Islamist advance seen to threaten a wider conflict
By John Donnelly, Globe Staff September 28, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Africa specialists criticized the Bush administration yesterday for not paying more attention to the increasingly volatile situation in Somalia, saying that senior officials were consumed by their efforts to stop the fighting in the Darfur region of Sudan.
In Somalia, Islamist militias have taken one town after another in the south-central part of the fractured nation since capturing the de facto capital Mogadishu in June. Now, they appear poised to attack the small town of Baidoa near the country's western border with Ethiopia.
Baidoa is the base of the increasingly powerless Somali transitional federal government, which is backed by the United States and Ethiopia. Analysts predict that if the Islamists attack the town, which appears likely, the conflict could evolve into a wider war with Ethiopia. [Full story here]
Ethiopia can beat malaria with its latest programme, says official at UN children’s agency (UN News)
28 September 2006 – Ethiopia has a chance of defeating malaria, its biggest killer, an official from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today as the Horn of Africa country’s Government launched a major push against the disease ahead of the annual transmission season.
Speaking at the launch in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, UNICEF Country Representative Bjorn Ljungqvist said: “We now have an historic opportunity to get on top of malaria. We can make this killer disease as manageable as measles and other childhood conditions in the West.”
Malaria infects nine million Ethiopians each year and can kill more than 100,000 people, mostly young children, within just a few months during an epidemic. The peak of the annual transmission season is October to November.
The three-pronged programme will cost at least $140 million over the next three years and is being supported by UNICEF, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Bank and several foreign governments and public agencies.
Under the campaign the distribution of insecticide-treated malaria nets across the country is being expanded drastically. Before 2004, there were only 1.8 million nets; by the end of this year there will be eight million nets and that number will increase to 20 million by 2008.
Ethiopia will start treating the overwhelming majority of its malaria cases with the drug Coartem, which has a 99 per cent success rate, compared with the 36 per cent rate of the current preferred drug, Fansidar.
Health posts around the vast country are also being supplied with cheap rapid diagnostic test kits that can detect serious malaria cases within minutes, avoiding the delays that come with sending samples from patients to distant laboratories.
Mr. Ljungqvist urged international donors to keep up their support of the campaign as it continues, especially “the hard-to-fund parts of any malaria campaign – the monitoring and evaluation and the general management costs to run such a large operation.”
Source: UN News Centre
Speaking at the launch in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, UNICEF Country Representative Bjorn Ljungqvist said: “We now have an historic opportunity to get on top of malaria. We can make this killer disease as manageable as measles and other childhood conditions in the West.”
Malaria infects nine million Ethiopians each year and can kill more than 100,000 people, mostly young children, within just a few months during an epidemic. The peak of the annual transmission season is October to November.
The three-pronged programme will cost at least $140 million over the next three years and is being supported by UNICEF, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Bank and several foreign governments and public agencies.
Under the campaign the distribution of insecticide-treated malaria nets across the country is being expanded drastically. Before 2004, there were only 1.8 million nets; by the end of this year there will be eight million nets and that number will increase to 20 million by 2008.
Ethiopia will start treating the overwhelming majority of its malaria cases with the drug Coartem, which has a 99 per cent success rate, compared with the 36 per cent rate of the current preferred drug, Fansidar.
Health posts around the vast country are also being supplied with cheap rapid diagnostic test kits that can detect serious malaria cases within minutes, avoiding the delays that come with sending samples from patients to distant laboratories.
Mr. Ljungqvist urged international donors to keep up their support of the campaign as it continues, especially “the hard-to-fund parts of any malaria campaign – the monitoring and evaluation and the general management costs to run such a large operation.”
Source: UN News Centre
Ethiopia blames Eritrea’s inability to ’behave like a normal state’ (Sudan Tribune)
Sept 28, 2006 (UNITED NATIONS) — Ethiopia told the U.N. General Assembly it wants to normalize relations with Eritrea because it needs durable peace, but it accused its Horn of Africa neighbor of refusing to "behave like a normal state."
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year guerrilla war, but their border was never settled. In April 2002, following a 2 1/2-year border war, an international boundary commission awarded the key town of Badme to Eritrea — but Ethiopia has refused to implement the deal.
Ethiopia’s deputy U.N. ambassador Negash Kebret, addressing the assembly’s ministerial meeting on its final day on Wednesday, said his country was committed to peace and security in the Horn of Africa region — much as its foe might try to disrupt the efforts.
"Ethiopia will not allow its dispute with Eritrea to distract it from its focus on development, although this is the main mission of Eritrea since the conflict began eight years ago," Kebret said.
[Read full story here]
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year guerrilla war, but their border was never settled. In April 2002, following a 2 1/2-year border war, an international boundary commission awarded the key town of Badme to Eritrea — but Ethiopia has refused to implement the deal.
Ethiopia’s deputy U.N. ambassador Negash Kebret, addressing the assembly’s ministerial meeting on its final day on Wednesday, said his country was committed to peace and security in the Horn of Africa region — much as its foe might try to disrupt the efforts.
"Ethiopia will not allow its dispute with Eritrea to distract it from its focus on development, although this is the main mission of Eritrea since the conflict began eight years ago," Kebret said.
[Read full story here]
Ethiopia launches bold tourist programme (Business in Africa)
Addis Ababa - Banking on a combination of cultural diversity, natural scenes and historical sites, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious tourism development programme that would make it a leading destination of holidaymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2020, Culture and Tourism minister Mohamed Dirir said on Monday.
Though the number of foreign tourists visiting Ethiopia and earnings from the industry doubled over the last decade, the industry still accounts for a meager 2 percent of the national GDP.
"We have set forward a strategic plan that focuses on the improvement of services at the existing hotels and resorts in order to achieve this goal," said Dirir.
"We are considering seriously of branding Ethiopia for what it offers to tourists destined to Africa."
In 2005 Ethiopia hosted 227 398 tourists compared to 184 077 arrivals the previous year. In terms of receipts, the country posted $134.5mn in 2005 - an increase of $20.2mn compared to 2004.
According to the minister, the government's commitment to enhance the role of tourism in the economy, and the increasing public and private investment in the development of infrastructure were basic factors that contributed to the humble rise in tourism earnings.
To provide momentum to the new plan for the industry, the government has drafted a legislation that would be ratified soon on upgrading Ethiopia's Hotel and Tourism Institute. Also, a tourism investment code was in the pipeline.
"A major priority area will be the elimination of supply barriers in the hotel, transport and tour operator sectors," Dirir said, adding that both domestic and international players would be encouraged in order to enhance the role of the private sector in tourism.
Though an ancient country that was believed to be the cradle of mankind, Ethiopia was like a man who overslept and is now waking up when the sun is already high in the sky to find its rank in the tourism industry. South Africa, being more politically correct, claimed to be the cradle of humankind.
One would ask: 'What has this East African country to offer other than monuments and a history of feudalism that was punctuated with internal rivalries, repulsion of colonial expansionists, and a military dictatorship alongside a chronology of natural disasters?'
In a bid to lure tourists from overseas, authorities in Ethiopia said what has been done on the promotion side so far was not enough to kick-start the industry's growth.
They were taking an unusual step to send 'Lucy' aka 'Dinknesh', the famed paleontological discovery of human fossils dating back 3.5 million years, on a 'know-Ethiopia tour' of museums in the United States.
The dates of her itinerary were yet to be fixed, but officials confirmed it would be in the near future. [For more..click here]
Though the number of foreign tourists visiting Ethiopia and earnings from the industry doubled over the last decade, the industry still accounts for a meager 2 percent of the national GDP.
"We have set forward a strategic plan that focuses on the improvement of services at the existing hotels and resorts in order to achieve this goal," said Dirir.
"We are considering seriously of branding Ethiopia for what it offers to tourists destined to Africa."
In 2005 Ethiopia hosted 227 398 tourists compared to 184 077 arrivals the previous year. In terms of receipts, the country posted $134.5mn in 2005 - an increase of $20.2mn compared to 2004.
According to the minister, the government's commitment to enhance the role of tourism in the economy, and the increasing public and private investment in the development of infrastructure were basic factors that contributed to the humble rise in tourism earnings.
To provide momentum to the new plan for the industry, the government has drafted a legislation that would be ratified soon on upgrading Ethiopia's Hotel and Tourism Institute. Also, a tourism investment code was in the pipeline.
"A major priority area will be the elimination of supply barriers in the hotel, transport and tour operator sectors," Dirir said, adding that both domestic and international players would be encouraged in order to enhance the role of the private sector in tourism.
Though an ancient country that was believed to be the cradle of mankind, Ethiopia was like a man who overslept and is now waking up when the sun is already high in the sky to find its rank in the tourism industry. South Africa, being more politically correct, claimed to be the cradle of humankind.
One would ask: 'What has this East African country to offer other than monuments and a history of feudalism that was punctuated with internal rivalries, repulsion of colonial expansionists, and a military dictatorship alongside a chronology of natural disasters?'
In a bid to lure tourists from overseas, authorities in Ethiopia said what has been done on the promotion side so far was not enough to kick-start the industry's growth.
They were taking an unusual step to send 'Lucy' aka 'Dinknesh', the famed paleontological discovery of human fossils dating back 3.5 million years, on a 'know-Ethiopia tour' of museums in the United States.
The dates of her itinerary were yet to be fixed, but officials confirmed it would be in the near future. [For more..click here]
Somali president survives bomb attack (Daily News)
MOGADISHU (Somalia): As the Somali president left parliament, few noticed when his security detail ushered him from his three-ton armoured car to an ordinary car. It was a simple, routine security measure that saved his life.
Moments later a massive car bomb exploded outside the makeshift parliament building of Somalia's virtually powerless government in Baidoa, destroying President Abdullahi Yusuf's armoured car and killing his brother and four other members of the presidential detail.
Though Yusuf had moved to another car, his driver lost a hand in the blast. The president then alighted and escaped on foot with guards, witness Abdisalam Mohammed Nor Hassan said. Other witnesses said the president was cut by flying glass.
As Yusuf fled, a gun battle broke out between his bodyguards and eight suspected accomplices of an apparent suicide bomber. Six were killed and two were captured, the country's Foreign Minister Ismail Mohamed Hurre said.
No one so far has claimed responsibility. Two people were arrested, Hurre said. He had no details on the suspects. [For more..click here]
Moments later a massive car bomb exploded outside the makeshift parliament building of Somalia's virtually powerless government in Baidoa, destroying President Abdullahi Yusuf's armoured car and killing his brother and four other members of the presidential detail.
Though Yusuf had moved to another car, his driver lost a hand in the blast. The president then alighted and escaped on foot with guards, witness Abdisalam Mohammed Nor Hassan said. Other witnesses said the president was cut by flying glass.
As Yusuf fled, a gun battle broke out between his bodyguards and eight suspected accomplices of an apparent suicide bomber. Six were killed and two were captured, the country's Foreign Minister Ismail Mohamed Hurre said.
No one so far has claimed responsibility. Two people were arrested, Hurre said. He had no details on the suspects. [For more..click here]
US to launch $20 mln project to promote Ethiopian rural economy (Sudan Tribune)
Sept 18, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The United States is to launch tomorrow a twenty millions USD project to help the Ethiopian rural economy and employment.
The United States would continue supporting the private sector through the US Agency for International Development with a view to increasing rural incomes and employment.
“Agribusiness Project” would be officially launched on Tuesday in the presence of concerned ministries and associations.
The project would provide technical support to increase productivity of coffee, flowers, leather and oil seeds.
The project would last for five years and is expected to enable the country to obtain 450 million USD in the first three years and aims to increase it to 1 billion USD after five years.
According to the American Embassy and the USAID executive officers, some 20 million US Dollars is earmarked for the execution of the project.
The project would be executed in Oromia, Amhara, Tigray as well as South Ethiopia Peoples’ State.
Source: Sudan Tribune
The United States would continue supporting the private sector through the US Agency for International Development with a view to increasing rural incomes and employment.
“Agribusiness Project” would be officially launched on Tuesday in the presence of concerned ministries and associations.
The project would provide technical support to increase productivity of coffee, flowers, leather and oil seeds.
The project would last for five years and is expected to enable the country to obtain 450 million USD in the first three years and aims to increase it to 1 billion USD after five years.
According to the American Embassy and the USAID executive officers, some 20 million US Dollars is earmarked for the execution of the project.
The project would be executed in Oromia, Amhara, Tigray as well as South Ethiopia Peoples’ State.
Source: Sudan Tribune
Gun shootings targeted at a plane carrying UN staff in Gedo, southern Somalia (Shabelle)
UN relief operations in Somalia’s Garbaharey district in Gedo region southern Somalia has got stuck after tribal militias in area have opened fire at UN airline.. [Full Story..]
Gun shootings targeted at a plane carrying UN staff in Gedo, southern Somalia (Shabelle)
UN relief operations in Somalia’s Garbaharey district in Gedo region southern Somalia has got stuck after tribal militias in area have opened fire at UN airline.. [Full Story..]
Flower growers threaten to move to Ethiopia (Walta)
Addis Ababa, September 12, 2006 (WIC) – Investors in floricultural development in Kenya have been threatening to relocate their business to Ethiopia due to poor infrastructure and security,The East African Standard reported. [Full Story...]
Ethiopian govt. fears war with Somali Islamists in lieu of Eritrea. (Shabelle)
Hassan Kalkata
( Sh.M.Network) Since the Islamic courts union took over the Somali capital and its surroundings.Ethiopian government’s concern grows over a major battle between the Islamic court’s militias and its forces what it called Eritrean embroil.
There are accusations and counter -accusations between Ethiopian and Eritrean governments meddling into the internal affairs of the anarchic Somalia.
Arch-foes Ethiopia and Eritrea, who are accused of supporting the rival Somali sides, are believed having made a political battle ground for the anarchistic country Somalia, but they often deny these accusation while there are some clear cut proofs as some independent sources confirm
Ethiopian authority accused of its rival, Eritrea of giving logistic and military support to the Islamic courts union which is enjoying broader support from almost the entire community of Somalia, on the other hand Eritrea accuse Ethiopian the same manner of supporting the weak Somali TFG based in Baidoa the provincial capital of By region .
Somalia engaged bitter war Ethiopia over territorial dispute in 1977 which left hundreds.Ethiopia is now said to be afraid of Islamic courts to launch a war against its territory in lieu of Eritrea.
When the Ethiopian officials asked about the military intervention waging in Somali territory, in reply they often describe the move as “border tight security”
Islamists in Somalia deem Ethiopian authority is hostile to Somali community and has a great grudge against Somali people in which the Islamists claim they defend their country what the called enemy of “Islam Ethiopia” but are the Islamic courts ready to fight with Ethiopia on behalf of Eritrea?.
Source: Shabelle Media Network
( Sh.M.Network) Since the Islamic courts union took over the Somali capital and its surroundings.Ethiopian government’s concern grows over a major battle between the Islamic court’s militias and its forces what it called Eritrean embroil.
There are accusations and counter -accusations between Ethiopian and Eritrean governments meddling into the internal affairs of the anarchic Somalia.
Arch-foes Ethiopia and Eritrea, who are accused of supporting the rival Somali sides, are believed having made a political battle ground for the anarchistic country Somalia, but they often deny these accusation while there are some clear cut proofs as some independent sources confirm
Ethiopian authority accused of its rival, Eritrea of giving logistic and military support to the Islamic courts union which is enjoying broader support from almost the entire community of Somalia, on the other hand Eritrea accuse Ethiopian the same manner of supporting the weak Somali TFG based in Baidoa the provincial capital of By region .
Somalia engaged bitter war Ethiopia over territorial dispute in 1977 which left hundreds.Ethiopia is now said to be afraid of Islamic courts to launch a war against its territory in lieu of Eritrea.
When the Ethiopian officials asked about the military intervention waging in Somali territory, in reply they often describe the move as “border tight security”
Islamists in Somalia deem Ethiopian authority is hostile to Somali community and has a great grudge against Somali people in which the Islamists claim they defend their country what the called enemy of “Islam Ethiopia” but are the Islamic courts ready to fight with Ethiopia on behalf of Eritrea?.
Source: Shabelle Media Network
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