Obama in Ethiopia

Also in the news: A note to diaspora leaders, Stranded survivors and more of today’s top stories
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According to our web stats about 11% of our daily readers are in Ethiopia. If you are one of them, please e-mail us and let us know how we can best serve you. Until “they” block us again our number one priority will be our readers in Ethiopia - you! Contact us at EthiopianPolitics@yahoo.com
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A note to diaspora leaders

(By Hirut Abay, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

DireDawa is a city which in the 2005 elections unequivocally voted for Kinijit. As we all know, the citizens of DireDawa have fallen on hard times. The flood and its aftermath are having a devastating effect on the livelihood of Dire’s citizens. The elected Kinijit leaders, whom DireDawa voted for, are currently not in a position to help. Thus it is time for diaspora kinijit to show their unflinching solidarity with the people of DireDawa. Kinijit International political leadership has a responsibility to carry on the struggle in a manner that honors the legacy of the imprisoned leaders. As has been reported, Mr. Zenawi was recently in DireDawa. It is of course an apparent maneuver to win the hearts and minds of the people. Now, we all know that it is not possible for diaspora Kinijit to visit with DireDawa victims, but it can find a variety of ways in which it can extend a helping hand.

Obama visits flood-displaced Ethiopians

Sen. Barack Obama arrives in DireDawa

DIRE DAWA, Ethiopia - Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., visited a sprawling tent camp in eastern Ethiopia on Thursday for people displaced by devastating floods earlier this month, saying the U.S. military will continue to help the region. U.S. Navy personnel began relief operations two weeks ago in the eastern town of Dire Dawa, where the first flash floods ripped through the town on Aug. 6. In eastern, southern and northeastern Ethiopia, flooding caused by the heavy rains has killed more than 600 people and displaced tens of thousands of people, according to U.N. officials.(More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Ethiopia's stranded survivors
-Outrage at Zimbabwe bugging plan
-Egypt's Abdelwahab dies on pitch
-America's smartest cities
-Supernova caught in its exploding act
-Canada pilot in toilet trip drama

Meles renews extradition request for Mengistu

Also in the news: Public Relations Advisor in critical condition, arbitrarily arrests in Oromia region (Amnesty intr.), 31 unitversity students detained, probe into army discontent and more of today’s top stories
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According to our web stats about 11% of our daily readers are in Ethiopia. If you are one of them, please e-mail us and let us know how we can best serve you. Until “they” block us again our number one priority will be our readers in Ethiopia - you! Contact us at EthiopianPolitics@yahoo.com
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Meles on his Uganda trip told reporters that his government has renewed extradition requests for Col. Mengistu H/Mariam. Born in the Harar region, E Ethiopia. Col. Mengistu studied at Holetu military academy, and joined the Ethiopian army, rising to the rank of colonel. He took part in the 1974 bloody coup which removed Emperor Haile Selassie, then in 1977 led another coup which ousted the military regime. Despite Ethiopia's perilous economy, guerrilla fighting, and frequent droughts throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he managed to retain power with help from Russia and the West. In 1987 he sanctioned the return of one-party civilian rule under the Marxist-Leninist Workers Party, with himself as president. In 1991 when rebel groups closed in on Addis Ababa, he fled the country, and his government fell. He now lives in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's government in the past has ignored such similar requests; it looks as if this request will be ignored as well. Some see this move as a diversionary tactic by the government to deflect attention from the countries internal troubles.(Bio by appbio). (More...)

Public Relations Advisor to the Prime Minister in critical condition

(EZ)- Bereket Simon, Public Relations Advisor to the Prime Minister , was rushed to a hospital in Israel last Wednesday evening accompanied by his wife, W/o Assefu. On the morning of the same day, Bereket's aides were spotted taking hard currency from the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Bereket's wife returned to Addis Ababa yesterday to attend to her one-year old baby child. Sources said that she would be returning back to Israel soon. Her husband was said to have Hemiplegia (partial paralysis) in his left side.(More...)

31 university students imprisoned over Alemaya incident

Friday August 25, violence broke out in Alemaya (jimma) campus for reasons that are still not clear. It has been widely reported that a government incited ethnic propaganda is to blame. 31 university students are currently in custody accused of fanning the incident. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Amnesty International Report [Detention without charge / fear of torture or ill-treatment]
-Ethiopia begins nationwide probe into army discontent
-ER publisher writes a letter to U.S. Attorney General
-Eritrean police arrest UN peacekeepers
-MIDEAST: Shi'ite militia, Iraqi troops in fierce clashes
-Hackers hit AT&T, steal users' info
-Cell phones won't keep your secrets
-CNN: anchorwoman's chat with a colleague accidentally broadcast live
-CBS magazine slims down Couric in photo

Ethiopian Govt. combating its own Citizens

Also in the news: leaked documents, defecting diplomats and other top stories of the day

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Abraham Lincoln once said that a government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. The opposite is also true; a government of a select few, by the select few, for the select fews’ friends and family; will only stick around for a short period of time. Through out Ethiopia’s long history many have made the fundamental error of neglecting this truth. For some unintelligent reason; many of Ethiopia’s rulers believed they were the special exception to this law. Of course, they all ended up being very disappointed.

The EPRDF led government of Ethiopia is on a path to repeating this mistake. A newly leaked document of government communiqué exposes a plan to compile an extensive list of pro-democracy activists for intimidation and bullying purposes. The fact that communiqués and office memos are constantly being leaked to the press is a sign of the corrosion of trust between the government and its own employees.

The Enemy

Photo by Andrew Heavens

It is time for the EPRDF to take the hint or prepare to be yet another tragic footnote in Ethiopia’s history. If we have learned anything from South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, it is that redemption is possible for those who seek it. Carpe diem EPRDF or perish.

Spy "diplomats"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TPLF Government has recently distributed a circular for its Embassies and Consular Affairs throughout the world. The circular, which is a follow-up of a previous “Strategic Plan” which was sent to Embassies earlier this year, orders all Embassies to prepare a comprehensive report on the implementation of the “Strategic Plan” that was targeted against opposition leaders, popular Ethiopians, former diplomats and all Ethiopians in the Diaspora who are active in the struggle against the regime. (More...)

Senator Obama hailed as hero on visit to dad's village

It was a surreal homecoming, Obama said, considering that the last time he came to this part of Kenya he walked a half-mile to the bus depot after taking the overnight train. This time, East African Flight 301 announced his presence to passengers onboard and deposited him a few steps from a waiting caravan. "Obviously there's been a big shift in terms of my travel accommodations," the Illinois Democrat said. "The last time I arrived in my grandmother's village, there was a goat in my lap and some chickens." (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-List of defected Ethiopian diplomats
-Leaked government Memo
-Bush marks hurricane anniversary
-Mexico candidate rejects court decision
-Iran's president wants to debate Bush on live TV
-Leader Of Polygamist Sect Arrested

Addisu Leggese’s visit, so far, a dismal failure – and no hope in sight !

Also in the news: Ethiopian Generals Missing, Flood death toll exaggerated,Boston Protest video, 69 students taken to a hospital, price of oil increases by 25% and other top stories of the day.

(by Paulos Dandego, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Deputy prime Minster of Ethiopia, Ato Addisu Leggese has been met with fierce opposition since his arrival In the U.S. So fierce, in fact, that it prompted U.S officers assigned to protect him to ask demonstrators what he had done that evoked such anger from his fellow countrymen. The answer is always the same; he is part of a regime that is holding its own people hostage through fear and intimidation. He is part of a regime that has jailed elected public officials thereby demonstrating its contempt for the public which elected them. He is part of a government riddled with corruption, sleaze and fraud. He is part of an administration which is trying to put to use the old colonial tactics of divide and rule, jeopardizing thousands of years of history, just to prolong its stay in power.

In no uncertain terms, Ethiopians all over the United States are demanding the release of “their leaders” - referring to the very popular jailed opposition members of parliament - and making it clear that if any dialog is to commence between the opposition and current government; it is to be in the presence of the elected Kinijit (popular opposition party) MPs currently detained in the notorious Qality prison.

Pro-democracy opposition leaders of Kinijit being escorted by armed guards to prison

Addisu has a couple more stops in America before he returns to Ethiopia. Already Ethiopians in cities he is scheduled to visit are mobilizing to confront him and give him a piece of their mind. The future is very bleak for Addisu’s America tour; it seems like the next city is trying to outdo the first to see who can protest the hardest. Two to five of his closest relatives attending his meetings, Addisu should cut his losses, journey back home and save himself further embarrassment. (More on this below)

Eight Ethiopian Generals Missing

Reports from Addis Ababa, the capital of the Ethiopian Autocracy, confirm the disappearance of up to eight generals. These generals have been missing for a while now and their whereabouts are unknown. Reliable sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of their role within the Ethiopian army indicate that the eight generals were linked to the defection of General Kemal Gelchi.The same sources add that Meles Zenawi, the head of the autocracy in Addis Ababa ordered the detention of the eight generals. The missing eight generals are ethnically from Oromo and Amhara.(More...)

Foreign aid officials: Government Exaggerated flood death toll

Almost two weeks after the Omo River burst its banks and flooded the surrounding plains, many local observers continue to question the number of displaced and dead reported by government officials and media. A doctor from a nearby district who had come to the South Omo region to assist in the recovery efforts supported this belief. He said that in the four days that he had spent living and working in rural villages, he had neither heard nor seen of any dead. "I treated several cases of diarrhea and one or two possible malaria cases," Dr. Getachew said. "But I heard of no dead. There actually isn't much for me to do here, so I'm going back to my own district." (More...)

The price of oil and oil products increases by 25%

The escalating price of petroleum in the international market has compelled the Ethiopian government to make another fuel price adjustment. The price of oil and oil products has increased by 25% from the current price as of today August 27. The Council of Ministers approved the price adjustment on Friday at its weekly meeting after the Ministry of Trade and Industry proposed the adjustment. A study presented to the Council of Ministers suggested that the price would increase until it reaches 12 birr for regular oil in the next two years. (More...)

Boston Protest video – what a united opposition can do

Today's Top Stories

-Boston sends Addisu through the backdoor (EM)
-Ethiopian Airlines profits fall even further
-Electric tariff increased
-Ethnic clashes send 69 students to the hospital
-US ends Somali banking blacklist
-Feet washed in apartheid apology
-Mystery surrounds European outbreaks of sheep virus
-New Compound Causes Cancer Cell Suicide
-Pluto row could lead to Neptune losing planet status
-World's oldest woman dies at 116
-Spy Drama '24', Comedy 'The Office' Win Top Emmys

The Week in Review

Catch-up on major news events you missed in the past week-And the weekend’s top stories!

• Monday- August 21, 2006
• Tuesday- August 22, 2006
• Wednesday- August 23, 2006
• Thursday- August 24, 2006
• Friday- August 25, 2006

Weekend top Stories

A message from Kinijit-UEDF Support Groups

The non-elected Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Addisu Legesse, is coming to the Boston area this weekend to advance EPRDF propaganda under the cover of "promoting investment and development in the Amhara Region”. This is part of the fascist regime's strategy to minimize and disregard the massive and systematic crackdown on dissent and opposition, and prolonging their stay in power. He knows as well as we do, that investment and development can successfully be implemented only in an atmosphere of good governance

He, as all the others in his party, were voted out of office but chose to hold on to power by brutally cracking down on the thousands of civilians that gave the EPRDF a vote of no confidence and democratically elected other candidates, the majority of whom have since been detained in abysmal conditions in Qaliti and are facing fabricated but serious charges in a kangaroo court. The issues we care about are:

- THE IMMEDIATE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF OUR ELECTED LEADERS & CITIZENS
- RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
- DEMOCRACY IN ETHIOPIA

If they want dialogue, it should be with our leaders in Qaliti Prison!
If they want dialogue, it should be with our leaders in Qaliti Prison!
We will not allow such a propaganda event in Boston!

We are calling on ALL Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia to join us outside the Knights of Columbus 363 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135 on Sunday, Aug. 27th, 2006 at 2:00PM to let them know that they're not welcome in our city.

If they want investment and development, they should allow peace and stability, not a reign of terror!

So, come one, come all, let us show our solidarity with our people, and tell Addisu that ONLY the establishment of democratic institutions, AND a full and independent investigation of every barbaric act by the regime and its agents can bring about the appropriate environment for any kind of dialogue. He cannot be parading with his entourage in our city while our people are suffering.

The Support Groups for Kinijit and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) - Boston
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-Government inciting ethinic clashes and Hailu Shawel's health deteriorates
-Urgent Appeal to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
-UN: Israel Used Illegal Cluster Bombs In Lebanon
-Iran opens nuclear project
-On your donkeys, SA police told
-Elton John planning to record a hip-hop album

Ethiopians in America Vehemently Protest Addisu Legesse’s Visit

Also in the news: Islamic court issues a warning, Ethiopian Troops in Baidoa Airport, sea of lies and other top stories of the day

Addisu Leggese (Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia) was mate with furious protestors who demanded the immediate release of all political detainees currently languishing in prisons in Ethiopia. FREE OUR LEADERS! Chanted the protestors, affirming their solidarity with the prisoners in Kality. This demonstration is yet another confirmation that Kinijit’s spirit is alive and gaining significant strength in the diaspora!

For more news on this topic, click on the following links;

[Secure links]
Ethiomedia
EMF
AddisVoice

Ethiopia must leave, or 'face all out war'

Mogadishu - Islamists controlling much of southern Somalia warned Ethiopia on Thursday of "full-scale war" unless it withdraws troops allegedly sent to defend the country's weak transitional government. The warning was delivered as forces loyal to the increasingly powerful Islamist movement advanced toward a town north of the capital lost earlier this week to warlords reportedly backed by Ethiopian soldiers.(More...)

Ethiopian Troops Take Control of Baidoa Main Airport

Uncertain number of heavily armed Ethiopian forces with fifteen battlewagons has seized control of the main airport in Baidoa where the Somali fragile government is seated, Reliable source told Shabelle. It is not yet known whether these Ethiopian troops are the ones who were previously stationed in Baidoa or new ones.The Union of Islamic Courts stipulated their participation in the Khartoum reconciliation conference over the Ethiopian forces in some parts of Somalia. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-SEA OF LIES
-Survivor Africa - Ethiopian contestant
-First ship arrives in Mogadishu
-Stem cells created without harming embryos
-Vegas axes instant night weddings
-Bob Marley commemorated with special Jamaican coin

Human Rights Groups Concerned for Ethiopian Detainees

Also in the news: Government sanctioned price gauging in Ethiopia, the flip flopper, Seattle Ethiopians angry and other top stories of the day.

CPJ concerned about prison conditions for two journalists

New York - The Committee to Protect Journalists today sent the following letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.
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Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
C/O The Embassy of Ethiopia
3506 International Drive, NW
Washington,DC 20008

Via facsimile: 202-587-0199

Your Excellency,

The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about prison conditions for journalists Eskinder Nega (left) and Sisay Agena(right), who CPJ sources say are suffering from harsh treatment and deprivation without judicial review.

The two had been held with at least 13 other journalists in Kality Prison, near Addis Ababa, since November 2005. However, Nega was moved at the end of July and Agena on August 19 to Karchele Prison, according to CPJ sources. They are said to be kept with two other prisoners in a small, unsanitary cell and allowed only limited bathroom breaks. Their access to visitors is heavily restricted, CPJ sources said. Some sources said they fear the two may be deprived of light and adequate drinking water. [photo by EMF]. (More...)

Medical concern/ Prisoner of Conscience - Amnesty International

Retired geography professor Mesfin Woldemariam, Ethiopia’s most prominent human rights defender, has been detained since 1 November 2005, and is among 76 opposition party leaders, journalists and human rights defenders on trial on charges of “outrage against the Constitution”, “obstruction of the exercise of constitutional powers”, “inciting, organizing or leading armed rebellion” and “attempted genocide,” in connection to the demonstrations against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections in Ethiopia (see UA 284/05, AFR 25/017/2005, 02 ovember 2005, and follow-ups). He is said to be "responding well to treatment" for pneumonia in hospital, but his condition still remains serious and potentially life-threatening. (More...)

Democracy Activists and Journalists still in solitary Confinement

(EZ) - Muluneh Eyuel, Sisay Agena, Eskinder Nega and Andualem Arage are still in a solitary confinement which has no sun or artificial light and with the worst hygienic conditions. They are able to go to the toilet only once a day under armed escort and are prohibited from meeting their families and friends.

Today's Top Stories

-Government sanctioned price gauging in Ethiopia
-(Audio)The Original flip flopper - HagerFikir Radio [Compiled by EMF]
-Seattle Ethiopians angry at Addisu Legesse's visit (EM)
-Sen. Obama to Take HIV Test in Kenya
-Astronomers say Pluto is not a planet !!
-Early death predicted even for moderately overweight people
-Tea 'healthier' drink than water
-Telescope set to reveal 'Big Bang'

Visiting the Leaders in Kality: What is it like?

Also in the news: Trouble in the army, Prison officers in Kality under extreme scrutiny , Dr. Merrera's bid for chairmanship blocked, Somali refugees, Miss A.A.U and more of today’s top stories

Visiting the Leaders in Kality: What is it like?

photo by ethiopiahagere

Visiting time for CUD prisoners is 3:00-4:00pm local time. At the gate you are required to show a Kebele ID or a passport. Then you will go directly to the ‘lobby’ and establish a queue to be registered. The prisoners are divided into THREE ZONES. In most cases these zones correlate with the cells where the prisoners are staying . You must know where the person you plan to visit belongs, i.e. which zone. Otherwise, you would be waiting for a while. While visiting a prisoner you can shake hands. There will be at least one police in between to hear what you are discussing and in case you may give/take any written material. (More...)

Somali refugees stream into Addis Ababa

Mahamad Mattamand Abdi, 29, is a refugee who says he arrived in Ethiopia two weeks ago by car. “I came here with 40 other people, leaving my family behind. But we agreed that they will follow me after I settle down here,” Mahamad said. “People in Somalia fear that a war might break out between the UIC and the Transitional Federal Government, so we left.” Mahamad added that he and his group had no problem entering Ethiopia through Jijiga, more than 700 kms east of Addis Ababa. (More...)

Boiling trouble in the Army lands General in a Hospital

Major General Bacha Dabale, Commander of EPRDF’s troops in the east, is rushed to hospital following a tense stand off with troops. Reliable sources in the Ethiopian army report that Major General Bacha Dabale was airlifted by helicopter from East to Addis Ababa yesterday.Following the defection of Brigadier General Kemal Gelchu, Commander of the 18th division, one of the most decorated, along with hundreds of troops, loyal commanders of the regime have been conducting marathon meetings with the soldiers to defuse the situation and avert further defections.(More...)

Miss A.A.U - 2006

It is nearing the end of the Ethiopian year and as it has been the tradition of the Addis Ababa University’s students, this was time to have a beauty pageant and select the Miss Addis Ababa University 2006. And it was on a show that was held last Sunday that the Miss AAU was chosen. But this time the committee has set a challenge for the winner by attaching the title with a task of publicizing the problems of fistula that is prevalent around the countryside rather in Addis Ababa.
The winner for the 2006 Miss Addis Ababa University is the 21-year-old sophomore architecture student Selam Tewahsom. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Prison officers in Kality under extreme scrutiny: Government trying to figure out how Dr. Berhanu’s book was smuggled out.
-Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse's San Jose Meeting boycotted (EM)
-NEBE blocks Dr. Merrera's bid for chairmanship
-The ETV and its never ending dullness
-Somali Islamists open militia training camp
-Deadline set for abducted Fox men
-"Proof" of dark matter found
-The mysteries of the equator
-Osama Wanted to Always Love Whitney Houston?

Kinijit a Central Theme in Yesterday’s BuHe Celebrations

*Kaliti Prison update, Ethiopian Troops capture Bandiriley, urgent appeal from amnesty international, Ethiopian MP in solitary confinement. And other top stories of the day.*

(More...)

Ethiopian MP thrown in solitary confinement for raising his voice at an American Diplomat

On August 11, 2006, the Secretary of CUDP, Muluneh Eyuel, who with other leaders of the party is falsely accused of treason and attempted genocide by the Ethiopian government, met the American Charge d'affaires in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Vicki Huddlestone. The ambassador told Ato Muluneh that the way forward for Ethiopia was reconciliation between the government and the jailed leaders of CUDP. When Muluneh reminded the Mrs. Huddlestone that his party had always stretched its hands for talks, the ambassador replied that it is still possible to have talks if he and his colleagues in writing accept the country's constitution. It was reported that Muluneh angrily said to her that she wasn't serious enough to be an honest broker.(More...)

Urgent Appeal - Amnesty International

From: Dr Martin Hill, Amnesty International and
Lena Rösell, Swedish Chapter of Amnesty International

The 5th Horn of Africa Conference meeting of scholars in Lund, Sweden from 19-20 August 2006 on the theme of “The Role of Diasporas in Peace, Democracy and Development” has heard with deep concern of the critical ill-health of our academic colleague Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, who has been detained since November 2005 and is facing capital charges of instigating violence and other offences arising out of post-election demonstrations.(More...)

Kaliti Prison update

Dr Yakob W/M looks fine in his familiar cap. To me, he looks like he lost a few pounds , if I remember him correctly. Eng. Gizaw as usual with his warm smile salutes everybody around him. I saw Yenenh talking with his friends and family members. He definitely looks fine and healthy. Dr Hailu Araya is visible, he has his hair cut short unlike his previous style I used to remember. Physically he looks very fit. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Ethiopian troops capture Bandiriley, in Galka’yo Mudug
-Somali Islamists ban animal trade
-Iran ready for 'serious negotiations'
-Climate linked to plague increase
-Scientists: 'Hobbit' was ancestor of pygmy
-Russian solves historic math problem, shuns prize

Kinijit’s Two Day Meeting a Huge Triumph!

*Press release from kinijit, Update on Professor Mesfin’s condition, Andargachew shares his views, Ethiopian Troops in Baidoa and today’s top stories - below*

EPRDF Government Displaces the Anuak

Anuak refugee children in Sudan Photo by Obang Metho

Enough of this power struggle between the brutal government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Ethiopian people! Does the EPRDF not know that they cannot find enough force to hang on forever when the people all over Ethiopia are saying—enough? Can they not see the signs of the end and give up? Must they be so relentless in hanging on to the last threads of a dictatorship doomed to fail! They must be recognizing their fragile condition as they have become increasingly relentless in worsening the situation, a move that some see as the last desperate moves of a dying regime. Yet, as they do, increasingly more people are suffering.(More...)

Kinijit’s Two Day Meeting a Huge Triumph

Press release from Kinijit (Amharic)

Professor Mesfin update

(EZ)

Doctors who carried out medical tests confirmed that professor Mesfin is suffering from pneumonia. He has loss of appetite, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. When two days ago he was taken to hospital, eye witnesses said that he could barely walk. Pneumonia is a common lung infection at the Kaliti jail where hundreds of people live in one cell. Police hospital sources claimed that the 76 years old academic and human rights activist is now in a better condition.(More...)

Awash Park to stop operation because of shortage of budget

According to Arega Mekonen, manager of Awash Park within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the federal government had not allocated a budget for the park and workers are facing problems since pastoralists in the locality graze their cattle in the park.(More...)

Today's Top Stories

- North West Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in Vancouver ,Canada ( September 2-3, 2006 )
- Addis Voice interviews Ato Andargachew Tsigie
- Ethiopia troops approach Baidoa
- Ethiopians remain defiant, says Addis Ferenji (EM)
- Somali premier names new cabinet to face Islamists
- DR Congo run-off could be best result
- Israel wants Italy to lead peacekeeping force
- HIV Turns Off Immune Cells

The Week in Review

Catch-up on major news events you missed in the past week-And the weekend’s top stories!

But first, diaspora Kinijit is holding a crucial meeting this weekend. We would like to send our best wishes to everyone in that summit. We are optimistic that the outcome of this meeting will be the rejuvenation of the diaspora movement. Everyone in the conference is there because of their deep love for their country. Hence, it is imperative that everyone put aside personal grudges and focus on enhancing the fight for freedom and democracy in Ethiopia. Godspeed to all.

• Monday- August 14, 2006
• Tuesday- August 15, 2006
• Wednesday- August 16, 2006
• Thursday- August 17, 2006
• Friday- August 18, 2006

Weekend’ s top Stories

- EPRDF Government Displaces Anuak in Over 12 Anuak Villages
- Professor Mesfin Hospitalized
- US troops join Ethiopian flood relief effort
- Getting back to business in Somalia
- Indian village uploads itself onto Internet

Gojam In Turmoil

*Annan pledges aid, response to Donald N Levine’s Sew Beza, the aid cure, and other top stories of the day.*

Annan pledges aid to victims of Ethiopia’s floods

Dire Dawa City
Picture by Addis fortune

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has pledged the UN’s continued support to Ethiopia in assisting victims of the recent deadly floods in the country. “The Secretary General is deeply saddened over the loss of life and damage caused by the recent flooding in Dire Dawa and South Omo, Ethiopia,” his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said. (More...)

Gojam In Turmoil

(Ethioblogger)
[Amharic font needed]

(More...)

The Aid Curse

(By Roger Bate)

Meles Zenawi, seen by the Pentagon as something of an ally in the war on terror, has been more successful at terrorizing his own people, especially in the opposition party, than in routing out extremists bent on wreaking destruction in the West. He has also continued to follow Marxist economic policies; there is virtually no private property in the country, making it very difficult for any development to occur, and making development aid rather pointless.(More...)

Response to Donald Levine’s SEW BEZA YE-REHAB NEGER BEZA

(By Aie Zi Guo)

Controlling hunger and eliminating famine is absolutely possible. However, a number of things have to be in place to control it. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Ethiopians in Ohio call for a boycott (EM)
-Kinijit support committees sends a petition letter to KNASC (ER)
-TPLF cadres concerned over increasing defections (EZ)
-Top scientist urges circumcision to beat AIDS
-Princeton tops Harvard in U-S News rankings
-Fixing the Planet Definition
-Court Rules NSA Telecom Surveillance Illegal
-End of the road for 'light' cigarettes

Ethiopian’s to Celebrate the life of Tsegaye G/Medhin

*Ethiopians in Israel, Dr. Berhanu talks about Lidetu in his New Book (Amharic), Death toll set to top 1000, OLF urges Kenya not to get involved and other top stories of the day- below*

In January, 1999 issue of the Amharic paper, Kebrit, Tsegaye was asked why most of his plays were tragedies, he replied;

"Manifold wars and violence have been visited upon the common people relentlessly to snuff out freedom from the Ethiopian soul—the one distinguishing characteristic that makes the Ethiopian what he is and that enables him to walk with his chin up no matter what his material condition may be.

So, the Ethiopian continues to sustain war and suffering in order to preserve his freedom. Ruling elites have been exploiting his willingness to sacrifice all for freedom. Feudal lords set the people to fight one another internally even as they fight against external enemies. Because of his extraordinary love of freedom, the Ethiopian bears any burden and goes to any length without food, without shoes or enough clothes and supplies to fight and die for his freedom. This is what has won the Ethiopian respect among fellow Africans and many others. Even as we speak it is this uncompromising love of freedom that makes him vulnerable to vultures within; he has yet to relax. It seems that succeeding regimes devise new ways divide, exploit and consume him/her for their own selfish ends and to build their power on his shoulders. I like to go out and communicate with the common folks of Ethiopia—the peasant, the patriot, the soldier, the traitor, the the housewife, the priest, the sheikh etc...It is from them that I learn about my country and people. And generally their comments are accompanied by near tears; their stories are mostly melancholy; their memories are bitter and tragic.. It is that which I reflect in my writings." (Excerpts from Professor Negussay Ayele's article, A Short Walk Through His Literary Park)

On August 26, 2006 Ethiopian’s from all walks of life are invited to celebrate the life of this remarkable POET LAUREATE at the Howard University campus. For more information Visit the official site for the festivity.

Ethiopians In Israel

(by Donald N Levine)

For all the talk about ethnic self-determination in Ethiopia, almost no attention has been paid to the one and only ethnic group that actually seceded from Ethiopia–the Beta Israel, formerly called Falasha, whose entire population left the country. The story of their secession is full of drama, intrigue, suffering, and jubilation–and, like so much else about Ethiopia, fraught with misunderstandings.(More...)

An Excerpt from Dr. Berhanu’s New Book regarding Mr. Lidetu

(Ethioblogger)

(More...)

Today's Top Stories

- Death toll 'set to top 1000' as floods cripple Ethiopia
- OLF urges Kenya not to get involved
- Sharon 'stable' after new lung infection
- 3,400 bodies make July 'deadliest month' in Iraq
- Solar System Could Gain New Planets Under Definition Change
- 'Cannibals' confess in Mozambique
- It's now or never: find Elvis for $3 million

A Change Is In The Air

*More defections in the Ethiopian Army, Kinijit’s Message to the armed forces, cholera outbreak in Ethiopia and other top stories of the day.*

(By Hirut Abay, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

The recent defection of Brig. General Kemal, the unrest in most parts of the country including Tigray and the high price of living all have a hand in dragging Ethiopia down the path of chaos and major unrest.This will not be in the best interest of Ethiopia, America or any other country that has a vested interest in that region. In order for Ethiopia to be a strong stabilizing force in East Africa, the turbulence within must cease. The first thing that needs to happen inorder to achieve this is to free all political prisoners unconditionally. It looks like the U.S state department is slowly warming up to this reality.

EZ is reporting that charge d'affaire Mrs. Huddlestone is initiating talks between the government and opposition leaders in hops of averting the approaching crises. Vicki, EZ reported, is back in the US today and will start a full-fledged effort for negotiation upon her return to Addis. (More...)

More Ethiopian soldiers arrive in Eritrea

In continuation of the escalating uprising within the Ethiopian Army, tens of Ethiopian soldiers including captains and middle rank commanders recently arrived in Eritrea.The Ethiopian soldiers led by Captains Bededa Regassa and Negesso Watyo said that the uprising is spreading to different corners of the country.(More...)

Kinijit’s Message to the armed forces
(More...)

Today's Top Stories

- Islamist Forces Continue Making Gains in Somalia
- Ethiopia fears cholera outbreak
- Ethiopia may be the birthplace of hurricanes
- More Britons call for use of profiling
- NASA Searches for Missing Tapes of 1969 Moon Landing

IOM Shames Ethiopian Government Into a Compromise

*Kinijit and the website debacle, Distributors of Berhanu’s book in danger, and today’s top stories*

IOM shames Ethiopian Government Into Compromise

Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that the privileges of the returnees had been lifted, as ministry officials had lost contact with the Ethiopian Embassy in Beirut due to the war between Israel and Hezbollah that started on July 12, 2006. The duty free repeal was announced a week after the day of the beginning of the war.

As a result, upon reentering the country, the first 200 or so returnees had their goods confiscated by the Ethiopian Customs Authority. The goods included laptops, DVD players, and other belongings that the returnees brought with them from the country they worked in.

On August 02, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decrying the duty free repeal affecting returnees, mentioning six returnees who had their properties seized by the customs authority. Responding quickly, the Ministry reinstated the privileges three days later. (More...)

Kinijit and the Website Debacle

(Addisvoice)

Washington DC, August 15, 2006: Kinijit has disassociated itself from www.kinijit.org , which was declared several months ago as its official website. In a statement it issued today via Kinijit's International Political Leadership Committee, it noted that the website "has not been under the supervision of authorized body of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party. The statement has raised concerns as Kinijit members and supporters throughout the world not only trusted the website as CUDP's official organ but also used to donate money that appears to be unaccounted for, according to Kinijit sources. (More...)

Distributors of Dr. Berhanu’s book may be at risk

(Adebabay)

Security officials are said to be focusing on identifying individuals organizing the main channels of distribution for Dr. Berhanu’s new book. Some individuals and organization are already identified and security personeels are watching them closely. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Citizens visit Dr. Berhanu in Prison to congratulate him on his new Book
-WFP starts food distributions to survivors of floods in eastern Ethiopia
-Somaliland kidnaps Belgian officials
- Coffee Might Trigger First Heart Attack
-Time lists 50 'coolest websites'
- Prosecutors to Monitor Madonna act
- World to end on August 22

Dr. Berhanu’s book Hits Addis Stores

And today’s other top stories!

"It is still amazing that Berhanu writes of love and compassion even after what they did to him. He is an incorrigible optimist." – Opinions from Addis. (More on this below)

Ethiopian Review Interviews ato Lidetu

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Lidetu Ayalew, on his interview with ER, bombards listeners with a barrage of words in hopes of making some converts. Mr. Lidetu talks for over 2hrs mostly repeating the same thing over and over again. When anyone speaks for such a lengthy amount of time, it is hard to guard against major Freudian slips.

During this interview, Mr. Lidetu referred to Hailu Shawil as a tyrant, labeled Kinijit a dictatorial party and still managed to profess his undying devotion to the release of all the leaders. Sure! Those of us, who had the stamina to endure the full interview, were left with no doubt that Lidetu finds himself in this mess because of his unbridled ambition and great hunger for power. This side of Lidetu was very well known within Kinijit’s inner circle and is rumored to be the main reason why he was offered the vice presidency. The leaders tried to save the unity of the party by tactfully stroking his (Lidetu’s) ego. But alas! Mr. Lidetu wanted it all and was terrified of being overshadowed by the more qualified members of the party, such as Dr. Berhanu. (Listen to ato Lidetu’s Interview with ER)

Dr. Berhanu’s book hits Addis Stores

Birhanu Nega's book has already broken all kinds of sales records before even reaching the book stores. According to sources, in four days, more than 10,000 copies were sold. The reaction was equally stunning. From people who passionately kissed Birhanu's picture on the back cover to those who stayed all night reading it and failing to appear on work the next day, moving stories abound. EZ. (More...)

- Also see Dr. Berhanu Nega publishes book from prison (capital)

Today’s Top Stories

- Ethiopian forces take positions in a key Somali town on the border.
- Fresh flooding kills 125 people in southern Ethiopia
- Iran's president launches blog Site
- Fresh Castro pictures published
- Two Fox News journalists kidnapped in Gaza
- Jerry Springer vs. Tucker Carlson: Dance Off

The Week in Review and Weekend Top Stories

Catch-up on major news events you missed in the past week!

- Monday [August 07, 2006]
- Tuesday [August 08, 2006]
- Wednesday [August 09, 2006]
- Thursday [August 10, 200]
- Friday [August 11, 2006]

Weekend Top Stories

-Should Ethiopia be Involved in Somalia?

(By Kahsay Berhe and Tesfay Atsbeha)

It has been an Ethiopian Tradition for centuries, never to go to war as an aggressor against any other nation. Ethiopia defended herself against Egyptian (1875 and 1876), Italian (1886, 1895, 1896 and from 1935 up to 1941) dervish (1889), Somali (1964 and 1977) and Eritrean (1998 until 2000) invasions, but never invaded any country. (More...)

- Update form Kality Prison (from someone who visited with the leaders)
- How did they manage to smuggle a book out of Kality?
- Charge d'Affaires Visits Prisoners
- An Open Letter to Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweis

Protesters Clash with Riot Police In Addis Ababa

*Update HS's Condition, Demonstrations in Somalia, Dr. Levine on Public radio, General kemal and Today’s Top Stories*

The Struggle Continues

Click on the Picture for Introductory note

Ethiopians clash with riot police In Addis Ababa

Aug 11, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas Friday at hundreds of stone-throwing Muslims who were protesting the demolition of a mosque in Ethiopia’s capital.People screamed and fled as the clash began. Several people were bleeding in the streets. (More...)

General Kemal Gelchi on ERI-TV

In an interview with ERI-TV in the evening hours yesterday, Brig. General Kemal Gelchi who arrived in Eritrea along with hundreds of Ethiopian soldiers opposing the TPLF regime, stated that their arrival in Eritrea is in continuation to the popular uprising by the entire Ethiopian people and members of the armed forces in a bid to ensure respect to the rule of law in the country. shabait. (Video)

Donald Levine - Public Radio interview

Professor of Sociology - University of Chicago:Donald Levine's research and teaching interests focus on classical social theory, modernization theory, Ethiopian studies, conflict theory and aikido, and philosophies of liberal education. He is the author of Wax and Gold, Greater Ethiopia: Visions of a Multiethnic Society, Visions of the Sociological Tradition, and The Flight from Ambiguity: Essays in Social and Cultural Theory.(Audio)

Today's Top Stories

- Anti Israel and Ethiopia protest in Somali capital
- Update on Hailu Shawel's health condition(EZ)
- ER to interview Lidetu Ayalew this Saturday
- Seattle to celebrate Ethiomedia day this Sunday
- Chavez says Castro in 'great battle for life'
- Politician-in-bikini photos raises French eyebrows
- Beckham left out of England squad

KIL Chairman’s Message, More news on General Kemal, Theodore Vestal Interview and Today’s Top Stories

**Brig Gen Kemal Geltu told the BBC he had crossed the border into Eritrea to join the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)--details below!**

Theodore Vestal—Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University discusses Ethiopia’s political stalemate, HR5680, Somalia and aid issues with Chicago public Radio.

(Audio)

A Message from Kinijit North America Support Chairman and Kinijit International Committee Chairman, Major Yoseph Yazew (Read...)

The number of Ethiopian Solders that Defected now believed to be 150 or more

Brig. General Kemal Gelchi (left) and his troops (right)

"According to our reports, around 150 members of the Ethiopian army defected to Eritrea on Tuesday," an official with the UN border mission told AFP on conditions of anonymity. An Eritrean government website said the defection pointed to a growing disaffection by Ethiopians with the government, which it blamed for "suppressing the struggle of opposition organisations and failing to honour the outcome of the popular election and desperately trying to prolong its stay in power." (More...)

Ethiopian commander joins rebels (OLF)
(BBC)
An Ethiopian Army general says he has defected to join the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a rebel group backed by neighbouring Eritrea. Brig Gen Kemal Geltu told the BBC he had crossed the border into Eritrea with more than 100 soldiers. He said would fight the Ethiopian government because force was the only language it understood. He said his hopes of peace had been dashed after last year's turmoil that followed disputed elections. Gen Kemal previously commanded Ethiopia's 18th army division. (More...)

(Eritrean TV report below)

Today’s Top Stories

- Review of Brehanu's Book: Part one (EZ)
- Eritrea TV on the defections (Video)
- Ethiopia rebels 'ready for talks'
- Study: Immigrants not hurting U.S. jobs
- 'Airlines terror plot' disrupted
- IFJ Demands release of Ethiopian Journalists, News on Brig. General Kemal and Yesterday’s top Stories

Breaking News: Update on Hailu Shawil’s Condition
Eng Hailu Shawel, Chairman of the main opposition Party (Kinijit) has been rushed to a hospital today 9:00am Addis Time. He is said to be suffering from fluctuations in blood sugar level. Read Kinijit International leadership’s press release on this developing story below.

IFJ Demands release of Ethiopian Journalists, News on Brig. General Kemal and Today’s top Stories

Meet the Authors



These two authors share some similarities; they both are major players in the current Ethio political scene and both sport Lenin’s receding hairline complete with the moustache. However, that's about as far as their similarities go. They have different styles, code of ethics and values. One is willing to die for his cause and the other, willing to kill. You will find reviews and excerpts of their upcoming books below.

IFJ Demands the release of Ethiopian Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today demanded the release of 20 journalists who have been jailed during the last nine months in Ethiopia for political reasons and called on other world leaders to pressure the Ethiopian government for their release as well. (More...)

Today’s Top Stories

- *Press release on Hailu Shawil's condition From Kinijit International Leadership’s headquarter*
- Brig. General Kemal Gelchi and other senior Ethiopian Army commanders arrive in Eritrea
- Prison Memoirs, introductory note (Dr. Berhanu’s new book)
- Palace Memoirs? Preliminary draft (Meles’s new book in progress)
- EZ on BN’s Book
- ER on MZ’s Book
- Ethiopian Airlines’ profits fall
- Report names world's most expensive cities
- Israel approves deeper offensive
- Poorest Migrants Leaving Lebanon and Defections in the Ethiopian Military

Poorest Migrants Leaving Lebanon and Defections in the Ethiopian Military

Ethiopians stranded in Lebanon

Efforts are being stepped up to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Asian and Ethiopian migrant workers still stranded in war-torn Lebanon. The evacuations were interrupted on Friday after Israeli air raids struck key routes leading out of Lebanon. BBC. (More...)

Note from Ethiopian Politics

The Ethiopian government’s unwillingness to assist the evacuees is indeed sad. Kinijit International, UEDF and other such organizations should mobilize to lend a hand to these folks. This unfortunate situation presents the diaspora organizations with an opportunity to demonstrate clearly on how they differ from the regime in power. The original leaders of the opposition, currently languishing in prison, stole the heart of a nation by their ability to relate and identify with the mistreated, oppressed and downtrodden. The leaders in diaspora should embrace the same spirit and carry on the struggle in the same manner.

Today’s Top Stories

- High Ranking Ethiopian General defects

Brigadier General Kemal Gelchi along with Colonel Abebe from the central command defected to Eretria today. General Kemal Gelchi was a decorated war hero and has served under Major General Yohannes as his right hand man in Badme, defending the Areza front. Brigadier General Kemal also served in Liberia. Colonel Abebe, a high ranking officer left for Eritrea along with General Kemal on Aug 8,2006 taking with them nineteen other soldiers. Sources report the two were very close friends. (This story is not yet confirmed by an independent source)

- Death toll in Ethiopian flash flooding rises to about 500
- Foreign minister and the defense minister of Ethiopia in Frankfurt
- The Dilemma Facing Somalis
- UN halts convoy to south Lebanon
- Kim Jong Il's absence raises speculation
- Lieberman- Lamont: It Is What It Is
- Mel Gibson's Dollars and Sense

Effective August 7, 2006, following every article, we will be posting international news headlines under our new segment "Today's Top Stories". Look for it below!!

Not at Their Expense!

Putting the Elected Prisoners of Conscience First

(By the Network of Ethiopian Scholars (NES) Scandinavian Chapter)

The international community must support the people, the opposition and especially those who are languishing in jail such as the renowned human right activist like Prof. Mesfin, the elected mayor of Africa’s capital , Dr. Berhanu, elected party leaders such as engineer Hailu and judge Birtukan, journalists and civil society activists ,and an unaccounted number of innumerable rural and urban young people across the breadth and depth of Ethiopia. Above all the media and others should not exclude and must include the voice of the opposition for justice, freedom, democracy and dignity for all Ethiopians. (*Read entire press release*)

Today's Top Stories

- KIL press release (Amharic)
- Dire Dawa flood death toll hits 206
- Castro 'recovering well' says Cuban Vice President
- Troops drank, golfed before Iraqi killings, rape
- Israel intensifies airstrikes in Lebanon
- Chinese 'anger bar' is a big hit!
- "I'm going celibate" says Ms.Paris Hilton

Reviews

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Book Review

This book review is as mesmerizing as the book itself. The reviewer is an experienced author who goes by the pen name Blen Alemayehu

(More...)

Personality Review

Below is a very interesting narrative concerning a certain infamous individual; however, because of the lack of any reliable proof we should all take it with a grain of salt. (First published on EM)

(More...)

VOA Interviews Visiting “opposition” MPs

(By Hirut Abay, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Forward to 27min. to listen....Audio

“Ethiopia is on the path to democracy, thanks to EPRDF” – declare Visiting MPs.

We beg to differ!!

Take it away EZ ...

• There are still thousands of political prisoners in Ethiopia including the true Kinijit leaders, journalists and anti-poverty campaigners
• There is no free speech, no free press, no freedom of demonstration, assembly (constitutional rights are still suspended)
• The government still has the monopoly on the state media
• Critical websites are still blocked
• Causes of the death and destruction on June 8 and Nov. 1 aren't yet investigated independently
• There are still violent clashes all over the country

Lebanon Evacuees Denied Duty Free Status by the Government of Ethiopia

(AddisFortune)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided that evacuees from Lebanon will not be exempt from import duty when they arrive in Ethiopia

No Ethiopian has made it home until our press time on Saturday night. The Ministry, however, has suspended the right to import their goods duty free, a privilege Ethiopians residing overseas have been entitled to since 2004 if they moved back after five years or more.(More...)

...and in a related news story

Kinijit International leadership has issued a statement concerning stranded Ethiopians in Lebanon; we say it’s about time!!

Click here to read (Amharic)

Questions for Lidetu and Company

The following is an excerpt of an article entitled “Could the Current Somali Crisis Affect Passage of H.R.5680? Possible Strategies for the Home Stretch”

(By Alemayehu (Al) G. Mariam, Ph.D., J.D. (Esq.))

The “word on the street” is that for the past couple of weeks the Ethiopian regime’s lobbyists and officials have been prowling the halls of Congress and skulking about particular members’ offices sounding the alarm of an Islamic-Jihadist-terrorist takeover of the Horn of Africa. A delegation of certain Ethiopian parliamentarians is said to be en route to Washington, D.C. to reinforce the regime’s powerful lobbying brigade already laying siege to Congress in a desperate last ditch effort defeat of H.R.5680...

...Questions for Regime Lobbyist, Officials and Supporters Visiting or Communicating With Congressional Offices

Provide your congressional members/staffers a list of questions to ask regime lobbyists and officials, and the parliamentary delegation expected to arrive in the U.S. shortly, urging defeat of H.R.5680.

How does releasing political prisoners held without trial over the past year undermine U.S.-Ethiopian counter-terrorism efforts, or Ethiopia’s ability to fight terrorism within or outside its borders?

Are the political prisoners, including opposition leaders and winners of parliamentary seats in the last election, terrorists? If so, are they being held on terrorism charges?

Assuming all of the political prisoners are terrorists, how would H.R.5680 promote terrorism among political prisoners who are rotting in overcrowded, squalid and stinking corrals that pass off for jails?

How does restoration of the right of free speech, reinstitution of a free and independent media and free internet access cause terrorism or undermine the regional or global war on terrorism?

How does strengthening U.S. anti-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East by providing material support to and sharing intelligence with Ethiopia undermine Ethiopia’s ability to participate in the regional or global war on terrorism?

How does accelerating Ethiopia’s economic development by providing technical assistance programs to improve policies and practices in such areas as budgeting, taxation, debt management, bank supervision, anti-money laundering and private sector development limit, impair or diminish Ethiopia’s ability to fight terrorism internally, regionally, or its anti-terrorism partnership with the U.S.?

How does enhancing the performance and capabilities of local, regional, and national legislative institutions in Ethiopia by providing technical support and training to government personnel, political parties, and civil society groups and government agencies affect Ethiopia’s vulnerability to terrorism or diminish its ability to participate in its anti-terrorism partnership with the U.S?
How does establishing mechanisms to enable human rights groups to operate freely, and to regularly monitor and report on human rights conditions in Ethiopia affect Ethiopia’s ability to fight internal or regional terrorism?

How does increasing the independence of the Ethiopian judiciary and safeguarding it from political pressure and interference, promoting the application of due process practices and impartial application of the rule of law restrict, impair or obstruct Ethiopia’s ability to fight terrorism within its borders or regionally in partnership with the with the U.S.?

What legal exception is the regime relying upon to justify its intervention in Somalia in violation of Article 2 (4) of the U.N. charter which prohibits the “threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” or Article III (2), (3) of the African Union charter which requires members to practice “non-interference in the internal affairs of States and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each State and for its inalienable right to independent existence”?

Will the Ethiopian military limit its intervention to the defensive protection of the STG in Baidoa (the seat of the STG) and fend off an SICC assault, or does it plan to take other preemptive actions against the SICC?

Having set up a defensive perimeter around Baidoa, how will the Ethiopian regime respond should the SICC Islamsits gobble up the rest of the country as it appears likely given their military advances? Does the Ethiopian regime expect to use its military to occupy all or part of Somalia to dislodge the SICC Islamists as it attempted to do in 1993 and 1996?

How will the Ethiopian regime respond to possible repercussions from its own large Islamic population arising from its intervention? Does it anticipate potential fraternal alliance between the SICC and ethnic Somalis in the Ogaden region? If it does anticipate such an alliance, will the Ethiopian regime commit to using negotiations, to avoid a regional war, to resolve disputes?

Read entire article

KIL Statement on Ethiopians in Lebanon

Kinijit International leadership has issued a statement concerning stranded Ethiopians in Lebanon, and we say it’s about time!!

Click here to read (Amharic)