Ethiopia’s Airports Receive Security Clearance from ICAO

 

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirms the Ethiopia's airports are free from security threats. This announcement follows a rigorous security audit conducted by ICAO.

During a press conference, Asrat Kejela, Director of the Civil Aviation Security Main Department, revealed details of the audit. ICAO experts assessed eight key elements and nine specific areas of aviation security, ultimately commending Ethiopia's strong security framework.

This ICAO clearance allows Ethiopia to expand its flight routes without additional security checks and creates a favorable environment for other airlines to operate. Enhanced aviation safety is expected to fuel tourism growth and contribute to Ethiopia's overall socio-economic development.

Ethiopia, a member of ICAO since its inception in 1944, was one of the first African countries to sign the Chicago Convention

Source: The Ethiopian Herald

Eskinder Nega’s remark about possible negotiation with government

 

Eskindir Nega

There has been a rumor that Eskinder Nega, one of the Fano leaders in the Amhara region and who is believed to be in Shoa currently, is negotiating with Abiy Ahmed’s government. The story appeared to be a propaganda stunt on the part of pro-government activists.  

A news story published by BBC Amharic this week cited Eskinder Nega as saying “decision is not yet reached,” regarding negotiation with the government – to end the military resistance. 

“There are many Fano groups. Each one is independent,” seems to be the reason that Eskinder gave as an explanation why a decision is not yet made. Eskinder Nega used to an activist and leader of Balderas opposition before he abandoned it and ventured to an armed struggle as the political space in the country got worse for a peaceful struggle. 

However, Eskinder seems to have laid what appears like a precondition to end the war in the Amhara region. 

“If there is interest in ending the war in the Amhara region, the government must stop killing us because of our identity. Hundreds of thousands of Amhara had been killed because of their identity. The genocide opened on the people must stop. There must be a radical change[systemic]. The constitution must be amended,” he is cited as saying. 

As Eskinder said, there are many Fano groups in different parts of the Amhara region of Ethiopia but all of them fighting against the regional government which is seen as a stooge for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. So far there is no demonstrated interest in entering into negotiation with the Abiy Ahmed’s administration which is implicated in the massacre of tens of thousands of ethnic Amhara. 

The Amhara regional administration and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration have been talking about, for several months now, negotiation with Fano forces but no tangible steps have been observed in that direction.

The Ethiopian government has not officially remarked about any ongoing or planned negotiation with Fano forces.

This week, there has been ongoing conversations among Ethiopian activists on the notion of negotiated settlement as a means to address the existing crisis in Ethiopia. Yet, there is a contending view that sees the approach as ineffective and underivable arguing that the problem in the country is structural calls for a radical change. 

Multiple reports from reputable human rights organizations in the country and abroad over the past ten or so months have been indicating that Abiy Ahmed government forces committed egregious human rights violations. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in different parts of the Amhara region since that government imposed a state of emergency in the region. There have been recurring drones strikes against civilians and extrajudicial executions by government forces. And the incidents have been documented.  

The Extended State of Emergency ended last week but the government has not officially declared it and the restrictions in the region are still in place. 

Telemet in tense situation as TPLF mobilize forces to recapture the area militarily

 Tension in Telemet, North Gondar, reported since last week after the TPLF mobilized forces from the Tigray region with an apparent move to recapture the areas militarily just like it did in the Raya areas, North Ethiopia. 

Telemet

BBC Amharic, on Saturday, reported that it spoke to  residents and administration in the area about the development. They have confirmed that the TPLF forces attempted to enter Telemet area – which has been described by the Federal government and some international actors as controversial areas while TPLF and the U.S. administration had been referring to them as “western Tigray.” 

Molalegne, head of East Telemet Administration, is cited as saying “The Tigray forces have been made to leave the area and vacate,” following efforts by security forces in the area and defense force. 

He seemed to have credited the defense force for the withdrawal of “Tigray forces” following communication with leaders (unspecified if it was federal government leaders or the TPLF leaders) to avoid conflict. 

The authorities in the area think that TPLF forces (they are described as “Tigray Forces”) intention, in the past few weeks, was to demolish interim administration in the area and implement a plan to return displaced people. 

A little over a week ago, there was a confirmed report that TPLF forces launched an attack  in Adarkay district of North Gondar, Ali Ghiorgis Kebele where they killed at least 15 civilians and wounded three others. Houses in the locality where the attack took place were reduced to ashes. 

In April this year, Tadesse Worede, Deputy President of  Interim Tigray Regional Administration unveiled plans to demolish interim administrations in the “contested” area and return displaced people. He made claims that the intended action was in accordance with the Federal government. 

Similar situation in Raya 

In March 2024, the TPLF forces mobilized what was described as heavily armed troops south of the Tigray region to control several districts of Raya – another area where the “Tigray forces” have been making claims of land. According to OCHA, well over 50,00 residents were displaced following the forceful military take over of the area. There have also been reports of human rights abuse in the area including killings, rape and kidnapping.

Currently, the TPLF forces are reportedly camped in schools in the area and people in many parts of Raya have been taking to the streets to protest the forceful military moves. People in the area feel betrayed by the Federal government, according to an EMS report this week. The Federal government and TPLF have been moving in the direction of what appears to be a political/military alliance after the Pretoria Agreement. They have already conducted three rounds of political dialogue in Mekelle and Addis Ababa. 

Raya and Wolkait/Telemet areas have traditionally been non-ethnic Tigray areas. It was after the TPLF took control of central government power in 1991 that these areas were incorporated into the Tigray region. Since then there have been movements in the areas protesting imposed Tigray Identity. 

Source: https://borkena.com/2024/06/15/ethiopia-telemet-in-tense-situation-as-tplf-mobilize-forces-to-recapture-it/

Ethiopia: Digital Fleet Management System Launched to Boost Trade on Addis Ababa-Djibouti Corridor

 A new digital vehicle fleet management system for trucks was inaugurated today on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti corridor, marking a major advancement in trade between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Djiboutian government, the European Union, and regional organizations. It represents the first project under a €32 million European Union-funded program aimed at enhancing the corridor's efficiency and fostering regional economic integration, managed by the French Development Agency and TradeMark Africa.

The system employs RFID technology to track trucks in real-time, streamline logistics, and cut wait times at ports. Expected outcomes include a 10% reduction in overall trade costs, a 15% decrease in goods exchange times, and a 30% reduction in customs clearance times at key border crossings.

Beyond efficiency, the program aims to increase exports in targeted sectors by 15% and boost incomes for vulnerable groups, especially women, involved in trade by the same margin.

Djibouti's Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Houmed, highlighted the system’s alignment with Djibouti's Vision 2035 to digitize the logistics sector. Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, emphasized its importance for regional economic integration. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, President of the Ports & Free Zones Authority, noted its role in enhancing port infrastructure and improving goods transport efficiency.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia Announces Discovery of Natural Gas Reserves in Ogaden Region

 

Natural Gas

A survey involving the drilling of 19 wells in the Ogaden region confirmed the presence of 21.336 billion cubic meters of natural gas. This latest discovery adds to Ethiopia's existing oil and natural gas deposits found in six locations across the country.

Expressing confidence in a swift development process, State Minister of Mines Million Mathewos stated the government's aim to bring the newly discovered natural gas into production by next year. He emphasized the various forms of support and monitoring being provided to expedite exploration and development efforts.
Beyond natural gas, Ethiopia is also focusing on geothermal energy development. The government is collaborating with States and the private sector to establish major geothermal projects, aiming to strengthen the national energy supply and create job opportunities.

Ethiopia made an announcement In August 2022 that it discovered 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Ogaden. Property analysis and consulting firm, Netherland, Swell & Associates, verified the existence and handed over the first gas reserves certificate to the government.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald

Additional source: CBS Africa