Hachalu Hundessa: Ethiopia’s ghost of the past, the present and the future
15 Jul 2020

Hachalu Hundessa: Ethiopia’s ghost of the past, the present and the future

by | posted in: Abiy Ahmed, Africa, Ethiopia, Horn of Africa region | 0

On June 29th prominent Oromo singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa was murdered by gunmen in the capital of Ethiopia. Hachalu Hundessa’s life, death and the events following his death are deeply tied to the path Ethiopia is taking as a nation. The remnants of the former dictatorial regime, ethnic tensions, in/out group politics, regional versus national power and the power and abuse of state actors delineate the character and struggle of politics in Africa’s second most populous country. When Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali was elected in 2018 he opened up the political system towards more inclusion for ethnic groups and regional authorities. Powerful political opponents counter these new narratives of inclusiveness with their own narratives of ethnic/regional autonomy and self-rule. The response of Abiy Ahmed’s government after Hachalu Hundessa’s death are illustrative of botched responses that undermine Ahmed’s path towards an inclusive government.

News highlights: Eritrean organisations urge an end to roundups in Sudan, First Global Refugee Forum launched, More countries get involved in Libya conflict
20 Dec 2019

News highlights: Eritrean organisations urge an end to roundups in Sudan, First Global Refugee Forum launched, More countries get involved in Libya conflict

by | posted in: Abiy Ahmed, Africa, Asylum Seekers, EEPA news and activities, Eritrea, Ethiopia, European Commission, European Politics, European Union, Greece, Horn of Africa region, Libya, Malta, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mediterranean Sea, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Search and Rescue Operations, South Sudan, Sudan, Switzerland, Tajoura detention centre, UNHCR, United Nations, United States, Weekly news highlights | 0

In this week’s news highlights: Eritrean organisations urge UNHCR and authorities to address roundups in Sudan; US sanctions South Sudan officials; PM Abiy Ahmed wants to work on peace with Eritrean President; Protection for human rights defenders in Ethiopia; Missing ministers in Eritrea; First Global Refugee Forum launced to improve conditions for refugees; Greece urges EU to “share the burden”; Children suicidal in Moria refugee camp, Greece; Teenagers accused of terrorism after interception at sea; Red cross argues EU should adress needs refugees and host communities instead of keeping them out; Turkey to support UN-backed government in Libya; Libyan coast guard and Europe critized by Ocean Viking coordinator; Personal experiences of conditions in Libya; And World Bank recalculates refugee data is needed.

Ethiopia ‘fully accepts peace deal’ to end Eritrea border war
6 Jun 2018

Ethiopia ‘fully accepts peace deal’ to end Eritrea border war

by | posted in: Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Horn of Africa region | 0

Ethiopia’s governing coalition announced on Tuesday that it will accept and implement the peace deal with Eritrea from 2000 that stopped the 1998-2000 border war. It is still unclear how Eritrea is going to respond. Petros Tesfagiorgis, prominent Eritrean writer, stated that we should use this window of opportunity to create a powerful peace movement.