Ethiopian Protesters Killed for Singing Anti-Government Songs: U.N.

GENEVA (Reuters) – Ethiopian security forces opened fire on protesters who were singing anti-government songs, U.N. human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Tuesday. Authorities said on Monday that at least seven people died in clashes between security forces and worshippers taking part in a religious ceremony marking Epiphany in Amhara region in northern Ethiopia…

Foreign Investment in Ethiopia Slumps After Business Attacks

By Nizar Manek, Bloomberg Foreign direct investment in Ethiopia dropped by a fifth in the first half of the country’s fiscal year after violent anti-government protests in which foreign-owned businesses were targeted. The country attracted $1.2 billion in the six months through the end of December, compared with $1.5 billion in the same period a…

US State Department Renews Ethiopia Travel Warning

The State Department continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Ethiopia due to the potential for civil unrest related to sporadic and unpredictable anti-government protests that began in November 2015. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in many parts of the country may be limited without warning due to the…

Ethiopia’s crisis-Things fall apart: will the centre hold?

By RENÉ LEFORT Things fall apart: will the centre hold?Oct.2,2016.Ethiopian soldiers try to stop protesters in Bishoftu, in the Oromia region of Ethiopia before visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.STR/Press Association. All rights reserved.Almost exactly a year ago, Ethiopia entered its worst crisis since the arrival of the regime in 1991. Last month, a state of…

Ethiopia’s state of emergency: Angela Merkel urges protests to be allowed

GLOBAL MEDIA Ethiopia declared on Sunday a six-month state of emergency over anticipated threats “posed by forces working in collaboration with foreign enemies to undermine the safety of the people and security and stability of the country”, according to the Ethiopian News Agency. “Egypt does not interfere in any country’s domestic affairs”, Egypt’s ambassador toEthiopia…

Progress in Ethiopia can come only from unity, not ethnic rivalry

Demonstrators chant slogans while flashing the Oromo protest gesture during Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, in Bishoftu town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, on Oct. 2. (Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) The Washington Post The October 11 World article “Ethiopia imposes state of emergency amid unrest” highlighted the widespread and proactive dissent that the undemocratic government is…

EU chief tasks Ethiopian PM to initiate inclusive political dialogue quickly

Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban with EUROPEAN UNION EXTERNAL ACTION ETHIOPIA The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica  Mogherini, has tasked the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to respect democratic principles and civil rights in the country. Mogherini, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission said there…

In Ethiopia’s war against social media, the truth is the main casualty

By Paul Schemm WashingtonpostPeople attend a prayer ceremony for protesters who died recently in the town of Bishoftu, Ethiopia, during the Irreecha festival for the Oromo people. The government blames social media for exaggerating the loss of life. (Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) The annual U.N. General Assembly meeting provides an unparalleled opportunity for world leaders to take to…