The Ethiopian government on Saturday dismissed warnings by the Tigray authorities that the war-ravaged region was on the brink of famine. He likened the situation to the devastating famine in northern Ethiopia in the 1980s that cost the lives of around one million people. But federal government spokesman Legesse Tulu on Saturday denied the claims, while acknowledging that several million people in northern Ethiopia have been affected by drought as well as flooding. “Recently, a statement that in the Tigray region the crisis is transitioning to a famine and drought that rivals the 1984-85 famine and drought is completely wrong,” Legesse said at a televised press briefing in Addis Ababa. The situation on the ground in northern Ethiopia cannot be independently verified as media access is restricted by the federal government.

December 31, 2023 17:57 UTC

Hemedti visits Djibouti as East African countries attempt to broker a ceasefire between the RSF and the Sudanese army. The head of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has visited Djibouti, the nation at the forefront of regional initiatives to facilitate a ceasefire following over eight months of ongoing conflict. Djibouti is the latest stop on Mohamed Hamdan Daglo‘s first trip abroad since fighting erupted between the RSF and the Sudanese army in mid-April. Hemedti said on X that he discussed the latest developments in the war with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh. IGAD, a bloc representing eight East African countries, has been trying to bring al-Burhan and Hemedti together since the war erupted.

December 31, 2023 16:59 UTC

DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has won a second term in office with a landslide victory, according to provisional results announced Sunday, in a vote opposition leaders have dismissed as a "sham". Provisional results from the single-round presidential ballot, declared by the country's electoral commission Ceni, showed that Tshisekedi had won 73 percent of the vote. The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court is expected to confirm the provisional results on January 10. Tshisekedi, 60, first came to power in January 2019 after a disputed election that many observers said he had in fact lost. But opposition leaders say they have no confidence in the court or Ceni, which they argue is subservient to the government.

December 31, 2023 16:02 UTC

By aviation writer Scott MaymanAUSTRALIA has only has a handful of the controversial Boeing 737 Max jets. This type of aircraft makes up the entire fleet of vacation airline Bonza. But this type of aircraft has again made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Bonza CEO Tim Jordan has also confirmed the inspection will be carried out as recommended by Boeing and there’ll be no impact on operations. Unclear training about new computer methods led to the jets being grounded costing Boeing more than $US20 billion.

December 30, 2023 21:26 UTC

In October 2023, eerie tension enveloped the historic town of Lalibela. Young people who were suspected of supporting the Fano militia group were arrested in large numbers and transported to Kombolcha town, situated 319 km away from Lalibela. However, according to residents, upon retaking Lalibela, the government forces engaged in “revenge-motivated” killings of innocent civilians. Abebe, a daily laborer, was among the civilians killed by government forces in Lalibela. Another Lalibela resident, choosing to remain anonymous, stated that an estimated 10 to 15 innocent individuals were killed by the government forces.

December 30, 2023 20:08 UTC





The authorities in Ethiopia's war-scarred Tigray region warned Friday of a looming famine linked to drought and the lingering effects of the devastating two-year war in the north of the country. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Getachew likened the situation to the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s which cost the lives of around one million people. The situation on the ground in northern Ethiopia cannot be independently verified as media access to Tigray is restricted by the federal government. Now they should do their part to address the looming humanitarian catastrophe," he said. USAID and the WFP halted all food aid to Ethiopia in June, alleging a "widespread and coordinated" campaign to divert donated supplies, but deliveries are slowly resuming.

December 30, 2023 19:14 UTC

It was a memorable year for Arab women in the world of sport and 2024 promises to be even better. Keep an eye on the talented Emirati as she builds up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. They are also the hosts of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and will be considered one of the favourites for the title. The Cairo native was a whisker away from clinching bronze in the 50 fly at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka last July, ultimately coming in fourth. “I’m so proud to bring this medal to the entire Arab world, and to Moroccan people specifically.

December 30, 2023 16:31 UTC

He says he has witnessed printing prices escalate rapidly without restraint first hand. “As a business entity, we are feeling the impact of rising book prices and raw material costs,” he said. Resolving the issues in the printing industry requires the implementation of various measures,” said Seifedin. Established in 1914, Berhanena Selam currently relies on international imports for 95 percent of its printing paper. However, concerns persist regarding the lack of advocacy and support for the printing industry.

December 30, 2023 16:08 UTC

The Reporter’s Ashenafi Endale has conversed with Paulo for an inside opinion of the happenings on and around the Red Sea, the feasibility of Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, and the governance and regulation of the waters of the Red Sea. Eritrea, as a coastal nation on the Red Sea, can benefit significantly from Ethiopia’s interest in gaining access to a Red Sea port. How could global interests in the Red Sea, including from Middle Eastern states, Egypt, the US, China, Russia and other powers affect Ethiopia’s Red Sea access interests? These global developments can have indirect effects on Red Sea geopolitics, potentially altering the priorities and strategies of both Red Sea nations and international stakeholders. Could IGAD, the Red Sea Council, or other platforms drawing members from the Gulf and Horn regions regulate and facilitate the utilization of the Red Sea?

December 30, 2023 16:08 UTC

Healthcare Crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region Amidst UnrestIn the heart of Ethiopia, the Amhara region is grappling with a severe health crisis. The region’s healthcare infrastructure is on the brink of collapse due to ongoing unrest and conflicts. The Deepening Health CrisisAs per the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, only 89 out of 341 healthcare projects are currently operational amidst the turmoil. This health crisis disproportionally affects vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, new mothers, and others struggling to secure healthcare and nutritional support in these trying times. The health bureau is pooling in efforts with public health experts to counter these challenges.

December 30, 2023 12:05 UTC

“It was a very brutal welcoming to what this Ring Road journey was going to be about,” she said. I feel proud to be able to represent Saudi women. There are so many amazing Saudi women who have paved the way for me, (who have) done amazing things (and) are doing amazing things. “I feel proud to be able to represent Saudi women. There are so many amazing Saudi women who have paved the way for me, (who have) done amazing things (and) are doing amazing things,” she said.

December 30, 2023 11:01 UTC

Meanwhile, aid agencies warn that more than 6 million people are on the brink of famine. More than 1.4 million Sudanese have sought shelter in neighboring countries since the onset of the conflict. The Sudan Doctors’ Trade Union also highlighted the dire situation in Wad Madani. Aid workers on the ground report a desperate situation, with limited resources available to address the growing health crisis. The Sudanese conflict erupted on April 15 and has largely slipped from international diplomatic attention since the start of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

December 30, 2023 00:18 UTC

More than 1.4 million Sudanese have sought shelter in neighboring countries since the onset of the conflict, piling pressure on regional states already grappling with their own humanitarian issues and political upheavals. More than 1.4 million Sudanese have sought shelter in neighboring countries since the onset of the conflict. May someone finally put an end to this war,” he added, calling on the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire. The Sudan Doctors’ Trade Union also highlighted the dire situation in Wad Madani. The Sudanese conflict erupted on April 15 and has largely slipped from international diplomatic attention since the start of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

December 29, 2023 23:28 UTC

According to Boeing China on social media, all 737 MAX jets in the country are now back in commercial service. Without further ado, let’s get into it…All Boeing 737 MAX Jets In China Back in Service…Photo Credit: James Field/AviationSourceBoeing China CEO Liu Qing said that around 100 aircraft are now back in commercial service:“All China civil aviation 737 Maxs have resumed operations”. This represents positive news for the American planemaker, who are trying to reaffirm their presence in the Chinese market. Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how things will go with China-based carriers and the Boeing 737 MAX, as well as whether any potential new orders being made going into 2024. But for now, let’s wait and see how such a reopening of the 737 MAX back into the country will go, as well as what 2024 will look like for the American planemaker in the region.

December 29, 2023 21:59 UTC

Starting Monday, August 8, 2024, Angola Airlines (TAAG) plans to increase flights between Luanda and Lagos. Angola Airlines would begin to fly the Luanda-Lagos route five times a week from January. According to the airline, the move will boost trade and mobility between Angola and Nigeria. IATA confirms British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and other foreign airlines could leave Nigeria soonLegit.ng reported that the International Air Transport Association has highlighted that international airlines faced challenges over trapped ticket revenues in Nigeria and other countries. It stated that if the situation is not quickly resolved, it could lead to foreign airlines exiting the country.

December 29, 2023 20:01 UTC