News in brie

By Staff Reporter

September 21, 2024

Ethiopia has solidified its military partnership with China through a new agreement that will significantly boost its defense capabilities. The agreement, signed during the 11th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, focuses on expanding military cooperation, including the transfer of advanced weapons technology, capacity building, and joint production of military equipment. A key highlight of the agreement is Ethiopia’s acquisition of China’s state-of-the-art CH-7 stealth drones, marking Ethiopia as a unique partner in this high-tech military development.

The CH-7 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a cutting-edge system designed for stealth and long-range missions. With a flying wing configuration that minimizes radar detection, the CH-7 is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 15 kilometers, making it ideal for high-altitude reconnaissance and combat missions. Its long-range capabilities allow it to carry large payloads, including missiles, enabling precision strikes on high-value targets.

In addition to its stealth features, the CH-7 boasts a 26-meter wingspan, providing enhanced stability during long missions. Its advanced design allows for prolonged surveillance, making it highly effective in both information-based and asymmetric warfare. With these capabilities, Ethiopia will gain a strategic advantage in modern defense scenarios, including potential long-range missions.

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This agreement marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s military modernization, providing the nation with fifth-generation weapons technology that has not been sold to any other country. The CH-7 drones will play a crucial role in enhancing Ethiopia’s defense capabilities, positioning it as a key player in regional security.

(Ethiopian news)

TPLF revokes membership of key leaders; Getachew Reda among 16 ousted

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), has announced the expulsion of 16 former members and senior leaders, including Getachew Reda, the party’s former deputy chairperson.

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In a statement released on 17 September, 2024, the party confirmed that a Central Committee meeting took place on 15 September, 2024, resulting in three key decisions. One of these was the ruling that the 16 expelled leaders no longer possess any political authority to represent the TPLF.

“They exploited the temporary administrative powers entrusted to them within the party to engage in illicit activities, including the embezzlement of substantial funds, with the intent of undermining the party’s stability and fostering division among the people of the region,” the statement declared.

The statement also indicated that discussions and negotiations will be undertaken with the relevant parties to address the authority held by these individuals in the Tigray interim administration.

Among those expelled from the party are Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot, former president of Mekelle University; Redae Halefom, head of the regional government’s communication bureau; Dr. Hagos Godefay; and Beyene Mekru.

This action follows the decision of the 14th Congress, held a month ago in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.

In a significant move revealing the deepening divide within the party, the Congress replaced Getachew Reda, the party’s deputy chairman, with Amanuel Assefa, former head of the Tigray region’s justice bureau and chief of the Interim Administration President’s office. Amanuel also served as the chief secretariat of the Congress.

Conversely, during a conference held a month ago under the theme “Salvation of the People and the Party,” the faction led by Getachew declared the resolutions of the 14th Congress of the TPLF to be “null and void.”

In its latest statement, the TPLF Central Committee noted attempts to establish a temporary administration through a referendum in areas not under the control of the interim administration. The party stressed that “this movement must be halted.”

The political landscape of Tigray has recently been marked by uncertainty due to an ongoing division within the TPLF.

A week ago, Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, deputy president of Tigray’s interim administration and head of the cabinet secretariat for peace and security, issued a stern warning to the factions within the TPLF to cease their actions that are exacerbating political chaos and public disunity.

He also clarified that while rallies and demonstrations are currently prohibited, politicians and government officials are still permitted to hold meetings with the public in both urban and rural areas.

However, during a press briefing yesterday, four political parties in Tigray expressed concern that the region’s security forces are “increasingly involved in the region’s politics,” prompting opposition parties to demand the “cessation” of such actions.

In their statement, the National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona), Salsay Woyane Tigray, and Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty also rejected a ban on demonstrations, stating that it is not “legally” justified.

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(AS)

Former Ethiopian PM named TradeMark Africa board chair

Former Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn has been appointed the new Board Chair of TradeMark Africa, succeeding Erastus Mwencha (Amb.) who concluded his eight-year term at the organization.

Founded in 2010, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an Aid-for-Trade organization that works to grow intra-African trade and increase Africa’s share in global trade. Rwanda is one of the countries where this organization operates.

In a statement announcing the appointment, TMA’s CEO, David Beer said that Desalegn brings expertise and a wealth of experience to the organization.

“Desalegn’s extensive experience and understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in intra-African trade make him an invaluable leader for TMA’s next phase.”

Remarking on his new appointment, Desalegn said, “It is a privilege to join an organization that is at the forefront of transforming trade across Africa. I am thrilled at the opportunity to steer TMA towards impactful milestones and contribute to Africa’s trade success story. Following in the footsteps of Amb. Mwencha, I inherit a dynamic organization with a solid foundation, and I am eager to build on this legacy to realize our continent’s vast trade potential.”

According to the statement, Desalegn is expected to guide the organization through the implementation of its new seven-year (2023-2030) strategy that focuses on the reduction of time and cost of transporting goods across borders and improving market access for SMEs, while addressing the trade-related challenges of the future for the continent.

These challenges include positioning Africa as a global pioneer in green trade, leveraging commercial capital for greater multiples of investment in trade infrastructure, and ensuring that trade benefits accrue to the poorest, in particular women and youth.

“His first major engagement will be spearheading the upcoming Trade Development Forum (TMA-TDF) in Kigali Rwanda, scheduled for December 2-3, 2024. Hosted jointly by TMA and the Government of Rwanda, this forum will be a focal point for TMA’s agenda of Digital Trade in Africa under his leadership,” part of the statement reads.

Desalegn holds a master’s degree in water and environmental engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland and a second Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in California, USA.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia receives $13.5 mln medical oxygen boost

UNOPS and the Ethiopia Ministry of Health have formalized a USD 13.5m partnership financed by the World Bank for the procurement and installation of oxygen plants in hospitals throughout the African country.

This project will enhance healthcare delivery, improve emergency preparedness, and provide economic benefits, ensuring that medical facilities can offer consistent care to patients.

Setting up plants in Ethiopian hospitals decreases the dependency on imports, making them more cost effective.

The establishment and maintenance of these plants will also lead to job creation, skills transfer, and other economic benefits.

Under this agreement, UNOPS will oversee the procurement of modern oxygen generation and supply equipment, ensuring that the system meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

UNOPS will also manage the installation and integration of the system into health facilities, ensuring seamless and timely execution of the project.

Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the Multi-Country Office of UNOPS and Representative to the AU, said, “The demand for oxygen supply systems has grown, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership ensures that we are not only meeting current needs but are also preparing for future demands in healthcare and industrial sectors”.

The installation, due to be completed by December 2025, aims to have fully operational oxygen systems across all targeted facilities, improving the capacity and reliability of oxygen delivery.

UNOPS also signed a new project agreement in Ethiopia worth USD 1.3 million with the Ministry of Health, aimed at enhancing staff skills and competencies.

(gasworld.com)

Türkiye to meet Somalia, Ethiopia separately before further mediation

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday that Türkiye aims to hold separate talks with Ethiopia and Somalia before hosting new negotiations to settle a dispute between the sides over a deal that Ethiopia agreed to lease a stretch of coastline from Somaliland.

Türkiye has so far hosted two rounds of meetings between the East African neighbors in an attempt to repair their relations. A third round of talks that had initially been set to take place in Ankara on Tuesday was canceled.

Relations nosedived in January when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline from the breakaway Somaliland region in exchange for recognizing its independence. Mogadishu called the agreement illegal and retaliated by expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and threatening to kick out thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed in the country helping battle Islamist insurgents.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Fidan said Türkiye was continuing to engage with Somalia and Ethiopia at the ministerial and head of state level and added he was hopeful of finding a solution since the parties had “converged to a certain point” as part of the Ankara talks.

“Rather than bringing the same sides here for direct talks – and they don’t meet directly anyway, they meet us – we have the aim of establishing one-on-one contact to converge positions and later bring the sides together when their positions reach a totally common point,” Fidan said, adding there were “lessons” learned from the first two rounds of talks.

(Daily Sabah)