vol. 24 no. 1246 july 25, 2020 addis ababa,...

Vol. 24 No. 1246 July 25, 2020 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA www.thereporterethiopia.com Price 10.00 Birr

Oromia police arrest Lidetu Ayalew|FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

#StaySafe

6000 MW

700 MW

74 BMC

4.9 BMC

6.5 BMC

Initial Generating capacity

generation

By Asrat Seyoum

In the middle of an eventful week, where the Ethiopian government has announced the completion of the first stage filling of the reservoir behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and a major breakthrough in the negotiations mediated by the African Union (AU);

the administration of Donald Trump is reported to be severely divided regarding the US foreign policy towards the region and a proposed aid cut to Ethiopia in support of Egypt over the GERD issue.

The latest from Foreign Policy Magazine (FP) revealed that President Trump’s foreign policy team is considering holding foreign aid to Ethiopia in relation to the latest negotiations on the filling of the GERD and the position that Ethiopia has

taken. The report also talks about the dissenting voices from within the administration that are uneasy about the level of partiality the US is displaying in this controversy.

Back in December 2019, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt went to Washington for a tripartite talk, whereby

Trump considering cutting aid to Ethiopia over GERD

Trump considering cutting . . . page 17

UNLOCKING GERD DIPLOMACY

2| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246

www.thereporterethiopia.com

EDITORIAL

Published weekly by Media & Communications Center

Address: Bole Sub City, Kebele 03/05, H. No. NewTel: 011 6 616180 Editorial011 6 616185 Reception 011 6 616187 Finance

Fax: 011 6 616189, PO Box:7023

0910 885206 Marketing [email protected]


General Manager Amare Aregawi Managing EditorBruh YihunbelayEditor-in-Chief Asrat Seyoum

Sub city: N.lafto, K. 10/18, H.No. 614Senior Editor

Dibaba AmensisaEditors

Kaleyesus Bekele Yonas Abiye

Bruck Getachew Online EditorBrook Abdu

Assistant Editor

Senior ReportersSamuel Getachew

Dawit Tolesa

Columnists

Tsion Taye

Chief Graphic Designer

Yibekal Getahun

Senior Graphic Designer

Sofoniyas Tadesse

Dagmawi Gobena

Graphic Designers

Tsehay Tadesse

Fasika Balcha

Semenh Sisay

Netsanet Yacob

Head of PhotographyNahom TesfayePhotographers

Tamrat GetachewMesfen Solomon

Daniel GetachewCartoonistElias Areda

Fasil W/giorgis Marketing Manager

Endalkachew Yimam

Lest the youth are co-opted into dismantling Ethiopia

The instigators of the recent violence in which hundreds of innocent civilians were brutally massacred and had their properties burned to the ground are now accusing the government of using excessive force to quell the violence and pontificating about respect for human rights. Loath to condemn barbaric acts perpetrated during the 21st century, they never tire to dig into the annals of history and lambast the atrocities committed by past dictators. They also work hand-in-gloves with their partners-in-crime at home and abroad to infect the youth with their vitriolic propaganda and enflame them to stoke ethnic and religious strife. Moreover, aside from hampering the fight to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its impact in Ethiopia, they are aiding and abetting Egypt’s plans to disrupt the completion of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. If the diabolic design of these elements is to be defeated the youth of Ethiopia need to stand together.

The singular defining feature of radical ethno-centrists is that they live in the past. The history of each and every country, including Ethiopia, is a mishmash of both the good and the bad. Many nations were for a significant part of their existence ruled by tyrants guilty of holocaust, slave trading and other barbaric acts. The founding fathers of the U.S., the titular cradle of democracy, were proud slave owners. The legacy of slave trade continues to this day in that country with blacks still suffering from institutional racism. If nations were prisoners of the past, they would never have made advances. Regrettably, the present generation of Ethiopia is caught up in wrangling over the past and dismantling the country instead of endeavoring to make its own history. The youth must not fall prey to the honey-laced yet poisonous narrative of radical ethno-centrists determined to incite them into wreaking

mayhem and destruction so that they may assume the reins of government.

The youth have to be discerning about how they consume the different iterations of Ethiopian history. They have to be constantly reminded by parents, teachers, religious institutions and particularly the media that in this day and age of information they need to think twice before acting on information that appeals to their bias. If they don’t ask themselves who the owner of the information, how it is sourced, to what end it was publicized as well as why it should be disseminated they are liable to do something imperiling the national interest. They need to wise up to the fact that the unholy alliance formed by the group swept from power and the forces it used to persecute, which have no qualms about using them as cannon fodders, are peddling false and toxic narratives to prod them into committing horrific acts in a bid to destabilize Ethiopia.

Parties which hold themselves out as the “paragons of democracy” and “federalist forces” are leveling patently false accusations that the

government in power is intent on building a unitarist state knowing in utter denial of the fact that each regional administration enjoys the right to self-govern. Ethiopia is a kaleidoscope of communities with diverse identities, cultures, languages, beliefs and mindsets. These differences have not prevented Ethiopians from forging shared values that have helped them to co-exist in harmony and preserve the nation’s unity for centuries. Although it’s incumbent on citizens to build on this pluralism and make strides together, elements bent on tearing the country to pieces and have not contributed anything of value to the nation are losing sleep over how to stir the youth to achieve their evil objective. As such the youth must be vigilant lest they are exploited for nefarious purposes.

Ethiopianness is a centuries-old project into which countless Ethiopians of all ethnicity and belief poured blood, sweat and tears; it’s an ideal on whose altar heroic citizens paid the ultimate sacrifice to maintain to this day. The Great Adwa Victory of 1896, the epoch-making defeat of a colonialist force

by our brave ancestors, was Ethiopia’s gift to the black people of the world under oppression. Sadly, parochial ethno-centrists consumed by hatred always belittle the role of the architects of this unprecedented feat. What they fail to understand is that Ethiopians’ unity can and will weather no matter how hard they try to instigate bloody intercommunal conflicts. Following the catastrophic havoc wreaked in some parts of Ethiopia by the recent violence the people and government of Ethiopia have come to appreciate the dangers of inaction and have vowed that they will no longer tolerate politicians and other individuals that toil to rent the nation asunder. These rabble rousers better distance themselves from destructive acts in the realization that the sole path to power lies in the peaceful pursuit of one’s political program. The youth can and should play a crucial role in compelling anyone contemplating to dismantle Ethiopia to come to their senses.

The leaders of government and political parties must always bear in mind that Ethiopia is a nation whose interest should be put above theirs and that they owe a solemn duty to build a great country. They also need to desist from poisoning the youth with false narratives that only serve to unravel the tie which bind Ethiopians together. Instead they should empower them to make their own bit of history. Politicians, activists and for that matter anybody else collaborating with Ethiopia’s strategic enemies must be told in no uncertain terms that they should not mess with it and will be brought to justice wherever they may be if they persist with harming its vital interests. Meanwhile, the government should purge corrupt and double-crossing individuals which had infiltrated its ranks. At the same time the youth have to rebuff anti-Ethiopia elements lest they co-opt them into dismantling Ethiopia.

HEADLINESThe Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246 |3


14|

The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246


FEATURE

TOUGH TIMES FOR

PUBLIC SCHOOLS DURING

COVID-19

14||FEATURE

TOUPUCO

12|

The Reporter, J


INTERVIEW

INSPIRING

THE NEXT GENERATION

Gebregziabher Gebre is an alumnus of Harvard University. He grew

up within SOS Children’s Village in Mekelle after his parents were

months old, transferred him to SOS Children’s Village, in the words of

Gebregziabher himself, because he was “too sick and too poor” to raise

Samuel Getachew

of The Reporter on his experience growing up in what he describes “an

alternative, family-based enviroment” during an era that killed over

one million people during the Derg regime, on being nominated for a

becoming a father. Excerpts:

10|



IN-DEPTH

Among them were new taxes that were to be introduced in mere months, the sudden banning of TV advertisements

within a new Ethiopian society that was beginning to see alcohol as hazardous on moral ground, while putting

little interest in the record amount of money the sector brought to the government coffers that in turn helped create

infrastructures and world-class factories and helping create thousands of needed jobs.

By Samuel Getachew

Late last year, in a chilly Addis

Ababa morning, the heads of

the breweries were invited to

meet with a senior government

minister. Eugene Ubalijoro

was tasked with presenting

a slew of issues that the

companies felt were deterring

them from doing business in

Ethiopia.

Among them were new taxes

that were to be introduced

in mere months, the sudden

banning of TV advertisements

within a new Ethiopian society

that was beginning to see

alcohol as hazardous on moral

ground, while putting little

interest in the record amount

of money the sector brought

to the government coffers

that in turn helped create

infrastructures and world-

class factories and helping

create thousands of needed

jobs.

Eugene, who started his career

with Heineken in 1990, was

advised to compare alcohol to

khat in explaining their issue.

Instead, he felt ridiculed in

front of his colleagues when

the minister asked him to sit

and ended the conversation

and departed shortly after.

Just a year at the helm of

one of Ethiopia’s two biggest

breweries, and with a young

child at Harvard, he asked to

be transferred from a nation

that he felt was beginning to

punish their success.

Within Ethiopia, Ubalijoro

spent his first year trying to

understand the new successive

laws that were being

introduced but he was said to

be frustrated.

His former

colleagues

remember how on his first

month at the helm – taking

from his predecessor who

complained about old debts

that were coming to Heineken

pre-its enterance to the local

market and being forced to

pay for them – he looked and

sounded confused at a press

conference for a Heineken

sponsored Aster Aweke

concert that started an hour

late.

These as he tried to figure

out if he could even mention

Heineken when he spoke and

whether they were allowed to

advertise the brand.

With a planned factory on

the horizon and a new brand

rumored to be introduced,

including the Heineken draft,

he felt, while the Ethiopian

market presented endless

possibilities, the new action

by the government presented

obstacles and departed, without

even completing a second year

of what was believed to be a

five-year term in Ethiopia.

“Eugene, a Rwandan native

was excited with the Ethiopian

market when he came and saw

many similarities between

Rwanda and

Ethiopia.

However, he felt some of the

actions of the government

were contrary to the interest

of the company. He did not

want to spend many years in

the country with little results

when the expectation for his

success was much higher,”

a former colleague told The

Reporter.

At BGI – Ethiopia’s biggest

breweries of the best selling St.

George beer and Castel beer,

the later that had some brisk

business in Tigray, but little

success in the capital, this

week, the company introduced

a new beer, Doppel – a dark

beer that tastes much like

XXXA HARD-HIT BEER

SECTOR

26|



SNAPSHOTS

Documenting

development projects

There are a number of state-sponsored projects undertaken in the capital

Addis Ababa, these days. The Addis Ababa City Administration has

recently launched an ongoing exhibition depicting the progress, the scale

and evolution of these massive public projects in the old and monumental

building in front of Meskel Square, particularly known for serving as

presidential podium during the Derg Era, overlooking political rallies

d military parades taking place in the Square.

INSI

DE

By Kaleyesus Bekele

The Ministry of Transport has dispatched an aircraft accident investigation team to China to assist the investigation on the Ethiopian Airlines B777-200 freighter aircraft that sustained a fire accident at Shanghai Pundong Airport on Wednesday.

Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport, has notified the Civil Aviation Administration of China that the ministry has delegated a team of aviation experts comprising Amdye Ayalew Fanta (Col.), head of the Ethiopian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Captain Gedlu Melese (adviser), Ephrem Lake (adviser) and Ephrem Araya (adviser) to assist the accident investigation. Accordingly, the team led by Amdye Ayalew (Col.) has left to China on the night of July 22.

As per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, aircraft accident investigation is led by country of occurrence. Country of registration and operation, and country of design and manufacture will also partake in the accident investigation process. Consequently, Ethiopia as a country of registration and operation has dispatched its team of accident investigation experts to China. Civil Aviation Administration of China, Office of Aviation safety is the lead investigator. The country of manufacture, the US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, will participate in the investigation.

The Ethiopian Airlines B777 freighter aircraft fuselage partially damaged when it caught fire at Pudong Shanghai International Airport on Wednesday July 22, 2020. Fire fighters have contained the fire but the aircraft fuselage has sustained a significant damage. In a statement, Ethiopian said all flight crew and ground staff were safe.

The B777F jetliner with registration number ET-ARH was on a regular scheduled cargo flight service from

Shanghai to Sao Polo-Santiago via Addis Ababa, the airlines’ main hub. Ethiopian said it has collaborated with all concerned authorities to contain the fire. “The cause of the fire incident is under investigation by the appropriate authorities,” it added.

Ethiopian said it is proud of its flight crew for correctly following the relevant procedures in handling the

incident. “Although proper investigation has started by the country of occurrence and the country of registration and operation, preliminary information revealed that in the final preparation for taxi out, fire was detected in the main deck. The crew reported to ATC and the handling company and asked for help as per the procedure. Meanwhile, the fire spread in the cabin until the handling company and the airport emergency

unit arrived at the scene of the incident. The fire damaged the upper structure of the aircraft before it was brought under control by the airport emergency services,” the airline said.

A senior official of Ethiopian told The Reporter that the aircraft was carrying Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and merchandise. “The cause

Ministry of Transport dispatches accident investigation team to China

By Neamin Ashenafi

The founder and former president of the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP), Lidetu Ayalew, was arrested earlier yesterday in Addis Ababa by Oromia Police, in relation to the recent chaos which occurred following the death of Hacahalu Hundessa, President of the party Adane Tadesse, told The Reporter.

According to the President, the arrest warrant was issued by the police of the Oromia Regional State to detain him on July 10, 2020, and the arrest is the result of the warrant. Lidetu is

accused of coordinating and financially supporting the recent chaos in Bishoftu the Adana explained.

The President recalls that he received a phone call from Lidetu to tell him that Oromia Police surrounded his home located in Bishoftu and was suspecting that they are going to detain him; however, to the contrary, the police told him that they are there to protect him and transported him to Addis Ababa. Once he was transported to Addis Ababa he was engaged in his own activities and even traveled to Lalibela and continued business as usual, the President further

explained. To this effect “we are so confused in regards to the arrest,” Adane told The Reporter.

Lidetu, a controversial politician, was very vocal and critical of the incumbent regime and repetitively proposed the formation of a transitional government in an effort to avert the political problems of the country.

His party, EDP, recently singed an agreement of cooperation with two other political parties and manifested that its core struggle agenda is the establishment of a transitional government.

Oromia police arrest Lidetu AyalewMinistry of Transport . . . page 17


Advertisment4| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246



The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation invites eligible

and experienced suppliers to an International Public Tender for the supply of 3GSHS, related

spare parts and compatible devices for its Project: “Alianza Shire: Energy Access for Host

Communities and Refugees in Shire”

in the energy sector (Iberdrola, Acciona.org and

with the EU Delegation in Addis Ababa (contracting

Alliance: Energy access for host communities and refugees in Shire”, with a duration of 34 months.

creation of businesses based on solar technology and distribution of Solar Home Systems, fostering

contract shall be from 15 February to 30 June 2021.

All the related information regarding the technical

the following link:

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For further information or questions regarding the tender, bidders can contact AECID in Ethiopia through the following email: [email protected] and under the subject: off grid tender

Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and

through our Embassy network abroad.

and humanitarian action.

The Embassy is now recruiting a to

October 2020 and the position will continue until May 2021.

Role

Essential requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/ethiopia/.

Terms and conditions of employment:•

beginning in early Oct 2020 and continuing to May 2020.

• bank account.

HOW TO APPLY

[email protected] by close of business Friday 14th August 2020.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Security Clearance for Local Staff

this information again.Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.Embassy Addis Ababa is committed to a policy of Equal

Opportunity.

HEADLINES6| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246


... NEWS IN BRIEFNation saves USD 2.8

mln from logisticsA reform undertaken over the past one year to improve the logistics service sector in Ethiopia has enabled the nation to save USD 2.8 million, Minister of Transport, Dagimawit Moges, said.

Dagimawit said that the new reform measures have improved the logistics service system that was tedious and incur the nation for unnecessary expenditure due to for instance a prolonged time spent by Ships docked at the sea ports.

Following the reform, the time spent by the Ships on the sea ports has reduced to 17 days from the previous 22 days, Dagmawit said.

Locally packed freights to be transported via the port of Djibouti have also increased from 33 percent to 51 percent, she said.

Dagmawit said the reform undertaken in collaboration with all stakeholder has helped to establish a harmonized system at the Industrial Parks to facilitate export trade.

“The logistic reform targeted on developing a much integrated system in all industrial parks so as to create market access to export trade and strengthening mutual communication.”

(ENA)

MInT to develop digital platform for coffee

The Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Agriculture have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop digital platform that promotes Ethiopian coffee globally.

The digital forum will be launched at the end of this Ethiopian year.

Innovation and Technology Minister Abraham Belay said on the occasion “the major focus of the digital strategy is creating an enabling condition and supporting the agriculture sector to enhance its competitiveness and benefit producers.”

The long delayed Ethiopian Digital Transformation Strategy has been approved this year, he added.

According to Abraham, the digital platform to be developed by his ministry will be managed by Coffee and Tea Authority.

Agriculture Minister Umer Hussein said despite the delay, digitalization can enhance the country’s competitiveness at the global arena.

Pointing out the market accessibility problem coffee producers have been facing, the minister noted that the new application will reduce the challenge.

The digital platform is expected to improve coffee productivity and market competitiveness as it can easily connect coffee farmers with consumers.

(ENA)

By Birhanu Fikade

The Job Creation Commission has stated that some 3.3 million jobs were created in the concluded fiscal year, until the COVID-19 pandemic wiped-out some 330,000 jobs within four months.

In a press conference held on Thursday, Ephraim Teklu (PhD), Commissioner of Job Creation Commission told reporters that the government was working to create some three million jobs during the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year. That was achieved resulting in an additional 330,000 jobs. However, due to the effects of the pandemic, those additional jobs have been lost, creating more uncertain future for the new fiscal year,

the commissioner noted.

According to Ephraim, out of the three million jobs, only 62 percent were found to be sustainable while the remaining being temporary jobs, will likely terminate in less than a year.

looking at earlier moderate projections by the Commission, out of the seven million jobs created within the manufacturing, construction and services sectors, close to 1.5 million jobs could have been lost in just the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. With proper physical distancing measures in place, both the manufacturing and construction sector alone could have seen a 1.1 million job losses. Similarly estimates show if COVID-19 remains

among the society for six months, the likely job losses in the manufacturing and construction sectors could reach 1.8 million. In addition to physical distancing, staying at home, the likely wait and see attitudes of businesses could have also exacerbated the severe conditions businesses are in and lead to massive lay-offs.

When it comes to income and welfare losses, some 1.9 million self-employed individuals could have lost an estimated USD 265 million in income and 310,000 individuals employed for wages, could have lost their earnings in three months, as projected by the Job Creation Commission earlier in April.

According to Ephraim, that much impact was not witnessed

because the economy was allowed to function and only a partial lockdown was entertained.

Despite such measures, the government has introduced a USD 42 billion emergency and stimulation package, to help vulnerable citizens and businesses sustain the blows of the virus. The regular food relief assistances have also been extended to reach 30 million beneficiaries.

The Commission, in its part, has been engaged with potential donors and partners, and so far, has managed to receive USD 384 million in new funds, for the coming years. It also targets to create some 14 million new jobs in the coming five years and 20 million within ten years.

Commission reports 330,000 jobs lost to COVID-19

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Dev’t plan envisions creating 11 mln jobs in

construction sectorThe new 10-year development plan is projected to create over 11 million direct and indirect jobs in the construction sector, Urban Development and Construction Minister Aisha Mohammed said.

Addressing a stakeholder consultation, the minister stated that the sector utilizes 60 percent resources of the country.

In spite of this the sector is a tangled mess that contributes scantly to the development and growth of the country, she added.

In addition, the sector has been dominated by foreign contractors, dependent on export outputs as well as maladministration.

Moreover, the sector is not supported by technology and lacks competiveness, the minister stated, adding that the 10-year plan was prepared in such a way as to tackle the above and related problems.

Accordingly, attention will be given to improving project management, reducing maladministration and introducing efficiency in the coming ten years.

During the stated period, 3.3 million direct employment and over 8.3 million indirect jobs will be created in the sector.

The plan envisions giving 25 percent contracts to foreign companies.

(ENA)

Emirates to resume

Emirates has announced on Tuesday that it will resume flying to Addis Ababa as of August 1, 2020.

The airline stated in a press release that it will resume flying to Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa three times a week as of August 1, 2020.

It has already resumed daily flights to Tehran as of July 17 and planned to start a weekly service to Guangzhou from July 25 as well as to begin flying to Oslo with two flights per week starting from August 4.

This will take the airline’s passenger network to 62 destinations in August, the press release stated.

According to the Airline, all of the flights will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, with enhanced safety procedures in place to protect passengers against Covid-19.

The distribution of complimentary hygiene kits to passengers containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes are some of the safety measures, it added.

Despite COVID-19, Emirates is now flying to six continents around the world.

(ENA)

By Yonas Abiye

In light of businesses shutting down and people staying at home, amid the pandemic, the economic and social sectors of Ethiopia are enduring a heavy cost. However, the pandemic has offered an uptick in the condom market with a surge in the consumption level in Addis Ababa, a report shows.

According to a latest report The Reporter has obtained from DKT-Ethiopia Social Marketing, the consumption level of a condom over the first three months since the first case of was reported in Addis Ababa, has increased by almost 100 percent, compared to the same period in the previous year.

Last year, DKT supplied 2.3 million pieces of condoms between April and June. Now, this figure has surged to 5.2 million pieces of condoms this year.

The figures that were registered both in the current and previous years quarterly, reveals only the product distributed to ordinary customer from DKT alone. For instance, the previous year’s three month distribution amounted to a total of 7.4 million condoms delivered by DKT. However, out of the stated total number, over 4 million condoms went to the Defense Ministry.

But this year’s three month condom delivery, as of April 1st to June 30, registered a higher number than the previous year’s similar period, by almost 3 million more condoms

However, the stated surge in condom consumption represents only the product distributed by DKT only.

Meanwhile, raw reports The Reporter has obtained, yet to be verified by Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HaPCO), the total sum of condom distributed in Addis Ababa during the consecutive three quarters of the recently concluded year, is around 9.8 million of condom, while the 4th quarter distribution size accounts to around 7.6 million pieces of condoms.

However, official data obtained from HAPCO indicates that, in the previous year, a total of 27,593,846 condoms have been consumed in Addis Ababa alone.

However, the consumption level in Addis Ababa delivered by DKT alone, has registered a higher consumption level than expected in the past three months alone, due to the pandemic forcing people to spend more time together.

DKT and other Social organizations such as PSI-Ethiopia, HF, have been the main suppliers of condom in Ethiopia over the past few years. The Ministry of Health, on its part delivers the products through its HIV/Aids fighting initiatives.

According to available information, DKT Ethiopia is the leading provider of condoms and contraceptives in Ethiopia, supplying 75 percent of condoms and 40 percent of oral contraceptives in Ethiopia

from 2005–2010.

As a main supplier, DKT distributes the products through its shop centers and pharmacies in all of the ten sub cities. Similarly, the company maintains several offices and warehouses in all regions states across the country, while it also has a fleet of distribution vehicles and a trained sales and support staff.

As noted in the company’s website, DKT Ethiopia has received funds from the Netherlands, England, Ireland, the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation, and other sources to help it deliver subsidized products.

Such unprecedented surge in condom consumption has been reported worldwide beginning in the early days and following months of the pandemic. Even major condom manufacturers struggled to meet the unexpected rise in demand.

Within each product category, DKT Ethiopia distributes one or more brands. For example, in the case of condoms, DKT Ethiopia distributes Hiwot Trust, Sensation, and Members Only condoms. Each brand has at least one product variant and is priced incrementally to attract unique market segments.

It is to be recalled that in March this year, a global condom shortage was looming as the coronavirus pandemic disrupted factory production and supply chains, the world’s top maker of the contraceptives said, with the United Nations warning of “devastating” consequences.

COVID-19 crisis creates uptick in condom sales

HEADLINES8| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246


.. HORN IN BRIEFHHOORRNN INN BBRIEFSudan’s ex-president on

trial for 1989 coupSudan’s ousted long-serving leader Omar al-Bashir has gone on trial in the capital, Khartoum, in connection with the military coup that brought him to power more than three decades ago.

The 76-year-old, who has already been convicted for corruption, could face the death penalty if found guilty over his role in the 1989 coup.

More than 20 former officials are on trial alongside him.

Bashir was forced from power in 2019 following popular protests.

The civilian uprising started in late 2018 as anti-austerity demonstrations but quickly morphed into a call to end President Bashir’s rule.

On 11 April 2019, the military announced that he had been ousted and arrested.

A joint transitional government made up of the top army officials and civilians was later formed in August.

Bashir is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and genocide in the western Darfur region.

The authorities in Sudan said in February they were are ready to hand the former leader over to the ICC.

(BBC)

Uganda deploys combat aircraft to support peacekeeping

operations in SomaliaThe Ugandan military on Tuesday announced it will deploy combat aircraft to support peacekeeping operations in war-torn Somalia.

Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) aircraft will offer support to African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) ground troops in the Horn of African country, military spokesperson Richard Karemire said.

AMISOM comprises troops drawn from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti covering south and central Somalia.

Uganda has over 6,000 troops serving under AMISOM.

The African Union Mission in Somalia is an active, regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. It is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

As part of its duties, AMISOM also supports the Federal Government of Somalia’s forces in their battle against Al-Shabaab militants.

AMISOM was created by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 19 January 2007 with an initial six-month mandate.

(CGTN)

By Birhanu Fikade

With the growing number of confirmed cases and the full impact of the pandemic on the economy yet to be seen, the government of Ethiopia has received grants and financial backings, the latest coming from the government of Japan and the Swiss multinational medicine company, Novartis.

According to Matsunaga Daisuke, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, the USD 14 million grant will help hospitals and medical universities be equipped with health and medical equipment’s that include radiography systems and portable ultrasound scanners.

While Japan inked the grant agreement with Ethiopia, the Swiss based Novartis Group has considered Ethiopia to be part of its new nonprofit COVID-19 portfolio that includes 15 medicines that will help treat gastro-intestinal illness, acute respiratory symptoms, pneumonia as well as septic shocks.

According to the press release, the Novartis Group sent to The Reporter the new initiative is to help patients in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LIC; LMIC) access affordable medicines to treat the major symptoms of COVID-19 – a critical need in the absence of a vaccine or curative treatment. Inflammation and respiratory problems linked to COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and can lead to death in some people, putting immense strain on fragile healthcare systems.

The medicines will be made available to governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other institutional customers, in up to 79 eligible countries at zero-profit, to support financially-strained healthcare systems. Countries will also have the flexibility to select the medicines in the portfolio that meet their healthcare needs. Lutz Hegemann (MD), Chief Operating Officer for Global Health at Novartis said, “We wish to help address the additional healthcare demands of the pandemic in the countries we are targeting.”

According to Racey Muchilwa, head of Novartis for Sub Saharan Africa, the company has committed to donating USD 40 million to support communities around the world impacted by the pandemic. In Sub Sahara

Africa region, Novartis has provided a USD 2 million fund to support efforts across many countries in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic to which Ethiopia is one of the beneficiaries.

The medicines Novartis Groups has pledged to grant to some 79 countries include Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Clarithromycin, Colchicine, Dexamethasone, Dobutamine, Fluconazole, Heparin, Levofloxacin, Loperamide, Pantoprazole, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Salbutamol, Vancomycin.

It is to be recalled that Novartis is known to partner with the government of Ethiopia to provide least cost medicines, for non-communicable diseases (NDCs). Back in 2015, an agreement to provide “one USD per person per month” as part of a social responsibility initiative was initiated

commencing last year.

In line with that, entities such as the Eastern and Southern Africa Trade and Development Bank (TDB) has also provided some 160,000 made-in-Ethiopia masks valued at USD 100,000 to Ethiopian healthcare workers via the Ministry of Health.

The development bank has announced its backing with a view to support Ethiopian business and employment during these difficult times. TDB has procured the masks from Everest Apparel Ethiopia SC, a garment factory, housed in Hawassa Industrial Park, which has created 2,000 jobs.

In addition to these, the government is looking at a USD four billion package to stimulate adversely impacted segments of the economy and provide food assistances for millions of affected communities.

Government receives support from Japan, Novartis



UAE sends medical aid to South

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday sent an aid plane carrying 7.5 metric

tons of medical supplies and testing kits to South Sudan.

This aid will assist approximately 7,500 medical professionals as they work to

contain the virus while bolstering efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mohamed Salem Ahmed Mosaad Al Rashdi, United Arab Emirates Ambassador

to Ethiopia and Non-Resident Ambassador to South Sudan, said: “The UAE

attaches great importance to diversifying and expanding its relations with

all friendly countries based on the principles of trust, mutual respect, and

cooperation to serve the efforts of development, progress, security and peace.”

“The dispatch of medical assistance to South Sudan today comes as part of the

support and protection of medical professionals as they work to contain the

virus,” the Ambassador said.

To date, the United Arab Emirates has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by

providing over 1,100 metric tons of aid to 74 countries, supporting more than

one million medical professionals in the process.

(Relief Web)

Djibouti Shipping Company receives ‘African Sun’ freighterDjibouti Shipping Company welcomes its first ship and the Tadjourah-Balho road receives first major cargo shipment.

African Sun is the first ship owned by Djibouti Shipping Company to bolster regional trade.

Djibouti Shipping Company’s first ship (M/V African Sun) arrived in Djibouti on 19 July and is set to drastically reduce transit time for merchandise travelling from Turkey to the region.

Transmit times from Turkey to Djibouti will reduce from 30 days to 9 days.

Transit times from Turkey to Mogadishu will reduce from 40 days to 20 days.

The ship arrived from the Port of Mersin in Turkey and will make regular journeys to Mogadishu, via Djibouti, Berbera and Bossaso.

Importers and exporters in this region of Somalia will no longer need to use dhow boats for their maritime business.

Djibouti Shipping Company is the first African company offering liner services and is the first stage in the national company becoming a major actor in the maritime sector.

Tadjourah-Balho road is a 3rd road corridor between Djibouti and Ethiopia.

(Hellenic Shipping News)

By Samuel Getachew

With the endorsement of the Office of the Mayor, a new public-private sector coalition is preparing to support 1.2 million people affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the capital. The effort, worth USD 6 million, is to be providing scarce resources such as water, soap, water tankers, as well as development of behavioural change education within the densest areas of Addis Ababa.

Mary Joy, one of Ethiopia’s noted charity organizations is to help facilitate the impact assessment and will monitor

the project, while Save the Children is to provide technical guidance and support.

“The Block-Based Community Engagement Agency within the Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor’s Office has identified 24,934 blocks within the city to collect vital statistics and data including the vulnerability status. It has also built 1357 resoruce bands within the 121 woredas of the 10 sub cities were donated materials are collected and distibuted” the coalition said at a press conference held inside Addis Ababa City Hall on Thursday.

The effort named, ‘Tenachin Bejachin!’ is an initiative of Dalberg Group, which is noted for advising such government institutions such as Ethiopia’s Job Creation Commission, a number of government ministries, including the Ministry of Industry, as well as Roba Group, a local container glass company.

To help execute the mission, more than 260 people were trained on standard procedure on safety and health issues and have them educate the population.

Roha donated the initial funding of 1 million USD while the balance is expected

to come from other sources, including from donors. So far, 15 manufacturers have signed a memorandum-of-understanding to support the initiatives which is expected to last 6 month and may become permanent based on the result and impact achieved.

This comes as a growing list of businesses are becoming engaged in helping public institutions meet their objectives as the death and those impacted by the new pandemic hits a record high number of victims, where so far, more than 10,000 people have tasted positive to the deadly virus.

Public-Private coalition to support COVID-19 affected people



IN-DEPTHAmong them were new taxes that were to be introduced in mere months, the sudden banning of TV advertisements within a new Ethiopian society that was beginning to see alcohol as hazardous on moral ground, while putting little interest in the record amount of money the sector brought to the government coffers that in turn helped create infrastructures and world-class factories and helping create thousands of needed jobs.

By Samuel Getachew

Late last year a chilly Addis Ababa morning greeted the heads of the breweries as they met a senior government minister. Eugene Ubalijoro was appointed as a spokesperson and tasked with presenting a slew of issues that the executives felt were deterring them from doing business in Ethiopia.

Among them were new taxes that were to be introduced in mere months, the sudden banning of TV advertisements within a new Ethiopian society that was beginning to see alcohol as hazardous on moral ground. To them, the government was putting little credit in the record amount of money the sector brought to the government coffers and the thousands of jobs the sector has created.

Eugene who started his career with Heineken in 1990 was advised to compare alcohol to khat in explaining their issue. Instead, he felt ridiculed in front of his colleagues when the minister asked him to sit midway and ended the conversation and departed shortly after.

Just a year at the helm of one of Ethiopia’s two biggest breweries, and with a young child at Harvard, he asked to be

transferred from a nation that he felt was beginning to punish their success.

Within Ethiopia, Ubalijoro spent his first year trying to understand the new successive laws that were being introduced but he was said to be frustrated.

His former colleagues remember how on his first month at the helm – taking from his predecessor who complained about old debts that were coming to Heineken pre-its enterance to the local market and being forced to pay for them – he looked and sounded confused at a press conference for a Heineken sponsored Aster Aweke concert that started an hour late.

This happened as he tried to figure out if he could even mention Heineken when he spoke and whether he was allowed to advertise the brand and to him, a corporate leader with no road map on how such an important sector should manage its act.

With a planned factory on the horizon and a new brand rumored to be introduced, including the Heineken draft, he felt, while the Ethiopian market presented endless possibilities, the new action by the government presented obstacles and departed, without

even completing a second year of what was believed to be a five-year term appointment.

“Eugene, a Rwandan native was excited with the Ethiopian market when he came and saw many similarities between Rwanda and Ethiopia. However, he felt some of the actions of the government were contrary to the interest of the company. He did not want to spend many years in the country with little results when the expectation for his success was much higher,” a former colleague told The Reporter.

At BGI – Ethiopia’s biggest breweries of the best selling St. George beer and Castel beer, the later that has brisk business in Tigray, but little success in the capital, this week, the company introduced a new beer, Doppel – a dark beer that tastes much like Guiness without the strong bitterness local beer drinkers dislike. To help promote the brand, Misikir Mulugeta, a 30-something highly paid former Coca Cola employee and former Marketing Director at Anbesa beer was introduced as the person behind the effort to break from old efforts of introducing new beers that ultimately failed for BGI.

Misikir is known as marketing

XXXA HARD-HIT BEER SECTOR

The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246 |11


IN-DEPTH

In 2018, it also introduced Azmera draft beer, a cheaper beer sold at government pubs and was so successful, it was

In 2018, it also introduced Azmera draft beer, a cheaper beer sold at government pubs and was so successful, it was forced to limit its

wiz with big ambition with little success at Anbesa, which has since his departure has shelved his ideas and instead has been promoting the beer as a cheaper alternative sold in makeshift bars and pubs, including those found inside Kebele pubs.

At Anbesa, he was afforded much resource to promote the new beer and brought in talents from abroad, including from South Africa including those laid-off from Ernest & Young and presented iconic advertisements that were forward thinking and made a great impression but poor result.

There was a backlash against it over a symbol that many associated with ‘Satan’ on its bottle wrongly and because he did not have a strategy to fight it, it failed. He left the company and this week, the CEO that hired and so him leave, a former executive at Habesha beer known as a hard worker who hosted bbq parties to promote Habesha also departed.

A new head of BGI, who recently came to Ethiopia as a cost-saving manager to handle the affairs of BGI, that that used to over spent its means, with little resources at hand and forced it to borrow from three different banks to purchase the Zebidar beer two years ago, Misikir became his

most expensive star recruit.

At the launch inside BGI this week, inside a new building with few characters associated with a modern building, he arrived belatedly and was personable and excited with what the future held for him and the new beer – Doppel – he has been hired to sell.

“How do you like the beer?” he asked nervously as he went around the pub inside the headquarters of BGI, understanding the probability of success is little with new beers in Ethiopia. After all, the company has tried Amber, Guinness beers in the past to utter failure, only saved by its St. George brand that is the best selling beer in Ethiopia, including the rural parts that BGI transports on the back of donkeys.

There are also challenges with Diageo which owns the Meta brand and where a new generation of beer drinkers associates it with their parent’s generation, not theirs. There has been much effort to make it relevant to them, but it has been a hard sell. Two years ago, it introduced a bigger bottle of Meta as part of its 50th anniversary but that was rejected in the market, with the exception of some butchery restaurants that use it as a mixture for cocktail

drinks.

Another brand was also in the pipeline to be introduced by Diageo, a sugary fruity beer named Mench but that failed as well.

In 2018, it also introduced Azmera draft beer, with its ever revolving door with its marketing team a cheaper beer sold at government pubs and was so successful, it was forced to limit its sale to five cups per customer, but that mysteriously disappeared from the market. Its re-introduction of Guinness, taken from a failed trial from BGI in the early 2000 but that was also rejected as it continues to subsidize its dwindling beer business from the sell of its liquor export business that is still strong.

At Habesha beer, its brand has seen some success as well, but with little advertisement on TV with celebrities such as Betty G, its growth has been limited. Last year, it introduced a new non-alcoholic beer, Negus and opened a store to sell its signature accessories it envisioned the public would be interested within its headquarters in Bole, but the store as well as the brand are seeing lower than expected success, giving little dividends to its shareholders this year.



INTERVIEW

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATIONGebregziabher Gebre is an alumnus of Harvard University. He grew

months old, transferred him to SOS Children’s Village, in the words of

Samuel Getachew of The Reporter on his experience growing up in what he describes “an

one million people during the Derg regime, on being nominated for a

becoming a father. Excerpts:



INTERVIEW

The Reporter: You are shortlisted for a prestigious prize with SOS. Congratulations and tell me about that?

I was nominated by SOS Ethiopia for the Hermann Gmeiner Award 2020. It is an award given every two years. Out of the more than 300 nominees, the Board of Directors of the Hermann Gmeiner Academy selected eight finalists - four women and four men. I was selected to be one of the finalists and I was very excited when I was made aware of it.

The purpose of the award is to select an inspiring SOS alumni who, despite facing difficulties in life, have gone on to become role models, are outstanding in their field (whether social, cultural, athletic or professional) and have given back to society by contributing to the well-being of others and the greater good of their community.

I was selected for my professional achievements and my work as president of the Leul Girmay Memorial foundation that has built over three computer, Library and educational centers across three African countries - Ghana, Ethiopia and The Gambia. As a way to pay it forward - I am also a proud SOS sponsor of two children at SOS Mekelle.

You grew up in SOS. How did that come about and share with me the highlights of your biography?

I was born in a small rural area about an hour drive from

Mekelle in 1984. As many of you know - it was a year of the famous famine that claimed the lives of thousands of people. Both of my parents died due to the famine and my family unable to care for me placed me at SOS Children’s Village Mekelle. I was barely five months when I joined the SOS family. At SOS I was put under the care of a wonderful woman - my mum - Medhin Mehari. I grew up as the youngest child of a family house consisting of 16 children. All 16 children grew up as siblings.

From the start, I was quite a gifted student academically. At the age of 12 I was given an opportunity to go to Ghana to attend an SOS international high school. The school brought together the top students from all SOS children’s villages across Africa. It was a difficult transition at first especially given I hardly spoke English. But with time I was able to excel there academically, finishing on top of my class, during my senior high school year.

How did you end up at Harvard?

I was one of the top students in my high school in Ghana. Given my academic achievements - I applied to number schools in the US. About eight universities gave me full scholarships to attend their school. I chose Harvard given its strong reputation and resources. At Harvard, I studied Applied Mathematics and graduated with honors in 2008.

What were the highlights of

your experience at SOS?

My experience at SOS was really wonderful. I grew up among so many children. At that time - there were over 300 children at the SOS village in Mekelle. I was surrounded with so much love and energy. Summer times were always amazing - we would play soccer on the old day. I miss those days!

At SOS I was really lucky to have a wonderful mum. For me, SOS gave me an amazing family and for that I will be forever grateful.

What does your latest recognition mean to you?

It has been quite a month, quite a journey. When I was informed I would be a finalist for the SOS Herman Gmeiner Award 2020, I was extremely honored. My initial expectation was I would get a few hundred votes from friends and family. However, this has turned out to be so much bigger than me. Despite the internet shutdown back home in Ethiopia, over 145 thousand votes were cast for Team Gebre! I am grateful to all those who voted and supported me. It is a privilege to have earned your votes. I know these votes are not just for me personally but for my story and the story of many others who have gone through the SOS family and have become model citizens. I hope our stories continue to inspire the next generation.

I note this is a competition. How are you preparing for it?

At the beginning of this

competition - I had three objectives. Winning the race was secondary. First, I wanted to share my story and journey in the hope this would inspire others. No matter what circumstances you are born into - with little help, luck, resilience, and others’ generosity - anything is possible. Second - I wanted to highlight the amazing work SOS Children’s village continues to do in helping the most underprivileged children across the globe. To date - SOS has raised over 87,000 children - that is an amazing fate. I couldn’t say enough about how proud I am to be a member of this great family.

Third - I wanted to share some of the work I have been involved with in trying to give back to my community to pay it forward. Through the Leul Girmay Memorial Fund, we have done a number of excellent projects. I will continue to lead and be actively involved in building resources to help the less privileged children have access to quality education. Having achieved all three of my objectives, it is evident that this past month has been successful.

You have recently become a father. What is fatherhood like?

Yes - my wife and I welcomed our second baby girl about a month ago. Our first son is about to turn two in two weeks. Fatherhood has been amazing and a blessing. It has given me a new perspective on life.



FEATURE

TOUGH TIMES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS DURING COVID-19



FEATURE

Some private schools in Addis Ababa and schools around the

world have also been closed due to the virus but schools still teach their students by using their own websites or

through applications such as WebEx meetings, Google

classrooms, Zoom and others.

By Messay Zinnahbizu

Since the start of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) earlier this year, millions of people have been infected and forced into quarantine. This included students and every other non-infected employee. The quarantine is supposed to prevent people from leaving their houses so that they do not get infected or infect others around them. And so far, there is no cure for the coronavirus.

People are protecting themselves by wearing masks, avoiding public places and washing their hands more frequently than usual.

Especially schools and students are highly affected: since, the customary face-to -face educational arrangement provision is banned due to preventing the spread of the virus. In addition, there is no certain way of knowing and control, if a young student is competent to cover online school materials. Moreover, schools cannot be certain to promote students to the next grade based on the written tests students acquire online.

A big question parents have right now is how students can go back to school safely during COVID-19.

And even if students go back, how can schools prevent infections with COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. As with any respiratory virus, students and school personnel can protect themselves and others by taking every day common sense actions: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For now, some private schools in Addis Ababa and schools around the world have also been closed due to the virus but schools still teach their students by using their own websites or apps and make virtual lessons through applications such as WebEx meetings, Google classrooms, Zoom and others.

Adwa Ber is a public school administered under Yeka Sub City. A 6th grader, who has two siblings and is ranked 3rd best in his class in this academic year and aspires to become a commercial pilot said, “We are currently learning through Telegram,“ he added, “I study before the teacher hands in assignments then do the work on a piece of paper then send a photo of the task through telegram on time,” he said, if he has troubles with some of the exercises, he asks his older sister, an eleventh grader who attends Magic Carpet or his father for help. He adds that he uses his father’s phone to do his schoolwork. He said, “Some of my friends who do not have smartphones use the academic books the school lends at the beginning of the school year.”

He adds, or else they get the same exercises from friends who have access to Telegram then hand it in personally to the teacher by going to school. Exams are also sent in through telegram but then corrected by parents. Parents receive the correction a few days after the exams are written.

Another student an 8th grader, who is 2nd best in class and aims to become a doctor, says she follows her studies by using a television channel provided by the government called Afrohealthia in addition to telegram like her fellow students. She added: “Afrohealthia teaches and asks us questions at home, which we then answer on paper and send to our teachers through Telegram or personally. She also said, she is getting prepared for the 8th grade National Exam and doing practice questions. She said, “However, she is not certain when the actual exam will be.”

Melesachew Aweke, the vice principal at Adwa Ber said, “The school is trying to support the parents by giving out orientations on health precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to the students and their parents, motivating them to stay at home, wash their hands, use their time to study effectively and to hand in assignments on time.”

There is Government’s scheme of supporting underprivileged students, through an initiative of

First Lady Zinash Tayachew, a feeding program called, ‘Yenatoch Wog’. Melesachew said,

“Students with more needs were provided with breakfast and lunch at Adwa Ber

School.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to supporting students academically, families in need were provided with basic needs by a non-profit organization. Melesachew said, “Eneho Fikir provided cooking oil, flour and packs of cookies to families who are not able to afford basic needs.” He added, “As such support is vital during such crisis, shout out was given to the Eneho Fikir.”

Eneho Fikir, is a nonprofit organization brought together by 23 philanthropist

friends who support two schools with feeding programs as a pilot program.

He adds, “The school prints exams for few students who do not have Telegram. We

personally hand it to them even though it is not recommended. Besides, the Libraries are open so that children can take books whenever they want.” Teachers send questions minimum once or maximum twice to students based on the subjects. When it comes to Math and English, it is sent more frequently than science and social studies subjects.

He adds, “Before COVID-19, 8th grade students were provided enhancement programs to prepare them for the National Exam. After COVID-19, by collaborating with Yeka Sub City, we provided Model exams to 43 students out of 49.

The COVID-19 has changed the traditional learning setting where students get classroom educations. He said, “During this time, our school did its maximum support to students. However, we are not certain, if students can be promoted to their next classes in the coming academic year. This is a direction, we are going to acquire from the Education Bureau.”

Ed.’s Note: The author is an intern writer at The Reporter.


16| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246COMMENTARY

By Alem Asres

I remember taking a course called “Business 101” in my first year of college. I recall the instructor telling the class that negotiation is a process by which two or more people settle their differences amicably. Negotiation is a method by which compromise or agreement is reached between two or more parties based on give and take. Never go to a negotiation table empty handed and don’t make unreasonable demands. Having said that, the most obvious question one is forced to ask is, what is Egypt is offering and Ethiopia is refusing to accept or vis-versa? I leave this question for the readers to answer.

In my opinion, during the entire Renaissance Dam negotiation, Egypt is saying to Ethiopia, what is mine is mine, and what is yours is negotiable. Egyptian approach to Renaissance Dam negotiation reminds me of “gunboat diplomacy” of late 19th century imperial politics. In the days of imperial power politics, gunboat diplomacy refers to the pursuit of policy aimed in securing ones stated objectives by displaying naval power, implying that one of party to the negotiation is willing to go to war should terms arrived at is not agreeable. Today, countries with superior military power known to display their ground, air and naval power loaded with known weapons of mass destruction to accomplish their stated objectives.

To accomplish her ill-conceived objectives, Egypt, in addition to displaying her ground, air and naval power, went to Arab League, to the United States,

as well as to other European countries, including the United Nations Security Council seeking support for her claims based on illegal, unjust and outdated treaties between her and Britain –treaties that gave Egypt 75 percent of the Nile water and 25 percent to Sudan, leaving Ethiopia with nothing. It should be noted that both Egypt and Sudan were British colonies. Figuratively speaking, Egypt seem to expect Ethiopia to feed and care for the cow, indefinitely, so that Egyptians may drink the milk to their heart’s content. By the way who decided that Ethiopians do not need milk? The analogy of feeding and caring for the cow only for Egyptians to drink the milk, is reflective of the Blue Nile River used by Egyptians for thousands of years. Ethiopia, the source of Blue Nile, was never participated nor was asked to participate in any Nile River treaties prior to 2015. Yet, Egypt insist that Ethiopia must comply with treaties entered prior to 2015 in which Ethiopia had no part to begin with.

Egypt, having left no stone unturned in her search for support of her claims of hegemony over the use and control of Blue Nile River based on series of treaties entered between her and her colonial master, finally is told by everyone to take up the case with the African Union—African Union which Egypt avoided to begin with. If Egypt can’t succeed in having hegemony over the flow of the River, she wants Ethiopia to agree not to use any of her national water resource to generate hydroelectric power. How arrogant and disrespectful can you get? Egypt must be told

to get-off, once and for all, from her high horse and face the reality—that reality is that the Abbay/Blue Nile River starts in and flows from Ethiopia and Ethiopia need no permission from Egypt to use her national resources. It should be noted that Egypt did not consult with or seek the permission of Ethiopia when she built the Aswan and other dams which depends on the Nile River.

African Union

I can’t help but ask, why Egypt avoided the African Union to deal with Renaissance Dam issues in the first place? The next question I found myself asking is, what is Egypt to Africa compared to Ethiopia? In my opinion, Egypt with her body in Africa, her heart and mind in the Middle East, never concerned with what happens to Africa or to the Africans. In fact, Egyptians I met professionally, attended class with, and Egyptian students who attended my class, never openly admitted that they are part of Africa or identify themselves with African people. Everyone knows the fact that Ethiopia stood with Africa and fought hard alone on the floor of the United Nations calling for African independence from colonial rule. Ethiopia supported financially and trained African freedom fighters in their struggle to be free from colonial rule. If men like Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela were alive today, they will testify to the invaluable contributions Ethiopia made in defense of African freedom.

For the last 70 or more years, Egypt flooded the world with false information about the

source and the ownership of Blue Nile or Abbay River. Quoiting the Bible and the Holly Koran, to convince the Egyptians and people of other nations that “Nile is a gift from God to Egypt.” For decades, Egypt tried and continues to convince Egyptians generation after generation that without Nile River there will be no Egypt and no Egyptian. Moreover, Egypt continue to campaign around the world telling that Ethiopians are trying to take away our river and starve us to death by building the Renaissance Dam. Such lies are carried by written and electronic media on daily basis, and Egyptian children are led to believe that the Nile River belongs to Egypt. The truth is that the Blue Nile River is not God’s gift to Egypt only, if God or Allah meant for Egyptians only, he would have made Egypt the source of the Nile but not the recipient of water from the said river. The truth is, that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is been built by the collective desire of Ethiopian people not to deny Egypt the supply of water but to harness the river’s potential hydroelectric power to lift Ethiopians out of poverty. Reverend Jesse Jackson in his letter to US Congress remarked that “every soul including shoe shiners and poor farmers bought government bonds to help finance the project. They saw the hydroelectric generating juggernaut as a source of indomitable Ethiopian independence and pride. Above all, they saw it as the centerpiece of their bid in their fight against poverty.” Let us examine briefly the Ethio-Egyptian relationship

GERD negotiation calls for give and take

VIEWPOINT

Abiy Ahmed: Ethiopia’s liberatorBy Tagel Getahun

Abiy Ahmed has liberated Ethiopians from the authoritarian leadership of the TPLF. In contrast to TPLF, which exercised ethnic extremism, his party stands for a democratic nationalism.

They divided the nation for the sake of sustaining their power and it is now becoming a big challenge to unite the divided nation.

They have embezzled tens of billions of dollars from the minute resource of the nation. They expatriated the resource they embezzled and invested in Dubai and other countries.

They were not democrats, developmental, revolutionary democrats nor democratic developmentalists. They simply practiced absolutism. They were more or less functioning as colonizers.

Their leadership harmed the people of Tigray that live in an extreme poverty. Part of the leadership was an anti-Ethiopian nationalist political force.

They divided the nation and sacrificed the national unity for their power.They repeatedly traded off the national interests of Ethiopia. Maintaining TPLF

on power was too costly for the nation.

I have lately come to understand that the nation, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia had the worst form of political oppression during the last twenty seven years. Throughout the period they reigned, they were cowards that were insecure for their power.

The human rights violations in the regime were gross.

We have lost national unity, development, public trust and social trust in their regime. Power was monopolized by a few individuals. The nation has suffered its worst form of dictatorship from the leadership of TPLF.

The damage done to the nation in the last twenty seven years was grave.

The repressive TPLF regime has done every form of injustice on the people.

They deliberately weakened institutions including the opposition, the media, the judiciary, the military, the intelligence, the legislatures and the election board. They interfered in every discipline of professionalism.

The absence of democracy has harmed the nation as never before. They denied democracy

to the people that are their own inherent liberty. The absence of democracy gave birth to bad governance that was characterized by a high level of corruption. As a result, the development of the nation was slowed down. The mega projects failed due to bad governance.

In their last days, the already rotting regime’s downfall was aggravated by the intervention of the military in the politics of the country. The interference of the military men in the politics was something that was against constitutionalism. There was anarchy in the ruling party. The public interest was secondary to their power for they consistently compromised it.

They took the shape of oligarchy (rule by the very few rich) in their final days. Politics was a profitable business for them while the majority of the people were living in abject poverty. Their political arrogance was heightened to its highest level.

The regime crippled constitutionalism to be dysfunctional. Rule of law was hampered. Unfair management of resources was the hallmark of the regime.

It was an ethnic apartheid as a whole. They exercised fascism in name of revolutionary democracy. Consequently, we

lost everything we had under their leadership as Ethiopians. Favoritism prevailed over impartiality.

After they are removed from power they are haunting the political system of the nation.

This was the nasty regime Abiy Ahmed detached the nation from. He is a liberator for Ethiopians. We are now free from the ethnic apartheid system. We live in a nation where equality and freedom are guaranteed. Free speech is recognized and the new administration is committed to ensuring rule of law. There is a significant improvement in the implementation of human rights.

We are proud to be Ethiopians. It is our liberty to promote Ethiopianness as opposed to the political fashion that intensified ethnic division in the last twenty seven years. Our unity is our strength.

We have equal access for opportunities. We are being treated equally. There is no first class citizen now. We are free and we will prosper together.

Ed.’s Note: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter. The writer can be reached at [email protected].

GERD negotiation calls . . . page 22



CONT`D FROM PAGE 1

CONT`D FROM PAGE 3

the US Treasury Department and the World Bank were selected by President Trump, to observe and facilitate negotiations.

As the talks progressed and more contentious issues started to appear, the roles of these organizations, most importantly the Treasury, started to evolve into a mediators and, soon, when an impasse was reached, into an all-out champion of Egyptian demands. The Treasury and its Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, went as far as issuing a threat-like statement to Ethiopia, following the country’s decision to accomplish the first stage filing of the reservoir behind the GERD.

“The Trump administration has gotten it into its head that it has to take Egypt’s side on this,” a US official told the Magazine. “Nobody in the White House seem to be looking at this through the Africa lens and its impact on Ethiopia, which is equally important,” the same official added, while lamenting, “This

is just shooting ourselves in the foot.”

The latest controversy, however, arose in the backdrop of positive developments in the AU mediated talks on the GERD. On Monday, a brief video conference among the three leaders and leaders of mediating African countries, chaired by South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, was said to have achieved a major milestone in the GERD talks, where the three countries agreed to resolve the technical issues in relation to the second and third round of filling.

A statement released from Ethiopia’s Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that the parties have achieved consensus, regarding technical matters on the filling of the GERD’s reservoir, on Monday. And this was mainly possible because the first stage of the filling process was completed at the end of last week, according to the statement, and these facts were presented to the negotiating parties helping

the process to progress.

It is to be remembered that, beginning the first filling process was the most controversial issue, the three nations have encountered on the talks. Egypt garnered support from the Arab league and the US presidency on the matter. To this effect, the US had issued a statement through the Treasury claiming that Ethiopia shouldn’t/couldn’t start the first filling without a clear agreement on the GERD and an understanding among three parties with regard to the filling, and that it does not harm the interest of anyone.

On the statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) further noted that heavy rainfall recorded in the Goba area, Benigangul Gumuz Regional State, this month, has contributed to the ramping-up of the filling process and enabled the reservoir to hold 4.9 billion cubic meters of water in the stated period.

In fact, the statement also said the filling of the reservoir

is not only complete but has “topped over,” holding adequate water to test the first two low-head turbines installed at a height of 65 meters from the Dam floor or 565 meters from the sea-level. The first filling would enable the generation of some 700MW power by 2021. With power transmission lines already in place, the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) is set to start exporting surplus power to neighboring countries including Kenya and Sudan.

The second stage of the filling is expected to take place in the next rainy season, with the target of elevating the water volume held by the reservoir to 13.7 billion cubic meters. This level of filling would raise the total height of the reservoir walls to 595 meter from sea-level, enabling it to test the remaining 11 turbines. The third and final stage is expected to hold a total water volume of 74 billion cubic meters, amounting to 2 times the volume of Lake Tana, the largest in Ethiopia.

Trump considering cutting . . .

of the incident is yet to be established. We will cooperate with the Chinese civil aviation accident investigation authorities,” the official said. Ethiopian Airlines has been transporting PPEs and ventilators from China to Europe, the US and South America since the COVID-19 pandemic spread to all over the world.

According to Ethiopian, the aircraft, B777-200F, was original dedicated cargo aircraft acquired by the airline brand new from Boeing factory in October 2014. “The aircraft had clean maintenance log book since

previous flights,” the airline said.

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services operates a cargo fleet of ten B777F and two B737F. The B777 is the most modern and largest commercial freighter aircraft with the capacity to lift 105 tons of cargo at a time. The B737 can transport 22 tons of cargo.

Ethiopian Airlines is set to grow its cargo fleet with six more freighters. The airline has converted 25 passenger aircraft including B787 and A350 jetliners into cargo aircraft to meet the massive freight transport demand

created abruptly in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition the airline will be adding one new 777F directly from Boeing, three freighter-converted 767Fs, and two freighter-converted 737Fs. With the addition of six freighter aircraft, Ethiopian hopes to meet the growing demand for air cargo services.

Ethiopian has a state-of-the-art cargo terminal at its main hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport which can handle one million tons of cargo per annum.

Ethiopian Cargo daily

transports 1.6 million kg of cargo to fro its main hub in Addis Ababa of which 70 percent goes to other countries. Currently, Ethiopian Cargo handles 450,000 tons of cargo annually generating more than USD 800 million. The company targets to boost its revenue to USD two billion by 2025.

While most airlines survival is at stake the management of Ethiopian is keeping the airline afloat by boosting cargo operations. Cargo accounts to 15 percent of the airlines total revenue.

Ministry of Transport . . .



R internet with her realistic and

R Microsoft Teams opens its doors to third-party apps during meetings

#REPORTERBOOK 0 Vol. 24 No. 1246

Natalie Sideserf is a baker from Austin, Texas, who makes hyper-realistic and cartoony cakes that do not look like cakes until she slices them open on her YouTube channel. Her videos not only show the process of making each cake, but are oddly satisfying to watch.

Sideserf of the Sideserf Cake Studio is a fine arts major who one day tried sculpting a cake for her friend. One thing led to another and now she does this for a living.

“In 2008, a friend of mine suggested that I try making a sculpted cake like the ones she had seen on TV. So I tried making a cow skull cake and found the materials to be really interesting and wanted to learn more,” Natalie said.

“In 2011, my husband Dave and I moved to Austin, TX where I started working at a bakery. In 2012, I entered a cake in the shape of Willie Nelson into a cake competition. At the time, I tried looking up reference photos of bust cakes, but couldn't find any, so I was going for something that looked hyper realistic because it had never been done before. My brother posted photos of the cake to Reddit where it reached #1 on the front page. So at that point, I knew I was onto something.”

On the right are some of her works.

(Bored Panda)

Microsoft is allowing third-party app developers to integrate into the Microsoft Teams meeting experience for the first time. The new developer-focused features will let apps integrate into Teams meetings during video calls, and even before and after meetings. Third-party apps will be able to display content during Microsoft Teams calls, and even display notifications during calls. It’s a big expansion of what third-party apps are able to do in Microsoft Teams right now.

“Applications can span across chat and collaboration and easily have a workflow that expands into meetings now,” explains Michal Lesiczka, a group product manager of Microsoft Teams, in an interview with The Verge.

Applications will be able to add a tab to meeting invites where Teams users can interact with the app before a meeting begins. Once a meeting begins, Teams participants will be able to pull apps into the live call. This could include bots that trigger live notifications about events while a Teams meeting is taking place or an app that shows information to participants in the sidebar. The integration also includes the ability for apps to appear as a button in the meeting controls bar.

Previously, if you wanted to share an app or something more than a webcam in Microsoft Teams, the only option available was screen sharing.

(The Verge)



Instagram tests letting people run their own personal fundraisersR

#REPORTERBOOK

Spotify now supports video podcastsR||ERBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKK

#TrainRide

Spotify now supports video podcasts, starting with a handful of shows that can be viewed by most free and premium users. The company announced the news this week, saying that all users where podcasts are supported will be able to not only listen to these shows but also watch them, both on desktop and mobile.

For now, though, only certain podcasts are able to post video to Spotify; most podcasters will not be able to upload their own video footage. Videos will start automatically when someone presses play, and they will sync with the audio feed, so if someone exits the app or locks their device while watching, the audio will continue.

The initial shows launching video companion content are Book of Basketball 2.0, Fantasy Footballers, The Misfits Podcast, H3 Podcast, The Morning Toast, Higher Learning with Van Lathan & Rachel Lindsay, and The Rooster Teeth Podcast.

In May, Spotify announced an exclusive licensing deal with Joe Rogan, one of the world’s most popular podcasters, who releases a video version of his show on YouTube. As part of that deal, he will also be taking his video show over to Spotify, so it had to build this functionality to prepare for Rogan.

(The Verge)

Instagram will soon allow people in the US, UK, and Ireland to raise money for their own personal causes. The company launched the feature this week as an initial test on Android phones, with iPhones to follow, after already making personal fundraising available to Facebook users.

To create a personal fundraiser on Instagram, edit your profile, tap “add fundraiser,” and then select “raise money.” You will then have to categorize the fundraiser, add details, select a photo to use, and then enter your payment info through Stripe. All fundraisers will then be submitted for Instagram’s review before going live.

Fundraisers will last for 30 days from when they go live, although they can be extended as many times as creators want. Creators have to be 18 years old to run a fundraiser. Donors can choose to be anonymous to the public, but campaign creators will be able to see their username, profile name, and donation amount.

Although this is only a test, it seems likely Instagram will roll this out globally eventually. The company says people have raised more than USD 65 million for COVID-19 and racial justice fundraisers globally across Instagram and Facebook since January. Earlier this year, Instagram rolled out live fundraisers for Instagram Live.

(The Verge)



COMMENTARY +

A COVID-19 bridge . . . page 23

How political forces . . . page 22

By Desta Heliso

Different forces in Ethiopia and abroad are currently capitalising on the appalling murder of the musician and political activist Hachalu Hundessa. One of the ways in which this is achieved is a consistent employment of distorted and, at times, wholly inaccurate narratives. Prior to Hachalu’s tragic death, many of those who eulogise him now actually viewed him as their ideological nemesis.

The Oromo separatists, represented by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), did not like him when he was alive, because he advocated the narrative that Oromos are part of the greater Ethiopia made up of more than 80 people groups. He was a proud Oromo, who sang in Affaan Oromo and campaigned against the injustices perpetrated by the EPRDF regime, which had incarcerated him for five years.

Extremist ethno-nationalist elements within the Oromo Federalist Congress party and other Oromo political groups were not happy with him, because his view diverged from their negative definition

of Ethiopian history and quasi-separatist ideology. He did not advocate the notion of abandoning the past, as he publicly expressed his pride for the role of gallant Oromos during the Adwa Victory against the Italians.

Extremist ethno-nationalist elements within the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) did not like him, because it was the injustice and suffering he and his people experienced under the political system they had dominated for almost three decades that galvanised him into producing political music. He continued to speak of TPLF as a defeated force until recently, as became clear from his interview with the Oromo Media Network television a few weeks before his death. All these forces and their supporters within and outside Ethiopia are now engaging in capitalising on his tragic killing for their own political benefits. It is preposterous.

Hachalu was an Oromo, but he did not live only for the Oromos, as claimed by some in different media outlets including Aljazeera. He believed that no people group in Ethiopia, including the Oromos, should be marginalised and deprived of justice, freedom and democracy.

He was a patriot who invested in the national honour and cared about his country’s policies and actions. He combined respect for the Oromo culture and language with a respect for others’ culture and language. He sought to form relations around his Oromo origins, but he did that with a relaxed sense that included others who did not necessarily share a common ancestry or language with him. For example, he did not fully agree with the musician and political activist Teddy Afro’s assessment of Ethiopian history, but he listened to Teddy Afro’s music and shared a platform with him on several occasions. Those who eulogise him and use him as a political pawn in his death must have been uncomfortable with all this while he was alive.

His killing was a heinous crime, which left his wife and children without a husband and father. It was a crime that tragically cut short the life of an individual with a beautiful personality, humane values, undoubted musical brilliance, and very bright future indeed. But those who sought to capitalise on Hachalu’s death were so focused on their political goals that they committed another crime by using his dead body as a political

football. From all the interviews his father and his brother gave to the media, it is absolutely clear to me that the family wanted Hachalu’s funeral to take place in Ambo, his birthplace. The family were on their way to Ambo, but Jawar Mohammed and Bekele Gerba, along with their supporters, forced the car carrying the body of Hachalu to return to Addis Ababa. They did this probably believing that the funeral of such a beloved musical talent and political activist taking place in Addis Ababa would be politically beneficial for them. However, by hijacking the body of Hachalu, they dishonoured him and showed utter and complete disregard for the family’s wish to bury their son, brother and husband in the place of their choosing. This was an atrocious act, a cultural crime.

This appalling act, which resulted in chaos, confusion, and incalculable loss of lives and properties, is not the focus of many of the narratives in relation to Hachalu’s death. Instead, the narratives seek to portray Hachalu as the symbol of the Oromo struggle for freedom and speak of the Oromos as the

How political forces are capitalising on Hachalu

Hundessa’s murder

VIEWPOINT +

A COVID-19 bridge over troubled water?

By Cecilia Tortajada and

Asit K. Biswas

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to transform our behaviors, attitudes, and policies in many areas. For the sake of overcoming the public-health crisis and enabling economic recovery, one must hope that water and wastewater management will be among them.

Delivering clean water and ensuring proper wastewater management has been a global concern since the late 1970s. Significant progress toward this objective was made during the 1980s, which the United Nations declared the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade. But the ultimate goal – to ensure that every human on the planet had access to clean water and sanitation by 1990 – was not achieved.

The world tried again in 2000, with the less ambitious Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the share of the population without sustainable access to clean water and sanitation by 2015. This time, the UN declared victory, but included anyone with access to water at all – clean or not.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the

UN’s members in 2015, were supposed to pick up where the MDGs left off. Again, the target is clean water and proper sanitation for all. The deadline this time is 2030. But, as in the past, the barriers to success are formidable.

When the SDGs were introduced, the UN estimated that 785 million people worldwide lacked access to “even a basic drinking water service.” The true number is probably far larger. According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, some 2.2 billion people do not have safely managed drinking water services, and 4.2 billion do not have safely managed sanitation services.

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases – such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio – that affect hundreds of millions of people every year. Making matters worse, nearly 25 percent of health-care facilities worldwide lack even basic water services.

This is not a developing-economy problem. In the United States, for example, two million people do not have access to piped water. Moreover, the water that people do receive often does not qualify as clean or safe: the high-profile cases of Flint, Michigan,

and Walkerton, Canada – where people are suffering long-term health problems, and even premature death, owing to contaminated water – make that abundantly clear.

Not surprisingly, such incidents have eroded trust in water utilities. Today, at least 3.5 billion people worldwide – in both developed and developing countries – lack confidence in the quality of the water they receive. In South Asia, with over 1.7 billion people, there is not a single town or city where people trust their water utilities. Those who can often rely on bottled water or point-of-use water-treatment systems.

The COVID-19 crisis could be a turning point. Yes, universal access to clean water and sanitation has been on the world’s radar since the late 1970s. But the current pandemic has made it a universal interest. While frequent hand washing is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the UNICEF/WHO estimate implies that three billion people worldwide lack the facilities to do so. And with the pandemic underscoring the link between clean water and public health, the bar for what qualifies as “clean” has been raised.

The COVID-19 crisis is also

changing how people think about wastewater – a resource that has been grossly undervalued in the past. As some cities have recognized, properly treated wastewater can be channeled toward human, industrial, agricultural, and environmental uses. Wastewater is also a valuable source of energy, but very few utilities worldwide use it that way.

Overall, developed-country cities have a much better record when it comes to collecting and treating wastewater. But even they are not realizing its full potential. As the WHO has noted, analysis of wastewater’s composition can provide reliable information on pathogens and chemicals at the population level. In 1989, Israel introduced wastewater surveillance to measure the spread of poliovirus strains that could cause poliomyelitis.

Now, wastewater analysis is emerging as an important way to assess community spread of COVID-19. Contaminated untreated wastewater itself does not appear to pose a transmission risk. But it offers a means of gauging infection rates in communities, and a possible early-warning system for new outbreaks.



Japan stands by . . . page 23

New models for . . . page 23

against infectious diseases in Africa through international organizations such as WHO.

The relationship in the field of health between Japan and Africa is long-lasting and rich. A prominent Japanese medical doctor, Dr. NOGUCHI Hideyo, conducted research on Yellow fever and died of this infectious disease in Ghana in 1928. Commemorating his contribution, Ghana’s Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research was established in 1979 with the support of Japan and these days this institution plays a major role in fighting against COVID-19 in Ghana and the region.

The Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize was established by the Government of Japan and is awarded to those who contribute to medical research and activities in Africa. In 2019, the Third Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize was awarded to Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Dr. Francis Gervase Omaswa (Republic of Uganda). Dr. Muyembe-Tamfum, who contributed to research on Ebola, is the General Director of the National Institute of Biomedical Research. Japan supported facilities for medical examination and research, training, and clinical trial at this

OPINION

By Fumio Shimizu

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly grown around the world. The present situation can be described as the crisis of Human Security with multidimensional threats and we need to make collective effort to leave no most-vulnerable people behind. Ethiopia, as well as the African continent as a whole, has been seriously damaged, and so has Japan. In the case of Japan, since the early stages of the domestic spread of COVID-19, the government has detected the spread of virus in an early stage and actively implemented countermeasures such as the tracking and testing of close contacts of infected patients, the so called “cluster approach”. This combined with good access to medical institutions, the high level of medical services including in rural areas, and the people’s increased awareness of hygiene and health, have so far resulted in a low number of infections and deaths in comparison to many other countries.

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading in Africa and could peak later on. In the African continent, varying from country to country, governments, international and regional organizations are taking actions to suppress the transmission and control

the spread of COVID-19. With previous experience fighting against infectious deceases the number of infected patients in Africa is relatively controlled. However, its negative impacts to people’s health as well as political, economic, and social dimensions are extraordinary.

Under these circumstances, Japan, respecting Africa’s efforts to fight against COVID-19, has provided as much support as possible and will continue to do so. No country and region in the world can avoid the damage caused by COVID-19 and we need exceptional solidarity at the international level to tackle with this virus. Since Japan has useful experiences and know-how in establishing domestic health systems in general and countermeasures against COVID-19 in particular, Japan would like to support Africa’s efforts. Japan will never forget the solidarity and assistance provided by many countries and people around the world, including from Africa, when the Great East Japan Earthquake hit us on 11 March 2011. At the time when Africa and the world are facing serious difficulties, it is our responsibility to do what we can.

In fact, collaborating with African countries, including Ethiopia, international organizations, and with regional organizations such as the

African CDC, Japan conducts technical cooperation to train healthcare and medical workers and provides financial assistance for medical equipment.

One of the biggest challenges for the time being is the development and production of and a fair access to COVID-19 treatment medicines and vaccines. For these developments, Japan has domestically accelerated research and development and has provided the relevant international organizations, such as CEPI and GAVI, with financial support. In addition, Prime Minister Abe intends to propose the sharing of COVID-19 pharmaceutical treatments and vaccines, from which developing countries can benefit, under a transparent global framework.

Japan’s contribution to the health sector in Africa is one of the major pillars which was reaffirmed at the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7 -TICAD is a summit level conference held every 3 years in which Japanese and African political leaders and other international stakeholders take part to discuss African development), which was held last year in Yokohama, Japan. Japan has been and continue enhancing its support to promote universal health coverage (UHC) and to strengthen capabilities

Japan stands by Africa in

initiatives that will elevate the place of long-neglected participants in the corporate calculus. Most important, promising new schools of economic thought are being tested and applied to transform value-creation models across business and finance. For example, the “Economics of Mutuality,” a course co-created by scholars at the University of Oxford and Catalyst, Mars Inc.’s in-house think tank, is now being taught at leading universities, including Oxford, Sciences Po, and the China Europe International Business School. And there is growing enthusiasm for Harvard Business School’s Impact-Weighted Accounts Project, the Impact Management Project, and other initiatives.

Among business leaders, investors, and educators, support for these new approaches has been growing, because they can empower businesses to solve key social and environmental challenges in the ecosystems in which they operate without sacrificing performance. More industry leaders are acknowledging that the purpose of business is not to earn profits at the expense of people and the planet, but rather to develop profitable solutions to shared problems.

Just as companies and financial institutions need to reform their models to remain relevant and sustain performance, so

By Bertrand Badré,

Ronald Cohen,

Bruno Roche, et al.

With multilateralism in peril, so, too, is financial capitalism. Populist political movements and the pandemic-induced global economic catastrophe have shown that both, rather than being pillars of stability, are levers of political and economic power.

As the world struggles to overcome from the COVID-19 crisis, recasting multilateralism and reforming capitalism have become crucial tasks. Both need to become force multipliers in a new system of dynamic value creation. But the fundamental purpose and underlying principles of each will first need to be redefined.

Today’s multilateralism, conceived by the victors of World War II, was geared toward preventing global conflicts (through the United Nations), organizing collective defense (through NATO, and the now-defunct Warsaw Pact, for example), and supporting economic reconstruction and development (through the Marshall Plan, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank). Globally, it established common economic rules of the game.

But this bounded, regulated form of capitalism soon came under attack, not least by Chicago

school economists espousing a free-market agenda favorable to financial capitalism. Businesses and educators alike embraced the new orthodoxy, which by the 1970s had come to dominate the commanding heights of the global economy. One of its central pillars – corporate governance based solely on “maximization of shareholder value” – became an unquestioned assumption.

As it turned out, post-war multilateralism and financial capitalism reinforced each other, because both were based on relationships that typically result in “winner-take-all” outcomes, or that otherwise exhibit a systemic bias in favor of those with more power. To be sure, this power-driven multilateralism ushered in a long period of relative global stability, and the Chicago school’s policy prescriptions helped to create the conditions for the expansion of financial empires and the emergence of new middle classes, lifting tens of millions of people out of poverty. Some individuals and families enjoyed unfathomable levels of new wealth.

But that doesn’t mean the arrangement was optimally efficient for society as a whole. Throughout history, various systems of exploitation have built empires and amassed great wealth while performing atrociously in terms of human wellbeing and social capital (trust, community cohesion, a capacity for collective action).

Their collapse represented moral progress, because it allowed for a new era in which human rights and shared prosperity could prevail.

For multilateralism and capitalism to regain their legitimacy and widespread appeal, they must be refashioned as systems of mutuality and reciprocity. A good way to start would be to revive the vision of Robert Schuman, widely considered the father of European unification, who proposed just after WWII that Europe abandon power politics in the name of solidarity and mutuality. That vision has underpinned a period of European peace and prosperity not seen since the Roman Empire, demonstrating, despite its many shortcomings, that reciprocity can be more effective than realpolitik in advancing collective goals.

In meeting the COVID-19 crisis, many companies are preparing to contribute to a Schumanesque reform agenda by adopting new models of corporate governance and innovation, with an eye toward purpose-led value creation. The business community is recognizing that addressing stakeholder problems is a better approach than maximizing shareholder returns without considering the consequences.

Stakeholder capitalism is no longer just an aspiration. Business leaders and investors are launching and joining encouraging real-world

New models for a new worldOPINION +


22| The Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 124622||

Ed.’s Note: Tsion Taye is a researcher in the field of Agricultural Economics. She is a graduate of

Wageningen university from which she obtained her Masters and PhD degrees. Her passions include

reading books and reflecting on life experiences with whomever shares this passion. She can be reached for

comments at [email protected].

CONT`D FROM PAGE 16

CONT`D FROM PAGE 20

ON THE DAMFinally, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or the GERD has completed its first round of water filling. It is indeed a great thing to hear. So much has been said on the dam, and so may years have passed with Ethiopians eagerly waiting to see its completion and its numerous benefits, among which the end of power interruption in the country is the most important one. There are some points and reservations I would like to share on regarding the GERD, though.

When the news on the first round of water filling was out, people were seen expressing their joy and excitement. I share their joy and excitement as well, that is for sure, but maybe not to their extent. Completion of one milestone among thousands to go is much better than completion of no milestones. Given that almost a decade has passed since the dam was first inaugurated and with so many ups and downs faced along the way, without sounding too pessimist, I would like to say that I am still sceptic about the timely and fast completion of the dam. With the endless negotiations with Egypt and Sudan, with the corruptive mindset still ingrained in the government systems, and with the endless political struggles and conflicts within the country, I doubt that we will soon be seeing the dam fully completed and operational. But my hope is for my skepticism to be wrong.

One of the things that I have always asked as myself when thinking about the Dam is about the actual and exact benefits the country is going to derive from its construction and completion. Sure, we are told about the level of Mega Watt of electricity the dam will be able to generate once completed. What I am not sure of is what this level of electricity is exactly going to mean for the country. For instance, by what percentage is the electricity coverage is going to increase in the country? Does it mean that those of us who already have access to electric power are never going to see a minute’s interruption of electric power once the dam is operational? Or is the electric power going to be exported to neighboring countries, with our main benefit from the dam being the generation of foreign currency for the country? I wish that, whenever fund raising ads are made for the dam’s construction, we the people get to see and be reminded of the exact and measurable benefits we will be deriving from the dam. Why not show the people exact numerical indicators such as the percentage increase in electric coverage in the country expected when the dam is operational or the value of locally manufactured products that is expected to be generated in the country as a result of increased and uninterrupted access to electric power? This will not only motivate people during fund raising but it will also hold the government accountable!

Two things sadden me when I think about the dam. The first one is the close to none recognition given particularly by the state media to the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi for initiating the GERD project. Yesterday on the news, when announcing the first round filling of the dam, I was surprised to see video footages of him inaugurating the dam. But sadly, no explicit mention of his name and his contribution. When the lead engineer passed away, I remember the media celebrating him as the hero of the dam with no mention of the late prime minister’s name. The other thing that makes me sad is how our people can have two complete opposing views of the dam, before and after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. I remember when the dam was inaugurated and its construction started, people were unwilling to contribute their salaries to the dam’s construction and were downplaying its instrumental contribution to the country’s economy. Now, all those who were against its construction have suddenly become advocates. I wonder why we can’t just be true to ourselves!

both before and after the colonialists set their foot in the African Continent.

Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt

The Kingdom of Aksum also known as the Aksumite Empire, was an ancient kingdom with its capital located in what is now Eritrea and the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The Empire existed from approximately 80 BC to AD 825 achieving prominence around the 4th century BC. “By the 1st century AD Aksum was recognized as a major player on the commercial route between the Roman Empire and Ancient India.” It has been noted that the “Aksumite rulers facilitated trade by minting their own currency, establishing their hegemony over the Kingdom of Kush.” Politically speaking, they entered the politics of the kingdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and eventually extended their rule over the region with the conquest of the Himyarite Kingdom. “The Manichaei prophet Mani, who died 274 AD, regarded Axum as one of the four great powers of his time, the others being Persia, Rome, and China.”

The Aksumites erected monumental stelae, which served a religious purpose in pre-Christian times. Moreover, Emperor Ezana is credited not only for adopting Christianity but also sheltering Muslims from Mecca seeking refuge from Quraysh persecution by travelling to the kingdom of Aksum. According to various historians, Ethiopia is alleged resting place of the Ark of Covenant and the home of the Queen of Sheba.

No one knows for sure the exact line of ancient Ethiopia’s boundaries. It may stretch from Khartoum in the west to Lake Victoria in the south. We know that Ethiopia is the successor of Axumite Kingdom, which is generally recognized as one of the largest states of antiquity. “It is known that in 350 AD. the Axumite King Ezana, conquered the Meroe kingdom which lay in the valley of the Nile on what is today known as the Republic of the Sudan. In the 8th and 7th centuries

BC. an Ethiopian dynasty ruled Egypt (the XXV dynasty).” As one historian noted: “The 25th Dynasty refers to the kings of Kush, which included Nubia, who ruled all or part of Egypt from around 746 to 653 BC.”

Ethiopia and Egypt during and after the Scramble for Africa

In 1891, Britain and Italy signed a protocol demarcating their spheres of influence in East Africa. Under it, the line of “demarcation ran from the Indian Ocean along the Juba River to the point of intersection with latitude 6 degree North then on along this parallel to longitude 35 degree East and farther on along the meridian to the Blue Nile.” This line splits the territory inhabited by the Somalis, with Britain getting that part which later became the Northern Province of the British colony of Kenya, and which remains “a bone of contention between the government of Kenya and Somalia.” Moreover, this line of demarcation ran along the territory which now is part of Ethiopia.

By the time of the Anglo-Italian Protocol, Ethiopia, was surrounded by colonial plunderers on every side. Ethiopia find herself to be an Island in the colonial sea which threatened her very existence as independent nation. To protect herself from colonialism, “Ethiopia had to take up arms to drive back Britain and Italy.” Following the signing of the 1891 Protocol, concerned with his people’s freedom and well-being, “Menelik sent a letter to the heads of a number of European states Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Russia, in which he defined his country’s frontiers, and announced his intention to restore Ethiopia within her ancient frontiers.” Had he not define and told the European powers the extent of his country’s boundaries, the country would have been sliced and diced-up to become British, Italian and or French colonies like the rest of African continent. It is safe to say, had it not been for Menelik’s unshakable patriotism, there would be no free and independent

Ethiopia as we know it today.

Poverty and economic dependence tends to restrict a country’s freedom in choosing its path of further development. Which is just another way of saying that political independence cannot be complete while the country remains economically dependent, whether on one country or many countries. The fact that 95 percent of 102 million Egyptians have accesses to electricity with all benefits it provides while only 27 percent of 114 million Ethiopians have accesses to electricity. It is common knowledge today, that more than 70 million Ethiopians have no accesses to electricity and live in total darkness after the sundown. Yes, nearly 70 million Ethiopians collect woods to cook their food and heat their homes, carry water on their backs for miles and miles to wash and to drink. This fact does not bother Egyptians because Ethiopian poverty remains to be the base of the Egyptian wealth. Therefore Egyptians don’t want to see Ethiopia lift herself out of poverty. In my opinion, Egypt remains to be an invisible cancer in social, economic and political life of the Ethiopian people and to think otherwise is like hosting, not only an incurable cancer but also courting inevitable disaster forever. May God bless Ethiopia and Ethiopians and protect their Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Ed.’s Note: Alem Asres (PhD), (former Alemayehu Wondemagegnehu) earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Social Foundations of Education with emphasis on Comparative and Multicultural Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his MA degree in Urban Sociology and Urban Planning from Howard University, Washington DC, and his BA in Political Science with emphasis in International Relations, from the University of Maryland, College Park. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].

GERD negotiation calls . . .

How political forces . . .most oppressed, marginalised and dispossessed people within Ethiopia. They claim that the Oromos suffered in the hands of the Amharas and Tigreans. The reality is that the Oromos have been part of the socio-political fabric of Ethiopia since the 17th century AD and that they are not the only or the most oppressed people group in the history of Ethiopia. All people groups in Ethiopia have suffered oppression and injustice during past regimes since the creation of Ethiopia. Perpetrators of oppression and injustice have existed not only amongst Amharas and Tigreans, but also amongst all people groups, including the Oromos.

Nowadays, it has become fashionable amongst the Oromos in particular to refer to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as naftagna (‘gun bearer’), but those of us who come from the Southern part of the country know that neftagnas in the South were not only Amharas or Tigreans but also Oromos. There were neftagnas even amongst the Southerners. A narrative that presents the Oromos as the sole victim of systemic injustice and oppression under neftegnas is not only simplistic and inaccurate but also dangerous. Many Amharas, Tigreans, Wolaytas, Hadiyas,

Guraghes etc have been victims of oppression and dispossession during the Haile-Sellassie era; of killings and persecutions under the Military-Communist junta; and the state of fear, repression and injustice under the EPRDF regime. Hachalu accepted that all people groups in Ethiopia, not only the Oromos, are victims of historic injustice and oppression.

Moreover, as a thinking person, Hachalu would not have claimed that the government of Abiy Ahmed with its reform agenda was ushered in only through the struggle of the Oromo youth and diaspora activists who used media networks to instigate protests. There were public unrests at different levels in many regions, as the majority of Ethiopians were absolutely tired of EPRDF’s repressive and unfair system and its corrupt governance. In Gambella and Benshangul Gumuz, forcible dispossession of land rights had led to public opposition and consistent arrests of those who represented the public voice. In Oromia, expansion of Addis Ababa at the expense of the Oromo farmers became a rallying point and led to huge public protests. In Amhara, perceived political marginalisation and a dispute over land between Amhara and Tigrean

regional governments led to violent protests, whose epicentre was the town of Gondar.

It was not only violent protests that brought about change in Ethiopia. Mounting political pressure forced the then Prime Minister Haile-Mariam Desalegn to launch the so-called ‘deep reform agenda’ within EPRDF. But forces opposed to his reform agenda in his own party prevented him from succeeding. This deepened the political crisis, which was further exacerbated by a tactical alliance formed by the Oromo and Amhara groups within the party against TPLF. All this compelled Haile-Mariam to adopt a political strategy, whereby he resolved to work with individuals he believed would bring about real reform in the country. In February 2018, he resigned his position as Prime Minister and played a decisive role in having Abiy Ahmed elected as his successor. While the truth is that the change came through a collective effort of both the government and the people of Ethiopia, the narrative currently employed is that the change was ushered in by the Oromo youth and activists and that the enemies of the Oromo people are reversing the hard-won freedom by the Oromos for the Oromos. The chief of those enemies, in their view, is now Abiy



CONT`D FROM PAGE 20

CONT`D FROM PAGE 21

CONT`D FROM PAGE 21

A COVID-19 bridge . . .

Japan stands by . . .

New models for . . .

Ahmed himself, who is not an Oromo. Outrageous, though, this claim may sound, my purpose is not to defend Abiy, but to appeal to those concerned about the situation in Ethiopia to discern the kind of narratives promoted through various media outlets.

This discernment must include a clear understanding of the current political fault lines in Ethiopia. (1) There are separatist forces within Oromia, who don’t see themselves as Ethiopians and wish to create a separate state of Oromia. They now seem to have created political and paramilitary wings. The political wing claims that it has nothing to do with the paramilitary wing and vice versa (in the same way as Sinn Fein and Irish Republican Army used to do in Northern Ireland). (2) There are federalist forces particularly within Tigray and Oromia, who wish to defend the current emphasis on ethnic-based administrative arrangements and maintain the existing constitutional provision, where regional states are sovereign and

Ethiopia’s sovereignty depends on the will of those sovereign states. (3) There are unionist forces, who wish to reverse that constitutional provision and advocate the principle of citizenship and national sovereignty as more suitable than ethno-federalism. (4) There are forces led by Abiy Ahmed and represented by some other political parties, who appear to seek to maintain the current political arrangements while putting a strong emphasis on the integrity of Ethiopia as a nation-state and the unity of its people.

Sadly, it now seems, Hachalu was sacrificed on the altar of extremist groups to satisfy their bloodthirsty lords. It is unlikely that Hachalu’s blood, the blood of close to 200 Ethiopian lives, and the destruction of countless properties will appease these lords. For their political approach is characterised by intolerance of rational argument, cynical rhetoric, and reckless actions. For their political goal is at worst the death of the nation or at best tightening the current

ethnocentric constitutional provisions. Freedom and peace, for them, are dependent on everyone accepting their absolute certainties about their ideological purity, notion of identity, constitutional understanding, and the political and economic direction of the country. They seek to keep Ethiopia hostage to their political goals. The narratives that eulogise Hachalu as a freedom fighter slain for the Oromo people cloud this dangerous reality.

Exactly a year ago, in my article for the Reporter Ethiopia https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/article/warlordism-ethiopia, I expressed my fear that warlordism might become part of the socio-political culture of Ethiopia. That fear unfortunately was not completely unjustified. But Ethiopia is not a lost cause if the government of PM Abiy applies the rule of law appropriately. This means a number of things. First, it means the government taking a firm but fair action against individuals or groups who behave as if they are

above the law. It also means the government coming up with a sustainable solution regarding the unconstitutional security forces such as regional special armed forces. This, further, means ensuring that the Federal State and its constitutionally legitimate security structures exercise the monopoly of violence in the context of full accountability. Finally and very importantly, it means the government taking seriously the principle of the subordination of freedom to the rule of law. The outcome of all this, I hope, would be that more Hachalus will not unnecessarily be sacrificed, enabling cynical academics, journalists and activists to make political capital out of their deaths and ensuing tragedies.

Ed.’s Note: Desta Heliso (PhD) studied at the London School of Theology and King’s College in London. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].

In the Netherlands, traces of the COVID-19 coronavirus were detected in untreated wastewater six days before the first case was reported. Traces were detected in untreated wastewater in the Swiss city of Lugano when only one case had been confirmed, and in Zurich after only six infections. Wastewater surveillance showed that community transmission in Valencia, Spain began earlier than previously believed.

Australia, which has also detected the virus in untreated wastewater, now plans to carry out routine testing to

anticipate outbreaks. Tokyo has already begun to take weekly samples from untreated and treated sewage. Samples from 15 sewage treatment plants will be frozen and stored until methods for extracting and analyzing the virus are established. In Singapore, the National Environment Agency has initiated a pilot surveillance program to screen wastewater samples. Crucially, such approaches can work only in places with effective wastewater collection and management.

It seems likely that the COVID-19 crisis will increase demand for cleaner, safer water and more

reliable and effective wastewater treatment everywhere. This could accelerate progress toward the SDG on water and wastewater. But success is far from guaranteed, not least because the pandemic also seems to be strengthening another trend: declining trust in public institutions. Changing this will require water utilities all over the world to improve their management and communication practices significantly.

Ed.’s Note: Cecilia Tortajada, editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Water Resources

Development, is a senior research fellow at the Institute of Water Policy at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Asit K. Biswas is Visiting Professor at the University of Glasgow. The article is provided to The Reporter by Project Syndicate: the world’s pre-eminent source of original op-ed commentaries. Project Syndicate provided inclusive perspectives in our changing world by those who are shaping politics, economics, science and culture. The views expressed in this articled do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.

institute and now it is a national hub in fighting against COVID-19 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The rapid global spread of COVID-19 poses a serious threat not only to people’s survival, but also to the economic and social aspects. Japan is carrying out support projects to mitigate those negative socio-economic effects in Africa. Looking forward to Africa’s economic recovery and development after COVID-19, Japan supports “build back better” in Africa. While the implementation of AfCFTA has been delayed due to the pandemic, Japan will continue to promote a favorable overall investment environment, industrial human resource development, and quality infrastructure to enhance connectivity, as far as the situation allows us to do so, under due attention to the COVID-19 situation.

In addition, another important challenge is to mobilize and ensure the necessary financial resources for countering COVID-19 and socio-economic recovery in African countries from the damages brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere respect for the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, and the President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa among others

for taking global leadership to cope with this issue.

Japan, as one of the member countries of the G20, is committed to implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) that suspends official bilateral debt payments for the poorest countries. Japan stresses the importance of allocating the funds released by the DSSI to the urgent financing needs that have arisen due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Also, Japan expects that this initiative can eventually ensure debt transparency as well as debt sustainability.

The COVID-19 pandemic may

negatively affect peace and stability in Africa , while revealing the vulnerability of administrative institutions of African countries. At the TICAD 7, Prime Minister Abe announced NAPSA (New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa), which assists institution building among others, along with the principle of approaching to root-cause of conflict and terrorism, highly considering Africa’s ownership for conflict solution. Under the current circumstance in Africa, institution building and human capacity development are the most urgent tasks. Japan would like to support those areas so

that everybody’s welfare and dignity in Africa are assured and no one left behind, thus realizing Agenda 2063, the Africa which African people want.

At last, I would like to note that the TICAD8 scheduled in 2022 was officially decided to be held in Tunisia. TICAD 8 will be a meaningful opportunity to discuss the agenda for African development among Africa, Japan, and other development partners, taking into consideration the situation in Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic.

I will definitively leave the country after completing my 2

years mission as the Ambassador of Japan to the African Union. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friends in Ethiopia, Africa, and partners of Africa for your hospitality and friendship. Africa is a continent of hopes and opportunity. I believe Africa’s prosperity and stability, overcoming the current difficulties.

Ed.’s Note: Fumio Shimizu is Ambassador of Japan to the African Union. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.

must multilateral systems and institutions be redefined in order to promote peace and shared prosperity. Policymakers around the world have an opportunity – as well as an urgent duty – to attach purpose-driven conditions to emergency policies during the crisis, and to bring a multi-stakeholder mindset to the task of restarting the economy.

Such a broad-based shift in perspective can bring about systemic change. At the same time, it can reinforce

the foundation underlying business: venturing out onto the shifting sands of unfulfilled promises.

Ed.’s Note: Bertrand Badré, a former managing director of the World Bank, is CEO of Blue like an Orange Sustainable Capital. Ronald Cohen, Chairman of The Portland Trust, is a former chairman of Bridges Ventures. Bruno Roche is the Founder and Executive Director of Economics of Mutuality and a former chief economist at Mars, Inc. Additional authors: Ludovic

Subran is Chief Economist at Allianz. Antonio Weiss is a research fellow at the at Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. The article is provided to The Reporter by Project Syndicate: the world’s pre-eminent source of original op-ed commentaries. Project Syndicate provided inclusive perspectives in our changing world by those who are shaping politics, economics, science and culture. The views expressed in this articled do not necessarily reflect the views of The Reporter.



1. Job Title: Director – Risk & Compliance Management Department

Job Summary

MA/MBA in Banking and Finance, Accounting, Economics,

Minimum Work Experience Manager.

Additional Skills: Emotional Intelligence

2. Job Title: Manager – Banking Center - Grade “C”(For the soon to be opened Banking Centers in Addis Ababa)

Job Summary

: BA in Banking and Finance, Accounting, Management, Business

Minimum Work Experience


3. Job Title: Principal Credit AnalystJob Summary

B.A. Degree in Management, Accounting, Economics. Banking,


Additional Skills:

Skill in oral and written communication

4. Job Title: Senior Credit AnalystJob Summary

committee.

B



5. Job Summary



6. Job Title: Senior Civil EngineerJob Summary

and suggest course of action to be taken and other assignments

highly energetic individuals to join our team. We value intelligence, integrity, diligence and teamwork. If you share these values, we would like to have a career conversation with you.

institution seeking highly energetic individuals to join our team. We value intelligence, integrity, diligence and teamwork. If you share these values, we would like to have a career conversation with you.

AdvertismentThe Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246 |25


VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

1. Job Title:

Core responsibilities

students, including the clinical rotation of medical students entering the clinical training

Requirements:

2

2. Job Title: i. Assistant Secretary

Requirements:

Place of work for both positions:

Salary:

Condition of employment: How to apply For the Vice Dean job position:

research statement (if any), and three letters of references Human Resource

Department [email protected]. 011-639-40-20

For the Assistant secretary job position

Human Resource Department [email protected].

Tel. 011-639-40-20


Additional Skills:

Good communication skills etc.

7. Job Title: Customer Service Representative IJob Summary

external customers.

B.A in Marketing Management, Management,

Only Graduate of 2019/2020



8. Job Title: Young Graduate Trainee (Fresh Graduate)Job Summary

maintain customer accounts and manage customer relations and ensure customer satisfaction with full effort and maximum

B.A. in Banking and Finance, Accounting, Management,


Additional Skills: Good emotional Intelligence.

in person by attaching their non-returnable application and CV with all credentials to the Bank’s Human Resource Department within ten working days from the date of this announcement.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Human Resource Department Zemen Bank S.C

Address: Kazanchis Abebech Bldg. (Near Radisson Blu Hotel)

Tel. +251-11-5- 57 58 70 or +251-11-5- 57 51 66 or 251-11-5- 57 44 62

P.O. Box 1212 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia



SNAPSHOTS

Documenting development projects

There are a number of state-sponsored projects undertaken in the capital Addis Ababa, these days. The Addis Ababa City Administration has recently launched an ongoing exhibition depicting the progress, the scale and evolution of these massive public projects in the old and monumental building in front of Meskel Square, particularly known for serving as presidential podium during the Derg Era, overlooking political rallies and military parades taking place in the Square.



SNAPSHOTS

Pho

to B

y: T

he R

epor

ter /

Tam

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etac

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The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE)

No. Job Title Number

1

Manager,

1st

Work continually on customer satisfaction

1

Required Skills & Abilities:

Excel and Word.

2

Senior

Assistant

Administration and Secretarial

and

and email.

mail.

1

Required Skills & Abilities: Good customer handling

3 Forklift Machine

Additional training on forklift

1

Required Skills & Abilities: Good communication skill

Remark:

Salary: Negotiation

Age limit:

Place of work:

Type of Employment:

Application Procedure (how to apply):

(or download from its website: https://nbebank.com),

th and10/12th

[email protected]

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an assessment.

External Vacancy AnnouncementNational Bank of Ethiopia

AdvertismentThe Reporter, July 25, 2020 Vol. 24 No. 1246 |29




C r o s s w o r d

Your Zodiacs (astrology-online.com)

Kun

cho

Kom

men

tsACROSS1. Unit of bread5. Eyeglasses10. At the peak of14. Skin disease15. Synagogue scroll16. French cheese17. Unnecessarily19. Jewelry20. Tin21. Mountain crest22. Draws into the mouth23. Inveigled25. Chilly27. Prefix meaning "Modern"28. Elastic31. Rewrite34. Pasted35. 52 in Roman numerals36. Gingivae37. Carnivals38. Assistance39. Clairvoyant's gift40. Unrefined41. Clenched hands42. Floatplane44. Drunkard45. Anagram of "Tutor"

46. Tuft50. Ancient Hebrew vestment52. Approaches54. Caviar55. Paper holder56. Something that is derived58. An intimate chat59. Habitual practice60. Cain's brother61. Pitcher62. An analytic literary composition63. MorselsDOWN1. Javelin2. Sea3. Concerning (archaic)4. Nourished5. Record player6. Modelled7. At one time (archaic)8. Feverish delirium9. Timid10. Curt11. Three wheelers12. Pig sound13. Pins 18. Twined

22. Hurried

24. Hotels

26. Angers

28. Skid

29. Sword handle

30. Puppy sounds

31. Anagram of "Sage"

32. Cogitate

33. Be understanding of

34. Emaciation

37. German for "Madam"

38. Strikes

40. Lummox

41. Civet-like mammal

43. Appropriate

44. Appraise

46. Subarctic coniferous forests

47. Small African antelope

48. Desire

49. Staggers

50. Behold, in old Rome

51. Farm equipment

53. Historical periods

56. Fitting

57. Bar bill

AriesAries, remember the importance of expressing your emotions to those around you. If you carry around the full emotional weight of life, it may prevent you from

receiving advice today, remember that all beings are different and that even the most well-intended advice may not be helpful to your current situation. TaurusTaurus, with so much to do in one day, a to-do list is critical. Make sure that you order the things you need

to just three tasks of crucial importance in one day. This afternoon, make sure you give yourself time to relax. Take a long bath, treat yourself with a favorite fruit, or curl up with a favorite book.GeminiGemini, look beneath the surface of the issues you face today so that you are able to see the full range of options available to you. Make sure you know all of the possible outcomes of a situation before you bring it up in a serious discussion. Be cautious if you have to travel or use the internet for extended amounts of time today.

Cancer

Cancer, projects completed today will almost certainly be successful. This may be either in business or if you've helped a younger family member with the science fair. The romantic connection is very possible as well if you're single.

Leo

Leo, the monotony of everyday life may weigh on you heavily today. Try to spend some time shaking things up. Take a different route, visit a favorite place or person you haven't seen in a while, or shake up your romantic habits. Singles have a high chance of meeting someone special.

Virgo

Virgo, inspiration may strike at the most unlikely of times. Perhaps you will be inspired to engage the arts or repair something around your home. It could also come to you like a drive to try a new method

to overdo it. Consider the feelings of those around you as well as your energy levels.

LibraLibra, if you feel like you're on vacation, use the mindset to generate more creative solutions than you would otherwise be able to. Sometimes a more distant mindset can pick up things that are impossible to see if you are closer to the problem. This evening is a great time to go to the spa or have a warm bath, as these may help you rest up and be more present tomorrow.ScorpioScorpio, romance is in the air for all. For those in relationships, this may mean that it's time to try something new or go on an extravagant date. Singles have a high chance of meeting a special someone as

SagittariusSagittarius, work is likely to require all of your focus and more time than usual. Going with the

talk of promotions comes up, but it could leave household chores undone. This minor issue may be exacerbated if a family member needs help moving or redecorating as well. Though you will likely have the energy for all of this.

Capricorn

Capricorn, double check your budget. There is a high risk of going over the allowed limits for impulse spending if you're not careful about it. Be wise and only buy what you need and what will bring you joy for a long time to come. This evening, don't take on more than you can handle. It may be a good night to head to bed early.

Aquarius

Aquarius, prioritize your to-do list so that even if you

relax in the afternoon. To this effect, make sure you are careful with your words to those in charge. If you have a sudden epiphany that would radically change something in your daily life your style choices, write it down and consider starting on it shortly.

Pisces

care about from the sidelines. Taking sides in these matters can only lead to heartbreak. Instead, take some time for yourself away from these issues. Consider partaking in the arts or immersing yourself in a good book.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Come here Bobby! Come!

Well I don't see him

coming your way.

That’s because he is keeping his social distance.

SPO

T TH

E D

IFFE

REN

CES

Can you spot the 12 differences between the two pictures? SOLUTION

What are you doing Kuncho?

I’m playing with the dog.

LEISURE

NEW TO



SPORT

If one fact was gleaned from the world of men’s steeplechasing in 2019 it was that Ethiopia is no longer prepared to play second fiddle to their great East African rivals Kenya.

For decades, Kenya has consistently swept up the medals on the global stage while the Ethiopians – despite their abundance of world-class endurance talent – have barely registered.

However, last year witnessed a significant sea change.

At the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Lamecha Girma claimed their first ever World Championship steeplechase medal as he set an Ethiopian record of 8:01.36 for silver – just 0.01 behind Conseslus Kipruto.

Meanwhile, in a further illustration of the rising strength of Ethiopian steeplechasing, Getnet Wale secured the Diamond League title and Ethiopians comprised three of the top 10 on the world list to match the same total as Kenya.

Dig a little deeper and it is perhaps little coincidence that both Lamecha and Getnet belong to the same training group as Ethiopian steeplechase coach Teshome Kebede.

Yet while Girma earned most of the plaudits thanks to his breakout performance at the 2019 World Athletics Championships, Getnet’s season was also seriously impressive as he set a pair of Ethiopian senior 3000m steeplechase records (plus three U20 marks) and boasted a 2-1 head-to-head record against his compatriot and training partner.

Born one of eight children in Sekela in south eastern Ethiopia, Getnet’s foundation for future success was built on the daily 4km run to and from school and he proved a natural once he turned his hand to competitive athletics at school.

At the age of 13 he claimed provincial titles over 1500m and 3000m (flat) – a performance which earned him a huge opportunity to take the next step in his athletics journey.

“A coach from the Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy came to our school to select athletes,” explains Getnet. “I won the 1500m and 3000m, the coach was interested in me and told me I have a bright future in athletics. He told me to get permission from my parents, collect my school release and come back with him to Addis Ababa.”

That coach was Teshome, who convinced Getnet his future was in the steeplechase. He initially found adapting to the event challenging, but over time he embraced the challenge of the steeplechase and in 2016 was selected for

Ethiopia to compete at the World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz.

In what was his maiden international competition, Getnet won a bronze medal but his lion-hearted performance in Poland did not go unnoticed.

While contending for gold, he tumbled and fell at the penultimate water jump but picked himself off the floor and quickly reattached himself to the lead group. Then at the final water jump he stumbled and fell once more, only to rouse himself for another push to claim a richly deserved bronze in a personal best of 8:22.83 – just 0.16 behind the silver medallist Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea.

Chasing an Olympic qualification mark for the Rio Olympics, he says he was “full of stress” but he was pleased with his efforts in Bydgoszcz to secure bronze.

“Since it was the first international medal in my career, I was proud of myself,” he explains. “I had planned for a better results but that is sometimes the challenge of the steeplechase.”

For Getnet’s manager Hussein Makke, the performance in Bydgoszcz epitomised the teenager’s spirit.

“His heart is the quality that makes Getnet a terrific athlete,” he explains. “The kid is as tough as nails in a race. He fell twice in the water (at the 2016 World U20 Championships) but still finished on the medal podium and was very close to silver in a dramatic finish.”

He made more progress in 2017, winning the Ethiopian World Championship Trials in Hengelo in a national U20 record of 8:12.28 before going on to finish ninth in the World Championships final in

London at the age of just 17. In 2018 he returned for a second crack at the World U20 Championships in Finland. However, he defied the advice of his coach to hit the front with two laps to go and ran out of gas on the final lap, eventually settling for bronze as his compatriot Takele Nigate took a surprise gold courtesy of a massive PB.

Determined to come out firing for the 2019 season, Getnet reapplied himself to the demands of running 100-120km a week. Fitting in two to three track sessions per week, as well as one session over the barriers, Getnet also gained additional motivation from training with Lamecha.

“We both are friends and live together in the academy,” he explains. “He is also an aggressive athlete during training and this helps both of us improve. Most of the time we cook together and eat together at the academy.”

Feeling the benefit of a sustained and quality training period, in early 2019 he claimed encouraging top-three cross country finishes in Le Mans and at the historic Cinque Mulini race in Italy.

He entered the track season in the form of his life and scalped more than five-and-a-half seconds from his PB to set an Ethiopian U20 steeplechase record of 8:06.83 in Rome before trimming a further 0.82 from that mark to grab the Ethiopian senior record and his maiden Diamond League victory in Rabat.

“Rabat was completely unforgettable,” he recalls. “I corrected all the tactical mistakes I’d made in other races by using my finishing kick at the right time and after the pacemakers had finished their tasks. I controlled the race and led going into the last lap. I decided to clear the final

water jump and managed kick on home.”

A further 0.50 was lopped off his Ethiopian record as he placed third – behind El Bakkali and Benjamin Kigen – in 8:05.51 in Monaco before he claimed silver at the African Games in Rabat. Yet his performance of the year was delivered at the Diamond League final in Brussels when the teenager produced a tactical masterpiece to courageously control the race from the front and hold off both El Bakkali and Kigen.

“It meant a lot to win,” he says. “It was the first time my country won the Diamond League trophy (in the steeplechase) and this gave me a lot of confidence I can run a sub-eight-minute steeplechase in the future.”

Unfortunately, at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Getnet could not deliver on his hopes of a medal and settled for fourth, albeit in a PB of 8:05.21.

Sacrificing a lot to help his team on the penultimate lap, he ran out of steam in the latter stages as his training partner and good friend Lamecha came agonisingly close to delivering Ethiopian’s maiden world steeplechase title.

It was big lesson learned for Getnet. “Sometimes you must have a plan A and a plan B,” he says. “And if one doesn’t work... use the next.” Getnet returned to competition during the indoor season and impressed minus the barriers. He won two out of three 3000m races and finished the year as world leader following his 7:32.80 clocking in Lievin and winner of the World Athletics Indoor Tour.

Encouraged by his form, he was targeting steeplechase gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until Covid-19 intervened and put his hopes on hold until at least the rescheduled Games next year.

Fully accepting of the decision to postpone the Games, he started life under lockdown training three times a week, but the 19-year-old has more recently stepped that up to five times a week.

“I’m doing my best to keep my fitness to a certain level and I’m hopeful competition will start again soon,” says Getnet, who in his downtime likes to return to his home village and help on the family farm with ploughing, digging and harvesting.

However, whatever will happen for the remainder of the 2020 season and beyond, Getnet believes the Ethiopian steeplechase challenge is here to stay.

“We are happy and focused and fully motivated on doing our best in the steeplechase,” he says.

(World Athletics)

Getnet Wale ready to make more steeplechase history for Ethiopia

Photo By: Jean Pierre Durand



DESIGN & PUBLISHER MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE (MCC) PRINTED BY BERHANENA SELAM PRINTING ENTERPRISE

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