Shewit Wudassie 🦋

#Ethiopia’s right to sea access must advance with ‘diplomatic, legal clarity’: National Security Council Ethiopia’s National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and composed of senior army, police, and intelligence officials, said the country’s diplomatic and legal efforts to secure access to the sea must continue with “the clarity and direction already established.” In a statement released after its meeting on Tuesday, the Council described sea access as central to “safeguarding national interests” and emphasized that the initiatives launched to assert this right should be pursued through “diplomatic, legal, and peaceful” means. It also praised Ethiopia’s “expanding diplomatic footprint” and reaffirmed the government's commitment to “regional integration and peace,” asserting that Ethiopia’s approach is aimed at “promoting stability in the Horn of Africa” and “resolving conflicts peacefully.” At the domestic level, the Council acknowledged ongoing security concerns, particularly in #Amhara and #Oromia regions, where groups “continue to pursue their interests through force.” It said efforts were underway in conflict-affected areas and noted that in #Tigray, while peace remains incomplete, government initiatives have allowed residents to “begin experiencing relief.” The Council also accused unnamed “domestic and foreign actors” of attempting to destabilize the country through “violence, disinformation, and economic sabotage,” warning that such groups “reject dialogue and negotiation” and exploit “legal political platforms for illegal acts.” A new directive, it said, has been issued to strengthen institutional coordination to “combat organized economic crimes” and protect national stability. addisstandard.com/?p=49692

"We want to make peace with the #Eritreans," Getachew Reda, President of #Tigray Interim Administration Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peaceful relations with Eritrea despite ongoing challenges. "We want to make peace with the Eritreans; war must no longer be an option," he stated during an interview with Avvenire, an Italian daily newspaper, while visiting #Italy for the Cuamm "Doctors with Africa" meeting in Turin. However, Getachew emphasized the need for an international mechanism to ensure justice, saying, "Negotiations cannot occur without accountability for those accused of violence against civilians and women." While the Pretoria peace agreement has largely silenced the guns in Tigray, Getachew highlighted that Eritrean troops continue to occupy areas such as Irob. He urged Ethiopia's federal government to fulfill its commitments under the agreement, stating, "The withdrawal of foreign forces is not just a legal obligation; it’s a necessity for lasting peace." Getachew also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray, where over a million displaced people remain unable to return home. "The war has devastated agriculture and infrastructure. Many hospitals and schools were destroyed, and rebuilding them will take time," he explained. He acknowledged some progress in restoring services and noted ongoing cooperation with #Addis_Abeba. Praising Italy’s support, Getachew said, "The work Italy and Cuamm are doing in Tigray, from rebuilding hospitals to supplying medical resources, is exemplary." He called for greater international support to rebuild the region and ensure lasting peace, adding, "We must create a foundation for dialogue and reconciliation." avvenire.it/mondo/pagine/get…?

#Ethiopia: Tourism industry, local economy faces major setback with the destruction of #Aksum Airport during the #Tigray war addisstandard.com/in-depth-a… The Aksum Airport, once a vital hub for tourists, has been reduced to ruins due to the devastating Tigray war, causing distress among locals and impacting the tourism sector. The closure and destruction of the airport have left the city's residents without a crucial link to the outside world, leading to economic crises for individuals and businesses. The absence of tourists has affected the livelihoods of many, including those selling souvenirs, providing taxi services, and working at hotels and restaurants. The war has also caused damage to infrastructure and services, including telecom and internet connectivity. Stakeholders have voiced concerns about the airport's future and the need for government intervention to revive the tourism industry. The absence of reliable transportation services has hindered the flow of both local and international tourists to the historic town of Tigray. The impact of the airport's non-operational state has led to social, economic, and psychological problems among residents. The restoration of the airport and tourism industry is crucial for the city to thrive once again.

#Ethiopia: #Tigray region’s tourism destinations to reopen after years of closure addisstandard.com/news-tigra… After being closed for nearly three years, tourist destinations in the Tigray region are set to reopen this week. The head of the Tigray Tourism Bureau, Atsbha Gebreegziabher, announced plans for a tourism rebranding program in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism. This program, launching on this Thursday, aims to revive the hospitality industry and promote the region's attractions. The Tigray conflict had a significant impact on Ethiopia's tourism sector, but now, with attractions such as the #Axum_Obelisks and #Gheralta_Mountains accessible again, visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Tigray. Authorities say measures will be taken to ensure the safety of both local and international tourists.

#Sudan: Burhan mends fences with #Kenya, #Ethiopia as Hamdok returns Sudan’s leader of the Transitional Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was this week recording new successes on the diplomatic front, shaking hands with Kenya’s President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It happened as ousted prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resurfaced as the face of the alternative political movements seeking a role in the transitional dialogue in Sudan. Sudan’s leader of the Transitional Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was this week recording new successes on the diplomatic front, shaking hands with Kenya’s President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It happened as ousted prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resurfaced as the face of the alternative political movements seeking a role in the transitional dialogue in Sudan. “Efforts to bring all the concerned parties in the Sudan conflict together to resolve the conflict are in top gear. It is important that all stakeholders in the Sudan are involved in reaching a solution that will stop the loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and property and return the country to normalcy,” Ruto said. theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/res…

#Ethiopia: Tragic fact behind viral photo of five youth dumped in a ditch in Western Oromia addisstandard.com/news-tragi… According to the sources, the incident happened in Qilxu Karra town of Qilxu Karra district in West #Wollega Zone, Western #Oromia. The five young men seen in the photo are residents of Qilxu Karra town. They are: Obsi Dinagde, Tesfaye Terfasa, Iyassu Kassahun, Abebe Dhufera & Dessalegn Bulcha. Around two weeks ago, they were detained by government forces on allegations of having links with the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) and were taken to a military camp stationed in the town near the Qilxu Karra secondary school. Last week, their photo, which is blurred by Addis Standard, was released through social media by what the sources believe were local security forces. @Birmaduu2 reported

#Tigrayans continue to be targeted In #Ethiopia despite the ceasefire forbes.com/sites/ewelinaocha… “Because of the specific targeting of Tigrayans in Ethiopia, during the 2-year long conflict, but also since the ceasefire, in June 2023, Parliamentarians in the U.K. launched an inquiry into the situation of the community, the Tigray Inquiry. The Tigray Inquiry is led by the All Party Parliamentary Group on International Law, Justice and Accountability, chaired by Brendan O’Hara MP, Lord Alton of Liverpool and Baroness Kennedy KC, and conducted with the assistance of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute. The inquiry is to consider the situation and make preliminary findings and recommendations for the U.K. Government.”