Irish entrepreneurs head to Ethiopia to help it improve its tourism offering

ALISON HEALY, Food and Farming Correspondent

A GROUP of tourism and catering experts more used to catering to the most privileged in Ireland will be helping some of Ethiopia’s least privileged next week by letting them in on the tricks of the tourism trade.

Chef Kevin Thornton, who owns and runs a Michelin-starred restaurant, and hotelier and television presenter Francis Brennan, who owns the Park Hotel in Kenmare, are leading a 14-strong team of people with backgrounds in tourism, catering, marketing and crafts.

Saudi embassy linked with terrorist funding in Ethiopia

The wife of a senior Ethiopian politician was on Monday charged with funneling money from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Islamist terror groups, at a hearing at the Ethiopian Federal High Court, on Monday.

Habiba Mohammed, wife of former Minister for the Civil Service Junedin Sado, was one of 29 Muslim activists accused of criminal conspiracy to commit unspecified acts of terrorism — charges that could attract the death penalty.

Those arrested were accused of belonging to, or supporting, the “Solution Seekers of the Muslim Community’s Problems”, a group that the prosecution contended is a terrorist organisation. Lawyers for the accused denied the charges.

A predominantly Christian country, Ethiopia has positioned itself as a bulwark in the U.S.-led war on terror in East Africa and has promulgated laws, such as the anti-terrorism proclamation 652 of 2009, which have an unusually broad definition of terrorism.

According to the prosecution, Ms. Habiba allegedly tried to steal 1.5 million Ethiopian Birr (approximately Rs. 45 lakh) from the Islamic Council of Ethiopia. He also allegedly received more than 50,000 ETB from the Saudi Arabian Embassy to fund “illegal activities” amongst Ethiopia’s Muslim population.

Nazret.com

Briefing on the AU Police and Civilian Training Exercise

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 29, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Invitation to representatives of the Media and Press Attaches of the AUC Member States

What: The African Union Commission will conduct a week long police and civilian training exercise in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and has the pleasure to invite the Media and Press Attaches of the AUC Member States to a briefing on the exercise.

When: Wednesday 31 October, 2012 at 11:40 am

Where: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

New AU Conference Complex (Media Briefing Room TBC)

Who: Amb. Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security, Mr. Bam Sivuyile, Head of Peace Support Operations Division and General Samaila Iliya, Exercise Coordinator will brief the Media and Press Attaches of the AUC Member States on the exercise after the opening ceremony.

Why: The AU Police and Civilian Focused Exercise aims to build the police and civilian capacities of the African Standby Force (ASF) as a step towards achieving operational readiness by 2015. The exercise is also aimed at enhancing the multi-dimensional character of the ASF and was one of the needs identified by the AMANI Africa Command Post Exercise carried out in October 2010.
http://www.starafrica.com

Protesters Show Bad Taste at Meles Memorial in Harlem | In Defense of Susan Rice

By David Shinn


Together with three other former U.S. ambassadors to Ethiopia, I attended the memorial service for Meles Zenawi on 27 October 2012 at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in the Harlem section of New York. Among the persons who made remarks were Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and Susan Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

I was saddened by some of the vituperative and just plain disrespectful remarks (usually by anonymous individuals) that subsequently appeared on Ethiopian websites in response to the remarks of Ambassador Rice. While I was not invited to make remarks, I have no doubt that whatever I might have said would also have been harshly criticized by these same individuals. Like Ambassador Rice, I have disagreed both as a representative of the U.S. government and as a private individual with some of the policies of Prime Minister Meles. But in spite of these disagreements, I always respected Meles as a person and the office that he held.

The event at the Abyssinian Baptist Church was a memorial to a deceased person; it was not a political rally. It was the wrong time and place to express such hostility. But lest the readers of the hostile blog postings think this was a major protest rally, let me make one point crystal clear. I walked from my hotel in Harlem to the Church on Saturday morning and passed across the street from all SIX protesters at fifteen minutes before nine, when the service began. At the conclusion of the service I returned to my hotel at about noon. The number of protestors had grown to between ten and twelve. Perhaps there were several more present when the service was underway and they decided to leave before noon. But this was a very small group of protestors.

African Women Championship: Ivory Coast defeats Ethiopia 5-0 in Group B opener

Bata, Equatorial Guinea – The Ethiopian national women soccer team “Dinkinesh” (Lucy) suffered a huge loss in its Group B opener of the 8th African Women Championship here today when it lost 5-0 to the Ivory Coast.
In today’s other match, Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-1.
Ethiopia’s next match is against Nigeria on Thursday, November 1.
Meanwhile, host Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo defeated South Africa and Senegal 1-0 respectively in Group A matches played yesterday.
http://www.ethiosports.com

The Ogaden cause and its implications for regional security

Female members of the ONLF attend the ceremony where their group signed a peace dealwith the
Ethiopian authorities in Addis Ababa on October 12, 2010. 

Any hopes for an imminent end to conflict in Ethiopia’s Somali region were dashed earlier this month when talks between the government and the separatist Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) broke down.

Hosted by Kenya's government in Nairobi, the negotiations started in September, with Ethiopia's delegation led by Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa and the ONLF team headed by Abdirahman Mahdi, the group's foreign secretary. Meeting on September 6 and 7, the two sides agreed on the modalities of the negotiation process, the general principles that would form the basis of resolving the conflict and the initial agenda, ONLF said in a statement.

Despite optimism from both parties, the talks fell at the first hurdle, with the Ethiopian government insisting the rebels first accept the country's constitution, a demand rejected by the ONLF as a breach of the talks’ agreed modalities.

Ethiopia charges 29 Muslims under anti-terror law

ADDIS ABABA — Twenty-nine Ethiopian Muslims were charged Monday with plotting acts of "terrorism", the majority arrested after protests accusing the government of interference in religious affairs.
According to court documents, the group is accused of "intending to advance a political, religious or ideological cause" by force and the "planning, preparation, conspiracy, incitement and attempt of terrorist acts."
The 29 accused -- including nine prominent Muslim leaders -- were jailed following protests in July staged by Muslims against the government.
Among the accused was Habiba Mohammed, the wife of the former minister of civil service, charged with smuggling funds to support religious extremism.

A promise between friends ends in a murder-suicide

The two men were close friends, dancing at nightclubs, listening to reggae music, talking about their aspirations and, sometimes, their worst fears. If one suffered a life-threatening injury, they promised each other, the other would make sure to disconnect him from any machine keeping him alive.

Neither man would allow the other to suffer.

In 2006, the year after Mesfin Nega and Shimelis Yegazu made their pact, a group of men attacked Nega outside an Adams Morgan nightclub, breaking his neck and damaging his spinal cord. When he awoke from an induced coma, his breathing made possible by a ventilator, Nega learned that he was a quadriplegic.

For six years, Nega and Yegazu did nothing. Then, three months ago, on Aug. 14, Yegazu fulfilled his promise, D.C. police announced Wednesday. He administered a lethal dose of phenobarbital to his friend in the Columbia Heights rowhouse that Nega, 38, shared with his sister, police said.

Debutant Meselech Melkamu wins Frankfurt Marathon

Frankfurt, Germany - Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia set a course record on her marathon debut to win the 31st BMW Frankfurt Marathon here today in a time of of 2:21.01, ahead of second-placed Kenyan Georgina Rono (2: 21.39) with defending champion Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia third in 2:23.52.
The top ten finishers included two other Ethiopian athletes: Bezunesh Bekele (2:23.58) in 4th place and Zemzem Ahmed (2:27.16) in 6th place.
Men’s Marathon
As expected, Patrick Makau of Kenya won the race in 2:06:08, a time that was far  from his World record, and even from the course record of 2:03:42, set by his compatriot, Wilson Kipsang last year.Deressa Chimsa of Ethiopia finished second in 2:06.52.


Leading RESULTS:

WOMEN -
1. Meselech MELKAMU, ETH 2:21:01
2. Georgina RONO, KEN 2:21:39
3. Mamitu DASKA, ETH 2:23:52
4. Bezunesh BEKELE, ETH 2:23:58
6. Zemzem AHMED, ETH 2:27:16

MEN -
1. Patrick MAKAU, KEN 2:06:08
2. Deressa CHIMSA, ETH 2:06:52
5. Bazu WORKU, ETH 2:08:35
8. Shume LEGESSE, ETH 2:10:01
9. Tola BANE, ETH 2:10:58
http://www.ethiosports.com

Ethiopia closes 10 NGOs, warns hundreds

October 27, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia’s Charities and Societies Agency (CSoA), announced Saturday that it has shut down 10 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under the county’s new civil society and charity law.

CSoA decided to revoke the licenses of the organizations due to alleged misconduct and violation to the law of charities and society’s proclamation, the agency public relations head Asefa Tesfaye said.

The agency warned a further 400 organizations that it said were operating against rules and regulations of the country. The agency is currently investigating the cases of some 17 organizations.

Financial related violations including not paying tax were the main cause for the closure of NGOs while license revocations of IRRC and Awelia School was because they accused of involvement in religious activities contrary to mission they were licensed for.

Should Ethiopia worry about Egyptian and Sudanese military movements?

There are some intelligence reports that suggest Egypt is moving warplanes to Sudan after the Israeli jet fighters attacked a Sudanese military factory outside the capital Khartoum.

The Russian Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Nikolai Makarov reported to President Putin today warning that Egyptian Air Force (EAF) bombers and fighter jets have been ordered to deploy to their secret airbase near Kursi in the west of Sudan’s Darfur region after the shocking Israeli Air Force (IAF) raid on the Yarmouk military factory in Khartoum.

CAN U-17: Tunisia eliminates Ethiopia 5-4 on aggregate

Tunis – The Ethiopian national U-17 team was eliminated today from the African Championship following a 5-1 defeat (5-4 on aggregate) at the hands of its Tunisian compatriot.
The Ethiopian youngsters, who won their first leg match 3-0 in Addis Ababa two weeks ago, conceded 3 goals in the first half (2′,8′,36′), and the Tunisians added 2 more goals in the second (67′ & 76′).
Ethiopia’s lone goal came in the 88th minute.

Ethiopia: Time for a Paradigm Shift (Part 2)

Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D.

It takes two to tango. In part 1 of my article, I focused mostly on the opposition. Now, I present my reflections regarding the call for a paradigm shift targeted primarily to the government. I also touch on a paradigm shift for all, because we all need it.

It is Morning in Ethiopia – Make it Real




The peaceful power transfer from the old generation to the new generation, unlike any time in the past, ushered in our first morning ever in Ethiopia. The architect, late PM Meles Zenawi, has taken his seat in history on this matter without contention. The new PM, Hailemariam Desalegn, has been given unprecedented political capital unlike any other leader of Ethiopia.

Now that it is morning in Ethiopia, what is the new Prime Minister going to do with it? The opportunity presented to you demands a paradigm shift that is fitting to the new game changer event in Ethiopia. To squander the political capital given to you by acting in the same ways as those who had not been given such a gift would be a far more distressing mistake than any of the mistakes of past rulers of Ethiopia from the beginning of time.

You are positioned to start afresh, and your party should take advantage of this instead of wasting the opportunity to unite the country. A new morning demands a new beginning. You have a great opportunity to mobilize the nation as never before. The silent majority that has been waiting four decades for a better day is tired of waiting, but it is still willing to give you a chance if you just make a gesture by treating the peaceful opposition fairly.  You have a great moment to harness the great optimism in the air for the development of Ethiopia, if you just embrace the blessings extended to you.




Bring good news to our land by granting amnesty to all political prisoners with a commitment to non-violent struggle as a breath of fresh air and good will. Limit the prosecution of crimes of treason and terrorism to real offenders and not as an excuse to silence freedom of speech. To this end, make the trial of the crime of treason and terrorism transparent and just; ideally, televise the court proceedings.

http://indepthafrica.com

Developing a Democratic Culture and Civil Discourse

Addis Ababa, October 28, 2012 (Ezega.com) - The need for a democratic political system is one that we often hear and from different corners. The national discourse on the need for democracy is unanimous but the means of getting to that end is one that is heavily contested. The polarized nature of the political discourse has led to a division between those who lament the absence of the liberties associated with a western style democracy and others point to the structures that are being built to facilitate the evolution such a system.

In essence the assumption is that a properly democratized society engages all issues with a proper respect for private opinions without unnecessarily politicizing issues or becoming defensive in the face of contrary opinions.

Pessimism and Ethiopian Politics in the Diaspora

Addis Ababa, October 28, 2012 (Ezega.com) - Ethiopians have continuously chosen and sometimes forced by circumstances to leave their country and reside in different parts of the world. The dispiriting politics that failed to improve and tolerate opposite views, extreme poverty and the desire to enjoy better standard of living in other parts of the world and so many other causes made Ethiopians frontrunners when it comes to immigration.

Decades later, one way or another, this massive Diaspora has a significant role to play in the Ethiopian social, political and economic setup. While the social and economic aspects are independent agendas, the politics from abroad is the focus of this article. The Diaspora has been playing a considerable part in the inside politics of Ethiopia by establishing opposition parties, support the existing parties by finance and expertise, shape debate agendas and give influential opinions and suggestions in both the ruling party and the opposition side.

በእስራኤል የተደበደበው የሱዳን ሚስጢራዊ የጦር መሣሪያ ፋብሪካ ለኢትዮጵያ ሥጋት መሆኑ ተጠቆመ

ባለፈው ማክሰኞ ሌሊት ከሱዳን ዋና ከተማ ካርቱም በስተደቡብ የሚገኘው ሚስጥራዊ የጦር መሣርያ ፋብሪካ በእስራኤል የሚሳይል ጥቃት እንደተፈጸመበት ከታወቀ በኋላ፣ ለኢትዮጵያ ከፍተኛ ሥጋት መሆኑን ዜጎችና የፖለቲካ ተንታኞች እያስረዱ ነው፡፡

እስራኤል በዚህ እጅግ ሚስጥራዊ ነው በተባለለት ወታደራዊ የጦር መሣርያ ፋብሪካ ላይ ጥቃቱን የፈጸመችው በቅርቡ በሒዝቦላህ የተላከባት ሰው አልባ የጦር አውሮፕላን (Drone) ግዛቷ ውስጥ መትታ ከጣለች በኋላ መሆኑ ታውቋል፡፡ የእስራኤል ወታደራዊ ባለሥልጣናት ሰው አልባው የጦር አውሮፕላን የተመረተው በካርቱም የጦር መሣርያ ፋብሪካ ውስጥ መሆኑን፣ በግብፅ በኩል ተጓጉዞ ለኢራን ከደረሰ በኋላ ሊባኖስ ውስጥ ለመሸገው ሒዝቦላህ መሰጠቱን መግለጻቸው በዓለም አቀፍ መገናኛ ብዙኅን ተገልጿል፡፡

A Call To Keep The Faith With Ethiopian Olim

After arrival in Israel, Ethiopian Jews are optimistic, but need further help

It was still dark and chilly at 5:45 AM in Gondar, Ethiopia when we drove onto the Jewish Agency grounds. We were there to meet over 50 Ethiopian Jews who had been chosen from almost 2,000 to finally realize their dreams and make Aliyah. Families were huddled together on camp-like benches, holding bags for their journey---but their palpable excitement radiated warmth. After words from both Asher Seyum, Israeli Counsel in Gondar and from me---representing the North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry, these weary but excited adults, teens and children stepped onto an old bus into which they crowded for their day and a half trip to Addis Ababa. Their small suitcases, tied to the roof  of the bus, were fewer in number than population inside the bus. Hundreds of friends and acquaintances watched from a short distance-- praying that they would soon be chosen to join them.

Ethiopian aliya enters new stage

First in a series of flights bringing the remaining Falash Mura to Israel scheduled to land on Monday

Newly arrived Ethiopian immigrants at Ben-Gurion International Airport in 2011

A charter flight carrying approximately 240 olim (new immigrants) from Ethiopia, half of them children, is scheduled to arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday.The arrival is the first of a series of monthly flights planned as part of Operation Dove’s Wings, a government initiative to facilitate the immigration of the remainder the Falash Mura, members of the Ethiopian Jewish community who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Jewish Agency’s Ibim Absorption Center in the Negev, which can accommodate up to 600 immigrants at a time, is scheduled to be reopened to ease the immigrants’ transition into Israeli society.

Sewenet confident about team

The draw for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations group stage was unveiled in Durban with the sixteen teams  learning their placement.
Sewenet Bishaw, Ethiopian national team coach told to The Reporter after the draw that the group is not simple.
“But we are not scared because we have played with big teams to qualify for the the African Cup of Nations. We are also in a good position in our world cup qualifying group,” Sewenet said.

Ethiopia: Remarks by Susan Rice at Memorial Service for Meles Zenawi at Abyssinian Baptist Church

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, NY
October 27, 2012

Good morning. Reverend Butts, Mr. Secretary General, Ambassador Tekeda, friends, ladies and gentlemen--

Last month, I was privileged to travel to Addis Ababa to join tens of thousands of fellow mourners as we paid our respects to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his family and laid him to rest in the sacred soil of his beloved Ethiopia. Our shock has faded, but our sorrow endures. Today, I come again both as a representative of the U.S. government and as a friend of a man I truly miss.

Prayer Service held in memory of the late Ethiopian PM in New York

On Oct 27, 2012 many of the world leaders and renowned professionals and educators were at a prayer service held in memory of PM Meles Zenawi at The Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York.

Few among those present were, H. E. Ban Ki-moon, H. E. Ambassador Susan Rice, H. E. Ambassador Jean-Francis Zinsou, Ms. Gayle Smith, H. E. Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, H. E. Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy, Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Professor Akbar Noman.

Mr Meles died at the age of 57 in Brussels, following a long illness.




He came to power in 1991 and was credited for bringing development and growth to Ethiopia.

But critics say this was achieved at the cost of respect for human rights.




The Service was very well attended by members of the diplomatic core, high officials of the UN, current and former US officials, former US Ambassadors to Ethiopia, members of the acadamicia (inc) and most importantly members of the Ethiopian community. All spoke eloquently about the person they knew very well; about his unpretentious nature, his world class intellect, his mastery of subjects, his leadership on matters of importance to his beloved country and Africa.

International conference on coffee to be held in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa (ENA) – The Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association (ECEA) said an international conference on coffee would be held from November 8-9, 2012 here under the theme “Ethiopian Coffee Export Conference: Strengthening the Legacy of Our Coffee”.
Association Public Relation Officer Getachew Admasu told ENA that the conference would help enhance the position of the Ethiopian coffee in the international market through facilitating the exchange of information and experience among stakeholders.

Ethiopia’s Physician Brain-Drain Problem; What to Do?

By Gelane Gemechisa

Since the advent of “organized medical practice” in 1896, when the Russian Red Cross built the first hospital, Ethiopia has experienced a rapid expansion of the delivery of healthcare that lasted well into the 20th century. The establishment of the Ministry of Health in 1948 played pivotal role in centralizing healthcare and leading a concerted effort that resulted in the construction of 93 hospitals (public and private), and a sizable increase in the number of physicians in the public sector.

But, even with donor-funded and much celebrated projects such as the community-based health extension program,the trends in the past twenty years tell a different story. A population boom, with a record rate of growth averaging 2.1 percent over the last five years according to a World Bank report, coupled with minimal infrastructural development has taken a heavy toll on every aspect of the country’s livelihood, especially on the healthcare sector.

You Gotta Love Ethiopia's manager Sewnet Bishaw

Sewnet Bishaw, the coach of Ethiopia's National Football Team is a very confident man, without being arrogant. He has faith in his team, he understands the uphill battle Ethiopia faces in the African Cup of Nations, but he projects confidence and good leadership. He is always quick to point out that he respects all teams, but he is not afraid to speak his mind. Here is some excerpts to what he has recently been quoted as saying by the media regarding Ethiopia's qualification to the 2013 African Nations Cup.

ETHIOPIA coach, Sewnet Bishaw, has declared they are not in Group C of the 2013 African Nations Cup to make up the numbers, reports MTNFootball.com.

Ethiopia: Qatari Advance Team Holds Talks With State Minister Ahemed Shide

Qatari advance team led by led by Khalaf Ahmed Al Menaa, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy arrived, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday (October 24).
The advance team's purpose of visit is to negotiate draft agreements which will be signed by Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar who is expected to visit Ethiopia in early November and asses the possible areas of investment and trade and finance cooperation between the two countries. The team met with Ahmed Shide, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development on Thursday (October 25). Ahmed Shide, on the occasion hailed the visit of the team as a milestone event ushering a new era of cooperation between the two countries. He in particular noted that the visit of the Prime Minister of Qatar will be an important step in the bilateral relations between the two countries. Experts drawn from the Ministry of Mines and the Ethiopian Investment Agency gave presentations to the team on the investment opportunities in Ethiopia. The team members in their remarks after the presentation highlighted enormous opportunity for cooperation between the two countries. After the presentations the team discussed on most of the draft agreements with a view to finalize and table them for signing during the visit of the Prime Minister    

                                                                                  .http://allafrica.com

Marathon revolution in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s defending champion Mamitu Daska, Meselech Melkamu and Bezunesh Bekele at a photo shoot at the Movenpick Hotel ahead of the BMW Frankfurt Marathon to be held on October 28, 2012.  PHOTORUN

      
Ethiopia’s ulta-conservative former Africa 10,000 metres champion Meselech Melkamu strolled in to the Movenpick Hotel in downtown Frankfurt on Thursday afternoon, her hair dyed in golden colour, one could eerily sense a revolution sweeping through in Ethiopian athletics.

The shy, humble, pretty and respectable 27-year-old, who was born to a former military man - marathon runner Melkamu Haileyesus - in Debre Markos, some 360 kilometres outside Addis, is the second fastest woman over 10,000m (29 minutes, 53.80 seconds) behind China’s world record holder Wang Junxia (29:31.78).

She will be following in her father’s footsteps by plunging into the 42-kilometre distance when she debuts at Sunday’s BMW Frankfurt Marathon, alongside compatriot Zemzem Ahmed who has also taken a leap of faith from her 3,000m steeplechase speciality in which she was Africa champion in 2008.


New breed of runners

Meselech and Zemzem (Ethiopians are traditionally referred to by their first names) represent a growing group of Ethiopian women runners who are elevating their quest for success from the track onto the marathon and following in the footsteps of a handful of predecessors, most notably former World Marathon Majors series champion Gete Wami and 2009 New York Marathon champ Derartu Tulu.

“There are many women maturing from the track now and taking up marathon running,” Meselech, whose hitherto longest distance on the road is in the 5km, said in Frankfurt. “I have never run a marathon or half marathon before but I have been training well and I believe I will do well on Sunday (tomorrow) in my first marathon.”

Meselech’s training partner, Bezunesh Bekele, is already an experienced marathoner, her latest success being a personal best 2:20.30 for fourth place at this year’s Dubai Marathon. She won the emirate race in 2009 (2:24.02).

Meselech and Bezunesh are, along with Zemzem, in a quartet of Ethiopian runners challenging for compatriot Mamitu Daska’s course record in the German financial capital on Sunday, an impressive 2:21.59 run here last year. Daska is the fourth Ethiopian here, and she has raised the bar in a title defence bid.

“If the conditions are good I want to run a 2:18 Ethiopian record,” she warns. Meselech and Zemzem are among the growing list of Ethiopian women moving up to the marathon, with another big name hitting the road being multiple world and Olympic champion Tirunesh Dibaba.

Tirunesh, the “Baby-faced Destroyer”, made her half marathon debut at last month’s Bupa Great North Run which she won in 1:07.35.

Common trend

It seems that there is no stopping the surge in Ethiopia’s women’s marathon running. In August, Tiki Gelana won Ethiopia’s first marathon gold medal at the Olympics and only last week, Meseret Hailu, added the Amsterdam Marathon title to the World Half Marathon gold she won in Kavarna, Bulgaria, a month ago, slicing over six minutes off the previous course record – held by Tiki Gelana – winning in 2:21.09.

This year alone, Ethiopian women have outshone their Kenyan rivals in big city marathons. The Kenyan challenge for the Ethiopian girls on the rise will be spearheaded by Georgina Rono, the winner of last year’s Hannover (2:31.19) and Eindhoven (2:24.33) marathons and third in Boston (2:33.09) this year.

Rono is familiar with the Frankfurt course as she was sixth here in 2009 in 2:31.49. Also listed is Agnes Jeruto Barsosio who won on her marathon debut in Dusseldorf (2:25.49) this year. Kenyan will be watching carefully, with bated breath, the rise of Ethiopia’s marathon women.

Meselech believes there’s a great future on the road for the Ethiopian women legion. “We are all encouraged to take up marathon running now and if there is anyone who will break Paula Radcliffe’s women’s marathon world record (2:15.25), then it is Tirunesh,” Meselech predicted.

As for her golden coloured hair, Meselech says the fashion statement signals victory on her marathon debut on Sunday.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.nation.co.ke

Africa Oil Completes Ethiopia Farm-Out Agreement

Africa Oil Corp. on Friday reported it has completed the previously announced farmout agreement with New Age (African Global Energy) Limited whereby New Age acquired an additional 25 percent interest in Africa Oil''s Blocks 7 & 8 in Ethiopia, together with operatorship of Blocks 7 & 8 and the Adigala Area. In consideration of the assignment of the interest New Age paid Africa Oil $1.5 million in consideration of past costs. Following the completion of the New Age farmout transaction, New Age will be operator with 40 percent interest. Africa Oil and Afren plc will each hold 30 percent.

GREAT PEOPLE: Blogger Liz Gumbinner and a group of American moms trek to Ethiopia on a learning expedition

Liz Gumbinner flew close to 7,000 miles to find that mothers in Ethiopia and those in New York City don’t want exactly the same things for their children.
“The most powerful part of trip was the time we got to sit down with the mothers and children,” said Gumbinner, an influential blogger and advertising executive. “When we asked the women what were their hopes for their children, they said health, an education, and a position of some stature in the community.
“If you asked American mothers what they wanted for their children, they would say I want them to be happy, I want them to pursue their passion. Health and education are taken for granted here. Despite all of our political issues around health and education right now, it is just assumed that your kid will live past two years old.
“So we realized it’s an environment with some pretty basic stuff to overcome. Happiness is a luxury. So as much as we could connect over wanting good things for our children, we realized we take a lot for granted here.”

Ethiopia’s Exports Dropped 7% to $699.1 Million in First Quarter

Ethiopian exports dropped 7 percent to $699.1 million in the first quarter as shipments of coffee and oil seeds fell, the Trade Ministry said.
Foreign sales of coffee in the continent’s largest producer of the beans earned $199.3 million in the four months through Oct. 10, compared with $201.9 million in the same period a year earlier, the Addis Ababa-based ministry said in an e-mailed statement on Oct. 24. Ethiopia’s calendar has 13 months, one of which runs from Sept. 6 to Sept. 10.

Ethiopia: Zambia, Ethiopia Boosting Bilateral Relation Says Zambia's Ambassador

Speaking on an occasion organized here in Addis Ababa to celebrate the 48th Anniversary of Zambia's Independence, Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Francis Simenda, said his country and Ethiopia were taking a number of measures to boost the existing bilateral relation.

The Ambassador noted that two agreements, for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation on Diplomatic Consultations and on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation had been signed recently. He added that the two governments were also working on finalizing an air service agreement which will make Zambia the Southern Region Hub for Ethiopian Airlines.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission and high level government officials and diplomats attended the celebration on Tuesday (October 23rd) this week.                                         http://allafrica.com

Kenya says unaware of South Sudan oil deal with Ethiopia

Kenyan officials said on Thursday that they were not aware of South Sudan's talks on the construction of an oil refinery with Ethiopia, but said Juba was carrying out feasibility studies before deciding where to locate the plant.

"They (South Sudan) are looking for the cheapest route to export their oil," Patrick Nyoike, the Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, told journalists on the sideline of East African Upstream Summit, staged by the Petroleum Institute of East Africa.

South Sudanese Foreign Minister Nial Deng Nial held talks with Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Berhane Gebrekristos in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, where the South Sudanese FM said his country was looking for ways of enhancing economic cooperation.

Ethiopia holds consultative meeting with investors

Ethiopia on Thursday held consultative meetings with local and foreign investors on the implementation of the country's Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP 2010-2015).

Hailemariam Desalegn, Ethiopian prime minister, met local and foreign investors separately to discuss challenges, reiterating the government's commitment to supporting them. He stress the private sector as the backbone to the economic growth of the country.

Sudan, South Sudan foreign ministers confer with Ethiopian counterpart

October 24, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia’s acting foreign minister, Berhane Gebrekirstos, held separate talks with Sudanese foreign minister, Ali Ahmed Karti, and South Sudan’s foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, Nhial Deng Nhial.

The discussions on Tuesday focused on ways of boosting bilateral ties and on Ethiopia’s role in peace talks between Juba and Khartoum, focusing on resolving the remaining pending issues.

Fossil yields theory of life 3.3 million years ago

She was only 3 years old, but her fossil bones tell a contentious story of ancient prehumans who walked on two feet like us more than 3 million years ago, but climbed trees like her distant ancestors, the great apes.
Her partial skeleton was discovered embedded in the sandstone rocks of Ethiopia's Afar desert a dozen years ago by Zereseney Alemseged, the noted anthropologist at the California Academy of Sciences. He named her Selam and still works to reconstruct her life.

Egypt: Ethiopia Grants Egypt 1 Million Cubic Meters to Establish Industrial Zone

Industry and Foreign Trade Minister Hatem Saleh said on Wednesday 24/10/2012 that Ethiopia granted one million cubic meters to establish an Egyptian industrial zone to boost trade, economic and investment activity between Egypt and the Nile Basin countries.

President Guelleh Hails Ethiopia's Renewable Energy Supply

President Ismael Omar Guelleh of Djibouti said that the hydroelectric power connection project, under which Ethiopia started to provide electricity to Djibouti last year, fitted very well into the country's clean energy policy.

In a speech delivered to the World Energy Forum, held in Dubai October 22nd - 24th, President Guelleh said his country was pursuing sustainable development of energy solely based on the use of renewable energy resources. World leaders from governments and private sector institutions attended the World Energy Forum this week.

Ethiopia to Introduce Mobile Banking

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia is one of the few remaining African countries to introduce mobile banking. With the booming economy and a population of 80 million this country could be the next gold mine for mobile banking companies.

Mobile banking has proved to be a lucrative venture in the developing world, where large parts of the population belong to the so-called "unbanked."  In Africa, only Ethiopia and Zimbabwe do not provide mobile money services.  That will change soon for Ethiopia.

Italian FM in surprise visit to Somalia

The Italian foreign minister has made a surprise visit to Somalia in an effort to renew ties, news agencies have reported.

Giulio Terzi's visit to the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday is the first high-level visit from an official from Rome in two decades.

Joint Ministerial Conference on Agriculture and Trade postponed because of lack of quorum

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 25, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union Commission regrets to announce the postponement of the AU Joint Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers of Trade, which was scheduled to take place from 29 October to 02 November 2012 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Consequent upon the low response/confirmation of attendance by Member States, it was difficult for the Commission to attain the mandatory quorum for convening a Ministerial Conference. The current scenario of a potential failure to attain the quorum has made the postponement of the Ministerial Conference and the Expert's meeting imperative.

Inaugural Colours of the Nile International Film Festival to run in Ethiopia

The inaugural Colours of the Nile International Film Festival (CNIFF) will run in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Wednesday, 7 November to Sunday, 11 November, introducing the best of African cinema to African audiences. The festival will screen 58 titles, all of which will be African, East African or Ethiopian premieres.

Kaizen Awards Three Ethiopian Companies

Kaizen Ethiopia awarded the ‘Kaizen Award’ to three Ethiopian companies for the first time. The three companies which received the award are Kadisco Chemical Industry, Zenith Gebse-Eshet Ethiopia Ltd and Maru Metal Industry. The companies were awarded for showing the most significant improvement in productivity through utilizing the Kaizen Philosophy.

Throwing off the chains of mental illness in Ethiopia

On a recent visit to Debre Libanos, a 13th-century monastery outside Addis Ababa, one of Ethiopia’s few psychiatrists found 17 people in chains. Suffering from serious mental health issues ranging from schizophrenia to bipolar disorder, they’d somehow ended up at the monastery with other sick Ethiopians, seeking blessings from the Christian priests.

But the chains were not meant as a deliberately cruel measure, explains psychiatrist Dawit Wondimagegn; the monks were attempting to ensure the mentally ill didn’t “end up on the street,” where they would be in danger, a harm to themselves and others. The chains are a desperate, stop-gap effort to keep patients safe, says Yonas Baheretibeb, a professor at Addis Ababa University. In a way, they are emblematic of the state of psychiatry in Ethiopia today—there are only 44 psychiatrists in the mostly rural Horn of Africa country, where the population tops 85 million. Due to the shortage of health workers, and a centuries-old belief that possession by evil spirits or supernatural forces are to blame for afflictions of the mind, priests often end up on the front lines of mental health, treating the sick with prayers and holy water.

Ethiopia Seeking $300 Million More in Financing for Railway Project

Ethiopia is seeking an additional loan of 300 million US dollars in financing for the last stretch of the Awash-Woldiya-Mekele Railway Project, from the government of India.

The new loan will be in addition to the original 300 million US dollars promised by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Discussions to negotiate the conditions of the loan arrangement are underway between the governments of the two countries according to Genet Zewdie, Ethiopian Ambassador to India.

Ethiopia and Zambia Developing Bilateral Relations

Ethiopia and Zambia are working on developing bilateral relations said Francis Simenda Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia.

The two nations are taking measures to enhance existing relations he explained speaking at an event organized in Addis Ababa to commemorate the 48th Anniversary of Zambian Independence.

Ethiopia and Zambia have agreement on diplomatic, economic and technical cooperation which were recently signed into effect said Simenda.

Number of Somali refugees in south-east Ethiopia swells to 170,000

DOLLO ADO, Ethiopia, October 19 (UNHCR) - The number of Somali refugees in a series of camps in an arid, harsh area of south-eastern Ethiopia has passed the 170,000 mark, making Dollo Ado the world's second largest refugee complex. "Dollo Ado is now the world's biggest refugee camp after Dadaab in Kenya," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said, adding that although the rate of arrivals at Dollo Ado has slowed this year, people are continuing to flee conflict and insecurity in southern and central parts of Somalia.

3,200 African troops needed to fight Mali rebels

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The African Union on Wednesday pledged to mobilize an African military force to battle al-Qaida-affiliated groups controlling northern Mali.

African foreign ministers meeting at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia agreed to write a final operational plan for the African-led force by the end of the month, as well as calling for arms and equipment to be provided for Mali's army from members and international partners.

‘Natural resources may determine the future of Africans’

CHAIRPERSON of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has said that the future of Africans would be determined by the manner in which they utilise their natural resources. Dlamini-Zuma made this known in Addis Ababa, at the 8th African Development Forum, “We want the future of Africa to be a future where the use of our natural resources leads to Africa’s development, and also a future that claims an equal and dignified place in the global community of nations,” she said. She said Africa was colonised because of its natural resources and that the continent’s status in global economy woud be defined by its natural resources. According to her, the outcome of the forum would not only help decision makers to assess the state of affairs, but also help in charting a path to the future of Africa where uses of its natural resources productively and sustainably would be to its benefit and that of its people. Dlamini-Zuma therefore, charged the forum to address the challenges that Africa faces with respect to the utilisation and management of the continent’s natural resources. “You must address such issues as the ownership of these resources. Yes, resources are physically located on our continent, in our countries, but do we really own them? What should be the right balance between foreign and national ownership of resources and how do we get there? “How much of our resources should we keep for our own needs for the next 50 or 100 years from now?’’ she asked. She said with the latest statistics, which showed that Africa was among the growing regions, it was unfortunate that the growth was not generating enough jobs for Africans, especially the youth. Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Carlos Lopes, said Africa has a long way to go in order to harness the full potential of its resources. “It is obvious that we are not there yet. We are gearing up to cope with the increasing global demand for natural resources, at a time of global concern about environmental sustainability and climate change. Our policy responses would therefore require that we change,” Lopes said. He said there was need to improve the processes for accessing and extracting mineral resources in a way that tackles poverty and promotes inter-generational equity. Lopes said Africa accounts for three-quarters of the world’s platinum supply, and half of its diamonds and chromium, it has up to one-fifth of gold and uranium supplies and it was increasingly home to oil and gas production with more than 30 countries in the category. He also said Africa has 60 per cent of the world uncultivated arable land, it has forest resources covering more than 23 per cent of its land area and that the same could be said about fisheries and aqua-culture endowments which if properly managed, could be more valuable than familiar non-renewable resources. The Vice President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Aly Abou-Sabaa, said Africa has the potential to ensure that its wealth of natural resources served as a robust catalyst for economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development. Abou-Sabaa however, said that for this to be achieved, the continent must promote responsible investment for broad-based growth, strengthen enhanced transparency in governance and ensure accountability. It must also build a capable and responsive state for human capacity development and ensure enhanced socio-economic drive inthe continent. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com

Ethiopia: The 15th Cooperation for Urban Mobility Conference Gets Underway

The 15th Cooperation for Urban Mobility in the Developing World (CODATU) conference opened here in Addis Ababa on Monday (October 22nd) under the theme "The Role of Urban Mobility in (re)-shaping Cities."

Azerbaijan, Gaza, Ethiopia Women Win Media Awards

A columnist imprisoned under Ethiopia's controversial anti-terrorism laws, an Azerbaijani investigative radio reporter who had surveillance cameras planted in her apartment and a Palestinian blogger who has been beaten and tortured for reporting on abuses and protests in Gaza each received Courage in Journalism awards Wednesday from a women's media group.

Ethiopia draws Nigeria,Zambia and Burkina Faso in Afcon 2013

The Ethiopian National Team(Walia) is lucky enough to avoid the heavyweights Ghana and Ivory Coast but the super Eagles and the defending champions  chipolopolo does not seem an easy opponent either. The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) secretary general Nicholas Musonye told Goal.com Ethiopia's Group in the coming Africa Cup of Nations as ‘group of death.”

Science journalism network for East Africa launched

KAMPALA] In a move to bridge the gap between science, policymakers and the general public, the East Africa Network of Science Journalists (EANSJ) was launched last month (20 September), at a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The network aims to promote the development of national associations of science journalists in all East African Community (EAC) member states. It will also map existing media platforms and potential media partners and initiatives dedicated to science, technology and innovation (ST&I) and the environment across the region.

South Sudan plans mediation between Ethiopia and Eritrea

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Newly independent South Sudan plans to help resolve the long-running border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, a senior official said on Wednesday.

South Sudan's minister for cabinet affairs, Deng Alor, said Addis Ababa and Asmara had given the green light for mediation talks on the border, which could start as early as November.

"We have close ties with both countries so we are planning to mediate and solve the problems that they have between them," Deng Alor, South Sudan's minister for cabinet affairs, told Reuters.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Says Natural Resources Can Catalyze Africa's Development

Mineral resources are a catalyst for development in sub-Saharan Africa, whose share of global gross domestic product is a minuscule two per cent, Ethiopia's new Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, said Tuesday.

In a keynote speech at the ongoing African Development Forum in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Hailemariam said that a situation where bountiful resources exist side-by-side with abject poverty was unacceptable, noting that the argument that natural resources cannot lead to development was untenable.

Ethiopia and Vietnam to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation

Ethiopian's State Minister of Agriculture, Wondirad Madefero has held meetings with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu in Hanoi.

Ato Wondirad expressed Ethiopia wish to learn from Viet Nam's experience of developing agricultural exports and of food hygiene. The two sides agreed to strengthen the two nations' cooperation in the future. Deputy Minister Thu noted that Vietnam expected to work with Ethiopia in areas of rice and industrial crop cultivation, husbandry and seafood as well as agricultural financial reform. The two sides also agreed to seek assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization and other international organizations to boost mutual agricultural cooperation. Vietnam and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations in 1976. Ethiopia currently imports footwear, garments, rice, seafood, plastic goods, coffee and peppercorns from Vietnam and exports wood and cotton.         http://allafrica.com

Africa fails to exploit high minerals prices to defeat poverty

Africa has failed to exploit the record rise in the global price of mineral resources over the past decade to conquer poverty, Ethiopia’s Minster of Industry Mekonnen Manyazewal said in Addis Ababa.

Speaking at the ongoing Eighth Africa Development Forum (ADF-VIII), the Ethiopian minister said though Africa is the largest global supplier of cobalt, platinum, chromium, gold and diamonds, the proceeds from the resources have not translated to better lives for the people of the continent.

Ethiopia: A Tale of Two Development Models From the Valley Where We Began

Amentu — The Rift Valley in Eastern Africa is our hole in the ground, where we all come from. Not far from here our earliest ancestors stopped hanging out in the trees and started to use their rear limbs to get around on. From here we began to migrate and multiply all over the world.

Today a line of worn tarmac runs along the valley floor, fed by earth tracks through fields of stubble lying brown and empty after the harvest. Wriggling lines of green mark streams which lead to the Awash River. The east and west horizons are bordered with crazy grey mountains jagging into a light blue sky. Flashing like mirrors in the sun are the valley's huge blue lakes and, in recent years, vast rigid squares of plastic sheeting have sprung up.

Ethiopia: Coca Cola to Kick Off Bahir Dar Plant Construction

East African Bottling Company, the Coca Cola producer, received 30ha of land from the Bahir Dar city administration to build its third coca cola factory in Ethiopia at an outlay of 800 million Birr.

This is part of the 500 million dollar investment, which the company launched in April 2012, to be carried out by 2020. This plan includes three new plants, including one in Hawassa and another one in western Ethiopia, whose construction depends on the performance of the company's other lines.

New film festival launches in Ethiopia

The inaugural Colours of the Nile International Film Festival (CNIFF) will run in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7 to 11 November 2012, introducing the best of African cinema to African audiences.

The festival will screen 58 titles, all of which will be African, East African or Ethiopian premières. Films in competition come from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.

Lankan caught in bed with Ethiopian

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 23: A Sri Lankan expatriate and an Ethiopian woman were arrested recently for indulging in immoral activities inside the house of the latter’s sponsor in Abdullah Al-Mubarak.

Reportedly, when the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior received information from a Kuwaiti citizen about his housemaid’s rendezvous with a Sri Lankan man inside her room in his house, security men rushed to the location and arrested the suspects.

Africa Challenged to Harness Natural Resources for Inclusive Growth

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 23, 2012/ — The 8th African Development Forum (ADF VIII) opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday with a call on African countries to harness their huge natural resources for the benefit of their growing populations.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Operations Vice President, Aly Abou-Sabba, noted that Africa was now in a position where it should be using its natural resources for accelerated wealth creation to bring about socio-economic transformation.

Dr.Hauschka Establishes NEW Fair Trade Initiative In Ethiopia

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Dr.Hauschka Skin Care is proud to announce their support of the Terra PLC Damask Rose Farm, a new fair trade initiative in Ethiopia. Dr.Hauschka Skin Care manufacturer WALA Heilmittel is helping to create a self-reliant and economically sustainable community by establishing a biodynamic resource for Damask rose essential oil, a key ing

redient in the Dr.Hauschka range.



Seven years ago, Dr.Hauschka Skin Care provided Ethiopian farmer Fekade Lakew with rose cuttings and introduced him to a consultant to train and advise on biodynamic cultivation methods. In 2012, Lakew distilled his first batch of rose essential oil and initiated the biodynamic certification process.  Once certified, his farm will be the sole certified biodynamic source of essential rose oil in Africa.

Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines and Seattle Anesthesia Outreach Join Together for first 787 Dreamliner Humanitarian Flight

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) joined with Ethiopian Airlines and Seattle Anesthesia Outreach (SAO) to deliver approximately 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms) of medical supplies to Ethiopia's largest hospital. The delivery was made to Black Lion Hospital using Ethiopian's third 787 Dreamliner, marking the first time a Dreamliner has been used as part of Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flights program.

Ethiopia and Qatar restore diplomatic ties

ctober 23, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia and Qatar have agreed to open diplomatic relations after both been at odds for more than four years, according to Ethiopian press. Ethiopia cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2008, accusing the Gulf Arab state of playing a destructive role in Ethiopia and in other parts of the East African region.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to AUC staff members: We will be fair and firm

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The AU Commission...

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The AU Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has held today, Tuesday 23 October, her first meeting with staff members of the AU Commission. Dr Dlamini Zuma was making her first address to staff members of the Commission since she was installed as Chairperson on the 15th of October. In the meeting, held in the old conference center of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Dr Dlamini Zuma outlined 4 key internal areas that her administration will work on. These are: Improved capacity and effectiveness; Improved internal and external communication; Resource mobilisation and Gender equality. Focusing on the necessity to work for the improved communication, the Chairperson said that the AU does a lot, but there is ignorance about the good work that is being done. Good communication, she said, is important so that African people on the continent understand what the African Union does. Citizens should understand "our successes and challenges", she added. "Only when they know the Union, will they support it. Not enough about the AU is known reiterated Dr. Dlaminin Zuma, adding “we must focus on both external and internal communication”. She also pledged that her leadership will continue to hold regular meetings with staff to ensure that everyone knows what is going on at all levels. Regarding the resource mobilisation, Dr Dlamini Zuma said the AU Commission will never have enough resources and that it should do more to mobilise. In this respect, she said it is necessary to raise more resources from the continent in addition to those from partners. Coming to the gender equality, the Chairperson put the issue in the context of the decision by African Heads of State and Government at the formation of the AU in 2002, which made gender equity a key principle of the Union. She said "This decade has been declared the African Women's Decade, so it will be important to pay special attention to gender equity during the decade and beyond". The Commission, she said, has equity at Commissioner level, but the same cannot be said of the other levels within the Commission. Further to the 4 key areas, Dr Dlamini Zuma outlined the work ethic expected within the Commission. She emphasised the need to work hard, in a disciplined and productive manner. The leadership, she said will lead by example and will not expect staff to do what it cannot do. Her leadership, she said, will work in as transparent a manner as possible so that everyone knows what is expected of them. "We will be fair and firm", she concluded.http://www.starafrica.com/en/news/detail-news/view/nkosazana-dlamini-zuma-to-auc-staff-memb-258381.html

Addis Ababa named one of the world’s best cities to visit in 2013

Lonely Planet, the global travel guidebook company, has named Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as one of the world’s best cities to visit in 2013. Lonely Planet placed Addis Ababa 9th in a top 10 cities list in its Best in Travel 2013 publication. San Francisco, California finished top in the list followed by Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Hyderbad (India) in second and third place respectively. Addis Ababa’s Profile: Like the Ethiopian marathon runners, Addis Ababa (often shortened to plain ‘Addis’) is evolving at a fast pace. The fact that the country’s economic growth should reach almost 5% in 2013 helps create a feeling of confidence and stamina. Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis, but also a groovy city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets. Best in Travel 2013 – Top 10 cities 1. San Francisco, USA – Darling of America’s west coast- Best for: Culture, events, food. 2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Golden Age charmer prepares to party- Best for: Culture, events, food. 3. Hyderabad, India – Old City recapturing past glories - Best for: Culture, food, value for money. 4. Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland – Packed calendar for UK City of Culture - Best for: Culture, events, family. 5. Běijīng, PR China – Capital on cusp of greatness - Best for: Culture, value for money, food. 6. Christchurch, New Zealan – Rising from the rubble with flair - Best for: Culture, events, family. 7. Hobart, Tasmania (Australia) – Harbour town becomes hip - Best for: Events, culture, food. 8. Montréal, Canada – Mélange of cultures marries brains and beauty - Best for: Culture, events, value for money. 9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopian metropolis evolving at pace - Best for: Culture, food, value for money. 10. Puerto Iguazú, Argentina – Much more than just a waterfall - Best for: Family, activities, adventure.

The Kenyan Alliance Next Article → AIR WEAPONS: BrahMos October 23, 2012: Ethiopia continues to congratulate itself on the peaceful (so far) transition of power following the death of Meles Zenawi in August. Meles ruled Ethiopia for 21 years. Ethiopia has also had a history of very violent power transitions. The new prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, was Meles picked successor, so he arrived with the mantle of authority. Meles made Hailemariam his second-in-command in 2010, and in retrospect it appears Meles had a power transfer plan in mind. Ethiopia has new national elections in 2015. October 20, 2012:

Diplomats in Addis Ababa get an update on Commercial Diplomacy

A training workshop on commercial diplomacy, led by Maria-Alejandra Aristeguieta from the United Nations Training Institute (UNITAR), was held at the Commission of the African Union from 17 to 19 October 2012. This training in French was organized at the initiative of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It brought together senior staff of the AUC and diplomats of Francophone African missions in Addis Ababa around a theme chosen to echo that of the AU Summits in 2012 on boosting intra-African trade.

Ethiopia to Construct Public Health Training Center

The United States President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), financed 4 million US dollars for the construction of a new national public health training center in Ethiopia.

It will be the first national training center for health, according to the press statement from the United States Embassy in Ethiopia. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Programs in Ethiopia (CDC-Ethiopia) will manage the construction of this facility over the next one and half years. The construction of the Center is expected to be finalized by April 2014.

Angola: Nation At Peace and Security Council Meeting in Addis Ababa

22 OCTOBER 2012
Luanda — An Angolan delegation, led by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto left Monday for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend Wednesday one more meeting of Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU).
The AU organ discusses the conflict and security issues that arise in Africa. A meeting held regularly whenever the circumstances require.
According to the ambassador of Angola to the African Union, Arcanjo do Nascimento, who also integrates the delegation, the ministerial meeting, will focus mainly on the current situation prevailing between Sudan and South Sudan, the issue involving Mali, DR Congo, among other conflicts on the continent.
As for the case of Sudan, the diplomat said that the participants will discuss the current stability of the peace agreement signed and other understandings and the situation of the common borders holding oil wells, among other elements for the consolidation of peace.
On the situation in Mali, prompted by a coup, the referred organ will analyse the recent resolution of the UN Security Council, which voted for military intervention in that country to restore the legality.
However, the African Council will analyse this aspect whether to resort to military intervention or another necessary measure," he said.
Angola was appointed member of the Peace and Security Council of AU in 2012.

The Organ is currently chaired by Equatorial Guinea. http://allafrica.com/stories/201210230195.html

Further 62,000 refugees flee Somalia in past nine months

ACCORDING TO U.N. HUMANITARIAN AGENCY, AN ESTIMATED 3.7 MILLION SOMALIS ARE NOW IN URGENT NEED OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE DUE TO DROUGHT AND CONTINUING INSECURITY SPECIAL REPORT BY XINHUA CORRESPONDENT CHRIS MGIDU

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NAIROBI (XINHUA) -- ABOUT 62,000 SOMALIS BECAME REFUGEES IN THE REGION SURROUNDING THEIR COUNTRY BETWEEN JANUARY AND THE END OF SEPTEMBER, THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY SAID ON FRIDAY.

IN A STATEMENT, THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) SAID MORE THAN 25,000 OF THESE FLED TO ETHIOPIA, MAKING IT THE LARGEST RECIPIENT OF SOMALI REFUGEES IN THE REGION SO FAR THIS YEAR.

"AS WELL AS SOMALIS, WHO CONSTITUTE THE LARGEST REFUGEE GROUP, ETHIOPIA ALSO HOSTS MORE THAN 91,000 SUDANESE REFUGEES, ALMOST 61, 000 ERITREANS, AND 4,000 REFUGEES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.

"EVERY MONTH, ETHIOPIA GENEROUSLY TAKES THOUSANDS OF NEW ARRIVALS FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES," UNHCR SAID.

Ethiopia: Justice Bodies Urged to Work for Human Rights Respect

21 OCTOBER 2012

Addis Ababa — The Federal High Court urges justice bodies to make coordinated efforts to ensure and protect human rights nationwide.

A training module prepared for justice bodies by an NGO, Justice for All - Prison Fellowship Ethiopia, was also inaugurated.

Speaking at a consultative forum held Adama town Friday, Court President Wubeshet Taye said training federal and regional court and police officials in human rights law and institutional administrative regulations play significant role to ensure rule of law and respect human rights.

The forum would be instrumental in providing uniform legal service nationwide and enhance the awareness of the justice bodies on human rights.

He said the module is essential to train justice organs and strenghen the justice sector.

Justice for All - Prison Fellowship Ethiopia President Pastor Daniel Gebre-Silassie on his part said research has been conducted in the past two years intended to compile consistent curriculum module used to train justice bodies.

He said professionals from the Addis Ababa University, Federal and state courts have participated in the study.

According to him, the module is being translated into different local languages to reach out many more relevant bodies.

Participants from Amhara, Oromia, SNNP states, among others, have attended the forum.

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