Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) disclosed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) contributed 17% to the country’s total power supply during the previous fiscal year.

During a press briefing held on 21 August, 2024, Engineer Ashebir Balcha, Ethiopian Electric Power CEO, revealed that the country produced 20,522 gigawatt-hours of electricity from hydro, wind, and dry waste sources in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, meeting domestic demand and supplying foreign markets.

Ashebir said the utility earned a total revenue of 20 billion Birr from domestic and export sales, with power exports alone contributing $140 million, a 16% increase over the previous year’s figures.

“With five major power generation projects currently under construction, we expect an increase in our electricity supply over the next few years,” the CEO stated. “This will allow us to meet growing domestic needs while increasing exports to neighbouring countries.”

According to Ashebir, Ethiopian Electric Power aims to earn $300 million in foreign currency from power exports in the upcoming fiscal year, leveraging the anticipated surge in generation capacity. AS

Addis Abeba – Heavy rains have led to the overflow of the Omo River, causing widespread flooding and the displacement of 79,000 residents in the Dassenech Woreda of South Omo Zone, according to local authorities.

Tadese Hate, the administrator of the Dassenech Woreda, reported that the river deviated from its usual course and expanded beyond its banks, submerging the surrounding areas.

“The residents had previously been displaced by a similar flood in 2023, and the river’s overflow this week has again forced them to leave their homes,” Tadese told Sheger Radio.

The administrator expressed concerns that the continued heavy rainfall could potentially lead to the flooding of Omorate, the administrative center of the zone, if the water levels are not properly managed.

This flooding occurs in the context of a recent weather advisory issued by the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute on 13 August, warning of potential hazards including river flooding and flash floods due to expected rainfall across several river basins.

Emergency assistance is being provided to the affected families, but Tadese called on the federal government to intervene and find a lasting solution to the recurring flood crisis in the region.

Reports indicate that similar flooding incidents have occurred in other regions of the country. In the Silte Zone of the Central Ethiopia Region, heavy rains have led to the displacement of 1,650 residents, the destruction of 300 hectares of crops, and the displacement of over 2,300 livestock in the Silti woreda. AS

Addis Abeba – The Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Mekelle has fully resumed operations, including the launch of online passport services, after a three-year closure due to the Tigray war.

The office initially restarted provisional services, such as passport renewals and replacements, on 18 June, 2024, following the suspension of all operations in November 2020 after the outbreak of the war.

Mitiku Takele, coordinator of the Mekelle branch office, told state media that the office is now providing online-assisted services for new passport applications and renewals. He reported that residents across the region can apply online by meeting the required criteria.

However, he noted that those applying for new passports must still visit the office in person to submit supporting documents, such as a letter from the local administration and a birth certificate.

Mitiku stated that office staff are prepared to efficiently assist customers in completing their online-initiated applications when they come in.

The online services have been welcomed by residents who previously had to travel to Addis Abeba for passport-related matters. AS

Addis Abeba – Somalia has announced that it refuses to negotiate any issue with Ethiopia until the latter recognizes its “sovereignty,” according to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s televised speech on Saturday.

“We will not negotiate on any matter until Ethiopia acknowledges Somalia’s sovereignty and status as an independent neighboring country,” President Mohamud stated. His remarks followed second round of Ankara talks, mediated by Türkiye , which did not produce an agreement between the two nations.

“We have concluded from the Ankara talks that Ethiopia is unwilling to accept Somalia’s sovereignty and independent status,” Mohamud added. “Until this is resolved, there will be no discussions on the seaport or any other issues, as this challenges international law,” the BBC reports.

Türkiye has been facilitating dialogue between the two countries following tensions that arose after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January.

After the conclusion of the second round of talks, Ethiopia expressed confidence that Turkey now understands its “legitimate interest” in securing dependable sea access. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie stated that Ethiopia’s sea access concerns “will be resolved peacefully” through regional cooperation.

Somaliland, while questioning Turkey’s impartiality as a mediator, reiterated its commitment to implementing the agreement granting Ethiopia naval base access in return for recognition. However, Somaliland also cautioned against any “infringement on its sovereign rights” and has established a task force to advance its international recognition efforts.

Despite the two rounds of discussions ending without resolution, a third round of talks between the Ethiopian and Somali foreign ministers is scheduled Türkiye. AS

Addis Abeba – Three major opposition parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have called for the formation of an inclusive regional government as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) holds its 14th Congress amidst internal power struggles.

The regional opposition parties, namely Salsay Weyane Tigray, Tigray Independence Party, and National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona), made this call on Friday, 16 August, during a joint press statement in Mekelle, according to the BBC.

They stated that the main problem currently facing the Tigray region is “born from the system,” adding that “a government that does not rely on one political organization and is inclusive of all organizations, and capable of leading the people, is needed.”

The parties criticized the TPLF, which has ruled Tigray for over three decades, stating that the party is “clearly in a state of decay” and has “revealed its true nature through this crisis.” They accused the TPLF of making “a suicidal move to continue its grip on power through force.”

Their calls came as the TPLF’s 14th Congress commenced in Mekelle amidst escalating controversies and a boycott by 14 Central Committee members, including Vice Chairman Getachew Reda.

Getachew condemned the conference as hastily organized without consensus, aimed at “ousting certain leaders” opposed by the party’s internal network. He warned it “endangers the people of Tigray” and should be condemned.

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) had previously stated it would not recognize the TPLF General Assembly or any decisions made, as the party failed to provide 21 days’ notice and allow observers as required.

In their joint statement, the opposition parties warned that the ongoing political strife within the TPLF leadership has created severe public concern, as “both factions are pursuing a narrow agenda, aiming to drag the people into a conflict that serves their interests.”

The opposition vowed to support any move towards establishing an inclusive administration in Tigray, opposing processes that exclude relevant stakeholders and the public’s collective will. AS

Addis Abeba – Several registered national sports associations in Ethiopia have lodged complaint calling for the suspension of the current Ethiopian Olympic Committee following controversies related to the recent 2024 Paris Olympics.

In a nine-page complaint submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the associations accuse the executive board of the Olympic Committee and its president, Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, of actions that breach public interests, violate laws and procedures, and contravene the International Olympic Committee’s charter.

The complaint alleges that the Olympic Committee illegally conducted a General Assembly meeting in May and an executive board election in June without participation from the sports associations or government oversight. It claims that Dr. Ashebir was improperly elected to a third term as president, while the Ethiopian Athletics Federation president was directly appointed vice president without a vote.

Financial misconduct is another significant issue raised, with the associations calling for transparency regarding hundreds of millions of birr in government and organizational funding intended for events like the Tokyo Olympics and African Games, which they allege have not been properly audited.

State media reports indicate that the groups also condemn the reported forced early departure of Ethiopian athletes and delegation members from the recent Paris Olympics before the Games concluded, stating that it damaged the country’s reputation.

As legally registered members of both the Olympic Committee’s General Assembly and international sports federations, the associations are seeking administrative and legal actions from the Ministry of Culture and Sports to address the alleged violations detailed in their complaint. AS