EPRDF is a coalition of four ethnic-based parties: the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), the Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM) and the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF). All four purport to represent Ethiopia’s major ethnic groups, but are closely aligned in ideology, political association, and policy preferences. The TPLF is the core of the EPRDF coalition, holding absolute power over the last quarter of a century. (…) Puppets no more? The power struggle has become plain in the last several months. In October, the speaker of Ethiopian rubber stamp parliament resigned over of the claims of disrespect to Oromo people. And tensions between OPDO and TPLF – which have simmered for some time – were laid bare when OPDO and later ANDM members of the Ethiopian parliament refused to perform their jobs unless the executive branch of the government offered them an explanation about the ongoing violence against protesters. Oromo and Amhara MPs boycott parliament as winds of change ( #OromoProtests + #AmharaResistance ) and a bitter power struggle inside the governing EPRDF coalition reaches #Ethiopia ’s (one-time?) rubberstamp legislative body—a new analysis with @AbbaKayo : https://t.co/J5D2cAmvcy pic.twitter.com/sA9TyeRH3t — Mohammed Ademo (@OPride) December 22, 2017 Some say when OPDO and ANDM members challenge the TPLF, they are driven by considerations of power, rather than ideology. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that some sections of OPDO and ANDM have also emerged as advocates for political reform within EPRDF that comes on the heels of unprecedented popular protests in their respective regional states: Oromia and Amhara. 2017 was the year of the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation (OPDO). The OPDO was able to shake the puppet label and actually prove to be quite vocal in #Ethiopia ‘s political arena. pic.twitter.com/4648ug8bCi — Zecharias Zelalem (@ZekuZelalem) December 30, 2017

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The political elites of the two parties have also started to forge an alliance, a significant development given that the elites from Oromo and the Amhara peoples have long been at opposite ends of the country’s political divide. Tsegaye Ararssa, a diaspora-based academic and opposition political commentator, wrote on his Facebook page : That nothing has unsettled TPLF in recent years more than the OPDO-ANDM alliance and the gestures of #Oromara solidarity is confirmed in the EPRDF CC Press Release. This is a conclusive evidence that it is the content of this gesture of solidarity, its substance– given real flesh and blood–that will be the undoing of TPLF's hold on power. #Oromara #OromoRevolution Appeasement, not true reform For days, the outcome of EPRDF’s executive committee meeting was awaited in the hope that it would offer a crucial insight into TPLF's willingness to compromise in the face of the popular protests and mounting pressure from two members of the coalition, OPDO and ANDM. However, the hopes that EPRDF’s executive committee meeting would lead to concrete reform within EPRDF appear premature. In a statement read on state television and released on Facebook, EPRDF announced a new raft of political actions, including a vow to end corruption, rent seeking, and patronage politics. It also expressed sorrow for deaths and displacement that have taken place since anti-government unrest began and thanked the Ethiopian defense and security forces for their service (even though they are largely blamed for the violence). According to human rights groups, at least 1,500 people were killed over the last three years. The statement also vowed, without specifics, to quash “unprincipled relations” implying the burgeoning alliance between OPDO and ANDM. ‘I don’t think there is a positive spin here’ Some believe that the statement, allegedly a joint expression from the four members of the coalition, fits neatly into TPLF’s political agenda. Critics also cite that the delight of TPLF's social media following signal that that the party more than anyone still holds the power. Mohammed Ademo, a diaspora-based journalist, summarized the statement in his view on Facebook : Here is a quick reax: Sorry but not sorry; Oromia will be militarized to stop all protests, road blockage and similar activities; Allegations of Tigrayan hegemony unfounded; Thank you to our security forces for wanton killings and for turning a blind eye as hundreds of Oromos were killed and hundreds of thousands of Oromos and Somalis displaced; There will be heightened social media crackdown; OBN and Amhara TV will fall back in line and return to their old platform as agitprops; The budding Oromo and Amhara alliance is a threat to continued Tigrayan dominance over the country and it must be squashed; EPRDF will return to its democratic centralism and revolutionary democracy roots.On the surface, this looks like an embarrassing setback for OPDO. I don’t think there is a positive spin here. TPLFites must be smiling Even some who were sympathetic to OPDO and ANDM said they doubted that the two parties were ever ready to contend TPLF: Did OPDO buckle under the weight of 18-days of TPLF cajoling, intimidation, and bluster? If so, the country is headed straight to the abyss. God help our suffering people who will be fixed to pay a heavy price to make TPLF/EPRDF the last dictorship to Rule Ethiopia. — Hassen Hussein (@AbbaKayo) December 29, 2017 As the country wrestles with its gravest crisis in a generation, the question remains: How will this ever-deepening political crisis end? https://globalvoices.org/2018/01/03/growing-popular-opposition-continues-to-put-pressure-on-ethiopias-ruling-party

Um die Auslegung des ERPDF Kommuniqués vom 29./30.12.2017 gab es tagelang verschiedene Meinungen. Die Regierungsagenturen ENA und Waltainfo brachten keine vollständige Version auf Englisch. Die wahrscheinlich genaueste Übersetzung findet sich hier (Daniel Berhane: The EPRDF ExeCom Statement in 15 points ): https://hornaffairs.com/2018/01/01/eprdf-executive-committee-statement-15-points

3.1.2018 Breaking: PM says government drops charges against some politicians, closes Maekelawi . Tesfa Megosie, Waltainfo Some convicted politicians who are currently in prison for commiting a crime will be released and those whose cases held by prosecutors will be dropped, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said in his official facebook page. The PM disclosed the decision while flanked by chairpersons of four coalition of the ruling party in a press conference on current national and regional issues. “We will continue to prevail while preventing threats poised against our people, and crushing the bad wish of our enemies,” PM quoted as saying. The PM said that the government has reached to a decision to release politicians in a bid to create better national consensus and widen the country’s political space. He also said that Maekelawi which was a torture chamber during the Dergue regime will come to a close and changed to museum. A modern investigation center, which will be compatible to international standards, will be set up by the House of Peoples Representatives’ (HPR) proclamation in another palace. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=36064

3.1.2018 Infamous detention, investigation center to be shutdown. Politicians to be freed, acquitted of charges . The Reporter In a joint briefing they gave to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) and Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the chairpersons of the four member parties of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced today that the infamous detention and investigation center a.k.a. Maekelawi will be closed. The briefing by Hailemariam Dessalegn, chairman of the Southern Ethiopian Peoples’ Democratic Movement (SEPDM) and the EPRDF, Demeke Mekonnen chairman of the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) and deputy chairman of the EPRDF, Lemma 57

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Megersa, chairman of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), chairman of the Tigriyan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) came following the self-criticizing communiqué the party released after its intensive 17-day meeting. The detention center, which has been in use since the time of the Derg, will be transformed into a modern museum, according to Hailemariam. The investigative body that used to use Maekelawi will be moved to a new building. It was also stated that “as part of the process of building a better national consensus and widening the democratic space, it has been decided that politicians and other individuals will be acquitted of their charges while detainees will be freed.” http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/infamous-detention-investigation-center-be-shutdown

3.1.2018 Hungerbäuche waren gestern . Süddeutsche Zeitung In Äthiopien hat sich wirtschaftlich schon viel getan. Nun kommen alle politischen Gefangenen frei - ein Sieg mutiger äthiopischer Bürger. Der Westen hat all die Jahre vornehm geschwiegen. Kommentar von Bernd Dörries Vor ein paar Tage hat ein äthiopischer Blogger das vergangene Jahr verabschiedet. Er sagte, das Beste an 2017 sei gewesen, dass er dieses Jahr nicht ins Gefängnis musste. In den Jahren zuvor sperrte die äthiopische Regierung Blogger, Journalisten und Oppositionelle ein und folterte sie. Die Blogger sollen die Folterkammern bald wieder sehen können, diesmal als Besucher eines Museums. Ein solches soll der berüchtigste Folterknast des Landes werden. Es wird an die Zeit erinnern, in der es in Äthiopien noch politische Gefangene gab, an eine ferne Zeit, die noch nicht einmal richtig zu Ende gegangen ist. Die politischen Häftlinge des Landes sollen nun alle freikommen, sagt Äthiopiens Premier Hailemariam Desalegn. Es ist eine Amnestie, wie es sie nicht häufig gibt - von der man nicht einmal genau weiß, wie viele sie betrifft, wie viele in den Gefängnissen des Landes sitzen. Zehntausende sind in den vergangenen Jahren verhaftet worden, weil sie gegen die Regierung protestierten, gegen die Bevorzugung einer Ethnie, gegen Korruption und wirtschaftliche Perspektivlosigkeit. Dass die Regierung jetzt reagiert, geschieht nicht auf Druck des Westens, der all die Jahre meist vornehm geschwiegen hat. Es ist ein Sieg vieler mutiger Äthiopier, die immer wieder für ihre Menschenrechte demonstriert haben. Sie haben der Regierung letztlich gesagt: Wenn Ihr euch nicht bewegt, bewegen wir euch aus dem Weg. Es ist ein überraschender Schritt und ein wichtiger für die Zukunft Äthiopiens. Mehr Kommunikation, mehr Demokratie soll es nun geben, sagt die Regierung, die nicht immer demokratisch gewählt wurde. Das Land ist bisher keine lupenreine Demokratie, es gibt viel zu kritisieren. Andererseits ist die Regierung eine der wenigen in Afrika mit klarem Plan. Sie befreite das Land aus einer blutrünstigen Diktatur, lässt Fabriken bauen, Straßen und Eisenbahnlinien. Sie holte Millionen aus der Armut. Bei Äthiopien denken viele in Europa immer noch an aufgeblähte Hungerbäuche. Für die Äthiopier sind die neue Straßenbahn in Addis Abeba und die neuen Handyfabriken frische Symbole ihres Landes. Symbole, die sich nicht mit politischen Gefangenen vertragen. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/aethiopien-hungerbaeuche-waren-gestern-1.3812845

3.1.2018 Äthiopien will alle politischen Gefangenen freilassen . Süddeutsche Zeitung Das kündigt Ministerpräsident Hailemariam Desalegn überraschend an. Ein berüchtigtes Gefangenenlager soll geschlossen werden. Äthiopien will alle politischen Gefangenen freilassen. Das kündigte Ministerpräsident Hailemariam Desalegn am Mittwoch überraschend an. Außerdem solle das berüchtigte Gefangenenlager Maekelawi geschlossen werden. Hailemariam Desalegn sagte auf einer Pressekonferenz nach mehrtägigen Beratungen der Regierung, dass er den demokratischen Raum für alle erweitern wolle. "Politische Gefangene, die angeklagt und bereits verhaftet sind, werden freigelassen." Einen konkreten Zeitpunkt für die Freilassungen nannte er allerdings nicht. Das bisherige Gefangenenlager Maekelawi solle ein Museum werden, so der Ministerpräsident weiter. Zuvor hatte es in großen Teilen der Regionen Oromia und Amhara monatelang Proteste gegen die Regierung gegeben. Die Opposition wird mit Massenverhaftungen drangsaliert Weiterhin kündigte Hailemariam Desalegn an, dass die Regierung ein neues Gefängnis öffnen wolle. Dies solle internationalen Standards entsprechen. Menschenrechtsgruppen kritisieren, dass Äthiopiens Führung unter anderem mit Massenverhaftungen gegen die Opposition des Landes vorgehe. Auch Journalisten würden häufig eingesperrt. 2016 hatte die Regierung einen Notstand ausgerufen. Der Organisation Human Rights Watch zufolge sollen bei der Niederschlagung von Protesten mehrere hundert Menschen getötet worden sein. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/nach-protesten-aethiopien-will-alle-politischen-gefangenen-freilassen-1.3812748

3.1.2018 Breaking: Ethiopia to close down notorious prison, to release all political prisoners . Addis Standard At a joint press briefing given by the four chairpersons of EPRDF’s member parties, PM Hailemariam Desalegn, who is the chairperson of SEPDM, said his government will close down the notorious prison ward (and a torture chamber by all accounts) called Mae’kelawi. The Prime Minister said Mae’kelawi will be turned into a “modern museum”. PM Hailemariam also said a new center has been established to replace Ma’ekelawi based on the national parliament’s guidelines on human rights and international standards. (Please see our editorial in June 2016 calling for its closure) Editorial: A new Ethiopia must have no business keeping old, repressive institutions!

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 In addition to that the Prime Minister said charges will be dropped for all “political prisoners” who are currently under prosecution and pardons will be issued to all who have already been convicted and are serving their sentences in order to create the space for a national dialogue and national consensus. The promise reveals that the government believes in the presence of prisoners of conscience, something authorities have never admitted in the past. The announcement came days after Ethiopian netizen community have held a day-long social media campaign on December 27 aimed at remembering fellow prisoners of conscience jailed in several prison facilities in Ethiopia. The issue of releasing political prisoners was also one of the burning issues at the front and center of the persistent anti-government protests that rocked Ethiopia for two consecutive years. http://addisstandard.com/breaking-ethiopia-close-notorious-prison-release-political-prisoners

3.1.2018 Ethiopia to drop charges, free politicians . Fana Broadcasting Corporation hief administrators of the four member parties of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) today issued a joint press conference on current national and regional issues. In order to build national consensus and widen the democratic platform, a decision has been made to drop charges and pardon politicians who are currently under trial, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said at the event. The decision also includes pardoning previously sentenced politicians and other individuals. A decision has also been made for the closure of an investigation center commonly known as Maekelawi which the Dreg regime had been using to commit atrocities against the people under the guise of investigation. The center will be turned into a museum. As a replacement, an investigation center which meets international standard was built as per the proclamation issued by the House of People’s Representatives (HPR). http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10977-decision-made-to-acquit-charges,-free-politicians-from-prison

3.1.2018 EPRDF member parts' chairpersons briefing media on current national affairs . Waltainfo The chairpersons of member parties of EPRDF:TPLF, ANDM, OPDO and SEPDM are delivering briefings on current national affairs regarding EPRDF’s Executive Committee decisions and directions following the seventeen days meeting. Detailed information will be delivered on our website: www.waltainfo.com and Walta TV soon. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=36063

2.1.2018 Civil Society Vow to Cooperate in Preserving Peace, Stability . ENA Civil societies have vowed to closely collaborate towards preserving peace and stability. This was revealed during a day-long consultative meeting held today on the role of civil society in preserving peace and stability in the country. Network of Ethiopian Women Association Director, Saba Gebremedhin complained that women are never included in any of the national reconciliation process. “We all need to change this and make women the main actors in preserving peace and stability,” she underscored. Peace is not lost only in the presence of conflict, according to the Director, “but most of all during the absence of peaceful communication.” Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia Deputy Secretary-General, Hulluf Weldesilassie said starting from its establishment seven years ago the council is committed to promote peaceful co-existence and collaboration among religious institutions and communities in Ethiopia. Noting that the council has continued advocating for peace, all-inclusive dialogue, and reconciliation at regional and local levels, Hulluf said, "understanding the sense of urgency of the situation we are in by stepping up efforts to match the demand for peace is crucial." Hulluf emphasized that we all need to eradicate mistrust to preserve peace. Conflict Prevention and Resolution Director General at the Ministry of Federal and Pastoral Development Affairs, Sisay Melese stated that a number of mechanisms were set to handle conflicts and they have paid off; though there still remains much to be done. Explaining that enhancing the culture for building peace at all times has its fruits, Sisay said “early warning and response mechanisms have to be capacitated”. He pointed out that “Our educational curriculums should include the essentiality of the culture of building peace and tranquility for a nation to survive and develop.” http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4115-civil-society-vow-to-cooperate-in-preserving-peace-stability

2.1.2018 Two benches at federal high court jail nineteen Ethiopians accused of having links with PG7 to lengthy terms . Etenesh Abera, Addis Standard The federal high court 19th and 4th criminal benches here in the capital Addis Abeba have today sentenced a total of nineteen Ethiopians who were accused of terrorism related offenses to jail terms ranging from three years and ten months to 16 years and six months. All the nineteen defendants were accused of having ties with Patriotic G7, a rebel group designated by the ruling party’s dominated parliament as a terrorist organization. The Federal high court 19th criminal bench sentenced fourteen individuals under the file name of Getahun Beyene et. al to various terms in jail. Accordingly, the court handed the highest term of 16 years and ten months to Dr. Asnake Abayneh and Alemayehu Negussie, the second and the fifth defendants respectively, while it sentenced Bantewossen Abebe to lowest term of three years and ten months. Others

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 in the same file have also been sentenced to various terms in jail. The first defendant Getahun Beyene and the fourth defendant Brazil Engida were sentenced to nine and 15 years each respectively. Similarly, the federal high court 4th criminal bench sentenced five individuals in the file name of Yohanes Mengiste et.al from 14 to 15 years in prison. Accordingly, while the second defendant Tsegaye Zeleke was sentenced to 14 years, the remaining defendants: Yohanes Mengiste, Gashaw Mulye, Asmare Giletin, Gshaw Mamuye and Mansiboh Birhanu have all been sentenced to 15 years. All the five defendants have refused to defend the terrorism charges brought against them and like Getahun Beyene et.al, they were also accused of having links with PG7. In addition, all the five were also accused of traveling to Eritrea to take military training in a camp called Harena, according to the prosecutors charges. The defendants in both file names were first brought to the federal court between September and October 2016, following the brutal crackdowns against massive anti-government protests in Amhara regional state . As Ethiopia continued reeling from the three years persistent anti-government protests in both Oromia and Amhara regional states, terrorism charges brought against individuals who are accused of participating and leading these protests from the two regions have seen a dramatic uptick (digital illustration) . On November 14, the federal high court 4th criminal bench passed a key ruling in the case against activist Nigist Yirga and five others charged in the same file with terrorism related offenses. According to the ruling, Nigist and the five others with her: Alemneh Wase G. Mariam, Tewdros Telay Kume, Awoke Abate Gebeyehu, Belayneh Alemneh Abeje, & Yared Girma Haile should all begin to defend the terrorism charges brought against them by the federal prosecutors. All the defendants were brought from the Amhara regional state in the wake of the summer 2016 protest. In March 2016, prosecutors have charged a group of 76 individuals with various articles of Ethiopia’s infamous Anti-Terrorism Proclamation at the federal high court 19th criminal bench. According to the charges under the name of Miftah Sheikh Surur, all the 76 defendants were accused of being members of the “Eritrean based rebel group Patriotic G7,”; they were also accused of participating and/or attempted to participate in several acts of terrorism in western Tigray zone of northern Ethiopia in places including, but not limited to, Metama, and Quwara; as well as in Woredas such as Wolkayit, Tsegede, & upper & lower Armachiho http://addisstandard.com/news-two-benches-at-federal-high-court-jail-nineteen-ethiopians-accused-of-having-links-with-pg7-to-lengthy-terms

2.1.2018 Members of air force pilots reportedly defected. borkena.com Unconfirmed reports emerging on social media today say about ten Ethiopian air force pilots defected the regime. According to the unconfirmed report, seven of them were MIG 27 flyers and the rest were helicopter squadrons. The circumstances under which the air force pilots defected is vague. The country or countries to which they defected to is not known at this time and thier names are not released either. Ethiopian Airforce pilots have defected in the past. Some crossed the border to Eritrea. Others to Kenya before they found themselves in a third country. The Ethiopian Airforce, just like the rest of the Ethiopian defense force, is dominated by TPLF ethno-chauvinist so much so that members of the airforce who are not of Tigray ethnicity feel like they are treated like second-class citizens. The issue of TPLF domination over government and important institutions of government brought the regime into a collision course with two influential member parties of the ruling coalition, ANDM and OPDO, which demonstrated a remarkable interest to end the injustice from within. However, from the statement that the ruling coalition issued over the weekend when it concluded three weeks of the meeting indicated that TPLF emerged dominant again. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/02/air-force-pilots-ethiopia

2.1.2018 Ethiopia’s ruling party opts for more authoritarianism to tackle anti-authoritarian protests . OPride / Ethiopian Media Forum In a lengthy statement on Dec. 29, the 36-person Executive Committee of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) congratulated itself claiming Ethiopia’s growing woes are the outcome of its economic miracles of the last two decades. Issued at the end of crisis talks that lasted 18 days , the press release underscored the party’s dangerous turn toward more authoritarianism while masking its real intentions with reformist-sounding language that is as convoluted as self-contradictory. The marathon meeting was forced by deepening political crisis in Ethiopia, which has come to cast doubt on the party’s ability to govern a country with a diverse population of more than 100 million. There are serious questions about whether the final statement was indeed agreed to by the entire top decision-making body and concerns about last-minute additions. Nature of problems The statement starts out with an analysis of the problems, old and new, facing Ethiopia—the most pressing being new and merely temporary. These problems, the statement claims, resulted from rising public expectations, which in turn are driven by the country’s burgeoning economy (midwifed by it). EPRDF summed this up with a metaphor: Two contrasting prospects—tantalizing opportunities for prosperity, on the one hand, and the prospect of instability, on the other— are staring each other in the eye. Consequently, Ethiopia is “at the crossroads caught between the phenomenal accomplishments emanating from the groundbreaking and correct policy directions taken by the party and temporary hiccups triggered by the party’s errors as well as newly emerging changes and desires induced by rapid economic growth.” In short, Ethiopia’s ills are merely unavoidable side effects of the ruling party’s successes. This raises the question: Does EPRDF not see anything worrisome? The remedy suggested—quickly restoring law and order via the usual security solutions—bellies the effort to minimize the crises’ severity. Sensing the imminent danger of losing control, it makes imposing law and order the party’s number one priority. “The government, in concert with the public, will put under control all activities that undermine

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 the peaceful lives of the people,” the statement said. This, the party intimates, would make sure that the “superiority of the rule of law” and aggressively punish all violations. To this end, “EPRDF takes this opportunity to express its respect and admiration to our defense and security forces for protecting our peace under difficult and trying circumstances.” In effect giving security forces a free-hand to crush any resistance against the state’s reassertion of firm control. In the same breath, the statement broaches the need to thwart “tendencies that allowed the violation of the human and democratic rights enshrined in the constitution.” In this regard, it admits the regrettable inability of citizens to hold violators accountable. However, the party doesn’t disclose neither what it plans to do nor why the government has miserably failed to guarantee the protection of basic rights. It also says little about the lack of an independent judiciary, which leaves these rights as nothing more than hollow promises on paper. Moreover, aren’t the chief human rights violators the federal security forces and the army? In an ironic way, the EPRDF statement commends the security forces for “their sacrifices” when they needed to be held accountable for their routine use of excessive force. If anyone is to be commended and lionized, it ought to be the Oromia state police force, and to some extent that of the Amhara state, for allowing citizens to exercise at least their rights to assembly against lethal threats by the trigger-happy federal police and army. Sources of problems Glaring leadership weaknesses, for which the party grudgingly apologizes, are presented as the main culprit. In a characteristic rhetorical gymnastics, EPRDF “assumed full responsibility” for the blunders and their deadly consequences. However, no one is held accountable. The Executive Committee also identified the lack of democracy within the party as the other source of the current crisis. However, strangely, the leaders issued threats to stamp out recent openings at unnamed state-owned media outlets. This appears to be a subtle jab at the Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) and Amhara Mass Media Agency (AMMA), who have begun to allow a freer exchange of ideas. The top party bosses make no effort to reconcile their claim that the inability to freely exchange ideas is a major problem facing the country and the party’s desire to maintain tight control over the media. Once strictly mouthpieces for the party, both OBN and AMMA have in recent months welcomed diverse views from the public, as well as from outside the ruling party. The executive committee finds this opening worrisome and vows to squash it. This is done ostensibly under the pretext that the two agencies are pitting people against people rather than “promoting development and national unity.” Accordingly, the statement vows to stop the media from spreading “messages that incite public unrest contrary to the political and legal framework and in violation of the constitutional order.” Over the past two decades and a half, the regime used the same groundless charge to silence the private press and outfox independent journalists. Democratizing the bureaucracy The statement claims that the government is failing to carry out its day-to-day duties due to the weakening of inner-party democracy. Why should civil servants be forced to become party members in the first place? Likewise, what does democracy have to do with routine day- to-day bureaucratic decision-making? The tokenism becomes starkly clear from the remedy prescribed: Urging the civil service at both the federal and state levels to improve service delivery and respond quickly to people’s questions. This is tantamount to saying: the protesting youth are risking imprisonment and being shot on the spot because bureaucrats failed to issue them business permits or driving licenses on time. Tigrayan hegemony or victimhood At the start of the EPRDF meeting, the issue of Tigrayan hegemony was the single thorniest issue for the wobbly coalition. The prevalent view among both the Oromo and the Amhara public is that the unremitting problems facing Ethiopia have a lot to do with the pervasive political and economic dominance of the country by ethnic Tigrayans–a rent still accruing from their victory against the previous military junta two decades and a half ago. Online Tigrayan activists often dismiss such claims as blasphemy. Concurring with the narrow minority casting Tigrayans as the real victims, the EPRDF statement makes a denial of any form of ethnic supremacy. Our country has created a situation whereby no nation and nationality is ruled by anybody other than itself. The federal and democratic system built over 25 years has established equality of all languages, cultures, and histories. Since self-rule has become a practical reality, a situation prevails where neither hegemony nor marginalization are possible. The federal system in place simply does not allow it. Thus, Tigrean domination being a figment of imagination, the statement instructs regional parties to root out “parasite groups” seeking to build political capital from this phantom problem. As if this isn’t enough, the statement also censures efforts at closer bilateral relationships between coalition parties. Without naming names, it denounces the growing ANDM-OPDO bromance as opportunistic and unprincipled. The two are also castigated—again without being named—for lacking courage to deal with hard problems and instead resorting to empty populism. Three points are worth raising here. First, if EPRDF is serious about inner-party democracy, why are the statement’s authors so bothered by horizontal affiliations between sister organizations? Second, how can a party that cannot allow the autonomy of its coalition partners be taken seriously on its promises to open up the political process for opponents? Third, isn’t democracy a system where policy is supposed to be a response to public desire? In this case, what is populist OPDO and ANDM’s efforts to respond positively to their constituents’ long standing grievances, which the mother party itself has in the past acknowledged as legitimate? Why are People Revolting? The EPRDF statement criticizes the public for resorting to protests “while our system provides for a sufficient and secure way to handle demands for special benefits and interests to be handled in a democratic, legal, and peaceful manner.” How can one talk of constitutionalism when one of the cardinal principles of the constitution — the right to free assembly — is criminalized? To pass the blame for the unrests on to regional party leaders, the statement absurdly scolded them for “failing to meet their obligations to expand democracy, which contributed its part in paving the way for people to attempt to resolve problems and differences through violent conflict.” Pluralism and multiparty democracy 61

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The constitutional and democratic order being built in our country is one of plural interests and benefits. Although our party and the government it leads have worked tirelessly for the last 25 years to build a democratic multiparty political order, we have observed that conditions allowing for expression of plurality of ideas have weakened over the last few years. Even though the question of expanding the democratic space does not hinge solely on proclamations and our party’s goodwill, the Executive Committee noted that there were gaps in terms of steps that could have been taken in this regard. Among the institutions crucial for building a democratic order, the media and the press play a key role. However, our efforts with regards to keeping the media’s independence and allowing them to serve as the eyes and ears of the public have not borne fruit. In the same vein, the press release also talks about the importance of civic associations in promoting and deepening democracy. To say the least, that’s a bit rich coming from one of the worst violators of press freedom. This is the same regime that passed a trio of draconian proclamation since 2008 — the media Freedom of Information law, the Charities and Societies Proclamation, and the Anti- Terrorism Proclamation. These edicts have been blatantly instrumentalized to imprison dozens of journalists under bogus charges of terrorism and emasculated the civil society and the opposition. It is deeply insulting and mind-boggling for EPRDF leaders to ostentatiously claim free press and robust civic society are crucial for a democratic system. One could excuse this statement if it was preceded by the rescinding of the restrictive laws and the release of all political prisoners and members of the press who are victimized by these laws and languishing in jail. The nauseating and contradictory statement makes mention of two further steps to realize multiparty democracy. First, “since the participation of the public is the secret behind our proud achievements and successes,” the statement proclaims, it is important “for the party to take consecutive actions to restore its legitimacy with the public and answer popular demands in an expeditious manner.” To this end, it says the ruling party will hold public listening forums, particularly with the youth. EPRDF have been abusing public forums since it usurped power in 1991 to shove its one-sided agenda down people’s throats without any genuine input from the public. Why would things be different this time around when the same statement accuses OPDO and ANDM of populism for holding similar but genuinely participatory public forums? Second, the EPRDF leaders make vague promises of dialogue with the opposition. It stated that the ruling party would work “in concert with the public and all opposition groups, to discuss the shortcomings observed with respect to building a multi-party system.” It also promised to open up the political space for intellectuals and civic organizations to play their proper role. A buyer’s remorse for their decision to go for 100 percent wins in elections? EPRDF is hinting at allowing a token opposition in parliament at the next election. But what is the utility of this tokenism when the ruling party does not envisage itself ever losing elections and peacefully giving up power? But seriously, aside from appeasing their western donors (too easy to be pleased), what would inspire confidence that any future dialogue with the opposition will be credible when the top leaders of the domestic opposition, including Bekele Gerba, Merera Gudina, and Andualem Arage and many others, are in prison under bogus charges of terrorism and countless others are driven into exile and prevented from taking part in the political process? Ethiopian unity One of the rising public concerns ahead of the EPRDF meeting was the issue of national unity, specifically whether growing ethnic self- identification, especially by the majority Oromo, is undermining national identity. Here, EPRDF tried to extend an olive branch to the urban opposition, to whom antipathy to “ethnic politics” is their bread and butter. EPRDF is simply shedding crocodile tears as its main intent is not to genuinely promote national unity but to rally allies against the threat of growing Oromo self-assertion. One of the ways EPRDF managed to cling to power is by playing the Oromo against other Ethiopians, especially the Amhara. The Tigrayan oligarchy is simply driven by self-interest: It is worried about recent rapprochement between OPDO and ANDM, which have blunted the effectiveness of this divide-and-rule tactic. The achievements and effectiveness of our work in promoting national unity within the context of our constitutional order, developmental state model, and the multiparty system is limited. Hence, the gap observed in reconciling and integrating ethnic and national (Ethiopian) identity will be tackled quickly and on a sustainable way. Isn’t that what the close ties between OPDO and ANDM all about? A leadership in deep crisis The evaluation has revealed the shortcomings of the Executive Committee and the top leadership of the government in providing the strategic leadership demanded by the current circumstances. There is consensus that the top leadership lacked the ability to foresee problems; to analyze and understand them; to plan ways to deal with them and to resolve them accordingly in way that is consistent with the demands of the time and the stage. And EPRDF expresses its heartfelt apologies. But aside from ordering member parties, modeled after a similar effort by the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front’s example , to do some house cleaning and reshuffle their leadership, where is the accountability for the disastrous blunders committed by leaders of the federal government, including the prime minister and the chiefs of the military and intelligence services? The only two areas where ANDM and OPDO are offered some respite from criticism and ridicule are in recognizing the latent roles of the regional states in the economy and improve people-to-people relations. This decision gives Lemma Megersa, the President of Oromia State, a formal blessing for his so-called Economic Revolution. The EPRDF statement also mandated regional states to carry out “multifaceted activities” to strengthen national unity. This means we will see more of the people-to-people forums, similar to the Oromo- Amhara public forums in Bahir Dar and Debre Birhan, in the coming months. It is clear that TPLF doesn’t like such engagements when it is done by others. Still the most attention-grabbing discussions will be between Oromia and Amhara states—home to two-thirds of the population — especially in light of TPLF’s coming wars on populism and people-to-people alliances they did not pre-approve. The statement

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 EPRDF’s press release is unusual for several reasons. First, it was issued 24 hours after the meeting concluded. Second, the chairs of the four coalition member parties were supposed to give a joint press conference, which didn’t happen. Third, the content is diametrically contrary to the public positions of at least two parties, OPDO and ANDM. There can be minor defections from these two but it is implausible for the majority of the leaders of the two organizations to make such a drastic about face. Hence, a majority view? The party is known to muzzle minority opinion through its principle of democratic centralism. However, votes are usually taken by organizations and simple majority doesn’t carry decisions in coalitions, especially on major pronouncements. Can Lemma risk openly breaking with the public, who have come to grudgingly trust him as a genuine reform leader, in deference to this highly criticized and outdated principle? If so, he would squandering a golden and rare opportunity for Ethiopia’s smooth transformation into a truly representative democracy. Fourth, the prime minister and chairman of the party, who usually goes on TV to boast about EPRDF’s uncanny ability to overcome challenges, has not done so to date. Fifth, even TPLF supporters privately admit that all is not well with EPRDF and that the statement didn’t necessarily show internal consensus. Sixth, even the return of Abba Dula to the speakership position, from which he abruptly resigned in October , is riddled with uncertainty. Did he make a personal deal with the powers that be or was it done with OPDO’s consent? In all, the statement is creating the very uncertainty it was meant to dispel more problems than it solves. Conclusion Ethiopia is clearly at the crossroads. Or as TPLF chair, Debretsion Gebremichael, wrote earlier this year, “ the country is moving from one crisis to another ” and the security situation remains “very disconcerting. ” However, EPRDF’s reading of the crisis, judging by this statement, is totally off the mark. It minimizes the severity of the problem. It is vowing to repeat the same harsh security measures that exacerbated the current turmoil. It denies the existence of Tigrean hegemony, which stokes considerable and widespread resentment throughout the country. EPRDF also talks of opening up the political space. Yet it menacingly castigate member parties that are moving in a reformist direction. It is even more unnerving that the party talks of press freedom while criticizing and vowing to reverse recent modest efforts by OBN and AMMA to allow a free exchange of ideas. In short, EPRDF is promising the same status quo against which a majority of Ethiopian people have gone on the streets to protest. In other words, the governing coalition is itching more and more toward authoritarianism than reform. At the same time, it couldn’t hide the party’s continuing fissures. Overall, the convoluted press statement doesn’t augur well for the country and points to more troubles. http://ethioforum.org/ethiopias-ruling-party-opts-for-more-authoritarianism-to-tackle-anti-authoritarian-protests

1.1.2018 The EPRDF ExeCom Statement in 15 points . Daniel Berhane, Horn Affairs The executive committee of EPRDF (Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front) held one of its highly anticipated meetings in recent years from Dec. 12 to Dec. 29. The marathon meeting was concluded with about 2500 words long statement, released 24 hours after the conclusion of the meeting. According to a HornAffairs source in the meeting, the first draft of the statement was read in the meeting. It was further edited the next day to incorporate the feedbacks and circulated among the chairpersons of each member party before its release to the media on Saturday around 9 pm. HornAffairs summarized and translated the statement in 15 points as follows, maintaining the original spirit as much as possible: 1) The prevalence of parasitic decadence in the leadership led to the shrinkage of intra-party democracy, which in turn led to the lack of quality and unity of opinion and action. 2) Lack of intra-party democracy and prevalence of chameleon-ship led to the spread of unprincipled relations aimed at advancing narrow group interests. This weakens the front as a whole and the parties individually and is contrary to the discipline and unity expected of a developmental government. 3) The federal democratic system of the past 25 years is designed in a way that ensures equality among ethno-national groups. The equality is also realized in practice. Any tendency to alter this situation and impose a supremacy will not be sustainable rather will bring about discord. Such attempts, under any cover, to weaken this system of equality shall be thwarted. At the same time, all member parties have agreed to crackdown, without hesitation, in their respective regions, elements which disguise themselves as champions of one ethno-national group or another to further their parasitic interests. 4) The weakening of intra-party democracy have also resulted in a tendency of narrowing the democratic space. That contributed to a situation in which differences are resolved through violence. The increase of conflicts within and among regions led to high human and economic cost and posed a national existential threat and external vulnerability. Therefore, the executive committee decided not only to faithfully implement the constitutional democracy but also to scale it up to meet current challenges and also decided to address the causes of conflicts and restore peace shortly. 5) The constitutional democracy is based on diverse demands and interests and it has been practicing multiparty democracy for 25 years. However, the exercise of “diversity of opinions” have been weakened in recent years and the executive committee failed to take legal measures to redress the situation and expand democratic space. 6) Efforts to improve the media landscape didn’t bear as much results as anticipated. Moreover, some public media services, operating at federal and regional levels, have been working contrary to law and engaged in fanning conflict among peoples. 6) The active participation of the civil society is critical to the democratic system. However, the civil society’s participation have been weak. The executive committee should work on addressing the limitations on the active participation of the civil society. 7) Poor leadership have undermined the efforts to maintain and scale up achievements in terms of good governance. High public discontent have been caused due service delivery. There has been weakness in terms of taking quick measures on corruptions and other

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 faults. Poor performance and ethical problems as well as populist tendencies in the implementation of mega projects have been observed. 8) There have been several shortcomings in facilitating people to people relations building activities – both in terms of overlooking such works and, when undertook, they were misguided and mismanaged. The party have also failed to work adequately in terms of nurturing ethno-national identity and Ethiopian unity side by side. 9) The aforestated shortcomings are the faults of the top leadership. The executive committee failed in terms of identifying, analyzing and setting directions for the challenges, since its leadership capacity didn’t grow in tandem with the complex challenges of the time. The executive committee apologizes and takes full responsibility for the harms resulted due to its failure to address the problems in time. It regrets for exposing the system to a serious danger and pledges it will not happen again. 10) The executive committee have decided the government shall put to halt any activity of road blocking and any individual or group activities that disturb the daily activities and freedom of movement of citizens. Any clashes due to border or other disputes shall be fully stopped. The death and displacement of citizens in Oromia and Somali border areas shall be halted and the displaced people shall be returned to their normal lives. Illegal trade activities which have been causes of conflicts in those areas shall be stopped and adequate protection and support shall be provided for the economic activities of farmers and pastoralists. The executive committee express its gratitude to the military and security personnel who lost their lives while keeping peace. 11) Each member party shall embark on deep gimgema (appraisal) sessions to tackle the problems at the top leadership level and take corrective measures. 12) Each member party shall exhaustively mobilize its resources to alleviate poverty and ensure development. Multifaceted activities to strengthen national unity shall be implemented. 13) A series of activities shall be undertaken to speed up reform works in governmental structures, to enhance the participation of youth in democracy and development and to tackle the shortcomings of the multiparty democracy building process and enhance the space for the participation of the educated class and civic societies. 14) Tendencies of violating the human and democratic rights shall be thwarted and additional steps shall be taken to ensure respect for these rights. 15) Concerted measures shall be taken to correct private and government media outlets engaged in disseminating contents that create discord among people. In particular, the dissemination of incitefull contents on regional and federal media – contrary to political, legal and constitutional norms – shall be stopped. https://hornaffairs.com/2018/01/01/eprdf-executive-committee-statement-15-points

30.12.2017 Executive Council Decides to Take Measures to Ensure Rule of Law, Public Benefit . ENA The Executive Committee of EPRDF that has been deliberating for the past two weeks on current and national affairs decided that the government should to take full responsibility to ensure rule of law and benefit of the public. The Committee said the government need to take full responsibility in bringing activities that could undermine the safety and security of the public under control in collaboration with the public. Illegal activities such as closing roads, hindering the free movement of people, and other actions that could undermine any activities of individuals and groups will be stopped, it said. The Committee has also decided to stop the death and displacement of people caused by conflicts related to administrative border demarcation or other issues and to facilitate the situation for their rehabilitation. Decision has also passed to control that cause conflicts such as controband trade and to provide protection and support for farmers and pastoralists to enable them continue their economic activities. It has also decided that each of the four national parties to undertake in-depth appraisal at the top leadership level and take corrective measures based on transparency and accountability to ensure interparty democracy. The Committee that noted the benefits of the federal system in ensuring equality and development evaluated the disparity observed in development activities among places. Noting the successes gained so far in the economic frontiers, the Committee underlined the need to continue the struggle against poverty, since quarter of the population is still living in poverty. Evaluated the efforts exerted to address public queries and their outcome, the Committee decided to make on-going reform activities aimed to address public queries successful. It has set directions to undertake successive activities that would ensure the participation of the public particularly the youth in the democratization process. The Committee has also decided to work in collaboration with the public, and political parties to address limitation in democracy building. It also decided to widen the political space and facilitate the situation for civic societies and professional associations to play their role in the democratization process. The Committee has decided to protect actions that violate human and democratic rights and to take additional measures that would help to protect these rights. The Committee that discuss on the manner of the media at federal and regional levels in disseminating information about conflicts, noted that stories that were instigate conflict and promote hate have been disseminated. The Executive Committee that concluded its meeting on Friday decided to take measures to end the dissemination of such kind of message by the media. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4110-executive-council-decides-to-take-measures-to-ensure-rule-of-law-public-benefit

30.12.2017 Back in action . Dawit Endeshaw, The Reporter

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 In an unprecedented move, the Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced yesterday that Bereket Simon and Abadula Gemeda, two veteran politicians who have opted to leave their government positions some two months ago, will be back in scene and will assume roles as per the assignment that will be handed down to them by their respective parties. Source in the Executive Committee of the party confirmed to the Reporter that EPRDF has completed its intensive high-level meeting as of yesterday, having been held for the past 18 days in a very secretive fashion. It is yet unclear if Bereket and Abadulla from Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) and the Oromo Peoples Democratic Organizations (OPDO), respectively, will assume their previous positions or will be assigned to a new one. The same source also disclosed to The Reporter that the two veterans have expressed their willingness to continue working with their respective parties. It is to be recalled that, in October 2017, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, in his address to the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), said that his administration has accepted the resignation of Bereket. Bereket was serving as deputy head of Policy Studies and Research Centre, an institution set up to aid the PM in high-level policy issues. He was also board chairman of the state owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, which he vacated when he resigned from all of his government responsibilities. In the same day, the PM told MP’s that Abdualla’s resignation from his position as Speaker of the House, on the other hand, was still under consideration. The Executive Committee has said to have passed decisions on a number of issues where the EPRDF secretariat is expected to hold a press brief today. It is to be recalled that, two weeks ago, EPRDF issued a communiqué criticizing itself and blaming leadership for the bloody conflicts in different parts of the country. It also stated that the party’s leadership weakness has played a major role in most of the problems the country has faced in the past couple of years. “The leadership’s weakness immensely contributed to the current precarious situation in the country,” the statement acknowledged. Moreover, it emphasized on the growing mistrust among the member parties of the Front and the fact that the deep renewal process that the party was going through for the past two years was not deep enough to effect change. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/back-action

30.12.2017 Abadula Gemeda and Bereket Simon back to power as EPRDF concludes meeting. borkena.com Unexpected as it may sound, Abadula Gemeda and Bereket Simon back to power as EPRDF meeting comes to a close. Gedu Andargachew and Lemma Megersa threatened and sidelined by TPLF coalition within the umbrella organization, EPRDF Amid rants and celebratory social media updates of pro-Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF) media outlets and individuals, the ruling coalition disclosed that the executive committee meeting which has been going on for several weeks to discuss the situation in the country is completed today. The party is to release an official statement tomorrow regarding the outcome of the meeting, according to TPLF affiliated media outlets. What is known at this point, based the above-mentioned media, is that two former officials who have submitted resignation letter and were allowed to resign are back to continue to work with EPRDF. It is to be remembered that Abadula Gemeda submitted resignation letter as speaker of Federal House of Representative claiming that his party, Oromo People’s Democratic Organization(OPDO), and people were “disrespected” and last week leaked information emerged hinting that Abadula’s resignation was accepted. As reported before, Bereket Simon , a staunch ally of the late Meles Zenawi who is lurking as a member of Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), submitted resignation letter after Abaduala Gemeda submitted his resignation letter and he was allowed to resign, too. Possible causes that compelled EPRDF to use these two figures again? The thirty-six member executive meeting of EPRDF was highly secretive. The statement it released on December 20 admitted that there is “suspicion” and “division” within the ruling the party although it did not give detail as to what caused those problems within the party. But it was public that the division is in connection with the political crisis in the country, which led to the death of hundreds of civilians and displacement of half a million people, and the proposal by two individual EPRDF coalition member parties to end TPLF domination over the federal government structure including the security apparatus, army leadership and over the economy. On the sidelines of the executive meeting, TPLF leadership tried propaganda campaign, through affiliate media, projecting that there is no TPLF domination and that Tigray has no special benefit from the government. ANDM and OPDO were reportedly stood firm in their position which led to deadlock during the meeting that lasted at least for eighteen days. Then TPLF, according to leaked information, which is represented in the EPRDF executive meeting by the country’s intelligence chief, Getachew Assefa, produced an alleged “evidence” by hinting that the party could incriminate leadership in ANDM and OPDO, who sought to stand in solidarity with popular demands in the country, in connection with terrorism. Consequently, Gedu Andargachew, ANDM chairman and president of Amhara regional state, and Lemma Megerasa, OPDO chairman, and Oromo regional state president were disparaged and sidelined at the meeting by TPLF supporters and collaborators within the party. It is rumored that the regime already produced a documentary film in a way to “legally attack” Lemma Megersa, who ushered as a popular leader over the past few months in Oromo region of Ethiopia and outside as he formed alliance with Gedu to reactivate centuries old deep connection between Amhara and Oromo which was marred by TPLF manufactured conflicts and hate propaganda -among other things, in connection with ethnic violence between Oromo and Somali speaking Ethiopians in South Eastern Ethiopia. Gedu Andargachew was in in Israel, according to TPLF insiders, before even the EPRDF executive meeting was concluded but opposition media based in the United States, ESAT, reported that Gedu was in fact in the United States. He is one of the leadership targeted by TPLF for an attack and not much is known about his trip abroad before the completion of the meeting. If the news that Gedu and Lemma are to be purged and prone to be incriminated is correct, it is likely that the coming back of Abadula and Bereket Simon has something to

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 do with a project to restore TPLF control in Amhara and Oromo regions of Ethiopia. It remains to be seen if this will pay off in the final analysis. In the meantime, there is information that EPRDF could remove prime minister Hailemariam Desalgne and communication minister Negeri Lencho on accounts of “incompetence.” https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/29/news-abadula-gemeda-bereket-simon-eprdf

30.12.2017 Ending parliamentary boycott, MPs endorse bills . Yonas Abiye, The Reporter Resuming its regular session on Thursday after a two-week-long boycott that was followed by a meeting on Monday with Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) approved two new draft proclamations and referred one draft proclamation and one draft regulation to pertinent standing committees. One of the bills endorsed by MPs provides for hybridization rights to local researchers that had been referred a month ago to the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Standing Committee. The bill is expected to contribute towards the improvement of productivity by encouraging researchers to develop improved seeds through crossbreeding. The chairperson of the standing committee that reviewed the draft bill told MPs the bill would allow the importation of seeds that would help enhance horticultural, floricultural and crop production. Following a thorough discussion, the house unanimously endorsed the bill. At the same session, the house also endorsed a draft bill on a loan agreement between the Ethiopian government and the French Development Agency (AFD). The EUR 70.5 million would go to financing of the relocation and expansion of abattoirs of the municipality of Addis Ababa. Accordingly, EUR 70 million will be used to finance the construction of abattoirs, with the balance earmarked for technical assistance. Some 317 MPs were in attendance at the 9th regular session of the 3rd year of the 5th parliamentary term that was presided over by Deputy Speaker Shitaye Minale. It is to be recalled that Shitaye assumed the chair following the resignation of former speaker Abadulla Gemeda, who remains an MP. Abadulla said in September the main reason for his resignation was lack of respect for his people and party. Following the submission of his resignation letter (in September), the number of MPs attending regular sessions has barely formed quorum – 50+1. Adding to the unprecedented scene in the house, MPs mainly from Oromia and Amhara opted not to attend regular meetings arguing there was no point convening sessions until the prime minister appeared before the house to answer questions related to the deadly clashes that rocked parts of Oromia and the Ethio-Somali regional states. Hence, the prime minister had to excuse himself from the ongoing Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) executive committee meeting to meet with MPs who had boycotted parliamentary sessions for a couple of weeks. Even though the closed-door talks were also attended by chief administrators of regions, sources said MPs posed challenging questions to the prime minister. As expected, Hailemariam’s response led to the resumption of regular parliamentary sessions. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/ending-parliamentary-boycott-mps-endorse-bills

29.12.2017 Two killed as protesters clash with security forces. ESAT News Security forces killed two people in Horogudru-Shambu, West Wollega as protests continue against a regime that has come under pressure from all corners with protesters demanding the end to its rule. East and West Wollega have seen violent clashes as security forces violently disperse anti-TPLF protesters. In Kellem, Wollega, thousands took to the streets denouncing the brutal actions of TPLF forces against the Oromos in Eastern Ethiopia and the ensuing displacement of hundreds of thousands from the Somali region. In Asebe-Teferi, a.k.a. Chiro, protesters smashed windows of four buses owned by the TPLF business empire. The protesters have reportedly demand passengers to disembark from the buses before damaging the buses with stones. No passenger was injured, according to reports. The passengers were part of the annual Kulubi pilgrimage. The annual religious rite has seen the lowest turnout this year, according to sources. In a security alert to its staff, the UN field office in Addis Ababa confirmed the attack on the buses in Eastern Ethiopia. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-two-killed-protesters-clash-security-forces

29.12.2017 Student protest turn violent as fifty detained in Ambo . ESAT News Four students were injured in Bule Hora University as anti-TPLF protesters clashed with regime supporters. Classes have been disrupted and the pro-TPLF students have reportedly left the campus. In the the town of Ambo, the epicenter of anti-TPLF protests, security forces arrested 50 students of Ambo University. Security forces accused that the students have coordinated and led the protests. Anti-TPLF protests have continued in Arba Minch, Adigrat, Wolkite and Asosa Universities. According to the Ministry of Education, 20 of the 33 Universities in the nation have been hit by Anti-TPLF protests and classes have been disrupted with a considerable number of students having left their campuses. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-student-protest-turn-violent-fifty-detained-ambo

29.12.2017 Court rejects request by Dr. Merera Gudina to declare invalid latest audio/video evidence added by prosecutors as evidence . Etenesh Aberra, Addis Standard The Federal High court 19th criminal bench has today rejected the request by Dr. Merera Gudina’s defense team to declare as invalid the latest addition of audio,video and photo evidence by the prosecutors team against the defendant. On December 25 prosecutors have

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 submitted to the court ten more CDs claiming they contained additional audio/video and photo evidence against Dr. Merera Gudina, Chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC). Dr. Merera is facing trials after having been accused of multiple criminal charges including charges of attempt to overthrow the constitutional order by violence. The prosecutor’s addition of the new set of evidence came after they have told the federal court that they had already finished submitting the list of evidence, including names of witnesses, to the court. The defense team protested the move saying it was unlawful. However, in its decision this morning, the court overruled the defense team’s objection and accepted all the additional evidence submitted by the prosecutors. The prosecutors have also asked the court not to allow the defense team to access the new set of evidence. “I am charged for inciting public protests to which senior government officials took the responsibility and apologized for saying the protests were caused by maladministration. Local elders, Priests and Imams have all been trying to mediate and pacify the protesting youth. So why am I staying in jail for that?” Dr. Merera asked the court up on the verdict. On October 16, Dr. Merera Gudina has entered a not guilty plea against all charges brought by the federal prosecutors. The court then decided to begin the hearing for prosecutor’s witnesses as of Nov. 03/2017. It is to be remembered that after having being denied access to the list of prosecutors witnesses, on July 07 Dr. Merera’s defense team had requested the court to get the full list. The court then refereed the request to the council of the house of federation for constitutional interpretations, which dragged the case by months. The council of the House of Federation ruled that witness protection was not in violation of the constitution and that the court can proceed the hearing while protecting the identities of prosecutor’s witnesses. The court began witnesses hearing without having to avail the full list of witnesses to Dr. Merera Gudina’s defense team. Dr. Merera Gudina is in jail since December Nov. 30/2016 when he was detained by security forces upon arriving at Bole International Airport after touring Europe for more than three weeks during which he delivered a speech to members of the European Union Parliament. He appeared at the EU parliament to testify on the political crisis and human rights violations in Ethiopia. Dr. Merera was joined by two other prominent invitees : Dr. Berhanu Nega, leader of the opposition Patriotic Ginbot 7 (G7), which is designated by Ethiopia’s ruling party dominated parliament as a “terrorist organization” and is now actively fighting the regime from the northern part of the country, and athlete Feyisa Lilessa, Olympic silver medalist who gave a significant impetus to a year-long Oromo protest that gripped Ethiopia when he crossed his arms in an X sign at the finishing line. The judges have adjourned the next hearing for January 01/2018 to give a verdict on whether or not Dr. Merera’s defense team would be allowed to get access to the new set of evidence. http://addisstandard.com/news-court-rejects-request-by-dr-merera-gudina-to-declare-invalid-latest-audiovideo-evidence-added-by-prosecutors-as- evidence

29.12.2017 Task force mulls on findings after holding discussion with university students . Waltainfo A task force, which had engaged in discussion with university students to sort out causes and future direction of the conflicts, flared up in some higher learning institutions of the country, held an inclusive discussion on general findings. State Minister for Ministry of Education, Dr. Samuel Kifle said that the task force identified the internal and external factors triggered conflict in the institutions. Lack of good governance, issues related to Ethio-Somali and Oromia region border conflict and the demand among the students to abandon the lately introduce exit exam are the major questions raised by the students. He said that a task force reached in consensus with the students to solve their questions in long term and short term, while the institutions resumed the usual learning and teaching engagements. The task force also mulled on issues that could bring in another problem, the State Minister added. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=2

29.12.2017 Selam Buses carrying Ethiopian church pilgrims to Kulbi attacked by protesters . borkena.com Selam Bus and two other buses affiliated with the ruling party attacked. United Nations issued travel advisories for its staff in Ethiopia. Four buses carrying pilgrims to Kulbi Gebriel,one of the sacred places for the followers of Ethiopian church followers, are reportedly attacked by protesters near Arberekete, a town close to Asebe Teferei city, in the South Eastern part of the country. The attacked buses are owned by companies affiliated with the ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Selam bus, sky bus and Ethio-buses were selectively attacked by protesters while many other buses were travelling peacefully to Kulubi. Selam Bus Line Share company , was established in 1996, just a few years after TPLF took power, by Tigray Development Association, to “address nation wide need for public transportation” According to Deutsche Welle Amharic service report, which cited travel advisory for staff by United Nations, the protesters ordered the passengers in the buses to alight and smashed windows and destroyed doors. No physical harm and injury was inflicted on the passengers. As the protesters try to set the four buses on fire, added the report, military forces arrived in the scene and dispersed the protesters and the buses were escorted back to Addis Ababa. The report did not indicate if protesters were killed or wounded following the arrival of military force to the region. It is to be remembered that Selam Bus was attacked a year ago during the protest in Gonder region, North Western Ethiopia. https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/28/selam-bus-kulbi-attacked/

28.12.2017 OPDO officials request extension on their court summon on Bekele Gerba et al case . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter The Office of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) requested the Federal High Court for the extension of date of appearance of witnesses called by defendants in the high profile case of Bekele Gerba et al. The defendants called Abadulla Gemeda, 67

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 the Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives, Lemma Megerssa, President of the Oromia regional State, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), head of the OPDO Secretariat and Chaltu Sani, the mayor of Lege Dadi town, as witnesses to help them defend the charges lodged against them by federal prosecutors. However, citing the important role the aforementioned officials of the party are playing to arrest the current political turmoil in the country, OPDO sent an official requesting change of date for their appearance before the court. It is to be remembered that Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, who was included in the official defense witness list, was also represented by his Office to inform the court that he would not be able to make the court date on account of his tight schedule as it is demanded by his position as Prime Minister of the country. Hailemariam was also called as defense witness in the ongoing case involving the prominent Oromo opposition leader, Bekele Gerba, and many others included in the same charge. Hence, the court has issued summon for the PM during the last trial date to which the PM failed to respond. Hence, defendants requested the court yesterday to serve the PM with subpoena and compel him to appear as witness in the high-profile case. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/opdo-officials-request-extension-their-court-summon-bekel-gerba-et-al-case

28.12.2017 Patriarchate in exile called for formation of caretaker gov’t . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News Expressing deep concern over the current political crisis in Ethiopia, the exiled Patriarchate of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has called for the establishment of a caretaker government. The patriarchate said in a press statement it sent to ESAT that a cloud of tribulations is looming large over the country and it was high time that the army, opposition political parties and the people work in tandem to amicably avert the impending catastrophe. The patriarchate expressed deep concern over over the fact that the army and the police force were solely used by those in power for political gains and to cling to power indefinitely. The synod in exile called on the army and the police force to come to the realization that they were just being used by those in power to stay in power. It called on the army and the police force to “turn the muzzle of their firearm away from the people” and focus on their task of protecting the peace and sovereignty of the country. The patriarchate said the ethnic clashes and loss of lives in the country, especially in the Oromo and Somali regions, were orchestrated by those in political power to their own political gains. The synod also called on opposition political parties to let aside their political differences and work to do away with the impending political crisis. The Patriarchate was formed after Abuna Merkorios, the fourth patriarch of the Church, was forced into exile when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) took political power in the early 90s. Although the dogma of the Church strictly forbids the appointment of a new patriarch until the death of the existing one, the TPLF appointed Abune Paulos replacing Merkorios. That has created divisions among Church leaders and the laity. It also resulted in mutual excommunications between the two synods. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-patriarchate-exile-called-formation-caretaker-govt

28.12.2017 Dauerkrise im Wirtschaftswunderland Äthiopien . Deutsche Welle Seit mehr als zwei Jahren wird Äthiopien immer wieder von Unruhen erschüttert. Es geht um Macht, Teilhabe und regionale Autonomie. Die Lage droht zu eskalieren. "Mindestens 61 Tote nach Tagen der Gewalt." So oder ähnlich liefen in der Woche vor Weihnachten die Meldungen aus Äthiopien über die Bildschirme. Seit zwei Jahren kommt es immer wieder zu Auseinandersetzungen mit Todesopfern. Vor allem in den Regionen Oromia und Amhara gehören Proteste, Unruhen und Gewalt für viele Menschen mittlerweile zum Alltag. Statt auf Dialog mit den Demonstranten setzte die Regierung von Beginn an auf die harte Hand: Beobachter berichten von willkürlicher Polizeigewalt, kritische Internetseiten und Blogs werden von der Regierung zensiert, manchmal gar das gesamte Internet tagelang gesperrt. Unabhängige Radiosender werden regelmäßig gestört - auch das amharische Programm der Deutschen Welle ist davon betroffen. Was ist los in Äthiopien, dem Land mit rund 100 Millionen Einwohnern, das sonst gerne als Ostafrikas neue Wirtschaftsmacht gepriesen wird? Die Spurensuche führt zurück bis ins Jahr 1991. Damals stürzte die Revolutionäre Demokratische Front der Äthiopischen Völker (EPRDF), eine Koalition von Rebellengruppen unter der Führung der nordäthiopischen Volksbefreiungsfront von Tigray (TPLF), das kommunistische Derg-Regime und beendete damit einen 17 Jahre andauernden Bürgerkrieg. Ethnischer Föderalismus - Ursünde des modernen Äthiopiens? Um innere Konflikte künftig zu vermeiden, installierten die siegreichen Rebellen zunächst eine Einheitsregierung, der Parteien aus allen wichtigen Bevölkerungsgruppen angehörten. Zusätzlich sollte ein föderales Staatensystem, basierend auf neun ethnisch definierten Regionen, dem historischen Zentralismus in Äthiopien ein Ende bereiten und den verschiedenen Bevölkerungsgruppen größere Autonomie und Selbstbestimmung einräumen. Doch bald wurde klar, dass die Regierungskoalition unter der Führung des TPLF-Chefs Meles Zenawi wenig Interesse daran hatte, ihre neu gewonnene Macht zu teilen. Die zunehmend autoritär agierende Zentralregierung blieb die maßgebliche Regierungsinstanz, das Recht auf regionale Selbstbestimmung nicht viel mehr als hehres Versprechen. Der Journalist Martin Plaut sieht in dieser Konstellation das Grundproblem des modernen äthiopischen Staates: "Die TPLF und Meles Zenawi hatten nie vor, Demokratie und echten Föderalismus zuzulassen", sagt der Äthiopien-Experte. Doch sei die Fokussierung auf ethnische Unterschiede in der Verfassung nicht ohne Konsequenzen geblieben: "Wenn die Ethnie zur Grundlage des Staates wird, führt das unweigerlich zu ethnischen Spannungen", so Plaut im DW-Gespräch. Wer profitiert vom Wirtschaftswunder?

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Einigen Beobachtern gelten die tödlichen Zusammenstöße zwischen Oromo und äthiopischen Somali in den vergangenen Wochen deshalb als Vorboten eines ethnisch motivierten Bürgerkriegs. Die ethnischen Spannungen, so scheint es, entladen sich derzeit mit zunehmender Intensität. Doch die Ursachen sind komplex. So hat vor allem ein Thema in den letzten Jahren die unruhige Situation im Land immer wieder befeuert: Die Nebenwirkungen des rasanten Wirtschaftswachstums – seit 2000 hat sich das Bruttoinlandsprodukt fast verzehnfacht – und die Frage, wer vom gestiegenen Wohlstand eigentlich profitieren darf. So gilt etwa die gewaltsame Enteignung vieler Oromo in der Folge der flächenmäßigen Ausbreitung der Boom-Hauptstadt Addis Abeba als einer der Auslöser für die andauernden Unruhen. Und während eine kleine Schicht regierungsnaher Oligarchen immer mehr Reichtum anhäuft, sehen die meisten Äthiopier bislang kaum etwas vom angeblichen Wirtschaftswunder. Nach wie vor gehört Äthiopien zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt, fast sechs Millionen Menschen sind sogar auf Nahrungsmittelhilfe angewiesen. Zwar führte das Wirtschaftswachstum auch zum Entstehen einer kleinen aber wachsenden Mittelklasse, doch die trägt kaum zur Entschärfung der Situation bei. Im Gegenteil: Wirtschaftlicher Erfolg und bessere Bildung nähren den Wunsch nach politischer Partizipation, die den Aufsteigern im autoritären System bislang verwehrt bleibt. Die Folgen dieser Umbrüche sind Konflikte auf allen Ebenen: Die Zivilgesellschaft begehrt auf gegen den Autoritarismus nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Machthaber, die Regionen wollen mehr Unabhängigkeit von Addis Abeba, und innerhalb der Macht- und Schaltzentralen kämpfen Reformer gegen die Verteidiger des Status quo. Zunehmend mischen auch das Militär und regionale Polizeitruppen bei politischen Entscheidungen mit. Echter Föderalismus als Lösung? Droht nun ein Zerfall des Staates? Martin Plaut hält derlei Spekulationen für verfrüht, schließlich gebe es einen Ausweg: "Es gibt eine Lösung, und zwar einen echten Föderalismus zu erlauben." Dafür müsse allerdings die TPLF bereit sein, ihre Vormachtstellung abzugeben und ein echtes Mehrparteiensystem zulassen. Auch der äthiopische Oppositionspolitiker Beyene Petros glaubt nicht, dass Äthiopien auseinanderbrechen könnte: "Ich denke, es gibt einen großen öffentlichen Willen, zusammenzubleiben", sagt der Vize-Chef der Medrek-Koalition im DW-Gespräch. Nötig sei aber eine Reform des politischen Systems: "Das EPRDF-Regime ist schlicht nicht kompatibel mit der kulturellen und politischen Situation im Land." Was Äthiopien nun brauche, sei eine nationale Konferenz unter Einbindung aller Parteien und der Zivilgesellschaft. So könnten die schlechten Nachrichten aus Äthiopien mittelfristig ein Ende finden. http://www.dw.com/de/dauerkrise-im-wirtschaftswunderland-%C3%A4thiopien/a-41961641?maca=de-rss-de-region-afrika-4022-rdf

27.12.2017 Regime deploys regular army, militia from Tigray to protesting regions . ESAT News Unable to cope with the unrelenting protests in all regions of the country against its tyrannical rule, the TPLF regime in Ethiopia has deployed regular army and militia from Tigray in an attempt to crush protests. ESAT’s military sources say as pressure mounts against its misrule, the regime has removed soldiers watching the country’s border and moved them to areas where people are holding daily protests demanding an end to tyranny. Sources also said civilians from Tigray and former guerrilla fighters of the TPLF were given weapons and have been deployed to various regions. The regime had used militia from Tigray disguised in national defense uniforms to crush protests in the Amhara and other region, the sources recalled. The sources also exposed plans by the regime to arm and deploy the youth from Tigray to quell protests. Close observers of the developments in Ethiopia say the decision to arm people from Tigray in an apparent move to attack other groups protesting the regime would unfortunately give ethnic dimension to the crisis unfolding in Ethiopia. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-regime-deploys-regular-army-militia-tigray-protesting-regions

26.12.2017 Defendants in Bekele Gerba et al case petitions court to subpoena PM Hailemariam . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter The defendants in the pending court case of Bekele Gerba et al has petitioned the Federal High Court to subpoena Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn to appear as witness after the PM failed to appear in court in spite of being issued with official court summon. Hailemariam was called as defense witness in the ongoing case involving the prominent Oromo opposition leader, Bekele Gerba, and many others included in the same charge. Hence, the court has issued summon for the PM during the last trial date to which the PM failed to respond. In fact, it was the Office of the Prime Minister that informed the court that the PM could not appear before court to be a witness in the aforementioned case since he is overburdened with heavy workload and very tight schedule. Hence, defendants requested the court today to serve the PM with subpoena and compel him to appear as witness in the high-profile case. Bekele Gerba et al explained to court that they called Hailemariam to be their defense witness just like any other citizen; and they petitioned the court to serve the PM with a subpoena if the PM does not respect the law and appear before the court. It is to be remembered that Bekele Gerba et al had counted the Prime Minister, President of the Oromia Regional State, Lemma Megerssa, and the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) secretariat, Abiy Ahmed (PhD). http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/defendants-bekele-gerba-et-al-case-petitions-court-subpoena-pm-hailemariam

26.12.2017 PM Hailemariam puts ongoing executive meeting on hold to meet parliamentarians, remains mute on the details . Etenesh Abera, Addis Standard Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has put the ongoing executive committee meeting of the ruling party EPRDF on hold and appeared in the parliament yesterday. The Prime Minister’s unusual appearance follows the request from the law makers who boycotted the parliament until he has done so.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Last week, the members of the parliament, which is entirely controlled by the ruling EPRDF , have said they would like to have the Prime Minister appear in the chamber to answer to their questions regarding the recent violent incidents which left the country in the brink of a major security crisis. The requests were advanced mostly by members of the parliament representing the two parties within the EPRDF: the OPDO and the ANDM, governing Oromia, the largest, and Amhara, the second largest, regional states in the current federal dispensation. It follows recent political developments in which the leadership in the two regional states are showing signs of alliance against what is widely accepted as dominance by the TPLF. However, neither the members of the parliament nor the prime minister’s office, nor for that matter the government’s communication affairs office have said a word about the actual content of the discussions, which lasted for more than three hours, according to sources. The silence following the meeting has prompted frustrations among many , including supporters of the OPDO. “How is the public going to know about the meeting? Through the members of Parliament or through other means? Or are we not going to hear anything about it? Isn’t asking questions in public and getting the answers through the back door a disrespect to the public?” asked Dereje Gerefa Tulu, one of the leading supporters of the OPDO, in his Facebook post. Addis Standard’s attempts to get information from few members of parliamentarian were to no avail. PM Hailemariam’s last appearance in the parliament was on Oct. 26 during which he admitted that “black market in forex” and “contraband” as well as “Khat trading” in eastern Ethiopia have fueled the continued violence that displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, giving the conflict ethnic and national dimensions. But he defended the federal army and the Somali region’s controversial “Liyu Police” force in the conflict with the exception of few “rogue members implicated in the violence”. Since then, however, members of the federal army have committed another crime against civilians in Chelenko, east Hararghe zone of the Oromia regional state. In an unexpected address to the nation following the killings in Chelenko and yet another one in Hawi Gudina woreda of west Hararghe Zone, in which dozens of Ethiopian Somalis were killed, Prime Minister Hailemariam gave a rare televised message and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. But in what can only be seen as code red, the Prime Minister also said these latest incidents were posing serious danger to the peace and stability of the country. The MPs request came to the attention of the media after the PM’s unexpected appearance in the national television. http://addisstandard.com/news-pm-hailemariam-puts-ongoing-executive-meeting-on-hold-to-meet-parliamentarians-remains-mute-on-the-details

25.12.2017 Somali region defends special force actions in Somali and Oromia conflics . Zemenu Tenagne, The Reporter Somali region president Abdi Mohammed praises Oromia and Somali security forces for playing pivotal roles to control the conflicts that were observed between the residents of the two regions. The president that briefed the media today, Sunday December 24, 2017, in Jigjiga, stated that a claim that the security forces fueled the conflicts is totally false claim and irresponsible. He asserted that the role of the region’s special force was immense in the process of solving the problems. He said that the role of the region’s special force in fighting Alshabaab, ONLF and OLF has been commendable. The region was a one of the places where the OLF used as a transit according to the president. The president also said that the regional government is raising six thousand children of the deceased members of the special force. Abdi also dismissed the claim that there is a difference among the Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party (ESPDP) and the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO). But, he said that there were accusations and these accusations do not indicate a difference among the two parties. The accusations that have been raised from both sides of the regional governments are being discussed to bring reconciliation among the concerned bodies, according to Abdi. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/somali-region-defends-special-force-actions-somali-and-oromia-conflics

23.12.2017 Damage Control . The Reporter Members of the public gathering yesterday in the august chambers of parliament witnessed an unprecedented turn of events as high- profile government officials, both from the federal and regional levels, as well as MPs engaged in a heated debate over the wisdom and fairness of discussing the draft proclamation on the special privileges that Oromia would enjoy in Addis Ababa at this point in time when Oromia is being rocked by violence. Both House Speaker Abadulla Gemeda and Chief Government Whip Asmelash Gebresellasie had to excuse themselves from the ongoing EPRDF executive committee meeting called to deliberate on current issues of national import to attend the public hearing. The committee earlier this week released a statement owning up blame for the party’s rejection by growing ranks of the public, resulting in general discontent and unrest all over the country. Abadulla and Asmelash went on damage-control mode, trying to mollify MPs and representatives from Oromia region and others who sought to disrupt proceedings until the situation unfolding in Oromia is resolved. Reminding the assembly that the forum was convened by the Legal and Justice Affairs Standing Committee – an offshoot of the highest legislative body in the land – Abadulla insisted that the session should proceed, and asked those taking issues with it to leave. In the end, Abadulla and Asmelash’s efforts proved futile as the meeting was adjourned to another time. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/damage-control

23.12.2017 Anti-terror proclamation being debated . Neamin Ashenafi, The Reporter Some 15 national opposition political parties taking part in a lengthy negotiation with the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) over numerous issues, including amending some legal procedures related to election and the electoral system of Ethiopia, yesterday started debating on the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation Number 652/2009. 70

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 During the session, the parties aired their concerns over the existing anti-terrorism proclamation. In this regard, the group of 11 national opposition political parties that forged unity for the purpose of this negotiation proposed the cancellation, amendment and incorporation of new articles to the existing anti-terrorism proclamation. Of the total 38 articles that make up the anti-terrorism proclamation, the parties proposed that Articles 5(1), 19(1), 3-12 and 22 be amended, Articles 3(6), 5(1)(A), 14, 21,23, 25 be cancelled and proposed some five new articles be incorporated to the existing proclamation. According to the document that the parties submitted to the secretariat of the negotiation last week, the reason the parties proposed to amend, cancel and include new articles is mainly because the existing anti-terrorism proclamation is against basic human rights and even violates basic human rights enshrined in the constitution. Apart from this, the document stated that the existing anti-terrorism proclamation violates basic human rights such as freedom of expression, organization, gathering and petitioning as a group. Similarly, the existing anti- terrorism proclamation is applied by the government to silence different views and opinions of journalists, human rights activists, which in turn hampers the process and efforts of different groups in building a democratic system in the country. The existing anti-terrorism proclamation also weakens the efforts of the opposition parties to contribute to the democratization process of the country and, hence, the parties took a stand over the proclamation, the document reads. So far, the ruling party and the national opposition parties have agreed to amend the existing Revised Political Parties’ Registration Proclamation No. 573/2008 and the Amended Electoral Law of Ethiopia Proclamation No. 532/2007. As a result of the ongoing negotiation, the parties have agreed to change the electoral system of the country to a mixed electoral system from the current winner- take-all system. Opposition and the ruling parties have haggled over the proposed issues over the anti-terrorism proclamation, and the negotiations will continue on Thursday. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/anti-terror-proclamation-being-debated

23.12.2017 House in virtual recess demanding PM appearance . Yonas Abiye, The Reporter It has now been almost two weeks since the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) convened a regular session in what The Reporter has learnt is due to failure to form the required quorum after some MPs allegedly boycotted sessions, demanding that the prime minister give the house a briefing on crises unfolding in the country. However, most standing committees are carrying on with their respective meetings in accordance with their schedules. According to sources The Reporter approached on Thursday, disgruntled MPs from the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) have desperately been awaiting appearance by the prime minister to give an accounting of the violence that rocked parts of Oromia and the Somali regional states, leaving scores dead. The MPs have submitted a letter to that effect to Deputy Speaker Shitaye Minlae, vowing to boycott sessions if their demand remains unmet. Over the past two weeks, the house has convened only once (on Tuesday, December 12) out of the four sessions it was scheduled to have. The House’s Working Procedure and Members’ Code of Conduct Proclamation stipulates that regular parliamentary sessions be conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meanwhile, extraordinary meetings could be called when urgent affairs requiring decision by the house arise while it is in recess. However, according to sources, meetings were canceled in the past three days of the two weeks though there were agenda that had been set earlier. The office of the house speaker has not disclosed publicly what necessitated the cancellation. However, a source told The Reporter that house support staff were told that no regular meetings would be held on Tuesday and Thursday this week without further details. But they believed that meetings were not called by the deputy speaker for fear of low turn-out. Though The Reporter was unable to confirm the total number of MPs who would not attend sessions based on the precondition they have set, a quorum would not form if MPs from Oromia and Amhara are absent since their combined number constitutes 300 seats (more than 2/3 of the total 547). Constitutionally, a quorum would not form without the presence of at least two-thirds of MPs. It was also not clear whether the deputy speaker has intimated developments to the PM, who is too busy with the much-ballyhooed EPRDF executive committee meeting. Beside regular meetings, the house can call special meetings when it encounters heavy workload and arrears of work or encounters affairs that need immediate attention. It may hold special meetings on working days other than regular meeting times. The speaker or more than half of MPs could call for convening of a special meeting. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/house-virtual-recess-demanding-pm-appearance

21.12.2017 Learning Process at Universities Resume as Situation Become Calm . ENA Learning process at universities that has been witnessed clashes recently has resumed as order has restored at the institutions, the Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, GCAO Minister Dr Negeri Lencho said all the universities that witnessed clashes have returned to their previous calmness. Noting that the clashes occurred in the universities lack sound reason, Negeri said the situation has quickly spread to other places through forces with the intention of instigating conflict. The clashes in some universities changed their feature triggering conflict amongst students, which led to the injury and even death of students, he added. He also noted damage inflicted on the universities that were constructed with huge investment with the aim of creating educated community. According to Negeri, concerted efforts of the task force established for this purpose, the government, religious leaders and community members have helped to restore order. The learning process at all of the universities that clashes were occurred has resumed because of these efforts. He noted that the consultation that the task force held with leaders of each university, religious leaders, community elders and students is fruitful in calming the situation.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Negeri emphasized the need to positively understand the night time curfew imposed and deployment of security forces at the universities as the moves are aimed to ensure safety of students. The Minister has also underlined that the government has no intention of permanently stationing security forces at the universities. Noting that forwarding queries is a right, Negeri urged students to stage inquiries peacefully and democratically and enhance the long aged tradition of peaceful co-existence. Regarding the killing of people in Chelenko and West Hararge, Negeri said the government is investigating both cases. The Minister asserted that the findings will be publicized as soon as the investigation completes. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4085-learning-process-at-universities-resume-as-situation-become-calm

21.12.2017 EPRDF admits to strong lack of thrust between member parties . The Reporter The Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) blamed itself for the current public discontent and political unrest in the country and admits to the creation of strong sense of suspicion among its four member parties. The party made these revelations at its latest communiqué issued today in the capital. The Executive Committee meeting which is being held behind closed doors in the past one week or so released the communiqué at a time when most parts of the country are being rocked by a horrific violence. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn expressed his grief over the tragic killing of ethnic Ethio-Somalis who were under police protection in west Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Regional State. He also assured the public that all the proper measures will be taken against the perpetrators of the crime. “The contribution of leadership failure to the country’s current perilous situation is immense,” stated the communiqué. The Front also revealed the emergence of strong suspicion among the four member parties which makes up EPRDF and the lack of trust that is becoming apparent in recent days. The party’s Executive Committee meeting which is progressing behind closed doors has been criticized for its secrecy while the issues discussed are of national importance. Thus far, EPRDF has refrained from saying anything about the agenda it is discussing and the expected outcomes. The Executive Committee has also invited members of the previous leadership to participate in this important meeting as was the case with the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front’s 35-day central committee meeting, which was concluded recently. The communiqué also promises to disclose the progress of the meeting from here on out and the outcome at the end of the process. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/eprdf-admits-strong-lack-thrust-between-member-parties

20.12.2017 Executive Committee Agreed on Directions to Address Public Queries, Protect Federal System . ENA The Executive Committee of the ruling EPRDF announced that it has reached consensus on major directions that would help to address public queries and protect the federal system. The Executive Committee has been deliberating on current national and organizational since 12 December in Addis Ababa. The deliberation includes former members. A press statement that Office of the EPRDF Council issued to ENA said the Executive Committee has deliberated on the major issues that it said are critical to address the current challenges. Through the deliberation held so far, the Executive Committee has agreed on the existence of practices and attitudinal problems that are derailing the journey to success. Lack of unity and democracy within the party, and prevalence of doubt are the major issues that the Executive Committee said to derail the journey towards development. After detailed discussion on these issues, the Committee has reached consensus on directions that would help to address public queries related to peace and stability, good governance and development. Through the discussion on the nature and causes of the issues, strong consensus has reached amongst the leadership on the need to provide lasting solution for the problems, according to the statement. The Executive Committee noted that doubt and distrust have become the characteristics of the relationship between the four national parties that EPRDF consists since recently. In this regard, the Committee has discussed in detail and reach consensus on issues that would help to restore unity. Though the in-depth reform process that the party has been implementing over the past three years has brought promising results, the Committee noted that it did not go very much in-depth as desired. This has resulted in the revival of the problems including clashes. The Committee attributed the clashes occurred in various areas of the country that led to the death of people and destruction of property to the weakness of the leadership. The Executive Committee has reached on a firm stand on the need to resolve the clashes occurred in some areas of the country, restore peace and protect the federal system. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4081-executive-committee-agreed-on-directions-to-address-public-queries-protect-federal-system

20.12.2017 EPRDF says mistrust and suspicion rife within party; current crisis due to weakness of the executive . Addis Standard A statement released from Ethiopia’s ruling party EPRDF ongoing executive committee meeting admitted that the party was facing a gradual & widening “mistrust” & “suspicion” among the four major parties that make up the EPRDF. The statement further said that although the executive recognizes the reform it has taken in the last two years as encouraging, it admits that it was insufficient and reached at a consensus that the incomplete journey to reform has forced the party to start “sinking” together. It also said the party has accepted that the recent violence in different parts of the country that claimed the lives of hundreds and left close to 700, 000 Ethiopians internally displaced, bringing the country to a brink of security crisis, was due to the “weakness of the executive” and that the contribution of this weakness was “significant” in the current crisis that plagued the country.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 A consensus was also reached among the members of the executive committee that although there were blames to be shared among the different hierarchies of the ruling party, the executive takes the lion’s share of blame for having gradually lost the public’s trust, focusing instead on “internal bickering”. The statement affirms that a consensus was reached among the executive on future guideline to resolve the current crisis facing the country as a unified front and to “work hard together” to respond to the public’s demand for peace & democracy and to safeguard the federal arrangement of the country, which is under threat due to the recent crisis. The executive meeting will go on discussing all these pressing issues and will bring its gathering to a “victorious end”, the statement claimed, adding the results of the meeting will be made public subsequently. http://addisstandard.com/news-eprdf-says-mistrust-and-suspicion-rife-within-party-current-crisis-due-to-weakness-of-the-executive

20.12.2017 Independent investigations into the recent violence in Ethiopia essential: EU. Addis Standard Oromia, Amhara and Tigrai regional states in which at least a dozen students were killed. Some universities are gearing up to open while other remain closed. According to a local newspaper , Ethiopian ruling party dominated members of parliament have requested PM Hailemariam Desalegn to appear in parliament to give explanations on current pressing issues related to ethnic based violence & growing political crisis. Representatives of OPDO & ANDM, the two parties representing Oromia and Amhara regional states and are members of the ruling EPRDF were at the forefront of the request, according to the report. “The setting up by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne of a task force to investigate the most recent killings is a welcome step. All sides, including regional and federal police forces, should show restraint to ensure full protection and safety of all citizens,” the EU said in the statement. It also said that the conflict resolution mechanisms enshrined in the Constitution “should be activated swiftly in order to allow for a peaceful settlement of the issues” and called for inclusive political dialogue. “We remain convinced that only an inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders will address the grievances of the population in a peaceful and constructive manner.” Protests have continued in various places as residents and students keep taking to the streets denouncing these killings http://addisstandard.com/news-independent-investigations-recent-violence-ethiopia-essential-eu

20.12.2017 Inter-Religious Council Calls on Youth to Contribute to Peace . ENA The Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia called on the youth in particular to fulfill their contributions to peace. In a message read out at a press conference today, the council stated that the peoples of Ethiopia have strong bondage and the conflicts that have occurred in some parts of the country do not represent the real situation on the ground. “The Ethiopian brotherhood which is established on love and unity is the part of our history that makes us proud”, the statement added. The council called upon the youth, the public and the government to cooperate their efforts to maintain peace in the entire country. In this regard, the federal and regional governments and leaders at all levels should work together to meet the demands of the people like solving the problem of unemployment, the statement stressed. It also called upon the youth, especially university and higher education institutions students to keep the tradition of national unity and work hard to build a strong nation. Furthermore, it urged religious fathers and elders to teach more about peace and harmony. The council has also expressed its condolences over the death of innocent citizens in the conflicts. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4076-inter-religious-council-calls-on-youth-to-contribute-to-peace

20.12.2017 Ethiopian Parliamentarians boycott Parliament . Borkena.com A considerable number of Ethiopian parliamentarians are boycotting regular parliamentary sessions,according to a report by The Ethiopian Reporter. They are mainly drawn from two of the biggest parties in the ruling coalition EPRDF; Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) and Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO). They have demanded Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalenge to appear before parliament to explain growing ethnic violence in the country and the killings of innocent civilians in the south eastern parts of the country. Deployed federal government forces have also attacked students in university campuses in North Western and Central Ethiopia following student protest over the killing of a student from Gojam by a group of radical ethnic Tigreans in Adigrat University, Tigray – which is the ethnic political base of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Habtamu Yalew Senshaw, who was pursuing management undergraduate degree at Adigrat University was thrown to his death from students’ building at Adigrat University. The ruling party,EPRDF, is composed of four ethnic based parties. There has been allegations that (TPLF) has been dominating over federal structures and keys sectors including in the security apparatus and senior military positions while it represents less than sixty percent of the entire population. Amhara and Oromo people are the largest langue speaking groups in the country and members of parliament from these regions constitute well over 60 percent of parliamentary seats. Ethiopia is still in a state of political crisis as many town across Oromo region are protesting the killings of civilians in Chelenko, in Hararge. Information emerging in social media indicate that there is apparent tension and fear in the ruling party that a protest could break out in the capital Addis Ababa. One of today’s street protest was in Dukem, just a few kilometers from the outskirts of Addis Ababa in the south east direction. The boycott by Ethiopian Parliamentarians is unprecedented in the history of the ruling party which has been in power for nearly twenty seven years now. https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/20/news-ethiopian-parliamentarians-boycott

19.12.2017 Consultation underway in Adigrat University re-induce stable teaching-learning process . Jemal Tamene, Waltainfo

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Meles Zenawi Leadership Academy, Special Training Program Director, Pawulos Kussa told Walta that officials from the federal government are holding discussions with the university community for the commencement of peaceful teaching and learning process again. 80 percent of the university students are currently living in the university, he said adding that efforts will continue to make all students resume classes. He said that the social media has created fear and suspicion among the university students. The Ministry of education is working to calm down students, who were troubled by the recent unrest which destabilized some universities in the country. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=35634

19.12.2017 Teaching, learning process continues unobstructed at Mekelle University . Eden Getachew, Waltainfo Mekelle University announced that the teaching and learning process is continued unobstructed. Students from Mekelle University told Walta that though there was fear among students following a series of unrest happened in some universities of the country, they are continuing their education unobstructed. University President, Professor Kindya Gebrehiwot said that the university is working with local communities to maintain the existing peace in the university. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national

18.12.2017 News: Mounting death toll, violence pushes Ethiopia to the brink of security crisis . Addis Standard Close to eighty people were killed (by official accounts) within just one week in various places located in east and west Hararghe administrative zones of the Oromia regional state, in the eastern part of Ethiopia, pushing the country to the brink of security crisis. The latest spate of violence began on December 14, barely two days after the killing by the federal security forces of at least 16 civilians in Chelenko, east Hararghe. Addisu Arega Kitessa, head of the Oromia region communication bureau, confirmed the violence in a statement he posted on his Facebook page . “Starting from December 14, armed men who do not represent the peaceful Ethio-Somali communities have begun mounting attacks in Hawi Gudina woreda [of west Hararghe Zone], Ebsa and Tao Kebeles, killing 29 Oromos.” More than 360 houses were also completely burned, according to Addisu. Driven by anger and revenge over these killings, an individual and his cohorts have mounted a violent attack against innocent Ethiopian Somalis who were from Gadullo district, killing as many as 32 civilians, according to Addisu. But accounts on both the number of causalities and the circumstances vary. A twitter message first received by Addis Standard on the evening of December 15 claimed that 37 Ethiopian Somalis were killed by “militias from the Oromia region”. And the Mogadishu based Daslan Radio claimed in a headline “ 65 Somalis killed in Ethiopia. ” . Following the lead on twitter, Addis Standard contacted three individuals for interviews : two in Mieso town, who have been credible sources of previous stories on Addis Standard, and one in Chiro (Asebe Teferi). What is agreed by all is that the killings of these innocent civilians happened on December 15 “inside a single location,” where, according to one of the three interviewees , more than 100 people were “sheltered for fear of their security.” This violence is preceded by last week’s killing in Chelonko and subsequent “sporadic killings, night time raids, raping of women and girls and abductions of teenage boys by armed forces,” acts, according to our interviewee, which are most of the times committed by members of the Somali “Liyu” forces, who are accused of serious crimes , and other armed bandits who have flourished in the area unchecked. “The Somali communities were worried about revenge attacks, that is why they were sheltered,” he said explaining the reason for the sheltering in a single location of the civilian victims. Addisu Arega admitted in his post that the atrocious attack against Ethiopian Somalis were led by an individual who lost a brother among the 29 Oromos killed. “It was led by Ziad Teha, the brother of Ahmed Teha, who was a loved member of his community”. The second source contacted by Addis Standard added that two more men were also among the leading members of the group who committed, in the words of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, “a mass murder” against the Ethiopian Somali civilians. “I know both of them,” he said on the phone from Mieso, “the wife of one of them was taken by armed men three weeks ago and she was raped and dumped to die. Right now she is recovering in Chiro (Asebe Teferi) hospital. The second man that I know among the group had lost a 13 year old niece last week when she was abducted by a group of armed men. No one knows where she is now .” The third person who is from Chiro told Addis Standard this morning that he has a business partner staying with his family who escaped the military violence in Hawi Gudina. “We are not able to establish any contact with his family members left behind in Hawi Gudina, there is no power, no internet and no telephone lines since five days” he said. In an interview with the VOA Amharic Abdurezak Ahmed, head of the west Hararghe communication bureau, said that armed men who have came from the Somali regional state have taken control of two kebeles and were responsible of burning at least 80 houses by Friday December 15. By the time he gave the interview on Friday, Abdulrezak admitted that the killing in Gadullo has indeed happened but due to lack of communication he could not tell the exact number of causalities. He referred to armed and organized groups who were responsible of agitating the area. The VOA’s attempts to hear from officials of the Ethio-Somali regional state were to no avail. Addressing the nation in a rare televised message in connection with these violent incidents, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. But in what can only be seen as code red, the Prime Minister also said these latest incidents were posing serious danger to the peace and stability of the country. PM Hailemariam has not been seen addressing the issues in the past weeks, during which ethnic-based violence in various universities located in Oromia, Amhara and Tigrai regional states have left at least a dozen students killed, followed by the death of the sixteen civilians in Chelenko on Monday Dec. 12. The Prime Minister promised to investigate the incidents along with the regional governments and make the findings public; he also said his government would take appropriate measures against the perpetrators. he said the government and the ruling party would be working together to identify the fundamental causes of these conflicts and called on the public to stand with and support the government.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 But several questions remain unanswered. “Who is going to tell us what is happening to the rest of the defenseless civilians in Gadullo? Why were they not protected both by the federal army, the Liyu police and the regional militia forces who seem to be everywhere in the area these days? And who is going to protect us from now on?”, asks our interviewee from Chiro.

18.12.2017 National Security Council will Investigate Chelenko Conflict - Ethiopian Government . Ezega.com Ethiopia's National Security Council will investigate the cause of the chelenko conflict and take the necessary measures against those responsible for the conflict and loss of lives, said Dr Negeri Lencho, Minister of Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) .The government deeply regrets the loss of lives and will discharge it constitutional responsibilities to ensure the safety of its citizens, he underscored. The conflict which recently occurred in Chelenko, east Hararge zone, claimed the lives of 16 people,. In an interview he had yesterday, Dr Negeri noted that security officials need to take the necessary precaution to avoid loss of lives during conflicts by taking proportionate measures. Commenting on the recent instability occurred in some universities, the Minister said, the problem was associated with sport event.Following the incident, ethnic-based attacks were carried out and students killed in some universities, he said. After expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, the Minister said the government, in partnership with regional states and local community, is working to create an environment where students feel safe and resume the teaching-learning process in the universities affected by the instability. In general, the Executive Committee of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) met this week to address the root causes of the problems facing the country, he said.According to him, the Committee is expected to come up with decisions which will help to bring about radical change at individual and institutional levels. Source:- FBC https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/6106/National-Security-Council-will-Investigate-Chelenko-Conflict-Ethiopian-Government

18.12.2017 Ethiopian Government to Deploy Security Forces at Universities . Ezega.com Ethiopia's federal government announced decisions to deploy federal security forces at universities across the country, according to Samuel Kifle (PhD), state minister of education. As universities throughout Ethiopia are under the jurisdiction of the federal government, it is possible that the federal government deploy its forces to ensure security at these institutions, reports the reporter. But, some fear that the presence of federal forces at university premises might frustrate students and distract them. Samuel, who briefed the media in his office located on Niger Street, indicated that the situation at institutions of higher learning has created a security threat to students, and controlling it has become beyond the capacity of campus security forces. He also expressed condolences to the families and friends of victims of violence and the wider academic community. Apart from the deployment of security forces at universities, federal government officials have also been sent to 20 universities to discuss with members of the university community, especially students. The state minister said that there would be discussions in the coming days. The discussion agenda will be security issues that harm the students, inter-student relations and resolving differences through dialogue, according to the state minister. The objectives of the discussions will be getting the students out of the dark as regards the conflicts, ensure the continuation of the halted teaching and learning process and setting mechanisms by which the missed times will be compensated though tutorials, he added. Although Samuel refrained from mentioning the specific universities where the four students he said were killed, the head of the Amhara Regional State’s Communications Office, Nigusu Tilahun, on his Facebook account, last week confirmed the death of an Amhara student at Adigrat University. Two students were killed at Wollega University while other stories are circulated about the death of a student at Debre Tabor University. The victims were attacked, according to the minister, in early evening and late-night while students were either going to prayers or walking to their dormitories from studying late in libraries. Social media activists and other commentators claim that the conflicts at universities have ethnic roots while Samuel dismisses all, saying that the root cause of all the conflicts is a hidden agenda by forces intent at destabilizing the country and create hurdles to the path of progressive renaissance that the country is pursuing. “The issue is political,” he asserted. Source: Reporter https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/6102/Ethiopian-Government-to-Deploy-Security-Forces-at-Universities

16.12.2017 EPRDF Politics: Update . Aigaforum According to multiple sources with first hand knowledge of the meeting, EPRDF Executive meeting is going well! All four parties are in sync on the issues and there are no differences.Unlike what is being said by outsiders,the meeting is going smoothly where everyone is participating without reservation. The sources told us the report of majority vs minority narrative is wrong. Individuals are encouraged to speak freely but on the issues at hand all members are in agreement.The meeting will continue and there is no set date for its conclusion. Aigaforum Dec 16, 2017. http://www.aigaforum.com/index.php

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 16.12.2017 Ethiopia’s political crisis deepens amid EPRDF deadlock on the way forward . OPride Ethiopia’s political and security crisis shows no signs of abating. Authorities on Friday imposed nightly curfew at a number of public colleges and universities following a spate of inter-ethnic clashes and the murder of scores of students. The teaching-learning process has been disrupted at least at nine institutions of higher education. The wanton massacre of 16 innocent civilians, five from one family, in Chelenko by federal troops on Dec. 11 has stoked more protests across the restive Oromia state.The atrocity drew quick condemnation from the state’s president, Lemma Megersa. Oromia officials have accused the central government of deploying the federal army and police without its request—contrary to the constitutional stipulation that forbids such deployment without a formal request by the state. Troubles within the governing coalition are raising fresh concerns about growing state fragility. Even pro-government analysts are now sounding the alarm. For example, in its Dec. 16 editorial, Strathink (http://www.strathink.net/ethiopia/how-to-win-back-the-soul-of-the- eprdf-leadership-part-1 ) opined that the ruling Ethiopian People’s’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is ‘in trouble, lost, stumbling, at a crossroads,’ or as Tigrayan activists put it, it “is being eaten alive from within.” EPRDF leaders admit as much internally, according to recently disclosed documents seen by OPride. For example, in early November, the incoming chairman of the dominant Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Debretsion Gebremichael wrote: “The current security situation in Ethiopia is very disconcerting. The country is moving from one crisis to another. Loss of confidence that EPRDF may not be able to solve the crisis greatly confounds the concern.” The 36-member EPRDF Executive Council is now “in do or die” meeting amid fierce disagreements “on how to go forward.” Earlier in the week, the session was reportedly adjourned without agreement after Oromo and Amhara members of the governing coalition demanded an end to Tigrayan supremacy and the economic and political marginalization of their constituencies, which together make up two-thirds of the country’s 100 million population. Following the walkout, TPLF brought in members of the old-guard to calm tensions. But this too apparently backfired—culminating in heated exchanges, among others, between Abay Tsehaye, an imperious former Minister of Federal Affairs, and representatives of the Oromo People’s’ Democratic Organization (OPDO). TPLF, fresh out of a 35-days long marathon meeting, is vowing to restore its dominance. In an interview with the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting, the party’s newly minted chairman, Debretsion, has threatened to crush those who fault his party for mounting troubles in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Debretsion said claims of Tigrean hegemony are manufactured by foreign enemies of the state to weaken TPLF, sow discord in the country and bring down its rightful government. The fact that Debretsion emphasized the psychological and physical harm against a few Tigreans and the “slander” against his party, while dead silent on the killing of thousands of Oromo protesters for over three years and the displacement of over half a million Oromo by the Somali Liyu Police with direct links to Tigrean generals, points to his intentions to crackdown against any challenge to Tigrean supremacy. Such crackdowns have been futile in the past to contain protests and resistance by the Oromo, the largest of Ethiopia’s 80-plus ethnic groups. The security plan issued by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn last month included suggestions that the military could take over state media outlets such as the popular Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN). Debretsion has been mulling about such takeover as early as in September, according to a cache of leaked documents seen by OPride. In a series of talking points he shared with a few government officials, Debretsion lamented OPDO’s silence when TPLF is vilified and concerted campaigns against federal institutions and the military. He noted that, as a result of alleged behind the scenes Tigrayan orchestration, “government armed groups have started fighting each other.” He said: “There are unfounded claims that there is a force orchestrating [the internal crisis] from behind” to “sabotage our security institutions” and vowed to get to the bottom of it. He added that questions over “ hegemony of TPLF and Tigreans are being greatly exploited.” This has, in turn, caused the “depletion of public trust.” In a major escalation of tensions, OPride has learned that TPLF has resolved to reverse gains made by the new OPDO leadership at its expense. To this effect, the Tigrayan leaders are tabling a motion to dissolve EPRDF and form a strong single party—a move summarily rejected by OPDO and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), another coalition partner. TPLF’s intelligence arm is now reportedly cajoling ANDM to preëmpt the budding Amhara and Oromo alliance. Supporters of TPLF seem alarmed by the threat posed to its supremacy by OPDO’s increasing assertiveness and its overtures to ANDM. Underscoring the high-stakes nature of the meeting, Tigrai Online, a diaspora-based website known to carry the musings of the Tigrean oligarchy, today urged the authorities “to take drastic measures…[against] some regional leaders [who] are openly defying the federal government.” The blog characterized attempts by regional Oromia leaders to assert state rights as a “coup d’état.” In a further sign that the newly installed Tigrean leadership is under pressure by its supporters to quash any threats to its hegemony, another TPLF-affiliated media outlet, Aiga Forum, has put out editorials calling on the authorities to move firmly against populist leaders—an implicit jab at Lemma and members of his cabinet. Aiga described the ongoing meeting as a moment of “Reckoning” and warned that nothing and no one will be spared. If its motion for the merging of EPRDF into a single strong party fails, the new TPLF leadership is reportedly planning to reinstate former OPDO leaders who are sympathetic and loyal to TPLF. In a surprise move a year ago, OPDO removed its chairman, Muktar Kedir, and Deputy Chairman, Aster Mamo, and elected a new and youthful leadership team led by Lemma, who has since built considerable support among the Oromo population for his reformist agenda. Fortunately, the gambit to bring back old faces or a crude measure to take over OBN are unlikely to materialize. For one, Aster is “exiled” in Canada where she serves as an ambassador. Mukar and Bakar Shale, the ex-head of the OPDO Secretariat, appear disengaged and busy with their first semester Ph.D. coursework in South Korea. Kuma Demeksa, one-time president of Oromia, is reportedly the former OPDO official that Aiga hails for siding with TPLF. That leaves Diriba Kuma and Girma Biru, both of whom reportedly offered at least lukewarm support for OPDO’s reform agenda. In short, if Lemma’s group holds its ground, wish as it may, TPLF simply cannot clone loyalists who can do its bidding in Oromia. Oromo activists fear that TPLF maybe making plans to take over OBN. On Dec. 16, locals in Adama reported heavy military presence near the state-run broadcaster, which in recent months has shown a commitment to accountability journalism. The unusual military deployment left many wondering if this was a dress rehearsal for a move against OBN and OPDO itself. In fact, the show of force could be part of TPLF’s grand plan to control the narrative about simmering crisis. Debretsion ended his talking points with the following

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 recommendation: “Let communication be centralized and done by the center. Let Regional states stop issuing public statements about the Oromo-Somali conflict to local and foreign outlets.” Analysts warn that any action by TPLF’s military and intelligence leaders against OPDO, including the return of Oromo-speaking old guard which presided over the flagrant abuse of power and human rights violations, will be a catalyst for civil war. https://www.opride.com/2017/12/16/ethiopias-political-crisis-deepens-amid-eprdf-deadlock-on-the-way-forward

16.12.2017 Fresh unrest claims lives in Oromia . Brook Abdu, The Reporter Just a month into the Security Council’s landmark decision to arrest the nationwide violence affecting people across the country, fresh round of unrest is being observed in different parts of the Oromia Regional State: mainly small towns along the Eastern Haraghe zone. According to reports, members of the federal security apparatus entered the town of Chelenko on Sunday night to control an on-going demonstration in the locality. Eventually, the demonstration ended up in the death of more than a dozen of civilians and injuring of the same number. The demonstration in turn was aimed at denouncing earlier killings allegedly committed by other armed forces. On its late-night news on Monday, the Regional State’s media, the Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), featured president of the region, Lemma Megerssa, who condemned the killings on top of alluding that the federal forces who have acted in the Chelenko were doing so without the consent of his administration. Lemma said further that “it is unacceptable for federal forces” to intervene into the regional state’s affairs without the knowledge and consent of the regional government. Lemma vowed to conduct an organized probe into the “unlawful” intervention of the federal forces into regional matters without the knowledge of his government. Following Lemma’s appearance on the regional media, residents of Ambo town took it to the street to denounce the killings of civilians which also turned deadly allegedly with the same kind of intervention from the federal forces. According to sources in the area, unlike the previous clashes between civilians and the security forces, the one in Ambo is said to have pitted security forces against one another. According to the same sources, the incident resulted in the death of two and wounding of one military personnel. Experts have a hard time understanding the incident in light of the decision passed by the Security Council just a month ago. The Security Council which met aiming to evaluate the then current situation of the country and set directions for the future came up with measures to be taken if the country is to return to stability. One of the measures approved by the National Security Council was the cooperation of the security forces at all levels (both regional and federal). The Council decided to have unity of purpose when it comes to regional and federal forces, which seems to be shaken by the current developments in different parts of the nation. Apart from the decision to establish cooperation among federal and regional security forces, the October’s meeting of the National Security Council devised ways of reinstating the displaced people because of the conflicts between the Oromia and Somali Regional States. A committee had been established at the federal level to facilitate this work. But, the reinstatement of the displaced people is still an ongoing process and now is the time to settle for a long lasting solution, experts assert. With these and other issues at stake, the EPRDF Executive Committee has convened again this week and is expected to bring tangible measures to put an end to the current situation. However, there are commentators who argue that the Executive Committee will have difficulty in bringing about lasting solution to the situation as the violence in different parts of the country has different causes. Concerned by the growing violence across the country, the US Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a statement this week regretting the deaths in Chelenko and various universities across the country. The Embassy also urged the government to seek ways of resolving the conflicts across the country. The statement, indicating that it is “troubled and saddened by reports of violence that has resulted in the deaths and injuries of people” encouraged “the people of Ethiopia to uphold their admirable and longstanding tradition of respecting their country’s ethnic diversity and its tradition of peaceful co-existence, and to seek constructive means to raise concerns and resolve their difference.” http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/fresh-unrest-claims-lives-oromia

15.12.2017 Ethiopia’s political crises and the oppositions road map displayed in Brussels . ecadforum Ms. Ana Maria Gomes Member of European Parliament, Ethiopian opposition groups and civil society’s representative gathered in Brussels to emphasize the current political crises in Ethiopia. Also sizing the opportunity one of Ethiopia’s viable opposition coalition “Ethiopian National Movement (ENM)” presented impressive road map to democratize Ethiopia once and for all. (video courtesy Abbaymedia). Hier ist die Diskussion mit Berhanu Nega (ginbot7), Ato Hailemariam (Consortium of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations) Dr. Dima (Ethiopian National Movement) und anderen in voller Länge (2:14 Stunden) zu sehen. Am Ende gibt es ein paar kräftige Seitenheibe gegen die europäischen Versuche der „Fluchtursachenbekämpfung“ durch finanzielle Unterstützung eines undemokratischen Regimes: https://ecadforum.com/2017/12/15/ethiopias-political-crises-and-the-oppositions-road-map-displayed-in-brussels

15.12.2017 Ethiopia: Towns in Oromo region denounce Chelenko killings, mourn the death. ESAT News Residents of several towns today denounce the killing of 18 peaceful civilians, including five members of a family in Chelenko, Eastern Ethiopia. Members of the defense forces on Monday shot and killed 18 people, execution style, while the victims were on a farm work. Reports say the army was patrolling in the area to quell protests. Having seen the arrival of the soldiers, protesters ran away but the army rain bullets on the victims who were just taking a break from farm work, according to the BBC Afaan Oromo Five members of a family, including a 15 year old, were killed on Monday in what is now known in the social media circle as the ‘Chelenko massacre.’ President of the Oromo region, Lema Megersa, said his administration was neither aware nor gave permission to the army to be in the region. He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The killing in Chelenko intensified the anti-government protests in towns all over the country and in Universities with protesters calling for the removal of the TPLF regime.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-towns-oromo-region-denounce-chelenko-killings-mourn-death-esat-news-december-15-2017-residents-several- towns-today-denounce-killing-18-peaceful-civilians-including-fi

15.12.2017 EPRDF Politics:Time of Reckoning . Aigaforum According to a reliable source the Executive Leadership is in do or die session so to speak! Although there were some disagreement from a strong minority on how to proceed the majority has prevailed and the meeting has started in earnest. According to our source a certain number from the OPDO and ANDM leadership were in the strong minority group while the rest were in the majority group. The meeting has started by listening to an individual leader grievances. According to our source the grievance heard so far was presented by former OPDO leader. His grievance was about TPLF supremacy and how he and his likes were marginalized. Our source told us even though TPLF leadership has admitted to some of their own weakness, most including some current and former OPDO leaders have disagreed with the assertion of the problem in Oromia is caused by TPLF supremacy!Our source told us the meeting is not all about individuals but about getting rid of the anti federalism and anti EPRDF thoughts that are being exhibited across the country. Apparently EPRDF is dead serious the current negative political developments are inspired by internal dissent. According to our source there will be noting that will not be addressed in this meeting.It is a make it or break it meeting and change is certain in many Federal and Regional institution! http://www.aigaforum.com/index.php

14.12.2017 Ministry says working to normalize teaching-learning processes in higher learning institutions affected by instability . Fana Television The Ministry of Education (MoE) said it is working to stabilize the instability occurred in some higher learning institutions and return them to normal teaching-learning processes. In an exclusive interview with FBC yesterday, Dr Tilaye Gete, Minister of Education, said that the problems are political. According to him, they were created by a few students sponsored by forces that are active to daunt development and democratization process in the country. The government is convinced that the problems are complex and need lasting solutions, the Minister said. He noted that a command post drawn from various federal bodies has been established in order to follow up the situations and address the problems. Dr Tilaye further said that his ministry, in partnership with transport authorities, has been returning students, who have left their campus following the unrest, back to their respective institutions. Starting today, heads of the Ministry of Education and members of management board of universities will travel to 22 higher learning institutions to resolve the problem, he said. He further said that members of the federal police and the defense forces were deployed to restore peace in the institutions. Dr Tilaye finally called on students to focus on only their education as well as to expose those who have been creating problems to deter the teaching learning process. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10788-ministry-says-working-to-normalize-teaching-learning-processes-in-higher-learning- institutions-affected-by-instability

13.12.2017 Dr Debretsion Extended Interview with Local Journalist on Current Issues and TPLF Reorganization . Aigaforum Dr Debretsion who recently was appointed as TPLF Chairman replacing outgoing Chiarman Ato Abay Weldu gave an extended interview to local journalist covering issues ranging from TPLF reorganization and Ethiopia's current political development. He gave a very candid account of the recently concluded TPLF meeting internal procedures and deliberations. He emphasized the meeting was done in a very transparent manner. Dr Debretsion said the current political development in the country is worrisome and TPLF is ready to work with EPRDF sister organizations to heal the wounds! Debretsion said TPLF has recognized and accepted some of the criticism other EPRDF member organizations leveled against but the current political development is not sustainable. He said TPLF has no other plan except to face head on the ills of the country along with its partners in the EPRDF. He said in no uncertain term an eye for an eye is not the solution nor does TPLF has a plan to fight it alone. He said we will collectively overcome the problems! For more Listen to the interview below and for an extended print coverage at next edition of Wurayna magazine! http://aigaforum.com/interviews/dr-debretsion-tplf-meeting-2017.php

13.12.2017 US Embassy Troubled by Recent Violence in Ethiopia . Ezega.com In a statement sent to Ezega.com, the US Embassy expressed concern about the recent unrest and deaths in some parts of the country and univeristies. Here is the full statement sent by the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: "We are troubled and saddened by reports of violence that has resulted in deaths and injuries in the town of Chelenko and at several universities over the past two days. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims." "It is important that the Ethiopian government ensure the safety of all Ethiopian citizens, and hold accountable those responsible for violence." "We encourage the people of Ethiopia to uphold their admirable and longstanding tradition of respect for their country’s ethnic diversity and its tradition of peaceful co-existence, and to seek constructive means to raise concerns and resolve their differences." https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/6093/US-Embassy-Troubled-by-Recent-Violence-in-Ethiopia

13.12.2017 Former U.S. official says Ethiopia needs all-party conference . ESAT News The former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs says the TPLF should consider a mediation by the U.S. government and organize an all party conference before the country collapses. Herman Cohen advised the TPLF regime to request the U.S. government’s 78

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 mediation and call for an all party conference. “Ethiopia’s TPLF leadership should seriously consider requesting US Government mediation to organize a conference among all parties that will produce new democratic dispensation – before law and order collapse completely,” reads the tweet by Cohen on Tuesday. In an interview with ESAT last year, Herman Cohen, said that he believes the current crisis in Ethiopia was a result of domination by Tigrians over the economy and politics of the country as well as putting in place a “fake” federal political arrangement. “In 1991 a system of states was established based on ethnic groups. But this was a fake system because none of the states that had ethnic groups different from the Tigrians had any voice what their government should be and what they should have. So it is strictly a one party state, which most African governments had abandoned long time ago,” he noted in an exclusive interview with ESAT in October 2016. Cohen’s tweet comes as the current Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Donald Yamamoto, concluded a visit to Ethiopia and its neighbors. Cohen actively blogs about Africa and he is currently President of the Cohen and Woods International, his consulting firm. He is also a registered lobbyist for the Coalition for a Democratic Congo. Cohen played a key role in the 1991 power transition from the the Derg to the TPLF regime. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/former-u-s-official-says-ethiopia-needs-party-conference

13.12.2017 Killing of university students reignite nationwide protests . ESAT News The death of university students in ethnic clashes and at the hands of regime security forces have sparked nationwide protest against the TPLF regime. Protests were held in several universities and towns across the country. Reports say two students were killed in Wollega University and two others in Debre Tabor University. So far, classes have been disrupted in 13 universities in the country. Protests were held in Wurgessa, Wuchale, Ambo and in Guji towns denouncing the regime. In Chelenko, Hararghe, tensions remained high after the killing of 18 protesters by regime security. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-killing-university-students-reignite-nationwide-protests

13.12.2017 Chelenko killing is”unacceptable”, says Lemma Megersa. Vows to go after perpetrators . Borkena.com In a press statement held with Oromia Broadcasting Network,regional sate media, Lemma Megersa who is the president of Oromo regional state of Ethiopia condemned the killings of civilians by security forces in Chelenko town, in Hararge – south eastern Ethiopia. Lemma called the action “unacceptable” He added that Oromia regional state is saddened by the incident. Insinuating that the killing was illegal, he stated that a government body that is supposed to have commitment for rule of law should not have committed such an atrocity. From what he said, the regional state does not seem to have knowledge that the security forces who perpetrated the attack, which led to the death of 15 civilians as confirmed by government media, were deployed in the region. Fifteen others were wounded in the incident. He vowed that his regional government will investigate as to who ordered the deployment of the forces and gave the order to kill civilians and bring then before the law. In what opposition politicians and activists called unofficial deceleration of another state of emergency, government announced last month the formation of Ethiopian National Security Council “to stabilize the security of the country.” With Siraj Fergessa, Defence Minister, as its secretariat, the council is given power to function like “Command Post”, a body that was created during the official state of emergency in 2016. It is authorized to take “appropriate action” (…) https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/13/ethiopia-chelenko-killing-in-unacceptable-says-lemma-megersa-vows-to-go-after-perpetrators

12.12.2017 Ethiopia faces social media blackout after new ethnic unrest . Associated Press Ethiopia faces a social media blackout as clashes intensify between ethnic groups in various parts of the country. Facebook and Twitter are down Tuesday after reports emerged of killings on Monday by security forces in the Oromia region. Oromia regional spokesman Addisu Arega said the violence in Chelenqo town killed six people and was being investigated. On Facebook he called the victims “innocent civilians.” The Addis Standard news site reported 15 killed, including women and children. The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the reports. Oromia regional officials have long accused special police from the neighboring Somali region of committing atrocities against ethnic Oromos. The regions also have had bitter border disputes. The United States has pledged to help resolve the conflict and support 660,000 displaced ethnic Oromos. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/ethiopia-faces-social-media-blackout-after-new-ethnic-unrest/2017/12/12/f8b439b6-df67-11e7-b2e9- 8c636f076c76_story.html?utm_term=.6c8ec964437f

12.12.2017 EPRDF Politics: EPRDF Executive Leadership is in close-door meeting . Aigaform.com With the conclusion of the much awaited conference of the TPLF, EPRDF is set to start tackling the nation's issue! The executive leadership has started its closed door meeting where it will decide the course of action to correct and address the myriad of issues crippling the nation. The meeting is being attended by former and current executive leadership members where the former will not have a voting power! Many we talked are expecting critical decision(s) to come out of the meeting. Aigaforum Dec 12, 2017 http://www.aigaforum.com/index.php

11.12.2017 Several killed at Adigrat University in Tigray as ethnic violence rises . Ethiopian Media Forum Emerging social media reports claim that several students of Amhara and Oromo ethnic orign are killed at Adigrat University, in Tigray, north Ethiopia, following ethnic violence that is allegedly provoked by students from Tigray region. One of the victims is identifeid as 79

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Habtamu Yalew, who was from western Gojjam in Amhara regional state. Apparently, he died in hospital after he was beaten up what activists in social media described as “radical ethno-supermacist Tigrieans.” The identities of the rest of the victims is not disclosed as thier parents are not informed about it. Amharic service of Germany’s broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, cited the university’s public and international relation office director,Yohannes Kebede, in its social media report today which confirmed the death of one student. He is cited as saying the violence started when students were throwing words at each other during “Nations and nationalities day” – a political festival which the ruling party introduced a litter over a decade ago to celebrate ethnicity. This year’s festival was celebrated this week in Semera, Afar region of Ethiopia where a German tourist was killed by gunmen this past week. Yohannes Kebede further told DW Amharic service that about 100 students,from other parts of Ethiopia apparently, ,who were threatened by the violence in the university campus ground, requested the University administration permission to vacate the university which suggest that they were not allowed to leave the campus. But Yohanes denied that there was ethnic based attack as reported on social media and added that the problem is under control after the intervention ofsecurity forces and “elders and religious leaders.” Amhara activists on social media tend to think that students from other regions of Ethiopia should leave universities in Tigray for thier safety and security. There has been tension in the Universtiy for more than three days now. US based Ethipoian Satellite Television (ESAT) reported it on social media yesterday. But none of Ethiopian government broadcasters and affiliated media did not report about it at this writing. Last week, fans of Mekelle city soccer team clashed with fans of Woldia city team after they allegedly threw ethnic based slurs to derogage fans of the host city. Consequently, the match was cancelled following the incident which reportedly left one Tigrean fan dead. A number of Ethiopian Universities in Southe Eastern, Southwestern and central Ethiopia are struggling to return students to capmus after students left on safety and security grounds a few weeks ago. Sport centers and university campuses have increasingly turned out to be scenes of violent ethnic clashes. Generally, reports from Ethiopia seem to suggest that ethnic tension in Ethiopian universities is unlikely to go away and some tend to see it as a reflection of the situation in the country. http://ethioforum.org/several-killed-at-adigrat-university-in-tigray-as-ethnic-violence-rises

9.12.2017 South Omo violence leaves 12 dead . Dawit Endeshaw, The Reporter Eleven individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the killing of 12 civilians and injuries sustained by many in a clash that occurred in the South Omo Zone of the Southern Regional State. Sources in the area noted that the total number of victims might increase. The incident occurred on Monday around 4pm when a member of the pastoralist Bodi ethnic group started to randomly attack vehicles and drivers who happened to be in the area. The attack was allegedly in revenge to one Bodi killed in a car accident the same day. Most of the people who were killed in the attack had been working as truck drivers for construction companies, specifically in the Haiel Weha locality of South Omo Zone. The area is also close to Omo Kuraz Sugar project. Those who sustained injuries are now receiving medical attention at the Sodo Christian and Jinka Hospitals, according to sources in the area. The victims were attacked with guns as well as less sophisticated weapons such as spears. “We have heard about the incident and we are still following the matter,” Sisay Bekelle, communications and media director with the Southern Regional State Communications Bureau, told The Reporter. He also said that things have now calmed down. According to him, officials in the region, along with their zonal and woreda counterparts, are working to stabilize the situation. So far, around 11 individuals have been arrested and the police in the area are also working to take others who are responsible for the attack into custody. In addition, a unit of the national army force from the nearby sugar project has been deployed to the area. The deceased include Tesfa Dagnew, a driver from Addis Ababa. His funeral was scheduled to take place at the St. George Church in Tulu Dimtu. So far, we have been provided with no clear information regarding how the incident happened, Solomon Mulugeta, Tesfa’s brother-in-law told The Reporter. No official has also contacted the family so far. Tesfa, in his late 40s, is survived by his wife and two children. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/south-omo-violence-leaves-12-dead

9.12.2017 Killed German tourist identified as MD . Samuel Getachew, The Reporter A German tourist, who was confirmed dead in an attack in the Afar Regional State of Northeastern Ethiopia, has been identified as Walter Roepert (MD) from Aalen, Germany. The German citizen who was an ear, nose and throat specialist died on the scene while his translator survived and is said to be treated at a nearby hospital. The incident was said to have happened near a volcanic lake at Erta Ale inside the Danakil Depression near the Eritrean border. The 63-year-old medical doctor was said to be attacked along with his tourist guide, taking pictures while he came face-to-face with armed men that shot both of them close-up. The Ethiopian government has blamed Eritrea and has promised to reiterate. Eritrea has downplayed the accusation. Dr. Roepert was traveling to Ethiopia on a private adventure after working with Humedica, an aid giving organization that is involved in humanitarian work around the world. He visited Ethiopia, most recently in 2011 to help drought victims in the nation as part of the BILD hilft e.V. "A Heart for Children" mission. This is the second time the embassy has been hit with a tragedy. Dirk Donath, a well-known archeologist went missing in recent months at Mago National Park while on a visit with German colleagues. The Government of Germany was said to dispatch about two hundred German soldiers and use drones to scoop the area and find the father of three. But he was not found. The embassy has since dispatched a number of medical professionals to Ethiopia as a way to try to safe guard the medical interests of its citizens, now involved in the areas including business and charity, the later as a strategic move to lower the flow of migrants to Europe. The Reporter reached out to the embassy enquiring about the status of Professor Donath but received a written reply instead. “The Embassy is not in a position to share any updated information on the case of a German citizen who went missing in the SNNPR,” embassy press attaché, Benjamin Hanna, said. 80

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/killed-german-tourist-identified-md

9.12.2017 Presseerklärung der Afar Revolutionary Democratic United Front ARDUF (UGUUGUMOO) . Der Originaltext ist etwas konfus und manche Aussagen sind nicht ganz leicht zu verstehen. Dies scheinen die Kernpunkte zu sein: Die gemeinsame Kampage, mit der TPLF und Afar Spezialkräfte die Kämpfer der ARDUF (UGUUGUMOO) aus ihren Basen in den Mogorros Bergen vertreiben wollten, verschärfe die Sicherheitslage in der Afar Region. Dort gäbe es schon seit Wochen heftige Kämpfe. Ziele von TPLF und ARDUF seien: - zu demonstrieren, dass ein Besuch der touristischen Ziele der Afar Region sicher ist, - eine spezielle Einsatztruppe nach dem Vorbild von Abdi Ileys äthiopisch-somalischer Liyu Police unter der Kontrolle eines einzigen Clans zu etablieren, - den Boden für die Errichtung einer separaten neuen Zone namens BEEDHI Zone (Sultanat Biru) in der Afar Zone zu bereiten, darin eigentlich nicht dazu gehörende Gebiete einzugliedern, und sie unter die Führung des ehemaligen eritireischen Freihietskämpfers (ELF) Ahmed Ahaw zu stellen, welcher ein Vierteljahrhundert darum gekämpft habe, das Gebiet zu einem Teil eines unabhängigen Eritrea zu machen, und der nunmehr aus seinem holländischen Exil zurückgekehrt sei. Bei den Feiern zum Nations, Nationalities and People’s Day in der Stadt Samara hätten Sicherheitskräfte der TPLF und der Afar Spezialkräfte (Stammesmiliz) friedliche Bürger bedrängt, willkürlich festgenommen, gefoltert, verschwinden lassen und ohne Gerichtsverfahren getötet. Seit August 2017 seien über 580 Personen, darunter Frauen, Alte, Behinderte und Kranke, in verschiedenen Teilen der Afar Region (Dalol, Erebti, Afdeera, Barahle, Bidhu, Magaale, Yallo, Dubte, Ad-Daar, Aysaita, Logya und auch Samara Stadt) gesetzeswidrig verhaftet und gefangen gehalten worden. Ihnen wurden Nahrung, gesetzliche Vertretung, medizinische Betreuung, Basishygiene und Familienbesuche verweigert. Wegen dieser groben Menschenrechtsverletzungen seien zunächst in der dritten Novemberwoche heftige Kämpfe zwischen der TPLF Armee und ARDUF in den Mogorros Bergen ausgebrochen. In der Nacht des 3. Dezember hätten TPLF und Afar Poizeikräfte versucht, in von ARDUF kontrollierte Gebiete vorzudringen, seien aber zurückgeschlagen worden. 17 Soldaten der TPLF seien getötet und dutzende schwer verwundet worden. ARDUF rät allen ausländischen Staatsangehörigen, nicht in diese Gebiete der Afar Region zu reisen. Internationale Unternehmen, Besucher und Investoren, die sich bereits in der Afar Region befinden, sollten diese aus Sicherheitsgründen sofort verlassen. Es bestünde eine extremes Risiko für die persönliche Sicherheit. Aus den zuvor genannten Gründen verkompliziere und verschärfe die Afar Killil Liyu Police force (Sonderpolizei) genau wie ihr Gegenstück unter Abdi Iley die Sicherheitslage in der Afar Region. Dies werde nicht nur eine neue regionale Krise schaffen sondern auch eine internationale. ARDUF werde weiter gegen die TPLF Kräfte und ihre Afar Laufburschen kämpfen bis ihr Recht auf Selbstbestimmung vollständig anerkannt und respektiert sei. Victory to UGUUGUMO (ARDUF) Military Command Centre (MCC) Information Desk of ARDUF Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (ARDUF) Quelle: Ethioforum.org: TPLF Campaign Aggravates the Security Situation of Afar Region – ARDUF Press Release. http://ethioforum.org/tplf-campaign-aggravates-the-security-situation-of-afar-region-arduf-press-release

5.12.2017 TPLF to extend deep reform, leadership reshuffle to lower levels . Waltainfo The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Executive Committee, which reshuffled its members lately, indicated that it has planned to extend this measure of deep reform and leadership reshuffling to the lower levels in the near future. The party’s Executive Committee, which held a regular meeting today, has indicated that the deep reform and evaluation that recently undertaken upon the central committee level is needed to be extended and emulated at the lower levels of the leadership ladder. Such reforms are enabling inputs to foster the already sustained development, good governance and democratic endeavors that the country is has set and make the necessary adaptations helpful to attain better outcomes. The party also indicated that it has decided on schedules and preparations for the consultation of party members and the people at large. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=35235

5.12.2017 Protesters in Mekelle attacked private and government business . Borkena.com Mekelle City soccer team fans took to the street in Mekelle to protest what they call mistreatment in Woldia, where they traveled to over the weekend to support their team which never happened as the match was cancelled following provoked protest in Woldia. Protests are rare in Mekelle as the city is within the a region of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) political support base – and of course ethnic Tigre. As per Yohannes Gebregziabhier’s report, for DW, from Addis Ababa yesterday, the protesters started marching from Sheba College to Aksum hotel and then moved to Kebele 16 locality in the city. Then they attacked private and public business including banking centers. As the protesters began marching to Tigray regions radio station (Dimtsi woyane),Federal and Tigray region’s police forces intervened and the city was rocked with gunfire. During the protest, they are said to have chanted the slogan “justice to Mekelle City soccer team fans.” One Mekelle City fan is reportedly killed in Woldia on Saturday when Woldia City team fans and Mekelle City fans clashed. Among the issues Tigreans are criticized for by other Ethiopians is that they are silent when hundreds and thousands of youth are killed by TPLF loyal forces – Agazi.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Narrative from Woldia city As reported by borkena on December 3, Mekelle City fans reportedly uttered ethno-chauvinistic slur against Woldia City fans. Then it took no time for Woldia fans to react to the slur to the point of where the entire city was swept by angry protests. Businesses owned by Tigrians in the city were attacked by protesters. Then Agazi forces, these are TPLF loyal forces, opened fire on protesters. Three protesters are killed, according to social media sources from Woldia city but the regional government communication bureau head, Nigussu Tilahun, says only one person was killed. In fact, he did not mention that the person was killed by Agazi forces. Background of the problem The clashes between Woldia City Team fans and Mekelle city Team fans has little to do with soccer. It is not the first time either. Fans of Bahir Dar City team and Gonder City Team were attacked in Tigray region a few months back. Many observers and political analysts seem to agree that the clashes are basically about politics. Particularly ethnic politics is a driving forces behind the clashes. (…) Unlike history, ethnic violence has become a rampant problem in Ethiopia and the scale of it is quite frightening. In a recent ethnic violence between Oromo and Somali regions of Ethiopia, an estimated half a million people are displaced. Oromo region of Ethiopia, unlike before, has become a hell for people of other ethnic heritage. Yet, TPLF party resolved recently that problems that are being observed in Ethiopia has got to do with failure of policy implementation rather than policy itself. https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/05/ethiopia-mekelle-protest-attacked

3.12.2017 Ethiopian regime forces clashed with football fans in Woldia . ecadforum Football fans in Woldia, capital of the Semien Wollo Zone clashed with regime forces. Sources say the regime forces used deadly force which led fans to destroy properties belongs to those who might have connections with the brutal regime. https://ecadforum.com/2017/12/03/ethiopian-regime-forces-clashed-with-football-fans (video)

3.12.2017 Woldia lived tense day following protest against TPLF born chauvinism . Borkena.com Mekelle City soccer team was reportedly escorted by Agazi, TPLF loyal special forces, to Woldia City for a match with the team from the city. But the involvement of Agazi forces coupled with what sources from Woldiya town say is a belligerent ethno-supremacist insult by Mekelle city fans in Woldia and adjacent towns instigated protest. They are said to have insulted people in the cities as “donkey” – apparently for enduring boundless TPLF born brutes – in all its forms. The angry protest turned violent with no time and the city was rocked by a gunfire. Businesses which protestors believed are owned by residents in the city who are supporters of the ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front party whose seat is in Mekelle are attacked and burned. Agazi forces reportedly opened fire on protesters with live ammunition and tear gas. Nigussu Tilahun, Communication Head of Amhara regional state, wrote on his facebook page that one person is killed in the ensuing violence in the city and he dared to blame protestors claiming that protestors looted “hard-earned assets of people.” Other sources from the city claim that number of people killed by Agazi forces is three. Agazi forces also reportedly made numerous arrests after mounting house to house searches to capture young people indiscriminately. The protest spread to Kobo town, further north of Woldia along the way to Mekelle. Journalist Muluken Tesfaw, reports of Amhara resistance, wrote in a social media update that fans of Woldia city soccer team who chartered 11 buses to come all the way from Gonder were blocked deployed security forces in the town of Sirinka, about five kilometers in the west side of Woldiya. The soccer match didn’t take place due to the situation. A conflict between teams from Tigray and teams from what is now Amhara region has become common phenomena as soccer matches turned out to be a stage where political differences are reflected with fever. https://www.borkena.com/2017/12/03/ethiopia-woldia-tplf-chauvinism

2.12.2017 Change of guard , Asrat Seyoum, The Reporter After a marathon session of intraparty debate and criticism and self-criticism processes, the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the oldest among the four-party coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), announced the removal of its chairman, Abay Woldu, the demotion of Abay and Beyene Mikru, member of the executive committee and deputy chairman of the parastatal, the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT), to central committee and the suspension of Azeb Mesfin, the former first lady and chairwoman of EFFORT, from all party activities. Consequently, Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), Minister of Information and Communication Technology, and Fetlework Gebregziabher, another member of the executive committee, were appointed to lead the party as chairman and deputy chairwomen. However, the question in everyone’s mind is whether the leadership change is enough to arrest the recent political turmoil in Ethiopia as the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/change-guard

29.11.2017 Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael Elected Chairman of TPLF . Ezega.com

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Following a series of meetings and evaluations (gimgema) lasting several weeks, the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) has elected Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael as the new chairman of the organization. It is also learnt that Fetlework Gebreegziabher (a.k.a Monjono) was elected Deputy Chair of the TPLF. Dr. Debretsion served as Deputy Chair of TPLF before the current changes, while Monjorno served as member of the executive committee. Abay Woldu, the former chair of the organization, was removed from the 9-member executive committe of the front and demoted to just a member of the 45-seat centeral committe organ. Three other former members of the executive committe also lost their seats: Azeb mesfin (who was also suspended from the organization), Beyene Mikru (former Deputy President of Togray), and Tedros Adhanom (who became Director General of WHO recently). In adition to the new Chair and Deputy Chair of the TPLF, the organization has elected the following seven individuals to the powerful, 9- member executive committee: Getachew Assefa, Alem Gebrewahid, Addisalem Balema (PhD), Asmelash Woldesellasie, Getachew Reda, Keriam Abraham, and Abraham Tekeste (PhD) - the last four joining the executive committe for the first time this year. The TPLF general assembly is expected to decide on the fate of Azeb who walked out of a party session and suspended from the organization, it was learnt, according to the Reporter. https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/5034/Ethiopia-Dr-Debretsion-Gebremichael-Elected-Chairman-of-TPLF

29.11.2017 General Samora summoned forty generals amid crisis in military. What are Samora's plans for the army? AfricanIntelligence In late October, the army chief of staff General Mohamed Nur Yunus, known as Samora, summoned some forty generals to the ministry of defence in Addis Ababa. According to our information, the meeting was dominated by the issue of internal divisions within the military high command and its repercussions. General Samora reportedly painted a worrying picture of the current state of the armed forces, who are being ‘left to their own devices’ by commanders who are not doing their job properly. He is understood to have warned his generals that they would be held accountable, suggesting that a purge might be imminent. Samora has already sidelined Oromo generals from military command positions, moving them to posts in the human resources departments (ION 1461). He might now be tempted to rid himself of senior Tigrayan officers who are contesting his authority, such as the former commander of the Northern Defence Command, General Seare Makonen Yimer, who is currently the head of the training department at the ministry. http://www.durame.com/2017/11/ethiopia-general-samora-summoned-forty.html

29.11.2017 Eight killed as protest continues . ESAT News Security forces killed six people in Eastern Hararghe where protests have continued for several days against the TPLF regime. Chelenko, Gursum, Bedeno, Babile, Aweday are some of the towns in Eastern Hararghe where residents took to the streets to protest but met with deadly forces by security forces. Agazi forces of the regime and the Somali special police have reportedly shot live bullets to disperse protesters. In Adama, a.k.a. Nazareth, two people were killed by security forces as they tried to prevent the demolition of their houses. Residents of Adama took to the streets in protest against the killing of the two people and blocked a major highway connecting the town to Asela. They have also seized two heavy duty trucks loaded with sugar. Meanwhile, protest by university students against the regime continued in several campuses. Students of Ambo University have left their campus after their demand to authorities for the abolishment of a spy network fell on deaf ears. https://ethsat.com/2017/11/ethiopia-eight-killed-protest-continues

28.11.2017 Thousands of university students left campus as protest continues . ESAT News Protest by university students against the regime in Ethiopia continued as about 35,000 students of the Haromaya University left their campuses. The students of Haromaya University had left their campuses a week ago but returned as the Aba Gedas, traditional leaders of the Oromos, promised to broker a deal and obtain a favorable response from authorities. The students demand that the spy network of the regime in their campus should be abolished. Students say the “peace forum” as it is euphemistically called, is a group set up by the regime to spy on students. Meanwhile, security forces locked down Jimma University to prevent students from leaving their campus. In another development residents of Sawla town in Gamu Gufa Zone had burnt down the local tax office in protest against tax hikes. The locals say they would not give their money to a regime that tortures and kills citizens. In the eastern commercial town of Aweday, residents blocked highways while in Wollega, in the towns of Mendi and Bigg, protesters demand regime’s army to leave their towns. They accused that the army had carried out extrajudicial killings. https://ethsat.com/2017/11/ethiopia-thousands-university-students-left-campus-protest-continues

28.11.2017 TPLF demotes chairman, suspends Meles Zenawi widow . Engidu Woldie, ESAT The marathon congress of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Ethiopia’s ruling clique, has removed Abay Woldu as chairman of the Front, according a statement issued by the Front. The statement said Abay Woldu is will continue as a member of the central committee. The congress of the TPLF executive and central committee has been going on since early October with reports of infighting within the secretive organization. 83

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Azeb Mesfin, the widow of the late TPLF boss and Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, had reportedly walked out of the congress last week as criticism heated up against her. She is now suspended from the executive committee of the TPLF. Her suspension could potentially lead to her removal from her position as the CEO of the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT). The deputy CEO of EFFORT, Beyene Mikru, was also removed from executive committee and will continue as a member of the central committee, according to the statement. EFFORT controls all aspects of the economy in Ethiopia, from retail of merchandise to major manufacturing and engineering plants which have been awarded hundreds of millions of dollars government projects. Even reports presented to the country’s rubber stamp parliament show EFFORT had failed to deliver after siphoning off millions of dollars in contracts which are granted without any official bid. The TPLF statement said two members of the executive committee were given stern warning. It however did not mention them by name. With the demotion of Abay Woldu and Beyene Mikru and the suspension of Azeb Mesfin, as well as the appointment of Tedros Adhanom as the director general of the WHO, the nine member executive committee is now left with five members. The statement from the Front says members of the central committee has continued criticism and self-criticism; and upon completion of the congress, the Front will reshuffle its leadership. http://www.durame.com/2017/11/ethiopia-tplf-demotes-chairman-suspends.html

27.11.2017 Azeb faces an uncertain future, Debretsion to assume party chairmanship . Arefayné Fantahun, Ethiopiaobserver Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s widow and a high-profile member of the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is said to be facing an uncertain future after her party forced her out of her executive and central Committee membership roles, implicating her in a corruption scandal. TPLF’s dramatic judgement, coming amidst a tense political climate, brings an abrupt end to Azeb’s four years in both roles. Whether she remains as chief executive of the Endowment Fund For Rehabilitation of Tigray, a party investment vehicle remains to be seen but according to an insider that is unlikely, because the corruption accusation is mostly connected with the endowment fund. Azeb’s ally, Abay Woldu, chairman of the TPLF whom she praised in the meeting for being the only member of the party as the torchbearer of her husband’s vision was also has also been removed from his post. Abay who assumed the party’s chairmanship in October 2014, replacing the late Prime Minister is also demoted from executive committee to central committee membership. Debretsion Gebremikael, the rising star who is increasingly wielding considerable power thanks to longstanding relationships with head of the intelligence service, Getachew Assefa, is set to seize the chairmanship of the party that is trying maintain its dominanc in the ruling EPRDF’s coaltion. Stung by last years’ massive protest and resistance from the people of Oromo and Amhara region, and the increasingly defiance of the habitually friendly, even servile parties, Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO) and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the minority TPLF is in desperate struggle to stay at the top of the game. Some are describing the latest development as climax of major divisions emerging within the factions of the TPLF central committee, the Samora-Abay Woldu group losing to Getachew Assefa-Debretsion group. The national intelligence chief, Getachew Assefa is said to be at odds with General Mohamed Nur Yunus, Samora, both reportedly gathering allies and supporters around them. Debtretsion, who is currently the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, himself once served a senior official in the intelligence service, second to the late Kinfe Gebremedhin, 1991-2000 and was a director of the Information Communications Technology Development Agency from 2005-2010. His careful ascent to the top of the ruling party after the demise of the towering figure, Meles Zenawi is no accident. Meles reportedly saw Debretsion as an overly ambitious man and sent him to England 2001 to do his studies to neutralize his efficacy, hoping he would remain there. But Debretsion did come back, prompting Meles to send him to Tigray region, as the trade and industry bureau head and as a zonal administrator, a demotion for someone who was a high official as security man. Debretsion would take the position graciously and served there for four years until he came back to Addis Ababa on 2005 to take new post, information technology post. But even then, Meles would not allow him to join the party’s executive membership, a dream only realized after Melel’s death. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/11/azeb-faces-an-uncertain-future-debretsion-to-assume-party-chairmanship

22.11.2017 Commentary -Transformation from within: hope or mirage? The OPDO-ANDM alliance and the prospect of reform . Tsegaye R Ararssa, Addis Standard 1 Introduction No time has been more eventful in Ethiopia than the one we are living in. Years of peaceful protests in Oromia, later also augmented by flashes of resistance in Konso and the Amhara region, seem to have shaken the regime to its core and have brought the country to a crossroads once more. Many have started to wonder if this is going to be an opportunity for the regime to, finally, transit to democracy and for the state to, at last, transform itself into a fairer, a more just, a more equitable, and a more peaceful—if only redeemed—polity. The recent gesture of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) to reach out to the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) in the spirit of solidarity and collaboration has occasioned a renewed hope in the possibility of this much sought after transformation. What does this gesture of solidarity promise? Will the democratic transformation promised in these gestures and the democratic aspirations expressed throughout the season of the protests be delivered, or will they remain a mirage? Prospectively, beyond these gestures of alliance and the populist rhetorical flourishes in favor of democratic change in the two regional states, what can be done to see to it that the promise is delivered, or the hope is turned into reality? The following is a reflection pointing in that direction. 2 The OPDO-ANDM Alliance: What does it mean The OPDO-ANDM gesture of alliance is viewed by many as heartening. To be sure, more than anything else, it is a political alliance quickly put together to edge out TPLF in the raging power struggle within the EPRDF coalition. Yet, it has emboldened the possibility of

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 harvesting some democratic dividends if – beyond the parties – the elites of the two populous regional states start to work together in the spirit of ensconcing democracy and transforming the state-society relations in the country. From the side of the OPDO, beyond and above sending the message to the hitherto dominant Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that the OPDO is not alone in resisting the former’s patronage, it is also an attempt to calm down the Amhara elite’s eternal suspicion and fear (albeit largely irrational and groundless) of the (perceived) ‘Oromo threat to the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.’ Regardless of the tacit endorsement of the (warped) attitude that presents the Amhara elite as the sole guardian of the ‘unity’ and integrity of the country, it is a gesture that also indicates the resolve of this generation of Oromos to take the bigger responsibility for the larger country in trying to bring others to (a better, fairer, and more inclusive version of) the Ethiopian fold. (…) For ANDM, to accept OPDO’s initiative, just as much as it is a political tactic of edging out TPLF in its own bit of the power struggle within the EPRDF, signals the choice on the part of the Amhara elite to move on, and to do so by accepting the present reality on the ground. It is also a recognition that the demands of their people at the grassroots level are legitimate and need to be met as such only democratically. They seem to have finally realized that in order to hear and concede to the democratic demands of the people, they first need to realize democracy within their party (EPRDF) in which TPLF has so far been the sole maker and breaker of the political game. They seem to understand that common sense—and elementary understanding of democracy as decision-making by majority vote – suggests that the parties with larger members and larger potential constituencies deserve more say and hearing than they have been getting so far. (…) Consequently, both OPDO and ANDM seem to have finally realized that in order to effectively respond to the democratic impulse hitting at their doors daily from outside (from their peoples), they need to answer the inner democratic urge from within, bypassing the hierarchic tradition of EPRDF politics that made them subservient so far. (…) It may be a sign that effective democratic transition and state transformation may finally be coming from a corner least expected to be a site of democratic performance, i.e. from within (i.e. from within the constituents of the EPRDF machine), rather than from without (i.e., the opposition political organizations cum the pressures of the international community). 3 -What is to be done? And Quo Vadis, EPRDF? What should be done? And where should they start it? Top in the to-do list is the introduction of democracy to EPRDF as a party. Or, more precisely, the OPDO-ANDM alliance must start to push back to the undemocratic instincts of TPLF, which must be tamed and placed in proper legal check. That should be followed by taking position of prominence to seek more mandate in Parliament. What remains after that, as we will see in the sections to follow, is a mere concatenation of this basic premise of democratization. Vom folgenden langen Text hier nur die Untertitel: 3.1 Democratize EPRDF, or Free it from the TPLF Suzerainty 3.2 Free the Parliament and the Government from TPLF domination, but keep the Government accountable to the Parliament) 3.3 Free the People from Fear: Restore order and the ‘rule of law’ 3.4 Demilitarize the politics, depoliticize the army 3.5 Animate constitutionalism 3.6 Free political prisoners, repeal repressive laws, counteract corruption 3.7 Perform compassionate governance 3.8 Address all the political demands of the protestors 4. Towards a democratic transition and a deeper transformation Simultaneously, the government must start a comprehensive dialogue, engagement, and negotiation in good faith with all political parties and stakeholders to ensure that there will be a genuinely democratic election in 2020. In the course of this dialogue, they should not be afraid of demands for constitutional amendments, or revisions, needed for an effective transition of the politics to democracy and transformation of the polity and its state for good. The above-listed activities will hopefully contribute to the democratization of the politics. The imperative of state transformation requires more work. Among other things – and perhaps above all – it demands that we empower the already mobilized people to assert their newly gained agency as they seek to forge a future of their own choice. Given we are working within this reformist framework for change, this demands nothing less than what, elsewhere, I referred to as “a redemptive constitutional practice.” 5. Conclusion (…) the OPDO-ANDM alliance must be creative in identifying ‘incentives’ that can ease the TPLF in to their prospective reform package. Some of the measures (such as freeing political prisoners and repeal of the list of ‘terrorist organizations’, for example) may be viewed as a threat even to the reformist elements in the OPDO-ANDM alliance. But this is the only best choice they have. (…) In this way, they can re-invent themselves (as the OPDO seems to be doing lately, at least in rhetoric) and become agents of democratization, or they may choose to perish as a party of the last authoritarian regime in the country (…). Their refusal to reform – as they are often bent on doing – will further deepen the current crisis and confront them, and the country, with a much bleaker future. We just hope that they choose to push for reforms in order to make themselves relevant to the future! Otherwise, the hope of transformation may as well become a mirage. And the flicker of hope seen in this new OPDO-ANDM alliance and their populist rhetoric in their own respective regions may be an illusion, and their words just words. http://addisstandard.com/commentary-transformation-within-hope-mirage-opdo-andm-alliance-prospect-reform

18.11.2017 Ethiopian authorities deport prominent scholar René Lefort from airport; no explanation . Addis Standard Reliable sources tell Addis Standard that René Lefort, a prominent scholar known for his critical observation of Ethiopian politics, was deported by Ethiopian authorities up on arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Abeba on Tuesday November 14, 2017.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 According to sources familiar with the matter and who want to remain anonymous, René Lefort arrived at the airport on Tuesday with a valid visa. However, as soon as he arrived, his French passport was confiscated by Ethiopian immigration officials at the airport before he was subsequently expelled with the next flight to Paris, France the same day. René Lefort, who is now in Paris, confirmed the news and said the immigration officials “refused to tell me why I have been evicted”. “I have been blocked at the airport, my passport has been confiscated, the immigration service obliged me to [fly] back to Paris the same night,” Mr. Lefort said in an e-mail sent to Addis Standard . According to him, he arrived at Bole airport “with a business visa, delivered by the Ethiopian embassy in Paris, after having got the green light from the concerned services in Addis Abeba, following the normal process. I had planed to stay three weeks in Ethiopia. An observer of Ethiopian politics since the 1970s, René Lefort is known for his in-depth analysis regarding the nature of political events in Ethiopia. He is also known for his frequent articles on Sub-Saharan African countries published in respected publications such as Open Democracy, Libération, Le Monde, Le Monde diplomatique and Le Nouvel Observateur. His articles on Ethiopia often appear on Open Democracy. His latest article, published on October 22, 2017, and was titled “Ethnic clashes” in Ethiopia: setting the record straight” delivered a critical analysis into the recent deepening political crisis in Ethiopia. The “four scenarios” he discussed in the article were a topic of wide range discussions among Ethiopia observers and the Ethiopian social media space. Mr. Lefort, who is believed to maintain a cordial relation with a few senior government officials in Ethiopia and who often travels to Ethiopia to asses political events firsthand before writing his articles, says he was informed by a senior official in an e-mail that it could only be a “misunderstanding”. “This expulsion came as a surprise for many observers,” he said, adding, he was “deeply frustrated” that he was now “prevented” to asses firsthand a changing political dynamic, which “in my view is one of the most important in the contemporary Ethiopian history.” Addis Standard has made several attempts to reach out to immigration authorities in the airport, but all were to no avail. And its e-mail sent to the visa section of the Ethiopian embassy in Paris has not been answered as of the publication of this news. http://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-authorities-deport-prominent-scholar-rene-lefort-from-airport-no-explanation

18.11.2017 TPLF to reform central committee leadership . Waltainfo The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) said that it has decided to reform the central committee leadership. The Front, in its statement, indicated that following the renewal reform it has completed identifying its strengths and limitations in the corrective evaluation. Meanwhile, the coorective evaluation which has been held among members of the central committee of the front's strategic leadership is expected to be finalized in the coming week, it was noted. The front, in its three weeks evaluation, has deeply assessed political, developmental and democratic aspects of the central committee leadership. In line with the assessment it held, it believes to create a strong sense of capability to achieve practical directions at regional and national levels. Anti-democratic attitudes and tendencies, limitations on capacity building to the new generations and incohesive approaches in relations among the members are identified as gaps during the evaluation. Chauvinist attitudes of some members had adversely affected the constitution either in direct or indirect involvements, the statement noted. Despite a number of achievements are being recorded both in rural and urban areas, some basic limitations were observed in achieving targeted goals at large. According to the statement, the strategic leadership's satisfaction with summed up outcomes which does not show its quality as per the expectation of the front is one among its drawbacks. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=34886&category=2

18.11.2017 Tigray, Amhara consultation forums begins . Waltainfo, Tesfa Mogessie The consultation forum of the Amhara and Tigray region is underway in Gondar city of Amhara region. Close to 500 people delegation from Tigray region and 800 people from Amhara region are attending in this consultation forum. The youths, local leaders, elders, religious leaders and scholars are among the delegation in the forum, which is set to finalize by tomorrow. The forum is mainly focus on solving the misunderstanding happened among the two regions last year. Besides, the forum will extensively deal on how to ensure peace and development t of the two regions. Last year, the same conference was held Mekele, capital of Tigray. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=34882&category=2

17.11.2017 Opposition Parties Say Mixed Electoral System Takes Democracy Step Forward . ENA The introduction of mixed electoral system to Ethiopia will move the country towards democratization, opposition party leaders said. Ethiopian Democratic Party President, Dr. Chanie Kebede told that the negotiations with the ruling party on the electoral system have so far been successful, though there were few differences. Recalling the proposal of his party for higher proportional representation to further strengthen democracy and widen the political space, the President added, “but we realized that it might bring some difficulties given the prevailing consciousness of the people and the situation on the ground. “This is a milestone in the country’s political landscape. We have taken the good experiences of other countries in implementing mixed electoral system. Therefore, we believe that the new mixed electoral system will create opportunity for democracy to move one step forward”, Dr. Chanie stated. President of Unity for Democracy and Justice Party, Tigistu Awolu said opposition parties had been complaining about the first-past-the- post electoral system because we believe that has led the county to be ruled by a single party for the last five general elections. Referring the first-past-to--post electoral system as “non-inclusive and discriminatory”, Tigistu stated that mixed electoral system will create opportunity for unrepresented votes to be represented through the proportional representation. “We believe that this electoral system 86

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 [mixed electoral system] will create opportunity to open up the closed political environment and widen the narrow political space in the country”, Tigistu stated. Dual candidacy and one paper vote are few of the many important issues that were agreed upon by the political parties during the negotiations, the President said. According to Tigistu, the 110 new seats added to the existing 550 in the House of People’s Representatives clearly demonstrates the widening of the political space by representing votes that were somehow wasted during the first-past-the-post electoral system. Gadaa System Advancement Party Chairman, Robele Tadesse said on his part the introduction of a new electoral system is a good beginning to enhance the democratization process though the percentage allotted for proportional representation is not enough. “Mixed electoral system is crucial for the country because the previous system allowed a party to win election by getting 51 percent and wasting the remaining 49 percent,” Robele pointed out. The attained results in the negotiation so far are good and we will strive to take it further since negotiation and democracy cannot come overnight, he elaborated. The 16 national political parties that are negotiating on 12 agendas have agreed in introducing mixed electoral system in Ethiopia. The national political parties will continue negotiating on the upcoming agenda, the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties Proclamation No 662/2009. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3968-opposition-parties-say-mixed-electoral-system-takes-democracy-step-forward

15.11.2017 ELFORA’s Farm Torched . 2Merkato.com Protesters burnt down corn farm owned by ELFORA Agro-Industries PLC, subsidiary of MIDROC Group. The farm was located in West Arsi Zone, Oromia State, Ethiopia. According to Fortune, the farm was torched on November 9, 2017 an hour after mid night. Team delegated by the company had visited the farm the day after it was burnt down to check the condition of the property and the employees. The same incident happened 9 months ago in the same zone, West Arsi Zone. “It is not surprising to see such attacks in our Zone,” Dubee Dhabatoo, a commander-in-chief at Arsi Zone Police Commission, said. “The farmland is bounded by a forest used as a garrison camp by the protesters to take on a sudden attack.” Following the attack the police commission disclosed it has arrested 51 individuals that were suspected of carrying out the attack. “An investigation is underway to identify those who vandalised the farms and hold them accountable for their acts,” said Dubee. On the same day, a joint venture chip wood plant in Arrerti, Menjar Zone, Amhara State, was burned down to ashes by anti-government protestors. The plant was set up by an investment of 80 million Birr. The past 1 year saw similar protest breaking out and damaging investments in Amhara and Oromia states. Saygin Dima Textile S.C, Shang Dong Donkey Abattoir, Condor Farms and Simbo Beach Resort Langano were among the victims. (Source: Fortune) http://www.2merkato.com/news/alerts/5296-ethiopia-elforas-farm-torched

13.11.2017 AS Exclusive Document presented at the Ethiopia national security meeting . Addis Standard Yesterday, Addis Standard has published a scoop based on a document assessing the current security situation in Ethiopia and was presented at the National Security Council meeting, which was held on Friday Oct. 10/2017. The document revealed in detail that Ethiopia was currently confronted with alarming level of multi-front crisis. Following the permission from our exclusive sources, who want to remain anonymous, and several requests from our readership constituency, the editorial board of Addis Standard magazine has decided to publish the document in its entirety. The publication of this document also follows recipient by Addis Standard of its entire content this morning. Please click below to download the document, which includes 17 pages of security assessment followed by 5 pages of plan of action: AS Exclusive Document presented at the Ethiopia national security meeting http://addisstandard.com/8852-2

12.11.2017 AS Exclusive: Document presented at the National Security Council meeting reveals Ethiopia facing alarming multi-front crisis. Addis Standard A document assessing the current security and political situation in Ethiopia and was presented at the National Security Council meeting, held on Friday Oct. 10/2017, revealed in detail that Ethiopia was currently confronted with alarming level of multi-front crisis. The meeting was held at the office of PM Hailemariam Desalegn and was attended by Siraj Fegessa, minister of defense & head of the National Security Council, General Samora Yenus, chief of staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and other high level federal intelligence and defense officials, presidents of regional states and their security officials, as well as federal and regional state senior members of the police and the militia. The document, which was jointly prepared by the country’s intelligence and defense officials, and was viewed exclusively by Addis Standard , reveals that the current security crisis, which was exacerbated by the prevalent of “absence of rule law”, was the most serious of all threats the country was facing as of late. It blames that ”lawlessness” and “dissent” were alarmingly taking national forms by expanding throughout the country, threatening the federal system. Such incidents, according to the document, were fueling public anxiety and loss of confidence in the government. “Genocide” But the most disturbing detail in the document was the part in which it discussed the recent violence in several towns and villages within the Ethio-Somali and Oromia regional states, which resulted in the death of unknown numbers of civilians and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Oromos from the Ethio-Somali regional state as well as hundreds of Ethio-Somalis from towns in Oromia regional state.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The document described the situation as having “resulted in genocide and mass displacement of people; witnessed inhuman and atrocious killings of civilians; and created a moral and psychological scar among the victims.” It further said that this incident revealed the presence and prevalence of an “unnamed terrorist organization which “has not taken responsibility” for the crimes committed. “The people have lost trust in their constitutional right to move freely and live peacefully.” The document also mentioned the proliferation of arms within the country and its nature in changing hands among various ‘agent provocateurs’. The combined effect of this was crippling the country’s security apparatus to discharge its constitutional duty because it was engaged in “putting conflicts sprouting in several places under control”. Economy & tourism The economy is severely hurting, according the document, and the flow of foreign currency was drying. Foreign aid, too, was diminishing due to conditions attached to human rights abuses, and the country’s tourism was significantly affected and its image tainted. But most alarmingly, the document admitted that domestic investment was facing heavy challenges and unprecedented level of capital flight by those who have already invested in the country was seen recently. The economy was also affected by stockpiling of commodities as well as the proliferation of money laundering by increasing numbers of individuals; and it admitted that the country’s taxation system was unable to collect due taxes to help the economy, which was also hit by “illegal export of prohibited commodities” through organized illegal traders. Blame on leadership The document mentions Eritrea and Egypt as well as the presence of a coordinated cyber propaganda as fueling tensions within the country; but at the same time it puts the blame on the vulnerability of the political leadership and its inability to address public grievances in the last two and half years. It also points fingers at the direct involvement of the leadership in recent conflicts. Instead of guiding the public and the youth to productive ways of live, it says, the leadership was involved in guiding them to dissent and destruction, immersing itself in a zero sum game. “The problem is political”, it says, and “it can only be solved politically.” Joint command post/joint committee But its recommendation is an establishment of a joint command post (sometimes referred in the document as mere “joint committee”) between the federal and regional security establishments. The immediate aim of this joint command post/joint committee was highlighted in eight different points. This include the work that needed to be done to secure the free movement of people from places to places; securing major roads throughout the country on 24 hour bases of patrolling; bringing to justice those who were involved in recent conflicts; prohibiting of illegal rallies; rehabilitation of displaced Ethiopians back to their homes; strict control of anti-public armed forces; control of the movement of illegal arms, human trafficking as well as contraband trades; as well as strengthening of the security apparatus at every level. This joint command post/joint committee, would be organizing a monthly joint meeting between federal and regional security establishment after/on the second week of every month; and it would be submitting its reports directly to the Prime Minister’s office. Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, which last for several hours, Siraj Fegessa said that a consensus between federal and regional states was reached to coordinate the security establishment of both to tackle the growing security crisis. “We have evaluated the security risk in the country which has been recurring since last year and we have prepared a detailed plan to control the situation,” Siraj was quoted by a local newspaper as saying . “We met with the stakeholders since we have to work together.” Addis Standard received further information that there would be additional similar meetings to hammer out more details on the document, which was distributed as a working paper to everyone who participated in the meeting held at the PM’s office on Friday. http://addisstandard.com/as-exclusive-document-presented-at-the-national-security-council-meeting-reveals-ethiopia-facing-alarming-multi-front-crisis

12.11.2017 Ethiopians suspected of ISIS-link charged with terrorism . Ethiopia Observer Suspects belonging to the radical group of Islamic State (ISIS) held in detention since May 2017 have been charged with terrorism by a court in Addis Ababa, the Amharic language newspaper The Reporter wrote on Sunday. The 26 Ethiopians were accused of having “enlisted” in the Islamic State group and running ISIS-linked cell in Addis Ababa, Harar and Alaba towns, according to a charge by the prosecutor, cited by the paper. The members were planning terrorist attacks after taking military training in the Somalia town of Bosasso, it was stated. While making thier base in Addis Ababa, they were moving actively in areas of Oromia, Harar, Southern state and Amhara regions and used the “Bilal Broadcasting Network” to spread their message, according to the charge. The prosecutor also said “the hard line group” used a website called “Islamic Fighters” and social messaging platform, What’Up for its communications with the Islamic group abroad. The members were in communication with the US based extremist group called Abdelhab and another group in Sudan through telephone calls and other channels to receive orders and carry out attack, it was stated. The trial is expected to resume on 12 January. Increasing Islamic militancy in the region – Kenya and Somalia have all witnessed increased Islamist activity – is of concern to the Ethiopian authorities, who say they are facing growing threats. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/11/ethiopians-suspected-of-isis-link-charged-with-terrorism

10.11.2017 A new body formed to quell protests, detain those involved in violence: Defence Minsiter . Arefayné Fantahun, Ethiopia Observer The Ethiopian government has announced new measures to “to maintain the peace and security” of the country and “curb out violence and terror” following tumultuous and bloody months, in a declaration announced by the defence minister on Friday night on state-run

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 television. A day after Prime Minister Hailemarim Desalegn announced the formation of a new body called the National Security Council, a closed meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office today in the presence of all regional presidents, mayors of selected towns, security forces of the Federal and regional administration, and high commanders of the National Defences Forces. Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa, who chairs the Council, speaking at the end of the meeting said that though the security situation improved in many parts of the country after the end of a nine-month state of emergency in August, there have been a spate of demonstrations in recent months, causing loss of life, property damage and huge displacement people in Oromia and Somalia regions. Siraj said “a one-year uniform peace and security plan for all regions” has been prepared aimed at improving security, and has been ratified after “extensive discussion”. He said the plan would be implemented from federal region to the lowest administrative unit. He said that unauthorized mass demonstrations and carrying flags of groups branded a terrorist would no longer be tolerated. The newly formed Council would be given powers to detain and arrest members of the government and other individuals who were involved in the violence. The Council would deal issues such as facilitating political processes, initiating consultations with the public, the relocation or return of displaced people, Siraj said. It would also ensure that people’s right to freely move and establish their residence within the country is respected, according to the defence minister.The National Security Council would disclose other course of action to be taken in due course, Siraj said. On Thursday, Prime Minister Hailemarim said an arrest warrant would be issued for certain party and government officials who, he said, participated in diffusing escalation across the country. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/11/a-new-body-formed-to-quell-protests-detain-those-involved-in-violence

10.11.2017 Council directs regions to address recurring protest . Zemenu Tenange, The Reporter Regions to be accountable for unrest in their regions The National Security Council of Ethiopia issued a stern warning to regional governments on Friday that they will be held accountable if they do not control the simmering protests in their respective jurisdictions for they are no longer tolerated by the state. The Council converged at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday in the presence of regional presidents and heads of the security apparatus and identified problematic regions and asserted that the Security Council will be forced to take measures if the regional governments fail to get a hold of the unrest and violent protests in their respective regions. Today’s meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn and the Council’s Office Head and the minister of Defense, Siraj Fegessa, brought together all regional presidents, federal police commissioners, militia leaders, military leaderships and federal security heads. On Thursday, the Prime Minister, on his part, issued another stern warning for party and government officials who have involvement in the recent political unrest across the country and vowed that they will be brought to justice. Hailemariam also asserted that officials who have connections with anti-peace and terrorist establishments and those who have been using the recent unrests in the country to advance their own agenda will be accountable to their actions. “Officials that had connections with anti-peace establishments and terrorists and that have been working to politically benefit from the unrests in the country will be accountable,” Hailemariam said on Thursday. “We have evaluated the security risk in the country which has been recurring since last year and we have prepared a detailed plan to control the situation,” Siraj briefed the media after the meeting. “We met with the stakeholders since we have to work together.” He added. Siraj also indicated that the majority of the regions in the country have been peaceful after the State of Emergency (SoE) was lifted, with the exception of few areas. However, he said that there are security concerns in every region, although at different the levels. In addition to that, the regional governments were also told to identify the security issues observed in their respective regions and prepare an action plan for actions to be taken to control the recurring security problems. He also announced that the Council has reached a consensus on the actions that must be taken and said that the rule of law must be respected in the country. “There are illegal demonstrations being carried out in many places and some of these demonstrations have seen people carrying terrorist flags; such illegal demonstrations should not continue. We have to teach those mistakenly involved in this and should redirect them to the right track,” Siraj emphasized. He also stated that the regional and federal governments have agreed to work together on this matter and are devising a plan to enable them to do so. “Security forces who attacked civilians siding with their ethnic groups have acted illegally and all wrongdoers should be held accountable,” Siraj said addressing some of the recent conflicts in the country. “We have identified such forces and we will continue to identify them further,” he stated. The plan that the Council has prepared will be carried out throughout the year according to Siraj. He also pointed out that, be it officials or otherwise, anybody instigating these unrests will be brought to justice. Pertaining to this decision, Prime Minister Hailemariam also told the media on Thursday that democratic centralism, a long held internal party culture of EPRDF, will remain central to the ruling party and recent actions by some government and party officials cannot be taken as sign of departure. “Keeping democratic centralism up is inalienable EPRDF principle,” he asserted. The prime minister also criticized regional governments that had engaged in public private partnerships which were out of the policy framework of the federal government. Although the types of measures to be taken by the government are yet be identified clearly, both the statement of Council and the Prime Minister indicated an impending action on grand scale starting this week. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/national-security-council-discussing-plans-alleviate-recurring-security-problems

9.11.2017 Billionaire With Deep Investments in Ethiopia Arrested in Saudi Anti-corruption Sweep . Salem Solomon, VoA News

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Sheikh Mohammed Hussein al-Amoudi is a billionaire, and by most estimates, one of the richest African-born people in the world. He travels the globe managing his businesses and meeting with heads of state. But he now finds himself in the midst of an anti-corruption sweep in Saudi Arabia. He was arrested in the Saudi kingdom last Saturday, and he is one of dozens of elite detainees sleeping on mattresses on the floor of a well-guarded ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, awaiting the next steps by Saudi authorities. The exact charges are unclear, but in an email to VOA, Tim Pendry, al-Amoudi’s London-based spokesman, insisted the arrest would not affect al- Amoudi’s international business empire. “As inquiries take place in Saudi Arabia concerning certain allegations, which the Sheikh strongly refutes, this is an internal matter for the Kingdom,” Pendry said. “We have no further comment to make other than to say that the overseas businesses owned by the Sheikh remain unaffected by this development.” The Saudi government released a statement on Tuesday aimed at reassuring investors with ties to any of the individuals arrested. It said that only personal bank accounts have been frozen, and related businesses would not be affected. Ethiopian origins Al-Amoudi was born in Dessie, Ethiopia, in 1946 to an Ethiopian mother and a Saudi father. He immigrated to Saudi Arabia in the mid- 1960s and made his first billion two decades later with a construction contract to build an underground oil storage facility. Since then, his empire has grown across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and it includes Sweden’s largest petroleum refiner. According to Bloomberg , his net worth is just shy of $10 billion. Ethiopians are closely watching developments in the case. Henok Gabisa, a visiting academic fellow at Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, has tracked al-Amoudi’s career, and says al-Amoudi has invested a large portion of his portfolio - $3.4 billion - in Ethiopia, where he holds interests in oil, gold mines, agriculture and cement. Gabisa questions al-Amoudi’s legal ownership of these investments. Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize dual citizenship, so al-Amoudi would have given up his Ethiopian passport when he emigrated. “Even though he was born in Ethiopia, he’s a Saudi citizen,” Gabisa said. “Ethiopian law is very restrictive as to how foreign citizens can invest in Ethiopia, but this guy has an opening. He literally has a blank check as to how he invests in Ethiopia.” Oromia difficulties In recent years, al-Amoudi has run into difficulties in his country of birth. He is invested heavily in the restive Oromia region, where his Derba MIDROC company operates a pumice mine for cement, along with a gold mine. Following protests and attacks on local businesses by unemployed youth, local governors stopped work at his mine and demanded that al-Amoudi allow local youths to operate the mine, according to Bloomberg. “Recently he had a falling out with the Oromia regional governors because they were trying to take away some of these businesses and redistribute them to the youth,” said Gabisa. Gabisa said that people from Oromia have not, for the most part, benefited from al-Amoudi’s investments. “If you see the livelihood of some of the people in Lega Dembi - they don’t have any school, access to clinic or employment,” Gabisa said, speaking of the billionaire's gold mine in the region. “But most of the fortune of this billionaire comes from this area. He harvests about 5,000 kilograms of gold [annually] from that area.” https://www.voanews.com/a/saudi-corrution-probe-mohammed-hussein-al-amoudi/4108025.html

4.11.2017 Ethiopian ruling party, opposition agree to reform electoral system . Xinhua Ethiopia's ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and 15 opposition parties agreed on Friday to reform the country's electoral system and scrap the simple majority vote system. Under the new electoral rule, Ethiopia will have a hybrid electoral system composed of 80 percent simple majority vote system and 20 percent proportional vote electoral system. The two sides have been locked in discussions for months on reforming Ethiopia's electoral law which follows simple majority vote system. Ethiopia's fragmented opposition parties say the simple majority system unfairly favors EPRDF and marginalizes the diverse voices of opposition supporters. EPRDF and opposition parties also agreed to increase the federal parliamentary seats from the current 547 to 660 to accommodate the electoral system changes. In the last national election in May 2015, EPRDF and allied regional parties swept all 547 federal parliamentary seats, sparking criticism against the simple majority voting system. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/04/c_136726923.htm

4.11.2017 Ethiopia to shift to mixed electoral rule. House seats to increase by 110 . Neamin Ashenafi, The Reporter The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and 15 opposition political parties agreed on Friday to institute a mixed electoral system in Ethiopia. Conducting negotiations for the past two months over the Amended Electoral Law of Ethiopia, especially Proclamation No. 532/2007, the sides have been haggling over different articles of the proclamation with a view to widening the political space. At the beginning of this round of negotiations, EPRDF proposed 90 percent to be taken by majority vote (First-Past-the- post) while the remaining 10 percent to be administered by the proportional electoral rule. Meanwhile, opposition parties proposed a different arrangement—with the 11 parties that forged unity for this purpose proposing a 50-50 arrangement. During the first session, both the ruling and opposition political parties presented their justifications about their propositions and conducted a heated debate but failed to reach an agreement and made an appointment for another round of negotiations. Subsequently, the parties got together and again proposed their modified numbers towards the composition of the mixed electoral system. This time around, the ruling party amended its proposal to 85-15 while the 11 parties proposed 60-40, each side supporting its positions with arguments. However, the negotiators again failed to reach an agreement and made another appointment. On Wednesday, EPRDF again amended it proposal to 80-20 and the 11 parties argued in favor of 60-40, with each side asserting its position to be final.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 At this stage, the 11 parties asked the mediators that they be given some time so as to discuss the matter with their respective party members. Obtaining the green light from the mediators, the 11 opposition parties yesterday accepted the ratio of the mixed electoral system proposed by the ruling party. Accordingly, the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) will have an additional 110 seats on top of the existing 547 seats. This change will require constitutional amendment, something that the ruling party feels strongly about. Accoridng to constitution, the number of HPR seats “shall not exceed 550” and with the addition of 110 new ones the resulting 657 seats would be way above constitutional limitation. After reaching an agreement to reform the country’s electoral system, the negotiation continued and the parties started dealing with other issues according to the pre-set agenda, viz. reform of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). So far, the ruling and opposition parties have negotiated and agreed to amend the existing Revised Political Parties’ Registration Proclamation No. 573/2008. Yesterday’s agreement is the second agreement with a view to improving the legal framework of the country’s electoral system. The parties will continue their negotiations over NEBE reforms the coming Wednesday. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/ethiopia-shift-mixed-electoral-rule

4.11.2013 Movers and Shakers!!! Dawit Endeshaw, The Reporter The Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO), one of the four parties making up the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), has concluded its most anticipated four day conference agreeing up on ten decisive points which include the need to solve the border conflict along its administrative region: Oromia and Somali Regional States. The conflict which brought the displacement of thousands of Ethiopians and the death of hundreds has resulted in a public uproar and political unrest in the region. The Conference, which was held in Adama town, addressed this very issue head-on and decided, the border issue should no longer be a cause for conflict between the two regions. Furthermore, OPDO called for the immediate implementation of the border demarcation process between the two regions to avoid any future incident. It is to be recalled that the conflict along the border of the two regions was followed by a massive displacement of people from both sides with ethnic Oromos displaced from Somali region outweighing in number. Following this particular humanitarian crisis, the federal government was calling upon rehabilitation programs to target those who are displaced from both Regions. It particularly meant to rehabilitate those who are displaced from their original homes by the conflict. Contrary to this effort, this week, Ministry of Education (MoE) decided to revise the placement of first year university students from Oromia and Somali regions who were originally enrolled in universities located in the two regions. According to the new arrangement, students from both Oromia and Somali regions will be enrolled only to their respective region. “The decision was passed by the federal government,” sources at the Ministry confirmed. The communications office with ministry declined to give further information on the matter. Unconfirmed reports show that this decision was taken after considering the pressure exerted on students who feared to go to their universities fearing for their safety. As far as the ten points are concerned, OPDO vowed to work for unconditional respect of the constitutional rights of the people. It also expresses its commitment to solve problems such as lack of good governance in the region. In addition, the Organization has also introduced a ten year strategic plan. The Conference was attended by more than 2,000 individuals including party members, officials and veteran of the Organization including Abadulla Gemeda. Following the end of the conference last week, a delegation of more than 200, from all parts of the Oromia region including elders, youth, artists as well as officials, has set out to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara Regional State. The visit initiated by the two regions is in part an effort to strengthen people to people relationship between the two regions. Lemma Megersa, president of Oromia Regional States, as well as top officials of the party and organization are expected to join the delegation later this week. In related news, the Amhara Regional State is also expected to hold the second leg of a peace conference to resolve issues with Tigray Regional States. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/movers-and-shakers

3.11.2017 Bereket Simon under investigation for suspected corruption . ESAT News Authorities in Addis Ababa are conducting an investigation into a 4 star hotel and other properties that are allegedly owned by Bereket Simon, a leading member of the ruling party who recently resigned from his post as deputy head of the Ethiopian Policy Research Institute, according to ESAT sources. The investigation has specially zoomed in on the Doubletree Hotel, a 4 star hotel near the Bole International Airport, the construction of which is scheduled to be completed soon. The investigation also focuses on other properties allegedly owned by Bereket Simon that are registered under the names of other individuals. The Doubletree Hotel, managed by the Hilton, is registered under the name of Teka Asfaw a former prosecutor, who is now legal advisor to Mohammed Al Amoudi, the Ethiopian born Saudi business tycoon. The wife of Asfaw, Fikremariam Belay, owns 30% of the ownership of the 106 room hotel, that costs 12 million dollars. The hotel is scheduled to begin operation in June. Investigations are also underway on properties owned by Asefu Fente, the wife of Simon, who owns a printing press and other properties with suspicious financial sources, according to people close to the investigation.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 According to sources close to the political developments unfolding in Ethiopia, divisions within the TPLF, a small clique that runs the country with iron fist, has led to Bereket Simon’s resignation and eventual corruption investigation. Bereket was also fired from his position as Board Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. The TPLF is in a marathon of closed meetings in Mekelle for several weeks now. A faction led by Abay Woldu, the chairman of the Front, is reportedly losing control and domination within the Front. Abay’s faction was the group that favors Mr. Simon. But the opposing group that’s now holding the upper hand in the tense meeting in Mekelle, that is led by Sebhat Nega, a founding member of the Front, has reportedly ordered investigations against Bereket and those whom they want to eliminate, the source said. https://ethsat.com/2017/11/ethiopia-bereket-simon-investigation-suspected-corruption/

1.11.2017 EPRDF Raises Proportional Representation to 20 Percent . ENA The ruling party EPRDF has raised the proportional representation for the mixed electoral system from 15 percent to 20 today . The proposed 20 percent, which adds 110 new seats to the existing 550 seats of the House of People's Representative, will play irreplaceable role to enhance the democratization process and widening of the political space, according to EPRDF. The opposition All Ethiopian National Movement appreciated the initiative and commitment of the ruling party in bringing tangible change in widening the political space. Similarly, All Oromo People's Democratic Party accepted the percentage proposed by EPRDF saying that the opposition should not look for bonus as we have to struggle to win the heart of people. The group of 11 opposition parties and Gadaa System Advancement Party who proposed 40 percent instead of 20 during the last session requested to discuss the new proposal with their respective parties. The negotiating political parties have also discussed about how the National Electoral Board should be organized and agreed on the existing independent model of electoral management. As to the naming of National Electoral Board, however, some parties wanted it to be changed into National Electoral Commission where all parties in the country will be represented and the Commission advised by civic organizations and universities. EPRDF rejected the proposal claiming that the Board should be free and neutral that is not influenced by anyone and the involvement of the stated bodies would undermine this. It added that the representation of all parties in the Board will also deny neutrality and independence. On the other hand, All Oromo People's Democratic Party suggested that all the nine regional states have each electoral board since they are autonomous. The national political parties have agreed to continue negotiating on November 3, 2017. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3899-eprdf-raises-proportional-representation-to-20-percent

1.11.2017 Unemployed youth behind Ethiopia's anti-govt protests - Info Minister . africanews.com The anti-government protests that swept through parts of Ethiopia in late 2015 through the better part of 2016 were as a result of youth unemployment, Information Minister Negeri Lencho has said. In an interview with the BBC, the former academician insisted that lack of jobs for the teeming youth that the universities produced year in and year out was the cause of the protests. He first sought to separate the incidents of last year with the renewed tensions the country is experiencing. “Actually the demonstrations that we witnessed before a year or so and the current one are not one and the same because in the last maybe two decades, Ethiopia invested heavily on education and our youth – the majority now have ample opportunity to get (an) education. “… and thousands of them graduate every year from our universities, now we have about 40 universities now functioning. The government decided to respond to their needs for example by allocating a special budget for the youth employment.” According to him, the government was undertaking efforts to not just provide jobs but to also empower the young people when they come out of school. “Not simply employment but to start their own businesses, for example entrepreneurship, investing, manufacturing and whatever. The government is working … “Thousands of the youth who took to the streets before a year are now engaged in production, engaged in manufacturing, engaged in agriculture. That means they are employed but we graduate thousands of students and they still need (jobs). He expressly rejected talk of the protests being hinged on issues of marginalization and perception of discrimination by people belonging to particular regions. “There is no basis for discrimination because all the regions are autonomous and the federal government is made up of contributions of the regions,’ he said. (…) http://www.africanews.com/2017/11/01/ethiopia-anti-govt-protests-is-a-youth-unemployment-issue-information-minister/

1.11.2017 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church declared 14 days of prayer for peace in Ethiopia . borkena, Ethiopian News Starting Monday, November 6, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church will have 14 days of prayer for peace in Ethiopia. What Ethnic politics politicians introduced as means to address perceived historical grievances is rathercausing havoc to Ethiopia. Unfortunately, the victims are innocent citizens who benefit much from living in peace and unity and who are relentlessly toiling in the countryside as subsistence farmers or those in cities who try hard to win bread for families and relatives. Often times those Ethiopians who lived for generations in regions like what is now called Oromia, Benshangul and Somali region are facing threat as they are seen as aliens and invaders who are exploiting the resources. In the last two weeks alone, more than fifty Ethiopians have lost their lives due to conflict which manifested omens of ethnic cleanings. Yet, intransigence about ethnic politics, the champions of it endear it as the best form of “self government”, as ” the only solutions for Ethiopia” still runs high among the disciples of the late Meles Zenawi, an architect of ethnic politics in Ethiopia and in the quarter of Oromo Liberation Front organization ideological slaves.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The Ethiopian church has itself been a victim of ethnic politics. Observing that the situation of Ethiopia has become unprecedentedly fragile, the Holy Synod Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo church decided two weeks of prayers and sermons to be held across monasteries and churches for peace in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Church is also to donate six million Ethiopian birr, through Ethiopian Orthodox Church structures, for those who are affected by recent ethnic violence in South West and South Eastern parts of the country. The Holly Synod issued a seventeen point statement on matters related to the Church and Ethiopia. The decision was past at the conclusion of Holy Synod meeting this week. No other initiates yet from Catholic and Protestant churches in the country. Faith leaders in the country have been criticized for not adding voice against repression and violence in the ensuing disaster following an ethnic conflict as it is feared that the worst is yet to come if something that could reverse the situation is done. https://www.borkena.com/2017/10/31/news-ethiopian-orthodox-tewahdo-church-announced-14-days-prayer-peace-ethiopia/

1.11.2017 Cassation court suspends Bekele’s bail . Tamiru Tsige, The Reporter The Federal Supreme Court, Cassation Bench passed an order today to suspend the decision of the Appellant Court to grant bail to Bekele Gerba, deputy chairperson of the Oromo Federalist congress (OFC). The suspension came just one day after the appellant court which has been reviewing Bekele’s appeal for bail decided that the plaintiff deserves to be released on bail. Bekele’s appeal was based on the decision of the lower court which denied him bail in spite of the amendment of the charges that Bekele faces from terrorism to ordinary criminal charges. He argued at a lower instance court that the amendment of charges that he faces to criminal charges would qualify to be released on bail. Nevertheless, the lower court denied Bekele’s appeal and decided that he should be remanded under custody through the duration of his trail. That was when Bekele decided to take the case to the Supreme Court and appeal the decision of the lower court. Although, the decision of appellant court went his way, it was suspended one day after by the cassation bench. According to sources, the decision of the cassation bench came after federal prosecutors petitioned the former claiming that basic error of law was committed when the appellant court decided to reverse lower instance court’s decision to grant bail to Bekele. On the other hand, sources also indicate that prosecutors’ petition also includes a procedural issue where they pointed out that appellant court’s decision to entertain Bekele’s appeal for bail was not right while prosecutors own appeal regarding the very amendment of charges from terrorism to criminal charges was still pending. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/cassation-court-suspends-bekeles-bail

30.10.2017 Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader granted bail . Arefayné Fantahun, Ethiopia Observer Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader Bekele Gerba has been granted bail by the Federal Supreme Court on Monday. Call for the release of the 56-year-old foreign language professor has been a repeated theme of the protesters in the Oromia region for the past two years. Bekele’s lawyer, Abduljebar Hussien said that the opposition leader has been granted bail for 30,000 Ethiopian Birr this morning. Bekele faces jail if he is found guilty of the charges which he says are baseless. On August 10, Bekele’s request for bail has been denied by a panel of three judges at the Federal High Court 4th Criminal bench, following the court’s July 13 decision to reduce the terrorism charges to criminal charges. Bekele, a senior leader of the Oromo Federalist congress (OFC), was detained along with other officials of the party, on December 23, 2015 and later charged under Ethiopia’s terrorism law for allegedly belonging to the banned Oromo Liberation Front. Both his party and Bekele have dismissed the arrest and trial as politically motivated. He was no stranger to the notorious high security prison. In 2011, Bekele was arrested and detained for three years after meeting with Amnesty International researchers and sent to prison on what he calls trumped-up terrorism charges. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/10/prominent-ethiopian-opposition-leader-granted-bail/

30.10.2017 Apprehending Alleged People for Instigating Conflicts to Continue: EPRDF . ENA The Executive Committee of the EPRDF has put a direction that would strengthen the ongoing efforts of the government to make individuals who allegedly instigate conflicts accountable. The Committee set the direction during its ordinary session that evaluated the progress in the ongoing process of the in-depth reform and overall situation of the country, over the past two days. Noting that some of the individuals who contributed for the unrest, loss of lives, and property damage are already apprehended, the Committee said the effort to bring all responsible people before court should be consolidated. The Committee has also underlined the need to enhance the fight against rent-seeking tendencies, corruption, maladministration, and illegal networks, as they are the major drivers of the conflicts. It affirmed that such kinds of illegal practices are not allowed to continue further and underscored the need to ensure the rule of law. Noting that the conflicts occurred in some areas led to the loss of lives, displacement of people and damage of properties, it lauded religious and tribal leader as well as communities for their efforts in stabilizing the situation. Regarding the in-depth reform that has been conducted over the past year to rectify wrong practices, the Committee noted that the reform is well in progress. It evaluated that the activities that has been conducted to realize the reform have shown progress and underlined the need to consolidate efforts to fully realize the rectifying process. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3893-apprehending-alleged-people-for-instigating-conflicts-to-continue-eprdf

28.10.2017 Benshangul Gumuz ethnic violence left several dead . Arefayné Fantahun, Ethiopia Observer

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Several people, including women and children, were killed in ethnic violence in Kamashi woreda of the Benshangul Gumuz region, the western part of the country on Friday and Thursday, according to multiple reports. Exact numbers of those killed and injured are hard to establish. Yilkal Getnet of the Blue party oppostion party said that between 30-40 Amhara people have been massacred in the violence, in which the region’s security forces were involved, citing people on the spot that he managed to talk over the phone. Yilkal said that more than 200 houses were burned and a three year-old girl and a four-year-old girl who are among the injured, who are now in a local clinic, he said. However, the regions communication head Mengistu Tesso told the Amharic Reporter that only three people died and eight wounded people were admitted to Nekemte hospital. Nine houses were burned, according to the communication head. The killings started with a personal feud between two persons and it was not ethnically motivated, Mengistu said. Muluken Tesfaw, the Oslo-based activist, who published the story this first said that the Amhara living in the region have increasingly been targeted for looting and attack, which provoked the latest incident. The village had been attacked by men who came from village, by the order of the woreda’s administrator, Mitiku Nono. Troops have now been deployed in the area but have not been able to contain it, according to Yilkal. Benishangul–Gumuz region, one of nine regional states of the Ethiopian federation, is home to the ethnic groups Berta (25.41%), Amhara (21.69%), Gumuz (20.88%), Oromo (13.55%), Shinasha (7.73%) and Agaw-Awi (4.22). Sporadic conflict erupts from time to time between the various population groups, indigenous Berta, Gumuz and descendants of later immigrant groups like the Oromo, the Amhara. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/10/benshangul-gumuz-ethnic-violence-left-several-dead/

27.10.2017 Parties agree on major technical areas of mixed electoral system . ENA National political parties participating in the ongoing negotiation have agreed on major technical areas of the mixed electoral system. The ruling party, EPRDF, first proposed 1.5 percent threshold or minimum share of the primary vote required for a candidate or a political party to take seats while the opposition proposed 0.05 percent which enables individual candidates or parties with least constituency vote to take seats from the proportional representation of the mixed electoral system. The ruling party rejected the proposed percentage of the opposition political parties explaining that it will pave the way for parties and individuals to attain seats without constituency. Yet it lowered its proportion to 1 percent which was accepted by all negotiating parties. The political parties have also agreed on one paper vote instead of two paper vote as it minimizes complications for the voters. Moreover, the parties have reached agreement on a closed party list in which the order of preferred candidates is fixed during registration to be submitted to the National Electoral Board. Dual candidacy will be allowed in implementing the mixed electoral system. Similarly, the political parties reached agreement to utilize the Hare quota, where the total valid number votes cast divided by the total number of seats to be allocated for political parties through proportional representation. Among the points that the parties failed to agree, that the mixed electoral system be used in woredas and kebeles. EPRDF, All Ethiopian National Movement, and All Oromo People's Democratic Party opted for the mixed electoral system to be applicable only to the HPR, regional councils and the two city administrations while the prevailing first-past-the-post applies to woredas and kebeles. The remaining 11 political parties negotiating under one umbrella and the Gadaa System Advancement Party preferred the application of the mixed electoral system to all. The negotiating parties agreed to meet on November 1, 2017 to conduct further discussions on closing the gaps on issues on which they differed. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3887-parties-agree-on-major-technical-areas-of-mixed-electoral-system

26.10.2017 PM Hailemariam says talks underway with Abadula; Bereket’s resignation accepted;defends Liyu Police . Etenesh Abera, Addis Standard Responding to questions raised by members of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that the ruling party EPRDF was having talks with Abadula Gemda, who resigned from his post as the speaker of the HPR citing “disrespect” to his party and people.The Prime Minister hopes the discussions will materialize in good results on how Abadula could continue his contributions to the federal government. “We will be happy if he reconsiders his decision. [However] the main point is the process is democratic and followed a clear path.” On the other hand, the Prime Minister told law makers that the government has accepted the resignation latter of Bereket Simon , his policy study and research advisor and ANDM’s veteran party stalwart. However, although Abadula’s resignation was “unprecedented” in the history of the ruling party, PM Hailemariam said it should not be taken “out of proportion” and should not also be considered as related with the resignation nine days later of Bereket Simon, adding that the public should not be confused of these two unrelated events. “Bereket [Simon] has been asking to resign on several occasions in the past but the party had always talked him out of it” considering his immense contributions. “but just because he resigned doesn’t mean he is leaving the struggle.” The Prime minister has played down the implications of the two resignations saying it should be taken as “normal” acts in a country that governs itself with “democratic values.” Black market, contraband, monopoly of Khat trading and conflict Commenting on the recent conflict that led to the death of dozens of Ethio-Somalis and Oromos in areas bordering both regions in eastern, southern and south eastern Ethiopia, as well as the displacement of more than 150, 000 Oromos from the Somali regional state and more than 300 from Ethio-Somalis from Oromia regional state, the Prime Minister attributed the prevalence of “black market in foreign currency”, “rampant contraband” and “the rush to monopolize Khat trading” in eastern Ethiopia as playing a major role in giving the conflict an “ethnic and national dimension.” The PM mentioned as example that in the last few months, the Oromia regional state police and

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 federal customs officials have apprehended “about two million dollars” on its way out of the country via the Somali regional state border in eastern Ethiopia. However, the Prime Minister defended the role or lack thereof by the federal army in preventing the conflict as well as the role played by the Somali regional state’s special paramilitary force known as “Liyu Police” (Special Force). With the exception of few rogue agents, the PM said, both have played a significant role in preventing large scale atrocities. Some of these few agents who are implicated in the killings have left the country, he said, and the government was working to bring those in the country to justice. The Prime Minister also defended the “Liyu Police,” and brushed aside a question from an MP asking for the dissolution of the “Liyu Force” which is often accused of severe human rights abuses since its establishment in April 2007. “Regions do have the right to maintain their own special forces.” “The big problem is whether these forces have participated in the violence, and not whether they are called “special or regular” police.” Following the recent violence in Eastern Ethiopia, the BBC Amharic has reported a story of a woman who was displaced from her house and was kept in a jungle and repeatedly raped by members of the “Liyu Police.” Regarding police forces structure and standard , the Prime Minister said the law makers were working on a new draft bill presented to them this past summer and that he expects the bill to be approved soon. The Prime Minister also touched on recent fresh protests in Oromia regional state that are increasingly turning violent. After admitting that the professional level of the media industry in Ethiopia as having been crippled by several factors, lack of capacity and professionalism among others, he also called on pro-government media houses recently accused of fueling ethnic tensions in the wake the recent violence in Buno Bedelle zone of the Orioma regional state in South West Ethiopia to exercise caution. At least 14 people were killed and more than 1, 500 displaced following the violence, according to officials from the Oromia and Amhara regional states. But other accounts, especially on social media, claim both the number of dead and displaced higher than what is admitted by officials. http://addisstandard.com/news-pm-hailemariam-says-talks-underway-with-abadula-berekets-resignation-accepteddefends-liyu-police/

26.10.2017 Ethiopia PM speaks on high level resignations, says Gemeda talks ongoing . Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, Africanews.com Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, has finally spoken on top level resignations that have hit the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The Premier in response to questions from Members of Parliament on Thursday, said the exit of Abadula Gameda; the immediate past speaker of the House of Federation and Bereket Simon; a top policy analyst, had to be taken in context. The state-affiliated Fana broadcasting corporate reported that the Premier said “this is common in a democratic party and government and should be habituated.” He disclosed further that the party was in talks with Gemeda following his decision, a move he described as ‘unprecedented’ in the EPRDF. In the case of Bereket, he said the former information minister had severally asked to quit in the past but had been talked out of it. He was, however, quick to add that the two cases had to be taken within a context. Stressing that there was no coincidence in the timing of the respective resignations despite being 10 days apart, Addis Standard news portal reported. Gemeda has not presided over the parliament since submitting his resignation early this month, he cited disrespect to his party and people as his reason. Bereket on the other hand has yet to give a reason for quitting. Desalegn was in parliament to respond to questions surrounding the address delivered by President Teshome Mulatu on October 8 during the official reopening of the parliament. Other issues the premier responded to included the security situation in the Somali – Oromia region, security in the general Horn of Africa region, resurgence of HIV/Aids, response to drought and the South Sudan crisis. http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/26/ethiopia-pm-speaks-on-high-level-resignations-says-gemeda-talks-ongoing/

26.10.2017 PM Laudes Efforts of Abagedas, Youth in Controlling Confilicts . ENA Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has addressed today various issues ranging from conflicts in parts of the country to youth employment and media activities. While speaking and responding to members of parliament today, Hailemariam lauded the role of Abageda s (Oromo traditional leaders) and youth in managing the border area conflicts of Oromia and Somali regional states. According to him, the federal government is working with the regional governments to solve the problem and rehabilitate the victims and continue to make the area safe. Appreciating the role of elders and religious fathers in controlling the conflict, the Prime Minister added that a national conference on peace and security will be held soon. In relation to this, he warned some media outlets that fuel the conflict and noted that the government will take strong legal actions. The premier said the country expects high yield from agriculture, especially in coffee, sesame and cereals that can support the export sector. Hailemariam explained that the reason behind the devaluation of Ethiopian currency is to increase agricultural export and growth of the manufacturing sector. The government has created jobs to 2 million citizens and this is an impressive achievement for a developing country, he said, adding that more jobs would be created to provide as many jobs as possible to the remaining 6 million unemployed people. Members of the Parliament in their part told ENA that they will do their level best to improve peace and security and realize the democratic process in the country. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3883-pm-laudes-efforts-of-abagedas-youth-in-controlling-confilicts

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 26.10.2017 Ethiopia PM speaks on high level resignations, says Gemeda talks ongoing . Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, Africanews.com Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, has finally spoken on top level resignations that have hit the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The Premier in response to questions from Members of Parliament on Thursday, said the exit of Abadula Gameda; the immediate past speaker of the House of Federation and Bereket Simon; a top policy analyst, had to be taken in context. The state-affiliated Fana broadcasting corporate reported that the Premier said “this is common in a democratic party and government and should be habituated.” He disclosed further that the party was in talks with Gemeda following his decision, a move he described as ‘unprecedented’ in the EPRDF. In the case of Bereket, he said the former information minister had severally asked to quit in the past but had been talked out of it. He was, however, quick to add that the two cases had to be taken within a context. Stressing that there was no coincidence in the timing of the respective resignations despite being 10 days apart, Addis Standard news portal reported. Gemeda has not presided over the parliament since submitting his resignation early this month, he cited disrespect to his party and people as his reason. Bereket on the other hand has yet to give a reason for quitting. Desalegn was in parliament to respond to questions surrounding the address delivered by President Teshome Mulatu on October 8 during the official reopening of the parliament. Other issues the premier responded to included the security situation in the Somali – Oromia region, security in the general Horn of Africa region, resurgence of HIV/Aids, response to drought and the South Sudan crisis. http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/26/ethiopia-pm-speaks-on-high-level-resignations-says-gemeda-talks-ongoing/

26.10.2017 10 killed as Ethiopia forces clash with protesters in Oromia . Africanews.com About ten people have been killed in the town of Ambo in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, German broadcaster DW’s Amharic Service has reported. DW cited Gadisa Desalegn, Ambo city communication head, as confirming the deaths of anti-government protesters, following the deployment of ‘Agazi’ – a special elite unit of the Ethiopian security forces. Local media portals have also reported that 20 people have been wounded, some private properties have been affect in the clashes. A local media portal, Addis Gazetta, reported that the latest round of protest was linked to recent shortages of sugar in the country. They shared pictures on Wednesday when protesters blocked trucks belonging to the national sugar company. Ambo located in the Oromia region – the country’s biggest – was the heartbeat of spreading anti-government protests that started in late 2015 through to the better part of last year. To quell the spreading protests which hit the northern Amhara region, Addis Ababa imposed a state of emergency. The six-month measure eventually run for ten months and was only lifted in August 2017. The Horn of Africa country – a key ally of the west and a regional economic powerhouse, has severally been charged to undertake political reforms and to respect the rights of political opponents. Ethiopia, despite its internal political issues, is seen as a security leader in the region. It is engaged in the fight against Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab. It is also in the forefront of peacekeeping, humanitarian and political efforts hoping to stabilize neighbouring South Sudan. http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/26/deaths-reported-as-ethiopia-elite-forces-clash-with-protesters-in-oromia/

25.10.2017 Country is in deepening political turmoil: An opposition figure. Arefayné Fantahun, Ethiopia Observer Ethiopia is succumbing to an unprecedented political turmoil and pervasive graft in the government is undermining its integrity and fuelling insurgency across the country, says the former president of Tigray Regional State and founder of the opposition political party, Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty, Gebru Asrat . In an interview with the Amharic Reporter newspaper published Sunday, Gebru Asrat, who once served on the executive committee of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) before his falling out with the party said that government projects that were supposed to benefit the poor are only enriching the elite and a failure to stop corruption is damaging the country’s future. “Whether you call it revolutionary democracy, or developmental state, the system is literally built on blatant corruption. The officialdom colludes with businessmen to take over land illegally for self-enrichment. Mega projects are in jeopardy and are facing bankruptcy. Inefficiencies and finance mismanagement are rife, there is no transparency and accountability. Take the sugar and fertilizer projects, they are total failures. In all theses, you have patronage network of businessmen, contractors, higher officials who are placing their private self-interests over wider public goals.” Gebru said the anti-corruption crusade has proved nothing more than a sham and only done for political gain. “When the public resentment grows, it has become a fashion to take measures against some that have no or little influence. Of course, the regime is not ready to turn against corrupt individuals. It has no any desire to do that. Corruption has eaten deep into its fiber. How could it fight it? Those involved don’t want to see the rule of law, democracy and justice prevailing in the country. It would play against them.” Gebru said that the country’s economic woe has generated widespread discontent, which is compromising the country’s stability. “The centre is no longer holding. People are not obeying the federal authority and they no longer fear government. For example, any request from opposition party to organise demonstration in Addis Ababa would automatically be refused. But in Oromia region, look at the number of demonstrations that are taking place without authorization. That means the regime’s development army teams and one-to-five networks put in place to control people’s movement have collapsed. People have sent message, they are assuming a leading role in the struggle, they have declared victory in their own struggle,” Gebru Asrat observed that the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is beset by its own internal divisions and the showdown between member parties is putting its very existence into question. “The competitions among regional lords for more control and power at the expense of the federal state have reached at their final stage. Whether EPRDF likes it or not, it is in a turmoil. There is no doubt about that. EPRDF is not able to respond to the public’s demand. Members are busy trying to protect their 96

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 own interest than saving the party. As matter of the fact, if the regime is still there, it is thanks to its security apparatus and defence force. It is not there because it is accepted as such by the wider society. Where this will lead is hard to predict. But one thing is sure: the party is alienated because the conflict with the public grew. What is missing is a political force ready to replace the regime. This is concern for all of us. The regime has been working all those years to make the existence of successor impossible,” For Gebru the collapse of the regime is a matter of time, at the same time expressing concerns about the potential for civil war. But he said he doesn’t subscribe to the doomsday warning that forecasts the country would disintegrate. “Ethiopia has weathered numerous challenges. It has been there before the regime and it will exist after. People want to live together. Some politicians are working to undermine that. The ruling party also does things that destabilise the unity among the public. There could be price to pay for that. But this country is not disintegrating.” http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/10/country-is-in-deepening-political-turmoil-an-opposition-figure/

25.10.2017 Ethiopia, Somalia agrees on tightening Alshabab crushing campaign . Walta Ethiopia and Somali agreed to tighten a military operation against Al-shabab. Primemister Hailemaqriam Desalegn and his Somalian president Mohammed Abdulahi Mohammed held talks in Ethiopia on bilateral and region’s issues. They are agreed to strengthen a campaign of the Alshabab forces. They also agreed that countries which contributed forces to fight Alshabab under the auspices of AMISOM including Ethiopia to continue their efforts by collaborating with Somalian government forces. Two countries urged the international communities to respond to the problems. President Mohammed Abdullahi thanked the people and government of Ethiopia for the solidarity they showed on Somalia attack. “We are indebted to the people and government of Ethiopia as they stand beside us in this critical time,” said the president. Ethiopia offered medicine and physicians to tackle victims of the attack. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=2

24.10.2017 Gov't Restores Peace in Districts in Oromia . ENA The Ethiopian Government has announced that the conflict in Chora and Dega districts of Bunno Bedele zone in the Oromia regional state has been under control. Minister of Government Communications Affairs Office, Negerri Lencho (PhD), said the local communities’, community elders' and security forces of the regional government intervention has contributed much in peace restoration endeavors. As peace has restored to the areas, rehabilitating the people who displaced due to the conflict has already begun, he added. According to Negeri, around 43 people allegedly suspected of instigating the conflict are under arrest. Negeri said the acts of some media houses that broadcasted stories that would aggravate the situation are unethical and unacceptable. He noted that the social media have also used the incident unethically to spread wrong information. Negeri warned those media houses to refrain from such unethical acts. He also expressed government's deep condolences for the families of the deceased. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3874-gov-t-restores-peace-in-districts-in-oromia

22.10.2017 Parties Agree on Mixed Electoral System . ENA All the national political parties that are taking part in the negotiation have agreed on the proposed mixed electoral system except one, YeEthiopia Raie Party. While accepting the system, the political parties have differences on the percentage of the proportional representation that will be combined with the prevailing first-past-the-post. The ruling part, EPRDF have raised the previously proposed 10 percent of the proportional representation to 15 percent and All Oromo People's Democratic Party accepted the idea. While the eleven political parties that are negotiating as one and Gadaa System Advancement Party has lowered their request of the proportional representation from 50 to 40 percent. All Ethiopia National Movement on the other side proposed 25 percent of the mixed electoral system to be a proportional representation. YeEthiopia Raie Party expressed its stand that the electoral system of the country to be full proportional representation otherwise to continue with the first-past-the-post, whereby 52 percent of seats will be granted to majority vote winner and the rest to other competitor parties. Apart from that, majority of the political parties have agreed on the idea of adding new seats to the House of Peoples Representative that will be determined on the percentage to be agreed. Having different stands on the figures of the percentage proposed by the political parties and considering it a deadlock, they agreed to meet on 27 October 2017. Meanwhile, EPRDF has urged for an explanation from the YeEthiopia Raie Party, over its official claim on the need for the government to step down. EPRDF said it will not be able to negotiate with YeEthiopia Raie Party, as it has lately acted undemocratically, unless they have provided a proper explanation. On the meantime, YeEthiopia Raie Party requested for more time to present its explanation for publicly declaring the need for the government to step down and all the parties agreed to see the case in the upcoming session. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3861-parties-agree-on-mixed-electoral-system

22.10.2017 A dozen killed in an inter-ethnic violence in south-western Ethiopia . Selam Kirubel, Ethiopia Observer More than a dozen people have died in inter-ethnic violence in Buno Bedele and Illu Ababor, two separate woredas of Oromia region in south-western Ethiopia, in an ethnic bloodshed that took place on Friday and Saturday. Mobs of the local Oromo men attacked long-time residents of ethnic Tigrayans and Amhara, burning down houses and coffee farms. Several death were reported, according to some as many as fifteen and at least fifty people have been wounded. Ethiopia Observer’s efforts to independently verify the number of victims since yesterday has been unsuccessful. The Oromia region communication bureau could not be reached for comment. 97

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 A source close to Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), speaking on condition of anonymity, did confirm to reports of several households being victims of assault and break and enter and about many residents, mostly women and children, taking shelter in local police stations. The source said that at least two Oromia police officers had been attacked while trying to protect household against the mob. Abera Olana, central committee member of the OPDO, sustained heavy injury after he was attacked by enraged residents while he was talking to the victims on Friday. The area has been relatively calm during the Oromo protests in the past two years where minority ethnic Amhara and Tigrayan lived for several decades after they were made to resettle there, uprooted from famine affected areas in Wello and Tigray in the 80’s. Though some pockets of clashes are reported from time to time, the relation with the majority Oromo inhabitants have been amical. It was unclear what sparked this round of violence, but witnesses say it might have been related to social tensions and instability in the Oromia region and country. The local Oromo people of the region have been registering their displeasure about the federal government’s extraction of the underground coal mine and the construction of a fertilizer factory, which is located at Yayu wereda, Illu Ababor zone. The fear is that ethnic tensions may erupt across the region. (Update: Head of the Oromia Government Communication Affairs Bureau, Addisu Arega wrote on his Facebook page this morning, confirming ethnic clashes in Chora and Dega woredas Buno Bedele zone where he said eight Oromo and three Amhara nationals have lost their lives.) http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/10/a-dozen-killed-in-an-inter-ethnic-violence-in-south-western-ethiopia/

21.10.2017 CSA confident conflict, displacement will not affect census . Dawit Endeshaw, The Reporter The Central Statistical Agency (CSA) announced this week that the displacement of thousands of Ethiopians, as a result of the recent Somali-Oromia boarder conflict, will not affect the process of the upcoming Fourth National Housing and Population Census. It is to be recalled that, the Census was originally scheduled to be conducted on November 19, 2017, and later postponed to February 2018. During a press briefing given by the Agency’s officials this week, the new timeframe of the census was confirmed to be February 11, 2018. According to CSA’s director general, Biratu Yigezu, a long overdue logistical procurement process for the census as well as preparation of census map caused the extension. Preparations for the overdue census officially commenced in 2015 with financing secured from both the Ethiopian government and donors. ith these funds, the CSA purchased 180,000 tablets and 126,000 pieces of power banks at a total cost of 665 million birr. The procurement process, which took longer than expected, was surrounded by controversies. Bidding companies during the purchase process were complaining about alleged irregularities along the way. Finally, two global IT equipments suppliers – Lenovo and Huawei – managed to win the bid to supply the equipment. According to the original plan, delivery of the equipment was to be made by May 2017, but this was postponed following a delay in the purchase process. From the total purchase, the first batch of the supply of the digital computer tablets and power banks has already reached Bole Airport. From the total supply, 120,000 tablets and 180,000 power banks had already been delivered by suppliers. The supply, however, needs to pass through all the required custom process before reaching to the hands of CSA. Following this, software applications have to be uploaded in all tablets, testing of the devices has to e conducted and training of personnel who will be involved in the census will be conducted. The trainings are expected to take at least two months. The government has allocated 3.5 billion birr budget for the Census. Close to 190,000 experts, coordinators as well as supervisors will participate. As far as the movement of people from one place to another is concerned, Biratu said that in principle people has to be counted in their original home places. So when it comes to the Oromia-Somali Regional State border case Biratu hope that the two regions and the federal government will resolve the situation. Our Agency deal with technical issues, he said. He, however, stressed that no one will be left uncounted no matter the case. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/csa-confident-conflict-displacement-will-not-affect-census

19.10.2017 The Decennial Census in Ethiopia is postponed for the Second Time . Yassin Ibrahim, abbay media The nationwide decennial census in Ethiopia has been postponed for the second time, ESAT reported. The census that is conducted every ten years counts the population, the number of households and homes all over Ethiopia. The decennial census is mandated by the Ethiopian constitution, Article 103 section 5 and was due this October 2017. It is a violation of the constitution not to execute census unless and until the supreme law of the land is amended. According to ESAT sources, the decision to delay the census was decided by the central committee of the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the dominant force in the foursome ruling coalition called Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The excuse offered to the public is, the current unstable condition is not conducive to allow conducting such a serious task as national census and doing so may bring more crisis than there is now. However, sources tell a different story than that provided by the official media. They say the true reason is the disappearance of the 180 thousand tablet computers and other materials worth more than a billion Birr. The budget set for the decennial census was 3 billion and it appears most of it is lost through corruption. According to sources familiar with the census budget the government fears that uncovering the source of corruption will add fuel to the current volatile situation in Ethiopia where mass uprisings are once again occurring in towns like Sululta, which are close to the capital, Addis Ababa. In a country where ethnicity drives the policy decision making, conducting census is a politically charged affair. The interpretation of the census data is often skewed to serve the political agenda of the ruling parties and may have a significant effect on the life of the society who might be purposely targeted to either lose or gain. In one of the past decennial census for example, two million Amharas were unaccounted for by the very admission of the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia. 98

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19.10.2017 Ethiopia army banned from Oromia-Somali areas amid peace efforts. Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban, Africanews The Ethiopian government has disclosed that the army has effectively been banned from playing any role in the search for peace in a boundary crisis between the Oromia and Somali regional states. Information Minister Negeri Lencho at a press briefing said as part of peace efforts in the wake of recent deadly clashes, the government was tackling the source of the tensions but also actively helping displaced persons with much needed assistance. A high-powered government delegation led by deputy Prime Minister Derneke Mekonnen is said to have visited displaced persons in the town of Dire Dawa, Harar, Hamaresa and Babile, state-affiliated FANA Broadcasting corporate reported. The minister also disclosed that arrests have been made of people believed to be behind the hostilities. He admitted that even though suspects in Oromia have been picked up, the Somali state officials were not showing enough commitment to do same. The inter-state clashes is said to be ethnic in nature even though political, human rights watchers and Oromo activists insist that it has an element of government complicity. Most residents in Oromia believe that the government continues to arm a paramilitary force, the Liyu Police’ located in the Somali region as part of efforts to clamp down on Oromo protesters. Some residents and activists continue to blame the Liyu Police for recent clashes between Oromo and Somali ethnic groups. Despite long-standing talk of resource control fueling the tensions, some residents and activists say the Liyu police are more to blame for recent incidents. Meanwhile, a new wave of anti-government protests continue to gain currency in Oromia – the heartland of similar protests between 2015 – 2016. It led to a state of emergency in October 2016, a six-month measure that eventually lasted 10 months, it was lifted in early August 2017. http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/19/ethiopia-army-banned-from-oromia-somali-areas-amid-peace-efforts/

19.10.2017 Ethiopia PM's ex-top advisor must be prosecuted – E.U. MP . Africanews Bereket Simon, a former top advisor to Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn must be prosecuted for crimes against Ethiopians. This is the view expressed by a Member of the European parliament, Ana Gomes, after news of the Bereket’s resignation was announced on earlier this week. The Portuguese politician who doubles as a Socialist Member of the European parliament also had hard words for the former advisor to Desalegn in charge of Policy Studies and Research Center. She described him as ‘cynical and a cruel totalitarian,’ during dealings with him. She added, ‘(He) Should be tried for his crimes against Ethiopians.’ It is not known the nature of the dealings both had and what crimes she is referring to. Ana Gomes, currently a member of the political committee of the socialist party, is known to be someone who frequently speaks on Ethiopia’s politics. She was part of efforts calling on the government to disclose charges against Oromo leader Merera Gudina after his arrest last year. The government communications office on Tuesday confirmed receipt of Bereket’s resignation letter to PM Desalegn. It said his letter gave no reasons for his decision but that his request was being considered. He is leaving a post he has held for the past four years. Local media reports indicate that Simon, a veteran politician with his latest resignation had quit two top positions in just a week. He recently gave up his position as board chairman of the government-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. A member of the ruling Ethiopia Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), he has served the government in different capacities including as Minister of Communication. The move comes weeks after two major political shifts around the Prime Minister. The Protocol Chief of the PM, Baye Tadesse Teferi, sought asylum in the United States for fear of political persecution. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abadulla Gemeda, also resigned his post following ‘disrespect’ to members of his ethnic group and his party in the ruling party. http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/19/ethiopia-pm-s-ex-top-advisor-must-be-prosecuted-eu-mp/

18.10.2017 Ethiopian government confirms resignation request of senior official . Xinhua The Ethiopian government on Tuesday confirmed that Bereket Simon, a stalwart of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) for more than 30 years, has requested to resign from an influential post. Negeri Lencho, minister of Government Communication Affairs Office, said Simon has offered to resign from his position as deputy director general of Ethiopia Policy Study and Research Center, a ministerial post. Lencho said the government is still reviewing the request. Simon is a founding member of Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), one of the parties in the EPRDF coalition. He once served as minister of information. Simon's resignation request came one week after the resignation of another senior EPRDF official, Abadula Gemeda, as speaker of the Ethiopian parliament. Gemeda is a founding member of another EPRDF coalition member party, Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO). The resignation of Gemeda and the resignation request of Simon have ignited speculation on possible division between the member parties of EPRDF. Ethiopia was rocked by a series of deadly protests in 2016, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regional states, with protestors accusing the EPRDF of economic and political marginalization. The government, blaming bad governance and corruption for public discontent, has since launched a large-scale anti-corruption campaign and arrested high-profile individuals as part of its reform agenda. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/18/c_136687160.htm

18.10.2017 Parties negotiate on mixed electoral system . Walta

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The ruling party EPRDF has proposed a mixed electoral system in which 10 percent proportional representation and 90 percent first-past- the-post would be combined. In the negotiation on the electoral law national political parties took part today, the representative of EPRDF said the proposed electoral system fits the socio-economic conditions of the country. Furthermore, the ruling party said the mixed electoral system would help represent those parties that do not qualify for the first-past-the-post system. On the other hand, the 11 opposition parties that negotiate as one group proposed the percentage to be 50/50 and that a government be formed on getting two third of the votes instead of 50 plus one. They rejected the idea of the ruling party by arguing that its proposal might add a few seats but would not contribute to democratization, widening of political space and multi-party system. As regards the implementation of the proposed mixed electoral system, some of the negotiating political parties requested in-depth training on the issues and EPRDF welcomed it. Meanwhile, among the parties negotiating separately All Oromo People's Democratic Party accepted the proposed system, while YeEthiopia Raie Party, Gadaa System Advancement Party, and All Ethiopia National Movement totally rejected it. Unable to reach an agreement on the proposed issues, the political parties agreed to thoroughly discuss the matter with their respective bodies and come up with ideas to close the gap. Accordingly, the parties agreed to meet on October 21, 2017. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/editors_pick/detail?cid=34035

18.10.2017 Statement by the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia The United States sees peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate means of expression and political participation. We note with appreciation a number of recent events during which demonstrators expressed themselves peacefully, and during which security forces exercised restraint in allowing them to do so. We are saddened by reports that several recent protests ended in violence and deaths. All such reports merit transparent investigation that allows those responsible for violence to be held accountable. We encourage all Ethiopians to continue to express their views peacefully, and encourage Ethiopian authorities to permit peaceful expression of views. More generally, we encourage constructive, peaceful, and inclusive national discourse on matters of importance to Ethiopian citizens. https://et.usembassy.gov/statement-u-s-embassy/

12.10.2017 Is Ethiopia a Rwandan genocide in the making? Teshome Borago, TRT World Ethiopia is slowly sleepwalking into ethnic war. Can it be averted? (…) Over the last several days, dozens of Sidamas have been killed and a further 50,000 have been cleansed out of a region that straddles the Oromia and Somali regions—previously known as Bale—by Oromo extremists, a region the two communities shared for centuries. And last month, nearly a thousand Oromos and Somalis perished due to another tribal border conflict in the southeast – a region that can never be ethnically demarcated due to the nomadic lifestyle of each side. Many of the dead were women and children, with tens of thousands more becoming refugees in their own country. This is the ugly face of Ethiopia's ethnic-federalism, an apartheid-style separation of land that divides people based on tribe. It is a dangerous experiment created and institutionalised by former TPLF Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

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Ethiopia has over 80 different ethnic groups. The Oromo and Amhara comprise over 60 percent of the population. Ethiopia is also divided along religious lines. 43 percent of the population is Ethiopian Orthodox, 33 percent are Muslim and 19 percent Protestant. (TRTWorld)

It will get worse as more ethnic elites rise up and become impatient with the harsh reality that ethnic-federalim on paper is unrealistic and impractical on the ground. Just like Rwanda's tribal warlords, the Ethiopian "activists" and intellectuals representing various tribes have stirred up the country like never before. Unlike Rwanda, these tribal elites are often western-based and educated: and they use internet and social media; not radio or walkie- talkies. For instance, tribal elites like Tekle Yeshaw, Jawar Mohammed, Tsegaye Ararrsa and others have become outspoken about the failures of TPLF's ethnic based administration. The big problem is that these tribal elites don't want democracy, and they don't oppose tribalism; they actually want more of it. For example, Tekle Yeshaw claims towns in northern Gondar, of the Amhara administrative unity, belong only to his Amhara tribe; and Tsegaye Ararssa has spread propaganda that non-Oromos are "alien" and "settlers" in Addis Ababa; while Jawar Mohamed is famous for chanting "Ethiopia out of Oromia." Oblivious of the fact that Oromos themselves migrated to this area and that the former Gondar province was never synonymous with "Amhara," such misinformed tribal elites have instigated the so-called #Oromoprotests and #Amharaprotests. All these tribal elites share one thing in common with former Ethiopian President Meles Zenawi: the disastrous and archaic notion that every piece of land in Ethiopia is exclusively owned by one ethnicity. It is this dangerous concept that motivated some Oromo students to rise up against the natural expansion of a diverse metropolitan city like Addis Ababa. Diversity, globalization, urbanization and multiculturalism are a threat to the narrow ethnocentric worldviews of tribal elites. A worldview has been imposed nationwide since 1991 by the TPLF Ministry of Education, where ethnic politics is valued more than the math and science. Therefore, many analysts are not surprised that the new drivers of the opposition are actually former students, soldiers and ex-cadres of the Oromo Peoples' Democratic Organization (OPDO) and Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) branches of the ruling party. With dreams of rewriting the multiethnic history of Addis Ababa and the larger Shewa region; Tribal nationalists have recently demanded renaming the various districts of Addis Ababa in another language. Now, the only thing stopping genocidal tribalism from repeating what they did in Bale, again in Addis Ababa, is the capital city's status as the political center of Africa and host to international embassies. Away from the eyes of the international community, ethnic conflicts are heating up in every rural area. Even the US Embassy in Addis Ababa announced its concern with "troubling reports of ethnic violence and the large-scale displacement of people." This is a big deal, because it takes a lot for Western governments to admit problems facing their darling ally in Addis Ababa. A few dozen dead Ethiopians is usually not a big deal for the West. It's not that they don't value human life, but mostly because they don't have very high expectations of Africa. We may call it a soft bigotry of low expectations or a by-product of geopolitics.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Since the end of the Cold War, the West hardly cared about the Horn of Africa, and even well-informed observers admit that the bar is set very low for the TPLF. But how low? A British journalist recently gave me his pessimistic assessment of TPLF's job approval through western eyes. "There hasn't been a resumption of civil war (in Ethiopia)-- which is an achievement," he concluded. This is a blunt reminder that the world has no plans to end this Rwanda in slow motion. Ethiopians are alone. Ironically, a big factor that has prevented Ethiopia from collapsing altogether is the primary trademark of TPLF's tyrannical rule: its homogenous Tigrayan federal security. Unlike the previous DERG regime which had a multiethnic diverse federal army that defected under pressure; the TPLF federal army is immune from desertion and enjoys strong ethnic cohesion. Whether an overstretched single tribal army can contain so many crises in a country of 102 million, remains to be seen. One thing is for sure; once tribal killings starts, they can quickly spiral out of control. As we saw in Somalia, even warlords became powerless to stop the cycle of war. And Ethiopia's Facebook warriors and instigators will have even less power to stop future conflicts. As in Rwanda and countless other conflicts, the endless cycle of revenge violence has a tendency to take on a life of its own. https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/is-ethiopia-a-rwandan-genocide-in-the-making--11261

12.10.2017 Nine killed in clashes between Afaris and Tigray security forces . Durame.com, ESAT Nine people were killed in clashes between the Afaris and security forces of the Tigray region in an area called Danti in Megalle district on the border between the two regions. Six people were killed and nine others wounded on the Tigray side while three were killed and three others injured on the Afari side, according to the president of the Afar Human Rights Organization, Gaas Ahmed. Ahmed told ESAT that the fighting was sparked when an Afari father retaliated the killing of his two children by the Tigray side. He said the control of salt extraction in Afar by the Tigrayans was also cause of resentment by the Afars. The Afaris have warned that they would not be responsible for the consequence of the action by the Tigrayans taking control over the resources of Afar, according to Ahmed. The Afaris also accused that the Somali Special Police have raided a village in Aafar injuring three people and robbing livestock. Two people were killed on the Somali side, according to Ahmed. The conflict between the Afaris and the Issa Somalis in Keroma, Gewalle began when the TPLF regime transferred three Afari villages to the Somalis six years ago. The recent fight was reignited when the Somalis tried to construct a health center in Keroma that met objections by the Afaris. http://www.durame.com/2017/10/ethiopia-nine-killed-in-clashes-between.html

12.10.2017 6 dead as protests surge again in Ethiopia: Official . AP News An Ethiopian official says protests in the restive Oromia region left six people dead Wednesday as anti-government demonstrations return to some parts of the East African country. Oromia regional official Abiy Ahmed says more than 30 people were injured in clashes in Shashamane town and an area called Boke. He did not say who was responsible for the killings. Blogger and university lecturer Seyoum Teshome says more than 15,000 people rallied again Thursday in Wolisso town against the country’s ruling elite. He says it was mostly peaceful. https://apnews.com/537639b3ba6a42d98feabec0f1e5b558

12.10.2017 Government Forces Kill 4 in Ethiopia's Oromia Region . Salem Solomon, VoA Ethiopian government forces killed four people and wounded 18 others Thursday in the town of Soda in the restive Oromia region. Residents, who asked for anonymity out of fear of retaliation by the Ethiopian government, told VOA’s Horn of Africa service that eight trucks escorted by federal forces were stopped by residents of Soda and surrounding villages, suspecting the trucks were transporting weapons to special “Liyu” police in the neighboring Somali region. The Oromia head of security, Kulutu Fara, said, “The federal forces were angered by the residents’ demand to stop the trucks and opened fire, killing four people.” He said the eight trucks suspected of transporting weapons remain in Soda, and federal government officials are talking with locals in an effort to resolve the conflict. In the meantime, protests continued Thursday in several Oromia towns. On Wednesday, at least eight people were killed and more than 30 wounded during protests in several Oromia cities and towns, according to Addisu Arega, head of the regional government’s communications affairs bureau. He said that five people were killed during a protest in Shashemene, 250 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, and three more were killed in Bookeeti, in the west Harrage zone of the Oromia. Addisu blames unspecified forces for instigating young people to participate in spontaneous protests, resulting in loss of life. Witnesses in Shashemene told VOA that federal government forces opened fire on demonstrators who marched past their camp. Oromia has experienced periodic, sometimes violent anti-government protests since late 2015. The protesters in Shashemene were calling for the release of detained political leaders, economic justice and ending displacements and expulsions of Oromos from towns and villages of the Somali region. On Wednesday, the U.S. embassy in Ethiopia issued a security message advising Americans not to travel to Shashemene and adjacent areas at this time. A large but peaceful protest took place Thursday at Ambo University in the town of Wolisso. University lecturer Seyoum Teshome told VOA that thousands of demonstrators chanted, “Down, down, Weyane,” a reference to Ethiopia’s ruling EPRDF coalition, and demanded the release of political prisoners. Teshome said police watched the protest but took no measures to stop it, and the town was calm by midday. https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-oromia-protests/4067850.html

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 11.10.2017 At least eight killed, dozens wounded in protests across Oromia . Addis Standard At least eight people were killed and more than 30 wounded during fresh protests that hit several cities and towns across the Oromia regional state today, according to Addisu Arega Kitessa, head of the Oromia government communication affairs bureau. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Addisu Arega said that five people were killed by during a protest rally in Shashemene town, 250 km south east of Addis Abeba, in west Arsi zone of the Oromia regional state. He also said that three more people were killed in Bookeeti town, west Hararghe zone of the Oromia region in eastern Ethiopia, where more than 30 were also wounded, according to Addisu Arega. In a security alert issued by the US Embassy in Addis Abeba, the embassy cautioned US citizens of “violent protests and road closures in and around Shashamane.” It also said there were”reports of causalities” and alerted US citizens to “avoid travel to Shashamane at this time.” Additional protests were also held in Ambo, 125 km west of Addis Abeba and one of the epicenters of the 2014-2016 Oromo protests. A video received by Addis Standard, which we later on verified, show that thousands of young protesters marching through the city chanting “down, down Woyane” in reference to TPLF, the all too powerful member of Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, EPRDF. However, the protests, which lasted for more than three hours, went peaceful. Some pictures show the regional state police force in the midst of the protesting youth with no sign of hostilities. Furthermore, according to DW Amharic, more protests were held in Dodola town, some 70 km east of Shashemene in West Arsi zone. DW reported that members of the police, city administration officials, the youth and ordinary city residents have all taken part in the protest. Protesters were also chanting messages of support, among others, for jailed prominent Oromo opposition party leaders including Dr. Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba, two senior members of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and who are among the more than 25 senior and junior leadership of the party currently in jail. They were also chanting message of resolve regarding the ownership status of Addis Abeba and Dire Dawa cities, according to DW. http://addisstandard.com/news-least-eight-killed-dozens-wounded-protests-across-oromia/

11.10.2017 TPLF concludes its seven day-long meeting . Walta The Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) announced that the deep reform program carried out in Tigray region involving the people has been showing good results. The central committee of the TPLF had held the meeting from Oct. 2 nd -Oct 8, 2017. During the meeting, the party evaluated its execution and that of the government. The Committee urged the people actively participate so that the country’s good governance and democratization could be fully realized. The Tigray-Amhara border issue is resolved in a way that strengthened people of two regions. The people and government of Tigray region expressed sorrow over the death and property damages from the Ethio-Somali and Oromia region border clash. The committee pledged that it will play a role in resolving the conflict in collaboration sister organizations. The committee also noted that it fight the extremist ideologies, which negates the construction and the federal system. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=33912&category=2

Economics

5.2.2018 Bergbau/Gold: Äthiopien könnte auf einer der weltweit größten Goldreserven sitzen . Afrika-Verein In der Region von Asosa an der Grenze zum Sudan liegt die vermutlich älteste Goldmine der Welt. Sie wurde in einer Zeit von vor 6.000 Jahren betrieben und hatte damals das ägyptische „Weltreich“ mit dem begehrten Edelmetall versorgt. Im Augenblick wird in diesem Gebiet Gold von Anwohnern nach handwerklichen Methoden gewaschen. In Asosa war das ägyptische Unternehmen ASCOM bei Untersuchungen in 2016 auf „erhebliche“ Goldfunde gestoßen und gab seiner Zeit an, dass die Ausbeute an die 48 t Gold betragen könnte. Es nähren sich die Vermutungen, dass die eigentliche Goldablage dort bedeutend umfangreichen sein könnte. In dieser Beziehung wird Äthiopien gar mit Südafrika verglichen und wird in die Gruppe der fünf größten Goldproduzenten gezählt. (Quelle: kalitipost.com) http://www.afrikaverein.de/aktuelles/nachrichten-im-ueberblick/oeffentliche-nachrichten/date/2018/02/05/article/bergbaugold-aethiopien-koennte-auf- einer-der-weltweit-groessten-goldreserven-sitzen

1.1.2018 163M USD overdue in loan payments to creditors, leaked document reveals . ESAT News The Ethiopian regime is behind its loan payments of about 163M USD to China and other creditors that was due in January and beginning February. It was also learnt that the loans for electric power projects were taken at exorbitant interest rates of upto 35.3%. According to a leaked document obtained by the Oromia Media Network (OMN), the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation was behind loan payments of about 35.4M USD that was due in January and beginning February. The letter by the chief Executive of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, Azeb Asnake, sent to the Ministry of Finance and to Debretsion Gebremichael, Board Chairman of the Corporation, and obtained by OMN revealed that the country was behind payments of about 60M USD and 83M Euros (~ 163.5M USD). (…) https://ethsat.com/2018/02/ethiopia-163m-usd-overdue-loan-payments-creditors-leaked-document-reveals

17.1.2018 Int’l trade union denounces exploitative wages in Ethiopia . Birhanu Fikade, The Reporter

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC) slammed the wage rates offered in the budding manufacturing sector in Ethiopia. Launching a minimum wage forum in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, Sharan Burrow, secretary general of ITUC, said that she has met local workers such as “Yeshi”, a mother of three and a clothing factory machine operator who gets paid only 600 birr (equivalent to USD 20) per month which is nowhere near the “minimum livable wage”. She said that the likes of “Yeshi”, working people should be paid "minimum livable wage" that according to Barrow is essential for the foundation of any country. Talking about the current low rate many factory workers are receiving wages in Ethiopia, the secretary general said that it is time to end “exploitation” not only in Ethiopia but the whole of Africa. "[It is] time to end the exploitation in Africa. There was no dignity for workers in Africa. [There is] no value for labor and the wages don't reflect real values. Wages don't reflect collective bargain," Burrow said. Organized by the ITUC, ITUC Africa, and the Ethiopian Trade Union Confederation, the two day forum brought together selected eight countries including Ethiopia to mainstream and set up a minimum wage floor in Africa. ITUC has launched a campaign dubbed "100% value, dignity wages in Africa". It is a campaign that seeks to challenge corporate greed in the continent. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/intl-trade-union-denounces-exploitative-wages-ethiopia

15.1.2018 Landwirtschaft/Zucker: Zuckerfabrik Omo Kuraz II nimmt Produktion auf . Afrikaverein Die Omo Kuraz Sugar Development hat die zweite Fabrik der Gruppe, die Omo Kuraz II, jetzt angefahren. Mehrere Versuchsproduktionen waren bereits im Zeitraum vom März angelaufen, so dass der Betrieb ab jetzt mit halber Kapazität betrieben werden kann. Übermäßige Regenfälle in der Region haben verhindert, dass das Werk mit voller Leistung gefahren werden kann. Die installierte Kapazität liegt bei der Verarbeitung von täglich 12.000 t Zuckerrohr. Bei den bisherigen Produktionstests konnten 6.500 t verarbeitet werden. Nebenbei erzeugt das Werk 60 MW an elektrischer Energie, von denen 40 MW ins öffentliche Stromnetz fließen werden. Die Bauzeit betrug drei Jahre. Das Investitionsvolumen betrug € 200,8 Mio. Die Finanzierung läuft über die China Development Bank. (Quelle: Fana Broadcasting Corporation) http://www.afrikaverein.de/aktuelles/nachrichten-im-ueberblick/oeffentliche-nachrichten/date/2018/01/15/article/landwirtschaftzucker-zuckerfabrik-omo- kuraz-ii-nimmt-produktion-auf

15.01.2018 Erneuerbare Energie: Verträge für den Bau von geothermischen Kraftwerken unterschrieben . Afrikaverein Äthiopien setzt seine Bemühungen fort, dem von der Regierung für das Jahr 2020 vorgegebenen Produktionsziel näher zu kommen und unterschreibt zwei Verträge für die Errichtung von geothermischen Kraftwerken im Rift Valley in Corbetti und in Tulu Moye. Die Investitionskosten für die beiden Projekte werden auf insgesamt US-$ 4,0 Mrd. geschätzt. Es wird mit einer Bauzeit von acht Jahren gerechnet, die geplante Leistungsfähigkeit für beide Anlagen wird mit 1.000 MW angegeben. Investoren in diese Vorhaben sind u.a. die Meridiam aus Frankreich, der, Africa Renewable Energy Fund sowie die InfraCo. Africa. Es handelt sich um die ersten privatfinanzierten Energieprojekte dieser Art in Äthiopien, die von den Investoren für die Dauer von 25 Jahren betrieben werden. (Quelle: Alternative Energy Africa) http://www.afrikaverein.de/aktuelles/kurznachrichten/oeffentliche-nachrichten/date/2018/01/15/article/erneuerbare-energie-vertraege-fuer-den-bau-von- geothermischen-kraftwerken-unterschrieben

9.1.2018 Turkish Company Keen to Engage in Steel Production in Ethiopia . ENA The Turkish Tosyali Holding Company has expressed its interest to invest in steel production in Ethiopia. Leader of the delegation of Tosyali Company, Fuat Tosyali, discussed today about steel investment in Ethiopia with Foreign Affairs State Minister Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael. Company Chairman Fuat Tosyali told journalists that his company is ready to engage in producing steel in Ethiopia. “We had a very positive meeting with the State Minister about the investment environment and conditions here in Ethiopia. Our meeting in the morning with the Commissioner of Investment Commission was also extremely positive,” he said. Tosyali stated that the holding group has an investment in Algeria that exceeds over 2 billion dollar and is becoming a net exporter of steel products. “Likewise, with the investment we are planning in Ethiopia we are planning on substituting the imports of steel production in Ethiopia”, he added. He also highlighted that the company will supply some steel products for several local companies when it starts production. The chairman also mentioned that the company will start the investment in the very near future as it has very fast moving investments in other countries. State Minister Dr. Aklilu said the company will have a great role to creating job opportunities while supplying its products to local companies. The Turkey based TOSYALI Holding company was established in 1952 and has been engaged in producing flat steel and steel pipe products. The company has 25 steel manufacturing factories in USA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East countries http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/4140-turkish-company-keen-to-engage-in-steel-production-in-ethiopia

8.1.2018 British Company to Build 100-million-USD Textile, Garment Factory . ENA The British company Intrade UK Ltd. has concluded today an agreement to build a 100-million-USD textile and garment factory at Mekele Industrial Park. The agreement is part of the 200 million USD Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to invest in textile and garment, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products processing sectors. The company which owns cotton farming in Sudan has got a 200 million US dollar investment license in textile and garment, pharmaceutical and agricultural products after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The textile and garment factory to be built in the industrial park will reportedly create more than 1,300 new jobs. The factory which will rest on 10.5 hectares is expected to start production after 16 months.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Today's agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer Wagdi M. Mahgoub and Investment Commissioner Fitsum Arega. Commissioner Fitsum said the number of investors engaging in the textile and garment industry is growing and the upcoming factory will strengthen the inter-linkage of industries by supplying raw materials. He also said the factory will provide textiles for garment exporters thus replacing imported raw materials. Chief Executive Officer Wagdi M. Mahgoub said on his part the favorable investment opportunity in the country has attracted the British company to invest in the country; and investing in the textile sector is the right decision on the part of the company. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/4136-british-company-to-build-100-million-usd-textile-garment-factory

8.1.2018 Israeli Company to Invest $500 Million in Ethiopia . Ezega.com An Israeli company, GIGAWATT GLOBAL, announced plans to invest 500 million USD in Ethiopia's renewable energy and human resource development. Josef I. Abramowitz, CEO of the company announced the plan following discussions with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn alongside with the Israeli companies. The company which is interested to invest in solar and wind power has planned to work with 10 Ethiopian universities.According to him, the project has targeted training hundreds of thousands of engineers in addition to improving power supply. The company has already concluded agreement with three universities – Debretabor, Jigjiga and Mekele – for the training of the engineers and consultation is going on with the other universities to reach similar stages, the CEO added. Raphael Morav, Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia noted that the companies came to Ethiopia as “they believe very much in the opportunities that are here and they came here for a long term investment.” Source: ENA https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/6181/Israeli-Company-to-Invest-500-Million-in-Ethiopia

7.1.2018 Ethiopian Construction Mogul to Invest in Solar Park. Ezega.com Samuel Tafesse the founder of Sunshine Construction announced plans to build a solar park in Ethiopia. “At the moment, we are exploring opportunities in power generation,” the 60-year old entrepreneur told Forbes Africa. “I wouldn’t want to give away too much but we have currently teamed up with Globeleq – one of Africa’s leading power companies to establish a 100 MW IPP solar park in Ethiopia," said Samuel. Ethiopia has begun to embrace solar energy as an option to address its surging energy needs and also as a means to cut soaring energy costs as it aspires to move towards a manufacturing economy. Emerging nations such as India have promoted the use of solar energy in place of coal. The use of solar energy has gained popularity because of its economical and environmental benefits. India, for instance, has a target to invest upwards of USD 100 billion by the year 2022 in solar energy. As of last year, total global solar energy generation stood at only 303 GW, and this figure is expected to rise as new innovations continue to be rolled out. Globeleq is a self-described “leading private power generation company in Africa”, involved in mega energy projects in a number of nations. It most recently completed two mega renewable energy projects in South Africa, including the 50 MW PV De Aar Solar Power and the 50 MW PV Drogfontein Solar Power projects. “Infrastructure projects like these boost local economies through delivery of clean and reliable electricity, creation of jobs and the development of skills that will increasingly be in demand as the industry grows,” Globeleq CEO Mikael Karlsson said. Source:- Reporter https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/6177/Ethiopian-Construction-Mogul-to-Invest-in-Solar-Park

4.1.2018 Demeke Mekonnen to Chair MetEC Board of Directors . borkena.com One of the three deputy prime ministers, Demeke Mekonnen, is appointed by prime minister Hailemariam Desalegne to chair the board of directors of state-owned Metals and Engineering Corporation (MetEC), according to local newspapers. Siraj Fergessa, current minister of defense, was the chair of the board before the appointment of Demeke and he will remain a member of the board. MetEC is Ethiopia`s military-industrial complex with a capital of 10 billion Ethiopian Birr. The entity is criticized as one of the most corrupt state-owned business entities and hundreds of billions of birr is squandered in addition to delays of projects. One of the many TPLF generals, Major General Knife, Dagnaw is head of MetEC. Demeke Mekonnen is also chair of Amhara National Democratic Movement, a subservient party engineered by the late Meles Zenawi. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/04/news-demeke-mekonnen-metec

30.12.2017 FDI growing despite global, nat'l challenges: Investment Commissioner . Fana Broadcasting Corporation Ethiopia’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is increasing despite global and national challenges, Investment Commissioner Fistum Arega said. Foreign Direct Investment flow has reached 4.17 billion US dollars this year and created 16,000 jobs, he revealed. Manufacturing, agriculture, construction, hotel and real estate services as well as horticulture are the sectors foreign investors have invested in. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Commissioner Fitsum Arega said “we are one of the few countries to register such a high FDI” even if there were disturbances and commodity prices fell globally. “Investors from China, India and the Netherlands are at the forefront in their engagement in industrial parks, textile manufacturing and horticulture,” he pointed out.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 The industrial parks in the country are not adequate enough to meet the demand of investors,” Fitsum said, adding that integrated agro- processing industrial parks will be built to add value to agricultural products and to meet the demands. The government will continue to support the expansion of industrial parks which is vital to attracting foreign investors, the Commissioner underscored. “We will provide all the necessary support to encourage the active engagement of foreign and domestic investors in the manufacturing sector in order to maintain momentum of our rapid economic growth”, he stated. According to Fitsum, foreign investors are actively involved in the existing industrial parks and producing mainly for export, which is the country’s priority area. Ethiopia’s investment policy favors investment by providing unreserved support by giving various forms of incentives, access to global and regional duty and quota free agreements, and above all well developed infrastructure. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10943-fdi-growing-despite-global,-nat-l-challenges-investment-commissioner

28.12.2017 A Call for Worldwide Remittance Embargo . ecadforum To all Ethiopians who are concerned about the dire fate of our country and eager in shortening the suffering of our people under the brutal Woyane regime. Credible evidences coming from various sources indicate that the TPLF-led regime is immersed in a major political, economic, and security crises. It has come to light that, by all indicators and measures, the regime is in big economic collapse. A recently leaked document authored by the so-called National Security Council confirms the regime’s anxiety about the economic crisis it has faced in recent months. This document admits that: • Foreign aid has been reduced due to the regime’s worst human rights record; • Tourism has shrunk due to the instability throughout the country; • Wealthy people and foreign investors have started migrating their money out of the country; and The regime is therefore convinced that these and other factors are contributing to the general economic crisis. Meanwhile, in his report to TPLF parliament early November 2017, the Governor of the National Bank highlighted the serious shortage of foreign currency and warned that unless this shortage is resolved in a short period of time, it will aggravate the economic crisis. Currently, the foreign currency shortage has reached a level where even regime-run organizations including those which are used for surveillance and repressive purposes, such as Ethiotelecom , are defaulting on their foreign financial obligations. Further, these organizations reported that their inability to import equipment and hardware due to lack of foreign currencies has hampered their operations. As the foreign currency reserve of the country plummeted from $3 billion to $700 million, importers revealed to domestic media that they should wait for more than a year before they receive a Letter of Credit for their imports and even then, they only get a fraction of what they ask for. As other sources of foreign currency dry up, the regime is placing its hope on the remittance of Diaspora Ethiopians to pick up the slack. The regime has publicly stated that the magnitude of the remittance from Ethiopians living and/or working abroad reaches over $4 billion per year. (…) The Worldwide Ethiopian Joint Task Force is therefore calling upon fellow Ethiopians in the Diaspora to stop remitting money through money transfer channels that allow the regime to acquire the hard currency. (…) https://ecadforum.com/2017/12/28/ethiopia-a-call-for-worldwide-remittance-embargo

23.12.2017 Private Chinese investment hits $269 mln in Ethiopia in 2017 . Fana Broadcasting Corporation Private Chinese investment to Ethiopia worth 269.4 million U.S. dollars has been commissioned since the start of 2017, an Ethiopian official said on Wednesday. Mekonen Hailu, Communications Director at Ethiopia Investment Commission, said 68 Chinese projects became operational and 41 entered final implementation phase in the first 11 months of the year. "The biggest number of Chinese investment to Ethiopia has been in the manufacturing sector, followed by construction, real estate, consultancy and other sectors," he added. He further said private Chinese firms' investment is the single largest foreign direct investment source to Ethiopia in 2017 with investment from Indian and Dutch firms following in second and third positions. China is already Ethiopia's largest trading partner, with trade volume between the two nations reaching 6 billion US dollars in 2015. Source: Xinhua http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10880-private-chinese-investment-hits-$269-mln-in-ethiopia-in-2017

20.12.2017 Ethiopia, AfDB Sign Close to 3 Billion Birr Agreements for Power Supply in Addis Ababa . ENA Ethiopia and African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed about 2.77 billion birr agreements which will be used for Addis Ababa Power Supply Improvement Project today. Of this, some 2.35 billion birr and about 415.66 million birr is in the form of loan and grant, respectively, and will be used to address existing constraints in electric infrastructure and meet the growing demand in the city and its surroundings. During the signing ceremony, Finance and Economic Cooperation State Minister, Dr. Admasu Nebebe said the project will help to create sufficient and reliable electric power transmission and distribution capacity. The State Minister added that AfDB, with other partners, has remained engaged in supporting Ethiopia to expand access and reach electricity supply to the society. “The current project we have just signed is a further testimony to the bank’s commitment to continue engaged in the energy agenda of the country”, he noted. AfDB Representative, Dr. Abdul Kamara said key activities of the project will include rehabilitation and construction, 545kms of medium voltage line replacement, installation of 580 pieces of distribution transformers, and upgrading of existing 9 high voltage sub-stations. “Through these activities the project seeks to strengthen the electricity supply network of Addis Ababa and its surroundings. In so doing, it will serve a population of 5 million in the capital and its environs”, he added. In addition, the project will strengthen the capacity of Ethiopia’s power and electric companies.

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16.12.2017 IKEA eyes Ethiopian market for sourcing . Samuel Getachew, The Reporter At the opening of a photo exhibition at the Addis Ababa Museum, an initiative of the Swedish Embassy in the capital, its ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Torbjörn Pettersson, announced IKEA, a Swedish furniture giant; the top furniture seller in the world is “seriously” considering sourcing from Ethiopia. “They see good prospects in Ethiopia,” he told The Reporter. “I can only nudge them. They work in a global market but they see Ethiopia as their absolute most interesting African market”. (…) While the company does not have any stores within the continent, it has announced its partnership with emerging African designers and have their products featured in some of its stores. "The creative explosion which is taking place in several cities around Africa right now is something IKEA is curious about,” the company announced in March. (…) http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/ikea-eyes-ethiopian-market-sourcing

16.12.2017 Nestlé scheme benefits local community . Yonas Abiye, The Reporter Swiss food and beverage giant Nestlé, which last year acquired Abyssinia Spring Water, started Wednesday providing potable water to some 5,000 residents in the Sululta area of Oromia Regional State. It is part of Nestlé’s corporate social responsibility scheme, dubbed Nestlé Waters Creating Shared Value (CSV). In attendance at the inauguration of the water point were senior company staff and prominent guests, including Athlete Haile Gebresilassie and Mayor of Sululta Muna Muhammed. According to Nestlé officials, by installing the potable water faucet, the company was making good on the pledge it made upon taking over the business from Abyssinia Spring Water. On the same occasion, the company also officially launched its portion of the WASH Project which was being implemented for the last two years in partnership with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) that includes water well maintenance and upgrading under the municipality of the town. (…) Nestlé Waters is the bottled water division of Nestlé Group based in Switzerland. It is the number one bottled water company in the world and currently operates in 33 African nations, including in Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia. NWE is one of the natural spring water brands on the market with a 10 percent share. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/nestle-scheme-benefits-local-community

16.12.2017 New beverage plant to brew rare soft drinks . Berhanu Fekade, The Reporter Zelalem Muluken (PhD) has entered the local beverage industry by investing in a 200-million-birr factory in Sendafa, a town some 30km north of Addis Ababa. The plant will use natural concentrates from the puree of fruits and herbs to mass-produce rare soft drinks in Ethiopia, and will have the capacity to fill and pack 16,000 bottles per hour (or 700,000 hectoliters per year) with various types of soft drinks, juices, carbonated water and the like. According to Zelaem, the plant is complete with state-of-the-art machinery and 3-block German technologies – a rarity in Africa and a first in Ethiopia. (…) Zelalem said his factory has already packed and distributed a uniquely developed artesian mineral water and carbonated and smoked water. Finalizing the commissioning and securing standardization permits, the soft drinks he branded as Movita Passion, a puree passion fruit extract, Dr. Moringa, a drink developed from moringa and various herbs, hibiscus with honey are some of the soft drinks developed by Zelalem and are about to be made available soon. The carbonated and smoked water and the artesian mineral water has been named melkam qen (literally, have a nice day). Zelalem claims that the new products are not mere soft drinks, but have therapeutic qualities as well. The drinks provide energy, are nutritious and help quench thirst. He says he would like to mainstream the Dr. Moringa brand as the moringa plant is widely recognized for having at least 230 health benefits. “We have come with a different portfolio and would like to offer from what is available naturally within Ethiopia,” Zelalem said. He also notes that there will be nothing to be imported as most of the ingredients are sourced locally. (..) http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/new-beverage-plant-brew-rare-soft-drinks

7.12.2017 Hard currency crunch harming economy as IMF chief schedules visits . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News Shortage of foreign currency, dwindling export trade and foreign investment are having a crippling effect on the country’s economy at a time when IMF’s director is expected to pay a working visit to Ethiopia. According to a well-placed source, the foreign currency reserve in the coffers is only about 700 million dollars that could only run for three weeks. Several mega projects have already been put on hold. Prominent among the projects is the 550 kms gas pipeline that stretches from the port of Djibouti to well inside Ethiopia. The import of petroleum and medicines were seriously affected and businesses engaged in export trade had to wait upto a year to obtain foreign currency from banks. The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise was unable to withdraw the 100 million dollars deposit it has with National Bank of Ethiopia. The source also revealed that about 2000 containers were on hold at the port of Djibouti due to unpaid port fees. The country’s annual debt payment has reached 2 million dollars of which a significant amount is due to be paid to the Chinese import export bank, China EximBank. Meanwhile, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde is due to visit the country and is expected to talk on possible loans to help the country ease the shortage of hard currency. But the IMF, according to the source, demands the regime to halt the progress of mega projects. The IMF also requires the country privatize state-owned enterprises like Ethio-Telecom, according to the source. A recent effort by regime officials to rekindle relationships with Qatar in hopes of getting some hard currency from the oil rich country has resulted in unintended and bad consequences. Irate over the developments, the United Arab Emirates, one of the gulf states that loves to

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 hate Qatar, had demanded Ethiopia to pay 400 million dollars for petroleum that it had bought in loan. The UAE has for a long time been lenient on requiring Ethiopia pay the loan, the source said. https://ethsat.com/2017/12/ethiopia-hard-currency-crunch-harming-economy-imf-chief-schedules-visits

2.12.2017 Gov. cancels planned Ethio-Djibouti oil pipeline project. Kaleyesus Bekele, The Reporter The Ethiopian government canceled the planned Ethio-Djibouti fuel pipeline project, which was proposed to be undertaken by Black Rhino Group. In 2014 the South Africa-based infrastructure investment group, Black Rhino, proposed to the Ethiopian government to build a 550km long pipeline to transport diesel, gasoline and jet fuel from the Port of Djibouti to central Ethiopia. The project is estimated to cost 1.5 billion dollars. The Ethiopian government had reviewed and accepted the proposal in principle. Backed by the US investment group Black Stone, Black Rhino has undertaken a feasibility study on the project, which was going to be the first fuel pipeline in Ethiopia. A senior official at the Ministry of Transport told The Reporter that the government has canceled the project due to financial reasons. The official said though the pipeline project is viable, the government wants to protect the Ethiopian Railway Corporation which will soon start transporting petroleum products. “We have built a new railway line to Djibouti with an investment cost of four billion dollars. And 100 fuel tanker wagons are ready to transport fuel from Djibouti. We have to maximize the use of the railway and pay back the loan to the Export Import (EXIM) Bank of China first,” the official said. He said that while the country has a newly-built railway line, the construction of another expensive infrastructure cannot be justified. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the investment arm of the World Bank – had expressed interest in financing the planned Ethiopia-Djibouti fuel pipeline project. “It is not that the project is unable to secure loan but while we are having the railway line in place building another fuel transport infrastructure is not economically a sound decision,” the Ministry of Transport official said. However, he said the construction of the pipeline can be considered after four or five years. Ethiopia’s annual fuel import, which is growing at a rate of ten percent, has reached 3.8 million MT. The country so far uses tanker trucks to transport the fuel from the Port of Djibouti to central Ethiopia costing the country dearly. Fuel theft, adulteration and waste are also other challenges with the road transport. The governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti signed a framework agreement on the planned pipeline construction in 2015. Black Rhino finalized the feasibility study and it had confirmed that the project was feasible. The company was working on the implementation study. It had also presented the final feasibility study to the Ethiopian government, which reviewed the study and was supposed to give a green light to proceed with the project. The fuel pipeline project, known as the Horn of Africa Pipeline, includes an import facility and 950,000 barrels of storage capacity in Damerjog, Djibouti, linked to a storage terminal in Awash, Ethiopia, 226km east of Addis Ababa. According to Black Rhino, the 20-inch (51-centimeter) line is capable of transporting 240,000 barrels of fuel daily. The total cost of the project is estimated at 1.55 billion dollars. The project is a 50-50 joint venture by Black Rhino and Mining, Oil and Gas Services (MOGS), a unit of the Johannesburg-based Royal Bafogeng Holdings. Financial close was expected in 2017, with construction scheduled for completion in 2019. The developers were expected to raise at least one billion dollars debt financing. According to the project proposal the project would be awarded to Black Rhino on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) terms. It was proposed that the developers would build the facility, operate it for 30 years and transfer it to the Ethiopian government. It was believed that the developers need to raise at least one billion dollars debt financing. A non-oil producing country, Ethiopia annually imports 3.8 million metric tons of refined petroleum products, most of it via the port of Djibouti, at a cost of 2.8 billion dollars. An expert at the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise told The Reporter that although the investment cost is high, pipeline is the safest and cheapest mode of fuel transport per one ton of oil. According to the expert, it is also technologically advanced as it uses IT-based monitoring systems. http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/gov-cancels-planned-ethio-djibouti-oil-pipeline-project

27.11.2017 Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant to be commissioned in Ethiopia . UN Climate Action Programme A new waste-to-energy plant is set to start operations in Ethiopia aiming to revolutionise waste management practices in the country. The Reppie thermal plant is being built in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and when commissioned by the beginning of 2018, it will incinerate approximately 1,400 tonnes of waste. This represents 80 percent of the city’s waste generation, accounting for 400,000 tonnes per year. This means that with a capacity of 110 megawatt thermal (MWth) the power plant will provide electricity to 30 percent of its household electricity needs. The Rebbie plant will generate approximately 185 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year through two 25 megawatt (MW) steam turbines. Through the combustion process, it will also sort valuable and finite metals for recycling. The project is a significant first for the African region, where waste management is an immense problem. Usually, waste ends up in vast landfill sites or is dumped releasing huge amounts of plastic and chemicals into the ecosystems.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Zerubabel Getachew, Ethiopia’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations in Nairobi commented: “The Reppie project is just one component of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to address pollution and embrace renewable energy across all sectors of the economy”. “We hope that Reppie will serve as a model for other countries in the region, and around the world”, he added. The Reppie plant operates within the emissions standards of the European Union, also contributing to air pollution mitigation efforts. (…) The project is the result of a private-public partnership of Ethiopia’s government with a consortium of international companies, including Cambridge Industries (CIL) and China National Electric Engineering Co (CNEEC). http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/africas-first-waste-to-energy-plant-to-be-commissioned-in-ethiopia

21.11.2017 Chinese organization inaugurates Africa office in Ethiopia to facilitate investment . Xinhua China's tech hub city Shenzhen has consolidated economic partnership with Ethiopia by opening its Shenzhen Outbound Alliance (SOA) Africa branch office in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Tuesday. SOA is a non-governmental organization formed to help Shenzhen companies to engage in outbound investment and cooperation. Speaking at the SOA office inaugural event, Sun Tianlu, vice chairman and secretary of the Alliance said with the city's total economic output expected to hit 2 trillion yuan (302 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, owing largely to high-tech products and services, it was natural that Shenzhen wanted to impart its successes to overseas destinations. Shenzhen is home to internationally known high tech companies including Huawei, ZTE and Shenzhen Energy Group. The presence of a large number of high-tech companies headquartered in the city has given it the nickname "Silicon Valley" of China. Berhane Keleta, Director General of Ethio-ICT industrial park said Ethiopia has already been a beneficiary of IT services from companies like Huawei and ZTE, and invites more Shenzhen based companies to create alliance with local investors to create ICT partnership. The Ethiopian government is building an ICT park in Addis Ababa at a cost of 250 million US dollars aimed at boosting IT services with the aim to make the country a premier IT hub in Africa. Sehul Tirusew, Investment Attraction Advisor at Ethiopia Investment Commission (EIC), said it's critical to have business partnerships with foreign partners and the EIC is committed to insuring that Chinese investments are successful and thriving in Ethiopia. "We will do all we can to make sure that we assist," said Tirusew. Tirusew said Ethiopia has a demographic advantage for companies who want to hire a large labor force, adding Ethiopia has 54 million citizens considered to be an active workforce. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/21/c_136769546.htm

20.11.2017 Canadian Company to Open Electric Vehicle Assembly in Ethiopia . Ezega.com Energy Co-Invest Corp, Toronto based developer and financer for energy and infrastructure projects, announced that it has chosen Ethiopia as the first destination from African countries to set up its electric vehicle assembly and inductive charging stations, reports FBC. In a meeting held today with State Minister Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, the owner and CEO of the corporation, Mr. Jordan Oxley announced that his company has embarked its studies which help the plant to fully materialize in the near future. Mr. Jordan said the project is a fully funded project whose central aim largely coincides with the clean energy development strategy the Ethiopian government aspires to forge. The CEO noted the cheaper, cleaner and self-sustaining vehicles would mark a revolution on the car industry in the country and motivates other African countries to follow Ethiopia’s experience in the field. Dr. Aklilu noted the position taken by the Energy Co-Invest Corp to kick off its plant showcased country’s awe-inspiring records to building a middle income green climate resilient economy by 2020. The move taken by the corporation is in tandem with the policies and strategies of the country, noted the State Minister. https://www.ezega.com/News/NewsDetails/5001/Canadian-Company-to-Open-Electric-Vehicle-Assembly-in-Ethiopia

17.11.2017 Ethiopia plans higher compensation for farmers’ land loss . Xinhua Ethiopia has prepared a draft proclamation that will ensure farmers who lost their plots for development be compensated 10 times of their highest income for three consecutive years, an Ethiopian official said on Tuesday. The current proclamation, dating back to 2004, states that farmers who lost their plot for development shall be compensated the equivalent of an average income for five consecutive years. Solomon Gebremedhin, of the Ethiopia Federal Integrated Infrastructure Development Coordination Agency, told local media that the draft bill also facilitates the establishment of a sustainable rehabilitation fund to service the needs of those whose lands has been confiscated for development purposes. The draft proclamation will be referred soon to the Ethiopian Parliament for approval after public consultations are held, Gebremedhin said. Inadequate compensation for those whose lands were expropriated for development was a core issue among protestors who started deadly demonstrations in November 2015 in Ethiopia’s largest regional state Oromiya. http://www.coastweek.com/4045-Ethiopia-plans-higher-compensation-for-farmers-land-loss.htm

15.11.2017 Top Qatari Investors Keen to Explore Opportunities, Invest in Ethiopia . ENA Top Qatari investors have expressed keenness to explore business opportunities and invest in Ethiopia. Having received briefings about the investment opportunities in Ethiopia by a delegation led by Prime Minister Hailemariam in Doha late Tuesday, the investors have shown desire to invest in the country. Real estate, agriculture, and livestock were among the areas that the Qatari companies are interested in. They have stated their desire to assess and examine the business atmosphere and opportunities in the Horn of African country to enhance investment. The signing of the investment protection agreement between the two countries encourages more Qatari investment,

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 they said. Furthermore, the investors have praised the investment opportunities and atmosphere as well the economic development of the country. While briefing the top Qatari investors, Prime Minister Hailemariam has assured them that his government is committed to support interested investors. The Premier stressed that Ethiopia will provide the necessary support for the companies and the government expects in return knowledge and experience sharing that build the capacity of domestic companies. Head of Media Deliverolgy Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister, Zadig Abrha said the interest of Qatari companies has increased. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/3958-top-qatari-investors-keen-to-explore-opportunities-invest-in-ethiopia

13.11.2017 PM Hailemariam Leaves for Qatar . ENA Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has left today for Doha to pay an official visit to Qatar. The Premier headed to Doha as per the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamadal-Thani,the Emir of Qatar. The delegation led by the PM is expected to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral, economic and diplomatic relations. The implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries in tourism, investment, and infrastructure during the Emir's last visit to Ethiopia will also be discussed. The two countries had expressed their commitment to get engaged in win-win situation and give a new life to their ties. The visit of Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in December 2016 resulted in a leap in Qatari-Ethiopian co- operation. The visit revealed Ethiopia’s keenness to encourage and attract Qatari investments and open the way for businessmen from different sectors, to establish joint projects between the countries and enhance the Ethiopian economy as well as create opportunities for Qatari investors to interact with foreign projects with good economic and social returns. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/3948-pm-hailemariam-leaves-for-doha

9.11.2017 Roundup: Chinese companies keep investing in Ethiopia . Xinhua As Ethiopia strives to become the manufacturing hub of Africa, more and more Chinese companies are showing an interest in investing in the east African country. The latest Chinese company that will soon establish a presence in Ethiopia is the Wuxi No. 1 Cotton Mill, which is part of the Guolian Development Group and one of the largest textile manufacturers in China, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). The company has signed an investment agreement with the Ethiopian government to establish an integrated textile industry in Ethiopia's second largest city Dire Dawa, some 446 km east of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. According to the EIC, Chinese companies, with close to 379 projects that were either operational or under implementation in 2012-2017 period, are on top of Ethiopia's investment landscape, both in number and financial capital. Among these companies, 279 were operational in Ethiopia with projects that worth over 13.16 billion Ethiopian birr (over 572 million U.S. dollars) during the reported period, while the remaining 100 are under implementation. In terms of employment creation, Chinese companies have created more than 28,300 jobs in various sectors in Ethiopia during the reported period, of which over 19,000 were created in Ethiopia's manufacturing as it is the leading sector in attracting companies from China. (…) The Ethiopian government also envisages that high profile companies, such as Wuxi No.1 Cotton Mill which is said to be known for supplying leading global brands where 75 percent of its products are mainly exported to Europe, America, Japan, and Southeast Asia, will help push Ethiopia to be the leading player in Africa's apparel and textile manufacturing sector. Abebe Abebayehu, Deputy Commissioner of the EIC, believes the arrival of such investors in the country will help Ethiopia realize its target. "This investment would contribute immensely to our government's vision to build a sustainable, vertically integrated and export-oriented, apparel and textile manufacturing hub in Ethiopia. Indeed, our vision is to make Ethiopia the leading manufacturing hub in Africa," the statement quoted Abebayehu as saying. According to the EIC, in addition to creating direct employment opportunities and boosting Ethiopia's foreign exchange reserves through exports, this investment is expected to create significant backward and forward linkages in the country's fast growing textile and garment industry. In a bid to create better market opportunities for large scale cotton production in the country, the project plans to purchase raw materials such as cotton from local sources, it was noted. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/09/c_136740708.htm

3.11.2017 Ogaden basin Gas Export Boom by 2019 . GEESKA Africa China Poly Group plans to start exporting natural gas from Ethiopia’s eastern by mid-2019 as it continues to explore near the border with Somalia, Petroleum Minister Motuma Mekassa said. Shipments from the Calub and Hilala fields will be exported along a 700-kilometer (435-mile) pipeline to a port complex being built in neighboring Djibouti, Motuma said in an interview in the capital, Addis Ababa. “They want to export the gas to Asia,” Motuma said. Ethiopia is developing gas finds to diversify its $72.3 billion economy, the fastest-growing in Africa over the past decade. The Horn of Africa nation plans to increase natural resources’ contribution to gross domestic product to 10 percent from 1.5 percent by 2025, when it expects to become a middle-income country with gross national income per capita of $1,045 to $12,736. POLY-GCL Petroleum Group, a partnership between China Poly and closely held Hong Kong-based Golden C oncord Group, signed five production-sharing agreements with Ethiopia’s Mines Ministry in 2013 to explore a 117,151 square-kilometer area in the Ogaden basin, according to Motuma. The project is being financed by the China Development Bank, according to Motuma, who declined to provide a cost estimate, citing continuing work by POLY-GCL and its sub-contractors. At least 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas has so far been discovered in the fields, he said, citing an analysis by POLY-GCL. Troops Deployed 110

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Ethiopian soldiers are providing security around the five blocks owned by POLY-GCL, Motuma said. In April 2007, an Ethiopian rebel group, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, attacked a site operated by China’s Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau, killing nine Chinese workers and 65 Ethiopians. A tripartite agreement on the pipeline is expected to be signed by representatives of Djibouti, Ethiopia and POLY-GCL “in the coming weeks,” Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi said by phone from Tokyo. POLY-GCL’s first exports of 3 million cubic meters of LNG per year are planned to start within 30 months when the new port in Djibouti is expected to be operational, he said. The shipments are expected to increase to 6 million cubic meters in the port’s second year of operations, Hadi said. The port will include a gas liquefaction plant. Financing Secured Djibouti has secured $4 billion in finance “from different sources” that will enable work on the project to start in Damerjog, north of the country’s border with Somalia, he said. Jacqueline Chang, assistant to the general manager of POLY-GCL’s Ethiopia branch, didn’t respond to two emailed requests for comment for the company. SouthWest Energy Ltd. of Ethiopia, Vancouver-based Africa Oil Corp., and GBP Global Resources, a unit of Russia’s state-owned Gazprombank Group, are all exploring for oil and gas in Ethiopia, with feasibility studies underway in some areas, according to Motuma. He didn’t provide details. Spokesmen for the three companies didn’t respond to emails seeking comment. Gas reserves were first discovered in the Ogaden basin in 1972 by a U.S. company, Tenneco, which was expelled from the country five years later by a Marxist military junta known as the Derg, according to the government. Soviet Petroleum Exploration and Expedition began exploring the reserves after Tenneco’s expulsion, before its contract was terminated in 1994, after the Derg was toppled by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, which has remained in power since then. The government wants to increase foreign- exchange earnings from sales of minerals, oil and gas to $2 billion a year by 2020 from $344 million in 2015. (Source: Bloomberg) http://www.geeskaafrika.com/27460/ethiopia-ogaden-basin-gas-export-boom-2019/

31.10.2017 Economy rapidly grows due to strong ties with China - Premier . Walta Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has said the country has boosted economy rapidly thanks to an "excellent relationship" with China. Hailemariam made the remarks during an interview with CCTV last Friday in Addis Ababa, saying that the collaborative leadership of the two countries helped their rapid growth. Ethiopia is among China's comprehensive strategic cooperation partners in several sectors including the "Belt and Road" initiative. "The relationship between Ethiopia and China is deep and we have very strong excellent relationship. This goes in every aspect of our corporation," said the Prime Minister. “Our relation is focused on major areas like trade and investment.” China and Ethiopia are both leading countries in terms of global economic growth, and Ethiopia has been seeing very fast economic growth, said Hailemariam. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=1

26.10.2017 Ethiopia to prioritize manufacturing, mechanized farming, youth empowerment . Xinhua Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on Thursday said his government will give due emphasis to manufacturing, mechanized farming and youth empowerment as major socio-economic targets for the just-commenced new fiscal year. Desalegn, who noted 70 percent of the East African country's population are aged under 30, told the parliament that youth employment and investment would be his government's major target. He also stressed that his government will continue to create conducive conditions for foreign investors to invest in the country's manufacturing sector. The premier also highlighted the promotion of mechanized farming, industrial parks development and infrastructure development. Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome told the two houses last month that Ethiopia's economy has witnessed a major shift from agriculture- dominated economy, as the industry and service sectors registered a steady increase over the past decade. Ethiopia had registered a 10.9-percent economic growth during the previous Ethiopian fiscal year, which was close to the projected 11 percent growth. The country has also unveiled an 11.1-percent growth target for the just started fiscal year. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/26/c_136707923.htm

14.10.2017 Haile builds four-star resort in Arba Minch. To increase number of hotels to 20 in five years . Kaleyesus Bekele, The Reporter Haile Gebreselassie, renowned athlete turned businessman, is building a four-star resort hotel in Arba Minch town, Southern Regional State at a cost of 250 million birr. Under his investment arm, Haile and Alem International, Haile has built Haile Resort Hotels in Hawassa, Ziway, and Shashemene towns in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. He has also built Yaya Village in Sululta town, Oromia Regional State. Stretched on 41,313sqm plot of land with a panoramic view of lakes Chamo and Abaya, Haile Resort Arba Minch has three storeys. The resort has 108 guest rooms of different standards, swimming pool, spa and gym, conference hall, and a mini golf yard. Haile told The Reporter that the site is the best location in Arba Minch commonly called “Ye Igzer Dildiy” situated by two large lakes that are separated by a land bridge. According to Haile, construction commenced in September 2016 and within a year 85 percent of the work is completed. “It took us only a year to reach here. We are now doing the finishing work. It will be finalised and inaugurated in December 2017,” Haile told The Reporter. “We always talk about the Chinese construction firms’ efficiency. I want to show that we “Ethiopians” can also do things fast.” The resort hotel is designed by Geretta Consult, a local consulting firm which is also doing the supervision work and the contractor is Haile and Alem International. The company has built an in-house capacity to undertake construction work. Arba Minch is a growing resort town in Southern Ethiopia known for its rift valley lakes, crocodile farm and Nech Sar National Park. 111

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Haile joined the hospitality industry when he opened Haile Resort in Hawassa eight years ago. Haile and Alem International is building two more hotels in Addis Ababa and Adama. According to Haile, Haile and Alem International has started building a hotel in Addis Ababa on the Yeka hill. The hotel is being built on 10,000sqm plot formerly owned by “Korebtama Hotel.” The new hotel will have eight storey building consisting 120 rooms, spa, gym and a swimming pool. Last month Haile and Alem International commenced the construction of a resort hotel in Adama town, a commercial town located 80km east of Addis Ababa. Haile Resort Adama will have 110 rooms, spa, gym, swimming pool and all other related amenities. Haile anticipates increasing the number of hotels to 20 in five years’ time. One of the challenges Haile and Alem International facing is dearth of foreign currency. “We hardly get foreign currency to import construction materials and all other hotel amenities. To source them locally is a challenge because we do not find the required quality material and if we find some the price is exorbitant,” Haile said. “The hotel business is the most challenging one. Because you provide service and you always strive to satisfy your customers’ demand. It always needs your attention. You always have to be there. If you are not there things do not get done properly and on time.” Haile said that the bureaucratic work in government offices is another challenge. “You have to go back and forth for days to get something done. It takes a long time to get approval from a government office. Business is all about time.” Operating with a company motto “Run to win, serve to impress” Haile and Alem International has employed more than 700 Ethiopians only in the hotel sector and is contributing significantly for the development of the tourism sector. In addition to the chain of hotels Haile and Alem International investment group has ventured into real estate, agriculture, gold exploration, education and automotive businesses. The company has developed coffee plantation and bee farm in Sheka Zone, Southern Regional State. Last year the company shipped its first organic coffee and earned USD 250,000 from the trial shipment. This year it plans to export four or five times more. “Our coffee plantation is maturing and we will boost our coffee export and this, I believe, will enable us to alleviate shortage of foreign currency that our company is facing,” Haile told The Reporter. The company is also producing and exporting organic honey to European countries. In the education sector, Haile and Alem International has built schools in Bahir Dar and Assela, Haile’s hometown, where they have a total of 3,500 students. His automotive company, Marathon Motors, is the sole dealer of Hyundai vehicles in Ethiopia. Haile is now working to build an assembly plant. “We have several investment projects in the pipeline. Today, I am happy and proud to be able to create job opportunities for 2,100 Ethiopians. Money is a secondary thing for me. I am a person who lost one million dollars award within a second and won one million dollars because of a two-second difference.” http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/haile-builds-four-star-resort-arba-minch

10.10.2017 Govt Devalues Currency, Raises Interest Rates . Allafrica.com, Source: Addis fortune In the midst of a Forex currency crisis, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has devalued Birr by 15pc and raised the interest rate by two percentage points to seven percent. The devaluation pegs the Ethiopian Birr at 26.91 to the dollar, up from 23.40 Br on the official market. It will be effective from tomorrow, October 11, 2017. The Central Bank justifies the move as an effort to control the inflationary pressure and prop up export earnings. The export proceeds have been stagnant at around three billion dollars for the past three years, whereas inflationary pressure has been in the double-digits for the past two months, having reached 10.8pc in September 2017. Yohannes Ayalew (PhD), vice governor and chief economist at the Central Bank, announced the adjustment today in a press conference where only the state media was invited to attend. Seven years ago, the government had made a 17pc devaluation resulting in inflation that had reached as high as 40pc. "Since investment return is high in Ethiopia, the devaluation won't cause an inflationary pressure and adversely affect import," said Yohannes. For more than half a year, the official exchange rate stood at around 23 Br to the dollar, while black-market traders sold a dollar for nearly 29 Br. The current devaluation surfaced almost 11 months after the World Bank (WB), in its fifth economic update, suggested the government devalue the currency to raise the country's competitiveness in the global arena. The recommendation, however, was rejected at the time by Yohannes, although the real effective exchange rate (REER) has appreciated in cumulative terms by 84pc since the nominal devaluation in October 2010. http://allafrica.com/stories/201710100773.html

Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources

5.1.2018 Over 5,000hcts state-owned land to be given for local, Dutch horticulture investors. Fana Broadcasting Corpporation More than 5,000 hectares of land is to be given for local and five Dutch investors who wanted to engage in horticulture development. Previously, the government had been using the fields for seed multiplication and other related purposes. The stated size of land is located in Hawassa (1,200 hct), Alage (1,200 hct), Bahir Dar (500hct), Arba Minch (1,000hct), Humbo (900hct), Sile (300hct) and Bir Sheleko (700hct). Once they entered into production, the investors are expected to create employment opportunities for 40,000 unemployed youth, Dr Adugna Debela, deputy CEO of the Ethiopian Horticulture and Agricultural Investment Authority told FBC yesterday. The CEO said the land will be distributed for the investors in this Ethiopian fiscal year. If local investors meet 15 percent of the investment capital, they will get access to 85 percent loan from financial institution, he said. However, foreign investors are expected to cover all the investment capital

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 by themselves. But they will be given a privilege to import materials needed for their work duty-free. According to him, preparations are underway to conclude agreement with the undisclosed number of local investors and with the five Dutch investors. Ethiopia secured 271 million US dollars from horticulture last fiscal year. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10994-over-5,000hcts-state-owned-land-to-be-given-for-local,-dutch-horticulture-investors

29.12.2017 Nation to restore over 2ml hcts degraded land. Fana Broadcasting Corporation Soil and water conservation works will be carried out on over two million hectares of degraded land this Ethiopian fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource. Alemayehu Berhanu, public relations head at the ministry, told ENA that the conservation works will be launched on January 9, 2018 in all regional state, except in Afar and Ethiopian Somali regional states. More than 21 million people are expected to take part in the conservation works, he said. Similar conservation works were carried out on more than 2 million hectares of land last year, it was noted. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/10935-nation-to-restore-over-2ml-hcts-degraded-land

20.12.2017 UNIDO, Brazil Promoting Partnership to Boost Coffee Industry in Ethiopia . ENA Brasilia, Ethiopian and Brazilian officials have discussed about ways of cooperation in areas of productivity, management of acid soils and research and development in coffee production in Ethiopia yesterday. A high level Ethiopian delegation led by Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Eyasu Abreha and Brazilian officials held the discussion in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. The visiting delegation, besides Ethiopians included representatives of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The visit will continue during the week with field visits to coffee plantations and related institutions in the state of Minas Gerais and in São Paulo, according to the website of UNIDO. The mission is being implemented by UNIDO, in cooperation with illycaffè and the Ernesto Illy Foundation in the framework of the programmer for “Improving the Sustainability and Inclusiveness of the Ethiopian Coffee Value Chain through Private and Public Partnership”, it was learned. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/4078-unido-brazil-promoting-partnership-to-boost-coffee-industry-in-ethiopia

16.12.2017 Tef gets Mechanization Solution . Zekarias Woldemariam, Ethiopian Herald After years of efforts to mechanize all crop productions of the country, the government has succeeded to come up with mechanization machinery for the production of Teff, the country's principal staple food crop. The planting harvesting and threshing machinery developed by the joint efforts of Ministry of Agriculture and National Resources (MoANR) and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization and Sciences (CAAMS) is believed to reduce time, labor and crop wastage in the production of Teff. Agriculture is the mainstay for majority of Ethiopia population. The government has also been pursuing an agriculture development led industrialization policy for more than 26 years now. As a result it has been able to raise the country's agricultural productivity from only 50 million in 1991 to 290 million in 2015/16. Teff is a traditional and typical staple food in Ethiopia. The most common staple food of the country, injera is made from it. Out of the 290 million quintals 45 million is teff and is consumed by about 50 million people in the country. It is also harvested from about 3 million hectares of land. One of the measures that the government took to raise agricultural productivity is agricultural mechanization. Even though it is still fledgling, mechanization has helped in raising the pre, while and post production of many of the food crops in the country. Teff was however an exception. Other food crops like wheat and barley are harvested and threshed with machinery which the country imports from other countries or assembles locally. But these machines cannot harvest and thresh teff which is a very small grain and not suitable to be harvested with the same machine. Since the machinery development technology is not available locally the country has to collaborate with other countries. Accordingly, Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MoANR) and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization and Sciences (CAAMS) in collaboration with other donors have developed mechanization facility for teff. CAAMS has recently handed over the machinery recently to the Ministry, it was indicated that the combined harvester can harvest and thresh a hectare of teff in 5 hours. The machinery are designed and manufactured with small holder farmers in mind and can replace labor of 40 people. http://allafrica.com/stories/201712180779.html

23.10.2017 Lake Tana: how an invasive weed is threatening its survival. Yihun D. (PhD) and Wondwossen T. (PhD), for Addis Standard Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the second largest in Africa. In recognition of the lake’s rich biodiversity and significant cultural heritage, UNESCO added the lake to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in June 2015. Lake Tana covers an area of 3,000 square kilometers, while its catchment area covers 15,000 square kilometers. Four major rivers feed into the lake, including Gilgel Abbay, which flows from the south, Gumera and Rib from the northeast and Megech from the north. Gilgel Abbay, widely regarded as the source of Abbay (Blue Nile), originates from the Ghion spring, which is considered holy. The Tana basin

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 connects about two million people, the majority of whom subsist on agriculture, while the two largest cities in the Amhara region, Bahir Dar and Gondar, lie within the basin. Lake Tana harbors dozens of medieval island monasteries. These monasteries represent important religious sanctuaries, centers of traditional learning, and core tourism destinations. The lake is also rich in bio-diversity. It is home to a large species of fish and birds, many of which are endemic to the lake. Moreover, the lake occupies an important place in the country’s plan for economic development. The water from the lake is utilized for hydropower generation and supports large-scale irrigation schemes in the lowland agricultural areas. The lake, thus, is at the nexus of a complex web of political, economic and socio-cultural interests. Even though Lake Tana is central to the country’s aspiration for socio-economic transformation, its haphazard management by government authorities raises critical questions. A case in point is the Chara Chara wier and the Tana Beles hydropower project. While the Chara Chara wier was constructed around 1995, at the mouth of the lake, to regulate its volume for downstream hydropower generation; the Tana Beles hydropower project was completed in 2010, and relies on water diverted from the lake through underground tunnels. The diverted water, after hitting the power turbines, is discharged to the Beles River basin, which is used to irrigate state owned sugar plantations. It should be noted that the Beles River basin lies outside the Lake Tana basin system. One shocking consequence of these projects has been the defilement of the majestic Tis Issat Falls (The Blue Nile Falls). Since the natural flow of the water is now tightly regulated at the Chara Chara wier, the Tis Issat Falls, located 30 kilo meters downstream, has lost its natural spectacle, and with it, it’s enormous tourism potential and iconic status as one of the enduring symbols of the country. Locals have suffered dire economic consequences as a result. According to a report from the International Water Management Institute, the extraction of large volume of water from the lake has caused the water level to drop below the recommended level, thus precipitating extensive environmental and economic disruptions. The drawdown of the lake led to the desiccation of reed beds and consequent loss of breeding habitat for fishes. It also made transportation on the lake difficult. Several boats have sustained damages, others have sunk, after hitting rocks exposed to the surface of the lake due to the receding waters. The extreme contraction of the lake has also damaged the papyrus beds that grow around the lake, which represent an important source of livelihood to the Negede people. Papyrus reeds are used to make marketable products such as tankua (canoes), baskets and mats. The drawdown diminished the wetlands around the lake, and encouraged recession rice farming, thus contributing to the growing pollution of the lake. These multifaceted crises reached their climax when a large swath of the lake’s shores was invaded by water hyacinth in 2011/2012. Water hyacinth: What is it, and what are its effects? Water hyacinth is an aggressive invasive weed that surfaces on water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and dams. Research conducted on its productivity shows that it can reproduce itself every two to three weeks depending on the nutrient condition of the water body. The weed can grow up to a height of 1 meter. It has no known direct food value to wildlife, and hence is regarded as a pest. If left unchecked, water hyacinth can cover entire water bodies by forming thick floating mats. Fully developed water hyacinth mats block waterways rendering water transportation and fishing difficult. Water hyacinth also adversely affects freshwater ecology. The mats limit circulation of air and water, thereby diminishing the level of oxygen in the water, which, in turn, threatens the survival of aquatic ecosystems such as fish. The mats also hinder the passage of sunlight beneath the water surface, thus obstructing the photosynthetic activities of underwater plant species and degrading the biological diversity of the lake. Reduction of biological diversity transpires a cascading effect on aquatic animals, which depend on plants for shelter and nesting. In particular, the fish stock, deprived of oxygen and food, could vanish from the lake, thus forcing the fishing industry––a permanent scene of the lake for millennia––to come to an abrupt end. Because the weed is highly competitive, it easily interferes in the biodiversity of the wetlands beyond the lake, thus disrupting wetland agriculture and livestock rearing. The weed’s high water content means also that it expedites the evaporation of water from the lake’s wetland, thereby contributing to a further contraction of the lake’s areal extent. What efforts have been made to control water hyacinth? According to local sources, water hyacinth was first observed on Lake Tana at Chera kebele of Dembya woreda around 2011/2012 (2004 E.C.). By 2015, a significant swath of the lake’s northern and northeastern shores could be seen covered by water hyacinth. Estimates suggest that the weed currently covers 25,000 hectares of the lake. Recent media reports suggest that the weed is spotted on the Abbay River as far as the edges of the Tis Issat Falls, demonstrating the weed’s capacity to expand itself to new areas. Fragmented efforts to control water hyacinth have been going on since 2012. These efforts were mainly focused on mobilizing affected farming communities to uproot and dispose the weed manually. Needless to say, these efforts were utterly ineffective in terms of controlling the spread of water hyacinth. The crisis, despite its catastrophic consequences, did not enter public consciousness until very recently. Credit must be given to the Amhara Mass Media Agency for bringing the issue to a wider audience. They have broadcasted a series of news reports, interviews, and documentaries about the invasion of the lake by water hyacinth. These programs have been crucial in informing the public about the scale of the problem. As awareness grows, people soon start to talk about water hyacinth and Lake Tana. Environmental activists, civic society groups, singers, poets, writers, and ordinary citizens alike have all expressed their concern about the precarious condition of the lake. The issue has garnered substantial coverage both on mainstream and social media. This growing activism seemed to have registered with the government, especially at the regional level, as efforts to remove the weed have gained traction in recent weeks. A series of mass mobilizations was organized, some by government authorities, others by civic society and volunteer groups, to dispose the weed using manual labor.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Besides these mass mobilization campaigns, three state universities located around the lake, namely Bahir Dar University, University of Gondar and Debre Tabor University, have been taking various initiatives to tackle the problem. Bahir Dar University is working in collaboration with a local engineering firm to build a customized mechanical harvester for removing the weed. Researchers at the university are breeding flies and studying the possibility of applying a biological control mechanism against the weed. The Geospatial center at the university is helping the effort by providing essential information about the growth and movement of the weed using reconnaissance survey and remote sensing techniques. University of Gondor, on its part, is building a mechanical harvester in house. The regional government has recently formed a high-level steering and technical committee to follow up the issue. The Environment, Forest and Wildlife Protection and Development Authority of the Amhara Regional State seems to be the main body tasked with coordinating the ongoing mass mobilization of the public to remove water hyacinth using manual labor. Conspicuously absent from the picture are the various federal level agencies working on water and environment related issues, such as Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, and Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resource Development . Although these government institutions are, in one way or another, involved in the sustainable management and utilization of the country’s natural resources, their silence while the largest lake in the country is mired in a grave environmental crisis raises questions. Their inaction casts doubt on the commitment of the federal government to rescue the lake. Generally, ongoing efforts to control water hyacinth are incommensurate with the scale of the problem. They are marked by poor mobilization of resources and lack of coordination and decisive leadership. The inaction of federal agencies, which are better placed to deal with the problem both financially and technically, has exacerbated the problem. What can be done to control the weed permanently? There are three established methods of dealing with water hyacinth: biological, chemical and mechanical. The biological control is based on introducing specialized insects to the weed infested area. The insects selectively consume water hyacinth and are believed to die subsequently. The chemical option involves applying herbicides that can kill the weed, whereas the mechanical option involves deploying specialized machines to chop, harvest and dispose the weed. The chemical option is the least desirable as the chemicals used to kill the weed could pollute the freshwater of the lake and adversely affect its ecology. The chemicals could also enter humans via the food chain, and precipitate health problems. Likewise, the biological option might produce unforeseen consequences. Because insects behave unpredictably, one cannot be certain that they will not compete with or even kill other native insects that serve as a source of food for fishes. In the worst-case scenario, the biological mechanism could pose direct health risks to humans and livestock. Moreover, it is a slow process, and might take decades before it could sufficiently remove water hyacinth from the lake. Therefore, the least costly and the safest control mechanism seem to be the deployment of weed harvesting machines. This is a relatively straightforward approach, in which specialized mechanical harvesters are deployed on the lake to remove the weed and dispose it safely. Yet, the authorities have made little progress in this regard. The motive for not buying and deploying mechanical harvesters so far is not clear. A simple Google search returns a large number of suppliers with price tags ranging from $30,000 to $100000. These machines cost far less than the V8 Toyota Land Cruisers that most senior government officials use for daily commute. The delay in deploying the machines is impeding the ability to control the weed at an early stage. Each day that passes without taking meaningful action against the weed is potentially fatal for Lake Tana. Although efforts by domestic engineering firms to create local capabilities for building harvesting machines is commendable, the idea of leaving the fate of the lake in the hands of these tentative experimentations seems naïve at best and irresponsible at worst. How should Lake Tana be managed in the long run? We believe the invasion of Lake Tana by water hyacinth is the culmination of a plethora of environmental crises that have been afflicting the lake for years. Projects have been implemented on the lake haphazardly, without fully assessing their environmental and social consequences. When negative impacts transpire due to poor project planning or implementation, appropriate mitigation measures are rarely taken. In recent years, the lake has come under increased strain from population growth, intensive agriculture, rapid urbanization and growing infrastructure development schemes. These challenges suggest the need to adapt a sustainable and integrated way of managing the lake’s resources. Most critically, the government must consider the competing interests of the various stakeholders of the lake during project planning. Decisions should not be finalized at the top and forced down to local communities through political coercion. Instead, affected stakeholders should be given meaningful space to articulate their interests at the earliest stages of project planning. Government bodies have the responsibility to protect the interests of vulnerable groups, such as farmers, fishermen and inhabitants of the island monasteries whose livelihood depend on the survival of the lake. Likewise, environmental conservation efforts need to be scaled up in the Tana Basin. Adequate resources must be allocated, and conservation works should be implemented in an integrated and sustainable fashion. There are established environmental conservation and water management practices from which the government can draw lessons, such as Best Management Practices (BMP). The government continues to receive huge sums of money from donors for environmental and natural resource management projects. Part of this money should be earmarked to sustainably manage Lake Tana and its vast resource base. It is also worth considering establishing a separate government body, preferably at the regional level, that regulates, coordinates, and integrates conservation, infrastructural development, and investment activities around the lake. By managing the lake’s resources responsibly and sustainably, it could be possible to meet the pressing demands of economic development while also safeguarding the lake’s long-term survival. AS http://addisstandard.com/analysis-lake-tana-invasive-weed-threatening-survival/ 115

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21.10.2017 Ethiopian Billionaire Mohammed Al-‘Amoudi pledges Water hyacinth removal machine for Tana . Borkena Ethiopian News With the federal government ignoring the challenge, activists have been questioning as to why Mohammed Alamoudi, who is known to donate for individuals and causes including support for the regime in power, is not stepping in to buy much needed machine to remove the water weed. Today, Tadias Addis – local radio station – reported that Alamoudi pledged total commitment to remove water hyacinth from Lake Tana. The source added that the billionaire is ready to import machines. But no timeline is reported for the pledge. Water hyacinth removal machine manufactures are available in Canada, United States and United Kingdom. In a related news, Momammed Alamoudi donated 40 million Ethiopian Birr (about US$ 1.7 million) for Ethiopians displaced from South Eastern parts of the country due to ethnic conflict along the Somali-Oromo regions. He handed the Cheque to Lema Megeresa, president of Oromo region of Ethiopia. The Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire created his own business empire in Ethiopia and is active in the construction, energy, agriculture, mining, hotels, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Despite he has his own fans in Ethiopia, too many people criticize him for working with the regime in power while others consider that as a necessity for his business. https://www.borkena.com/2017/10/21/ethiopia-ethiopian-billionaire-mohammed-al-amoudi-pledges-water-hyacinth-removal-machine-for-tana/

Media, Culture, Religion, Education, Social and Health

12.2.2018 Party loyalist named university president . Ethiopia Observer A former vice President for Research and Technology Transfer of the Addis Ababa University has been named president of the Addis Ababa University. Tassew Weldehanna, with close ties to Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), was selected as the university’s 11th president and he will lead the university for the coming six years. Tassew was one of three finalists announced by a search committee weeks ago along with Bekele Gutema and Jeylu Umer. He succeeds Admassu Tsegaye, president since 2011, who stepped down to assume ambassadorial position. (…) http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/02/12/party-loyalist-named-university-president

2.2.2018 World Interfaith Harmony Week Participants Praise Ethiopia for Practicing Religious and Cultural harmony . ENA Ethiopia has to share its longtime experience in religious and cultural harmony to the rest of the world, some participants of the World Interfaith Harmony Week said today. More that 75 delegates attended the World Interfaith Harmony Week marked for the first time outside the UN Headquarters. Some delegates told ENA that Ethiopia is an inspiration for the world in practicing interreligious peace and harmony in a country with people who have diverse religions and cultural practices. Unity Earth in USA delegate, Yani Maniates said Ethiopia has a strong root in practicing Christianity and Islam religions in a peaceful and harmonious way. “We are gathered here in Ethiopia to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week because Ethiopia is a mother country of interfaith harmony”, he added. According to Maniates, the world is not much aware that Ethiopia is unique in interfaith harmony and religious heritage that should be promoted continuously. Ben Reisman, a delegate from Holland, said Ethiopia is the right place to get experience on religious and cultural harmony. Ethiopia is a beautiful country and you see how religions can work together, Reisman said, adding that, “I think Ethiopia is the right place to start giving attention to this idea. But after Ethiopia it should also go to other places in the world.” U-Day delegate Alludin Offinger said that Ethiopia has a very strong tradition of practicing inter-religious harmony in a diverse community. He stated that “Ethiopia is really at the top of the point that the religious and cultural harmony in supporting leaders to promote peace, harmony and diversity can inspire the rest of world.” Inter- Religious Council of Ethiopia was awarded a prize for promoting tolerance, peace and co-existence among the people by United Religious Initiative-Africa. The golden rule “treat others as you want to be treated” was the central idea of this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Day. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/4254-world-interfaith-harmony-week-participants-praise-ethiopia-for-practicing-religious-and-cultural- harmony

16.1.2018 Over 800,000 Addis dwellers affected by respiratory illness last year due to air pollution :MoH . Fana Broadcasting More than 800, 000 people have been affected by respiratory disease in Addis Ababa last year due to air pollution, said the Ministry of Health. According to the air quality study it conducted last Ethiopian fiscal year, the ministry confirmed that air pollution level in Addis Ababa has exceed the limit set by the World Health Orgnaization (WHO). Of the total patients who sought health treatment in health institutions, 819,900 or 27.2% of them were patients affected by respiratory illness, the ministry said. Dagne Taddes, sanitation and environmental care coordinator at MoH, noted tha the number was the highest and has been increasing from year to year due to problems associated with increased level of air pollution. He said the sample study carried out in different parts of the city indicated that air pollution level in the city has reached at a critical stage. According to WHO air quality guidelines, particulate matter pollution should not exceed from 20 micrograms per cubic meter. However, the number exceeded more than 300 micrograms in some parts of the city, he noted. He said 60 percent of the air pollution in urban areas is

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 caused by vehicle emissions, while solid and liquid wastes contribute the remaining percentage. Smokes from firewood share 80 percent for air pollution in rural areas. The remaining pollutants come from vehicles’ emission and other sources. WHO data shows that more than 12 million people die each year due to air pollution. Translated and posted by Amare Asrat http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/11092-over-800,000-addis-dwellers-affected-by-respiratory-illness-last-year-due-to-air-pollution-moh

11.1.2018 Ethiopia cuts foreign academics’ pay by 40 percent . Arefaynie Fantahaun, Ethiopia Observer Foreign academics at state universities in Ethiopia are responding with frustration and anger to a decision by the Ethiopian government to reduce their pay. According to the decision, which was issued without prior notice to state universities on December 2017, 35.5% salary cut and a general tax of 35 percent will be applied to their annual income, which means a salary cut of 40 percent. The decision is driven by the foreign currency shortages in the country. There are around 2,000 Indian faculty members and scores of Europeans in Ethiopian colleges and universities, according to the latest official figures. “Most of the Europeans have left but the Indians and a number of Filipinos who remain here very displeased with the decision,” one of the Indian professors teaching at the Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Foreign Language Studies told Ethiopia Observer, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “The universities and colleges have implemented the decision since December, and deducted our salaries ever since,” he said. He said that this is contrary to the law, which exempts professors’ base salaries from taxes and reducing a salary mid-year is a violation of the contract. The professor said he is aware that the Filipino faculty in Axum University have returned to their countries and some Indians in other universities and colleges are either seeking jobs with international non-governmental organisations or considering returning home. An official of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education contacted by the Ethiopia Observer admitted that a number of German nationals teaching at the Architecture Department at Addis Ababa University have left, but he said it had nothing to do with salary cut, rather it was because the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) aid fund dried out. Commenting on the case of Indians, he remained vague, only saying that the Ethiopian government cares about the interests and rights of faculty members. The country’s higher education infrastructure has mushroomed in the last two decades but suffer due to funding cuts, unqualified lecturers, forcing the institutions to turn to hiring foreign academics. While the government needed to save money, cancelling wages of university lecturers would affect the quality of education, according to observers. http://ethiopiaobserver.com/2018/01/11/ethiopia-cuts-foreign-academics-pay-by-40-percent

9.1.2018 Ethiopian parliament approves bans on child adoptions by foreigners . Xinhua The Ethiopian parliament on Tuesday approved legislation banning international child adoptions. The legislation is said to encourage orphans to be adopted in their own country to shield them from abuse. However, during the session some members of parliament have raised concerns over enough availability of local adoption facilities for adoptees. Questions over whether "adoptees" are genuine orphaned children and reports of physical abuse and even death of Ethiopian children in the hands of foreign foster parents have caused concerns over flaws in the adoption screening system in Ethiopia. Several Western countries have also suspended adoptions from Ethiopia, fearing corruption within the inter-country adoption system. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/10/c_136883375.htm

29.12.2017 „So schmutzig, dass manche von uns ernsthaft krank wurden “. Die Welt N24 Das ölreiche Saudi-Arabien ist ein Magnet für Menschen aus armen afrikanischen Staaten. Derzeit schiebt das Land Tausende Äthiopier ab. Sie berichten von Misshandlungen und menschenunwürdigen Bedingungen in den Gefängnissen. Der Äthiopier Sadik Ahmed kam vor fünf Jahren nach Saudi-Arabien, wie viele seiner Landsleute in der Hoffnung auf einen Job in dem ölreichen Golfstaat. Jetzt ist der frühere Lehrer wieder in seiner Heimat – unfreiwillig: Er wurde zusammen mit Tausenden anderen abgeschoben. Vor dem Flug zurück verbrachte er elf Tage in einer Gefängniszelle. „Sie war so schmutzig, dass manche von uns ernsthaft krank wurden“, schilderte er der Nachrichtenagentur AP. „Und als ob das nicht schon genug wäre, hat man uns auch noch unser Hab und Gut weggenommen. Ich bin mit nichts zurückgekommen. Ich kenne viele Leute, die wegen dieser Quälereien durchgedreht sind.“ (…) Manche Äthiopier haben nach eigenen Angaben auch miterlebt, wie auf Landsleute geschossen wurde, die bei Razzien der Polizei zu flüchten versuchten. Ihre Schilderungen werfen ein Schlaglicht auf eine der gefährlichsten und verkehrsreichsten Migrantenrouten auf der Welt – die aber angesichts des stärkeren Zustroms nach Europa weitgehend unbeachtet bleibt. Saudi-Arabien ist ein Magnet für Hunderttausende Menschen aus verarmten ostafrikanischen Staaten wie Äthiopien und Somalia. Sie bezahlen Menschenschmuggler für ihren Bootstransport nach Jemen, und von dort aus setzen sie dann ihre Reise auf dem Land durch eine Bürgerkriegszone fort. (…) Die Zahl der äthiopischen Migranten in Saudi-Arabien vor der jüngsten Abschiebungswelle wird auf 400.000 geschätzt. Der äthiopischen Regierung zufolge sind seit Mitte November mehr als 14.000 Bürger zwangsweise und 70.000 freiwillig in ihre Heimat zurückgekehrt. Die Internationale Organisation für Migration in Genf spricht von insgesamt 96.000 Heimkehrern seit Juni. Sie meint, dass die Zahl in den kommenden Wochen sogar noch höher werden könnte. Es würden umgerechnet etwa 25 Millionen Euro benötigt, um den unmittelbarsten Bedürfnissen der Ankömmlinge zu entsprechen. Fozia Omar zählt zu jenen, die bereits in ihre Heimat zurückgeschickt wurden – nach einem Monat Aufenthalt im Gefängnis. „Ich bin fünf Jahre lang in Saudi-Arabien geblieben, um meine Familie zu unterstützen“, sagte sie nach ihrer Ankunft auf dem Flughafen von Addis

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Abeba. „Wir haben viel gelitten. Ich möchte meine Brüder und Schwestern beschwören, nicht den Fehler zu wiederholen, den wir begangen haben.“ https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article172012508/Aethiopier-schildern-Misshandlungen-vor-Abschiebung-aus-Saudi-Arabien.html

28.12.2017 The faces behind the Yellow Movement: How Ethiopia’s young women are vowing to change culture of sexual harassment, rape and domestic violence . Catherine Devine, Independent.Ie The young, educated and empowered women of Ethiopia have vowed to make a change to their country’s culture of sexual harassment, rape and domestic violence. A group of young activists, who are among the few privileged women to graduate from university in Ethiopia and abroad, have set up a movement in the bid to empower women. The Yellow Movement based in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa gives women a voice and shines a light on the shocking examples of abuse suffered by women. For the first time in Ethiopia, the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) included Domestic Violence as one of its indicators. Based on the government’s survey, 35 per cent of all married women have experienced sexual, emotional or physical violence from their husband or partner at some time. In 2015, a 15-year-old Ethiopian girl called Tejnesh Leweg’neh was abducted by three men. When she refused to marry one of them they pushed her off a cliff and she was left paralysed. That same month, 16-year-old Hanna Lalango, from Addis Ababa, was abducted by a group of men from a minibus on the outskirts of Addis. She was raped over several days and died in hospital about a month later from her injuries. These shocking stories, among others inspired the Yellow Movement to act. One of the co-founders, a law lecturer at Addis Ababa University, Hilina Berhanu, said that women are subjected to sexual harassment and gender abuse in Ethiopia on a daily basis. Hilina (25) from Addis Ababa said that even women with high societal positions suffer from sexual abuse every day. “Ironically, I was at a university meeting about gender equality and empowerment when my colleague, who is a government official, put his hand down the back of my dress,” Hilina told Independent.ie. “I couldn’t believe it. I told myself I was just imagining it but then he slipped his fingers down to my underwear. I was so shocked that I just got up and left. “I am quite a small woman, and quite childlike, so men act very sexual towards me. Even though I am privileged and have a good position in society, I am still subjected to this abuse.” Hilina decided to sue her colleague, becoming the first ever woman academic to sue another staff member at Addis Ababa University. (…) Yellow Movement activists Aklile Solomon (25) and Selam Mussie (27) met with Independent.ie to share their experiences of harassment in education in Ethiopia. “We started the Yellow Movement because terrible things were happening to women every day and nobody was giving them a voice. We came together as a group of young women and said ‘what can we do?’ We decided to set up the movement to remember these women and to empower other women to speak up,” co-founder Aklile Solomon told Independent.ie. (…) Der gesamte lange Artikel findet sich hier: https://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/the-faces-behind-the-yellow-movement-how- ethiopias-young-women-are-vowing-to-change-culture-of-sexual-harassment-rape-and-domestic-violence-36380993.html

19.12.2017 Ethiopia’s New Addiction – And What It Says About Media Freedom . James Jeffrey, IPS News On a Saturday afternoon in one of Addis Ababa’s khat houses, a group of men and women chew the mildly narcotic plant while gazing mesmerized toward a television featuring a South Korean soldier stripped to his waist and holding a young lady’s hand while proclaiming his undying love—somewhat incongruously—in Amharic. Broadcast exclusively in the lingua franca of Ethiopia—a necessity with 80 dialects across the country—and after decades of drab Ethiopian state-owned television, KANA TV marks a breakthrough in Ethiopian televised entertainment. It may also signal a shift in Ethiopia’s much criticised media environment. The government appears to finally realise that squeezing private media is a mistake and self-defeating, leaving the field open to the likes of social-media activists with their own agendas. “Kana” translates as something between taste and flavour, and Ethiopia’s estimated 4 million television households have found that this new private satellite TV channel carrying international standard programming very much to their taste. When it first aired, KANA seized a 40-50 percent share of the prime time market. “It’s a crazy operation,” says co-founder Elias Schulze, the only non-Ethiopian amid the 180 staff. “At the beginning it took up to 50 man hours to dub one hour and we had to produce 200 man hours of content every day.” So far KANA has dubbed 2,300 hours of foreign content, requiring a highly coordinated operation: research and analysis to select which shows to secure, then negotiations and purchase, followed by translation, casting, acting, syncing, audio editing, video editing, quality control and then scheduling. Finally, everything is uplinked to satellite. “TV here used to be so boring, all the channels showed mainly news,” says an Addis Ababa resident and television viewer in her early twenties. “But KANA is pure entertainment, and people really like it.” Ethiopia’s Amhara, the native speakers of Amharic, only constitute about a quarter of Ethiopia’s 100-million population. But before its launch, KANA conducted research that showed 70 percent of the country’s television viewers understood the language to a reasonable level. That was an improvement on the 50 percent who couldn’t understand the Arabic-language satellite channels that had come to dominate Ethiopian viewing. “People watched them because they enjoyed the quality and good storylines,” says Hailu Teklehaimanot, a producer and head of communications at KANA, and a former newspaper editor. “So we thought why not make that quality understandable through dubbing, while at the same time, our staff got on-the-job training we could eventually use for original productions.”

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 About 90 percent of KANA’s current output is dubbed foreign shows. The eventual goal is for half of output to be home-grown productions like KANA’s new Masters at Work series, which showcases the works of Ethiopian singers, poets, fashion designers, photographers and the like. “There’s a narrative in mainstream media—both local and international—focusing on development or lack of development at the macro level,” Teklehaimanot says. “But there is a different narrative at the micro level in which inspired young people are doing new things.” One example of this on Masters at Work is photographer Girma Berta, who specialises in taking photos on his mobile phone of simple images such as street kids and street vendors going about daily life. “The message I want to send out to young people with interests in photography is not to be scared to try new things,” Berta says during his Masters at Work appearance . “Also, I would advise them to use social media properly to share their pictures, because they can show their pictures to the rest of the world easily; I think until we can find the style of photography that defines us, we must search for it ourselves.” Despite such offerings of inspiration, the majority of KANA’s audience watch its shows like viewers anywhere—for entertainment or as escapism from the daily grind. Others, meanwhile, would rather not watch it at all. “I don’t let me family watch KANA TV otherwise we’ll never talk to each other when I return from work,” says one taxi driver in Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, conservative commentators have decried KANA’s foreign soap operas for corrupting Ethiopian culture, while others have similar concerns. “I believe [the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service] has been doing a far better job than KANA in representing Ethiopia’s indigenous and diaspora [populations],” Addis Ababa-based Mahder Sereke says on Twitter. “Also KANA’s soaps are debasing, not to Ethiopia’s culture but to Ethiopia’s women [through] their false—negatively—gendered depiction.” EBS is a privately held media company based in the U.S. that targets the global Ethiopian market resulting from successive waves of emigration during decades of tumult in Ethiopia forming a significant Ethiopian diaspora of around two million people. The largest communities are in the U.S., with estimates varying from 250,000 people to about one million. KANA has also been criticised for undercutting local production and poaching viewers from other TV outlets, thereby actually reducing opportunities for local artists and creative types to illustrate their works. Meanwhile, some viewer fatigue has seen KANA losing some of its grip on the prime time market. But KANA’s emergence appears to indicate Ethiopian television could be finally changing for the better—albeit not as fast as many would wish. In the past, Ethiopian government spokespersons haven’t been shy of explaining that media reform shouldn’t be rushed due to Ethiopia’s developmental state. But now the government appears to finally realise that squeezing private media is a mistake and self-defeating, leaving the field open to the likes of social-media activists with their own agendas. “The problem is a lot of things people view as gossip if heard by mouth, when they read about it on social media they take as fact,” Lidetu Ayele, founder of the opposition Ethiopia Democratic Party, says of social media’s influence during protests in Ethiopia . And so, whether out of acknowledgment of the rights of Ethiopians not to be spoon fed state-sponsored propaganda or out of its own self- interest, the Ethiopian government is letting some winds of change finally blow through Ethiopian media. “We don’t agree with the characterization that Ethiopia’s media landscape is repressed,” says Nazrawi Ghebreselasie, KANA’s managing director and co-founder. “It’s true that the industry in general is in its infancy; however, due to conducive policy environment, we are seeing massive investment going into media.” Others, however, note that a new entertainment channel like KANA doesn’t connote Ethiopia’s media being unshackled—a fact emphasised by Ethiopian journalists and bloggers arrested for their journalism, often on the basis of terror charges, as highlighted by the international Committee to Protect Journalists . “Media freedom depends on which yardstick you use,” says Daniel Berhane, a prominent Addis Ababa-based blogger. “The government appears to be relaxing about online and television media, but there are still no opposition newspapers.” Ethiopia ranked 150th out of 180 countries in the 2017 press freedom index rankings by Reporters Without Borders. The international non- profit organization that promotes and defends freedom of information and the press states that the Ethiopian regime systematically uses the country’s anti-terror law against journalists. Contrary voices, as a result, often have to come from the likes of ESAT, a popular Ethiopian satellite channel also broadcast from America. It is highly critical of the Ethiopian government and advertises itself as speaking for those who can’t speak in Ethiopia . But part of KANA’s expanding original production base includes plans for a new news show, hence a whiteboard in the company’s offices covered in green marker pen hashing out its development. Whether this news platform can be as insightful and demonstrate as much editorial freedom as news channels coming from outside Ethiopia will have to be seen. But, at the same time, there appears reason for some optimism. “The [negative] international view of media in Ethiopia is a bit exaggerated,” said Zekarias Sintayehu, editor in chief of Addis Ababa’s Reporter newspaper. “It is not a cakewalk to be journalist in Ethiopia but nobody can deny the prospects of a better media environment in the future.” http://www.ipsnews.net/2017/12/ethiopias-new-addiction-says-media-freedom 119

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11.11.2017 Anxiety looms over missing German architect . Samuel Getachew, The Reporter A month after prominent German architect and long-time resident of Ethiopia, Dirk Donath went missing, colleagues, friends and the Germany embassy in the capital are struggling to explain what happened to him. The Reporter has learnt that the long-time visiting professor vanished while on a trip at the Mago National Park. “The German Embassy is currently in charge of a case of a missing German national,” the German Foreign Office based in Berlin told The Reporter in an email response. “We are in close contact with the Ethiopian authorities and family members.” The Bauhaus University professor was stationed in Addis Ababa on and off since 2008 at the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development. He was believed to be an experienced world traveler and was known to travel outside of the capital on an expanded expenditure, according to sources. On the day he went missing, The Reporter has learnt that he was with a number of German colleagues and a local driver. They were said to be lost and feared they might end up being stuck in the wilderness with little communication with authorities. He was said to take charge of the situation and went on foot to find a way out of the park. He never returned. With no traces of him, the group searched for him for hours and communicated with the Germany embassy and local authorities. Help came but a dispatched helicopter made a belated search after a 12 hour delay angering many. The Ethiopian government sent in hundreds of soldiers the following day to scoop the area thoroughly, the German embassy facilitated all the logistics that was needed for the search and friends joined in the search, but there was no trace of him. (…) Professor Donath was employed in Ethiopia through DAAD Ethiopia, a German Academic Exchange Service program and ventured in to Ethiopia in 2006. Some of his efforts in the country, in particular his mentorship of young architecture students in Ethiopia, were featured on CNN. He was most recently involved in the formation of a new unit, the Ethiopian Cities laboratory within the Addis Ababa University. He was also awarded with the Holcim Awards, along with his Ethiopian colleagues on a capacity project he engineered on the “Capacities of the Community – Incremental Construction: Low-cost Modular Housing Scheme. This was to be his answer to the housing shortages of a fast urbanization of Addis Ababa. Upon being recognized, his role in Ethiopia was described as one that is “trying to act and be treated not as an architect – but to play the role of a mediator to share capacities of the community”. Donath met with newly arrived German Ambassador Brita Wagener most recently on September 21 at the Emerging City Lab at Addis Ababa University. A Germany funded project, he was said to be excited with the mission of the center which was to include research and teaching on emerging cities. The Reporter has also learnt that he was an advisor to local real-estate moguls that were looking at expanding their businesses outside of the capital. The 56-year old was said to be instrumental in the careers of many young people in Ethiopia, including facilitating scholarships in his home country. (…) http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/article/anxiety-looms-over-missing-german-architect

9.11.2017 Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church faced resistance . Arefayné Fantahu, Ethiopia Observer The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), Abune Mathias, faced resistance a few weeks ago when he decided to disband the influential student organisation, Mahibere Kidusan. Mahibere Kidusan, which describes itself as “Sunday School Department” has been in existence for the past twenty five years. In addition to its headquarters in Addis Ababa, it has 48 centres across major towns and more than 500 centres throughout the country. The tension between Mahibere kidusan and the church hierarchy over doctrinal and administrative issues is not new, but has never been this severe. It occurred after Abune Mathias decided to outlaw and shut its television program, which is transmitted with the U.S.-based channel Alefe in three local languages for seven hours per week. The broadcast provoked the Patriarch’s anger for its continued attack on the alleged infiltration of the evangelical renewal movement in EOC administered colleges. The station is targeting the colleges for embracing dissent against essential Orthodox doctrines in favour of the evangelical teachings, and hosting Protestant-trained elements who are operating trying to convert Orthodox members to the evangelical church, a claim the movement has been making for the past two years. The Patriarch rejects the accusation and even accuses Mahibere Kidusan of exceeding its jurisdiction by bringing unfounded charges against the seminaries. In the recent Synod meeting, leaders of the Mahibre Kidusan were banned from attending, despite their efforts to preserve their good standing with the Patriarch. Other archbishops presented reports recognising the movement’s outstanding achievements and favouring a conciliatory approach towards Mahibere Kidusan, which angered the Patriarch. Despite protests from the archbishops, the Patriarch refused to change his position on the channel and condemned the station in the final communique. However, he was unable to convince the Synod of the idea of disbanding the whole movement. Although the conflict is seen as an internal church matter, it is however becoming a serious issue that could undermine attempts to achieve reconciliation in the church; and it is an indication of division into ideological groups that could have serious implications for the future of the church and the Patriarch. http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/11/patriarch-of-the-ethiopian-orthodox-church-faced-resistance

12.10.2017 Ethiopia to scrap foreign adoption from its Family Law . Yohannes Anberbir, The Reporter Because of the widespread case of identity crisis that children adopted by foreign families face and based on the premise that foreign families could not offer relatable family environment to Ethiopian children, Ethiopian government decided to scrap foreign adoption from its Family law. Accordingly, a draft that seeks to amend the provisions regarding adoption in the revised Ethiopian Family Law was submitted to the parliament for review, today. But, the new law does not prohibit the continuation of adoption cases which are already underway. (…) http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/ethiopia-scrap-foreign-adoption-its-family-law

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13.1.2018 Fasil Kenema fans arrested en masse in Addis Ababa . borkena.com Today, Mekele city team and Gonder city team ( Fasil Kenema – they are also known as Atsewochu) met in Addis Ababa at three o’clock local time for the primer league tournament. Although the game was peaceful, unlike the experiences of Fasil Kenema fans in Tigray, hundreds of Fasil Kenema fans are reportedly arrested after the match in Addis Ababa. (…) Why Fasil Kenema Fans are arrested? Fasil Kenema fans traveled all the way from Gonder but it is no secret that the team has a fairly good fan base in the capital Addis Ababa perhaps not exclusively because of soccer sentiment but by political sentiment. It has also fans from Oromo region of Ethiopia. The team received stellar reception when it traveled to Nazret (Adama) for a match against Adama city team. Fasil Kenema fans were in Addis Ababa stadium today with a mood of celebration of the two hundred years birthday memorial of Ethiopia’s undisputably visionary monarch, Emperor Tewodros II, which is tomorrow. After completion of the game at Addis Ababa stadium, fans joined by other Ethiopians went on to celebrating Emperor Tewodos and marched to Tedwodros square in the city. Reports in social media say they were chanting anti-TPLF (ruling party) slogans. And that is when according to eyewitness accounts that the Federal police surrounded the fans and arrested hundreds of them. But, generally, Ethiopian Premier League soccer tournament has become a trouble to the government rather than something that it should fear. The reason is that matches between different regions in the country have essentially become scenes of political showdowns. The problem is stronger when a team from Tigray region, which is the political base of Tigray People’s Liberation Front, plays against a team from Amhara or Oromo regions of Ethiopia. Tournament virtually sounds like an encounter between two ethnic groups and the picture that emerges from it reflects ethnic politics; what the regime in power passionate about with a sort of revolutionary fervor but it is slowly dying from it. The relation between the regime and ethnic politics is like a relation between man and heroin or man and alcohol. And the regime is now towards the end of its life. https://www.borkena.com/2018/01/13/ethiopia-fasil-kenema-fans-arrested

12.10.2017 Great Ethiopian Run has record 48,000 participants . Xinhua Africa's largest road race, the Great Ethiopian Run (GER), will have 6,000 more runners for a record of 48,000 participants, an Ethiopian official said on Thursday. Race Director Ermias Ayele said the 10km race, which will be held on November 26, will be a part of GER's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle and running among the Ethiopian public. "The GER 2017 edition will have 44,000 adult runners and 4,000 child runners and feature a 10 day exhibition preceding the actual road race," he said. The 10 kms Great Ethiopian Run was started in 2001 by Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebreselassie as part of his efforts to turn running from an elite sport stars sports into a hobby of the masses. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/13/c_136675410.htm

Horn of Africa and Foreign Affairs

10.2.2018 Streit am Nil: Genug Wasser für alle? Deutsche Welle Äthiopien baut am Nil einen gigantischen Staudamm, der das Land zum mächtigsten Stromerzeuger des Kontinents machen soll. Das schürt Ängste in der Nachbarschaft: Ägypten und Sudan fürchten um ihr Trinkwasser. Es soll der größte Staudamm in Afrika werden: 1800 Meter lang, 155 Meter breit und mit einem Fassungsvermögen von 74.000 Milliarden Kubikmetern. So beschreibt es die beauftragte Baufirma. Wenn einmal alle 16 Turbinen der angeschlossenen Wasserkraftwerke in Betrieb sind, sollen sie im Jahr 15.000 Gigawattstunden Strom erzeugen. Das Werk wäre dann so stark wie die drei bisher größten Wasserkraftwerke Afrikas zusammen: Assuan am Nil in Ägypten, Cahora Bassa am Sambesi in Mosambik und Inga am Kongo-Fluss in der Demokratischen Republik Kongo. Die Grand-Ethiopian-Renaissance-Talsperre am Oberlauf des Nils ist das Vorzeigeprojekt Äthiopiens und soll das arme Land zum Entwicklungsmotor für die Region machen. Doch bei den Nil-Anliegerstaaten Ägypten und Sudan schürt das Mega-Projekt Ängste. Der Streit ist zur Krise angewachsen, und vor allem Ägypten fürchtet, dass durch den Staudamm nicht genug Wasser für die eigene Landwirtschaft bleibt. Der Nil ist die Lebensader des Landes, ernährt die Menschen und dient als Schifffahrtsweg. Äthiopien im Alleingang Der Blaue Nil entspringt im äthiopischen Hochland. Er erstreckt sich über mehrere tausend Kilometer, fließt im Sudan mit dem weißen Nil zusammen und mündet in Ägypten schließlich ins Mittelmeer. An seinen Ufern entstanden schon früh Hochkulturen. Heute fließt der Nil vor allem durch Krisen-Staaten. Die äthiopische Bevölkerung - derzeit 100 Millionen Menschen - wächst rasant. Die Ambitionen des Landes zeigen sich darin, dass es die Finanzierung des vier Milliarden US-Dollar teuren Damms allein tragen will. "Das Projekt spielt für die Regierung eine herausragende Rolle", so Ahmed Soliman, Mitarbeiter der britischen Denkfabrik Chatham House im DW-Interview. "Die meisten Menschen waren aufgefordert, ein Monatsgehalt pro Jahr dazu beizutragen." Die Talsperre ist bereits zu 60 Prozent fertiggestellt. Eigentlich sollte sie im vergangenen Jahr fertig sein, doch wirtschaftliche Probleme haben zu Verzögerungen geführt.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Strom für die Nachbarländer? Der Staudamm soll nicht nur im eigenen Land mehr Strom erzeugen, sondern Äthiopien will auch Elektrizität in die Nachbarländer verkaufen. "Sie hoffen Afrikas größter Stromexporteur zu werden", sagt Experte Soliman. Damit wachse auch die geostrategische Bedeutung Äthiopiens in der Region - ein Grund mehr zur Sorge für die Nachbarn. Ägypten mit seinen ebenfalls fast 100 Millionen Menschen ist fast vollständig vom Nil abhängig. Es beharrt auf früheren Verträge, die dem Land große Mengen Wasser garantieren. Die anstehende Präsidentenwahl im März erhöhen den politischen Druck: So könnten Kandidaten den Streit ums Wasser für den Wahlkampf nutzen, vermutet Ahmed Soliman. Diplomatische Verhandlungen über das Nilwasser liefen seit Jahren, aber es fehle an Vertrauen zueinander, sagt der Experte von Chatham House. Auf dem Gipfel der Afrikanischen Union Ende Januar war der Streit ums Nilwasser Thema. Der ägyptische Präsident Abdel Fatah El-Sisi demonstrierte Einigkeit: "Machen Sie sich keine Sorgen! Wir sind uns einig, dass keines der drei Länder Schaden nehmen wird. Die Interessen von Äthiopien und vom Sudan sind auch die Interessen meines Landes. Wir sprechen als ein Staat. Mit einer Stimme." Mangelndes Vertrauen Doch die Beziehungen Ägyptens zum Sudan und zu Äthiopien hatten sich in den vergangenen Jahren deutlich verschlechtert. Der Sudan zog sogar seinen Botschafter aus Kairo ab. Eine klare Vorgabe für die Nutzung des lebensnotwendigen Wassers ist noch nicht in Sicht - Gespräche zwischen den drei Regierungen gehen seit Monaten nicht voran. Immerhin: Experte Soliman bewertet als positiv, dass nach dem Gipfeltreffen der Afrikanischen Union ein Fonds geschaffen werden soll, um Infrastrukturprojekte aller drei Länder zu verbinden. Auch ein neu zu bildendes Komitee soll Fragen um das Mega-Projekt diskutieren. "Dadurch könnte mehr politisches Verständnis geschaffen werden", sagt Soliman. Gemeinsam vom Nil profitieren Dafür setzt sich seit Jahren auch die Nilbeckeninitiative (NBI) ein. Sie wurde 1999 zur regionalen Zusammenarbeit der Länder im Einzugsgebiet des Nils ins Leben gerufen, auch Ägypten, Ethiopien und Sudan gehören der Initiative an. Ihr Ziel ist, eine gemeinschaftliche Nutzung der Wasserressourcen des Flusses zu erreichen. "Unsere Vision ist eine nachhaltige, sozialwirtschaftliche Entwicklung durch gleichwertige Nutzung des Wassers und des Profits", so Innocent Ntabana von der NBI im DW-Interview. "Wir reden nicht darüber, das Flusswasser zu teilen, aber den gemeinsamen Profit, den die Wassernutzung liefert. Das ist der Weg, um die Konflikte zu lösen." Die NBI sei allerdings eine technische Organisation, gibt er zu bedenken. "Der Mechanismus, der die drei Länder zusammenbringt, liegt ausserhalb unseres Arbeitsbereiches. Wir hoffen, dass alle Konflikte so gelöst werden, dass wir Frieden in der Region behalten." Die Zeit drängt: Äthiopien will bald damit beginnen, das Wasser zu stauen. Das versetzt die Menschen am Unterlauf in Sorge. Denn noch ist nicht klar, wie schnell das passieren soll. Je mehr gestaut wird, desto tiefer der Wasserstand in Ägypten. http://www.dw.com/de/streit-am-nil-genug-wasser-f%C3%BCr-alle/a-42524934?maca=de-rss-de-region-afrika-4022-rdf

2.2.2018 Egypt to establish $120m industrial zone in Addis Ababa . Berihu Shiferaw, Waltainfo Egyptian Ambassador to Addis Ababa Abu Bakr Hefny said on Tuesday that Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia are furthering collaboration, especially at an economic level, given the Cairo-Cape Town road crossing that will soon be established through the three states. In a statement, Hefny stressed Sisi’s vision to connect Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. He also noted that a fund will be established to finance infrastructure projects between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia as discussed at the Sharm El Sheikh tripartite summit in 2015, adding that it will be activated within the upcoming period. The navigational line connecting Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea through the Nile River will be constructed alongside the road, in reference to strategic Egyptian- Ethiopian relations. He stated that the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has agreed with a Belgian expert to supervise the project. Egyptian company Elsewedy has proposed establishing an Egyptian industrial zone in Addis Ababa worth $120 million in investments, along with a wind-powered electric station. The project is very important, Hefny stressed, as it will attract many Egyptian businessmen in different fields, including medicine, agricultural manufacturing and construction of animal farms, during the upcoming period. In this regard, he said that an Egyptian delegation will visit Ethiopia during the upcoming period to discuss many investments in medicine in light of the good reputation Egyptian medicine hold in Addis Ababa, explaining that consultations are ongoing to construct an Egyptian hospital in Ethiopia. Hefny pointed out that Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met with Egyptian businessmen during his last visit to Cairo and adopted the project to establish an industrial zone, stressing that he will work on this project in the upcoming period. He explained that Egypt and Ethiopia signed an agreement in 2014 to establish an Egyptian farm in Ethiopia. The agreement was agreed to be activated in 2018, as the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture will pay a visit to Ethiopia in February to implement the project. In this regard, he said that Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn called Egyptian businessmen to activate the common business council during the coming period. “In the coming period, Egyptian fertilizers will be exported to Ethiopia, as the proportion of intraregional trade currently does not exceed $170 million and Egyptian investments in Ethiopia reach $750 million,” said Hefny, noting that most of these investments belong to Elsewedy Electric Company. As for the inception report, he explained that the dispute on this report is on some technical issues, which he confirmed the leaders of the three states will resolve within a month. Hefny noted that Egyptian-Ethiopian relations have faced some misunderstandings, especially after Ethiopia accused Egypt of its attempt to destabilize Ethiopia, and he praised the efforts by Sisi and the Egyptian Foreign Ministry to resolve the misunderstanding. “Ethiopia has the right to achieve development for its people but without causing harm to other countries,” he said. He praised the role of the Coptic Church and the Egyptian Agency of Partnership of Development to promote Egyptian-Ethiopian relations.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Regarding Egypt’s vision for structural reform of the African Union, Hefny referenced Sisi’s statement during the opening session of the African Union summit that AU countries should bear the burdens together. A tripartite summit between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on a presidential level convened on Monday on the sidelines of the African Union’s 30th summit in Addis Ababa. President Sisi, Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn discussed the controversial issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at Sisi's presidential residence in Addis Ababa. The tripartite summit convened to discuss means of furthering cooperation between the three countries, continuing intensive consultation and coordination on various subjects of common interest. The three parties also agreed to activate the joint investment fund between the three countries to finance infrastructure projects, according to a statement from presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady. Additionally, the tripartite summit reviewed the latest developments to the current negotiations of the National Tripartite Commission on GERD with transparency and discussed means of overcoming its hurdles. The three countries affirmed an agreement on a single vision based on the Declaration of Principles signed in Khartoum, raising the no-harm principle of the three countries’ interests. They agreed to hold a joint meeting between the ministers of irrigation and foreign affairs of the three countries and the National Tripartite Commission, then raise final reports within a month that include a solution to all pending technical issues. They also agreed to exchange technical information and studies between the three countries.(Africa Business communities) http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national?category=1

1.2.2018 Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia agree to establish railways, roads linking countries. Berihu Shiferaw, Waltainfo Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Ghandour announced that an agreement has been reached with Egypt and Ethiopia to establish railways and roads linking the three countries, reported the Sudan Tribune. The three leaders agreed on establishing a joint-fund to finance integrated projects, he added. Monday’s tripartite summit held on the sidelines of the African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia’s leaders has yielded positive results and overcome the crisis regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), according to Ghandour. The foreign minister reported on the mutual view shared by Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, saying both leaders spoke of the “eternal [and] sacred” relations between the two countries. Ghandour emphasized that they were determined to maintain the relations and put them in their “proper framework,” in order that they can survive the shocks – such as those weighing on the countries before the Addis Ababa summit. A joint political, security, and technical committee is currently being established. It will incorporate ministers of foreign affairs, irrigation, as well as senior security and intelligence officials from the Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The committee will meet in Cairo within two weeks to discuss the mechanism of operating the dam in a way which doesn’t affect the shares accessed by the Nile basin countries, especially Sudan and Egypt, Ghandour mentioned. (…) http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=36815

31.1.2018 Leaders of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan Create Committee on Dam . Berihu Shiferaw, Waltainfo The heads of state of Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt agreed on the integration of a permanent tripartite committee to follow up on the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GPRE), a local newspaper reported today. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi agreed on several substantial aspects to improve negotiations in that regard, according to the Sudan Tribune newspaper. The leaders agreed to instruct the tripartite committee, which includes the irrigation ministers of each party, to function as a political committee and to work to resolve all pending issues related to the GPRE, on which they must submit a report to the three leaders within a month. The dam is an Ethiopian project that should benefit the three countries, so the parts of the Nile River water that correspond to Sudan and Egypt should not be affected by its construction, stated the heads of state of the three countries. The leaders of the three countries 'pointed out their enthusiasm for maintaining good relations among their governments and peoples and agreed to coordinate and work together for the common interest of their people,' stated Sudan's foreign minister, Ibrahim Ghandour. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=36775

30.1.2018 From deadlock to progress – Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan . The Reporter In an unexpected turn of events, the three negotiating countries over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) announced that they have reached a milestone agreement regarding the negotiations over the dam’s impacts on downstream countries. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, who discussed on the sidelines of the 30th Heads of State and Government Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa announced on Monday that they have reached an agreeable point to deal with issues arising in the dam’s construction. "Congratulations, we solved our problems," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi told reporters after holding discussions with Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn and Omar al-Bashir. The said agreement, although not pronounced by the discussants, involves the completion of the dam’s impact assessment which was contracted to the French companies BRL and Artelia within a one month period. GERD discussions were said to have reached “deadlocks” and no way forward for additional dam discussions. But, the recent consensus among the leaders of the three countries comes as a surprise to many. The dam “was never intended to harm any country but to fulfill vital electricity needs and enhance development cooperation in the region,” Hailemariam told the state broadcaster the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/deadlock-progress-ethiopia-egypt-sudan

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 29.1.2018 We need to work in consensus as one nation- Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan leaders . Waltainfo Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Egypt’s President Abdul Fatah al-sisi and Sudan’s President Oumar Hasan Al-Bashir said that the three countries have to work as one nation in full consensus, during their meeting on the sidelines of the 30th AU Summit. The three leaders indicated that they have agreed to work as one nation specifically on issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).vThey have also agreed to meet once every year and discuss bilateral issues and set mutual directions, according the information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The leaders also have ordered their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Water Resource and other responsible ministries and institutions to submit report on the status and issues related to GERD. They also agreed to foster people to people and economic ties by establishing a tripartite infrastructure fund to be contributed equally from each country. The three leaders also stressed on the need to foster diplomatic ties not only on leaders level but also on levels below this authority in foreign ministries and others. http://www.waltainfo.com/news/national/detail?cid=36737&category=2

19.1.2018 Attempt to recruit army fails amid growing regional tensions . Engidu Woldie, ESAT News Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense is advertising in the local media urging the youth to join the regular army as tensions rose in the subregion following Sudan’s handover of a Red Sea island to Turkey and the ensuing deployment of troops by Egypt and Sudan along their border. Regional allies and foes responded to the new development in the Red Sea with Eritrean president, Isaias Afwerki visiting Cairo a week ago and vehemently denying this weekend reports that Egypt had deployed troops in his country along the border with Sudan. Meanwhile, the Middle East Monitor reported that Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to deploy joint forces between the Sudanese Blue Nile State and the Ethiopian region of Benishangul-Gumuz to secure the border area. According to the agreement Ethiopia had reportedly “pledged to prevent any hostile activity against Sudan.” Close relationships between Cairo and Asmara is not a welcome development as far as the Ethiopian regime, not an ally of either country, is concerned. Reports say Ethiopia has also deployed more troops along its border with Eritrea, two countries in the Horn that have remained in no peace no war situation after a bloody war 20 years ago that claimed the lives of over 70 thousands. Each side accuses the other of supporting their opponents. On the other hand, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia are deadlocked over negotiations on the share of the Nile water as time is approaching for Ethiopia to fill the reservoir of a mega hydroelectric dam the construction of which is said to be completed 60%. Amid these developments, it seems the Ethiopian regime found it imperative to urgently recruit army. However, over two decades of misrule and control of economic and political power by the minority Tigrayans had alienated the majority of Ethiopians. This, according to analysts, had resulted in extremely low response and turnout to the enticing advertisement on media calling the youth to join the military. Even in the power base of the TPLF, the Tigray region, the response to the call to join the army was very low, according to ESAT’s sources. Ethiopians are are done with the regime and they see that any war with a perceived enemy is not a war of their own, says a regional analyst. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/ethiopia-attempt-recruit-army-fails-amid-growing-regional-tensions

16.1.2018 Sudan, Ethiopia agree to deploy joint force to secure border . Xinhua Sudan and Ethiopia on Tuesday agreed to deploy a joint force to secure their joint border and prevent any hostile activities against the two countries. A conference on development of border relations between Sudan's Blue Nile State and Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia concluded sessions Tuesday in Damazin, the capital city of Blue Nile State. "The two sides agreed to secure the border ... to pave way for the work of other joint committees," Hussein Yassin Hamad, Blue Nile State Governor, said in a statement. He further reiterated Sudan's commitment to protect peace and secure the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) near the Sudanese border. Governor of Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Al-Shazali Hassan, for his part, vowed to prevent any activity hostile to Sudan. "We will fight any manifestations of smuggling of goods and weapons across the borders," he said. "We have agreed on deployment of joint forces between the Blue Nile State and the Benishangul-Gumuz Region as well as a civil administration conference between the two countries, particularly in border areas," he added. Ethiopia is building the GERD in Benishangul-Gumuz Region near the Sudanese border, some 900 km northwest of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The GERD, extending on an area of 1,800 square km, is scheduled to be completed in three years at a cost of around 4.7 billion U.S. dollars. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/17/c_136900757.htm

15.1.2018 Sudan retracts accusations against Egypt, Eritrea . ESAT News Sudan has recanted its accusation that Egypt and Eritrea had deployed troops near its border and said military deployment by the Sudanese army was a reaction to threats by Sudanese armed opposition groups in areas near Eritrea, according to a report by Asharq Al- Awsat newspaper. Sudanese authorities said last week that they had intelligence indicating there was a “possible threat” coming from Egypt and Eritrea in the Eritrean region of Sawa. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said in a joint press conference with his Ethiopian counterpart, Workneh Gebeyehu in Khartoum on Sunday that Sudan was not concerned about military build-up by a specific country, but about security threat from armed opposition groups in the country’s Eastern border with Eritrea.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 On the same day Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki was quoted as saying in Asmara that the story of deployment of troops by Egypt inside Eritrea was a fabricated story. “The fingerprints of TPLF regime, in collusion with certain special interest groups in the Sudan, are discernible in latest fabricated story. Objective is to nudge the Sudan into a futile conflict. The Sudanese people are too savvy to be hoodwinked and fall into this transparent trap,” Afwerki was quoted as saying on Sunday. Latest political developments in the region came after Sudan agreed to hand over the Red Sea island of Suakin to Turkey, a move that upset Egypt and its regional allies. https://ethsat.com/2018/01/sudan-retracts-accusations-egypt-eritrea

15.1.2018 Egypt doesn’t want war with Sudan and Ethiopia: al-Sisi . Sudan Tribune The Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday said his country isn’t conspiring against Sudan and Ethiopia stressing Egypt isn’t planning to go to war against its “brothers”. Al-Sisi’s statements come amid rising tensions between Egypt on the one hand and Sudan and Ethiopia on the other. The are several issues between Cairo and Khartoum including Sudan support to the Ethiopian renaissance dam, border dispute over Halayeb triangle and the ban on Egyptian farming products. The latest tensions have sparked between Sudan and Egypt after the former signed an agreement to temporarily hand over the Red Sea island of Suakin to Turkey. On 4 January Sudan summoned its ambassador to Egypt for consultation, hours after the head of the Sudanese Border Technical Committee, Abdallah Al-Sadiq, accused Egypt of trying to drag Sudan into a direct military confrontation over Halayeb. Last week, Sudan closed its border with Eritrea after the deployment of thousands of troops from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters to Kassala State. On Thursday, Sudan admitted that the deployment of troops along the Eritrean border came as result of military threats from Eritrea and Egypt against the country. Also, tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia flared up after talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are stalled over how to deal with the impact of the $5 billion dam that could threaten Egypt’s lifeblood. According to Reuters, a scheduled visit by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to Cairo on Monday was postponed for the second time. In televised statements on Monday, al-Sisi said “Egypt will not fight its brothers ... I say these words as a message to our brothers in Sudan”. “We are not willing to enter into war with our brothers or with anyone ... our peoples deserve every single penny,” he added. “I say this to our brothers in Sudan and Ethiopia: Egypt doesn’t conspire. We don’t conspire, neither do we meddle in the internal affairs of anyone and we are very, very keen to have a very good relationship,” he further said. The Egyptian President stressed the ultimate goal of his government is to construct and develop Egypt, saying they wouldn’t carry out any other objectives. He further warned the Egyptian media against attacking Sudan. “I hope the Egyptian media doesn’t use offensive language against Sudan or any other country no matter how much anger or pain they feel towards that country,” he said. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article64496

14.1.2018 Eritrean president denies presence of Egyptian troops in his country . Sudan Tribune Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accused interested circles in Sudan and Ethiopia of attempting to create a conflict between Khartoum and Asmara, stressed that there were no Egyptian troops at the Sawa base, which borders the Sudanese border. On Thursday, Sudan officially announced sending troops and equipment to the border with Eritrea and spoke about security threats after the alleged arrival of Egyptian troops to the Eritrean military base of Sawa, an area bordering the eastern province of Kassala in Sudan. In an interview with Eritrean television on Sunday evening, Afwerki ridiculed Sudan’s allegations about the presence of Egyptian troops at the Sawa military base and slammed the Qatari Al-Jazeera TV channel which broadcast the news. He further said that Asmara has information about an attempt to deploy Ethiopian troops on the Sudanese-Eritrean border to be financed by Sudan. He added that Khartoum and Addis Ababa seek to push Eritrea to war pointing to the broadcast in the Sudanese media of footages of troops and weapons dispatched to Kassala state. "The Ethiopian and Sudanese intelligence services are promoting false information. These accusations are an attempt to escape forward." "Some circles in Sudan and Ethiopia are trying to create a clash between Sudan and Eritrea," he said. In a joint press conference with his Ethiopian counterpart Sunday, the Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said his government does not accuse a specific country but speak about threats for its security on the eastern border. "Some opposition forces are in those areas," he said. "There are some people who are trying to harm the security of the country and we will explain this in detail in due course," Ghandour stressed. Speaking about the Turkish military presence in the Red Sea region, Afwerki said it "is not acceptable". "I am not sure about the Turkish military presence in (the Sudanese town of) Suakin, but the Turkish presence in Somalia is unacceptable and does not contribute to the stability of the region," he said. The head of the embattled east African country was recently in Egypt for talks with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi following several reports about a rapprochement with Cairo which is in conflict with Khartoum and Addis Ababa over the Nile water. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article64491

10.1.2018 Egypt, Eritrea leaders meet as Nile tensions rise . Maggie Michael, AP Egypt's president and his Eritrean counterpart met in Cairo on Monday amid heightened tensions with Sudan and Ethiopia over border disputes and the construction of a massive upstream Nile dam. Egypt fears the soon-to-be completed dam in Ethiopia could cut into its share of the river, which provides nearly all its freshwater. Eritrea and Ethiopia have long been bitter rivals and went to war in the late 125

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 1990s. Ethiopia denies it is cutting into Egypt's share of the Nile, and has accused Eritrea of training rebels to carry out sabotage attacks on the dam. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hosted Isaias Afwerki at the presidential palace. "The two sides have agreed on continuing intensive cooperation in all issues related to the current situation to support the security and stability in the region," Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Radi said, referring to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea strait of Bab al-Mandab as two major areas for ensuring stability. The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera network recently reported that Egypt is deploying troops in Eritrea. The Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization, an Eritrean opposition group, last year claimed that Egypt is building a military base on Eritrea's Dahlak island and will deploy up to 30,000 Egyptian naval forces. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane G. Meske denied the Al-Jazeera report in a tweet this week, saying: "Al-Jazeera News Channel seems to relish propagating false and preposterous news on Eritrea: latest is phantom deployment of Egyptian troops/weapons!" Egypt's relations with Sudan, which has lent support to Ethiopia in the Nile dispute, have meanwhile deteriorated. Sudan recalled its ambassador for consultation last week, and has said a 2016 maritime demarcation agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia infringes on its territorial waters. The waters in question are off the coast of an Egyptian-held border region claimed by Sudan. Egypt's pro- government media have accused Sudan of conspiring against Cairo with Turkey and Qatar. Ethiopia says the $5 billion dam is essential for its economic development, noting that the vast majority of its 95 million people lack electricity. The dam's hydroelectric plant will generate over 6,400 megawatts, a massive boost to the country's current production of 4,000 Megawatts. Egypt, with a population roughly equal to Ethiopia's, receives the lion's share of the Nile's waters under agreements from 1929 and 1959 that other Nile nations say are unfair and ignore the needs of their own large and growing populations. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypt-building-water-purification-plant-face-shortages-52229414

9.1.2018 Damming the Nile - Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia battle it out . Neville Teller, Jerusalem Post The three nations are locked in a dispute about the vast dam being constructed across the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, the source of 85% of Egypt’s water. That Egypt’s economic well-being is dependent on the Nile has been a geopolitical fact of life since ancient times. Fly over the country, and Egypt’s dependence on the river is starkly illustrated. Amid vast deserts, the river and its cultivated banks appear as a narrow green ribbon snaking its way to the north, where it widens into a delta before reaching the Mediterranean. The vast majority of Egypt’s 94 million people live adjacent to this fertile belt, along which its main cities from Aswan to Cairo to Alexandria cluster. The lower Nile valley and the delta together comprise about 3.5 percent of Egypt’s total area. The remaining 96.5 percent is mostly desert. The Nile that enters Egypt is fed from two sources. The White Nile, flowing through Sudan, supplies Egypt with 15 percent of its water; the Blue Nile, emanating from Ethiopia, provides 85 percent. During the colonial era the fact that one of the the Nile’s main tributaries rises in Lake Victoria, which lies in Tanzania and Uganda, and runs through what are now eleven African countries before discharging into the Mediterranean, held little significance. Scant consideration was given by colonial rulers to the needs or the rights of the African hinterland. Given the priorities of the time, it is scarcely surprising that a 1929 treaty with Britain provided Egypt with a virtual monopoly over the Nile waters with veto rights over all upstream projects. In 1959, under the provisions of this treaty, Egypt signed a deal with Sudan which guaranteed the two countries use of 90 percent of the Nile waters. But the world was changing fast. The eight other nations that shared the Nile basin at that time viewed Egypt’s historic dominance of the Nile as increasingly untenable. Egypt’s upstream neighbours were all undergoing rapid socio-economic development, and these emerging regional powers began to challenge Egypt’s control of what each regarded as its river. The affected countries eventually got together, and in the 1999 Nile Basin Initiative put forward a proposal to “achieve sustainable socio- economic development through the equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the common Nile basin water resources.” Ten years of negotiations followed. Finally in 2010, six Nile Basin countries signed the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA): Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi. They were joined in June 2012 by the newly-created South Sudan. The CFA was meant to replace the 1929 colonial agreement that gave Egypt absolute rights over all the waters of the Nile, and provide a mechanism for cooperation among all ten member countries in managing the Nile basin water resources. However Egypt and Sudan rejected its reallocation of Nile water quotas under the 1959 agreement, and Congo also refused to sign. This was the moment a further major complication entered the already complex Nile situation. Back in the late 1950s, the US Bureau of Reclamation had undertaken a survey of the Blue Nile to identify where a dam might be sited to generate hydro-electricity for the region. Forty years later, in 2009, the Ethiopian government suddenly decided that the time was ripe to press ahead with the project. The driving force was former prime minister Meles Zenawi, who had run the country for more than two decades and was obsessed with Ethiopia’s rebirth. By November 2010 a design for the dam had been drawn up. On 30 March 2011 the project was made public. Two days later, on 2 April, Zenawi laid the dam's foundation stone. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (or GERD), will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa. Almost incredibly, once constructed the reservoir is estimated to take from 5 to 15 years to fill with water. In August 2017, as construction on the dam reached 60 percent completion, tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia began to rise. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the Nile was “a matter of life and death” for his country and that “no one can touch Egypt’s share of the

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 water”. He demanded that Ethiopia cease construction on the dam as a precondition to negotiations. Ethiopia retorted that the dam was a matter of life and death for it, too, since it was a vital component in its plans for economic development. In an attempt to resolve differences, discussions were arranged between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to consider how best to manage the impact of GERD. In November 2017 the talks broke down. On December 26, Sameh Shoukry, the Egyptian foreign minister, flew to Addis Ababa to emphasise Egypt’s concerns. At the heart of the dispute lies Egypt’s fear that, once the dam is built, and especially during the initial phase when the reservoir is being filled, the country will receive less than the annual 55.5 billion cubic metres of water it says is the minimum it needs. With a surging population that President Sisi has termed “a threat to national development”, Egypt will be requiring more, not less, fresh water over the next decade. Although most of Egypt’s water comes from the Blue Nile, on which the dam is being built, Ethiopia is adamant that, once the reservoir has been filled, GERD will not adversely affect downstream countries. At the same time it refuses to acknowledge Cairo’s right to 55.5 billion cubic metres of water every year, since this emanates from the 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan to which Ethiopia was not a signatory. Ethiopia is due to start testing the first two turbines shortly, with construction of the dam due for completion by the end of the year. But Egypt. Sudan and Ethiopia have yet to overcome their mistrust of each other and agree mechanisms to contain the impact on downstream countries, both during the filling period and once the dam comes into operation. They need to start co-operating soon. http://www.jpost.com/Blogs/A-Mid-East-Journal/Damming-the-Nile-Egypt-Sudan-and-Ethiopia-battle-it-out-533183

6.1.2018 Sudan’s army chief visits Ethiopian capital. Visit comes 2 days after Sudan shut its eastern border with Eritrea. Addis Getachew, Anadolu Sudanese Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Emad al-Din Mustafa Adawi visited capital Addis Ababa on Monday, just two days after Sudan shut its eastern border with Eritrea, according to state-affiliated FANA broadcasting service. Gen. Adawi met Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in the capital. Last year, the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance joint security and military cooperation between the two neighboring countries in the fight against terrorism, FANA said. The closure of the border by Sudan came amid reports that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates had set up a military camp in Sawa in Eritrea, a northern neighbor to Ethiopia. Eritrea, however, denies giving permission to Egyptian and Emirati military for any such activity. According to some analysts, Egypt might want to use Eritrea as a pawn in its relations with Ethiopia, whose $4.8billion hydro dam project made Egypt uneasy. Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in 1993 and between 1998 and 2000 the two countries fought a bloody war in which 70,000 people were believed to have been perished. http://aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-army-chief-visits-ethiopian-capital/1025374

6.1.2018 Sudan shuts border with Eritrea . Fana Broadcasting Corporation Sudan has shut its eastern border with Eritrea, state media reported Saturday, days after Khartoum declared an emergency in the neighboring state of Kassala. "The governor of Kassala issued a decree to close all border crossings with Eritrea from the night of January 5," the official SUNA news agency reported. It did not explain why the border was closed but said the decision comes after President Omar al-Bashir declared on December 30 a state of emergency in Kasala and in North Kordofan state for six months. Officials have said that decision was part of a government campaign to collect illegal arms in those two states. A resident of Kassala told AFP that hundreds of Sudanese soldiers, several military vehicles and tanks had crossed through the town towards the border with Eritrea over the past two days. Thousands of Eritreans, fleeing a repressive regime at home, cross into Sudan illegally through the border with Kassala every year and later make perilous voyages across the Mediterranean to Europe. Apart from Kassala and North Kordofan, a state of emergency is in place in Sudan's war-torn regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. http://www.fanabc.com/english/index.php/news/item/11008-sudan-shuts-border-with-eritrea

26.12.2017 Egypt's Shoukry proposes World Bank as third party on Ethiopian dam technical studies . ahramonline Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry suggested in a meeting on Tuesday with Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu that the World Bank act as an impartial third party in the technical committee studying the effects of construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on downstream countries. Shoukry said that the bank has experience that could facilitate reaching an agreement within the tripartite committee, according to ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid. Shoukry expressed Egypt's trust in the World Bank's impartiality and its ability to use efficient technical experts, adding that he will submit this recommendation to Sudan within days. Gebeyehu promised to study the Egyptian proposal and respond in the earliest opportunity. The meeting between Shoukry and Gebeyehu was held in Ethiopia's Addis Ababa to discuss "breaking the deadlock" regarding the work of the tripartite technical committee of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. The Egyptian minister stressed how critical the Nile's water supply is for Egypt's security, adding that "promises and good intentions are not enough." Shoukry said the three countries should be committed to the framework of the March 2015 trilateral agreement known as the Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, particularly in regards to the dam's filling process and annual operations.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Shoukry also expressed Egypt's concern over the setbacks in the work of the tripartite technical committee, which is impeding progress on the impact studies. Last November, negotiations between the three countries broke down over how to conduct technical studies of the dam's potential impact on downstream countries, where Egypt approved the initial report by the European consultancy firms, though Ethiopia and Sudan demanded major amendments to the proposed studies. Shoukry said that Egypt approved the initial report given that it is a technical study that bears neither interpretation nor politicisation, adding that Egypt trusts the professionalism and impartiality of the consultancy firm. Shoukry also stressed that the Declaration of Principles is clear on the importance of conducting the studies before the filling process begins and that all three countries should be in agreement on the rules of filling and operating the dam. Gebeyehu said that his country is committed to the Declaration of Principles and the success of negotiations and cooperation between the three countries, stressing that Ethiopia has no intention of harming Egypt's water interests. Shoukry also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, where they discussed the upcoming visit by Desalegn to Cairo in January, Abo Zeid said. Shoukry and Desalegn also discussed bilateral relations as well as the challenges facing negotiations over the Renaissance Dam. According to the Declaration of Principles, disputes should initially be referred to the ministerial level. If the disputes are not resolved, they should be referred to the level of foreign ministers, and then to the presidential level. Referring the dispute on the studies to the ministerial level took five months, after which it was referred to the higher level of foreign ministers, according to Egypt's State Information Service. The dam, situated near Ethiopia's border with Sudan, is slated for completion next year and is expected to generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity. Ethiopia hopes to be able to export electricity generated by the dam, which will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa. Egypt, however, has expressed concerns that the dam might reduce its share of Nile water that stands at 55 million cubic metres currently. Ethiopia maintains that the dam will not have any negative impact on Egypt or Sudan. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/286058/-.aspx

9.12.2017 Dam Deadlock . Asrat Seyoum, The Reporter If the recent rhetoric from Egypt’s politicians and some government officials is something to go by, the spirit of negotiation among the three nations – Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia – regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is fast disappearing. In a matter of a few weeks, the president, ministers and parliamentarians of Egypt started taking a hostile path against Ethiopia and the GERD. What is odd is the speed with which the tripartite cooperation has shifted to tension (…) Zum vollständigen langen Artikel: http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/dam-deadlock

9.12.2017 „Sache von leben und Tod“. Wer herrscht über den Nil? ntv Äthiopien gehört zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt. Mit einem gigantischen Staudamm-Projekt am Nil wähnt sich das Land auf dem Sprung in eine neue Zeit. Doch am Wasserstand des Flusses hängen auch Wohl und Wehe anderer Staaten. Wie eine Pyramide thront der Staudamm über dem Blauen Nil. Das massive Betonbauwerk ragt 145 Meter aus der äthiopischen Erde. Stufen, gebaut wie für Riesen, führen hoch zum etwa zwei Kilometer langen Kamm des Damms, der zwei Berggipfel verbindet. Bauarbeiter mit roten Helmen, die auf der Betonmauer arbeiten, wirken wie Miniaturfiguren. Sie hauchen dem grauen Bauwerk Leben ein, das sonst einem Science-Fiction-Film entsprungen scheint. Das Wasser des Blauen Nils rauscht durch den Staudamm gen Westen. Rund 40 Kilometer entfernt liegt die Grenze zum Nachbarland Sudan, das im Dunst des Morgens kaum zu erkennen ist. In Khartum schließt er sich mit dem Weißen Nil zusammen, von dort fließt der Nil durch Ägypten zum Mittelmeer. An den Fluten des Nils hängen die Hoffnungen der ganzen Region - und die Sorgen. Bislang streiten die Nil-Staaten, statt bei der Verwaltung des mächtigen Nils zu kooperieren, was große Gefahren berge, warnen Beobachter. Der neue Staudamm droht, den Konflikt um das Wasser des Flusses eskalieren zu lassen. Das Säbelrasseln hat schon längst begonnen: Das Wasser sei eine "Sache von Leben und Tod", warnte jüngst Ägyptens Präsident Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Im abgelegenen Nordwesten Äthiopiens entsteht derzeit der größte Staudamm Afrikas. Für das Land ist der Bau des Großen Staudamms der Äthiopischen Wiedergeburt (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD) ein beispielloses Unterfangen. Es ist das bislang größte Infrastrukturprojekt des Landes. Bereits bis zu 63 Prozent fertiggestellt, soll er nach äthiopischen Angaben künftig bis zu 6450 Megawatt Strom aus Wasserkraft erzeugen. Das entspräche etwa der Leistung von vier Reaktoren eines modernen Kernkraftwerks. Der Damm soll die Entwicklung Äthiopiens kräftig ankurbeln. Zwar ist das Land in diesem Jahr einer Prognose der Weltbank zufolge die am schnellsten wachsende Wirtschaft der Welt. Doch in dem Staat mit rund 100 Millionen Einwohnern herrschen immer noch große Armut und Arbeitslosigkeit. Mehr als nur ein Damm Die Regierung will Äthiopien wirtschaftlich nach vorne katapultieren und Industrien anziehen. Doch dafür wird Elektrizität benötigt - ohne ständige Stromausfälle. In Äthiopien hatten 2014 der Weltbank zufolge aber nur knapp 30 Prozent der Bevölkerung Zugang zu Strom. "Der Damm wird uns erlauben, unseren gemeinsamen Gegner zu bekämpfen: Armut", sagt der Chef-Ingenieur des Bauprojekts, Semegnew Bekele, stolzerfüllt. Die Wände seines dunklen Büros in der Kleinstadt, die vorübergehend am Fuße des Damms entstanden ist, sind übersäht mit Postern und gerahmten Fotos des ehemaligen Ministerpräsidenten Äthiopiens, Meles Zenawi, der das Projekt auf den Weg gebracht hat. Für Bekele, wie für die meisten Äthiopier, ist der Wiedergeburt-Damm weitaus mehr als ein Staudamm. Er wird als Symbol der Unabhängigkeit und Willensstärke Äthiopiens gesehen, eines von nur zwei Ländern Afrikas, die niemals kolonialisiert wurden. Die

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Baukosten von rund vier Milliarden US-Dollar werden, so heißt es offiziell, von Äthiopien selbst finanziert. Bürger wurden aufgerufen, Anleihen zu kaufen, und Staatsbedienstete müssen einen Teil ihres Gehalts abgeben. Ägypten hängt am Fluss - wortwörtlich Doch dieser Alleingang Äthiopiens sorgt flussabwärts für große Furcht. Kein Land auf der Welt sieht sein Schicksal so eng mit dem Lauf eines Flusses verknüpft wie Ägypten. Der griechische Historiker Herodot bezeichnete das Land einst als "Geschenk des Nils". Ägypten beziehe etwa 97 Prozent seines Wassers aus dem Fluss, sagt Michele Dunne, die Nahost-Leiterin der Denkfabrik Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - vor allem für die Landwirtschaft. Ein Großteil davon kommt aus dem äthiopischen Hochland. Seit Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts reguliert Ägypten selbst mit einer Staumauer und später dem Staudamm in Assuan die Wasserstände des Nils. Mit dem riesigen Nasser-Stausee sollte das Land vor allem vor Dürreperioden und Überschwemmungen geschützt werden. Doch mit einer wachsenden Bevölkerung und schlechter Wasserwirtschaft bewege sich Ägypten "ohnehin in den nächsten fünf Jahren auf eine Wasserkrise zu", sagt Dunne. Die Angst, Addis Abeba könnte Kairo den Wasserhahn abdrehen, ist daher groß. "Niemand darf Ägyptens Wasser antasten", erklärte jüngst Ägyptens Präsident Al-Sisi. Drei Mal der Bodensee Seit Jahren bauen sich Spannungen zwischen Äthiopien und Ägypten auf. Gegenseitiges Misstrauen und scharfe Rhetorik prägen den Diskurs. Der derzeit größte Streitpunkt ist das Reservoir, das hinter dem Damm entstehen und 74 Milliarden Kubikmeter Wasser halten soll. Der See wird eine Fläche von 1874 Quadratkilometern abdecken - mehr als drei Mal so groß wie der Bodensee. Das Füllen des Reservoirs ist ein besonders heikles Thema. Denn je schneller dieser gefüllt wird, desto weniger Wasser fließt in den Sudan und nach Ägypten. Darüber eine Einigung zu erzielen, ist äußerst kompliziert. Denn es sei unklar, wie viel Wasser Jahr für Jahr den Nil hinab fließen werde, erklärt der Ingenieur und Professor am Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, Kenneth Strzepek. Der Klimawandel komme als Unsicherheitsfaktor dazu. "Wenn Ägypten und Äthiopien also versuchen, eine klare Einigung darüber zu erzielen, wie viel Wasser jährlich zurückgehalten und wie viel durchgelassen wird, gibt es für beide ein Risiko." Projektleiter Bekele geht der Frage nach dem Füllen des Reservoirs stets aus dem Weg. Man werde nicht auf Kosten anderer die Entwicklung des Landes vorantreiben, versichert der Ingenieur. Auch Äthiopiens Wasserminister Sileshi Bekele versprach jüngst: "Der Füllungsprozess wird über eine lange Zeitspanne stattfinden, ohne die natürliche Flussströmung zu beeinträchtigen." Doch die Beschwichtigungen wirken in Ägypten kaum. Ein Fluss - zwei Staudämme - kein Plan Auch wenn diese Hürde bewältigt ist, steht weiteres Konfliktpotenzial bevor. Ägypten könnte dauerhaft weniger Wasser erhalten. Ein 1959 unterschriebener Vertrag sprach Ägypten 55,5 Milliarden und dem Sudan 18,5 Milliarden Kubikmeter des Wassers zu - Äthiopien und andere Nil-Staaten wurden gar nicht bedacht. Der Sudan war bislang stark an den natürlichen Strom des Nils gebunden: In der Regensaison gibt es viel Wasser, in der Trockenzeit wenig. Doch mit einem vom äthiopischen Damm regulierten Strom werde der Sudan eine mehr oder weniger konstante Wassermenge erhalten, sagt Strzepek. Somit könne das Land künftig mehr Wasser beziehen als zuvor, um nicht nur eine, sondern zwei Ernten pro Jahr einzufahren. Der Sudan hat längst die Vorteile für sich erkannt und Äthiopien seine Unterstützung zugesagt. Doch auch Ägypten könne letztendlich vom Staudamm profitieren, sagt Ingenieur Kevin Wheeler vom Environmental Change Institute an der Oxford Universität, der seit Jahren zu dem Damm forscht. Da der äthiopische Stausee höher und in einem kühleren Klima liegt, verdunstet das Wasser weniger schnell als in Ägyptens Nasser-See. Ein zusätzliches Reservoir flussaufwärts bedeute zudem mehr Wassersicherheit für Ägypten in trockenen Jahren, sagt Wheeler - wenn die Länder eng miteinander zusammenarbeiten. Und das ist der Knackpunkt: "Ich kenne keine andere Situation, in der zwei Staudämme dieser Größenordnung auf einem Fluss betrieben werden, ohne einen Plan, wie man die beiden koordiniert." Das Ganze benötige eine starke Kooperation und Vertrauen, sagt Strzepek - "und Vertrauen gibt es wenig". Womöglich könnten internationale Akteure eingreifen, um eine für beide Seiten akzeptable Lösung zu finden, wie Dunne sagt. Auch könnten demnach Addis Abeba und Kairo noch selbst zu einer Einigung kommen. Doch auch eine militärische Provokation Ägyptens sei denkbar. "Eine Sicherheitskrise steht nicht unmittelbar bevor, aber es ist möglich." Während die Staaten noch immer nach einem Ausweg aus der politischen Hängepartie suchen, drängt die Zeit. Täglich rückt der Damm seiner Fertigstellung näher. Das Reservoir sei bereits vorbereitet worden, die Bäume seien abgeholzt, sagt der leitende Ingenieur Bekele und zeigt auf die Baumgrenze im Seebecken, die nun etwa auf der Höhe des Damm-Kammes liegt. Dass Äthiopien die Zügel in der Hand hält, ist dem Land sicherlich bewusst. Wasserminister Bekele hat selbst gesagt: "Es ist undenkbar, dass Äthiopien den Bau des Dammes stoppen wird." https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Wer-herrscht-ueber-den-Nil-article20171542.html

28.11.2017 TPLF is considering ceasing to arm Eritrean opposition groups and relinquishing Badme to Eritrea. Unchanging for nearly 17 years, Ethiopian diplomacy is poised to undergo a radical overhaul. African Intelligence Under the auspices of the minister of foreign affairs Workneh Gebeyechu, an inner circle composed of Ethiopia's permanent representative to the UN, Tekeda Alemu, the diplomatic veteran and new ambassador to China, Berhane Gebre-Christos, and the vice president of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development, Moges Tesfamichael, is actively engaged in overhauling Ethiopian foreign policy. Their aim is to take account of the growing military and diplomatic cooperation between Ethiopia and Sudan (encouraged largely by Washington), the efforts on the part of Egypt to smooth its relations with Sudan, the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and above all Ethiopia's interest in resuming relations and dialogue with its Eritrean rival. The Ethiopian government is, for instance, thinking of ceasing to arm Eritrean opposition groups, and at the most recent meeting of the TPLF central committee in Mekele the possibility of relinquishing Badme to Eritrea was discussed. Ethiopian diplomats would also like to maintain a delicate balance in 129

Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 relation to Mogadishu and Hargeisa. However, regarding the question of the dispute with Egypt over the sharing of Nile waters, their policy remains unchanged and Addis Ababa wants to keep up the pressure on Cairo and Khartoum to ratify the Entebbe accord, which stipulates the terms for redistributing the waters of the Nile. Overall, the country's new foreign policy will seek to emphasise Ethiopia's increasingly important role in regional mediation, especially when it comes to resolving the outstanding problems in South Sudan and Somalia. An initial outline of this foreign policy strategy will be discussed with the relevant parties at the end of January and the policy is due to be put into effect within the next six months. http://www.durame.com/2017/11/ethiopia-tplf-is-considering-ceasing-to.html

16.11.2017 All options are on the table: MP on Renaissance Dam crisis . Noha El Tawil, Egypt Today Hisham Magdy, member of the parliament's African Affairs Committee, announced on Thursday that he is putting forward a motion to inquire about the measures taken by the government regarding the Renaissance Dam crisis to preserve Egypt’s water shares. “All options are on the table. We will never dispose of any drop of our water shares, as this is considered our right to live. The prolongation of negotiations by Ethiopia over 16 sessions and the Sudanese non-cooperation are alarming. It is possible that we will go to the Security Council and International Court of Justice,” Magdy told El-Watan newspaper. The MP stressed that Egypt will not forfeit its water shares indicated in the 1902 Agreement as 55.5 billion cubic meters. He added that Ethiopia’s goal of building the dam is political rather than developmental as it does not suffer from water shortage, and thus, could have built a dam with a lesser capacity to generate electricity. “Ethiopia wants to harm Egypt’s water shares. It has political goals, and is backed by other countries,” Magdy said. Cairo hosted a Tripartite National Committee on Renaissance Dam (TNCRD) meeting on Sunday. They met to discuss the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. However, the meeting ended without reaching consensus. The meeting has become a subject of concern among experts, parliament members, and former officials. Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Mohamed Abdel-Ati, said that TNCRD did not reach an agreement on adopting guidelines. The guidelines were indicated in a report prepared by a technical committee on the effects of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile Basin States after two days of talks. Abdel-Ati declared that Egypt approves of the report’s outcomes, but the Ethiopian and Sudanese did not express consensus and called for amendments. Egypt halted all negotiations and said that all future decisions are at the hand of the cabinet. (…) http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/2/32809/All-options-are-on-the-table-MP-on-Renaissance-Dam

3.11.2017 Ethiopia to Voice Stand of Least Developed Countries in COP23 . ENA Ethiopia will reflect the stand of Least Developed Countries in the upcoming 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Climate Change Conference, according to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Briefing the media today, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minster, Dr. Gemedo Dale said the country will reflect the position of itself and other developing countries on various climate change issues, including the Paris Agreement. He added that Ethiopia is leading 48 of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). According to the Minister, the country has submitted 20 different documents that reflect the stand of LDCs on environment and climate change. Preparations are also made to make bilateral and multilateral negotiations for mutual benefits. Accordingly, some 24 persons drawn from governmental organizations and 30 persons from non-governmental organizations will take part in the conference. The Minister said the conference is in addition expected to finalize pending issues, including the adaptation fund to implement the Paris Agreement. The UN Climate Change Conference will take place from 6 to 17 November in Bonn, Germany, which is the seat of the UN Climate Change Secretariat. http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/environment/item/3912-ethiopia-to-voice-stand-of-least-developed-countries-in-cop23

3.11.2017 Eritrea slams media, Ethiopia-based detractors over 'fake' deaths in Asmara . africanews.com The Eritrean government has formally responded to media reports suggesting that protests in the capital Asmara had led to deaths. The government categorically dismissed reports that protesters had died from gunfire discharge by security forces deployed to quell the protests of October 31, 2017. Information Minister, Yemane Ghebre Meskel in a series of tweets on Thursday slammed a former BBC reporter, Martin Plaut, blaming him for false reports and spin. According to him “subversive groups and quislings based/linked to Ethiopia” were also behind the reports. The Associated Press (AP) correspondent based in Ethiopia, Elias Meseret Taye also came in for criticism after he filed a report that suggested that over 20 people had been killed in the protest citing opposition politicians. The said protest is a rare incident in the Eritrean capital, it was started after students of a community based school hit the streets asking for the release of a prominent member of their school who was reportedly arrested for resisting state regulating affairs of the school. In other developments, the security swoop that led to the arrest of people believed to be linked to the protest was confirmed whiles fresh reports indicate that the children among the arrested party have since been released. There has been a return to normalcy in the capital and the school has reportedly been reopened. Eritrea is a religious nation whose population are predominantly Muslims and Christians. It is not considered a democratic country because it does not have a functional constitution since attaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993. The two countries are yet to ratify a border demarcation agreement signed in Algiers between President Afwerki and former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. Private media is almost non-existent and the government has jailed a number of press men over the years. A United Nations rights expert continues to accuse the Isaias Afwerki government of gross human rights abuse.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 http://www.africanews.com/2017/11/03/eritrea-slams-media-ethiopia-based-detractors-over-fake-deaths-in-asmara/

2.11.2017 Unruhen und Gerüchte in Asmara . Dominic Johnson, taz Eritrea ist einer der repressivsten Staaten der Welt und ein Hauptherkunftsland afrikanischer Flüchtlinge in Europa. Freie Wahlen, legale Opposition und freie Meinungsäußerung gibt es im Land von Diktator Isaias Afeworki am Roten Meer nicht. Umso mehr Aufmerksamkeit erregt es daher, wenn es in der Hauptstadt Asmara zu Unruhen kommt. Entsprechende Berichte gehen seit Dienstagnachmittag um die Welt. Zu sehen auf Videos sind Menschenmengen, die auf der Straße davonrennen, begleitet von ratternden Schüssen aus automatischen Gewehren. Die US-Botschaft in Asmara rief am Dienstagabend dazu auf, „Downtown“ zu meiden. Auslöser der Proteste war Berichten zufolge die Inhaftierung eines 90 Jahre alten Imams. Haji Musa Mohamed Nur wurde festgenommen, weil er in einer Rede am 15. Oktober die von der Regierung vor drei Jahren beschlossene und ab diesem Schuljahr vollzogene Verstaatlichung aller Schulen kritisierte. „Verschleierungsverbot“ als Auslöser? Diese betrifft nämlich auch privat geführte religiöse Bildungseinrichtungen wie Haji Musas islamische Schule Al-Diyaa, die nach eigenen Angaben 2.800 Schülerinnen und Schüler hat. Verstaatlichung bedeutet unter anderem: säkulare Kleidungsvorschriften. Damit ist der islamische Hidschab nicht mehr gestattet. In manchen Meldungen ist von einem „Verschleierungsverbot“ als Auslöser der Proteste die Rede. Auszüge aus Haji Musas Brandrede, von saudischen Quellen verbreitet, zeigen, dass es um sehr viel mehr geht. Der alte Schulleiter spricht der Regierung das Recht ab, seiner Schule Vorschriften zu machen. (…) Ein multikonfessionelles Land Die Sorge vor islamistischen Umtrieben im multireligiösen Eritrea, wo Muslime und Christen eigentlich friedlich zusammenleben, ist groß. Das Land steht auf Seiten Saudi-Arabiens im Konflikt mit Katar und in Jemen, aber es wird beschuldigt, islamistische Rebellen in Somalia zu unterstützen. Mangelnde Religionsfreiheit in Eritrea gehört zu den Kritikpunkten wiederholter UN-Menschenrechtsuntersuchungen. Anhänger der Regierung verweisen darauf, dass die Proteste „friedlich“ aufgelöst worden seien. Ganz im Gegenteil beispielsweise zum großen Nachbarn Äthiopien, wo vergangenes Jahr Hunderte Menschen der Niederschlagung von Aufständen zum Opfer fielen. Aber eritreische Oppositionskreise behaupten, es habe 28 Tote gegeben, und es seien Demonstranten aller Konfessionen auf die Straße gegangen. Nun kursieren Aufrufe zu weiteren Protesten – und zu weltweiten Solidaritätsaktionen am Freitag. http://www.taz.de/Demonstrationen-in-Eritrea/!5457246/

1.11.2017 28 killed in rare protests in Eritrea, opposition group says. Elias meseret, Associated Press, Addis Ababa At least 28 people have been killed in rare protests in the capital of Eritrea, one of the world's most reclusive nations, an official with the largest Eritrean opposition group said Wednesday. Another more than 100 people were injured in the protests in Asmara that began on Monday and escalated on Tuesday, spokesman Nasredin Ali with the Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization told The Associated Press, citing sources on the ground in Eritrea. The group is based in neighboring Ethiopia . The U.S. Embassy in Eritrea late Tuesday reported gunfire "at several locations in Asmara due to protests" and advised U.S. citizens to avoid the downtown area. The statement did not say why the protests occurred. Nasredin's claims of deaths and injuries could not be independently verified. He said the demand by Eritrea's government to control a Muslim community school in Asmara led to the clashes. "Following the refusal to hand over the school, some 40 people were arrested and this led to the massive protests," he said, adding that Asmara was tense on Wednesday as a funeral ceremony took place. "The army is bringing forces from outside the capital." Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Meskel downplayed the reports of unrest, saying on Twitter that "small demonstration by one school in Asmara dispersed without any casualty hardly breaking news." Eritrean officials at the African Union mission in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, were not immediately available for comment. The small East African nation is a major source of migrants arriving in Europe. Its government has long faced criticism by human rights advocates over its harsh military conscription laws. The government has denied allegations of abuses. According to a State Department report in 2016 on international religious freedom, roughly half of Eritrea's population is Sunni Muslim and the country's government includes Sunni Islam as one of four officially registered religious groups. Other practices of Islam are banned. The report also says religious education is allowed in private schools but religious groups are prohibited from any involvement in politics. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-embassy-reports-gunfire-rare-protests-eritrea-50856041

1.11.2017 Ethiopian Troops Enter Somalia, Back Offensive Against Al-Shabab . Mohamed Olad Hassan, VoA Hundreds of heavily-armed Ethiopian troops have crossed into Somalia, reportedly to assist a Somali government offensive against al- Shabab militants. Residents in the border town of Dolow, in Somalia's Gedo region, say they saw at least 30 vehicles carrying Ethiopian troops crossing into Somalia late Tuesday. Witnesses who spoke to VOA Somali on condition of anonymity estimated that 1,000 Ethiopian soldiers entered Somalia. One resident said the troops were riding military vehicles and pickup trucks mounted with machine guns. Ethiopia has thousands of troops in Somalia as a part of AMISOM, the African Union force fighting al-Shabab. Regional authorities contacted by VOA on Wednesday confirmed the new Ethiopian military movements. "The Ethiopian troops as a part of AMISOM have already been in the region, and their current movement is part of the response to the Somali president's call for a massive attack on al- Shabab militants," said Mohamed Husein al-Qadi, the deputy governor of Gedo region.

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Press Review 10 October 2017 - 17 February 2018 Local residents say they have not seen such heavy Ethiopian troop movements since 2016, when Ethiopian troops, who were not part of AMISOM, vacated a series of military bases, sparking fears of a militant resurgence and a possible setback for African Union efforts to stabilize Somalia. The report of the new Ethiopian troops crossing into Somalia came as Somali government troops and their African Union allies prepare for a large-scale offensive against al-Shabab militants, according to multiple witnesses and government officials. In advance of the offensive, the Somali government's top leaders and the leaders of Somalia's federal member states are meeting in Mogadishu for a second day to resolve political differences over the recent Saudi Arabia-Qatar diplomatic dispute. During the opening of the forum Tuesday, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed threatened to retaliate for the truck bombing of a busy Mogadishu intersection on Oct. 14 that killed more than 300 people. Al-Shabab did not claim responsibility for the blast, but officials blamed the group and few Somalis doubt the accusation. Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire vowed Wednesday to defeat al-Shabab as he spoke at a graduation ceremony for more than 300 Somali National Army soldiers. The soldiers were trained at a military base in Mogadishu run by the United Arab Emirates. Khaire said the troops signal the government's commitment to "liberating our country from al-Shabab, the terrorist group. We have a full confidence that these troops will return the image of Somalia by eradicating the terrorists." https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-troops-somalia-offensive-al-shabab/4095621.html

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