ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopian Electric Power reports a 20 percent drop in water levels at major dams due to El Niño, leading to reduced power generation and revenue targets for the 2019 fiscal year.

Ethiopian Electric Power announced that due to the El Niño phenomenon, the amount of water flowing into major power generation dams has decreased by an average of about 20 percent over the past months. The institution explained that it has confirmed this information through continuous monitoring. The institution's CEO, Engineer Ashebir Balcha, stated that the water flowing into the dams has been monitored since June, noting that the monitoring was based on various meteorological forecasts. The impact of El Niño has primarily affected the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Gibe III, which account for the largest share of total power generation. Although more than 65 percent of total power generation comes from these two dams, the CEO confirmed that 'there is a 20 percent reduction in the amount of water entering these two power plants' due to the lack of rainfall during the rainy season. For this reason, although the institution's main plans for the 2019 fiscal year show a decrease in terms of revenue, it plans to increase its generation capacity from 9,730 megawatts to 9,770 megawatts. The plan set by Ethiopian Electric Power for the 2019 fiscal year shows a decrease in various sectors because the water entering major dams, especially the Grand Renaissance Dam and Gibe III, has decreased by 20 percent due to the El Niño phenomenon. The institution generated 35,671 gigawatt-hours of power in the 2018 fiscal year, but plans to generate 32,134 gigawatt-hours for 2019; this shows a decrease of about 3,671 gigawatt-hours or 10.3 percent. In terms of total revenue, the institution earned 124.2 billion Birr in 2018 and plans to collect 121.2 billion for 2019; the difference amounts to about 3 billion Birr (2.4 percent). The institution earned 475.7 million dollars in foreign currency in 2018, but plans to earn 278.63 million dollars for 2019; this shows a decrease of about 197 million dollars or 41.5 percent. The main reason for this decrease is that the amount of power supplied to data mining companies is being reduced due to the decrease in water. Regarding the lack of rainfall, the institution stated that although July and August have passed, September and October are crucial to see the full picture. It announced that it will evaluate the actual situation until the end of October and make a decision on whether to increase or decrease the supply for data mining. Tikvah Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107675

#Business @ByteTikvah

tldr: Global oil prices rose by nearly two percent after the United States launched airstrikes against Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran on US military bases.

Following the resurgence of conflict in the Middle East after the United States launched an attack on Iran on Sunday night for the first time in 6 weeks, oil prices in the international market have increased. Oil prices, which had recorded a decline last week, saw an increase of nearly two percent following the US attack. The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, which is considered a benchmark for oil prices, has increased by $1.77 and is being sold at $89.87. In yesterday's attack, which is the first notable strike by the US since July, the US announced that it hit two launchers located on the Iranian island of Larak. Following this, Iran stated that it had carried out attacks on US military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. This information is owned by the BBC. August 25, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107673

#World @ByteTikvah

tldr: The family of 8th-grade student Hiyab Kiflom is seeking public assistance to locate her after she went missing.

Help us find our child! Hiyab Kiflom, an 8th-grade student, went missing on Nehasse 24, 2018 E.C. around 11:00 AM after leaving her home near Halewot Church to buy water, her family stated. Hiyab is an 8th-grade student at Kaliti Ethio National School. When she left home, she was wearing a white hoodie and light-colored jeans, and her hair was braided. Her disappearance was reported to the Meskel Flower Square Police Department on Nehasse 24. Anyone who has seen Hiyab or knows her whereabouts is urged to immediately notify her family at the following phone numbers: +251 0911489693, +251 0913105835, +251 0900625369, or +251 0947001407. Please share this information. Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107672

#Local @ByteTikvah

tldr: A severe drought in Jara Mora Woreda, North Gondar, Ethiopia, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 96,000 people facing food and water shortages. The drought has caused crop failure, livestock deaths, and forced residents to drink contaminated water, leading to disease outbreaks. Tragically, seven men attempted suicide due to despair, resulting in two deaths.

"Due to the severe pressure of life and the feeling of despair caused by the drought, seven men attempted suicide by drinking poison on the same day, and two of them lost their lives" - Jara Amora Woreda Agricultural Office • Over 4,000 pregnant and lactating mothers are exposed to food shortages. • Over 3,000 animals have died due to lack of fodder and water. (TNH Ethiopia) It has been reported that the severe drought that occurred in Jara Mora Woreda in North Gondar Zone is causing a widespread humanitarian crisis in the area. Of the 38 kebeles (districts) under the woreda, 18 have been affected by the drought, and as a result, over 96,000 people are exposed to severe food and water shortages, Ato Solih Hassan, head of the Woreda Agricultural Office, told TNH Ethiopia. The official indicated that the lack of rainfall in the area is the main cause of the problem. The rain, which traditionally should have started in May in the area, was delayed until July 19, preventing farmers from planting their crops on time. He pointed out that out of the total 38 kebeles in the woreda, only 5 received rain for the first time on July 19, and 5 kebeles received rain for only 4 days after the start of the rainy season. Of the over 25,000 hectares of land that were planted, over 8,001 hectares failed to germinate at all, and it is known that the teff crop, in particular, has been almost completely destroyed, which has created a severe food security crisis in the area. He stated that about 4,000 hectares of the planted crops have withered, and in total, out of the woreda's 26,659 hectares of agricultural land, about 12,126 hectares of land have been damaged and are in a condition that is not suitable for food, except possibly for seeds and fodder. Ato Solih also said that the damage caused by this drought disaster to human life and psychology has reached a very alarming level. It has been heard that in Wasel Kebele, one of the kebeles in the woreda, seven men attempted suicide by drinking poison on the same day due to the severe pressure of life and the feeling of despair caused by the drought. Of these, two immediately lost their lives, while five were saved with medical assistance, the head of the office told TNH Ethiopia. Related to food shortages, currently 71 children are suffering from severe food shortages, and 5029 children are suffering from moderate food shortages. In addition, over 4,000 pregnant and lactating mothers are exposed to the same problem. As river flows have decreased by more than 90 percent, the public has been forced to drink contaminated water. As a result, infectious diseases such as scabies, malaria, and dysentery are widespread in the woreda. According to information received so far, over 3,000 animals have died due to lack of fodder and water, and about 4,000 animals have migrated to neighboring areas in search of better grass and water. Furthermore, although the outbreak of Anthrax disease in the area is known, there is a fear that the death of animals may worsen because there is no medicine stock in the woreda and medicine is also unavailable at the regional level, making it impossible to purchase with money. Ato Solih stated that the support from the government and other relief organizations has not been sufficient so far, and mentioned that the Ethiopian Red Cross Society has started a study in two kebeles. However, given the scale and depth of the problem, he appealed to all concerned parties to provide urgent support, emphasizing that if immedia... Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107670

#Environment @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopia's Ministry of Revenue is installing high-quality surveillance cameras in factories producing excisable goods like beer and bottled drinks. The government has budgeted around 300 million birr for this digital monitoring system, aimed at curbing tax evasion by accurately tracking production and sales.

The Ministry of Revenue has started installing high-quality surveillance cameras in manufacturing facilities subject to excise tax, particularly in beer and bottled beverage factories, Capital newspaper reported. According to the newspaper's report, the government has allocated a budget of approximately 300 million birr for the digital monitoring system. The cameras will be used to instantly monitor production lines, packaging sections, warehouses, loading docks, and product transportation. The system aims to reduce tax evasion by monitoring the difference between a factory's actual production and its declared production volume. According to the directives, products subject to excise tax, including alcohol, beer, wine, bottled water, tobacco, perfume, and sweet or carbonated beverages, will be identified by digital codes or excise stamps. Additionally, it was mentioned that there is a directive for factories to install technological systems at their own expense that allow for remote monitoring of their production and transportation processes. This information is owned by Capital newspaper. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107665

#Business @ByteTikvah

tldr: Maychew town lost all electricity on Sunday, August 24, 2018 E.C., after six transmission towers collapsed due to heavy rain and strong winds. Repairs are underway but will take several days.

Maychew town is completely without electricity service. The town has been completely without electricity service since today, Sunday, August 24, 2018 E.C., at 5:30 PM. The Maychew Town Communication Affairs Office announced that the power outage was due to the collapse of six electricity transmission towers that transmit electricity to the town. The office stated that the towers fell due to a natural disaster, indicating that the incident occurred in an area located in Kara-Adishaho Kebele, Raya Azebo Woreda, in the Southern Zone. Similarly, the Maychew Town and surrounding area Electric Power Branch Service stated that the towers collapsed due to a disaster caused by heavy rain mixed with strong wind. Although efforts are being made to urgently repair the damaged towers, the service center announced that the repair work could take several days. Therefore, the public has been called upon to wait patiently until the repair is completed. It was also reported that on Sunday, August 24, 2018 E.C., many areas that had not received sufficient winter rain received rain. Tikvah Ethiopia, August 24, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107663

#Local @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopia Electric Power is negotiating a $400 million commercial loan from Italian lenders for the Koysha Dam, following exceptional IMF approval due to a significant budget deficit for the 3 billion Euro project.

Ethiopia Electric Power announced it is negotiating with Italian lending institutions to borrow $400 million in commercial loans. The negotiation is taking place after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) exceptionally granted permission for Ethiopia to take a commercial loan specifically for the Koysha project. In an explanation regarding its 2018 fiscal year performance and 2019 main plans, Ethiopia Electric Power provided clarification concerning the Koysha Dam, one of the massive projects currently under construction. According to the institution, the construction of the Koysha Dam has now reached 77 percent. The institution's CEO, Eng. Ashebir Balcha, explained that despite the project facing significant financial problems, it has been possible to continue and make the project successful through government support and the institution's own revenue. For the 2019 fiscal year, they announced plans to increase construction performance from 77 percent to 87 percent, raise the dam's height to 201 meters, and fully complete the dam itself. However, they clarified that even though the power-generating turbine might not be ready for power generation, the focus is on completing the dam itself. Nevertheless, the official confirmed that there is still a significant financial shortage at Koysha. According to Eng. Ashebir Balcha, "We still have a budget gap at Koysha," and he explained that the total cost of the project is nearly 3 billion Euros, which is a significant investment required before any power is generated. To fill this financial gap, he indicated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) exceptionally granted permission for a commercial loan specifically for the Koysha project, and the institution is negotiating with Italian lending institutions. He stated that in recent negotiations, Italian lending institutions showed their willingness to lend about 400 million Euros, and after securing 400 million from Italian banks out of a total required cost of over 500 million Euros, the institution plans to cover the remaining amount with its own resources to complete the project. Although the project was planned to be completed within seven years when the original contract was signed, it has been stated that two to three years have been added beyond that deadline. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa August 24, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107661

#Business @ByteTikvah

tldr: Sante Medical College announces that registration is open for its undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. The college highlights its international accreditations and high success rates in exit exams.

Sante Medical College | Sante' Medical College REGISTRATION IS OPEN... Why Choose Santé Medical College? 👉 Listed in the World Director Of Medical Schools /WDOMS/ 👉 Accepted by the General Medical Counsel of the United Kingdom (UK) 👉USMLE acceptance for its graduates 👉 Full Member of Consortium of Medical Schools of Africa (COMS-A) 👉 Appreciated by the FDRE Ministry of Education for its consecutive success in Exit Exams high pass rate Programs we offers: Undergraduate •👉Doctor of Medicine •👉Doctor of Dental Medicine •👉Medical Laboratory Science Post graduate •👉MPH in General Public Health •👉MPH in Reproductive Health Registration Days: Monday - Saturday (8:00am-5:00pm) Contact us at: •👉Addis Ababa, Bisrate Gebriel, @Doba Building 📞 +251-944-36-80-87 📞 +251-113-72-74-34 .👉Telegram: https://t.me/Sante_Medical_College •👉Email: santemc2008@gmail.com •👉https://www.santemedicalcollege.edu.et Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107659

#General @ByteTikvah

tldr: 66-year-old security guard Priest Seifu Tesfaye scored 320 points on Ethiopia's 12th-grade national exam, qualifying for university admission. His inspiring achievement gained social media attention and earned him a reward from his employer bank.

Priest Seifu Tesfaye, who scored 320 points!Priest Seifu Tesfaye, who practically demonstrated the truth that "age does not limit education if there is desire and motivation," scored 320 points in this year's 12th-grade national exam, becoming one of the notable candidates awaiting university admission.Priest Seifu Tesfaye is a resident of Grazzafo village, Dejen Kebele, Selewa Woreda, Southern Zone, Tigray Region.The 66-year-old Priest Seifu works as a security guard at Anbessa Bank in Selewa town. Alongside his job, he continued his education and managed to take the 12th-grade national exam.Among the 29,000 candidates who took the 12th-grade national exam in the Tigray Region this year, Priest Seifu was one, and he is also one of the 3,146 candidates who achieved a passing score by getting 320 points.Priest Seifu's result gained attention on social media, and the bank where he works also celebrated his successful achievement by giving him a reward.Priest Seifu's story shows that age, work, or other circumstances are not obstacles to learning, and if there is desire and motivation, a person can achieve any goal they wish.Priest Seifu is married and a father of 6 children.August 23, 2018 E.C.@tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107657

#Education @ByteTikvah

tldr: Armed groups launched a severe attack in Kamashi Zone, Benishangul Gumuz, resulting in two confirmed deaths, thousands displaced, over a thousand homes burned, and widespread property destruction, marking the third such incident this year.

It was reported that a severe attack by armed groups occurred recently in Kamashi Zone, an area that has repeatedly experienced such attacks, leading to the loss of human lives.Residents and a member of the regional council told Tikvah Ethiopia that armed forces carried out an attack in "Anger Meti" or "Ayshanjidim" kebele in Mijiga Woreda, Kamashi Zone, Benishangul Gumuz region, causing casualties, displacing many, and inflicting severe damage to homes and property.The head of Kamashi Zone Government Communication confirmed the attack to Tikvah Ethiopia. Ato Lemesa Neno, a member of the regional council, stated, "Two people were killed. Many houses were burned."He further explained that "the Shane armed group had previously carried out repeated attacks on Anger Mite kebele, and recently burned and destroyed many houses again. Livestock were also stolen, and residents are scattered in the forest, their lives precarious."He mentioned that there was gunfire two days ago in the area, stating, "They destroyed not only houses but also grain storage silos inside the houses. This is the third attack this year alone."What did residents tell Tikvah Ethiopia?One resident, in their statement, estimated that over five thousand residents have been displaced, and over one thousand houses have been burned. They also reported that hundreds of quintals of grain were burned and hundreds of cattle were driven away and stolen.Another eyewitness resident said, "A big problem occurred in Ayshanjidim kebele; I was there. The attack has been repeated in the area; this is the third time it happened; the militants entered the town; after that, they started burning houses; the people are scattered in the forests."Explaining that they are searching for the whereabouts of the residents, the resident said, "We don't even know where they are alive." They added, "This act was committed by a coordinated force; it includes 'Geda Commando' and 'ONAG Shane'."They also mentioned casualties, stating, "We are struggling to find the missing. The relevant body should help us. They burned houses with fuel. Stored products were burned."Another resident stated that the armed group, which the government calls "Shane," carried out the attack in the same kebele, saying, "Although we don't know their motive, this is the third attack this year alone. This current attack is severe.""The attack completely destroyed all property in the kebele. The act committed is painful. One kebele is destroyed. There is nothing called house or property. The unarmed individuals they brought carried fuel and gasoline, and after the militants launched the attack, they completely burned down the kebele," they said."They use areas called 8th and 4th as a springboard for attacks. Before this attack, various signs were visible; even though we provided information to the relevant authorities when the militants gathered to attack, there was a problem of government security forces not entering the area and taking action," they added.Regional council member Ato Lemesa Neno, explaining yesterday's situation, stated that the defense forces have entered the area and are gathering people who fled the attack. Residents have also asked for a permanent halt to the attacks in the area.What did the Zone tell Tikvah Ethiopia?Ato Boka Abose, Head of Kamashi Zone Government Communication, confirmed the attack in the kebele, saying, "It is true. Anti-peace forces have attacked. Homes and property have been destroyed." He also stated that the area is bordering Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia regions.He stated that detailed information regarding the extent of the damage from the attack has not yet reached the... Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107655

#Local @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopian universities are working to expedite student admissions for the 2019 E.C. academic year, which is scheduled to begin on September 5, 2019 E.C.

Work is underway for universities to quickly carry out student admissions. Minister of Education, Birhanu Nega (Prof.), stated that after Addis Ababa University and Science and Technology Universities complete recruitment and admission, work is being done for other universities to also issue calls quickly. The 2019 E.C. academic year is scheduled to begin on September 5, 2019 E.C., and he announced that efforts are underway to meet this schedule. Tikvah Ethiopia #TikvahEthiopia @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107653

#Education @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopian police arrested 32 Eritrean migrants, including 7 children, and three human traffickers in Arba Minch. They were attempting to cross into Kenya, and an investigation is currently underway.

32 Eritreans and 3 human traffickers arrested in Arba Minch. Commander Kibebew Adal, Commander of Arba Minch City Police, informed Tikvah Ethiopia that 32 Eritrean citizens who were illegally transiting, along with two recipients and one driver with their vehicle, have been apprehended. Commander Kibebew stated that the Eritreans, originating from central Ethiopia, were attempting to cross into Kenya via Arba Minch, Konso, and Jinka. He added that they were apprehended based on a tip from the community and coordinated surveillance by security structures, found hiding in a hall under the Seattle Bed House ground in Nech Sar Kebele, Seqa Sub-city, where mattresses were laid out. In total, 32 Eritreans were arrested: 11 men, 14 women, and 7 children. The commander also announced the apprehension of two additional traffickers, a "Code 3-23042 AA" plate number Hiyroof vehicle that brought the migrants to Arba Minch, and its driver. He told Tikvah Ethiopia that an investigation is underway regarding the traffickers and that the process of handing over the migrants to the regional police will be carried out. Tikvah Ethiopia Hawassa August 22, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107651

#Crime @ByteTikvah

tldr: The Federal High Court granted the police a final 7-day extension to complete their investigation file on EPRP members suspected of terrorism. The court reviewed existing forensic and technical evidence, deeming it sufficient, and the suspects' bail request will be heard on August 28, 2018 E.C.

#Court The Federal Police was granted a final extension of 7 additional days to complete and submit its investigation file on the EPRP members arrested on suspicion of terrorist acts. It is recalled that in yesterday's court session, the Federal Police requested an additional 14 days for investigation against the EPRP members arrested on suspicion of terrorist acts, including the party's lawyers Ato Yishak Wolday, Ato Abebe Akalu, and Ato Abera Nigussie. The Federal Police requested additional days to organize evidence, analyze bank information, and take statements from remaining witnesses. The Federal High Court, Lideta Division, First Adjournment Bench, which had scheduled today to rule on the Federal Police's request for additional investigation time, granted 7 days out of the 14 days requested by the police, for the final time. Ato Solomon Gezahegn, the suspects' lawyer, told Tikvah Ethiopia that the court ordered the police's investigation file to be presented and reviewed "the process of the police's investigation file". Ato Solomon stated that the court noted the submission of "forensic and technical evidence" in the file, saying it was "sufficient" for the terror suspects, and urged the police to complete and submit the remaining work. So far, only two witnesses have been heard, and the lawyer informed us that additional time was granted solely to hear witnesses, as the police stated, "we have more remaining". He stated that the case was adjourned "for the last time until August 28, 2018 E.C." solely to take statements from the remaining additional witnesses and complete the investigation file. Although the police requested 14 days, the court granted "only seven days". Ato Solomon Gezahegn further explained to Tikvah Ethiopia that the suspects' bail request will be considered concurrently on August 28, when the police present their completed investigation. Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa August 22, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107649

#Crime @ByteTikvah

tldr: Yeda Woreda in North Gondar faces a severe drought, impacting over 95,500 residents, causing 15,000 animal deaths, crop destruction, and displacement, necessitating urgent regional aid.

“In just about 50 days since July 1, 15,000 animals have died due to the drought” - Woreda Agriculture Office (to Tikvah Ethiopia). • More than 95,000 residents are said to be exposed to severe problems due to the severe lack of rain and drought. Following the severe occurrence of rain shortage this year in Yeda Woreda, North Gondar Zone, which used to happen periodically in the past few years, the Woreda Agriculture Office told Tikvah Ethiopia that a severe drought has occurred in 18 of the 22 kebeles in the woreda. Ato Gebrehiwot Belayneh, head of the Woreda Agriculture Office, told Tikvah Ethiopia that more than 95,500 of the 122,000 residents in the woreda are exposed to severe problems due to the drought. The official added that the rain, which should have fallen earlier in the highland areas, was delayed until July 19 and is still falling intermittently, causing significant damage to agriculture in the area. According to the office's information, out of the 17,075 hectares of land covered by seeds in the woreda, more than 14,375 hectares have been affected by the drought. In addition, seeds that had sprouted on more than 450 hectares of land were forced to be plowed under due to drying, and 2,228 hectares of crops were destroyed by pest and disease outbreaks that followed the drought. This will significantly reduce the local crop yield and endanger future food security, they stated. Ato Gebrehiwot also stated that the drought is not only affecting people and crops but also causing severe damage to livestock, confirming that over 15,000 animals have died due to the drought in just about 50 days since July 1, 2018 E.C. Following this situation, nearly 6,550 residents have so far been displaced from their areas in search of livelihoods, he added. Although no human lives have been lost due to the drought so far, there is a real concern that the problem could escalate to a more severe level if the current crops do not receive sufficient rain in the coming days, he said. The woreda administration announced that it is making efforts to calm the public and carry out moisture conservation works to cope with the problem. "However, as the scale of the problem is becoming beyond the woreda's capacity, senior experts from the zone and region, as well as relevant government bodies, have been brought to the area to study the extent of the damage," he said, calling on the relevant bodies to provide urgent support to the affected people and strengthen preparedness for the upcoming difficult period. Tikvah Ethiopia August 22, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107647

#Environment @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopian Electric Power announced a record 124.2 billion Birr revenue and 39.5 billion Birr net profit for the 2018 fiscal year, operating 21 power plants with a 9,730 MW capacity.

The Ethiopian Electric Power announced it generated a total revenue of 124.2 billion Birr in the 2018 fiscal year. The institution's net profit for the fiscal year was 39.5 billion Birr. Ethiopian Electric Power has unveiled its 2018 fiscal year performance report and key plans for the 2019 fiscal year. The institution currently has 21 power generation stations with a capacity to generate 9,730 MW of power. However, it was explained that this is the installed generation capacity and does not mean it always generates this much power when needed. The institution announced it achieved 91.88 percent of its plan for the fiscal year, and its profit is the highest in the institution's history, according to CEO Eng. Ashebir Balcha. Of the institution's total power production, 95 percent comes from hydropower, and the remaining 5 percent is generated from wind power. Currently, the institution has 21 power plants with a total generation capacity of 9,730 MW, including 15 hydropower plants (9,201 MW), 5 wind power plants (504 MW), and 1 geothermal power plant (25 MW). Eng. Ashebir stated that the institution's total assets reached 900.54 billion Birr, its authorized capital is 1.3 trillion Birr, and its paid-up capital is 585 billion Birr. It was explained from the information released by the institution that the electricity it generates is primarily for domestic consumption, with 93.5 percent for local use and the remaining 6.5 percent exported to foreign countries. Tikvah Ethiopia August 22, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107645

#Business @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopia renewed Reuters' reporting license after a six-month suspension due to alleged violations of national laws and journalistic ethics. The decision followed discussions where Reuters committed to balanced, accurate, and ethical reporting, respecting Ethiopian laws and national interests.

Reuters' permanent news agency reporting license, which had been suspended for the past six months, has been renewed.The Director-General of the Ethiopian Media Authority, Haymanot Zeleke, held discussions with Nick Tatters, Executive Editor of the international news organization Reuters, and Sylvia Aloisi, Africa Editor.During this time, she informed them, based on the Authority's media monitoring results, that "some of the media content Reuters disseminated regarding Ethiopia over the past seven months violated our country's laws, the media proclamation, and our national interest, and did not follow journalistic professional ethics."The Director-General explained, citing the dates and subjects of reports Reuters recently disseminated about Ethiopia, that they showed problems with:- Balance,- Accuracy,- Credibility and objectivity, and were one-sided.She emphasized that these reports violated our country's law, the media proclamation, and journalistic professional ethics.During the discussion, Reuters officials reached an understanding that the news organization would make the necessary corrections and adjustments.Reuters officials stated that the news agency is an independent media outlet and announced that it follows strict editorial guidelines to produce balanced, well-informed, and unbiased reports.They also apologized for occasional errors and assured that corrections would be provided.Reuters stated that it holds Ethiopia in high regard and believes the country deserves extensive international media coverage commensurate with its population and economic size.Reuters also indicated its commitment to operating in compliance with Ethiopian law and its desire to cover the country's political, economic, and cultural values.The journalists also affirmed that they would adhere to professional ethics, understand Ethiopia's national interest, and respect its stance.At the conclusion of the discussion, the Authority renewed the reporting license for Reuters' news agencies in Ethiopia, which had been temporarily suspended due to violations of law and professional ethics.Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DF8WxTaDJ/August 22, 2018 E.C.@tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107643

#Politics @ByteTikvah

tldr: Ethiopia's Ministry of Revenues mandates multi-sector taxpayers to submit separate and consolidated 2018 financial reports, with a new digital system in development.

The Ministry of Revenues urged "Category A" taxpayers to be aware and prepare to submit financial reports for the 2018 budget year, requiring separate reports for each business sector and a consolidated report covering all business sectors. The Ministry of Revenues requested "Category A" taxpayers engaged in more than one business sector to be aware and prepare by maintaining separate accounting records for each business sector. This procedure is implemented in accordance with Article 86 and the provision set out in Schedule "C" of Income Tax Amendment Proclamation No. 1395/2017. According to the proclamation's provision, "Category A" taxpayers engaged in more than one business sector, "Category B" individual taxpayers providing professional services, registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), and voluntarily keeping records are required to prepare separate accounting records, supporting documents, and tax declarations for each business sector. Tikvah Ethiopia observed from a circular sent by the Ministry of Revenues to its branch offices that the tax declaration forms required to implement this legal provision are currently under development in the Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS). Since the Ministry's Tax Administration System (SIGTAS) is under development to accommodate the new procedure, and until the work is completed and the system is released according to the amendment proclamation, even though taxpayers who submit accounting records according to the Ethiopian calendar have until October 30, 2019 E.C., the Ministry requested taxpayers who come to declare their taxes for various reasons to use manually prepared forms. The Ministry reiterated that taxpayers must submit separate financial reports for each business sector and a consolidated report covering all business sectors when submitting their 2018 budget year financial reports. It was stated that once the development work on the system is completed, the information submitted by taxpayers will be entered into the computer system, and after that, manually filled declarations will not be accepted. Tikvah Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, August 21, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107639

#Business @ByteTikvah

tldr: Sudden floods and landslides on the Nepal-Tibet border killed 392 people and left over 1400 missing, devastating villages and roads.

⚠️ GRAPHIC CONTENT - This video contains shocking and disturbing content, so watch with caution. Due to sudden floods and landslides that swept away villages and destroyed roads on the Nepal-Tibet border, at least 392 people have died, and over 1400 people are missing in connection with the disaster. Video: From social media @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107637

#World @ByteTikvah

tldr: Police received 11 days to investigate Ministry of Labor officials for allegedly sending 30,000+ workers abroad with fake visas and embezzling over 200 million Birr.

#CourtPolice have been granted 11 additional days to conduct further investigation into alleged document forgery and corruption crimes committed by officials of the Ministry of Labor and Skills.👉 The suspects in the ongoing criminal case are accused of sending over 30,000 workers to Jordan using fake visas within a six-month period.👉 Police investigation is underway on the allegation that they collected over 200 million Birr through two fake bank accounts as a result of this illegal activity.(Tikvah Ethiopia)The investigation into high-level corruption and document forgery, which began against a total of 18 suspects, including the head of the Labor Market Information System (ELMIS) section and the foreign employment executive at the Ministry of Labor and Skills, is currently in court.The suspects apprehended by the Federal Police are:1st Ato Birhanu Aleka Asgedom (Head of ELMIS section),2nd Ato Ermias Teklu Zenebe (Foreign Employment Facilitation and Licensing Executive),3rd Nebil Anwar,4th Matewos Mamuye,5th Biniyam Musema,6th Ikram Aman, and others; a total of 18 suspects are included in the file.Of these, 8 are employees of the Ministry, 2 are agency representatives, and the remaining 8 are facilitators (brokers) who expedited the illegal activities, as explained by the strengthened police file.The suspects were apprehended on July 17, 2018 E.C., and today they appeared in court for the third time for a remand hearing.Police previously stated in their incomplete investigation file submitted to the court that the suspects committed a series of corruption crimes by abusing their authority and creating system malfunctions.It was stated that the 1st suspect, Ato Birhanu Aleka, by solely controlling the ELMIS (Labor Market Information System), disabling the online system, and deleting advertisements from the system, forced agencies and individuals into illegal dealings.It is alleged that citizens were made to appear as if they had completed appropriate training and passed COC exams without actually doing so, and by receiving up to 25,000 Birr for each person, fake competency certificates and employment contracts were prepared to send them abroad.Although the extent of the suspects' culpability will be confirmed by the investigation, police stated that in this manner, over 30,000 citizens were sent to Jordan with fake visas in just 6 months.It was noted in the police criminal investigation file that legal agencies were blocked without any fault, and were asked to pay a total of up to 10 million Birr to lift the ban.Conversely, it was also stated that they had been providing legal cover to 5 agencies that had no agreements with foreign countries, through financial negotiations.It was also mentioned that by preparing fake employee reports, they caused the country to lose a significant amount of foreign currency it should have earned.Through its audit and follow-up, the police have frozen 261 million Birr that was in two fake bank accounts opened in the names of the defendants.Furthermore, it was explained that they have frozen:• 6 residential houses, and• 4 vehicles belonging to the suspects, their families, and friends.In today's court session, the Federal Police requested an additional 14 days from the Federal High Court, Lideta Division, First Remand Bench, to conduct a system and operational audit and to hear remaining witnesses. However, after reviewing the file, the court reduced 3 days from the police's request and granted an additional 11 days for investigation, effective from August 18, 2018 E.C.The court will convene on August 29, 2018 E.C., to hear the police's strengthened investigation file.Tikvah EthiopiaAddis AbabaAugust 21, 2018 E.C.@tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107636

#Crime @ByteTikvah

tldr: ECHRCO reported observers were blocked from "tough discussions" at a national conference, where voting rules were ignored, leaving key issues like Addis Ababa unresolved. The council's preliminary report highlighted significant gaps in the conference's process and decision-making.

Report - ECHRCO The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECHRCO) stated that the observers it deployed to the recently held national consultative conference were unable to attend and observe discussions on the Addis Ababa issue and other "tough discussions". The Council today released its preliminary monitoring report on the conference. According to Mr. Mesud Gebeyehu, the Council's Director General, the Council views the inability of its 10 deployed observers to attend and observe the council's conference and the tough discussions as a significant gap. Furthermore, the voting guideline issued by the commission was not implemented. As a result, the Addis Ababa issue, without going through the initial voting process, was considered "stuck" and referred to a mediation team (for the regional council conference), which has caused dissatisfaction. In his response, Mr. Mesud stated that while the commission's preparation of a decision-making guideline is commendable, its failure to implement it fully is a gap. He explained that according to the guideline, if agreement on issues cannot be reached, decisions are made by obtaining over 75% and 70% of votes, but such a process was not followed. Although most of the more than 400 recommendations were agreed upon, the main ones, namely: - The Addis Ababa issue, - Government structure, - The House of Federation, - And flag issues, were handled with differences, and this happened because the commission did not follow the system to the end. The Director General stated that the recommendation given by the mediators' conference is not binding but rather a supportive idea for the commission's decision, indicating that it remains to be seen how much the commission will consider this recommendation. 📌 To read the full and detailed information on our Facebook page, follow this link: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DdYTXU7LT/ Tikvah Ethiopia Addis Ababa August 21, 2018 E.C. @tikvahethiopia Original Post: https://t.me/tikvahethiopia/107634

#Politics @ByteTikvah