Vol. 24 No. 1251 August 29, 2020 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA …thereporterethiopia.com/digitalversion/reporter-issue-1251.pdfinsults hurled at them, these individuals are also shunning

Vol. 24 No. 1251 August 29, 2020 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA www.thereporterethiopia.com Price 10.00 Birr

Civil Aviation Authority starts issuing drone import license|FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

#StaySafe

Bracing for . . . page 9 Trump decides to . . . page 7

Police halt EZEMA’s . . . page 3

By Kaleyesus Bekele

The national telecom company, Ethio Telecom, has projected to generate a total revenue of 55.5 billion birr in the 2020-2021 budget year.

Ethio Telecom’s management has unveiled a revised three year growth strategy and business plan for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Briefing reporters on the business strategy on Wednesday at Hyatt Regency Hotel Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom, disclosed that the three year business strategy dubbed “BRIDGE” which was launched last year has been revised to cope up with the dynamic business environment. Frehiwot said the business strategy intended to serve as a bridge that takes Ethio Telecom to the next path. The three year business strategy covers the period from July 2020 to June 2021.

Ethio Telecom plans to increase its revenue by 16.4 percent from 47.7 billion birr to 55.5 billion birr in the 2020-2021 budget year. The company targets to garner 157 million dollars revenue from international services. Frehiwot said the international telecom service including roaming has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 impacts. However, she said the company planned to increase its foreign currency earnings by 6.3 percent in spite of the threats paused by COVID-19 pandemic. The company earned 147.7 million USD from international services in the 2019-2020 budget year.

Ethio Telecom plans to increase

the number of total subscribers by 13 percent from 46.2 million to 52.12 million. The number of mobile subscribers is projected to increase from 44.5 million

to 49.7 million, and data and internet from 23.58 million to 27.47 million. The demand for fixed line phone is dropping but

BRACING FOR COMPETITION Ethio Telecom projects 55 billion birr revenue

By Neamin Ashenafi

A planned press conference organized by the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) aimed at presenting its findings regarding land grabbing and unlawful transfer of condominium houses in Addis

Ababa city administration to the public, was halted by Kirkos Sub-City Police Department, The Reporter has learnt.

Natnael Feleke, head of public relations of the party, said the party has received numerous pleas from the public about land grabbing and unlawful transfer

of condominium houses. Then after, the party established a committee composed of members from the executive committee and studied the pleas.

Hence, the press conference, which was initially planned to

Police halt EZEMA’s presserP

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By:

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Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom

By Brook Abdu

President Donald Trump’s administration has decided to withh0ld aid to Ethiopia with an intention of pressing Ethiopia to submit to the demands of the US in the ongoing negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with downstream countries Sudan and Egypt. The US has been expressing disappointment with Ethiopia’s move to avoid the US-led negotiations on the filling and operation of the GERD.

The Trump administration decided to hold development aid in amount of USD 130 million, according to Foreign Policy magazine.

Since leaving the US-led negotiations in February 2020 because “the US overstepped its role as an observer/facilitator” Ethiopia has been insisting on the tripartite negotiation with the two downstream countries on an African platform. Hence, it has been pushing for an African Union-led negotiation rather than continuing the US-led negotiation or engaging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) into the matter. Egypt preferred other platforms than an African-led effort to bring the three countries into agreement. Later on, African Union current chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South African, took over the role of facilitating the negotiations which helped the countries come into terms with the main issue of contention like water filling schedule.

But, despite the progress in the negotiations, the US has

Trump decides to hold aid Ethiopia

2| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251

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EDITORIAL

Published weekly by Media & Communications Center

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General Manager Amare Aregawi Managing EditorBruh YihunbelayEditor-in-Chief Asrat Seyoum

Sub city: N.lafto, K. 10/18, H.No. 614Senior Editor

Dibaba AmensisaEditors

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Senior ReportersSamuel Getachew

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Columnists

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Chief Graphic Designer

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Endalkachew Yimam

Elites must not waste the nation’s opportunities!

Ethiopia’s elites need to be encouraged when they strive to learn from the mistakes of the past to build a better future. But they have to be admonished when they act as judge, jury and executioner in their assessment of real or perceived historical “injustices”. Successive generations have done what they believed to be right and left behind a legacy history shall remember. The present generation should endeavor to make its own history and bequeath future generations a better nation in the realization that resorting to finger-pointing or the blame game is entirely unconstructive. The major flaw characterizing Ethiopia’s elites, particularly ethno-nationalists, is the propensity to peddle victim narratives as a ploy to achieve their political objectives instead of seeking solutions that help rectify bygone aberrations. This strategy has spawned atrocities which have destabilized the country and prevented real democracy from taking root. It would not be a hyperbole to say that the primary reason why present-day Ethiopia is unable to forge the consensus necessary to exploit the opportunities before it is the political elite’s failure to develop a mindset fitting with the times.

The people of Ethiopia may live in freedom, peace and prosperity as long as the elites found in political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, the media as well as the public and private sectors choose to comport themselves responsibly. It’s a shame when these elites are loath to put their mind to finding practical solutions for the multitude of problems confronting the nation but preoccupy themselves with conspiracy mongering and spreading unsubstantiated narratives. They always need to keep in mind that it would be a loss for Ethiopia if the knowledge and experience they have gained during their career is used to breed more problems as opposed to resolving them. The public has

no use for elites which have neither the capacity nor the desire to improve the lot of fellow citizens.

If the elite, who are supposedly the cream of society, do not tolerate differences, how can the rest be expected to behave better? If they just disseminate the information they receive in its entirety, whose job is it to do the vetting? Who would undertake a rational dialogue if they eschew positive discussions and prefer to stand by elements brandishing guns? Why has it become fashionable to level horrifying accusations against someone subscribing to a different belief rather than try to understand that person’s position? In this day and age a broad-minded and responsible person will never bring guns into politics. That is why the sacrifice paid by someone who had suffered under a military dictatorship and should advocate that that traumatic era must not repeated would be in vain when he throws in his lot with aspiring dictators. If the opportunities that help move forward Ethiopia’s democratization process are not to be squandered, it’s imperative to ensure that

the time when power can be assumed through the barrel of the gun is well and truly over.

Ethiopia has always had a culture of dialogue among its diverse people. There are a plethora of matters on which the society interacts with each other. Sadly, the majority of the country’s elite have been good at nothing except destructive criticism, exchanging insults and character assassination. Ethiopians have for long passionately demanded respect for their right to freedom of expression. The elite, however, tend to be emotional when they are brought face to face on the media. This said the mainstream media are a relatively freer platform in facilitating the free flow of ideas as compared to social media, which have become an arena for fomenting intolerance, hatred and violence. If the elite cannot sit down and engage in a civilized conversation, how can the nation’s future be secured? Let’s all see to it that the opportunities that have fallen into Ethiopia’s lap are not wasted.

Failure on the part of Ethiopian elites to undertake

a constructive discourse and promote the expression of varied opinions has discouraged compatriots capable of contributing their share to the national cause. Compelled to abandon social media due to the barrage of insults hurled at them, these individuals are also shunning the traditional media, leading to a dearth of helpful ideas. As Ethiopia loses more and more sensible people from the public sphere, freedom of expression will gradually become meaningless. The void they leave is bound be filled by elements bent on dominating the political space with force, paving the way to absolute dictatorship. Unless the elite shake off their torpor and start to engage in sober discussions, the future will not bode well.

The saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” aptly describes the current state of Ethiopian politics. Another adage—“The wise learn from the mistakes of others, fools don’t even learn from their mistakes”—fits contemporary politicians to a tee. The costly mistakes made by the 1970s generation during the tit-for-tat “Red Terror” and “White Terror” atrocities have not been heeded. Despite being leftists that set out together to liberate the people, the protagonists of the senseless dispute slaughtered one another over trivial differences. Even today there abound conflict-mongers who praise the killing of certain people belonging to other ethnic groups or religion but condemn that of someone from “their” side, who stop at nothing for the sake of taking the reins of power. The elite have been conspicuously silent in calling out these rabble rousers, preferring instead to devote their time and energy to playing victim politics and perpetuating mistakes that take the country backward. If they refuse to keep with the times and waste the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities which have come Ethiopia’s way history will judge them harshly.

HEADLINESThe Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251 |3


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The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251


LIVING AND THE ARTS

A HELPING HAND FOR

SOUTH OMO

lecturer and director of community

ervice at Jinka University

Professor Gebre Yintso , president of Jinka

University

Meles Maya, a resident of key afer Woreda

and a former Woreda Administrator

Computers given to Jinka Millennium High School

Photo By: The Reporter /Tamirat Getachew

14||LIVING AND TH

APhoto By

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The Reporter, August


INTERVIEW

The Reporter: The annual

job fair organized by Dereja

is going virtual as a result of

the pandemic. Tell me about

that?

Siham Ayele: The 2020 plan for

Dereja was to scale up and reach

more graduates than before as

we formed a partnership with

the MasterCard Foundation.

Our target this year was to

reach 20,000 plus students and

find employment opportunity

for 50 percent while having

70 percennt to be women. At

the beginning of the COVID-19

outbreak, like many companies

we were afraid since we didn’t

know what that meant for our

organization and objective.

Especially because most of our

interventions involved face-to-

face interactions, traveling to

universities and all. My team

and I took a day to regroup came

back and thought of new ways to

present our programs.

This pandemic although tragic,

gave us the opportunity to

think outside of the box and

create something as amazing

and innovative as this Virtual

Career Expo. We knew we

don’t have an option than to be

innovative as possible. It took

us three good months to find the

right platform like medaxpo and

three months to construct.

What was achieved so far and

how many prospective jobs

bound students has it helped

so far?

Though the

pandemic

hindered most of the new job

opportunities we initially had

and left many businesses and

employers with uncertainty on

how to move forward with their

business, it didn’t leave us with

zero. Most organizations have

to re-vamp their new positions

to digital marketing, IT, remote

internship opportunities,

we have managed to get this

opening positions. At the same

time, through the past four

years of Dereja’s operations, we

have built sort of a standard for

most of our clients hiring a fresh

graduate and giving opportunity

means investing in the growth

of the company as well the

wellbeing of the country.

We have

organizations

like, Moenco, BGI Ethiopia,

Bank, Heineken,

Unilever and

ious

fresh graduates and are model

organization which played a

great part in tackling youth

unemployment. This virtual

fair has simplified recruiting for

both job seekers and employers.

Through this expo we managed

to have over 1000 students

register to participate and over

200 positions available from

employers with a 3- 6 month

recruiting plan. The high

demand amongst students has

actually led us to host a second

virtual career expo before the

end of 2020, where we will cater

to more students and employers.

What is the climate of

employment now in the midst

of the pandemic for students

who are about to graduate?

This outbreak has affected

the employment climate at all

levels on top of the year to year

challenge we face on the gap

between the supply and demand.

It’s obvious that our country

does not produce 200,000 plus

jobs ever year for graduates.

Our Job here at Dereja is to

identify the openings, to push

and push the public, private,

SMEs, to give first opportunities

for the graduates. By working

in partnership with the

universities and the Ministry of

Science and Higher Education

and through our various

programs such as Dereja

Academy, our resourceful

website (Dereja.com) and the

Job fair clinics we managed

to produce a remarkable,

competent graduates with

great employability skills that

are desired by the market.

Through this pandemic

employment opportunities have

been narrowed down but new

opportunities are coming in, it

is with this belief that this first

virtual career expo has been

organized.

What do you think is the most

a student can get from his or

her participation?

To your surprise, we actually

are so proud of graduates’

level of engagement with the

platform, we feared at first as

we have repeatedly witnessed

the gap in using technology.

COVID- 19 did not leave anyone

a choice so they have forced

themselves to learn and adapt

and we did as well. So, I would

say, the first thing the graduates

got is the learning opportunity,

seeing that it is possible to use

chnology in each aspect of

life and to be innovative and to

go out from their comfort zone.

The second is that, the expo

simplifies the job-search process

for fresh graduates by providing

them with the opportunity

to meet dozens of employers

all from one simple use of a

platform and in the comfort of

their personal workspace with

zero cost.

The trend has been that job

seekers used to spend more

than 10 birr per day to find a

job and we all know what that

means for fresh graduates.

Because they have made a

choice to participate in this

platform not only do they get the

opportunity to build their own

profile, applied for the few new

job opportunities, but they also

have the opportunity to network

and chat with employers.

Students were also given the

opportunity to participate

in numerous professional

development webinars led by

industry heads like Abenezer

Feleke (Marketing Specialist

Global Alliance for Improved

Nutrition (GAIN), Tewodros

Tadesse (Founder and CEO,

CALS(x-Hub), Samuel Bekele

(CEO, Spotlight Communication

and Marketing), Dagmawi

Dawit (HR Manger, Komari

Beverages) and our own Meklit

Mintesinot, (Dereja, Training

Manager and Zemensil Melsse,

Info Mind Solutions HR Manger)

Who are some of the

companies involved this year

who are in the position to

hire?

Over 40 plus companies that

participated for the first Virtual

Expo we have managed to sign

MoU’s with 15 plus employers

that has recruitment plan within

3-6 months. Komari Beverages,

Multichoice Ethiopia, Zemen

Shoo, HST, Ethiochicken, ABIG,

Adelphoi Trading PLC are the

few among others.

What advice do you have to

students who are prospective

graduates and are ready to

look for work?

I have started my career before I

graduated from the Addis Ababa

University with a Political

Science and International

relations degree in 2014. Within

these few years I have managed

to lead Dereja.com, a business

unit of Ethiojobs.net a well-

known brand that stands for

providing HR Solutions. We

have formed Dereja because

of the passion we have in

developing human capital and

the youth are the vulnerable

groups with so much potential.

At Dereja, I have found my

life purpose and passion. My

Advice for young graduates is

to find that passion, be bold,

be brave, work really hard

as nothing comes easy, put

yourself out there and network,

continuously seek learning and

developing your personal and

professional skills. Do not be

afraid of any rejection not even

from a job application, take all

the opportunities the world

provides you with. Believe in

yourself and your capability

and other will believe in you,

that is what I have got from my

experience and now others are

believing in what am doing just

like our CEO Yusuf Reja who

gave me that first opportunity

to start my career as an intern at

Ethiojobs.net.

Any last words?

I want to give a special thanks

to the Mastercard Foundation

for believing in Dereja, for

supporting us to scale up. The

partnership we have got from

Mastercard enabled us to bring

this innovative virtual platform

to Ethiopia and to continue

so and bring more innovative

solutions for the youth

employment challenge Ethiopia

is facing.

I would also like to thank the

Jobs Creation Commission for

partnering with us as a newly

established organization. We

are always awed by their time to

time progress. My appreciation

goes to the Ministry of Science

and Higher Education and all

our university partners for

believing in what we are making

and what we provide for your

organizations and graduates.

Similarly, I would like to thank

the employers who always took

a leap of faith and agreed to

join us on this endeavor and

for giving opportunities for our

graduates. The graduates of 2020

thank you for your commitment

and trusting us with the process

as we always work really hard

to develop your skills and

career. Last but not least, the

Dereja and Ethiojobs team and

Medaxpo platform team for

your relentless work that helped

bring this vision to life.

DEVELOPING

SKILLS AND

CAREERSiham Ayele is the Program Director at Dereja.

com – a business unit of Ethiojobs.net. On the

Samuel

Getachew of The Reporter on it, on helping young

graduates get opportunities for employment, on

to share wisdom for others to secure sustainable

employment. Excerpt:

The Reporter: The an

ob fair organized by D

s going virtual as a res

he pandemic. Tell me

hat?

iham Ayele: The 2020

ereja was to scale up a

ore graduates than b

e formed a partners

e MasterCard Fo

ur target this yea

ach 20,000 plus stu

nd employment o

r 50 percent wh

percennt to be

e beginning of t

tbreak, like man

were afraid si

ow what that

ganization a

pecially becau

erventions in

e interaction

versities an

d I took a da

k and thou

sent our pr

s pandem

e us th

nk outsi

ate som

innov

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10|

The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251


IN-DEPTH

Prime example of such allegations include the series of incidents that took place in Wolaita Zone of the Southern

statehood.

By Brook Abdu

Violence has now become a norm

in one or more parts of Ethiopia;

conflicts as a result of demands

for widened democratization,

discriminatory actions, or

requests to uphold constitutional

rights of individuals and groups

is increasingly taking over the

political life of the nation.

The fact of the matter is that

violence, protest, conflict, and

attack on defenseless civilians

is unmistakably on the rise,

especially, since the 2016 protest

that began in Oromia Regional

State and then expanded to the

Amhara Region to subsequently

engulf the whole country. These

protests, violence, conflicts, and

attacks claimed precious lives of

the youth in these regions and

the nation. According to rights

groups like the Human Rights

Watch, hundreds of civilian

protestors had been killed by

security forces during the early

days of the movement.

Meanwhile, after Prime Minister

Abiy Ahmed (PhD) came to power

following the three-year intense

protest in the majority parts of the

country, the violence and conflict

in different parts of country

had simmered down for a short

while, only to resurface latter

on. These conflicts, as violent

as they were, displaced millions

of Ethiopians in every corner of

the country. According to some

reports, during the early days of

PM Abiy’s ascendency to power,

although some conflicts and

attacks had claimed lives, deaths

as a result of the confrontation

between security forces and

protesters were not as common

as they were during the three

years protests before his rise

to power. Nevertheless, Abiy’s

administration did not escape

criticism for its alleged passive

stance on protests and ethnic-

centered violence and for failing

to protect the rights of people to

life and property.

However, it did not take long for

the administration to get accused

of grave human rights abuses

and extrajudicial killings of

demonstrators, in recent times.

Prime example of such allegations

include the series of incidents

that took place in Wolaita Zone

of the Southern Regional State, in

recent weeks, following the arrest

of zonal officials and “instigators”

of the Zone’s quest for statehood.

Protesters overwhelmed the

streets of Sodo, Areka, and Boditi

towns, immediately, after the

news of the arrests came out, and

faced members of the regional

special force and the military,

who in turn were tasked to quell

the protests. Although there are

no official confirmations as to

the final death toll and overall

damages, numerous social media

posts have claimed that a number

of protesters have lost their lives

during the recent protests both in

Oromia and Wolaita, for which

largely local and federal security

forces have been blamed. On this

account, Amnesty International’s

Director for East and Southern

Africa, Deprose Muchena said,

“There is never a justification for

the use of lethal force when it is not

to protect lives. This unnecessary

force has claimed so many lives in

recent days, including protesters

and bystanders. Among the people

who have been killed are a boy

who was homeless and a woman

with a mental disability, neither

of whom were participating in

the protests. No one should be

killed for exercising their right to

freedom of peaceful assembly or

for being around a protest.”

Similarly, the

Ethiopian

Human Rights Commission

(EHRC) announced that “the

proportionality of the force

used by security forces on

demonstrators in some towns

of Wolaitta on August 10, 2020,

is questionable,” and that it

warrants further investigation in

to the matter.

On another report, concerning

the conflicts and attacks in

Oromia Regional State following

the killings of the renowned artist

Hachalu Hundessa, the EHRC

stated that it “is deeply alarmed

XXXILLUSIVE PROPORTIONAL

USE OF FORCE – WHAT IT

IS, WHAT IT IS NOT

afer Woreda

28|

The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24

SNAPSHOTS

IN THE HONOR

OF HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONALS

by Jupiter Hotel, Universal Printing Press and

Etan Comics, the event was held to honor health

move towards a digitalized health care system and

effective efforts in stagnating the number of cases

and get to levels of control that countries that

have been successful have reached”

INSI

DE

By Kaleyesus Bekele

The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) is set to start issuing drone (Unmanned Air Vehicle) import and operation licenses.

The authority in collaboration with INSA has enacted a drone regulation that enables it to regulate the import and operation of drones in Ethiopia. The regulation governs the import, operation and production of drones. ECAA will license drone importers, operators and assemblers operating in the country. In a public notice issued this week ECCA stated that businesses and individuals who had already imported drones are required to get clearance from INSA and get registered at the ECAA. Those who import drones should also secure permits from ECAA.

Wossenyeleh Hunegnaw (Col.) director general of ECAA told The Reporter that those who have drones should get clearance from INSA and NISS. “We will register them and those who qualify will be licensed. The licensed operators will be given instructions where they can operate their drones,” Wossenyeleh said. The ECAA will be registering drones in September. “Those who do not qualify will not be licensed,” he said.

ECAA is the sole government organ mandated by law to license flying objects. Wossenyeleh said there has been an increasing drone activity in the country adding that Ethiopia like many other countries did not have a drone regulation. However, individuals and businesses have been importing and operating drones without the knowledge and consent of the authority. “We have to legalise the import and operation of drones. Hence we have put in place the drone regulation,” he said.

Wossenyeleh said drones are posing threats to aviation safety and security in the world. “Drones can easily be operated anywhere and can be used for various purposes. In other parts of the world there have been reports of drones

collisions with commercial aircraft,” Wossenyeleh said. “Drone imports and operation should be regulated,” he added.

There is an attempt by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology to use drones for the delivery of medical supplies in rural areas. The electronic media and film makers frequently use drones. Cameramen also use drones to film weddings and other social events.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) head of cargo transportation Celine Hourcade told The Reporter that Africa is leading the way in exploiting and implementing the use of drones. Aid agencies use UAVs to deliver medical equipment, medicines, and blood samples in remote parts of the continent. While in Kenya, a private cargo airline, Astral Aviation, is under preparation to launch cargo delivery using UAVs.

Hourcade said the Rwandese government has championed the use of drone technologies. The first country in Africa to build a small drone port, Rwanda uses UAVs to transport medical supplies in remote parts of the country known for its thousands of hills. The Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority has established a regulatory framework for remotely piloted aircraft.

The Kenyan government had approved regulations for drones, the second country after Rwanda in the region to embrace commercial use of UAVs.

However, Africa faces some of the same challenges that drone operators in other parts of the world have encountered. Hourcade told The Reporter that governments must address a lack of regulation, safety, and security. “You should also have the training,” she said. “You need to have the right skills for people to operate and maintain drones.”

Of course, lack of regulation is not a problem peculiar to Africa. “We at IATA are working with ICAO, air navigation service providers, and transport ministers all over the world to come up with the right regulatory framework,” Hourcade said. “The objective is to do it efficiently and safely. We need to make sure that this new aviation venture is not causing any damage to traditional aviation.”

Civil Aviation Authority starts issuing drone import license

be conducted at Ras Hotel on Friday, August 28, 2020, was to reveal its findings to the public before police officers from the Kirkos police department halted it, said Natnael.

Moreover, he said that, even though the party has reserved a place at the hotel and paid all the necessary payments, the police, on the grounds of not attaining permission, have cancelled its presser.

Given the fact that the party has passed thorough similar procedures to organize its press conferences; the interruption made on Friday

has nothing to deal with having permission, but rather directly related to curtailing the contents of the press conference, Natnael highlighted.

“Our aim and strategy as a political party is aimed at building a democratic system step-by-step, and we believe that our political, social and economic problems would be addressed through such kinds of calm political processes. However, measures taken by the police to stop our press conference is damaging the process of building a democratic political system,” said Natnael and called upon the

government to respond to the public’s questions.

Finally, Natnael said if the government commits a mistake it should know its mistake, the public has also the right to know those mistakes. And timely measures to rectify such wrongdoings should be taken. Any activity that is aimed at quashing freedom of thought and obstructing the rights of the public, to get information, makes the process of building democratic system bumpy. This means that political, social and economic problems that exist in the country cannot be addressed.

E-ZEMA is an outcome of a coalition between seven political parties, both from abroad and Ethiopia, to create a formidable political alternative in the tittering Ethiopian political environment. The seven opposition political parties dissolved to achieve this goal, includes Patriotic Ginbot 7 (PG7), Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP), All Ethiopian Democratic Party (AEDP), Semayawi Party (Blue), New Generation Party (NGP), Gambella Regional Movement (GRM) and former leaders of Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ).

Police halt EZEMA’s . . .

Wossenyeleh Hunegnaw (Col.) director general of ECAA


Advertisment4| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251

AdvertismentThe Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251 |5


CALL FOR A SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCYBackground

One of the components of the Ethio- German STEP II program is the TVET program that is aimed at improving the process of the Cooperative Training (CT) and the Capacity Building (CD)of key actors in the TVET system. The TVET teacher’s capacity building program focuses on the Training of Trainers (ToT) of TVET teachers recruited from FTVETI satellite colleges and Pilot colleges implementing the CT models. The CD activities are implemented by the Core Trainers selected from the Federal TVET Institute. These trainers have completed

GIZ/GOPA is looking for two individual consultants who could prepare training modules and offer of the training to the core trainers at Federal TVET institute. The modules are prepared based on the framework developed by GOPA and focuses on the preparation of a training plan that supports the CD of TVET Teachers and the in-company trainers in the industry.

Key activities of the consultant include

Selection of at least two Units of Competences (UoCs) from the OS at Level three

company to implement the cooperative training

Developing learning arrangements/plan for the

selected UoCs

tool for the learning arrangements

Develop methods of Cooperation between TVET teachers and in-company-trainers in implementing the plan

Assessment on the effective implementation of the plan by the TVET teachers and in-company trainers and providing feed back

Requirements

construction or Garment technology

An in-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian TVET system and its Occupational Standards

A rich experience in the construction or Garment industry

Experience in the development of training

Interested applicants can send their brief technical

to [email protected] not later than 09 September 2020. Female consultants are highly encouraged to apply. Short listed applicants will be contacted.

following tenders;

TENDER SUBJECT CLOSING DATE1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – Construction of

Gymnasium, Septic Tank, Watch Tower, Walkways and Boundary Wall Works, Sewer and Water Line at the UNHCR Compound

- RFP/HCR/SOG/SUP/2020/002

1 October 2020

2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – Construction of phase 1 of Gure Shombolla Health Centre,

in Asossa -RFP/HCR/AA/2020/003

1 October 2020

Interested Companies are invited to collect the tender documents

following address:1. UNHCR Representation in Ethiopia,

Supply Unit, Addis Ababa

Working hours: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00

Friday from 09:00 – 14:00Collection period: Effective from 31 August 2020

Closing date is stated in each individual tender document.

Offers must be hand delivered in a sealed envelope and deposited in the tender box located at

. Late offers will not be considered.NHCR

SUPPLY UNITADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

UNHCR Representation in EthiopiaTel.: +251 11 6612822P. O. Box 1076Email:[email protected]

NATIONAL BANK OF ETHIOPIAINVITATION FOR OPEN BID

1. National Bank of Ethiopia invites interested bidders for the supply of the following Items.

No. Item DescriptionBid

Reference No.

Bid to be submitted on/before

Bid Close time

Bid Opening

date & timeLot 1 IBM Storage Battery

and Firmware Upgrade

NBE/NCB/ G/01/ 2020/21

September 9, 2020

September 9, 202010:00

A.M

September 9, 202010:30

A.M

2. A complete set of Bidding Document can be obtained from

Ethiopia Old building 6th upon deposit of non-refundable fee of Ethiopian Birr 100.00 (One hundred only) for each in the account No. 7002010800001 at Payment and settlement Directorate found in NBE

Friday) 8:00-12:00 p.m. And 1-5:00 PM)3. Bids must be accompanied by bid security 2% of the Total Bid Price in

the form of CPO or Bank Guarantee.4. Biddersshallpresentcopy of theirrenewedtradelicenseforthe

2012E.C., renewedmain registración tradelicense 2012 E.C.,

registration certifícate and othernecessary documentes.5. Bids shall be submitted in the tender Box prepared for this purpose on /

before the above indicated date and the closing is on the same date, time shows in the above table. The bid number should be indicated in the bid document.

6. Bid opening shall be held on the days and time indicated in the above table in the presence of bidders and/or their representatives who wish to attend

7. Failure to comply any of the conditions from (3) to (6) above shall result an automatic rejection.

8. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the

011-5-17-7006, 011-5-17-51599. The Bank reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids at any

time.

HEADLINES6| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251


... NEWS IN BRIEFPM Abiy’s visit enhances

partnership with Sudan: FM GeduPrime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Sudan heightened and injected a new impetus into Ethio-Sudan longstanding partnership, Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said.

Prime Minister Abiy has returned to Addis Ababa after concluding a day-long visit in Sudan on Tuesday.

During his stay in Khartoum, Abiy has held discussions with Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Chief of the Transitional Military Council Abdel Fettah Al-Burhan.

Sudanese Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok said Sudan respects Ethiopia’s right to develop using the water resources of Abay River and any disagreement related to the dam, which is being built on the river, should be resolved through negotiations.

Gedu said Abiy’s visit to Sudan is dedicated to further boost relations and upholding cooperation with the neighboring country.

As the two countries are undertaking reforms, their strong ties would enable them to further cement bilateral and regional cooperation, he stated.

In this regards, Prime Minister Abiy and his Sudanese counterpart Abdalla Hamdok agreed on further deepening ties between the countries, he added.

(ENA)

commitment to support Ethiopia’s CRGE

Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ethiopia’s climate-resilient green economy being implemented under its Green Legacy Initiative, according to Norway’s Permanent mission representative to the African Union, Vigdis Aasland Cristofol.

The representative made the remark on Friday while he visited the Gullele Botanical Garden in Addis Ababa and planted tree seedlings in support of the Green Legacy Initiative.

Commending Ethiopia’s effort to protect natural resources by expanding forestation She expressed her government’s keenness to further continue support to the country.

“Norway will do its utmost effort to support Ethiopia’s economic development, especially in the field of natural resources conservation.”

Program officer at the Embassy of Norway in Addis Ababa, Solomon Zeru (PhD) on his part said the tree planting event is aimed at showing solidarity to Ethiopia’s on-going natural resource conservation.

According to Solomon, Ethiopia and Norway had signed a 100 million USD cooperation agreement in 2013 to support Ethiopia’s climate-resilient green economy which is now being implemented in five regions.

(ENA)

By Birhanu Fikade

Alemayehu Geda (PhD, Prof), a prominent economist, has painted a dire look at the economic growth set for the new fiscal year, predicting it will further contract and even dip into negative 2.7 percent.

Discussing his findings, which he originally analyzed in May and updated with the ever-changing scenarios, Alemayehu casted doubt towards the GDP projections made by the government for 2021 and is doubtful. By the estimates of the government, the GDP growth forecast was set at 8.5 percent. According to Alemayehu, that estimate is not clear as to whether it takes into account the impacts of COVID-19.

Back in April, the government had announced it slashed growth forecasts for the concluded fiscal year, to contract to six percent, from the previous nine percent. However, this year’s growth is set at 8.5 percent.

Speaking at the newly formed Civil Society Forum, Good Governance Africa, Eastern Africa Chapter on Friday, Alemayehu said that the government might need a highly expansive growth rate to achieve an 8.5 percent growth.

“It is not clear whether the possible impacts of COVID-19 have been taken into account in this forecast. If it is not, the government needs a growth rate of 19.7 percent to attain this 8.5 percent level of economic growth, with the COVID effect included; and this is completely unrealistic,” Alemayehu said.

Elaborating on what the 19.7 percent growth incorporates, Alemayehu said the impacts

of COVID-19 will force the economy to witness an 11.2 percent contraction, if the virus lasts till the end of 2020. In the worst case, it is projected that the contraction could further swell up to 16.7 percent.

“On the other hand, if the possible effects of COVID were not taken into account, the growth, including the COVID effect, will be negative 2.7 percent (almost a 3 percent decline) under the average scenario that is envisaged in this study (in the best-case scenario of a 5.6 percent economic decline due to the pandemic).” That according to the expert could mean a three percent growth in the new fiscal year.

The contraction of the economy mostly is anticipated to be largely felt by the service and industry sectors. Both sectors contribute some 70 percent of jobs to the urban population. The economist suggested that out of the seven million wage

employees and three million self-employed, his revised projections have indicated that some two million jobs could be lost resulting in loses of 2.5 billion birr of monthly incomes. By his estimates, 1.7 million self-created jobs and some 300,000 private firms are likely going to feel the impact.

Furthermore, out of 500 firms surveyed by the World Bank and the Job Creation Commission, 23 percent of these firms are waiting for the State of Emergency to be lifted, so that they could fire employees.

To avert the growing socio-economic shock, Alemayehu advised the government to mind its expenditure, mostly on the capital side. However, the newly approved 476 billion birr budget has indicated a 23 percent increment from the previous year. That has resulted in some 143 billion budget deficit. Coupled with the USD two billion debt servicing, with the existing 23

percent inflation rate, and with the widening depreciation of birr, Alemayehu fears there will be a possibility of an economic shock.

The expert indicated that a 10 percent depreciation in purchasing value of a particular currency, coupled with a 10 percent increase in money supply- to finance deficit via money printing- could certainly result in a 20 percent rise in inflation. Hence, Alemayehu recommended a policy response that focuses on areas that could expand revenue.

The Ministry of Finance made it clear that the tight fiscal policy is not going to be considered for the new fiscal year. Instead, according to Eyob Tekalign (PhD), State Minister of Finance, expansionary fiscal policy mostly centered on addressing health and social predicaments have been slated.

Economic expert projects negative GDP growthTwo mln jobs likely to be lost

Alemayehu Geda (PhD, Prof)

HEADLINESThe Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251 |7


Ministry discusses tourism masterplan with stakeholders

Ministry of Culture and Tourism has deliberated this week on

the country’s ten-year tourism master plan with stakeholders.

Culture and Tourism State Minister Buzena Al Kedir told the discussants that

the country which has earned about USD three billion in the past ten years,

will focus on five core strategies to get USD 23 billion in the coming decade.

The masterplan indicates that about 59 new tourism destinations will also be

developed.

Creating strong integration among stakeholders, reviewing the tourism

policy, developing tourism infrastructure, improving domestic tourism as

well as investment are the major pillars of the ten years plan.

The state minister said creating integration among stakeholders in the sector

is one of the key strategies that will help build strong tourism with the ability

to absorb huge profit.

“We have identified lack of integration as the major challenge. So we are here

to establish a strong integration with our stakeholders as our major method to

revive tourism in this masterplan,” she added.

(ENA)

Ethiopian unveils bio-safe passenger terminal

Ethiopian Airlines announced that it has completed a new passenger terminal at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with emphasis on bio-safety measures.

The new terminal has check-in hall with 60 check-in counters, 30 self-check-in kiosks, 10 self-bag drop, 16 immigration counters with more e-gate provisions, and 16 central security screening areas for departing passengers, according to a press release.

It has also 3 contact gates for wide body aircraft along with 10 remote contact gates with people mover-travellator, escalator, and panoramic lifts.

The terminal will house thirty-two arrival immigration counters with eight e-gate provisions at the mezzanine floor level, the statement added.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam pointed out that “while Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has overtaken Dubai to become the largest gateway to Africa last year, the new terminal will play a key role in cementing that position.”

According to him, “what makes the new terminal unique is that it’s the first terminal in the world to be completed after COVID-19.”

(Press Release)

By Samuel Getachew

The Founder of Lalibela Networks PLC, Wuleta Lemma (PhD) has been shortlisted for the Jack Ma Foundations 2020 Africa’s Business Heroes Competition, a self-described flagship philanthropic program in support of African entrepreneurs. She is the lone Ethiopian among 22,000 applicants who have reached the final stages, from 54 African nations.

“I cannot find the words to thank all who believed in me and my vision for Emergency Medical Responder for Ethiopia and Africa. Together we will make sure no ‘lost or

misplaced medical record’ for every woman, man and child,” she declared on Twitter.

A graduate of Spelman, Emory and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom, she has had a long career and founded her enterprise to help digitalize healthcare services via the “Abay-CHR “-a Patient Centered Connected Health Record System.”

“Dr. Wuleta’s long-term expansive vision for the system also includes leveraging artificial intelligence approaches to the Big Data recorded by Abay-CHR, to predict disease trends, aid efficient deployment of healthcare

resources, and inform healthcare policymaking. Dr.Wuleta is a seasoned, challenge-driven, and goal-oriented professional with 28 years of digital health technologies, international public health, health care management, global health security, pandemic surveillance experience,” the official biography reads.

She has worked in various nations including in Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya and the United States among many others.

“Congratulations, Dr. Wuleta. Proud,” Tedros Adhanom, the Managing Director of the

World Health Organization, tweeted as she was announced as one of the finalists.

Wuleta is known for helping integrate eHealth to help distribute vital information on HIV/ AIDS, Malaria, MNCH, TB prevention and control, epidemiology, disease surveillance, tropical medicine, public health emergency management and One Health.

The last 10 shortlisted candidates, selected from an array of professions including that of agriculture, fashion, education, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce and others, are to share the ultimate prize worth USD 1.5 million.

Ethiopian physician up for Ja Ma business heroes competition

been considering punishing Ethiopia for avoiding the US-led negotiation that it said sided with Egypt rather than become an independent role player for the countries to reach an agreement.

An administration official told Foreign Policy that “There’s still progress being made; we still see a viable path forward here. The U.S. role is to do everything it can to help facilitate an agreement between the three countries that balance their interests. At the end of the day, it has to be an agreement that works for these three countries.”

According to the magazine, the cuts could affect sectors like security assistance, counterterrorism and military education and training, anti-human

trafficking programs, and broader development assistance funding.

While the administration’s move is not a surprise to many observers, experts on the other hand say that the US withholding aid to Ethiopia will have insignificant effect on Ethiopia as there are other reliable partners like the EU and China. And they say that the odds of these partners especially the EU partnering with the US are almost null given the current trade and other partnership challenges the two are facing.

Although it is the US Department of State that deals with such issues of foreign affairs, concerns have been raised since day one when the US Treasury Department along with the World Bank were tasked with

helping the three countries in the negotiations. Many Ethiopian members of the academia and diplomacy have expressed their concerns regarding this at the time asking ‘why the Treasury and the WB?’

This decision came a day after PM Abiy Ahmed (PhD) travelled to Sudan and discussed outstanding issues regarding the GERD with Sudan’s PM Abdalla Hamdok and Chairman of the Transitional Military Council Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan. Despite talks that Abiy would meet Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Khartoum where the later flew directly from Israel, the two did not manage to meet.

In a manner that reflects international influences in this regard, PM Abiy a week

ago said that the only way the country’s prosperity is achieved is through local resources and efforts and any external partnership plays a supportive role. He said this during a progress report presented to him by the GERD project head Kifle Horro (Eng.).

The civil work on the GERD has reached 89 percent and the electromechanical works have reached 47 percent according to a report by Kifle last week. The project has so far consumed 121.5 billion birr as of August 2020 and additional 36.5 billion birr is required to complete it. With the Dam’s first filling placing 4.9 billion cubic meters of water in the reservoir, the second filling is planned for July 2021 and the last unit is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

Trump decides to . . . CONT`D FROM PAGE 1

HEADLINES8| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251


.. HORN IN BRIEFHHOORN IN BRIEFIGAD forecasts warmer, drier season in Eastern

AfricaA drier than usual season is expected in most parts of the Eastern Africa region, including Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, most of Uganda, Kenya, southern, central and north-western Somalia and southern Ethiopia, according to IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

The 56th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum was convened yesterday by ICPAC, in collaboration with the national meteorological and hydrological services in the region and other partners, to issue the October to December 2020 rainy season forecast for the region.

The months from October to December are important rainfall season for Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and southern Ethiopia.

According to a press statement of ICPAC, rains are expected to start late, compared to the

1981-2010 average onsets over Tanzania, Burundi, eastern Kenya, southern and central Somalia and southern Ethiopia.

“A drier than usual season is expected in most parts of the region, including Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, most of Uganda, Kenya, southern, central and north-western Somalia and southern Ethiopia,” it stated.

(ENA)

South Sudan Residents Protest Oil Facilities

Residents around South Sudan’s Palouch and Melut oil fields in Upper

Nile state demonstrated Wednesday for a third consecutive day against

environmental pollution caused by oil companies. The protesters blocked

the doors of at least two oil companies and shut down roads and the airstrip

in Palouch.

Thon Beny Thon, who resides in Palouch, told South Sudan in Focus

that oil companies have polluted nearby land with toxic wastewater and

chemicals. He also said protesters are accusing the government and oil

companies of failing to live up to their commitment to reinvest a portion of

oil revenues to improve local infrastructure and clean up the environment.

“The residents are supposed to benefit from the oil being produced in their

area, it’s their right,” Thon said. “Since 1997 - it has been over 20 years

now - oil is being drilled, but there are no good schools, no clean water, no

roads, no hospitals and nothing good for the residents.”

“The environment is contaminated, causing so many health complications,”

Thon said.

(VOA)

By Samuel Getachew

The Canadian University Service Overseas (Cuso), a Canadian based NGO, is pledging more than 192 million Birr to help promote access to education for girls in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region.

“Cuso International has a long history of supporting education around the world. This project will enhance academic, social and soft skills for adolescent girls, including those with disabilities, and strengthen the capacity of teachers and education institutions to deliver quality and gender-

sensitive education,” Glenn Mifflin, Cuso International CEO announced.

The project is to target those between the ages of 15 to 25 years within seven districts, including Assosa, Bambasi, Maokomo Special Woreda, Mandura, Pawi and Sedal woreda, focusing on adolescent girls, including those with disabilities.

“The practice of sexual and harmful traditional practices begins against women from their early childhood, while men are supported to have skills in economic development, leadership and politics. Women have limited opportunities to

get uninterrupted education,” Solen Abera, Lecturer and Gender Focal Person in the Faculty of Health Science at Assosa University told The Reporter.

“The U-Girls 2 project will help address some of the disparities existing in girls’ access to education. That, in turn, will contribute to better participation of women in leadership and politics in the region,” she added.

According to Cuso, 16,500 people will directly benefit from the program and is “expected that through outreach activities, the social mobilization and other gender

sensitization campaigns, the program will reach around 100,000 people.”

The Ottawa based organization is dedicated in fighting poverty and inequality in the world, and has promoted and funded extension workers throughout the nation. Founded in 1961, Cuso is known to dispatch professional volunteers throughout the world and help build a mechanism to strengthen capacity building. In the last decade, it has begun to specifically recruit Ethiopian-Canadian professional volunteers in collaboration with Canada based Ethiopian organizations.

Canada-based NGO pledges 192 mln birr

The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251 |9


US says airstrike kills 6 Al-Shabaab in Somalia

after ambushThe United States military says it killed six Al-Shabaab extremists with an airstrike in Somalia after the Al-Qaeda-linked group attacked Somali forces while US forces were nearby.

The US Africa Command statement said Monday’s airstrike was carried out near Darasalam village in southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region after Al-Shabaab fighters attacked from a building in the area. The statement said three Al-Shabaab fighters were wounded.

No US forces were killed or wounded, the statement said, dismissing an Al-Shabaab claim of US casualties. Somalia’s government in a separate statement said the US forces were there to advise and assist local ones.

In January, Al-Shabaab killed a US service member and two US contractors in an attack on a military airstrip in neighboring Kenya. It was Al-Shabaab’s first attack against US forces in the country, and the group quickly shared online images of masked fighters standing next to blazing aircraft.

The US military has since stepped up its warnings about Al-Shabaab’s increasingly sophisticated use of propaganda.

(Military Times)

deaths and widespread damage in Sudan

Flood waters in Sudan have reached the highest levels on record, killing dozens of people, destroying thousands of homes and encroaching on some neighborhoods of the capital city, Khartoum.

The flooding comes despite Ethiopia starting to fill the reservoir behind a giant new dam upstream on the Blue Nile in July. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is expected to help Sudan control future floods.

Flooding regularly hits Sudan in the summer, but this year’s unprecedented water levels have left larger tracts of farmland submerged and residents around Khartoum are looking anxiously outside their homes for fear of the rising waters.

Flood waters have spilled over into major roads in Khartoum for the first time in living memory.

“The waters of the Nile flooded our house at midnight yesterday,” said Ahmed Bastawy, a resident of Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, who stayed up all night trying to protect his house only to see some of its mud brick walls collapse.

(VOA)

Ethio Telecom is determined reverse the trend in the 2021 and plans to increase the number of fixed subscribers from 980,000 to 1.09 million.

Ethio Telecom has set an ambitious target of increasing the number of broadband internet subscribers by a whopping 215.3 percent from 212, 200 to 669,400. In the 2019-2020 budget year the company’s broadband subscribers surged by 135 percent to 212,200. Frehiwot attributed the dramatic growth of the board band internet subscribers’ number to the tariff reduction and the removal of entry barriers made by Ethio Telecom. She also pointed out that people are forced to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this has contributed to the fast growth of demand for broadband internet service.

Over all Ethio Telecom plans to generate the country’s tele density from the current 46.1 percent to 51.3 in the new budget year.

According to Frehiwot, Ethio Telecom would undertake various expansion projects in the capital Addis Ababa as well as regional states. The company would expand the 4G advanced service in Addis Ababa and introduce the 4G network in regional towns.

Ethio Telecom has availed the LTE 4G network in every nook and corner of Addis Ababa and 4G advanced in selected areas. The traffic on 4G network has increased by a staggering 200 percent. Last year Ethio Telecom planned to build 4G network in regional towns but failed to undertake the projects due to various reasons.

Frehiwot said the company would realise the project this year. The company

plans to boost network capacity and coverage. The company projects to build 842 new sites in Addis Ababa and the regional states. Out of which 150 would be built in Addis Ababa. The expansion projects would be undertaken by in-house capacity, according to the CEO.

Frehiwot said Ethio telecom would undertake expansion projects in the rural areas as well. “In the past as a public enterprise Ethio Telecom has been expanding telecom infrastructure in every part of the country without looking at the economic viability of the projects. But now as we are bracing for competition we have to look at the economic viability of the expansion projects. The new operators are investors who come here to make profit so they will focus on the economic zones. Ethio Telecom will undertake expansion projects in rural areas through the universal access program. The regulator has to ensure that all operators are addressing the rural market,” Frehiwot said. “We will undertake expansion projects in rural areas but we need to discuss that with the regulator,” she added. Operators are expected to benefit from universal access fund when they develop telecom infrastructure in rural areas.

Ethio Telecom subsidises the rural sites with the revenue it generate from the lucrative urban market. “It is important for us to maintain our market in the cities in order to be able to continue providing telecom services in rural areas,” Frehiwot said.

According to Frehiwot, the three year growth strategy was crafted considering various factors. She said the

country’s economic growth, the demand of customers, the international trend of the global telecom industry, the adverse impacts of COVID-19 and the competition coming from the new entrants were thoroughly assessed and incorporated in the business strategy.

Frehiwot said Ethio Telecom is preparing itself for competition. “We are working to become the proffered operator. We want to be the most preferred operator by our customers, business partners and employees. Ethio Telecom is people oriented company. We want to retain our staff and attract professionals from outside of the company. We want to make Ethio Telecom a company that people want to work for,” Frehiwot said.

As part of the national telecom reform program the Ethiopian government is under preparation to liberalise the telecom market. The government has outlined a national policy that would end the 126 year state monopoly of Ethio Telecom by allowing foreign telecom firms to join the market.

The Ethiopian Communication Authority (ECA), the regular organ of the telecom sector, will license two telecom operators by the end of this year. The authority has disclosed its plan to float bid to select two telecom operators in September and award the licenses by December. Ernest & Young is consulting the authority on the biding process.

The Ministry of Finance, the architect of the national telecom reform program, is working to partially privatise Ethio Telecom. The ministry is planning to

privatise 40 percent stake of Ethio Telecom. The ministry is currently working on the privatization process. Deloitte is consulting the ministry on bid process.

“If the two new operators are licensed by December we expect them to join the market by the fourth quarter. We considered the impacts on our market. We have analysed the market and incorporated it in our business plan. When the telecom market is liberalised there will be a challenge for the existing operator to retain its market share and secure new market. But we are working hard to be the preferred operator and ensure the growth and profitability of the company in the years to come,” Frehiwot said.

Frehiwot said the telecom liberalisation will pause not only threat but it will also bring business opportunities. Ethio telecom is under preparation to lease its vast telecom infrastructure to the new operators. “We can lease our mobile towers and fiber cables and generate significant revenue. If the new entrants will lease our infrastructure they will have an advantage on the time to market factor,” Frehiwot said.

In related news Ethio Telecom has made significant discounts on various services. It has made 35 percent discount on mobile data package and 29 percent on mobile voice package. It also made a 61 percent discount on telecom service via satellite via satellite (VSAT). The company has unveiled a number of new and revamped services including new mobile app-My Ethiotel-, Ethio e-care web portal and mobile package credit services.

BRACING FOR . . . CONT`D FROM PAGE 1



IN-DEPTH

Prime example of such allegations include the series of incidents that took place in Wolaita Zone of the Southern

statehood.

By Brook Abdu

Violence has now become a norm in one or more parts of Ethiopia; conflicts as a result of demands for widened democratization, discriminatory actions, or requests to uphold constitutional rights of individuals and groups is increasingly taking over the political life of the nation.

The fact of the matter is that violence, protest, conflict, and attack on defenseless civilians is unmistakably on the rise, especially, since the 2016 protest that began in Oromia Regional State and then expanded to the Amhara Region to subsequently engulf the whole country. These protests, violence, conflicts, and attacks claimed precious lives of the youth in these regions and the nation. According to rights groups like the Human Rights Watch, hundreds of civilian protestors had been killed by security forces during the early days of the movement.

Meanwhile, after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) came to power following the three-year intense protest in the majority parts of the country, the violence and conflict in different parts of country had simmered down for a short while, only to resurface latter on. These conflicts, as violent as they were, displaced millions

of Ethiopians in every corner of the country. According to some reports, during the early days of PM Abiy’s ascendency to power, although some conflicts and attacks had claimed lives, deaths as a result of the confrontation between security forces and protesters were not as common as they were during the three years protests before his rise to power. Nevertheless, Abiy’s administration did not escape criticism for its alleged passive stance on protests and ethnic-centered violence and for failing to protect the rights of people to life and property.

However, it did not take long for the administration to get accused of grave human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings of demonstrators, in recent times.

Prime example of such allegations include the series of incidents that took place in Wolaita Zone of the Southern Regional State, in recent weeks, following the arrest of zonal officials and “instigators” of the Zone’s quest for statehood. Protesters overwhelmed the streets of Sodo, Areka, and Boditi towns, immediately, after the news of the arrests came out, and faced members of the regional special force and the military, who in turn were tasked to quell the protests. Although there are no official confirmations as to the final death toll and overall

damages, numerous social media posts have claimed that a number of protesters have lost their lives during the recent protests both in Oromia and Wolaita, for which largely local and federal security forces have been blamed. On this account, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena said, “There is never a justification for the use of lethal force when it is not to protect lives. This unnecessary force has claimed so many lives in recent days, including protesters and bystanders. Among the people who have been killed are a boy who was homeless and a woman with a mental disability, neither of whom were participating in the protests. No one should be killed for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly or for being around a protest.”

Similarly, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced that “the proportionality of the force used by security forces on demonstrators in some towns of Wolaitta on August 10, 2020, is questionable,” and that it warrants further investigation in to the matter.

On another report, concerning the conflicts and attacks in Oromia Regional State following the killings of the renowned artist Hachalu Hundessa, the EHRC stated that it “is deeply alarmed

XXXILLUSIVE PROPORTIONAL USE OF FORCE – WHAT IT

IS, WHAT IT IS NOT



IN-DEPTH

on peaceful demonstrators, Alemayehu disagrees, saying that the protesters were not peaceful demonstrators but rioters who carried fuel in plastic bottles and jerry cans to burn key institutions and marked residential houses.

by the loss of life amid protests in Oromia and call up on authorities to direct security forces to exercise maximum restraint and not to use excessive force,” apart from calling for the government to launch an immediate inquiry.

The EHRC, a democratic institution that oversees the alignment of government actions with constitutionally granted and internationally acknowledged human rights values, repeatedly called upon the government to ensure that “local authorities and security bodies use only proportionate force and exercise restraint from using lethal force in law enforcement operations.”

But, what constitutes proportional use of force is disputed concept that is understood differently by different rights groups, experts as well as security forces, and law enforcement bodies. For instance, the United Nation’s relates the matter with the level of arms security forces are equipped with when dealing with demonstration.

The Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner states that “governments and law enforcement agencies shall adopt and implement rules and regulations on the use of force and firearms against persons by law enforcement officials. In developing such rules and regulations, governments and law enforcement agencies shall keep the ethical issues associated with the use of force and firearms constantly under review. Governments and law enforcement agencies should develop a range of means as broad as possible and equip law enforcement officials with various types of weapons and ammunition that would allow for a differentiated use of force and firearms. These should include the development of non-lethal incapacitating weapons for use in appropriate situations, with a view to increasingly restraining the application of means capable of causing death or injury to persons.”

On the other hand, Berihun Teshale, in a commentary piece penned for Reporter Amharic newspaper in June 2016, argues that, although he points out that extraordinary killings are crimes against humanity according to the Ethiopian constitution, the fact that people died by the actions of security forces does necessarily make it a crime.

“But, when we say that the measures taken are proportional, we mean that the use of force is meant to protect the lives and rights of the individuals from transgression by other unlawful attacks and when there are no other alternatives to avert the risk. Hence, depending on this or other situations, it becomes a lawful action within the framework of the law,” he argues.

Wubshet Mulat, a lawyer by profession, wrote a commentary for the web-based site Ethio Reference in February 2018, stating that “use of force by the police should depend on tangible information, and

situation analysis of the current happenings, risks, and hazards along with the fact that there are no other alternatives to control it. If people are hurt because of police using force, it should provide first aid medical care and provide medical services accordingly.”

Again, a directive issued in April 2020 by the peace and security subcommittee for the implementation of the state of emergency for the prevention of COVID-19 disease, under its section three article 11 discusses proportional use of force without actually defining it in clear terms.

The directive that The Reporter accessed from the Federal Police Commission states that security people must bring trespassers of the proclamation to face the law, and “the security personnel could use proportional force while implementing the state of emergency as well as the directive to protect theirs and others’ lives and property from hazards.” But, any use of force should be evaluated and monitored accordingly to ensure that the actions are legal, professional, and ethical, the directive stresses. Any use of force by the police or the defense forces is poised to result in a group or individual accountability.

Although proportional use of force is acknowledged in the police training and working procedure manuals, Alemayehu Bawdi, Southern Region Peace and Security Bureau Head, argues that “any law enforcement measure is meant to correct wrongdoers rather than to use force,” he told The Reporter adding that, “this could be as a result of confrontations between the security personnel who say all things should follow the legal procedure and others who want to fulfill their demands through force. The use of force is not a planned action.”

Alemayehu makes examples out of the protests in Oromia and Sidama Regional States, where protests erupted and caused the destruction of properties and loss of lives. So, in such incidents, when the security forces resist moves by rioters to burn properties, kill people, and disrupt peaceful lives, people die, he indicated. According to him, there were similar problems in Wolaita, in recent weeks, and the confrontations with security personnel, who stood against destruction, have resulted in the death of people. But, when it was possible to avert destruction that could have followed, the measures taken by security forces could be justified; especially when compared to what happened in Oromia and Sidama Regions, he said.

“The proportionality of security forces’ actions is mostly gauged according to the level of the problem the country has faced. What happened in Oromia, in previous protests, for example, is in the presence of security forces that are supposed to be protecting people. What can benefit the country is when we can avert dangers like this,” Alemayehu argued.

While rights groups and opposition political parties

criticize the actions by security forces in Wolaita for firing on peaceful demonstrators, Alemayehu disagrees, saying that the protesters were not peaceful demonstrators but rioters who carried fuel in plastic bottles and jerry cans to burn key institutions and marked residential houses. He added that they were also throwing stones on security officials.

“As this had to be stopped, we stopped it in the manner it needs to be done,” he stated adding that, “proportionality, therefore, should be measured according to the level of damage that could have happened. According to our assessment, hundreds to thousands of people could have died had this not been stopped. We take actions based on the level of conflict and the damages as a result,” he said.

He also argues that there should be a distinction between peaceful demonstration and rioting. Those closing roads, burning houses, destroying properties, and trying to snatch arms from security personnel are not peaceful demonstrators as was seen in Boditi, for instance, he said.

“What we are seeing in our country is not a peaceful demonstration but rioting,” he observes.

There are multiple tiers of government security forces that are tasked with maintaining the peace and security of the country. Starting from the local militia, the tier includes regular Police, regional Special Forces, and Federal Police and the Military. Usually, the military and the federal police forces jointly work in countrywide missions to quell protests and violence. The local militia and regular police forces usually work on the prevention of crimes in a community and educate the community to avoid involvement in criminal activities. When protests and violence begin to claim lives and destroy property, the Special Forces enter the places of conflict and if the situation intensifies, Federal Forces are sent in.

Procedures of when and how federal security forces enter regional administrations are in place but there are no legal frameworks for use of force by security people when they act to suppress violence. The Federal Attorney-General drafted a proclamation in February 2019 to govern the use of proportional force by security forces. But, it has not yet been ratified.

While this is work in progress, actions by security forces against protesters concern multiple rights groups because of a lack of accountability of security forces that used excessive forces in the past. In its recent report entitled Beyond Law Enforcement: Human Rights Violations by Ethiopian Security Forces in Amhara and Oromia, Amnesty International stated that “the bulk of past atrocities in Ethiopia -including widespread acts of killing, torture and other ill-treatment, and excessive use of force against protesters –have remained unaccounted for so far.”



INTERVIEW

The Reporter: The annual job fair organized by Dereja is going virtual as a result of the pandemic. Tell me about that?

Siham Ayele: The 2020 plan for Dereja was to scale up and reach more graduates than before as we formed a partnership with the MasterCard Foundation. Our target this year was to reach 20,000 plus students and find employment opportunity for 50 percent while having 70 percennt to be women. At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, like many companies we were afraid since we didn’t know what that meant for our organization and objective. Especially because most of our interventions involved face-to-face interactions, traveling to universities and all. My team and I took a day to regroup came back and thought of new ways to present our programs.

This pandemic although tragic, gave us the opportunity to think outside of the box and create something as amazing and innovative as this Virtual Career Expo. We knew we don’t have an option than to be innovative as possible. It took us three good months to find the right platform like medaxpo and three months to construct.

What was achieved so far and how many prospective jobs bound students has it helped so far?

Though the pandemic hindered most of the new job opportunities we initially had and left many businesses and employers with uncertainty on how to move forward with their business, it didn’t leave us with zero. Most organizations have to re-vamp their new positions to digital marketing, IT, remote internship opportunities, we have managed to get this opening positions. At the same time, through the past four years of Dereja’s operations, we have built sort of a standard for most of our clients hiring a fresh graduate and giving opportunity means investing in the growth of the company as well the wellbeing of the country.

We have organizations like, Moenco, BGI Ethiopia, Zemen Bank, Heineken, Precise Consult, Unilever and many more that has various recruitment programs for

fresh graduates and are model organization which played a great part in tackling youth unemployment. This virtual fair has simplified recruiting for both job seekers and employers. Through this expo we managed to have over 1000 students register to participate and over 200 positions available from employers with a 3- 6 month recruiting plan. The high demand amongst students has actually led us to host a second virtual career expo before the end of 2020, where we will cater to more students and employers.

What is the climate of employment now in the midst of the pandemic for students who are about to graduate?

This outbreak has affected the employment climate at all levels on top of the year to year challenge we face on the gap between the supply and demand. It’s obvious that our country does not produce 200,000 plus jobs ever year for graduates. Our Job here at Dereja is to identify the openings, to push and push the public, private, SMEs, to give first opportunities for the graduates. By working in partnership with the universities and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and through our various programs such as Dereja Academy, our resourceful website (Dereja.com) and the Job fair clinics we managed to produce a remarkable, competent graduates with great employability skills that are desired by the market. Through this pandemic employment opportunities have been narrowed down but new opportunities are coming in, it is with this belief that this first virtual career expo has been organized.

What do you think is the most a student can get from his or her participation?

To your surprise, we actually are so proud of graduates’ level of engagement with the platform, we feared at first as we have repeatedly witnessed the gap in using technology. COVID- 19 did not leave anyone a choice so they have forced themselves to learn and adapt and we did as well. So, I would say, the first thing the graduates got is the learning opportunity, seeing that it is possible to use technology in each aspect of

life and to be innovative and to go out from their comfort zone. The second is that, the expo simplifies the job-search process for fresh graduates by providing them with the opportunity to meet dozens of employers all from one simple use of a platform and in the comfort of their personal workspace with zero cost.

The trend has been that job seekers used to spend more than 10 birr per day to find a job and we all know what that means for fresh graduates. Because they have made a choice to participate in this platform not only do they get the opportunity to build their own profile, applied for the few new job opportunities, but they also have the opportunity to network and chat with employers. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in numerous professional development webinars led by industry heads like Abenezer Feleke (Marketing Specialist Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Tewodros Tadesse (Founder and CEO, CALS(x-Hub), Samuel Bekele (CEO, Spotlight Communication and Marketing), Dagmawi Dawit (HR Manger, Komari Beverages) and our own Meklit Mintesinot, (Dereja, Training Manager and Zemensil Melsse, Info Mind Solutions HR Manger)

Who are some of the companies involved this year who are in the position to hire?

Over 40 plus companies that participated for the first Virtual Expo we have managed to sign MoU’s with 15 plus employers that has recruitment plan within 3-6 months. Komari Beverages, Multichoice Ethiopia, Zemen Shoo, HST, Ethiochicken, ABIG, Adelphoi Trading PLC are the few among others.

What advice do you have to students who are prospective graduates and are ready to look for work?

I have started my career before I graduated from the Addis Ababa University with a Political Science and International relations degree in 2014. Within these few years I have managed to lead Dereja.com, a business unit of Ethiojobs.net a well-known brand that stands for providing HR Solutions. We

have formed Dereja because of the passion we have in developing human capital and the youth are the vulnerable groups with so much potential.

At Dereja, I have found my life purpose and passion. My Advice for young graduates is to find that passion, be bold, be brave, work really hard as nothing comes easy, put yourself out there and network, continuously seek learning and developing your personal and professional skills. Do not be afraid of any rejection not even from a job application, take all the opportunities the world provides you with. Believe in yourself and your capability and other will believe in you, that is what I have got from my experience and now others are believing in what am doing just like our CEO Yusuf Reja who gave me that first opportunity to start my career as an intern at Ethiojobs.net.

Any last words?

I want to give a special thanks to the Mastercard Foundation for believing in Dereja, for supporting us to scale up. The partnership we have got from Mastercard enabled us to bring this innovative virtual platform to Ethiopia and to continue so and bring more innovative solutions for the youth employment challenge Ethiopia is facing.

I would also like to thank the Jobs Creation Commission for partnering with us as a newly established organization. We are always awed by their time to time progress. My appreciation goes to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and all our university partners for believing in what we are making and what we provide for your organizations and graduates. Similarly, I would like to thank the employers who always took a leap of faith and agreed to join us on this endeavor and for giving opportunities for our graduates. The graduates of 2020 thank you for your commitment and trusting us with the process as we always work really hard to develop your skills and career. Last but not least, the Dereja and Ethiojobs team and Medaxpo platform team for your relentless work that helped bring this vision to life.

DEVELOPING SKILLS AND CAREERSiham Ayele is the Program Director at Dereja.com – a business unit of Ethiojobs.net. On the

Samuel Getachew of The Reporter on it, on helping young graduates get opportunities for employment, on

to share wisdom for others to secure sustainable employment. Excerpt:





LIVING AND THE ARTS

A HELPING HAND FOR SOUTH OMO

Ato Argachew Bochena, a lecturer and director of community service at Jinka University

Professor Gebre Yintso , president of Jinka University

Meles Maya, a resident of key afer Woreda and a former Woreda Administrator

Computers given to Jinka Millennium High School Photo By: The Reporter /Tamirat Getachew



starting from registration to placement using technologies. We

have also facilitated a digital library

Internet access and cable, which makes it easy for students to access

books either using their phone or computer. Furthermore, we have set

additional trainings for teachers as well as supportive tutorials for students, to strengthen the process.

By Nardos Fekadu

Jinka, the capital of South Omo Zone of the Southern Regional State is one of the destinations in the country where tourists flock too. Located 750 km from Addis Ababa, is also a center for sixteen indigenous ethnic groups as well as others pooled from the rest of the country.

Jinka University, found in Jinka City, was established in October 23, 2015. It is one of the 11 universities to be built, during the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) period which covers 2015/16–2019/20G.C. Since its opening, the number of students has reached 4400 in the three rounds of enrollments. There are more than 200 permanent teachers and about 700 administrative staff. And for the coming year, 2021G.C, JKU is ready to accept 3000 students.

“Like other universities JKU has three missions. First is to contribute knowledge expansion and national development by providing quality and relevant education and training. Second is undertaking basic and applied researches and third is engaging in community services,” said Gebre Yintso (Prof), president of Jinka University.

Expounding on the mission, “With knowledge expansion, we did a lot of work starting from an amazing welcoming celebration to our first batch of students,” he said adding, “We have simplified the process starting from registration to placement using technologies. We have also facilitated a digital library system that does not require an Internet access and cable, which makes it easy for students to access books either using their phone or computer. Furthermore, we have set additional trainings for teachers as well as supportive tutorials for students, to strengthen the process.”

“Our second mission is undertaking basic and applied researches. We started doing researches in the second year (2018/2019G.C) because the government did not allocate money for us. In that year, 30 researches were done and results of the study have been submitted and we are in the process of publishing their report. And in this year’s program, 47 researches were underway but due to the pandemic they could not continue. Another thing we did is organize various international and local conferences. The third mission of our university is community service. We have done a lot of work here. Our first focus was on education. There was a shortage of books and a lack of computers almost in all of the schools. So, we handed 950 computers for 35 primary and secondary schools located in 10 woredas of the zone. We believe this will help the students to be competitive with other Ethiopian students.”

We are involved in the conservation of natural resources. For example, we plant seedlings on Mount Gorgocha near Jinka, which is a deserted area. We have also provided various trainings for civil servants for the sake of capacity building and started the South Omo Cultural Festival last year. The purpose of this festival was to promote the culture, the music, the food and crafts, of the 16 ethnic groups in South Omo and generate revenue from it. Accordingly, the first round has gone well.”

Following the outbreak of covid-19 in the country, the university in collaboration with the regional health institute laboratory, has produced sanitizers and distributed it for free, to certain sections of the community in the first round and now are selling it at a fair price. Spending more than five million birr, the university has bought testing machines as the number of confirmed cases increased in the zone. According to professor Gebre, the machines will start conducting tests in the coming week.

Further, explaining about the community services Argachew Bochena, a lecturer and director of community service at Jinka University, said we have done a lot of work in the last two years.

“We have supported woredas around the zone by giving them 300 computers and 75 printers so that it can help them organize and store information safely. As far as the zone is a tourist destination,

we provide trainings for hotel managers, tour

operators, caterers, hospitality providers and

various bodies. We gave 950 computers for 35

primary and secondary schools and train the

teachers with basic computer skills,” he said.

The university has also provided support when

some part of the country was attacked by locusts,

cholera and floods.

According to Argachew, more than 14 million birr

has been spent to carry out community service

activities.

Meles Maya, a resident of key afer Woreda and a

former Woreda Administrator told The Reporter

that he is very happy with all the work the

university has done. He believed that there were

unanswered questions for the community but

since the opening of the university everything

seems to be in shape. “The opening of the

university has now answered the questions that

have been in the community for centuries,”

he said. He also thanked the president of the

university for his contribution to the community

and for solving existing problems.

Jinka is located near the border of South Omo

Zone with communities in this area largely

pastoralists. In this regard, it is a society that

is lagging behind in education and educational

opportunities are not widely available. However,

“When the university was opened, the

uneducated community was able to get a

closer look at it and gain knowledge,” said

Demo Bezabeh, the Chief Administrator

of Bena tsemay Woreda, one of the

districts in the zone.

“As a result, we, as a district, have made

it possible for many governmental

and non-governmental employees to

study at this university. In addition,

we have provided opportunities for

local pastoralist children, to attend

classes at the university by paying

their fee. Currently, we are teaching

eight pastoralist children. We also have

given the opportunity for those who have

not improved their education, but have been

leading the people, to study at the university

which is a great opportunity for us to create a

well-educated workforce,” he said.

One of the model high schools in Jinka was

founded in 2008 G.C. Jinka Millennium High

School located at alga kebele in Jinka city, rests on

a very large area but has only eight classes, with

more than 935 students from ninth to eleventh

grade. “Lack of classrooms is the main problem

to Jinka Millennium high School,” said Kassahun

Hailu, the school’s principal.

Over the past ten years, shortage of classrooms,

lack of computers, lack of libraries and laboratory

equipment as well as textbooks, have been a

major problem for the school. “But thanks to

Jinka University these problems are solved now,”

he said.

The university has facilitated the teaching-

learning process by purchasing 50 computers and

uploading textbooks on it. Apart from that, the

university provides 50 student desks, bookshelves,

and nearly 500 reference books for students to use

in the library and also a 152,000-birr worth copy-

machine.

According to Kassahun, the university’s presence

in the area has benefited the community.

“Everyone should pay attention to education like

Jinka University,” he said.

LIVING AND THE ARTS


Advertisment16| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251




18| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251COMMENTARY

By Tenna Mengistu Zewdie

The term ‘civil society’ generally includes a wide range of actors including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professional associations, community organizations, clubs, unions, faith-based institutions, traditional and clan groups, etc. In many cases, they are lumped together and regarded as ‘a community of do-gooders’ holding the third sector as a distinct space between the public and the private sectors. While this configuration generally represents a kind of quasi-uniformity, as civil societies are often defined as ‘neither Prince nor Merchant’ (Marc Nerfin-Agosto, 2011), a considerable degree of diversity exists in terms of vision, mission, organization and function shaping the nature of their specific objectives and operational modalities.

With the ominous proliferation of armed conflicts, driven by a variety of factors over the years, the international community has been increasingly confronted by the imperative to consolidate peacebuilding initiatives with a sustainable culture of non-violence. This has led peacebuilding practitioners

and donors to turn their attention to the potential role civil societies can and should play.

But to what extent has this been born out in practice? How do civil societies fare in their contribution to the worthy cause of peace and non-violence?

In 2009, the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) conducted a comparative research consisting of 13 case studies focusing on civil societies and peace building. The conclusion from the research identified the following set of seven major functions through which civil societies contribute to peace and non-violence.

Protection of citizens against violence from all parties;

Monitoring of human rights violations, the implementation of peace agreements, etc.;

Advocacy for peace and human rights;

Socialization to values of peace and democracy as well as to develop the in-group identity of marginalized groups;

Inter-group social cohesion by bringing people together from adversarial groups;

Facilitation of dialogue on the local and national levels between all sorts of actors;

Service delivery to create entry points for peacebuilding, i.e. for the six above functions.

The findings of the research confirm the relevance of the seven-fold civil society functions to be implemented across the board with the necessary variations accounted for during the different phases of conflict. However, the findings also reveal the fact that activities of high relevance, such as protection during wars, were not necessarily equally implemented by civil society organizations. They indicate that effectiveness of activities varied substantially and conclude that, in overall terms, protection, monitoring, advocacy and facilitation related activities were of higher effectiveness, whereas socialization and social cohesion related activities were of low effectiveness across all cases.

In view of the rising challenges of conflict and instability in the national context, a lot more is expected from the civil societies with enhanced contribution to peace and non-violence. While the range of all the seven

functions proposed by the CCDP could generally be considered relevant within the national context, the specific niche for all the civil societies will have to be determined in relation to the specific nature of their engagement together with their institutional and operational capacities.

According to the International Society for the Third Sector Research (ISTR), based on its study of the role of civil society organizations in democratization process in Ethiopia, covering a sample of 15 civil societies in 2002, only a few civil societies are directly contributing to peace and non-violence. At the same time, most of them believe that peace and development go hand in hand and that stability and progress are closely intertwined. Inter Africa Group (IAG) sees poverty and related denial of economic and human and social rights as a major underlying cause of tension and conflict in the Horn of Africa, and advocates the need for enhanced efforts to address them through dialogue and search for common ground. This is an important qualification and clearly highlights the less obvious fact that civil societies engaged in

The contribution of civil societies to the worthy cause

of peace and non-violence

VIEWPOINT

PP: The best political party in Ethiopia

By Tagel Getahun

Education on democracy

I have a good deal of respect for Lemma Megersa but I support Abiy Ahmed’s political stance with some modifications.

The Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has failed my political philosophy from implementation for the regime has been obsessed with its unacceptable political interest. Their leadership has complicated the thought.

I expect the erstwhile Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), currently part of Prosperity Party (PP), will be able to practice it so that an established democracy would be created in Ethiopia. More importantly this party is capable of adequately answering the political questions of the Oromos. They are urgently requiring government to respond to their demands. I believe some of their requests had better been answered before the upcoming national election. The moderate nature of this party has attracted a political support from the rest of the nation.

My assumption is that social studies teachers must teach democracy, as democracy is not something that occurs or is maintained without citizens who have the capacities and

demeanors for democratic renewal and growth.

Free, reflective, critical inquiry and the welfare of others undergird interaction, communion, and community building requires educated citizenry. Unlike authoritarian states, democracy requires its members to participate in the political, social, cultural, and economic institutions affecting their development, as democracies believe in the capacity of ordinary individuals to direct the affairs of their society.

Importantly, democracy is not static. As individuals engage with, reflect on, and critique the worlds they inhabit, democracy itself evolves.

William B. Stanley (2004, p. 192) has argued that “democracy does not just happen; it must be cultivated and learned.” Similarly here in Ethiopia, democracy has to be built through a consolidation process.

It is my contention that the cultivation of and the learning for democracy should take place in public schools, especially in those classes tasked with studying the social, as “social studies” should offer opportunities for children to engage with and reflect on the communities they inhabit.

In an organic, evolving, and participatory democratic

society like Ethiopia then, students, parents, teachers, and communities would have a shared voice—shared, not equal—in educational agenda setting.

Democratic societies must ensure that the quality of debates, whether they concern the reasons for going to war, the reinterpretation of the Constitution, or the purposes of education, never degenerates to authoritarianism, fundamentalism, or economism. In order to keep debate free and critical in Ethiopia, societies must help citizens acquire the skills and dispositions to intelligently engage one another in substantive discussions, discussions which may lead to solutions to their most pressing social problems.

Participation in such discussions could and should take place in public schools, schools committed not only to the development of the individual, but to the development of individuals capable of realizing and maintaining an organic, evolving, and participatory democratic social order. If not in schools, if not through democratic teaching and learning, then where and how will future citizens develop the necessary capacities to maintain their states.

While there may appear to be a danger of extremism in

some communities, democratic schools must ultimately abide by the Constitution, which should exist to protect individuals from coercion and oppression.

As Amy Guttman (1987, p. 75) explains, “education is not democratic if citizens do not collectively influence the purposes of primary schooling nor if they control the content of classroom teaching so as to repress reasonable challenges to dominant political perspectives.”

Democracies cannot exist without people participating in them. If students are to become citizens who participate in and protect their democracies, then schools, and social studies teachers in particular, must educate them with that end in mind.

If our schools are to become spaces where individuals are transformed into responsible participants, then schools must be transformed from regulatory test-prep centers into something they have never been, as public schools have never been spaces whose focus was on democracy.

Our children are living in perilous times when there are politically contentious issues. To prepare them for participation in to democratic society, we must place

PP: The best . . . page 26

The contribution of . . . page 24



#REPORTERBOOK#EmbroideryArt

R Artist combines color and embroidery to hand-stitch beautiful landscapes

R Facebook plans to expand its news tab

||19BOOK

UK-based artist Sew Beautiful creates breathtaking landscapes using only needle, thread, and occasionally some cotton-like balls of wool to make her artwork jump out of the hoop. Her vibrant and colorful embroidered sceneries look like paintings although no paint was used in the process. She doesn‘t have to look far for inspiration as living in the picturesque countryside results in the most incredible designs.

“From a young age, I've always had a passion for art, nature, and flowers. I loved trying new styles of art. I grew up watching my mum create through embroidery and recently, I put both my love of colors and embroidery together. The love and support I receive from my following has given me the confidence and motivation to create new pieces,” the artist told Bored Panda.

Embroidery has existed as long as people have been producing fabric, dating back to 30,000 BC, so it already has a rich history which is still being written.

Each artwork by Sew Beautiful is a unique piece of wall art that could decorate any interior. From green forests to vast fields with fluffy clouds, from vivid mountains to peaceful ponds. On the right are some of her works.

(Bored Panda)

Facebook is planning to expand its dedicated news section and says it is “considering” the UK, Germany, France, India, and Brazil as possible recipients, it announced Tuesday. The company’s timeline is vague: “within the next six months to a year,” so it is curious why Facebook would announce something not yet imminent. But given Facebook’s volatile history with the news industry, and the trend toward requiring platforms to pay news outlets for their content, it is possible the company is simply testing the waters for its next move.

Facebook launched its News tab to US audiences in June, with plans to pay publishers that participated. To qualify as a partner, Facebook required publishers to pass its integrity standards and to have large enough audiences. It said it would rely on third-party fact-checkers to monitor posts for clickbait, copyright violations, and sensationalist content.

Notably absent from the list of possible countries that would receive the News tab next is Australia, which recently unveiled plans to compel tech platforms to help pay for the free content they disseminate.

France, which is on Facebook’s list of possible future News targets, ordered Google to pay for content from French publishers in April.

(The Verge)





R

#REPORTERBOOK

R#ThisWeekInHistory

||ERBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKK

#IntercityBus

An intercity bus traveling from Addis Ababa to Jimma in the 1950s.

On August 28, 1963, the March on Washington occurred as over 250,000 persons attended a Civil Rights rally in Washington, DC, at which Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his now-famous I Have a Dream speech.

LG has officially announced a portable air purifier that you wear on your face like a mask. The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier uses a pair of replaceable filters similar to what you’d find in LG’s range of air purifiers for the home, pairing them with battery-powered fans to help you breathe. LG says the device has sensors to detect when you’re breathing in or out, and adjusts the fans’ speeds accordingly.

This week’s announcement ahead of IFA 2020 does not explicitly mention the COVID-19 pandemic, but it heavily implies that the mask was developed in response to it. The company says the wearable air purifier is designed to replace the “inconsistent” homemade masks worn by some people, as well as the disposable masks that it says have been in short supply.

Back in July, when LG first announced the mask and said it would be donating 2,000 of the devices to a university hospital in Seoul, one executive from the company said they hoped it would help medical staff “amid the protracting COVID-19 pandemic,” The Korea Herald reported. They hoped it would make it easier for medical staff to wear a mask for hours at a time.

(The Verge)

In October 2016, a startup named Vue promised Kickstarter backers a pair of prescription eyeglasses that could double as wireless earbuds, a fitness tracker, and a smartwatch all at once, plus bone conduction speakers so nobody can eavesdrop on your music and calls. By 2018, and USD three million later, the company had not shipped a single pair.

But fast-forward another two years, and Vue is now ready to sell you on the idea again. The new USD 179-and-up Vue Lite glasses ditch some of the fancier features to focus on Bluetooth audio, with standard speakers instead of bone conduction, a microphone for calls and your phone’s voice assistant, touch controls, and an estimated 3.5 hours of music playback on a charge.

In other words, they are a lot like the Bose Frames, though Bose Frames also tried dabbling in augmented reality, and they may be lighter at 23 grams versus 45 grams. Do note that Vue weighed its glasses without any lenses, though.

For instance, polarized sunglass lenses will cost you USD 80 extra, while photochromic is a USD 100 premium, and you are looking at over USD 450 for a pair with progressive lenses on board.

(The Verge)



COMMENTARY +

By Eyob Belachew

In both ancient and modern times, many countries experience similar politico-economic challenges and concerns. Beyond a shadow of doubt, cooperation among countries around their shared challenges and concerns can be an effective tool to mutually face the multifaceted challenges, along with strengthening ties; sharing of knowledge and development within countries and across regions. However, nations cooperate, if they perceive it to be in their best interests. No wonder why some nations prefer competition over cooperation on a number of important matters, which are actually the main sources of incessant conflicts and instabilities between nations.

Among the most contested issues, the utilization of transboundary water resources is on top of the list. As water demands are increasing, competitions among water users intensify and this is nowhere more destabilizing than in river basins that cross political boundaries. The well-recognized examples of potential transboundary water conflicts between Israel and its neighbors,

the water disputes in the Nile basin, the Pakistan-India issues over the Indus River and the Tigris/Euphrates rivers disputes between Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Yet, experience shows that in different circumstances, the need for water allocation can create unanticipated cooperation, rather than causing open conflicts between nations. This may be confirmed by the existence of fruitful cooperation, such as the Danube and the Rhine river basins in Europe and the Great Lakes between the US and Canada.

As the transboundary water resources are under severe pressures from growing populations, economic growth and development, hydro hegemonic rivalry, and also the effects of climatic changes, making it enormously crucial to work together over their management. However, there are countless hindrances that may inhibit nations from embracing the cooperative management of transboundary river waters in an efficient and equitable way. These may include the different levels of socioeconomic development, institutional capacity, and divergent priorities or conflicting policies,

but also incomplete or biased comprehension of the advantages which could be derived from collaborating with neighboring states.

On a similar condition, the Nile basin is subjected to persistent political tensions, as it is the only major renewable source of water in the region. Egypt’s and Sudan’s monopoly over the river’s resources through colonial brokered agreements has impacted the interstate politics of the region. Through myriads of mechanisms and routes Egyptians were capable of preserving their role as a regional hydro hegemon and successfully hampering any rivalry over the use of the river for many years. Consequently, Ethiopians, including other upper riparian nations were prohibited from building dams or launching any construction projects on the river without Egypt’s’ merciful approval for more than a century. Egypt’s stubborn ambition to control the Nile River and prevent Ethiopia plus other riparian nations from using their natural waters, has created hydro-Hegemonic rivalries, and destabilized the region. Hence, the Nile River has become a source ever

growing concern and tension in the continent instead of being the force of cooperation. Unless things began to change to the history of the Nile, so that it can be a source of development and prosperity, controversial counter responses over its utilization will cause the region even more destabilized and developments will eternally be hampered.

As Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “Fierce national competition over water resources has prompted fears that water issues contain the seeds of violent conflict. If the entire world’s peoples work together, a secure and sustainable water future can be ours. “. Thus, contention over the Nile River will not be a cure-all for the hydro-disputes of the Nile Basin. The best worldwide remedy is that all of the Nile basin nations to pull together and redouble their strength to efficiently form and sustain a Nile Basin inclusive cooperative framework agreement and working together in the spirit of cooperation with a profound aspiration for the peace and prosperity of Africa.

Ed.’s Note: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.

Ending rivalry in the Nile Basin

VIEWPOINT +

post-pandemic developmentBy Patrick Njoroge

“We are experiencing the sharpest decline in per capita income since 1870,” United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres pointed out in a recent speech, warning that the COVID-19 crisis has put 70-100 million people at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty. Preventing that outcome will require concerted and comprehensive action to reboot and rebuild the global economy in a sustainable, inclusive way. Technology – in particular, new digital-finance tools – can play an important role in this process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital services – from telemedicine to remote work to online learning – have been a lifeline for the millions of people subjected to lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders. Digital finance has been essential to facilitate many of these processes, enabling people to pay for goods and services, receive compensation for their work, access social-assistance payments, and secure financial support, such as bank loans, for their distressed businesses.

Even before the pandemic, the need to harness the power of digital finance for the good of the planet and its citizens was increasingly being recognized. Indeed, that was the central goal of the UNSG’s Task Force on Digital Financing of the Sustainable Development Goals, on which I have served for the last 18 months.

The task force includes government ministers, tech entrepreneurs, CEOs of banks and investment institutions, civil-society representatives, officials of multilateral institutions,

and intellectual leaders. But our forthcoming final report, “People’s Money: Harnessing Digitalization to Finance a Sustainable Future,” focuses on the needs of ordinary people.

The financial system, the report concludes, must serve individual citizens, as savers, investors, borrowers, and taxpayers. It must leverage digital technology to put people back in the driver’s seat of their finances, so that they can invest in themselves and their families, communities, countries, and the planet. Governments, regulators, and financial institutions should support and facilitate the disruptions that will get us there.

There are already useful models of such disruption. Africa – especially my country, Kenya – has led the way in embracing financial technology, beginning with mobile money. Kenya’s M-Pesa – a mobile phone-based money-transfer, payments, and micro-financing service – has been a powerful force for expanding financial inclusion. Since 2006, the share of Kenya’s population with access to financial services has surged from 26 percent to more than 82 percent.

Government agencies, too, have embraced online payments – a development that has boosted public confidence in digital financial services. Today, more than 90 percent of payments on Kenya’s centralized e-government platform (eCitizen) involve mobile money.

Government- and central bank-enabled innovation and a learning-by-doing approach have played a major role in driving this progress. For example, Kenya’s M-Akiba, launched in 2017, is the world’s first mobile-only government bond. Unlike

existing government bonds, which required a minimum purchase of KES 50,000 (USD 460), M-Akiba allows citizens to invest as little as USD 30. As a result, Kenya’s capital markets have become accessible to the general population, while the government has unlocked an entirely new investor base. Not surprisingly, 85 percent of those who invested in the initial M-Akiba offering were purchasing government bonds for the first time.

Yet, although Kenya – as well as several other African countries, such as Rwanda, South Africa, and the Seychelles – has made huge strides in seizing the opportunities of financial technology, it still has a long way to go. At a time when economies are becoming increasingly intertwined, and digital business models require economies of scale to thrive, creating regional and even global digital-finance ecosystems is essential.

The Central Bank of Kenya is taking a leading role in this process. In collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, we are learning how to foster a vibrant financial-technology sector that stretches across Africa and Asia.

The more dynamic and expansive that sector is, the better it will be for our respective populations. After all, bringing the previously unbanked into the financial system directly supports economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, reducing economic inequality, poverty, and hunger. Combined with new digital-finance innovations, greater inclusion can expand access to quality education, clean water and sanitation, and more, thereby improving overall health and wellbeing.

Moreover, by strengthening

households’ capacity to save, financial inclusion creates more investable capital, which can be lent to small and medium-size enterprises and finance green infrastructure development. Digital financial innovations connecting people, money, and data help to unlock these investments.

Ensuring that digital financing truly serves the people, however, will require effective oversight. When people gain access to finance for the first time, they are vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. This is especially true when it happens on a large scale, as market concentration increases the power of large digital-finance platforms, many of which already operate globally.

Unless those platforms are subjected to adequate regulation and monitoring, the consequences will be dire, not only for individual users, but also for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Developing economies would bear the brunt of these failures.

The COVID-19 crisis is a tragedy. But it is also an opportunity for change. After decades of rising inequality and unsustainable investment, we have the tools and knowhow to do better. We just need the will to use them.

Ed.’s Note: Patrick Njoroge is Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya. The article is provided to The Reporter by Project Syndicate: the world’s pre-eminent source of original op-ed commentaries. Project Syndicate provided inclusive perspectives in our changing world by those who are shaping politics, economics, science and culture. The views expressed in this articled do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.



Why all countries . . . page 27

poverty, which includes health, education, and nutrition.

When using a threshold that is associated with a permanent escape from the risk of future poverty – USD 13 per day in 2011 purchasing-power-parity terms – some 80 percent of the population in developing countries remains poor. Furthermore, poverty does not only occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and in fragile or conflict-affected states. It is widespread. In short, the second “new middle” are those in developing countries living above the USD 1.90 poverty line, but below the USD 13 vulnerability-to-future-poverty threshold.

Against this backdrop, and amid the global pandemic, our proposal calls for a “universal development commitment” (UDC) from all countries – rich and poor alike. Given their aim of poverty eradication, the SDGs would inevitably be the core focus of any such UDC.

One option for a UDC would be to institute a sliding scale. For example, high-income countries could keep the commitment at 0.7 percent of GNI, while upper middle-income countries would

OPINION

By Andy Sumner

Trillions of dollars have already been spent on the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no one knows what the final bill will be. Is it possible to respond to a much longer crisis – global poverty – with even a fraction of these resources?

Richer countries are currently committed to spending 0.7 percent of their gross national income (GNI) on international development aid. This target was established by the Pearson Commission in 1969, and approved in a United Nations General Assembly resolution the following year. Countries reached this agreement a half-century ago in a world in which global poverty was at very high levels. At the time, the world was justifiably perceived in binary terms: The North was wealthy, and the South was poor.

Much has changed in the intervening 50 years. Some countries have met the 0.7 percent target, but many others have yet to do so. Many developing countries experienced rapid economic growth in the 2000s – not only China and India, but also a

number of African countries. Although all gains are currently in jeopardy, prior to the pandemic, at least, the world had entered a new era, with fewer low-income countries. At the same time, the higher global ambitions set out in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), committed countries to end poverty in all its forms by 2030.

A new era needs a new approach. The COVID-19 pandemic makes this need even more urgent. My colleagues and I propose a scaled financial commitment to development, with a twist: it should be universal across all countries, rich and poor.

Before describing the proposal, it is necessary to ask what has changed since the 0.7 percent-of-GNI target was adopted. During this period, two “new middles” emerged. The first is an increase in the number of middle-income countries – now home to much of the developing world’s population. In many of these countries, aid levels are already low relative to domestic resources and non-public international flows. At the other end of the spectrum, about 30 countries remain “stuck” in terms of growth. These highly aid-dependent states are home

to approximately 10 percent of the population of developing countries – not a “bottom billion,” but a bottom half-billion.

The other “new middle” comprises those who have escaped poverty, but remain vulnerable to falling back into it. This group, as we show, represents more than two-thirds of the developing world’s people.

If measured using the World Bank’s definition of extreme poverty – living on USD 1.90 or less per day – global poverty has fallen (although the decline is more modest when China is excluded), and income has grown among many of the world’s poorest. Extreme poverty now affects only some 10 percent of the population in developing countries, down from around 50 percent 40 years ago.

But poverty remains at startling levels when measured at the World Bank’s poverty thresholds of USD 3.20 and USD 5.50 per day. It is sobering to note that every 10 cents added to the poverty line increases the global headcount of the poor by 100 million. Moreover, the poverty count at USD 1.90 doubles when one considers multidimensional

Why all countries should contribute to ending global poverty

and smallholder farmers in Malaysia – one of the world’s largest palm-oil producers – are facing a veritable “survival crisis,” despite the tremendous progress the country has made in ensuring sustainable production.

Again, there is some evidence that the EU is rethinking its approach. But the needed changes are far from guaranteed.

As the COVID-19 crisis escalates in Africa, the economic, social, and, eventually, political fallout will be significant. The harmful effects of poorly conceived policies and practices will intensify and multiply. And, in lieu of strong action, millions of people will go hungry.

If the EU really wants to help Africa, during the pandemic and beyond, it must urgently reform its trade policies to ensure a level playing field and enhance food security. We are all in this crisis together. We in West Africa hope that we will not be left alone in addressing it.

Ed.’s Note: Muhammed Magassy, Executive Director of the Magassy Foundation for Relevant Easy Adult Literacy, is a member of The Gambia’s National Assembly and the Economic Community of West African States’ parliament. The article is provided to The Reporter by Project Syndicate: the world’s pre-eminent source of original op-ed commentaries. Project Syndicate provided inclusive perspectives in our changing world by those who are shaping politics, economics, science and culture. The views expressed in this articled do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.

By Muhammed Magassy

Africa is becoming a new COVID-19 epicenter. In the recent weeks, South Africa reported a 60 percent increase in natural deaths, suggesting a higher COVID death toll than reported. And the World Health Organization recently warned that cases are proliferating across Sub-Saharan Africa, including my country, The Gambia. Unless the European Union urgently rethinks its protectionist trade policies – beginning with the Common Agricultural Policy – a sharp uptick in food insecurity will turn the COVID-19 crisis into a catastrophe.

The CAP subsidizes European farmers to the tune of EUR 42 billion (USD 50 billion) annually, thereby giving them an unfair advantage in foreign markets, such as Africa. As a report released by the NGO network Coordination SUD last year showed, such subsidies, together with the abolition of market-regulation mechanisms (such as milk quotas), have strengthened EU producers’ ability to export agricultural products at low prices to markets in the Global South.

Such policies distort markets, destabilize developing-country economies, and destroy livelihoods. For example, the CAP has devastated agricultural production in West Africa, particularly for wheat and milk powder. And the problem extends far beyond Africa: local industry and agriculture in Caribbean and Pacific countries have been undermined as well.

The EU’s protectionist policies

mean that developing-country farmers, who have access to significantly less support, cannot compete with European imports. In fact, though 60 percent of Sub-Saharan Africans are smallholder farmers, a staggering 80 percent of local food needs are met by imports. EU subsidies to its own farmers, along with what the UN Food and Agriculture Organization describes as “unfair trade agreements,” have enabled EU farmers to undersell African farmers dramatically. This protectionist stifling of local producers partly explains why, even before the pandemic, half of Africa’s population faced food insecurity.

Last month, there was a glimmer of hope that the EU was finally rethinking the CAP, at least within Europe. One proposal that was put forward focused on helping small farmers in Europe by expanding community-supported agricultural (CSA) schemes, which directly connect farmers to consumers. Proposed reforms also reflected criticisms of industrial animal farming and trade in livestock over long distances – practices that facilitate the emergence and spread of viral infections similar to COVID-19.

But this approach once again remains inherently detrimental to African producers, who would continue to be subject to EU protectionism in the guise of “free trade.” It is precisely in regions like West Africa, where a large number of smallholder farmers are currently being crowded out of the market by protectionist policies, that CSA schemes would be particularly valuable.

What is needed from the EU is a fairer, more holistic approach that accounts for the effects of its policies on African farmers. In the meantime, European policymakers have shelved the proposals until at least the end of 2022, owing to the pandemic.

Making matters worse, to increase its own crisis stockpiles, the EU is preparing to limit food exports. This could directly constrain Africa’s food supply without supporting African farmers, compounding disruptions to global food-supply chains, while placing additional pressure on smallholder farmers.

The CAP is not the only EU policy that is devastating developing-country agriculture. Its 2019 ban on palm-oil imports, ostensibly implemented to prevent deforestation, is similarly misguided.

A blanket ban on palm oil – a common food product also used in biofuels – may simply shift demand to less efficient, more land-intensive agricultural products, such as sunflower and rapeseed oil, resulting in even higher rates of deforestation and greater environmental strain. (Some policy experts believe that this is the point: despite the guise of environmentalism, the ban is fundamentally a protectionist effort aimed at boosting the EU’s own oilseed industries.)

Whatever the motivation, there is no doubt that the ban devastates the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, who comprise 50 percent of palm-oil producers. Add to that the decline in overall demand caused by the COVID-19 crisis,

The EU is fueling hunger in AfricaOPINION +



CONT`D FROM PAGE 18

24||

By Tsion Taye

Ed.’s Note: Tsion Taye is a researcher in the field of Agricultural Economics. She is a graduate of

Wageningen university from which she obtained her Masters and PhD degrees. Her passions include

reading books and reflecting on life experiences with whomever shares this passion. She can be reached for

comments at [email protected].

the provision of humanitarian and development services also contribute to peace directly or indirectly. This remains to be the case as long as their services contribute to meaningful reduction of poverty and vulnerability often considered as potential incubators for structural violence.

Peace and Development Committees (PDC) plays a proactive and reactive role in preventing and/or resolving conflicts, promoting cooperation and understanding between different social, religious, ethnic and political groups in Ethiopia and the rest of the Horn of Africa. In order to carry out its objectives, among a lot of other activities, the office has set up a team of elders in a few selected towns whose main duties and responsibilities are identifying problems of peace, human rights and democracy and attempting to alleviate these. The office provides training on traditional and modern methods of resolving conflicts and promotes peace and stability.

Although the efforts of the PDC and the IAG represent important contributions to the prevention and/or resolution of conflicts, other civil societies, not included in the 15 sample research by ISTR, considerably contribute to peace and non-violence in both historical and contemporary perspectives. The Red Cross, with its special status as auxiliary to public authorities, has always been a forerunner advocating for peace though humanity since as far back as the 1930s. In addition to its prominent role in the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, a good deal of its mission significantly focuses on the contribution it makes towards peace and non-violence focusing on both prevention and mitigation.

The Red Cross is best placed to support victims of conflict based on its universally recognized principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality make the Red Cross stand out as a premier organization that can work across the divide assisting victims of conflict regardless of which side of the divide they may be engaged in – an important engagement in protection during wars.

The principle of voluntary service is the engine that empowers the organization to mobilize and leverage the immense human power of volunteering to contribute to the common good of humanity as a basis for peace and development at all levels. Evidently, the history of the Red Cross at all levels is one where ordinary people, the volunteers, have been doing extraordinary work of humanity assisting people in need including alleviation of suffering of victims affected by all kinds of conflict. In his fascinating account titled ‘warriors without weapons’, Marcel Junod has vividly recorded the heroic humanitarian mission gallantly carried out by the Ethiopian Red Cross volunteers during the war of aggression fought between Italy and Ethiopia in the mid-1930s.

In the mid-1990s, advancing the cause of humanity in a broad-based mandate, the International Federation of the Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the umbrella organization for all the National Red Cross and/or Red Crescent Societies, launched

its global peace initiative –local capacities for peace. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society emerged as one of the early adopters of the initiative implementing it in a dynamically integrated model in which the new peace initiative was synchronized within the ongoing humanitarian and development services of the Society in a complementary approach.

The implementation of the integrated model in Gambella helped to resolve the tension and conflict which often kept apart the Agnwak and Nuer ethnic groups. Based on collective identification of the dividers (the factors leading to tension/conflict), and the connectors (the factors cementing the bond to live together in peace), the Red Cross staff and volunteers, together with selected community leaders from both groups, played a pivotal role creating the enabling environment and facilitating the interethnic conversation among the Agnwak and the Nuer groups. This led to enhanced understanding, awareness raising and mind-set change with a forward path for finding solutions together in a dialogue that activated the shared values of living together in peace and non-violence. The Red Cross Branch capacity in Gambella was strengthened not only to catalyze the community–based consultations towards mind-set change but also to ensure the provision of first-aid and primary health care services supporting the vulnerable people from both sides - a necessary component of the integrated model to reduce vulnerability and enhance the prospect for the two groups to live together in peace and nonviolence where livelihood and development resources were shared fairly and on the basis of needs.

The implementation of the integrated model in in Guji, Borena Zone engaged several primary stakeholders including pastoralists along the Ethiopian-Kenyan border. An ODI Synthesis Paper in 2009 identifies that pastoralists and pastoral livelihoods are generally affected by policies and laws on natural resources such as water, forests, wildlife, wetlands and environmental conservation. Often, the operation of these policies constrains pastoralist migration and access to resources such as dry-season grazing grounds and water. It also highlights the fact that the increasing recognition of the potential role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and conflict management is focusing attention on pastoral communities and their institutions as vehicles for promoting sustainable peace and development. The Paper also calls for appropriate policies for pastoralists that incorporate the need to address the unique challenges of these regions with the provision of resources and incentives for upward economic mobility for individual pastoralists.

Started in 2006, the implementation of the integrated in Guji, Borena Zone was based on inclusion and embrace through continuing training, awareness raising and analysis of dividers and connectors among the various pastoralist groups often fighting for scarce resources. Endogenous conflict resolution methods were extensively used based on the Geda System - ‘’customary practices well–respected among the Oromo community in which indigenous knowledge is used as a means through which sustainable development can be achieved for the benefit of the community and used in the management of natural

resources and conflict resolution with the role of third party arbitration and mediation duly recognized.’’ (Review of Research, Vol.8, Issue 3, Dec.2018)

In the community-based conference organized in 2007 by the Red Cross Branch Guji, Borena Zone, up to 300 community members, leaders, elders/Abba Gedas from Borena, Guji, Gebras, Burji and Merhan, groups together with religious leaders and local authority representatives actively participated. At the end of the conference, which focused on broad-based consultation and training on conflict resolution, international humanitarian law, identification of root causes of conflict and discussion of solutions leading to the establishment of peace committees at all levels- from the Zone to the Keble level structures- with clear mandate and responsibility, a joint peace compact was agreed and declared with a collective commitment to leaving together in peace increasingly based on mutual respect and tolerance.

With facilitators trained locally and internationally, the Red Cross Branch capacity in Guji, Borena Zone was enhanced not only to facilitate awareness raising and mind-set change but also to ensure the provision of community services including relief, water, health and livelihood support, as a component of the integrated model to reduce the competition for resources and enhance the prospect for living together in peace and non-violence. The branch capacity was boosted working together in partnership with other organizations including OXFAM and WHO while its institutional and operational capacity was further enhanced through the cross-border exchange of experiences with the Marsabit Branch of the Kenyan Red Cross. The experiential learning was found to be very useful on both sides especially in terms of effective conflict resolution working in support of pastoral communities.

The importance of the integrated model was based on its internal consistency not only in terms of ensuring service delivery, as an integral component of the peace initiative, but also in terms of enabling operators and policy makers to adopt a long term view in the interest of continuity and sustainability.

The Ethiopian Red Cross experience in implementing the peace initiative in an integrated model, together with the experiences of other National Societies, strongly contributed to the IFRC effort in the development of a higher and more standardized framework of operation -Better Programming Initiative (BPI) which guides all National Societies to ensure that activities that contribute to alleviation of ethnic conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence are, directly or indirectly, incorporated within their programs. The BPI has increasingly raised the profile and the overall performance of National Societies, contributing optimally, as they are, through what has come to be known as the triple nexus involving the three pillars of peace-humanitarian–development priorities in a complementary approach. The triple nexus programming, consisting of peace—humanitarian –development priorities, implies that it would be hardly possible to ensure enduring peace unless other essential conditions - development, rights, justice, equality, etc., are met. Several thinkers of global

The contribution of . . .

Living with COVID-19It has now been more than five months since COVID-19 has officially began spreading in this country. The amount of care taken to prevent oneself from the virus, the number of official safety measures implemented by the government and the level of fear of the virus among citizens can be described by a bell shaped curve. Currently, I think we are on the downward slope of the curve that comes after the peak. People are either getting tired of taking safety measures or are getting used to living with the virus. I think it’s more the latter than the former. I think we are approaching a time where the virus is considered like the common flu.

The past few days, I’ve been to a private hospital and got the chance to observe just how much health professionals are exposed to the virus in this country and are in turn exposing the rest of the population. The hospital is one of the best in the city and has every means to equip its facilities with the proper safety equipment. Yet, I have observed that nurses do not even wear gloves when treating patients. I expected that each time a nurse treats a patient he or she wears a glove that he or she immediately disposes once the patient has been treated. So with bear hands, they touch one patient and go to the next and to the next. One can imagine just how fast the virus can spread in this manner.

In my neighborhood, I have seen a group of neighbors gathering and playing volleyball on a daily basis, with children included. I get that we humans are social animals. But gathering in crowds and exchanging bodily fluids such as sweat and saliva in a situation that does not allow wearing masks is I believe a suicidal decision. People have just become careless and tired of isolating themselves. We hear that a large group of people got infected with the virus because they attended a funeral, but yet people still decide to go to funerals and the ceremonies that follow and expose themselves. I have personally seen a very long queue of cars parked by an Ethiopian Orthodox church for the very purpose of attending a funeral. I guess that most of us have this strong belief that we are immune to the virus unless it has finally happened to us.

Schooling in a time of COVID-19 is one of the most tricky things which I usually wonder about. A couple of days ago, the government announced that schools can start registration with the condition that appropriate safety measures are put into place. Registration is most likely going to take place in person. And I wonder how schools, and particularly government schools, are going to make sure that that all precautionary measures are put into place for the registrations. My worst fear is that the government is going to allow soon schools to open with physical attendances. Just because schools in the US and Europe have done it, it does not mean we should do it. I just cannot imagine the extent to which the virus is going to spread among students, and particularly among children, if the government makes this decision. My heart really goes to those parents who will have to send their children to school and am thankful I am not yet one of them. I think parents’ committees and others should do everything in their power to resist such decision of the government.

Life since COVID-19 is no longer the life we Ethiopians have long enjoyed thanks to our strong social bonds and frequent gatherings that made us Ethiopians. But I guess we need to live with the fact that that life is unlikely to happen soon. In the meantime, let us take care of ourselves and each other.



CORNERDiaspora

He can be reached at [email protected].

repute including Albert Einstein had, in 1968, declared that “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, of law, of order.’’

The Red Cross contribution to peace and non-violence has gained more momentum with the development of the IFRC flagship initiative - Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change (YABC) -launched in the implementation of its global strategy –strategy 2020. Promoting a culture of non-violence and peace through youth as agents of behavioral change for peace, the thematic focus areas include nondiscrimination and respect for diversity, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, gender, violence prevention, m i t i g a t i o n / r e s p o n s e , international humanitarian law, intra and interpersonal skills. The initiative goes a long way in tapping the potential and real power of the youth in a way that makes a difference in reshaping the world as a better place for all. As an organization of mass-based youth membership, the Red Cross is best placed to realize this ambition at all levels.

Action for the Needy in Ethiopia (ANE), established in 2012, is another NGO with a strongly emerging role in the contribution to peace and non-violence. Founded by the former Red Cross branch manager in Guji, Borena Zone, the transfer of experience is apparently evident in the rising interest with which ANE focuses on peace initiatives.

ANE’s engagement in the peace initiative started with a series of mitigation efforts - rapid response with effective service delivery- shelter, food, water, health and education-in the rehabilitation/return of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) adversely affected by the recent conflicts between Gedeo and Guji communities. Widely and fairly shared among the victims, these services helped kick-start the evolution of positive mind-set change among the IDPs from both sides, enabling them to reason together on the necessity of living together in peace and non-violence. ANE’s rapid response and effective service delivery benefitting victims of ethnic conflict from both sides, has not only saved lives but has also transformed the mind-set of the beneficiaries towards living together in peace and non-violence-some green shoots of hope where effective mitigation dynamically contributes to the potential for the prevention of future conflict and instability. But it took real hard work to make this happen. Fiercely committed to the cause, ANE had to go the extra mile, taking extraordinary responsibility for clearing and preparing the airstrip in Bule Hora to ensure rapid and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian and livelihood services in support of the rehabilitation and return of the victims of the recent conflicts between Gedeo and Guji communities .

What is more, ANE’s emerging role in the peace initiative did

not lead to a drawdown effect on the quantity and quality of the services it provides, on a regular basis, supporting refugees and vulnerable host communities in Gambella, Assosa, Melkadida, Dilo-Megado and several other places. On the contrary, its contribution to the peace initiative has enabled it to provide a wider basket of goods and services in a complementary approach, consolidating its existing services in which its novel role in the peace initiative is mainstreamed as an integral component. This has created a further momentum enabling ANE to work together with a growing number of partners responding to the diversity of existing and emerging needs in the various parts of the country.

In conclusion, the overview in this article represents a synoptic insight looking into the window of the diverse and complex civil society landscape in Ethiopia. It also raises the essential question as to how much and how the civil societies, as a formidable third sector force, contribute to peace and nonviolence. But the jury is still out and a more comprehensive exploration of the sector would be necessary to develop a complete picture including analysis of who is doing what and how much of each piece in their programming contributes to the worthy cause of peace and non-violence. The civil society FORUM and /or ALLIANCE, in whatever form or shape it exists, can perhaps be best placed to do the job.

In the meantime, in a world where what is good for the

goose can also be good for the gander, a couple of lessons can be extracted as follows.

To what extent can the Red Cross experience, in terms of the triple nexus programming consisting of peace-humanitarian-development priorities in a complementary approach, be shared among other civil societies contributing to peace and non-violence? What about the engagement of the youth as agents of behavioral change (YABC) to enhance the contribution to peace and non-violence?

ANE’s effective engagement, supporting of the rehabilitation and return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the recent conflicts between Gedeo and Guji communities, has enabled it to move the needle not only in terms of mitigation, via effective service delivery, but also in terms of ensuring dynamic mind-set change in favor of living together in peace, ushering the potential for the prevention of ethnic conflicts in the future? To what extent can this experience be replicated among other civil societies contributing to peace and non-violence?

Ed.’s Note: Tenna Mengistu Zewdie is a former Secretary General of the Ethiopian Red Cross and currently a volunteer advisor to Action for Needy in Ethiopia. The views expressed in this artice do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter. The writer can be reached at [email protected].

By Samuel Alemu

Conflict over water has a long history as intrinsic human history. Mutambo (2020) contemplated that warfare associated with the destruction and protection of a significant water system has long roots tracing back to centuries. Undoubtedly, perennial conflict for vital water supplies is attributed to the rapidly increasing population whose demand for water exceeds supply. In the East and Northern Africa, eleven riparian countries, including DRC, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Egypt, Uganda, and Tanzania share River Nile and its tributaries amid the growing scarcity and demand. The eleven states sharing Nile waters rarely agree on the procedures for using the available water as reasonably and equitably in accordance with an existing international norm. It is particularly acute between Egypt and Ethiopia, who have locked horns for decades over Nile water use.

Egypt-Ethiopia

Egypt-Ethiopia Nile water disputes can be contextualized from the historical, contemporary geopolitical influence and hydroelectric politics (Obengo, 2016). Ethiopia contributes the most significant share of the Nile waters, with its tributaries and Blue Nile (Abay) fetching up to 84% of the River’s total runoff. Despite this significant contribution to the Nile waters, Ethiopia has not utilized this resource for vastly needed economic development. With its rapidly growing population coupled

with an underdeveloped economy, Ethiopia is, therefore, determined to maximize its vast potential for hydroelectric power generation through the construction of a Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project in River Blue Nile (Abay). The GERD project will make Ethiopia the region’s hub of power, enabling its 115 million people’s sustenance. The GERD project is located on the flanks of the Blue Nile, 12 miles from Ethiopian’s border with Sudan, and it is expected to have significant economic value to the country by significantly enhancing Ethiopia’s capacity to produce energy.

Egypt is a North African country with a population of nearing 100 million (Lashitew, 2020). Egypt asserts that approximately 96 percent of Egyptian lands are inhabitable deserts with most of the country’s population living along River Nile banks while others live in the Delta regions leading to the Mediterranean. By implication, Egypt relies on the Nile for its freshwater demands. It is also true that Egypt has substantial groundwater resources that could supplement its water needs.

The GERD reservoir is expected to store 74 billion cubic meters of water, and Egypt stands to gain an orderly regulated water supply. In comparison, Egyptian Aswan High Dam already has 169 billion cubic meters of water, and the Blue Nile contributes 60 percent percent of this capacity (Lashitew, 2020). Therefore, the GERD project will have a limited effect on the water supply in Egypt. However, a 1929 treaty gave Egypt the power to monitor the use of Nile’s

water by the countries upstream and to approve of any project on its course. Also, the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement consolidated Egyptian and to a limited extent Sudan control in Nile’s waters. Ethiopia has not been mentioned in these treaties; thus, Ethiopia justifiably argues that Egypt cannot bar it from carrying on with the GERD project.

Ethiopia’s position

Ethiopia’s launching of GERD in the 2011 project marked a significant shift in its approach to the Nile River. Ethiopia envisions GERD’s construction will have significant economic benefits that will steer the country towards industrialization. Egypt seeks to secure a binding agreement that will regulate a fixed amount of water flowing into GERD and the process of monitoring Ethiopia’s compliance with the agreement to safeguard water source for its reservoir at Aswan. On the other hand, Ethiopia is determined to avoid any overarching and intrusive agreement that will extend beyond GERD’s filling period. Ethiopia is open to demands for flexibility to allow periodic reviews of compliance. In 2015, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt signed a tripartite agreement, “Declaration of Principles,” stipulating that there must be a clear commitment to developing a guideline for filling and operation of the Dam.

On February 26, 2019, Ethiopia temporarily withdrew its involvement in a US mediated negotiation over the GERD project’s operations and filling. Ethiopia cites

favoritism towards Egypt by Trump’s administration as the main reason for quitting the negotiations. Having stalled the negotiations, Ethiopia insists that African Union (AU) should lead the negotiation in solving the dispute. The GERD dispute is an African problem and thus requires the mediation of African experts. This position is justified because Nile dispute affects AU member states, proving that the Union should responsibly play its crucial role in solving Nile related issues. In addition, Ethiopia insists Egypt’s resort to external diplomatic support from the United States shows a lack of respect for AU and loss of faith in a union in which Egypt is a member. Although it is understandable to have preventive diplomacy to avoid war between Ethiopia and Egypt, African problems require African solutions. AU is the proper forum for Nile based conflicts and resolutions. AU can transcend narrow national interests and enhance cooperation between Nile Basin countries.

Ethiopia argues that the Declaration of Principles provides that the GERD project was allowed to carry on amid any negotiation and adjustment. Citing proceedings from November 2019, Ethiopia holds Egypt agreed, the former could fill the Dam, and the process could be carried out in phases for seven years (Dessu et al., 2020). Although the two parties did not agree on how the filling process, including the filling speed, would be implemented, it was not reasonable and lacked good faith for Egypt to seek US mediation when Ethiopia was about to start the filling process.

Accordingly, US involvement in the dispute compromises the two parties’ agreement and creates unnecessary pressures on Ethiopia, a significant US Aid recipient. On the other hand, despite immense pressure from Egypt, Sudan has continued to shift its position, especially about AU’s involvement in the Nile dispute.

Conclusion

Ethiopia maintains Egypt must stop putting external diplomatic pressures to allow any further negotiation. Instead, AU should mediate the negotiations. Ethiopia considers Egypt’s resort to the US and UN Security Council amid the negotiation process as external diplomatic pressures indicating a lack of good faith and transparency. At the same time, Ethiopia holds the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by the three countries about GERD provides negotiation, and construction can proceed parallel. Ethiopia still calls on Egypt to genuinely engage in good faith to ensure all its concerns are sufficiently incorporated in the GERD project’s final filling and operation rules and guidelines.

Water supply and demand throughout the Nile Basin is expected to mismatch. Population growth in basin countries, as well as projects, exacerbates the situation. There is an urgent need for sustainable cooperative management of Nile water. The only way out of the current situation is through good faith negotiations based on an equitable and reasonable share of Nile waters.

The Nile issue, the need to solve an African problem within Africa



education aimed at cultivating democratic citizenship at the heart of the school curriculum.

According to Eleonora Villegas-Reimer, education for democratic citizenship has two central components. First, our young people should come to understand—and embrace—the principles of liberty, equality, and justice upon which the future Ethiopia has to be founded. They should learn about the institutions that make self-government possible, and become acquainted with democracy’s unique historical roots. Second, they should develop the qualities of character that mark true citizens: courage, loyalty, responsibility, gratitude to forebears, and a self-sacrificing devotion to the common good. As democratic citizens, they must have a capacity for judgment, an ability to discern their duty, and a love for—and desire to perpetuate—the republic.

Even though education by itself cannot directly change the economic, political, or social structures of a country, education can contribute to democracy and democratic citizenship in two specific ways. The first is by offering equal opportunities to children of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. However, that has not been enough.

A second way in which education can contribute to democracy is by preparing citizens who know, understand, and choose democracy by teaching them specific knowledge, skills, and values or attitudes needed to become democratic citizens. Thus the expansion of education is a necessary condition for effective citizenship.

A democratic system works effectively when all people are willing and able to participate in the political, economic, governmental, and social processes of their communities and their societies, and when social and political structures are organized based on democratic principles that emphasize respect for individual human rights. While general education and civic education contribute to preparing citizens, more is needed.

Citizens must develop democratic abilities and skills, moral values that reflect democratic ideals and principles, motivation to get involved and act, and knowledge of democracy, its principles and practices.

Only then can they be fully willing and able to participate in their society’s democratic functioning. These skills, knowledge, and values must be taught explicitly in schools and supported openly before the younger generation of citizens can become likely to understand democratic ideals and behave democratically. This is especially true in our societies with emergent or so called “fragile” democracies, where democratic processes are not easily witnessed in the everyday media or public practices of a number of social institutions.

The political culture will in the end improve towards democracy. But educating the people is not the only tool for the democratization of the nation. Democracy has a developmental prerequisite

herein Ethiopia. Besides, education is fundamental for the development of the nation.

Development itself will help in the progression of democracy in Ethiopia as the multitude impacts of poverty are hampering democracy.

Democracy is inseparable from development

Ever since the political landscape changed, there is high expectation from the public. Undoubtedly, the Oromos need to continue on power provided that the Amaras are not marginalized from political power and economy.

With all due respect to Lemma Megersa and his supporters, I understand their causes even though I stand by Abiy’s side. I have read that Temesgen Desalegn’s article on the assassination of Lemma’s character. Whatsoever political views he may have he remains a national hero.

I have, in previous paragraphs, explained how education assists the consolidation process of democracy in Ethiopia. Democracy fares better under meritocracy for numerous reasons.

But as the multitude impacts of poverty are denying the nation from enjoying an established democracy the latter desires development. Enlightened Ethiopians living in prosperity will make democracy inevitable as opposed to the troubled days the nation passed through dealing with the concept.

Democracy flourished in the west world after the industrial revolution occurred. For stronger reasons democracy in Ethiopia has to follow the same pattern. Its developmental prerequisites should be fulfilled so that we could enjoy the true virtues of a robust democracy.

The linkage between development and democracy is overt in Ethiopian politics. Our poverty is the cause of many of our problems.

Contemporary researches show that democracies that have higher levels of economic growth and development are more stable. Economic and social conditions, therefore, have considerable influence on whether new democratic regimes can last and function effectively.

Until economic and social policies change, the living conditions of the poor in developing democracies, including Ethiopia, and the danger of political destabilization will persist. For this reason, the consolidation of democracy, economic and social policies must be directed towards development.

Economic development will transform social structure and create a large enough middle class to form the social basis of democracy, and, as its by-product, will lead to the emergence of new political values, such as; an enhanced sense of individuality, personal autonomy, and value of personal freedom and choice, which all support both democratic institutions and practices.

A direct effect of economic development is the increase in the level of education. An educated citizenry is likely to be more knowledgeable about the political process, and more aware of their rights. Such a citizenry is more vigilant in

defending its rights too, and possesses a more effective method through which to do so.

Successful development will generate more economic wealth, which allows private-sector actors to accumulate resources and seek their independence from the state, thus strengthening civil society, as a counterweight to the state. Another beneficial effect of wealth is the increased possibility of resolving redistribution conflicts.

Such development may, in the process, promote extensive social, cultural, and political linkages with the international community. These linkages act to facilitate the flow of information and constrain autocratic rulers.

The divergence in the debate lies on the degree of the importance of development on consolidation of democracy. Yet, even then, there is no denying that development is beneficial to democracy.

Thus, the reason why Ethiopia is lacking democracy is because it is not able to achieve its prerequisites. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.”

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy is education.”

And more importantly our institutions will be strengthening so that we will create a conducive political environment for effectively functioning democracy.

Hence it is imperative for this nation to aggressively work on both education and development.

For this nation to achieve an established democracy through this way there needs to be a strong, capable and moderate political party on power. Prosperity Party/OPDO fulfills all these requirements.

I expect it administers the nation with justice, equity and equality. More importantly, its moderate nature allows it to remain to be the choice of the people.

And I believe this party is the choice of the different ethnic groups who demand a special attention that reside in Oromia regional state including the Amaras.

We need to avoid the nominal nature of the consolidation of democracy that we have witnessed in the last twenty seven years and genuinely work on its development.

The time during which our democracy grows will be a transition period. This transition period ought to be governed by the political force on power. Due to various convincing justifications I see the ruling party to be the best available alternative in Ethiopia.

A legend’s farewell

The people in power have to take lessons from the reasons why the TPLF was removed from power. For my philosophy to be functional the people on power need to implement political idealism. They have to be dedicated for the public and

national interests. This way they will acquire public trust.

I pray the ruling party implements my philosophy competently as the leadership is highly committed for both the public and national interests of Ethiopia.

There has to be an ideal political leadership. For this purpose appointment of politicians should be by merit. They do not have to be appointed for their loyalty to men on power. This will help to correct the problems of political leadership. People who are incompetent and lack integrity should not come to political power.

In addition a considerable attention has to be given to issues of good governance. There are still problems of bad governance in Ethiopia from which our public is suffering at the hands of incompetent and corrupted civil service.

The consolidation process of democracy in Ethiopia has to be done step by step without any lag. As we build democracy the political spectrum needs to be widened gradually according to the capacity of the nation.

My philosophy allows the incumbent to monopolize power. While monopolizing power a due care needs to be taken so that our society to be protected from the imperfect nature of men on power. Some people are asserting that Abiy’s government would be short lived on power. I have a different view on this point. As long as good governance is insured and public trust is achieved there will be no reason why Abiy’s government will lose power.

The key to remain on power is to share power after seven years. Power sharing will protect the society and it will help the incumbent so that it will increase efficiency. If political power is shared the horizontal power checking mechanism will be functional and the ruling party will be saved from rotting.

Thus political power sharing benefits the ruling party in numerous ways. Power sharing is the need in democracy because of the following: It helps in reducing the possibility of conflict between the social groups. Because social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.

The survival of the ruling party is dependent on power sharing. Consociationalism is a form of power sharing in a democracy. ... The goals of consociationalism are governmental stability, the survival of the power-sharing arrangements, the survival of democracy, and the avoidance of violence.

Political Power-Sharing Agreements Lead to Enduring Peaceful Resolution of Some Civil Wars, but Not Others?

If parties in intractable conflicts -- particularly in societies like ours which are divided by deep ethnic, racial or religious differences -- find that they are unable to escalate their way out of conflict, but seek a compromise that assures them a permanent place at the bargaining table, they may turn to power sharing as a potential solution.

Power sharing is a term used to describe a system of governance in which all major segments

CONT`D FROM PAGE 18PP: The best . . .



SNAPSHOTS of society are provided a permanent share of power; this system is often contrasted with government vs. opposition systems in which ruling coalitions rotate among various social groups over time. Power sharing is a means of living together in intractable conflict settings.

If Ethiopia indulges on democracy at this given moment in time, our political problems will be deepened and political stability will be totally lost. We will encounter the experience of Bangladesh where democratic elections led to instability.

My philosophy provides the solution how to get rid of ethnic division and ethnic consciousness. Unless this job is done we do not have to rush to democracy. Widening access to education together with development will help establish a strong and unshakable democratic system in Ethiopia, I believe.

Finally let me say a few words about Lemma Megersa. Lemma Megersa (Oromo: Lammaa Magarsaa; born 26 July 1970) is an Ethiopian politician who served as the Minister of Defense of Ethiopia April 18, 2019 to August 18, 2020 and was the President of the Oromia Regional State and Deputy Chairman of the ruling party in the region, Oromo Democratic Party. Since the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has been renamed the Prosperity Party, Lemma has been independent.

Lemma was born in East Wollega Sibu Sire Aanaa of Oromia. He completed his

secondary education at General Tadesse Biru Secondary School. He received a bachelor’s degree from Addis Ababa University in Political Science and International Relations, and later graduated with a master’s degree in International Relations from the same university.

Lemma served as speaker of Caffee, the Oromia regional parliament, before becoming regional president in October 2016.

One of the first reforms Lemma tried to undertake was to prevent the interference of the federal police in the state affairs of Oromia region. He called for respect of the constitution and let the region exercise its constitutional power. In this regard, Lemma managed to limit and prevent the interference of the military in regional demonstrations, and

regulating investments within Oromia Regional State.

Lemma also took measures on investment projects that were operating in violation of rules or not benefiting the region. The regional government terminated the operating license of such businesses. Besides, a number of illegal mining companies were shut down. His efforts to introduce reform and to unite the country led to The Economist describing him as “the country’s most popular politician.”

Lemma has contributed a good deal of effort in leadership in the popular movement the removed TPLF from power. He is a legend.

By now he is suspended from the executive committee of the ruling party for a disciplinary misconduct. But his misdeed is a minor one. He should have

been given just a warning rather than suspension.

Whatever his political motives are he remains to be a political icon for he has liberated hundred million Ethiopians from the authoritarian regime led by TPLF.

There is a political rift between him and Abiy. As every politician he has got his own political views. I see nothing wrong with him. He has to continue his political career.

Finally, to implement my thought the federal government has to give due attention in solving the extreme poverty in Tigray as it is the cause of some political problems of the nation.

Ed.’s Note: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter. The writer can be reached at [email protected].

contribute 0.35 percent. Lower-middle-income countries would earmark 0.2 percent of their GNI, with lower-income countries contributing just 0.1 percent. These are gross contributions, not net. In this scenario, the total finance available for development would amount to almost USD 500 billion per year.

These additional resources could, in principle, lift the remaining approximately 750 million people out of USD 1.90-per-day poverty; end hunger and malnutrition for an estimated 1.5 billion people; end preventable child

mortality; make primary and secondary schooling possible for all children; and provide access to safe and affordable drinking water for over one billion people, as well as providing adequate sanitation for more than two billion people. And in this scaled-contribution scenario, USD 200 billion would still remain available to support the achievement of other SDGs.

Developing countries would gain by contributing, because a universal development commitment would lead to more resources for those countries overall. Moreover,

and equally important, contributing would ensure that poorer countries have a voice in funds’ governance, whether symbolically, as a sign of their moral right to be heard, or physically, as members of the board deciding on priorities and policies.

There are undoubtedly numerous other questions our proposal raises. But the principle remains simple: Every country pays into the system, and the money is spent on ending global poverty. Amid a global pandemic, and with the SDG deadline a decade away, the world needs a universal

development commitment sooner rather than later.

Ed.’s Note: Andy Sumner is Professor of International Development at King’s College London and a non-resident senior research fellow at UNU-WIDER. The article is provided to The Reporter by Project Syndicate: the world’s pre-eminent source of original op-ed commentaries. Project Syndicate provided inclusive perspectives in our changing world by those who are shaping politics, economics, science and culture. The views expressed in this articled do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.

Why all countries . . .

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTThe National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), re-established by proclamation No. 1133/2011, is the constitutionally mandated body to conduct elections, organize referendum, and regulate political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE is undergoing institutional reform to enhance its credibility and capacity and conduct free, impartial and credible elections. Through the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), NEBE has contracted ABH Partners to provide human resource recruitment and management services.

General Requirements:1. The applicants should not be a member of any political party.2. The applicants should be willing and able to perform duties and responsibilities in an impartial manner adhering to the principles of NEBE.

S. No. Vacant Position Required Number

1 Procurement Manager

1 MA/MBA/BA in Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Business Management/Administration and

For MA/MBA holders: at least 8 years of relevant experience of which 4 years on leadership position For BA holders: at least 10 years of relevant experience of which 6 years on leadership position

2 General Service Manager

1 For MA/MBA holders: at least 8 years of relevant experience of which 4 years on leadership position For BA holders: at least 10 years of relevant experience of which 6 years on leadership position

3 Election Logistics Manager

1 MA/BA in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Business Administration/Management, Accounting, Economics etc

leadership position

years on leadership position

4 ICT, GIS and

Statistics Manager1 MSc/MA/BSc/BA Computer Science, Information Technology

For MSc/MA holders: 8 years’ experience in an ICT Management role out of which 4 years on leadership position For BSc/BA holders: 10 years’ experience in an ICT Management role out of which 6 years on leadership position

5 Executive Assistant 1

Minimum of 6 years proven work experience as a Senior Executive Assistant, Executive Administrative Assistant,

How to apply

via email to [email protected] by stating the position you are applying on the subject line of the email. Application may also be submitted in person to our

Application Deadline: September 06, 2020 For more information and detailed Job description, please visit our job portal at www.abhpartners.com/vacancy-announcement-list or www.ethiojobs.net

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

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CONT`D FROM PAGE 23


28| The Reporter, August 29, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1251SNAPSHOTS

IN THE HONOR OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS Team (ECRT) was unique in its nature. Sponsored by Jupiter Hotel, Universal Printing Press and Etan Comics, the event was held to honor health practitioners. The team behind the Response team

move towards a digitalized health care system and

effective efforts in stagnating the number of cases and get to levels of control that countries that have been successful have reached”





C r o s s w o r d

Your Zodiacs (astrology-online.com)

Kun

cho

Kom

men

tsACROSS

1. Flatboat

6. Ogive

10. Little lies

14. Double-reed instruments

15. Filly's mother

16. Norse god

17. Sneaked

18. Type of sword

19. Forearm bone

20. 100th anniversary

22. Close

23. Restricts

24. Confuse

25. Actor Pitt

29. Spire

31. Freedom

33. Demean

37. Beneficial

38. Lifted

39. No longer working

41. Latter part of the day

42. Type of black beetle

44. Way in

45. Thrash

48. Woo

50. Great affection

51. Acting arrogantly

56. Basic unit of money in China

57. Hindu princess

58. Cash

59. Sweeping story

60. Therefore

61. Harness racer

62. Depend

63. To fancy (archaic)

64. Exchange

DOWN

1. Pear variety

2. Skilled

3. A soft sheepskin leather

4. Lady's escort

5. Glacial ridge

6. Civility

7. Pillaging

8. Wrinkled

9. Part of a foot

10. Failing

11. Stagnated

12. Twofold 13. Trap

21. Snuggled

24. Seaweed

25. Make unclear

26. Ascend

27. Assist in crime

28. Inadequacy

30. Deviant

32. Not urban

34. Largest continent

35. Fender blemish

36. Border

40. Proclaim one's support

41. Evasion

43. Lollygag

45. Aviator

46. Jeweler's glass

47. Utilize

49. Lure

51. Beer

52. Lion sound

53. Ancient Peruvian

54. Require

55. Calyx

Aries

Keep tabs on your spending. This is not the time to lend or borrow money or

Taurus

friends instead. Your ideas may be good, but

Gemini

a great deal to groups of interest. Tell them to get out of the mess they are in and then you'll

Leo

Virgo

embarrass you in front of others.

Libra

Turn your present relationship around or

Sagittarius

support from your mate.

your thoughts to yourself for the time being.

1 All Together Now (2020)

2 Unknown Origins (2020)

3 Rising Phoenix (2020)

4 Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (2020– )

5 Emily's Wonder Lab (2020– )

6 The Sleepover (2020)

7 Hoops (2020– )

8 Dark Forces (2020)

9 Alien TV (2020– )

10 Biohackers (2020– )

Hey Kuncho! How was school

today?

Don't get me started. I am

so mad.

What?!? I am not going to spend

money just because you had a bad day

at school.

Take it easy dad. Just pass me the

remote control. TV is the only therapy

I need.

SPO

T TH

E D

IFFE

REN

CES

Can you spot the 12 differences between the two pictures? SOLUTION

Tell me what happened?

You know what I need right

now? Therapy.

LEISURE

NEW TO



SPORT

Global digital platform surpasses 3.3 billion video views across all platforms

From providing content surrounding the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lausanne 2020 and creating localized coverage ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, to launching worldwide digital campaigns that engage fans at home during the COVID-19 pandemic; the fourth year of operation proved to be ground-breaking for the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Channel.

In the four years since its launch on August 21, 2016, the Olympic Channel global media destination has produced more than 25,000 pieces of video content representing all Olympic sports disciplines and 206 countries, including 76 original series and films, resulting in more than 3.3 billion video views across all platforms. Average watch time on the platform is 8:05 minutes per video watched.

Continuing its upward viewership trend, the global digital platform keeps users coming back, with a 65 percent increase over the previous 12 months in monthly returning users (MRUs), one of the key metrics for the long-term success of the Olympic Channel. On social media, the Olympic Channel community has grown to more than 10.4 million, with 74.9 percent of those engaging with content on social media, under the age of 35.

Key to the Olympic Channel’s fourth year of success was its coverage and promotion behind Lausanne 2020 as a worldwide digital rights holder, which ensured global coverage for the Winter YOG for the first time becoming the most digitally consumed Winter YOG to date. Additional growth drivers during the past year include the Boxing Qualification Events for Tokyo

2020, digital engagement campaigns for the IOC during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted athletes and home workouts across social medias, localized content in Japan and India, award-winning original programming and coverage of key events in support of Tokyo 2020.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, Chair of Olympic Channel Services, S.L., said “Over the course of four years, the Olympic Channel has made great strides in reaching fans and younger audiences and where and how they consume content by providing more personalized content across multiple platforms. With less than a year to go to Tokyo 2020, now taking place in 2021, we expect another record-breaking year ahead as the Olympic Channel team continues to build excitement for the Olympic Games both in Japan and to a worldwide audience.”

Distribution of Olympic Channel-created content in 12 languages has also increased through the implementation of a multi-platform strategy that includes the digital ecosystem of Tokyo 2020, olympic.org and the Olympic Channel itself. The Olympic Channel continues to collaborate with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee to develop and build its digital offerings and operate the international versions of the Tokyo 2020 Games-time website, which launched on February 26, 2020, and mobile app, which will launch in spring 2021.

In addition to the IOC’s owned and operated digital platforms, the Olympic Channel has established a new distribution outlet for its 95 federation partners, and has streamed more than 5,400 live events, adding to organizers’ media distribution rights and ensuring global coverage of their events. Partners include International Sports

Federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), IOC-Recognized Federations and organizations, and multi-sport event organizers.

Also contributing to the Olympic Channel’s success are strategic distribution partnerships with the IOC’s rights-holding broadcast partners (RHBs) and NOCs, including recent launches on CBC GEM (Canada), Swisscom (Switzerland) and 7plus (Australia), bringing a linear presence to 175 territories complementing the global digital platform.

Additionally, through its Founding Partner program, the Olympic Channel has worked with Worldwide Olympic Partners to co-create multimedia programming, including Olympic State of Mind presented by Bridgestone and What Moves Me presented by Toyota, which further associate their brands with the Olympic values and ultimately reach wider audiences worldwide.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe said, “The Olympic Channel’s athlete-centric programming reveals the level of dedication, commitment and focus it takes to be an Olympian. Their wide reach and easy accessibility across digital channels provide federations, including FIG, with an important platform to reach sports fans all over the world with an up-close look at our sports to bring the amazing stories behind our athletes to life.”

GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said that “The Olympic Channel has provided GAISF’s members with an invaluable platform to amplify the efforts of athletes, to reach global audiences and to maximize the inspirational impact of sport. We value the Olympic Channel as a vital partner, helping us to tell sport’s stories every day.”

Olympian Alexi Pappas (GRE), who co-wrote and starred in the feature film Olympic Dreams, said “As an Olympic Athlete, I am inspired by the Olympic Channel’s passion for sports, storytelling and the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Channel has given me a voice beyond my competition – they are believers in potential, and they believe in me.”

The General Manager of the IOC’s global Olympic Channel Mark Parkman said that “Engaging fans with a deeper and more immersive digital experience by serving more relevant content is a key area of growth for us. The past several months have brought unprecedented challenges to our industry and organization. But our ability to continue to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the global appetite for inspiring, entertaining and compelling stories featuring Olympic sports and athletes and the tireless efforts of our entire team to engage fans with the Olympic values.”

The Olympic Channel was launched following the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Rio 2016 in support of the IOC’s goal, set out in Olympic Agenda 2020. Providing an innovative platform for promoting Olympics and engaging younger generations and new fans with the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Channel offers worldwide exposure for sports and athletes 24/7through award-winning original programming, digital content, news coverage and live-streamed international sporting events.

The Olympic Channel global digital platform is subscription-free and currently available worldwide in 12 languages at Olympic channel and on its apps for mobile and connected TV devices.

(IOC)

Olympic channel registers record growth



DESIGN & PUBLISHER MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE (MCC) PRINTED BY BERHANENA SELAM PRINTING ENTERPRISE

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Documents

Vol. 24 No. 1251 August 29, 2020 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA …thereporterethiopia.com/digitalversion/reporter-issue-1251.pdfinsults hurled at them, these individuals are also shunning