A total of 5,507 political and independent candidates have registered to run for seats in both the House of People's Representatives and eight regional assemblies in the upcoming elections in Ethiopia.
Officials of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) told journalists on Monday that 1,845 candidates have registered to run for seats in the House of People's Representatives, the lower house of parliament, while 3,662 for seats in the regional assemblies.
Kemal Bedri, NEBE chairman said that both the candidates and voter registration process had successfully ended throughout the country.
He said that a total of 25.6 million people have been registered to vote in the national elections slated for May 15.
People's Daily
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Eritrea: Mines and UXOs Still a Problem
Kesete Ghebrezghi, 40, is an angry man. Living in a dry, stony village just eight kilometres from the border with Ethiopia, he told IRIN that life in his Eritrean village had not been the same since the border war of 1998-2000.
He said he felt particularly angry about the destruction caused by the war, but he believed that it was the the mines, more than anything else, that had continued to complicate the situation.
"[The war] has really affected our life, because we lost our property, and our farmland near the border has been mined," Kesete said.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought for two years over a border dispute that killed some 70,000 people from both sides, and left a nasty legacy of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
www.alertnet.org
He said he felt particularly angry about the destruction caused by the war, but he believed that it was the the mines, more than anything else, that had continued to complicate the situation.
"[The war] has really affected our life, because we lost our property, and our farmland near the border has been mined," Kesete said.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought for two years over a border dispute that killed some 70,000 people from both sides, and left a nasty legacy of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
www.alertnet.org
A Rising China Counters US Clout in Africa
The Chinese economic juggernaut and its thirst for minerals and markets has increasingly brought it to Africa, including here to Zimbabwe. The fertile hills of this Southern African nation are rich with gold and the world's second-largest platinum reserves. In Sudan, Angola, and along the Gulf of Guinea, the Asian giant is guzzling the continent's vast oil supply.
csmonitor.com
Lately, Beijing has begun winning projects that have geopolitical relevance, such as Ethiopia's Takazee Dam -- a massive, $300 million hydro-power station that is rising on the headwaters of the Blue Nile River. Set deep in a mountainous region near the border with Sudan and Eritrea, the Takazee Dam has been on Ethiopia's drawing board for over a decade. But getting it off the ground hasn't been easy, thanks to Egypt. Cairo has long feared any project that could affect the flow of the Nile, viewing its own access to those waters as a matter of national security. Indeed, so great was its concern over Takazee that Egyptian officials have made clear that any attempt to divert Nile water could result in military action, according to senior Chinese and Egyptian officials. (More on Ruskiboss Rants)
csmonitor.com
Lately, Beijing has begun winning projects that have geopolitical relevance, such as Ethiopia's Takazee Dam -- a massive, $300 million hydro-power station that is rising on the headwaters of the Blue Nile River. Set deep in a mountainous region near the border with Sudan and Eritrea, the Takazee Dam has been on Ethiopia's drawing board for over a decade. But getting it off the ground hasn't been easy, thanks to Egypt. Cairo has long feared any project that could affect the flow of the Nile, viewing its own access to those waters as a matter of national security. Indeed, so great was its concern over Takazee that Egyptian officials have made clear that any attempt to divert Nile water could result in military action, according to senior Chinese and Egyptian officials. (More on Ruskiboss Rants)
Russia Writes Off Ethiopia's 1.1-Billion-Dollar Debt
A 1.1-billion-US-dollar debt cancellation agreement has been signed between Ethiopia and Russia, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.
Getachew Admassu, public relations officer with the ministry, told journalists that Russia has canceled 1.104 billion dollars of Ethiopia's 1.268-billion-dollar debt.
Ethiopian Minister of Finance Sufian Ahmed and Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin signed the agreement at a ceremony held in Moscow last week, Getachew said.
People's Daily Online
Getachew Admassu, public relations officer with the ministry, told journalists that Russia has canceled 1.104 billion dollars of Ethiopia's 1.268-billion-dollar debt.
Ethiopian Minister of Finance Sufian Ahmed and Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin signed the agreement at a ceremony held in Moscow last week, Getachew said.
People's Daily Online
Israeli Envoy Shot Himself - Ethiopian Police
Israel's envoy to Ethiopia was found in his hotel room bleeding from a bullet wound and Ethiopian police said yesterday he appeared to have shot himself. "There was no indication that other parties were involved in the injuries suffered by the ambassador," Ethiopian police said in a statement read on state-run television.
Citing diplomatic sources, Israel Radio said Ambassador Doron Grossman was believed to have attempted suicide, distraught at the discovery he had malignant cancer. He was airlifted to Israel in critical condition, officials said. Security guards heard the shot and found Grossman in his room at the Addis Ababa Hilton, bleeding from his head with his gun lying nearby.
SABCnews.com
Citing diplomatic sources, Israel Radio said Ambassador Doron Grossman was believed to have attempted suicide, distraught at the discovery he had malignant cancer. He was airlifted to Israel in critical condition, officials said. Security guards heard the shot and found Grossman in his room at the Addis Ababa Hilton, bleeding from his head with his gun lying nearby.
SABCnews.com
Ethiopia Expels Three American Groups
Ethiopia on Wednesday ordered three private American groups that promote democracy to cease operations and gave their foreign staff 48 hours to leave, officials with two of the groups said.
Field missions from the groups — the National Democratic Institute, the International Republic Institute and IFES — were in Ethiopia helping prepare the Horn of Africa nation for May 15 general elections.
SFGate.com
Field missions from the groups — the National Democratic Institute, the International Republic Institute and IFES — were in Ethiopia helping prepare the Horn of Africa nation for May 15 general elections.
SFGate.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
"Whole Building" Approach to Sustainable Design
The first sustainable solar community development in South Africa was one of 15 projects worldwide selected for presentation at the UN Global Warming Conference in Kyoto, Japan. It was chosen as an example of how developing nations can grow and prosper while minimizing emissions of greenhouse gases, and is known as a "no regrets" project because it created sustainable economic growth and stable, healthy communities while costing no more to implement than a conventional development.
www.envirolink.org
www.envirolink.org
Monday, March 28, 2005
ERIS Allocates Over 1.1 million USD for Candidates Campaigning for Upcoming Election
Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS), a London-based independent and non-political institute, announced on Friday that it has set aside over 1.1 million US Dollars to help political party and independent candidates campaigning for the upcoming national elections.
While making the announcement at the Office of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), ERIS representative said the sum of money allocated for party and independent candidates is meant to be utilized for transportation, purchasing of various campaign materials as well as cover publication costs.
The representative said the allocated sum of money has been apportioned for 29 independent and political party candidates fielded by political parties, including those under the umbrella of a front, a coalition or a union.
www.ena.gov.et
While making the announcement at the Office of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), ERIS representative said the sum of money allocated for party and independent candidates is meant to be utilized for transportation, purchasing of various campaign materials as well as cover publication costs.
The representative said the allocated sum of money has been apportioned for 29 independent and political party candidates fielded by political parties, including those under the umbrella of a front, a coalition or a union.
www.ena.gov.et
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Ethiopian Furniture Has Beauty, Texture
photo courtesy: courier-journal.com
"If I were looking for Ethiopian artifacts, I would definitely target neck rests, coffee tables -- Ethiopia is about the only place with a tradition of coffee tables -- and textiles"
Doris Athineos, Features and antiques editor, Traditional Home magazine
courier-journal.com
World Marks TB Day Today - Ethiopia 2nd in Africa in TB Infection
The 'World Stop Tuberculosis Day' will be celebrated today in Ethiopia with themes Frontline TB care providers: Heroes in the fight against TB and Open windows and prevent TB.
This was disclosed at a one day workshop organized for editors and journalists by Panos Ethiopia yesterday.
The workshop organized under HIV/AIDS-TB project has the purpose of highlighting the magnitude of tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection and identifying the media's role in stopping TB/HIV through advocacy, publication and broadcast.
allAfrica.com
Previous Post: Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
This was disclosed at a one day workshop organized for editors and journalists by Panos Ethiopia yesterday.
The workshop organized under HIV/AIDS-TB project has the purpose of highlighting the magnitude of tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection and identifying the media's role in stopping TB/HIV through advocacy, publication and broadcast.
allAfrica.com
Previous Post: Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
UN Envoy: Ethiopia, Eritrea Risk Starting New War
Ethiopia and Eritrea run the risk of starting a new war over a long-running border dispute, with tensions being fueled by irresponsible arms sales to both impoverished African nations, a senior United Nations official said on Thursday.
"Time is running out. Both countries are acquiring additional arms, increasing the number of forces at their borders," said former Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, the special U.N. envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
"I still believe however that war can averted," he told Parliament's foreign affairs committee in Ottawa.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year border war from 1998 to 2000 in which more than 70,000 people died.
metronews.com
"Time is running out. Both countries are acquiring additional arms, increasing the number of forces at their borders," said former Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, the special U.N. envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
"I still believe however that war can averted," he told Parliament's foreign affairs committee in Ottawa.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year border war from 1998 to 2000 in which more than 70,000 people died.
metronews.com
African Well Fund Launches 3rd Annual “Build a Well for Bono’s Birthday” Fundraiser
The African Well Fund will launch its third annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fund-raiser on March 27 at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego — the same night and city where U2 kick off their Vertigo Tour. The AWF raises funds to build wells in African countries like Uganda and Ethiopia, where clean drinking water is scarce. Donations will be collected until March 10, Bono's birthday.
For more information, check out AfricanWellFund.org.
For more information, check out AfricanWellFund.org.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Parts of Looted Manuscripts Return to Ethiopia
Two pages ripped out of an old Ethiopian holy manuscript and looted during the British invasion in 1868 were returned to Ethiopia on Wednesday.
Though the two pages made their way home 137 years after being plundered by British soldiers, the whereabouts of the original holy manuscripts is not yet known by those working for the return of Ethiopian treasures.
The two pages were returned by a prominent member of the British legal profession who felt strongly about the cause of restitution, according to the Association for the return of the Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET).
Professor Richard Pankhurst, Vice Chair of AFROMET handed over the centuries old torn pages to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum.
allAfrica.com
Though the two pages made their way home 137 years after being plundered by British soldiers, the whereabouts of the original holy manuscripts is not yet known by those working for the return of Ethiopian treasures.
The two pages were returned by a prominent member of the British legal profession who felt strongly about the cause of restitution, according to the Association for the return of the Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET).
Professor Richard Pankhurst, Vice Chair of AFROMET handed over the centuries old torn pages to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum.
allAfrica.com
The Very First Pre-Election Survey Conducted in Ethiopia
The first ever pre-election survey conducted by Initiative Africa with the participation of Addis Ababa Women Entrepreneurs' Association and Build Ethiopia is said to be completed with the final version expected to be out next April 10.
The main objective of the survey, according to Initiative Africa, is to explain why voters vote the way they do and why some parties are more successful than others.
The survey was conducted in 138 enumeration areas and the samples are representative of the urban areas of the four major regions of Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, and SNNP in addition to Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Harar cities.
allAfrica.com
The main objective of the survey, according to Initiative Africa, is to explain why voters vote the way they do and why some parties are more successful than others.
The survey was conducted in 138 enumeration areas and the samples are representative of the urban areas of the four major regions of Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, and SNNP in addition to Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Harar cities.
allAfrica.com
History Lesson: The Battle Of Magdala
By Thomas Keyes
In antiquity, the name Ethiopia did not denote what is today called Ethiopia, but instead referred to Nubia or Cush, which is mentioned in the Bible in various places and corresponds more nearly to today's Sudan, or part of it. There were some few references and legends possibly referring to today's Ethiopia from about 3000 BC, including the Biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is variously thought to have come from either Ethiopia or Yemen. Until the 20th century, Ethiopia was called Abyssinia. Continue...
In antiquity, the name Ethiopia did not denote what is today called Ethiopia, but instead referred to Nubia or Cush, which is mentioned in the Bible in various places and corresponds more nearly to today's Sudan, or part of it. There were some few references and legends possibly referring to today's Ethiopia from about 3000 BC, including the Biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is variously thought to have come from either Ethiopia or Yemen. Until the 20th century, Ethiopia was called Abyssinia. Continue...
Government to Start Irrigation Project On 200,000 Hectares of Land
The Ethiopian government has announced plans to undertake irrigation projects on 200,000 hectares of land as part of the country's food security program.
The announcement was made yesterday during the second day of marking this year's 'Water Day'. Ato Shiferaw Jarso, Minister of Water Resources said that the full development of 97,000 hectares of irrigation project was well underway in the Awash and Koqa basins.
The 90,000 hectares of the total irrigation project is in construction in Awash while the 7,000 hectares is in Koqa...
Ethiopia is endowed with the potential of huge water resource, with 122 billion m3 annual surfaces runoff and 2.9 billion m3 of ground water.
However, the country's water resource has contributed little to the country's socio-economic development where the average access to clean and safe water supply stands at 34 percent, which is said to be very low even by Sub Sahara African countries standards.
allAfrica.com
UNICEF:: Majority in Ethiopia lack access to clean water
Previous post: The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
The announcement was made yesterday during the second day of marking this year's 'Water Day'. Ato Shiferaw Jarso, Minister of Water Resources said that the full development of 97,000 hectares of irrigation project was well underway in the Awash and Koqa basins.
The 90,000 hectares of the total irrigation project is in construction in Awash while the 7,000 hectares is in Koqa...
Ethiopia is endowed with the potential of huge water resource, with 122 billion m3 annual surfaces runoff and 2.9 billion m3 of ground water.
However, the country's water resource has contributed little to the country's socio-economic development where the average access to clean and safe water supply stands at 34 percent, which is said to be very low even by Sub Sahara African countries standards.
allAfrica.com
UNICEF:: Majority in Ethiopia lack access to clean water
Previous post: The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Government Troops Committed Crimes in Gambella, Says HRW
Ethiopian troops committed widespread killings, rape and torture against the indigenous Anyuak population in an oil-rich western province, a rights group said on Thursday. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said numerous attacks by soldiers and civilians from other ethnic groups killed more than 500 people in the Gambella region in 2003 and 2004, bordering Sudan. However, the government dismissed the report. "The situation in Gambella is settled and everything is peaceful now," government spokesman, Zemedkun Teckle, told IRIN. "The people there are living peacefully right now. We are very surprised [and] do not understand why Human Rights Watch is now trying to ignite this issue."
Reuters AlertNet
Previous post: Gambella...The New Oil Rush?
Reuters AlertNet
Previous post: Gambella...The New Oil Rush?
WaterCan Runs Postcard Campaign
WaterCan@Queen’s presented students with an awareness campaign Tuesday to commemorate World Water Day.
The club, a branch of the international WaterCan organization, provided information about the challenges of obtaining clean water in third-world countries.
In 2000, the federal government pledged to give 0.7 per cent of Canada’s annual GDP to development aid, said WaterCan co-chair Salima Gilani, ArtSci ’05. However, she said only 0.2 per cent is being used.
WaterCan@Queen’s has dedicated most of their energy this year to raising money towards building a well in the village of Enseno in Ethiopia, Burnier said.
Engineers from Ethiopia will design the well—which will cost $75,000 to construct and maintain—using readily available tools and materials. When completed, the well will provide water for 3,000 people.
WaterCan@Queen’s hopes to contribute $20,000 to the project. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $2 for every dollar raised, for a final contribution of $60,000.
Queen's Journal
The club, a branch of the international WaterCan organization, provided information about the challenges of obtaining clean water in third-world countries.
In 2000, the federal government pledged to give 0.7 per cent of Canada’s annual GDP to development aid, said WaterCan co-chair Salima Gilani, ArtSci ’05. However, she said only 0.2 per cent is being used.
WaterCan@Queen’s has dedicated most of their energy this year to raising money towards building a well in the village of Enseno in Ethiopia, Burnier said.
Engineers from Ethiopia will design the well—which will cost $75,000 to construct and maintain—using readily available tools and materials. When completed, the well will provide water for 3,000 people.
WaterCan@Queen’s hopes to contribute $20,000 to the project. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $2 for every dollar raised, for a final contribution of $60,000.
Queen's Journal
Unhappy Masses and the Challenge of Political Islam in the Horn of Africa
by Professor Said S. Samatar, Rutgers
I'd like to start, if I may, with a personal confession: my friend and fellow alumnus of Northwestern University , Professor Alessandro Triulzi, has, by flying me across the Atlantic, made a considerable investment in me. Although he surely will not get his money's worth out of me, that fact does not weigh heavily on my mind. More than this, thanks to Bin Laden and Co., the ghost of political Islam has lately drawn academic attention to my professional interests and, in doing so, has turned out to be my premiere meal ticket, a manna from heaven to ensure earthly prosperity.
Somalia is once again, as indeed is the Sudan , the object of attention by the West. The once-neglected villages of Somalia are, as we speak, crawling with CIA agents, looking for the elusive specter of Bin Laden hideouts, presumably in the bushes and in the grazing grounds of camel herds. I am loath not to welcome this development, if only for the enormous employment opportunities it has opened up for us, the Somali elite, as well as expatriate fellow travelers. Who needs, from now on, to trouble with the teaching of complacent, overfed, gum-chewing American undergrads when the CIA pays better--and with far less exertion of the mind as of the body. Continue...
In The News...
Holy war threatened in Somalia
An Islamic leader on a U.S. terrorist list threatened a holy war Friday if an African peacekeeping force enters Somalia to try to install a new government and stop more than decade of clan warfare.
I'd like to start, if I may, with a personal confession: my friend and fellow alumnus of Northwestern University , Professor Alessandro Triulzi, has, by flying me across the Atlantic, made a considerable investment in me. Although he surely will not get his money's worth out of me, that fact does not weigh heavily on my mind. More than this, thanks to Bin Laden and Co., the ghost of political Islam has lately drawn academic attention to my professional interests and, in doing so, has turned out to be my premiere meal ticket, a manna from heaven to ensure earthly prosperity.
Somalia is once again, as indeed is the Sudan , the object of attention by the West. The once-neglected villages of Somalia are, as we speak, crawling with CIA agents, looking for the elusive specter of Bin Laden hideouts, presumably in the bushes and in the grazing grounds of camel herds. I am loath not to welcome this development, if only for the enormous employment opportunities it has opened up for us, the Somali elite, as well as expatriate fellow travelers. Who needs, from now on, to trouble with the teaching of complacent, overfed, gum-chewing American undergrads when the CIA pays better--and with far less exertion of the mind as of the body. Continue...
In The News...
Holy war threatened in Somalia
An Islamic leader on a U.S. terrorist list threatened a holy war Friday if an African peacekeeping force enters Somalia to try to install a new government and stop more than decade of clan warfare.
Meles Zenawi Endorses China's Anti-Secession Law
Meles Zenawi's parliament has now endorsed the People's Republic of China's anti-secession law on Taiwan. How come? The foundation of the Ethiopian constitution, to be more exact, the Meles Zenawi constitution, is based on what the prime minister has been saying is the universal right of "nations and nationalities to self-determination up to secession." Meles fought for Eritrean independence based on what is now Article 39 of the constitution, or it is said so. Those who opposed Meles were put to death. Period. (If there are lingering doubts, consult the History Book of TPLF authored by none other than Meles himself). What does endorsing China's anti-secession law mean vis-a-vis Meles Zenawi?
Ethiomedia.com
Article 39 The Right of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples:
1. Every nation, nationality or people in Ethiopia shall have the unrestricted right to self determination up to secession.
Ethiomedia.com
Article 39 The Right of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples:
1. Every nation, nationality or people in Ethiopia shall have the unrestricted right to self determination up to secession.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Ethiopian Opposition Complains That EU Election Observers Arriving Late
The European Union will be sending too few elections observers and too late to ensure free and fair elections in Ethiopia, an opposition leader said Monday, adding that the government has already taken steps to guarantee the ruling party a victory.
The first of 159 EU election observers arrived over the weekend, the first outsiders to officially monitor balloting in Ethiopia. The May 15 vote will only be the third election in the Horn of Africa nation's history.
"There are too few observers," said Brehanu Nega, the campaign manager for the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, one of the largest opposition groups. "We don't think 159 observers can effectively monitor voting in 38,000 polling stations."
Sudan Tribune
The first of 159 EU election observers arrived over the weekend, the first outsiders to officially monitor balloting in Ethiopia. The May 15 vote will only be the third election in the Horn of Africa nation's history.
"There are too few observers," said Brehanu Nega, the campaign manager for the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, one of the largest opposition groups. "We don't think 159 observers can effectively monitor voting in 38,000 polling stations."
Sudan Tribune
Ethiopian Jews Battle Poverty, Prejudice in Israel
Once a poor immigrant from Ethiopia, Mehereta Baruch has leapt to fame in Israel as a star on a reality television show.
The 30-year-old actress is one of a tiny minority of the tens of thousands of black arrivals in the past two decades to achieve even a measure of prominence in a country where Ethiopians complain of routine discrimination by fellow Jews.
Some 60 percent are considered to be living in poverty compared to 20 percent of the general population, according to figures from Meyers-JDC-Brookdale, a prominent Israeli social research institute.
Jews of Ethiopian descent, tracing their roots to the biblical King Solomon, number about 105,000 among Israel's 6 million people today.
Another 20,000 Ethiopians are expected through 2007 after a pledge to speed up immigration of the Falasha Mura, Jews whose families converted to Christianity in the past 200 years and now want to come to Israel.
Reuters.com
The 30-year-old actress is one of a tiny minority of the tens of thousands of black arrivals in the past two decades to achieve even a measure of prominence in a country where Ethiopians complain of routine discrimination by fellow Jews.
Some 60 percent are considered to be living in poverty compared to 20 percent of the general population, according to figures from Meyers-JDC-Brookdale, a prominent Israeli social research institute.
Jews of Ethiopian descent, tracing their roots to the biblical King Solomon, number about 105,000 among Israel's 6 million people today.
Another 20,000 Ethiopians are expected through 2007 after a pledge to speed up immigration of the Falasha Mura, Jews whose families converted to Christianity in the past 200 years and now want to come to Israel.
Reuters.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Internships Developing Leaders of Tomorrow
Avery, now a sophomore in animal science at Iowa State University, was one of 13 students who participated in the World Food Prize's internship program this past summer.
The Borlaug-Ruan Internship, named after World Food Prize (WFP) founders John Ruan and Norman Borlaug, allows students to work in research centers in Latin America, Asia or Africa during the summer.
"This is a working internship that allows them to work for eight weeks doing whatever the centers need them to do," said Lisa Fleming, WFP youth programs manager.
"It really does open their eyes and help them decide what they want to do."
Avery spent her summer in Addis Ababa, Ethopia, at the International Livestock Research Institute.
She is interested in red meat and meat consumption, and Ethiopia is the largest livestock producer in Africa. Even so, Avery found it was rare for poor farmers to have much access to meat.
Iowa Farmer Today
STATS: Ethiopia's large livestock resources include 35 million cattle, 11.4 million sheep and 9.6 million goats.
-www.ethiopiandiaspora.info
MEANWHILE, ReliefWeb reports...
Ethiopia may have underestimated the amount of food aid it will require this year, the US ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Friday.
During a five-day visit to the country, Tony Hall said he believed the scale of food aid needs was "a lot more serious" than the government had estimated - it had aimed to provide help to only 2.2 million people.
"I think the issue of people that need help has probably been underestimated," he told reporters. "All I know is the food is not here yet, and I think the word will have to go out to the donors that it is probably a lot more serious than anticipated.
"[Some Ethiopians] aren't getting any food. They don't have any money. They can't buy it and they are slipping," he warned.
The Borlaug-Ruan Internship, named after World Food Prize (WFP) founders John Ruan and Norman Borlaug, allows students to work in research centers in Latin America, Asia or Africa during the summer.
"This is a working internship that allows them to work for eight weeks doing whatever the centers need them to do," said Lisa Fleming, WFP youth programs manager.
"It really does open their eyes and help them decide what they want to do."
Avery spent her summer in Addis Ababa, Ethopia, at the International Livestock Research Institute.
She is interested in red meat and meat consumption, and Ethiopia is the largest livestock producer in Africa. Even so, Avery found it was rare for poor farmers to have much access to meat.
Iowa Farmer Today
STATS: Ethiopia's large livestock resources include 35 million cattle, 11.4 million sheep and 9.6 million goats.
-www.ethiopiandiaspora.info
MEANWHILE, ReliefWeb reports...
Ethiopia may have underestimated the amount of food aid it will require this year, the US ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Friday.
During a five-day visit to the country, Tony Hall said he believed the scale of food aid needs was "a lot more serious" than the government had estimated - it had aimed to provide help to only 2.2 million people.
"I think the issue of people that need help has probably been underestimated," he told reporters. "All I know is the food is not here yet, and I think the word will have to go out to the donors that it is probably a lot more serious than anticipated.
"[Some Ethiopians] aren't getting any food. They don't have any money. They can't buy it and they are slipping," he warned.
China-Ethiopia Trade Exceeds 200 Million Last Year
The Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia said Tuesday the trade volume between China and Ethiopia exceeded 200 million US dollars for the first time by the end of 2004.
Ambassador Lin Lin also said the investment climate of Ethiopia is considered favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Chinese and Ethiopian journalists, he said that with a stable political climate, a conducive macro-economic policy, a steady exchange rate and a huge local market of about 70 million people, the investment climate of Ethiopia proved favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
He said China imports natural gum, coffee, hides and skins, and oil seeds like sesame from Ethiopia, while it exports light industry products, machinery, chemicals, medical products, building materials, textiles, and rubber products like tyres.
The Chinese government has been providing Ethiopia with development assistance in the area of infrastructure construction, technical cooperation, humanitarian aid, education, and health, he said, adding that the Chinese government has also been dispatching medical teams to Ethiopia in the past three decades.
People's Daily
FACT
Chinese and Serbian contractors helped Ethiopia divert the Blue Niles Falls.
Ambassador Lin Lin also said the investment climate of Ethiopia is considered favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Chinese and Ethiopian journalists, he said that with a stable political climate, a conducive macro-economic policy, a steady exchange rate and a huge local market of about 70 million people, the investment climate of Ethiopia proved favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
He said China imports natural gum, coffee, hides and skins, and oil seeds like sesame from Ethiopia, while it exports light industry products, machinery, chemicals, medical products, building materials, textiles, and rubber products like tyres.
The Chinese government has been providing Ethiopia with development assistance in the area of infrastructure construction, technical cooperation, humanitarian aid, education, and health, he said, adding that the Chinese government has also been dispatching medical teams to Ethiopia in the past three decades.
People's Daily
FACT
Chinese and Serbian contractors helped Ethiopia divert the Blue Niles Falls.
UN Calls Time on Phone Cheats
United Nations peacekeepers enforcing a December 2000 accord between Ethiopia and Eritrea defrauded the body of more than $500,000 in telephone calls, UN auditors have reported.
The news comes as the UN finds itself under growing criticism following alleged mismanagement of its discredited UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq and for sexual abuse of minors by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The New Zealand Herald
The news comes as the UN finds itself under growing criticism following alleged mismanagement of its discredited UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq and for sexual abuse of minors by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The New Zealand Herald
Montrealer Sues Hospital Over Kidney Transplant
A Montreal man says his will to live is driving his lawsuit against a hospital that has refused to perform a kidney transplant on him.
"I want to save my life, I want to live, like everybody,'' Baruch Tegegne, 61, told a news conference Tuesday.
Tegegne has been waiting more than a year for a transplant. found a kidney donor, but the donor was found in India using a website called matchingdonors.com.
However, the Royal Victoria Hospital is concerned that money might change hands and that the potential donor isn't a family member.
Michael Bergman, Tegegne's lawyer, launched legal action on Tuesday to force the hospital to conduct compatibility tests on Shree Dhar, the 30-year-old donor, and if he is a suitable match, to perform the transplant.
Tegegne's kidneys are in such bad shape he must undergo four dialysis treatments per week.
While he has seven brothers, the ailing man says they aren't healthy enough themselves to help him.
The Ethiopia-born Tegegne was overjoyed when Dhar stepped forward.
www.ctv.ca
"I want to save my life, I want to live, like everybody,'' Baruch Tegegne, 61, told a news conference Tuesday.
Tegegne has been waiting more than a year for a transplant. found a kidney donor, but the donor was found in India using a website called matchingdonors.com.
However, the Royal Victoria Hospital is concerned that money might change hands and that the potential donor isn't a family member.
Michael Bergman, Tegegne's lawyer, launched legal action on Tuesday to force the hospital to conduct compatibility tests on Shree Dhar, the 30-year-old donor, and if he is a suitable match, to perform the transplant.
Tegegne's kidneys are in such bad shape he must undergo four dialysis treatments per week.
While he has seven brothers, the ailing man says they aren't healthy enough themselves to help him.
The Ethiopia-born Tegegne was overjoyed when Dhar stepped forward.
www.ctv.ca
Water Becoming More Precious Than Oil in Arab World
While one of the most pressing political and social issues facing the Arab world rarely makes headlines, it is an issue that some political analysts believe could lead to the next great confrontation in the region. Rapidly expanding Arab populations are making water far more precious than oil.
From a historic perspective, the modern Arab world was built on the back of oil.
Since the first oil well gushed in Bahrain in 1932, countries have argued over boundaries and borders in hopes of gaining a piece of land that might produce instant wealth.
But during a decades-long process, borders have been set, oil fields have been mapped, and accurate estimates have been made of oil reserves in the region. Now, many political analysts are saying the next source of possible conflict in the region will likely be water. That is because many countries in the Arab world are becoming increasingly concerned about how they will continue to supply water to rapidly expanding populations and industries, not to mention agriculture, which consumes up to 85 percent of the water in the Middle East.
For example, the greatest source of water in the region comes from the Nile River, which runs for more than 6,600 kilometers, flowing through nine Arab and African countries. But, while the amount of water produced by the Nile has remained the same for thousands of years, the populations along its path are expected to almost double over the next 20 years.
In 1955, three Middle Eastern states, including Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait were listed by international agencies as water-scarce countries. By 1990, Algeria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Tunisia and Israel/Palestine were added to the list. U.N. studies anticipate another seven Middle Eastern countries will be added to the list by 2025 including Egypt, Iran, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Ethiopia.
www.iwar.org.uk
From a historic perspective, the modern Arab world was built on the back of oil.
Since the first oil well gushed in Bahrain in 1932, countries have argued over boundaries and borders in hopes of gaining a piece of land that might produce instant wealth.
But during a decades-long process, borders have been set, oil fields have been mapped, and accurate estimates have been made of oil reserves in the region. Now, many political analysts are saying the next source of possible conflict in the region will likely be water. That is because many countries in the Arab world are becoming increasingly concerned about how they will continue to supply water to rapidly expanding populations and industries, not to mention agriculture, which consumes up to 85 percent of the water in the Middle East.
For example, the greatest source of water in the region comes from the Nile River, which runs for more than 6,600 kilometers, flowing through nine Arab and African countries. But, while the amount of water produced by the Nile has remained the same for thousands of years, the populations along its path are expected to almost double over the next 20 years.
In 1955, three Middle Eastern states, including Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait were listed by international agencies as water-scarce countries. By 1990, Algeria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Tunisia and Israel/Palestine were added to the list. U.N. studies anticipate another seven Middle Eastern countries will be added to the list by 2025 including Egypt, Iran, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Ethiopia.
www.iwar.org.uk
Two Imprisoned Journalists Continue to Be Detained in Run-Up to Elections
RSF has voiced concern that, with general elections due to take place in just two months, on 15 May 2005, two journalists, Shiferraw Insermu and Dhabassa Wakjira, continue to be detained. Insermu and Wakjira, journalists for the Oromo-language service of the state-owned Ethiopian Television (ETV), are accused of having links with an Oromo separatist group.
"As Ethiopians get ready to vote, two journalists continue to languish in a prison where cases of torture and mistreatment are regularly reported by international organisations," RSF said.
"Ethiopia is violating the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights just a few kilometres away from the African Union's Addis Ababa headquarters," the organisation added. "Whatever the charges against them, these two journalists have rights, which have clearly been denied by authorities who have defied the federal High Court's decisions. Under Ethiopian law, Insermu and Wakjira should be released immediately. The circumstances under which they were thrown in prison leads us to suspect that there is absolutely no basis for the charge of terrorism that has been brought against them."
Ethiopia Threatens to Grab Uganda's Flower Investments
UGANDA risks losing flower investments to Ethiopia unless the Government offers similar incentives to attract investors, Uganda Flower Exporters Association officials have warned.
A flower exporter, who recently visited Ethiopia with a group of 30 Dutch investors, said unless Uganda offered similar incentives, he would not recommend his company to expand here.
KLM to Begin Amsterdam - Addis Flight
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will start flying to Ethiopia with its first flight taking place on March 31, 2005, the airlines officials stated on Friday.
The flight service - Amsterdam-Khartoum-Addis-Amsterdam will take place twice a week - on Thursdays and Saturdays- on an extended Boeing 767 airplane.
"Starting flight services in Ethiopia has been on our minds for the past ten years, but it never happened due to duty constraint and economic downsize," Pieter de Man, General Manager of KLM Eastern Africa said.
"We believe that this new flight service will assist the blooming flower industry in Ethiopia. Our flights have the capacity to transport flowers, vegetables and fruits via its direct return route," he added.
allafrica.com
The flight service - Amsterdam-Khartoum-Addis-Amsterdam will take place twice a week - on Thursdays and Saturdays- on an extended Boeing 767 airplane.
"Starting flight services in Ethiopia has been on our minds for the past ten years, but it never happened due to duty constraint and economic downsize," Pieter de Man, General Manager of KLM Eastern Africa said.
"We believe that this new flight service will assist the blooming flower industry in Ethiopia. Our flights have the capacity to transport flowers, vegetables and fruits via its direct return route," he added.
allafrica.com
UNESCO to Assist Return Of Iconic Aksum Obelisk
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is sending an evaluation team to Ethiopia to prepare for the return of one of the country's most iconic monuments, the celebrated obelisk of Aksum, which Italian soldiers carted off to Rome during Mussolini's invasion nearly 70 years ago.
At the request of the Ethiopian and Italian Governments, UNESCO will draw up the re-installation project for the 1,700-year-old, 24-metres-high, 160-ton funeral stele and the development of the site in northern Ethiopia, which will be funded by Italy.
www.harolddoan.com
At the request of the Ethiopian and Italian Governments, UNESCO will draw up the re-installation project for the 1,700-year-old, 24-metres-high, 160-ton funeral stele and the development of the site in northern Ethiopia, which will be funded by Italy.
www.harolddoan.com
'One-Dollar U.N. Girls'
BUNIA, Congo -- She's known in the community as a "one-dollar U.N. girl." At night, she sleeps on the cracked pavement outside a storefront. In the mornings, she sashays through the dusty streets, clutching a frayed parasol against the blinding sun.
Yvette and her friends are also called kidogo usharatis, Swahili for small prostitutes. They loiter outside the camps of U.N. peacekeepers, hoping to sell their bodies for a mug of milk, a cold soda or -- best of all -- a single dollar.
"I'm sad about it. But I needed the dollars. I can't go farm because of the militias. Who will feed me?" asked Yvette. At 14, she has a round face with wide eyes beneath a cap of neatly shorn hair, and her hands rest on her hips in an older girl's pose...
The United Nations is investigating 150 instances in which 50 peacekeeping troops or civilians in the Congo mission are suspected of having sexually abused or exploited women and girls, some as young as 12.
Washingtonpost.com (subscription required)
Why and how could this happen?
Yvette and her friends are also called kidogo usharatis, Swahili for small prostitutes. They loiter outside the camps of U.N. peacekeepers, hoping to sell their bodies for a mug of milk, a cold soda or -- best of all -- a single dollar.
"I'm sad about it. But I needed the dollars. I can't go farm because of the militias. Who will feed me?" asked Yvette. At 14, she has a round face with wide eyes beneath a cap of neatly shorn hair, and her hands rest on her hips in an older girl's pose...
The United Nations is investigating 150 instances in which 50 peacekeeping troops or civilians in the Congo mission are suspected of having sexually abused or exploited women and girls, some as young as 12.
Washingtonpost.com (subscription required)
Why and how could this happen?
EU Pledges to Observe Ethiopian Elections Impartially
The European Union (EU) said Monday its observers will discharge their duty impartially and professionally in Ethiopia`s May 15 national elections.
The EU will delegate more than 160 observers in the country`s upcoming elections, said Anna Maria Gomes, the EU chief observer.
After talks here on Monday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Gomes told journalists that so far nine EU observers have come to Ethiopia.
AngolaPress
The EU will delegate more than 160 observers in the country`s upcoming elections, said Anna Maria Gomes, the EU chief observer.
After talks here on Monday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Gomes told journalists that so far nine EU observers have come to Ethiopia.
AngolaPress
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Cargo Plane Crashes in Lake Victoria
An Ethiopian Airlines cargo plane crashed into Lake Victoria near Uganda's Entebbe International Airport while attempting to land on Saturday, an airport official said. The five crew members suffered minor injuries.
www.iol.co.za
www.iol.co.za
A Double Win for Ethiopia
photo courtesy: IAAF.org
On a tide of emotion, Kenenisa Bekele swept to the greatest victory of his sensational career when he collected a fourth consecutive IAAF World Cross Country Championships short race title on St-Galmier Hippodrome on Saturday (19 March) infront of over 18,500 spectators.
He cast aside the burden of a broken heart, following the death of his teenage fiancee, World Youth 1500 metres champion Alem Techale, to win a breathtaking race in 26-degree heat.
"Joy comes frequently in life but grief on this level is something that you encounter very rarely," he said, "so to come here to this competition, where I first made my name, and to win after losing Alem is a very significant victory for me."
Also, Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba emulated her compatriot Kenenisa Bekele in landing the world cross-country double today as she added the short title to the long one she won the day before.
UN Urges Africa Go Geothermic
As heavily indebted Africa sinks under rising oil prices, a UN-sponsored project aims to give the continent access to vast reserves of cheap, clean energy.
The African Rift Geothermal facility project aims to tap the heat trapped in rocks deep beneath the floor of the geological feature that runs from the Red Sea to Mozambique.
The Rift Valley runs through Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Malawi through Mozambique.
Aljazeera.Net
The African Rift Geothermal facility project aims to tap the heat trapped in rocks deep beneath the floor of the geological feature that runs from the Red Sea to Mozambique.
The Rift Valley runs through Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Malawi through Mozambique.
Aljazeera.Net
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Ethiopia's AIDS Hotline Ringing Off the Hook
Thousands of Ethiopians are taking advantage of a new toll-free telephone hotline to educate themselves about the dangers of HIV and Aids, how to avoid getting it and how to treat it, officials said on Thursday.
The service, known as "Wegen AIDS Talkline," has been accessible to telephone users at no charge since last week and has been receiving between 1 800 and 2 200 calls per day, the officials said.
www.iol.co.za
The service, known as "Wegen AIDS Talkline," has been accessible to telephone users at no charge since last week and has been receiving between 1 800 and 2 200 calls per day, the officials said.
www.iol.co.za
Fund Raising Launched for Cardiac Treatment Center Construction
A fund raising project for the construction of a cardiac treatment center for children was launched on Sunday at the Hilton Hotel, Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported.
Organizers of the fundraising through a ticket sale called "One Birr for One Heart", plan to collect 12 million birr to help children with heart diseases.
The tickets, with the theme "Let's Mend a Broken Heart", are available for sale at one, five, ten, fifty and hundred birr at the Zewditu Hospital, ENA reported.
This is interesting. This project was launched in 2003. Why is it taking so long to raise this money?
Organizers of the fundraising through a ticket sale called "One Birr for One Heart", plan to collect 12 million birr to help children with heart diseases.
The tickets, with the theme "Let's Mend a Broken Heart", are available for sale at one, five, ten, fifty and hundred birr at the Zewditu Hospital, ENA reported.
This is interesting. This project was launched in 2003. Why is it taking so long to raise this money?
Special Forum on Contemporary Ethiopia
What is the status of Ethiopia, 20 years after famine relief? Why hasn't Ethiopia progressed as predicted? Former Clinton advisor for Africa, Gayle Smith, along with leading Ethiopian scholar, Edmond Keller, lead a panel discussion focusing on the state of Ethiopia.
Where were you when "We Are the World" dominated the radio waves? Marcia Thomas of USA for Africa discusses the 1984 famine relief effort and pop culture.
ucla.edu
Where were you when "We Are the World" dominated the radio waves? Marcia Thomas of USA for Africa discusses the 1984 famine relief effort and pop culture.
ucla.edu
Sir Geldof Returns To Africa
SIR BOB GELDOF is retuning to Africa 20 years after the LIVE AID extravaganza which he organised to alleviate famine and poverty in Ethiopia.
The charismatic Irish rocker will be touring the country for a series of BBC documentaries focusing on Africa to air on TV over the summer (04).
www.contactmusic.com
The charismatic Irish rocker will be touring the country for a series of BBC documentaries focusing on Africa to air on TV over the summer (04).
www.contactmusic.com
Monday, March 14, 2005
Animal Remains as Old as 4.5 Million Years Discovered in Ethiopia
More than 400 animal remains and artifacts including a high number of primate findings estimated from 3.7 to 4.5 million years of age have been discovered in Galili area in Ethiopia, scientists said on Saturday.
At a news briefing held on Saturday, Professor Gerhard Weber of the Paleo-Anthropological Research Team, said the diverse fauna that include antelopes, giraffes, pigs, elephants, among others, would make Galili a very important paleontology and paleoanthropolgy locality in Africa.
The PAR-Team, an international consortium of research institutes, had begun work in February 2000 under principal investigators Professor Horst Seilder and Professor Gerhard Weber.
The most important finding of the season 2005 is a partial hominid thighbone which was possibly not adapted to upright walking, heavier and taller than later hominids like the almost one million years younger Lucy, the world famous humanoid fossil, according to Professor Weber.
"Apart from this unique fossil, other findings include a partial skull of a medium sized monkey, skulls and jaws of pigs and antelopes," he said.
The Galili area produced more than 1,400 catalogued specimens which are housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia since the starting of the research, Professor Weber said, adding that many localities that produce abundant faunal remains and hominids have been identified.
Angola Press
At a news briefing held on Saturday, Professor Gerhard Weber of the Paleo-Anthropological Research Team, said the diverse fauna that include antelopes, giraffes, pigs, elephants, among others, would make Galili a very important paleontology and paleoanthropolgy locality in Africa.
The PAR-Team, an international consortium of research institutes, had begun work in February 2000 under principal investigators Professor Horst Seilder and Professor Gerhard Weber.
The most important finding of the season 2005 is a partial hominid thighbone which was possibly not adapted to upright walking, heavier and taller than later hominids like the almost one million years younger Lucy, the world famous humanoid fossil, according to Professor Weber.
"Apart from this unique fossil, other findings include a partial skull of a medium sized monkey, skulls and jaws of pigs and antelopes," he said.
The Galili area produced more than 1,400 catalogued specimens which are housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia since the starting of the research, Professor Weber said, adding that many localities that produce abundant faunal remains and hominids have been identified.
Angola Press
Ethio-Jazz: Leaving a Legacy
Listen to Ethiopian music legend Mulatu Astatke, and Russ Gershon, the director of the Either/Orchestra, about Ethiopia's fascinating musical tradition on The Leonard Lopate Show.
Events:
Mulatu Astatke & the Either/Orchestra
with guest DJ Timaj Sukker
Monday, March 14th at 9:30pm & 11:30pm
Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St, NY
Events:
Mulatu Astatke & the Either/Orchestra
with guest DJ Timaj Sukker
Monday, March 14th at 9:30pm & 11:30pm
Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St, NY
Ethiopia Tries to Woo its Emigrants Home
According to Arizona Central, government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis Ababa and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back...
Driven Away by Upheaval, Drawn Back by Success
The cigar smoke was thick at the swank Office Bar. Danny Davis, a stylish businessman raised in Washington, D.C., huddled with other Ethiopians visiting from the United States, sharing tips about the best local neighborhoods, most promising investment opportunities and best restaurants to munch a burger.
"I am so happy I am moving back," said Davis, 37, wearing a buttery leather jacket and sipping a whiskey. He's the owner of Pearl Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, but he plans to move with his wife, who is now pregnant, back home to Ethiopia next year. "There is real energy and movement in Addis. I tell my Ethiopian friends in D.C. they've got to go back and see what's going on."
A few blocks away, Woosen Ayalew, 44, a former resident of Fairfax, Va., runs the City Café, a coffeehouse that serves American-style doughnuts along with tiny cups of Ethiopian espresso.
"Ethiopia is experiencing a brain gain," Ayalew said. "Even just five years ago, no wanted to come back. Now everyone wants to come back and be a part of helping to build the country."
In many parts of the world's poorest continent, the chatter among ambitious people is usually about which Western embassy issues the fastest visa. About 20,000 skilled professionals leave Africa for Europe or the United States every year, according to the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency.
Among Ethiopians, however, many young emigres from the business and professional set are looking to return. This unique situation can be attributed in part to the financial success of Ethiopians in the United States, and in part to a campaign by the government to woo them back, said Kinfe Abraham, president of the African Economist magazine.
The greater Washington area has the world's largest concentration of Ethiopians outside of Africa, many of them driven away by protracted periods of famine and political instability. Last year, Ethiopians in the United States sent home $6 million in remittance money, eclipsing coffee, the country's biggest export, which earned $4 million.
But increasingly, Ethiopians who made their fortunes in the strip-mall spice stores and bakeries of Fairfax and the packed restaurants of Adams Morgan say they want to do more than send money home. All over Addis Ababa, eateries and offices are opening with such names as The Olive Garden, New York, New York, and The Boston Professional Building.
Government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back.
"There is the sentimental pull of home and at the same time a thriving business atmosphere," Kinfe said. "Successful people feel they owe something back to their country. Ethiopians love their culture. They want to come back. They just want to know they can also support their families here."
Despite a history of poverty and political problems, Ethiopia has long been regarded as a cultural capital of Africa. A recent celebration here, honoring the late reggae singer Bob Marley's 60th birthday, drew Africans from around the world. Many praised Ethiopia, the country Marley honored in his songs. "Babylon is falling, Ethiopia is calling," a Jamaican reggae group sang at the festival, encouraging Africans living abroad to move here.
One reason the country holds emotional resonance for Africans is because, unlike its neighbors, it was never colonized and was able to retain its cultural and religious traditions. Ethiopians have their own way of telling time and their own calendar.
Driven Away by Upheaval, Drawn Back by Success
The cigar smoke was thick at the swank Office Bar. Danny Davis, a stylish businessman raised in Washington, D.C., huddled with other Ethiopians visiting from the United States, sharing tips about the best local neighborhoods, most promising investment opportunities and best restaurants to munch a burger.
"I am so happy I am moving back," said Davis, 37, wearing a buttery leather jacket and sipping a whiskey. He's the owner of Pearl Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, but he plans to move with his wife, who is now pregnant, back home to Ethiopia next year. "There is real energy and movement in Addis. I tell my Ethiopian friends in D.C. they've got to go back and see what's going on."
A few blocks away, Woosen Ayalew, 44, a former resident of Fairfax, Va., runs the City Café, a coffeehouse that serves American-style doughnuts along with tiny cups of Ethiopian espresso.
"Ethiopia is experiencing a brain gain," Ayalew said. "Even just five years ago, no wanted to come back. Now everyone wants to come back and be a part of helping to build the country."
In many parts of the world's poorest continent, the chatter among ambitious people is usually about which Western embassy issues the fastest visa. About 20,000 skilled professionals leave Africa for Europe or the United States every year, according to the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency.
Among Ethiopians, however, many young emigres from the business and professional set are looking to return. This unique situation can be attributed in part to the financial success of Ethiopians in the United States, and in part to a campaign by the government to woo them back, said Kinfe Abraham, president of the African Economist magazine.
The greater Washington area has the world's largest concentration of Ethiopians outside of Africa, many of them driven away by protracted periods of famine and political instability. Last year, Ethiopians in the United States sent home $6 million in remittance money, eclipsing coffee, the country's biggest export, which earned $4 million.
But increasingly, Ethiopians who made their fortunes in the strip-mall spice stores and bakeries of Fairfax and the packed restaurants of Adams Morgan say they want to do more than send money home. All over Addis Ababa, eateries and offices are opening with such names as The Olive Garden, New York, New York, and The Boston Professional Building.
Government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back.
"There is the sentimental pull of home and at the same time a thriving business atmosphere," Kinfe said. "Successful people feel they owe something back to their country. Ethiopians love their culture. They want to come back. They just want to know they can also support their families here."
Despite a history of poverty and political problems, Ethiopia has long been regarded as a cultural capital of Africa. A recent celebration here, honoring the late reggae singer Bob Marley's 60th birthday, drew Africans from around the world. Many praised Ethiopia, the country Marley honored in his songs. "Babylon is falling, Ethiopia is calling," a Jamaican reggae group sang at the festival, encouraging Africans living abroad to move here.
One reason the country holds emotional resonance for Africans is because, unlike its neighbors, it was never colonized and was able to retain its cultural and religious traditions. Ethiopians have their own way of telling time and their own calendar.
Washington Post
Ethiopia Starts Broadband Internet Service
Good News!
The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), the country's only internet service provider, has announced it started providing broadband internet service as of March 13.
According to an ETC news release on Sunday, the corporation has transformed the narrowband service, which has so far been in, to a broadband internet service.
The project, which was launched six months ago, has cost some 7million birr (about 800,000 US dollars), the news release said.
The previous service was inefficient and it was serving not more than 15,000 clients, it said, adding that the broadband internet service can provide quality and efficient service to some 100,000 customers.
The news release said the corporation has worked out low price tariff to attract more customers and that the existing post-payment customers would be linked to the new pre-payment service to enable them get high quality services.
It also said the broadband internet service would enable watch live or recorded transmissions of television and radio programs, educational media transmissions, and attend exhibitions, meetings and forums apart from video and other services.
People's Daily Online
The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), the country's only internet service provider, has announced it started providing broadband internet service as of March 13.
According to an ETC news release on Sunday, the corporation has transformed the narrowband service, which has so far been in, to a broadband internet service.
The project, which was launched six months ago, has cost some 7million birr (about 800,000 US dollars), the news release said.
The previous service was inefficient and it was serving not more than 15,000 clients, it said, adding that the broadband internet service can provide quality and efficient service to some 100,000 customers.
The news release said the corporation has worked out low price tariff to attract more customers and that the existing post-payment customers would be linked to the new pre-payment service to enable them get high quality services.
It also said the broadband internet service would enable watch live or recorded transmissions of television and radio programs, educational media transmissions, and attend exhibitions, meetings and forums apart from video and other services.
People's Daily Online
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Kenyan President Due in Ethiopia for Talks on Somalia
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is to visit Ethiopia this week for talks with top Ethiopian and African Union officials amid controversy over the AU-authorized deployment of regional peacekeepers to lawless Somalia, officials said Tuesday.
Update
The visit broke ground for increased trade and investment interchanges between the two countries.
Acknowledging the role of trade and investment in development, the two leaders underscored the need to enhance economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Update
The visit broke ground for increased trade and investment interchanges between the two countries.
Acknowledging the role of trade and investment in development, the two leaders underscored the need to enhance economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
CNN.com -- Supermodel Liya Kebede, best known as the face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder, has been named a goodwill ambassador by the U.N. health agency.
The Ethiopian-born model said Monday she hoped her efforts for the World Health Organization would raise awareness of the difficulties mothers and children face in the developing world -- where millions die each year, often from easily preventable conditions.
Traveling to Ethiopia?
GET the latest health-related information on UNDP-ET.
Government Intervention
The government is facing a rise in heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other tropical diseases.
FIND out why tropical diseases kill more people than HIV/AIDS.
News
Officials scramble to halt the spread of polio in Ethiopia. It had been polio-free since 2002.
Humanitarian crises continue in Afar; new cases of measles are being reported.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Ethiopian Archaeologists Make Important Fossil Find
Archaeologists studying human origins in eastern Ethiopia have discovered 12 fossils that appear to be older than the famous fossil "Lucy," the team leader said on Saturday.
"The discovery of 12 early hominid fossil specimens estimated to be between 3.8 to 4 million years old will be important in terms of understanding the early phases of human evolution before Lucy," Ethiopian archeologist Yohannes Haile Selassie told a news conference.
"It is hoped that the new discoveries will allow scientists to connect the dots, furthering our knowledge of the time period in human evolution," he added.
"This is the world's oldest biped," Bruce Latimer, director of the natural history museum in Cleveland, Ohio, told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital, adding that "it will revolutionize the way we see human evolution."
Lucy is Ethiopia's world-acclaimed archaeological find. The discovery of the almost complete hominid skeleton, estimated to be at least 3.2 million years old, in 1974 was a landmark in the search for the origins of humanity.
RECOMMENDED READING
Some Worry Public Display Could Harm Lucy's Bones
"The discovery of 12 early hominid fossil specimens estimated to be between 3.8 to 4 million years old will be important in terms of understanding the early phases of human evolution before Lucy," Ethiopian archeologist Yohannes Haile Selassie told a news conference.
"It is hoped that the new discoveries will allow scientists to connect the dots, furthering our knowledge of the time period in human evolution," he added.
"This is the world's oldest biped," Bruce Latimer, director of the natural history museum in Cleveland, Ohio, told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital, adding that "it will revolutionize the way we see human evolution."
Lucy is Ethiopia's world-acclaimed archaeological find. The discovery of the almost complete hominid skeleton, estimated to be at least 3.2 million years old, in 1974 was a landmark in the search for the origins of humanity.
RECOMMENDED READING
Some Worry Public Display Could Harm Lucy's Bones
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Turkey Will Contribute To The Economic Development Of Ethiopia
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey will strongly contribute to the economic development of Ethiopia in the upcoming months and years...
Erdogan added that both Turks and Ethiopians wish to cooperate in the areas of textiles, industrial products, defense matters and energy related sectors. ''Turkey will send engineers to Ethiopia to assist Ethiopians in building dams across the country. As water is becoming more and more important in international relations, we want to help our Ethiopian friends utilize their precious water resources effectively and in a planned way,'' said Erdogan.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Celebration
The Ethiopian government said on Monday it has cleared 16 million square meters of land from landmines since 2002....
March 1 is celebrated internationally since the ratification in 1997 of the Landmine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, Canada. Ethiopia has ratified the Landmine Ban Treaty in November 2004.
Auctions...
Ethiopia has turned to the Internet to help sell its finest beans, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. In the first move of its kind in the country, the ministry is to start auctioning nine of its best quality coffee brands to help boost sales and reach a wider audience, officials added.
Upcoming Election
As democratic currents flow through the nearby Middle East, Ethiopia is trying to overcome its own hurdles as a nascent democracy.
A major Human Rights Watch report issued in January charged the Ethiopian government with continuing to "deny many of its citizens' basic human rights."
According to Human Rights Watch, "The continuous intolerance of dissent on the part of many officials raises serious concerns as to whether opposition candidates will be able to contest [the May 15] poll in an environment free of fear."
Erdogan added that both Turks and Ethiopians wish to cooperate in the areas of textiles, industrial products, defense matters and energy related sectors. ''Turkey will send engineers to Ethiopia to assist Ethiopians in building dams across the country. As water is becoming more and more important in international relations, we want to help our Ethiopian friends utilize their precious water resources effectively and in a planned way,'' said Erdogan.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Celebration
The Ethiopian government said on Monday it has cleared 16 million square meters of land from landmines since 2002....
March 1 is celebrated internationally since the ratification in 1997 of the Landmine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, Canada. Ethiopia has ratified the Landmine Ban Treaty in November 2004.
Auctions...
Ethiopia has turned to the Internet to help sell its finest beans, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. In the first move of its kind in the country, the ministry is to start auctioning nine of its best quality coffee brands to help boost sales and reach a wider audience, officials added.
Upcoming Election
As democratic currents flow through the nearby Middle East, Ethiopia is trying to overcome its own hurdles as a nascent democracy.
A major Human Rights Watch report issued in January charged the Ethiopian government with continuing to "deny many of its citizens' basic human rights."
According to Human Rights Watch, "The continuous intolerance of dissent on the part of many officials raises serious concerns as to whether opposition candidates will be able to contest [the May 15] poll in an environment free of fear."
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