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Ethio Telecom has offered free internet and voice services to its customers to mark its 2018 fiscal year success. The service Ethio Telecom offered to its customers includes: • 1.5 GB of internet data, • 15 minutes of voice calls, and • 30 short text messages (SMS). An additional 500 MB of data has been given to customers who use the telebirr SuperApp, and for customers with unlimited packages, a gift of 10 minutes of free international calls has been prepared. The company announced that this free service will be available from July 17 to July 19, 2016 E.C., from 12:00 AM (midnight) until 6:00 PM. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 16, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107056

tldr: Ethio Telecom is offering free internet, voice, and SMS services to customers from July 17-19, 2016 E.C., to mark its 2018 fiscal year success. #Business @ByteTikvah

#NationalDialogue🇪🇹 "An idea that receives 75% of the vote will be approved; one that is below 40% will be completely rejected" - Explanations given regarding the voting process in the national dialogue. Tikvah Ethiopia has learned from the commission's guidelines and participants' explanations that agenda items presented at the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference will be accepted if they receive 75% of the vote, and if they receive less than 40% of the vote, they will be completely rejected and will not be presented again. Sheikh Abdulakib Haji Hussein, a representative of Ethiopian religious institutions, told Tikvah Ethiopia that an idea receiving 75% of the vote will be approved, and ideas receiving between 40% and 69% of the vote will undergo additional discussion and a mediation process until they reach 70% of the vote. Sheikh Abdulakib added that if there is a complaint of "my voice was not heard" regarding a rejected idea, the matter could be put to a public referendum, and if defeated by public vote, it should be accepted, stating that the established approach is "good." On the other hand, Memhir Daniel Seifemichael, a representative of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, stated that not all issues are decided solely by vote, and the commission distinguishes between issues that are subject to a vote and those that are not. "There are issues decided by vote; there are also issues not decided by vote," said Memhir Daniel, indicating that while some issues might be decided by a majority vote, others require additional discussion and a different approach. He added, "If there are two truths and one is to be chosen, it might be decided by a majority vote; however, there might be someone who does not accept it just because it was decided by vote." As indicated by participants and the commission's guidelines, ideas receiving 75% of the vote will be presented to the general assembly and approved; those receiving between 40% and 69% will be reviewed with additional discussion until they reach 70% of the vote; however, those receiving less than 40% will be completely rejected and cannot be presented again to the dialogue. Separately, the Ethiopian Youth Federation, which participated as an observer in the dialogue conference, stated that there were initial gaps in badge issuance, assignment, and information provision during the first week, but most of these problems have now been resolved, and participants are discussing agenda items. Similarly, Ato Alemu Choecho, Chairman of the Sidama Federalist Party, stated that initial confusion arose because nearly 6,000 people attended instead of the over 4,000 invited delegates, and uninvited individuals entered the platform, but issues related to badge issuance were later resolved. Chief Commissioner of the National Dialogue Commission, Professor Mesfin Araya Zara, stated that over 4,000 deliberators are divided into sub-groups of 10 to 50 members and are exchanging ideas with full freedom and high trust. He also explained that the commission has taken full responsibility and provided protection to ensure that participants are not held accountable by any party for the ideas they present. The Chief Commissioner stated that scholars with deep knowledge in state-building, history, identity, federalism, and conflict resolution are giving presentations to the participants; and the participants, divided into eight groups of 500 members, are also holding extensive discussions with the scholars. He urged the public and media to carefully review unverified information circulated on social media. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 16, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107054

tldr: Ethiopia's National Dialogue set voting thresholds: 75% approval for ideas, 40-69% for further review, and below 40% for rejection. The commission protects participants discussing national issues. #Politics @ByteTikvah

"One immediately died on the spot; the other died on the way as we were coming to Mekaneselam Hospital" - Abba Elias Teshager. In the Abay Gedame Asqetesis Abune Aregawi and Kidist Arsema Unity Monastery, located on the banks of the Abay River in Borena Woreda, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, a drone attack on July 15, 2018 E.C. (July 22, 2026 G.C.) killed two nuns and injured 14 others to varying degrees, according to monastery administrators and woreda church officials. The woreda church office told Tikvah Ethiopia that out of the 16 nuns in the monastery, 14 were hit in the attack; only two were unharmed. Among the injured, two nuns lost their lives, and 11 are receiving treatment at Mekaneselam General Hospital. One nun with severe injuries was transferred to Dessie Referral Hospital. "I heard the explosion and found them fallen on the ground as I cried 'Woy!'" Emahoy Welete Mariam, who was at the monastery at the time, told Deutsche Welle Radio that the attack occurred while the nuns were preparing winter grains. "There's a tree near the house, under which they were gathered, picking. I was picking with them, but I separated to do another job in the other house. Immediately, I heard a very distinct explosion-like sound. I knew they were hit, so as I cried 'Woy!' and went, four of them were fallen. When I touched them, they were unconscious, they are mothers. There were children running around, crying, bleeding. We pulled them to the side and tried to stop their bleeding..." she said. Officials from the Mekaneselam Woreda Church Office, whom Tikvah Ethiopia spoke with, also stated that the attack occurred while the nuns were gathered, winnowing, preparing grains, and chopping onions. "Two lost their lives; 14 people were injured!" The monastery administrator, Abba Elias Teshager, told Deutsche Welle Radio; "One immediately died on the spot; the other died on the way as we were coming to Mekaneselam Hospital. A total of 14 people were injured." "The drone had been surveying!" Abba Wolde Mikael, who stated that there was drone surveillance in the area before the attack, said it might have been aimed at hitting militants who were in close proximity to the area. "The drone circled for up to three or four hours, then suddenly went silent and at four o'clock, it caused that incident; meaning the weapon was dropped. At four in the afternoon. We don't know the reason, whether they found 'Fano' or what. We don't know if it was intended for them. They move in that area; they move outside the monastery, not inside. They have their own checkpoint; they move from the checkpoint. When that drone was dropped, they were at the checkpoint," he said. Emahoy Welete Mariam stated that the monastery's functional house, grains prepared for annual consumption, a water tanker, and water lines were damaged in the attack. Tikvah Ethiopia also confirmed with the woreda church office that the 'Mitas Bet' (place for baking injera and cooking stew) used by the nuns was destroyed in the attack. "'Bring them and admit them for treatment,' they said; we brought them and admitted them for treatment!" Liqe Kahnat Qesis Endale Semagn, head of the Borena Woreda Church Office, told Deutsche Welle that after the accident, the woreda administration provided vehicle support to transport the injured to the hospital. "There were two with severe injuries; one was urgent, so she went to Dessie Referral Hospital. The woreda government said, 'We will give permission for the injured to come to the hospital; ask for transport and we will assist you;... Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107049

tldr: A drone attack on July 22, 2026, at Abay Gedame Asqetesis Abune Aregawi and Kidist Arsema Unity Monastery in Ethiopia's Amhara region killed two nuns and injured 14 others while they were preparing food. The attack also damaged monastery property, including a functional house and grain storage, with prior drone surveillance reported in the area. #Politics @ByteTikvah

“The price of one share has currently increased from 300 Birr to 852 Birr” - Ethio Telecom. So far, out of nearly 47,000 share purchase requests submitted, 96 percent of the shares have received ownership confirmation. Ethio Telecom stated that it achieved significant success in its financial performance, asset growth, and capital market participation in the 2018 fiscal year when it announced its annual performance. According to the released report, the company's total assets grew by 27 percent, reaching 420 billion Birr. This growth was attributed to the company's investments in infrastructure, digital platforms, and service delivery. Frehiwot Tamiru, the CEO of the institution, announced that this creates significant value for shareholders and stakeholders. It was stated that after Ethio Telecom transitioned into a public share company, the price of one share, which started at 300 Birr in the secondary share market trading that began on May 18, 2018 E.C., has currently increased to 852 Birr. So far, nearly 47,000 share purchase requests have been submitted, and it was announced today that the share dematerialization process for 96 percent of these shares has been completed. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 16, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107047

tldr: Ethio Telecom announced its share price increased from 300 Birr to 852 Birr, reporting significant financial success with 27% asset growth to 420 billion Birr in 2018. Additionally, 96% of nearly 47,000 share purchase requests have completed ownership confirmation. #Business @ByteTikvah

Ethio Telecom announced it generated 215.8 billion Birr in revenue in the 2018 fiscal year. The number of customers reached 90.1 million. Telebirr users became 60.5 million. Ethio Telecom presented its performance report for the 2018 fiscal year and the first year of its "Next Horizon 2028" strategy. According to CEO Frehiwot Tamiru, there is a plan to reach 100 million customers and 75 million Telebirr users by 2028. During the fiscal year, 603 new mobile stations became operational, bringing the total number to 10,613; this made 1.5 million new users accessible. 264 additional cities became users of 4G service, with 4G coverage reaching 82.2 percent. 7 new cities also received 5G service, bringing the total number of beneficiary cities to 33. As the number of customers reached 90.1 million, 86.9 million mobile voice, 51.5 million mobile broadband, 1 million fixed broadband, and 719 thousand fixed voice users were registered. Telebirr users reached 60.5 million, and 4.19 trillion Birr in transactions were conducted during the year. The money transfer conducted in the past 5 years reached 9.13 trillion Birr; 19.72 million customers also received loan services. The institution achieved 99.7 percent of its plan by generating 215.8 billion Birr in revenue during the fiscal year. This is a significant increase compared to the previous year's revenue of 162 billion Birr. 188.4 million USD in foreign currency revenue was also generated. Data and internet revenue covered 31.1 percent of the total revenue, generating more income than voice services (23.5%) for the first time. The EBITDA amounted to 113.1 billion Birr (52.4%), and the gross profit reached 92.9 billion Birr. Frehiwot Tamiru stated that after the financial audit is completed, the net profit amount will be disclosed to stakeholders and shareholders, and then it will proceed to dividend distribution. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 16, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107045

tldr: Ethio Telecom announced 215.8 billion Birr revenue for the 2018 fiscal year, with customer numbers reaching 90.1 million and Telebirr users at 60.5 million. Data revenue exceeded voice revenue for the first time, marking a significant increase from the previous year. #Business @ByteTikvah

Dubai is set to offer discounts and incentives to attract visitors.To revive the tourist flow that has decreased due to the Gulf War, Dubai, the famous tourist city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will incentivize visitors by offering special discounts for several months.The Dubai Media Office announced today that city residents who invite their families and friends to visit Dubai will be offered discounts of over $800 and special hospitality.From now until the end of October, residents who invite their families and friends to visit will receive: - Hotel accommodation - Food - Various benefits, including tickets to tourist attractions.Although Dubai is one of the world's famous tourist destinations, hosting 19.5 million visitors annually, its tourist flow has significantly decreased due to drone and missile attacks that occurred in the region during the war.Although some visitors began to return after a ceasefire was reached last April, the previous tourist flow has not yet returned. As a result, the Dubai government reportedly offered a $400 million support package to aid businesses affected by the war.The information is taken from the BBC.July 15, 2018 E.C.@tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107042

tldr: Dubai is offering over $800 in discounts and incentives for residents inviting visitors until October to revive tourism, which declined due to regional conflicts. #Business @ByteTikvah

The Hawassa City Administration Land Management and Investment Department has announced an extension of the deadline for various land-related matters from Sene 30, 2018 E.C. to Hamle 30, 2018 E.C. According to Ato Dawit Lelamo, head of the department, who spoke to Tikvah Ethiopia, this decision was made in consideration of requests for extension from landholders residing far from Hawassa and abroad. During the extended period, landholders are urged by the official to complete tasks such as name transfers, cases of completed lease terms and extended lease periods, zoning changes, outstanding payments for auctioned land, other municipal service fees, and advance payments for Digital Land Holding Information (NDP) within the specified time. Ato Dawit also stated that landholders who fail to complete their payments within the extended deadline will be required to pay according to the new tariff rate. Furthermore, he indicated that auctioned lands with long-standing arrears will be returned to the land bank, and called on landholders to be aware of this and fulfill their obligations on time. Tikvah Ethiopia, Hawassa, Hamle 15, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107041

tldr: Hawassa City extended the land payment deadline to Hamle 30, 2018 E.C. Late payments incur new tariffs; overdue auctioned lands revert to the land bank. #Business @ByteTikvah

The Hawassa City Administration Land Management and Investment Department has announced that it has extended the deadline, previously set for June 30, 2018 E.C., for the completion of various land matters, until July 30, 2018 E.C. According to Ato Dawit Lelamo, head of the department, who spoke to Tikvah Ethiopia, the decision was made considering the request for an extension submitted by landholders living far from Hawassa and those residing abroad. Within the extended deadline, landholders are urged by the official to complete: name transfers, cases where lease terms have expired and lease periods have been extended, zoning changes, arrears for auctioned land payments, other municipal service payments, and advance payments for Digital Land Holding Information (NDP). Ato Dawit also stated that landholders who do not complete their payments within the extended deadline will be required to pay according to the new tariff rate. Furthermore, he indicated that auctioned lands with long-standing arrears will be returned to the land bank, and called on landholders to be aware of this and fulfill their obligations on time. Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107039

tldr: The Hawassa City Land Management Department extended the deadline for various land matters until July 30, 2018 E.C., urging timely completion to avoid new tariffs or land repossession. #Local @ByteTikvah

"Fuel is being confiscated from us in the name of 'qisheba' (siphoning/theft)," announced the Liquid Cargo Transport Owners Association. The Ethiopian Liquid Cargo Transport Owners Association stated that fuel is being confiscated without a legal decision from fuel tankers entering Ethiopia from Djibouti in the Afar region, under the pretext of "preventing qisheba." According to Ato Getnet Mohammed, Vice President of the Association, 50,000 liters of fuel, valued at 10.15 million Birr, from five fuel tanker vehicles, has been confiscated without any court decision since May. He also mentioned that fuel worth 12.5 million Birr was confiscated from one owner. According to the association, the reason given for the confiscation is that "drivers siphon fuel into barrels and jerrycans on the road and sell it." However, the association explained that if a driver is guilty, they should be held accountable by law, and confiscating the entire loaded government fuel without a legal basis is inappropriate. Furthermore, the association stated that it has received information that the confiscated fuel is being sold for 500,000 Birr. In addition to this issue, the association stated that the sector is under severe economic pressure. It mentioned that after the macroeconomic reform, the dollar exchange rate increased from 55 Birr to 155 Birr, significantly raising the prices of tires, oil, spare parts, and fuel, and indicated that the current transport tariff does not cover the costs. Ato Tsega Asamere, President of the association, stated that although an 11-member committee established by the government completed a tariff revision study and submitted it to the Prime Minister's Office, no response has been received yet. The study suggested that the transport tariff from Djibouti to Addis Ababa should increase from 350,000 Birr to 700,000 Birr. According to the association, due to continued cost increases and unchanged tariffs, many owners are converting their fuel tankers to dry cargo, while others are leaving the sector due to bank debts. Efforts to get a response from the Afar Regional Trade and Market Development Bureau and the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority regarding the association's complaint were unsuccessful for now. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 15, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107038

tldr: Ethiopian fuel transporters report over 22 million Birr in fuel illegally confiscated in Afar under "qisheba" pretext, while also facing severe economic pressure. The association claims the confiscations are unlawful and that the sector is struggling with rising costs and unrevised tariffs. #Business @ByteTikvah

"Out of 415 thousand examinees, about 354 thousand students passed" - Oromia Regional Education Bureau. The Oromia Regional Education Bureau announced to Tikvah Ethiopia that the 8th-grade exam results have been released. The Deputy Head of the Bureau, Bultosa Irko (Dr.), stated in his remarks that the results have been released, 86 percent of the examinees passed, and the passing score is 50 and above. Among the total examinees, about 61 thousand students did not achieve the passing score. Dr. Bultosa, who told Tikvah Ethiopia that about 415 thousand students took the 8th-grade exam in the region, stated that "about 354 thousand students passed" out of these. He also stated that examinees can check their results using their admission card number and that the viewing portal is "open". https://oromia.ministry.et/#/ Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa July 15, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107036

tldr: The Oromia Regional Education Bureau announced that 354,000 out of 415,000 8th-grade students passed their exams, achieving an 86% success rate. The passing score was 50 or above, and results are now accessible online via admission card numbers. #Education @ByteTikvah

In Tigray, severe hail-bearing rain claimed the life of one child, while 176 kebeles have not yet received winter rain. It is reported that contrasting weather conditions in various parts of the Tigray region are having a significant impact on the population and agriculture. On one hand, heavy hail-bearing rain claimed the life of one child and caused significant damage to crops and irrigation. On the other hand, 176 kebele farmers' associations have not yet received winter rain. In the Central Zone, in the Keih Tekli Doctor Ataklti kebele farmers' association, heavy hail-bearing rain that fell continuously for two hours claimed the life of one child and also caused significant damage to crops and irrigation. Similarly, the district communication office announced that severe rain in Ahferom Sero kebele in the same zone also damaged crops and vegetables. On the other hand, the Tigray Regional Agriculture and Natural Resources Protection Bureau announced on July 13, 2018 E.C. that out of 600 kebele farmers' associations in the region, 176 have not yet received winter rain. This situation indicates that while excessive rain is causing damage in some parts of the region, a lack of rain in other areas is creating a significant threat to agricultural work and production. Tikvah Ethiopia, July 15, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107034

tldr: Contrasting weather in Tigray caused a child's death and crop damage from severe hail in some areas, while 176 kebeles face drought and agricultural threats due to insufficient winter rain. #Weather @ByteTikvah

"They were arrested recently in a 15-day operation in Addis Ababa, Harari, and other areas" - Ato Jeylan Abdi. The Ethiopian Federal Police announced the arrest of "extremely dangerous" human traffickers. The Ethiopian Federal Police announced the arrest of 17 dangerous suspected human traffickers whom they hold responsible for the deaths of "over 60 migrants and the rape of many women." According to the police, the group led by "Mohammed Tahir Adem (Wordi)" recruited people from various parts of Ethiopia through brokers and illegally trafficked them to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen. It is stated that these dangerous human traffickers trafficked over 40,000 people and illegally collected over 1 billion Birr. Victims were reportedly held captive in warehouses in Yemen, subjected to beatings, torture, and other inhumane acts, and torture videos were sent to their families to force them to send money. The police also stated that the investigation confirmed the deaths of over 60 people and the rape of many women. Jeylan Abdi, Head of the Federal Police Media and Communication Department, told BBC Amharic that the suspects were arrested recently in a 15-day operation in Addis Ababa, Harari, and other areas. Police stated that the suspects' investigation file has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice. It is also known that houses, vehicles, and other properties registered in their names have been frozen. July 14, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107030

tldr: Ethiopian Federal Police arrested 17 dangerous human traffickers, linked to over 60 migrant deaths, numerous rapes, and illegally collecting over 1 billion Birr. #Crime @ByteTikvah

Saudi Arabia's Border Guard announced the arrest of four (4) Ethiopians for attempting to smuggle 34 kg of hashish into the Asir region. It is recalled that Saudi Arabia recently announced the arrest of 14 Ethiopians and Yemeni citizens attempting to smuggle 240 kg of khat, and another 3 Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 17 kg of hashish and 7,500 amphetamine pills. It is known that importing or trafficking narcotics into Saudi Arabia can lead to penalties up to death. July 14, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107028

tldr: Saudi Arabia arrested four Ethiopians for attempting to smuggle 34 kg of hashish, a crime punishable by death in the kingdom. #Crime @ByteTikvah

In the Red Sea, two giant oil tankers changed their course due to a Houthi warning.Two giant ships carrying oil from Saudi Arabia and sailing through the Red Sea were reportedly forced to change their course due to a warning issued by Yemen's Houthi forces.The two ships, which were transporting Saudi oil products to China and India, returned to where they came from after the Houthis announced a maritime activity embargo on Saudi Arabia.The Houthis, close allies of Iran and adversaries of Saudi Arabia, announced that they would target any ships heading to Saudi Arabia or departing from Saudi ports.Reuters news agency reported that the two ships that departed from Saudi Arabia, after a warning from Houthi militants, abandoned their journey towards the southern Red Sea route and turned back towards the Suez Canal.The global crude oil supply, already destabilized by Iran's threats in the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict between the US and Iran, has caused price increases; it is now believed that the current threat in the Red Sea will further exacerbate this crisis.Among the ships forced by the Houthis to turn back was the super-large oil tanker named Xi Long Yang, which was carrying two million barrels of oil and had departed from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, Yanbu port, on Monday, heading towards China.The Houthis are known for previously attacking ships in the Red Sea that they claimed had connections with the US and Israel, and it is not forgotten that some ships have sunk.The information is from the BBC.July 14, 2018 E.C. Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107027

tldr: Two Saudi oil tankers diverted in the Red Sea due to Houthi warnings and a maritime embargo, escalating global oil supply concerns. #World @ByteTikvah

#USA The American "American Space" center was inaugurated at Hawassa University. US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, officially inaugurated and opened the "American Space" center established at Hawassa University. The center, built with the support of the US Embassy, will provide various free services in research, technology, and digital skills to university students, teachers, researchers, and local youth. The center offers: - Free internet and digital library services, - Information and advice on educational opportunities in the USA, - STEM, - Computer programming, - Robotics, - Digital skills, and English language training. Additionally, discussions and workshops focused on leadership, professional skills, creative work, and media literacy will be held. At the inauguration ceremony, Sidama Regional State Deputy Chief Administrator and Head of Education Bureau Ato Beyene Barasa, Hawassa University President Dr. Tsirotew Ayele, and other high-ranking officials from the region and city were present. Ambassador Ervin Massinga stated that the center encourages youth in technology and research sectors, and announced that the US Embassy will continue its support. Officials from Sidama Regional State and Hawassa University also stated that the center will expand international knowledge and skill opportunities for students, researchers, and youth. Tikvah Ethiopia Hawassa July 14, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107025

tldr: US Ambassador Ervin Massinga inaugurated an "American Space" center at Hawassa University, offering free technology, research, and digital skill services to students and youth. The center, supported by the US Embassy, aims to expand international knowledge and skill opportunities. #Education @ByteTikvah

Escalating Online Fraud The Federal Attorney General announced that users are being defrauded of up to 500,000 Birr through social media messages like "I live abroad," "I'm looking for a partner," or "I have a terminal illness; I need a trustworthy person to manage my wealth." W/ro Etawork Tesfaye, Deputy Director of Organized and Transnational Crimes at the Attorney General's Office, told Sheger FM Radio that fraudsters create fake identities using Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram to trap victims. Messages like "I am rich" and "I have chosen you above all others" are also among the deceptive tactics they use. After strengthening their relationship with victims, another person calls from a different phone number, stating, "The item we sent has arrived at customs; however, because it contains dollars or gold, payment is required," and sends a photo of a packaged item, making them send money. It was indicated that people are defrauded of 500,000 Birr and more through this process. W/ro Etawork advised social media users to ask themselves, "Why was I chosen among everyone?" and "How can payment be requested for a gift?" to protect themselves from such scams. Online fraud crime is expanding, with over 80 major case files involving damages exceeding 100,000 Birr filed by the Federal Attorney General in the last fiscal year alone. It was noted that the total number would be even higher when cases registered in sub-cities and other justice institutions are added. This information is owned by Sheger FM Radio Station. July 14, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107022

tldr: The Federal Attorney General warns of escalating online fraud, with victims losing up to 500,000 Birr through social media scams involving fake identities and customs payment requests. #Crime @ByteTikvah

Ethiopia's annual visa issuance has exceeded one million, it was announced. Except for citizens of five restricted countries, citizens of other countries worldwide are benefiting from visa-on-arrival after obtaining pre-approval. A senior official of the Immigration and Citizenship Service told Tikvah Ethiopia that due to Ethiopia's improved visa issuance system, the annual number of visas issued has increased from a previous 276,000 to over one million. The institution stated that fundamental changes have been made in visa issuance over the past two years, recalling that in the 2015 Ethiopian budget year, only 276,000 visas were issued, but in the 2017 and 2018 budget years, the number reached over 1,046,000. The official explained that Ethiopia currently restricts only citizens of five countries, providing visa-on-arrival services to all other countries worldwide after obtaining pre-approval. It is stated that countries eligible for this service have been identified and have been benefiting from the service for over two years. This service is implemented in two ways: travelers apply in advance and receive their visas at Bole International Airport or other land borders, and by arriving directly at the airport (Walk-in) to receive the service, they explained. The visa issuance process is based on the security situation of each country, the history of its citizens, and their relationship with Ethiopia. Strict control is exercised, especially over countries where citizens frequently come on tourist visas and work without permits, overstay, or use false documents. For example, they mentioned that citizens of some countries who previously received three-month visas have had their visas reduced to one month due to engaging in illegal work after arriving on tourist visas. The official added that due to the prevailing security situation and migration risks in the unnamed countries, the visa issuance process has been made highly cautious and based on an online verification process. It was also indicated that in some countries, the previously strict controls have now been somewhat relaxed. The improvement in visa issuance has brought about a significant change in the country's tourist flow. Previously, tourists stayed for only a few days, but now the number of visitors staying for one month or more has increased, the official pointed out. The official stated that obtaining a visa is not a full guarantee for entry into the country, and international security checks and verification work at border checkpoints will continue to be strengthened. Tikvah Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, July 14, 2018 E.C. Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107020

tldr: Ethiopia's annual visa issuance surpassed one million, a substantial increase from 276,000, due to an improved system offering visa-on-arrival to most countries, boosting tourism. #Politics @ByteTikvah

🌱 The Twin Awash companies planted their 8th round of Green Legacy! Under the motto "Let's Plant Hope," on July 12, 2018 E.C., Awash Bank and Awash Insurance, in collaboration with Green Wave Alliance, planted 20,000 avocado seedlings in Godino Jitu Kebele, Ada'a Woreda, leaving a green legacy for environmental protection, food security, economic growth, and future generations. Planting trees means not only protecting today's environment but also planting hope for tomorrow. We will continue to contribute our part to building a green Ethiopia. #AwashBank #NurturingLikeTheRiver #AwashInsurance #ተስፋን_እንትከል #አረንጓዴ_አሻራ #GreenLegacy Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107017

tldr: Awash Bank and Awash Insurance, with Green Wave Alliance, planted 20,000 avocado seedlings in Ada'a Woreda for their 8th Green Legacy initiative. This project aims to foster environmental protection, food security, and economic growth for future generations. #Environment @ByteTikvah

The Crucial Trade Route: Red Sea. Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi forces announced a ban on the maritime movement of Saudi Arabian ships. The group announced the ban, accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing an "unjust and oppressive siege" on Yemen. The Houthis announced that the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major Red Sea passage, would be closed to Saudi ships. This was noted as a move that weakens the UN-backed ceasefire agreement that has been in place since 2022. The ban came after an attack on Sana'a airport, which is under Houthi control. Although the Yemeni government claimed "I carried out the attack" to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, the Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia, launched a missile attack, and now announced a maritime movement ban. If Bab al-Mandab is completely closed, global oil supply could decrease by up to 7%; it could significantly disrupt commercial shipping and energy supply in the Red Sea. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-led coalition rejected the Houthi statement as "misleading." They stated that hundreds of commercial ships are still entering and exiting ports under Houthi control without hindrance. The coalition condemned the Houthis' maritime ban decision as "an act of piracy violating international law" and announced the initiation of security protection measures to safeguard Saudi commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Is Iran exerting pressure? It is being said that the Yemeni Houthis' maritime movement ban is linked to the escalating geopolitical tension in the region. It is said that Iran "pressured" the Houthis to disrupt crucial shipping lanes for Western and Gulf countries as a response to US military attacks on its infrastructure. Tikvah Ethiopia collected this information from Reuters, Al Jazeera, and other websites. Tikvah Ethiopia July 14, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107014

tldr: Iran-backed Houthis banned Saudi ships from the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab Strait, citing an unjust Saudi siege on Yemen, threatening global oil and shipping. #World @ByteTikvah

"Deaths from high blood pressure have reached an alarming level" - Dr. Amdemeskel Mersha. In Ethiopia, the number of people dying from high blood pressure is increasing more significantly than from other fatal diseases. Dr. Amdemeskel Mersha, an internal medicine specialist at Yekatit 12 Medical College, told Tikvah Ethiopia that "the prevalence of high blood pressure in Ethiopia has increased to 17.3% from its previous level." He explained, "While deaths from so-called fatal diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and upper respiratory tract infections are decreasing due to the relative expansion of treatment and progress, deaths from high blood pressure have increased." He clarified that the combined annual death toll from these listed diseases is 8 million, while high blood pressure alone accounts for 10.5 million. He stated that deaths from high blood pressure have reached an alarming level. "If we don't control high blood pressure properly, 10 million people die every year. According to current data, 10 million people lose their lives due to high blood pressure. But if all of that is well treated and the pressure can be controlled, all these deaths can be reduced," he said. He explained that in addition to deaths caused by high blood pressure itself, related diseases like stroke also lead to death. "Although many of these similar deaths could be prevented or reduced, the community's habit of seeking medical attention is low," he said. He explained that the presence of high blood pressure is often only known after it has caused internal damage, through symptoms appearing in an affected body part, or sometimes even after death, emphasizing the need for regular medical monitoring of blood pressure. According to a World Health Organization study, 1,000 people worldwide die from high blood pressure every hour, and one in three adults has high blood pressure, but "unfortunately, half of them don't know they have the disease," he said. What are the risk factors for high blood pressure? Dr. Amdemeskel stated that the risk factors for high blood pressure are often unknown, saying, "The cause of over 90% of high blood pressure cases is unknown even after many tests. Therefore, the only option is to control blood pressure with medication." In connection, he stated that although factors like obesity, goiter, blood vessel problems, improper medication use, and similar issues are causes of high blood pressure, symptoms often appear only after the disease has caused damage, and high blood pressure often has no symptoms. He added that blood pressure treatment is needed to prevent these problems. What factors accelerate high blood pressure? He listed: eating salty foods, not eating fruits and vegetables, lack of physical activity, alcoholic beverages, smoking, weight gain, family history/heredity, and similar factors. What do the numbers say? According to a World Health Organization study, out of a total global population of 8 billion, 1.4 billion people have high blood pressure. Of these, 800 million know they have it, while 600 million do not. Of the 800 million people worldwide who know they have high blood pressure, 160 million do not start treatment even though they are aware. Among the 800 million, 630 million start treatment, but only 320 million consistently follow up and control their blood pressure. Studies show that in addition to claiming lives, high blood pressure costs approximately $3.7 trillion globally per year. Tikvah Ethiopia, Addis Ababa #TikvahEthiopiaFamilyAA @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107012

tldr: High blood pressure deaths are alarmingly increasing in Ethiopia, with 17.3% prevalence. Globally, it causes 10.5 million annual deaths, largely due to undiagnosed cases and poor management. #Health @ByteTikvah