Scholars Envisage AU 35th Summit to Reinforce Pan-Africanism

January 30, 2022

ADDIS ABABA- The UNSC resolutions and other decisions on Africa’s matters without the latter’s permanent representation replicate the world in the wake of the Berlin Conference, social science experts said, expressing optimism that the 35th AU summit fosters Pan-Africanist approach to the cause.

Speaking with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambo University Political Science Lecturer Solomon Teffera stated that the UNSC does not involve Africa when it passes resolutions and other decisions about the continent. Therefore, the upcoming 35th AU Summit is expected to encourage Africans to make a united appeal to obtain a permanent seat in the world’s most powerful decision-making body.

The academician further noted that all decisions passed by the UNSC are based upon seventy- seven- year- old unreformed charter. The Charter, driven from the colonial ideology of the Berlin Conference, targeted the scrambling of Africa. The secret behind prohibiting Africa from the UNSC is paving the way to impose individuals’ political interests on Africa directly through the collective set of the IMF and World Bank.

Sharing the above rationale, Business and Economics Lecturer at Ambo University TeshomeDula (PhD) said for his part that resolutions and other decisions passed by UNSC without representation of Africa does not consider facts on the ground. “Based upon the facts on the ground, Africa represents more population than some of the veto wielding states such as France, UK and U.S. put together.”

As to him, this unfair representation exposes Africa to political pressure through loan and donation. The academician advised African’s come unite to fight against unfair and unbalanced decisions by UNSC without representation of Africa.

The AU peace and Security Council should strengthen Pan- Africanism and make sure those countries have a chance to participate temporarily at UNSC to deliver collective engagements rather than reflecting self-interest before the end of their term.

Having permanent representation at UNSC has its own economic importance. It allows Africa to use their veto power, get an opportunity to maintain self-determination on African affairs without intervention of any external bodies, Teshome emphasized.

BY GEMECHU KEDIR

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 30 JANUARY 202

Sudanese Forces Kill One Youth in Anti-coup Protests

Mothers in Khartoum South hold a banner saying I take to the street with my son and my daughter on January 30, 2022 AFP

January 30, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese security forces on Sunday killed one protester and wounded dozens in the last pro-democracy demonstrations in January, three months after the coup.

The anti-coup protests are spearheaded by the Resistance Committees which call for the return of the armed forces to their barracks and to cease interfering in the management of state affairs.

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said that Mohamed Youssif Ismail died of a chest injury but failed to determine if it was caused by a bullet or a tear gas canister.

Sudanese security forces used tear gas canisters horizontally, directed at individuals, in violation of international standards, as confirmed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Before the protests, the Sudanese authorities issued a statement banning protests in the Khartoum downtown area, the surroundings of the presidential palace and army headquarters.

However, the protesters headed as usual to the presidency which is the headquarters of the military-led Sovereign Council.

When the demonstrators reached the restricted area in large numbers the security forces massively fired tear gas and used Skunk Water to disperse them.

Dozens of peaceful demonstrators were injured in Khartoum and the other states across the country.

Several Resistance Committees spoke about the brutal crackdown by the security forces.

Women are increasingly taking to the streets with banners expressing their support for their daughters and sons.

In another sign of growing anger and rejection of the military rule, Sudanese in northern Sudan states are blocking the highways to prevent the exportation of goods to Egypt which is accused of supporting the coup leaders.

The continued killing of youth has discredited the military rulers failed to explain the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters.

The Commander-In-Chief of the Sudanese army Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reinstated the Islamist officers who worked under the former regime.

Al-Burhan gives them free hand to suppress the protests. He also issued a decree giving them the right to detain protesters arbitrarily.

With Ismail, the death toll from the crackdown on the anti-coup protests rose to 79 people.

Despite the continued excessive use of violence, the resistance committees say they would not give up their peaceful protests.

Also, the delocalized youth groups discuss papers to adopt a political platform reflecting their positions on national issues after the collapse of the current military regime.

The Resistance Committees refuse dialogue, compromise, or partnership with the current military leaders who should take responsibility for the killing and grave crime against humanity they committed since December 2019, say the Sudanese youth.

(ST)

Sudan Arrests Two SPLM-N Agar Members on Charge of Funding Protesters

People gather during a protest in Khartoum, Sudan, on Jan. 13, 2022. (AP photo)

January 30, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese security authorities on Sunday arrested two members of the SPLM-North led by Malik Agar accusing them of financing the activities of Resistance Committees, the spearhead of anti-coup protests.

In a statement extended to the Sudan Tribune, Yasir Arman, SPLM-N Deputy Head said the security service called for the immediate release of two of the Movement’s members in Khartoum Engineer Hussam al-Din al-Merfabi and Dr Mohamed Abdel -Rahman Nuqd Allah who have been arrested at 7:30 p.m.

They are charged with funding and leading the activities of Resistance Committees through the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM),

“These accusations are untrue,” Arman said.

“The SPLM does not fund the Resistance Committees, which are revolutionary, civil self-funded groups and independent in their activities,” he further stressed.

The SPLM-N Agar and two other signatory groups of the Juba Peace Agreement expressed their frustration with the al-Burhan coup and publically denounced it.

The African Union Peace and Security called to avoid “any relapse into conflict by the signatory armed groups who have been peacefully participating in the transition process in Sudan.

The military authorities after the coup had arrested Arman for nearly one month before releasing him.

(ST)

Mali Expels French Envoy over Remarks by Foreign Minister

Joël Meyer given 72 hours to leave country after ‘outrageous comments’ by Jean-Yves Le Drian, according to statement

Joël Meyer, the French ambassador to Mali. Photograph: Nicolas Remene/AFP/Getty

Associated Press in Bamako

Mon 31 Jan 2022 13.00 EST

Mali has told the French ambassador to leave, according to a government statement, amid mounting tensions between the west African country and its international partners.

The action puts into question a French-led anti-terrorist military operation present in Mali at the request of Malian leaders.

A French diplomat said the French government took note of Mali’s decision, and reiterated France’s commitment to the stabilisation and development of the Sahel region, without elaborating.

This latest episode in the diplomatic crisis between Mali and its foreign partners comes days after the Malian government ordered Danish soldiers deployed in the French-led Takuba military operation to leave. The representative for the Economic Community of West African States was also expelled from the country earlier this month after sanctions were imposed on Mali.

Tensions have been mounting in recent weeks as Mali’s interim president, Col Assimi Goïta, has delayed elections until 2026, solidified his control and showed reluctance to uphold international agreements.

The French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said last week that Mali’s leadership was “illegitimate and takes irresponsible measures”.

The Malian government summoned the French ambassador, Joël Meyer, on Monday and said he had 72 hours to leave the country, according to a Malian government statement announced on state television.

“This measure follows the hostile and outrageous comments made recently by the French minister of Europe and foreign affairs and the recurrence of such comments by the French authorities with regard to the Malian authorities, despite repeated protests,” the statement added. The statement did not specify which comments it was referring to.

Relations have also worsened recently after some European countries, including France, expressed concern that Mali’s interim government had accepted the presence in the country of Russian security contractors from the Wagner Group.

Last month, the EU imposed sanctions on eight people and three oil companies linked to Wagner, which is accused of rights abuses in Central African Republic, Libya and Syria.

Mali has been battling an Islamic insurgency in the north since 2012, and in 2013 France intervened in its former colony, again at the request of Malian leaders, to stop jihadists who had seized swaths of the country.

Hwasong-12 Ground-to-Ground Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Held for Evaluation

The test-fire of Hwasong-12 ground-to-ground intermediate-range ballistic missile for evaluation was conducted on January 30 according to a plan of the Academy of Defence Science, the Second Economy Commission and other institutions concerned.

The test-fire was aimed at selectively evaluating the ballistic missile under production and deployment and verifying the accuracy of the overall weapon system.

It was conducted at the highest-angle launch system from the northwestern part of the country toward the waters of the East Sea of Korea in consideration of the security of neighbouring countries.

The Academy made public the photographic images of the earth taken from space by a camera installed at the missile warhead.

It confirmed the accuracy, security and operation efficiency of the of the Hwasong-12 weapon system under production.

2022-01-31

Munitions Factory Inspected

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, inspected a munitions factory producing a major weapon system.

He was accompanied by Jo Yong Won, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary for Organizational Affairs of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Jong Sik and Kim Yo Jong, deputy-department directors of the WPK Central Committee, and leading officials in the sector of the Academy of Defence Science.

Looking round the room for education in the revolutionary history and various production sites of the factory, he learned in detail about the recent modernization of technology and production lines done by the factory and its current production from leading officials of the factory.

He highly appreciated the factory for effecting a collective innovation and leap progress in producing major weapons to implement the Party’s decisions, being fully armed with the idea of the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Party Central Committee.

Saying that the factory holds a very important position and duty in modernizing the country’s armed forces and realizing the national defence development strategy, he indicated the tasks and ways for continuously developing the factory into an iconic one symbolic of the modernity of the country’s defence industry.

He ardently called on the workers, technicians, officials and military inspectors of the factory to turn out as one in the all-out drive for thoroughly implementing the munitions policies set forth at the 8th Party Congress by carrying forward the traditions and history of the country’s proud defence industry which has safeguarded the Party and the revolution with munitions production, bearing in their minds the single intention to defend the revolutionary cause of the Party with powerful cutting-edge weapons.

All the officials and workers of the factory hardened their pledge to fulfil the honourable mission and duty of being the soldiers of the defence industry faithful to the Party who reliably defend the security of the state, cherishing in their minds the unwavering will of the respected General Secretary who smashes with his bold pluck the challenges of the US imperialists and their vassal forces who attempt to violate in every direction our Republic’s right to self-defence dearer than life and dedicates his devotion and zeal to the path of development of the Juche-oriented defence industry for providing a shortcut to the greatest military power in the harshest-ever adversity.

KCNA

2022-01-28

19th Plenum of 14th SPA Standing Committee of the DPRK Held

The 19th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on January 28.

Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, presided over the plenary meeting.

The meeting was attended by Kang Yun Sok and Pak Yong Il, vice-chairmen of the SPA Standing Committee, its Secretary General Ko Kil Son and other members of the SPA Standing Committee.

Present there as observers were officials concerned of the SPA Standing Committee, the Secretariat of the Cabinet, ministries and national agencies.

Placed on the agenda items were the issue of adopting the DPRK law on supplying cement to cities and counties, the issue of modifying and supplementing the law on the national flag and the law on trade, and the issue of recalling judges of the Central Court of the DPRK and electing to fill vacancies.

A report was made on the gist of the relevant laws and the draft amendments examined at the SPA Legislation Committee.

The plenary meeting studied and examined the presented draft laws and adopted the decrees of the SPA Standing Committee “On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Supplying Cement to the Construction of Cities and Counties,” “On modifying and supplementing the Law of the DPRK on the National Flag” and “On modifying and supplementing the Law of the DPRK on Trade.”

The plenary meeting recalled and elected to fill vacancies judges of the Central Court of the DPRK.

2022-01-30

9th Congress of the UAWK Held

The 9th Congress of the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea (UAWK) was held in the capital city of Pyongyang from January 27 to 28.

The congress made a comprehensive, in-depth analysis and review of the work of the union during the period under review and discussed and decided the tasks and ways for the union to fully demonstrate its might as a mass-based political organization in thoroughly implementing the decisions made at the historic 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Party’s new rural construction programme.

It was attended by delegates elected by UAWK organizations at all levels.

Present there as observers were officials of the Party, administrative and armed forces organs.

The platform was taken by Ri Il Hwan, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Ri Tu Song, department director of the WPK Central Committee, executive members of the UAWK Central Committee, chairpersons of the provincial committees of the UAWK, exemplary officials of UAWK organizations, officials of primary organizations of the UAWK and officials of relevant sectors.

When the conference was declared open, the music of the national anthem of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was played.

The congress elected its presidium and secretariat.

The congress approved the following agenda items:

1. Review of the work of the Central Committee of the UAWK

2. Review of the work of the Central Inspection Commission of the UAWK

3. On revising the rules of the UAWK

4. Election of the central leadership organ of the UAWK

At the congress, Ri Il Hwan read out “Let the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea Become the Vanguard in the Struggle for Achieving Our Style of Socialist Rural Development”, the important letter sent by the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, to the participants in the 9th UAWK Congress.

Han Jong Hyok, chairman of the UAWK Central Committee, made a report on the first agenda item.

The reporter said the Ninth Congress of the UAWK was held in the historic period when a fresh advance towards the comprehensive development of our-style socialism started, thanks to the respected General Secretary who places his great trust in and expectation of the union to give fullest play to its might as the mass-based political organization of agricultural workers in the drive to implement to the letter the decisions of the Eighth Congress of the WPK and its great socialist rural construction programme.

He noted that Kim Jong Un led the union to fulfil its responsibility and duty in the campaign for implementing the ideas of the Party and defending its policies with his outstanding leadership and great loving care and trust during the period under review.

The General Secretary sent a historic letter to the participants in the Eighth Congress of the UAWK, thereby providing an important guideline the UAWK should hold fast to in carrying out the socialist cause of Juche, he said.

The achievements made in the work of the UAWK during the period under review were the precious fruition born by the sagacious leadership, great love and trust of the General Secretary in it, he stressed.

He said the UAWK is faced with a task to make a positive contribution to ushering in a new great era of socialist rural development by dynamically conducting the three revolutions under the slogan “For a fresh victory of socialist rural construction!” set forth at the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Party Central Committee.

Noting that victory and glory would always be in store for the agricultural workers and UAWK members as they are led by the General Secretary whatever trials may lie in their way, he ardently called on the participants to strive for a fresh victory of the socialist cause.

Speeches on the first agenda item were made at the congress.

The congress heard a report on the second agenda item “Review of the work of the Central Inspection Commission of the UAWK”, which was followed by speeches. A resolution was adopted with the unanimous approval.

The congress discussed the third agenda item “On revising the rules of the UAWK”.

There was a report on the rules of the UAWK that had been revised and supplemented as required by the developing revolution and the UAWK-building principle, and a resolution was adopted with the unanimous approbation of the delegates.

The congress discussed the fourth agenda item “Election of the central leadership organ of the UAWK”.

It elected the Central Committee of the UAWK.

All the nominees were elected members and alternate members of the Central Committee of the UAWK with the unanimous approval of the delegates.

There was the first plenary meeting of the 9th Central Committee of the UAWK.

Ri Il Hwan announced the result of the first plenary meeting.

The Executive Committee of the UAWK Central Committee was elected.

Han Jong Hyok was elected chairman of the Central Committee of the UAWK and Yun Chol, Ri Yong Chol and Kil Sang Bong were elected vice-chairmen.

The Organizing Committee of the Central Committee of the UAWK was formed.

The chairman, vice-chairmen and members of the Central Inspection Commission of the UAWK were elected.

Department directors of the Central Committee of the UAWK and the editor-in-chief of the organ of the Central Committee of the UAWK were appointed.

The congress elected the committee for drafting the resolution of the congress with newly-elected members of the 9th central leadership organ of the UAWK, and the committee comprehensively examined the draft resolution on the first agenda item.

A resolution on the first agenda item which was supplemented with the creative and constructive opinions of the delegates was adopted with the unanimous approval.

2022-01-30

A Course for Participants in 9th UAWK Congress Held

A course for the participants in the 9th Congress of the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea (UAWK) took place in Pyongyang on January 29.

It dealt with practical matters arising in fully studying the essence of the important letter sent by the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un to the participants in the 9th Congress of the UAWK and further strengthening the militant might of UAWK organizations in the struggle for implementing the decisions made at the Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Fourth Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Party Central Committee.

It stressed the need for all the participants in the 9th Congress of the UAWK to accelerate socialist rural construction vigorously and make a tangible contribution in bringing earlier the comprehensive prosperity of our state by thoroughly implementing the tasks set forth in the historic letter, cherishing in their minds the great trust and expectation of the Party Central Committee.

During the congress, the participants toured several places in Pyongyang.

In Mangyongdae, they looked round in deep emotion the historic data and materials displayed in the Mangyongdae Revolutionary Museum and President Kim Il Sung’s native home with boundless reverence for him.

They visited the “Hall of the Great Leaders and Their Comrades-in-Arms” in the Korean Revolution Museum.

They conducted colourful political and cultural activities, enjoying the drama Devoted Service for the Good of People, an acrobatic performance and a film.

2022-01-30

Pulling AU Summit to Addis Showcasing African Alliance

January 28, 2022

Ethiopia has thanked all AU member states leaders for their sound decision to hold the 35th ordinary Session in Addis Ababa and their being by its side at critical times.

Africa is at the verge of entertaining philosophies that benefit the continent and help come up with economic and political unification. In so doing, the effort of amassing Africa’s huge amount of natural resources for the end result of developing external bodies can be made history.

Africans have now created unwavering bond to grow together. There are a number of manifestations along this line. To mention but a few, when there was the unremitting false propaganda and battle going on against Ethiopia, all Africans were heard asserting that it was a battle against Africa as well and hence had to be faced in unison, and said as attacking Ethiopia is attacking Africa, it needs to immediately halt. The AU summit in Addis is one way of reasserting this idea and conveying a clear message to the rest of the world.

No matter how enormous the pressure on Ethiopia and whatever negative utterances thrown against weaken it, no one can break the historical bond between Ethiopians and the rest of Africa as the former has come to be a concern of the entire continent and an emblem of continental independence and freedom.

True, Africans have been able to successfully fight colonialism under their bonding umbrella, the AU since long back. And the 35th ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, Heads of State and Government Session, is going to be held in Addis Ababa despite the multifarious conspiracies not to hold the summit here by fabricating a number of lame reasons such as ‘Addis is not safe, the country is in a recurrent conflict, COVID 19 is rampant and so on.’

Besides, the effort of the African Union (AU) can help the continent accelerate the process of integration thereby enabling it play its rightful role in the global economy by addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems coupled with certain negative aspects of globalization. The Summit has been a regular ritual to help heads discuss all the urgent and important issues of the continent and reach on agreements.

With the massive influx of Ethiopian diaspora and some foreigners who did not accept the narratives of certain biased media, Addis was confirmed to be a peaceful place probably more than any western capital with practically no crimes.

The AU summit is back in Addis in full confirmation that heads of state can peacefully come and attend the summit physically resisting a range of ups and downs. Despite the relentless efforts of some countries who had evidently sympathy or particular relations with the leadership of the terrorist TPLF who tried to relocate the venue of the summit from Addis to some other site, Ethiopia’s diplomatic battle has ended with a glowing success because it has managed to convince the leaders of Africa to be back to Addis, AU seat.

The far-reaching plans to set up a human rights court, a central bank and monetary fund and by 2023 an African Economic Community with a single currency would be made real if coordinated effort of the countries of the continent keeps at the same rate.

Undeniably, holding AU summit in Addis this time will have a huge impact for the overall image of the country and will show the world that whatever propaganda and unfounded allegation produced against their country, Ethiopians do not compromise upon the sovereignty and national interest of their country and neither do Africans.

The Ethiopian Herald January 28/2022

#NoMore Movement Provides Impetus to Realize Strong Horn

January 30, 2022

ADDIS ABABA- Expressing delight in the alliance of Horn of Africa states, Eritrean- American well-known activist and one of the founders of #NoMore global Movement Simon Tesfamariam (MD) expressed his commitment to continue the struggle until the regional coalition gets durably strong.

Speaking to PFDJ Gothenburg, Simon said it has many indicators that the Horn is becoming strong at present. The activist has the experience to communicate with the Eritrean and Ethiopian communities in different parts of the world and exchanged views on different issues including the fight against external intervention and on ways to make the Horn stable.

As to him, he carried out various activities with different communities to ensure peace, prosperity, and integration in the strategic region. “Though the Horn of Africa has surplus resources, it is not adequately developed due to lack of integration, sanction, strong media and the like.”

Also, Simon employed a social media campaign to inform Eritrean and Ethiopian Diasporas about the Western destructive activities in the Horn. “If you have no nation, how could you have health care for the people? I returned to Asmara, to teach medicine and support the necessary items as well as report to the international community as to what is going on in Eritrea.”

Noting Ethiopian and Eritrean Diasporas have extended support to their fellow citizens and contribute for the peace and development of home countries, he indicated that partnership was made with some global entities to expose the corporate media’s lies about the two states. “Particularly, the #NoMore movement was a game changer in reversing the terrorist TPLF narrative with its some western payable media. It is clear that the terrorist TPLF supported by the U.S. However, the # NoMore movement exceeds his expectation and brings a lot of significance.”

The activist also teamed up with the well-acclaimed figures including Hermela Aregawi, Ann Garrison, Neamin Zeleke and Nebiyu Asefa in exposing TPLF’s false narrative and the hidden interest of some interest groups in the Horn.

BY MESERET BEHAILU

 THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 30 JANUARY 2022

African Union Claims Leading Role in Sudan’s Conflict Resolution

January 29, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) underscored that the African Union must continue playing a role in the resolution of the political crisis in Sudan and called to prepare a plan to mediate the conflict.

“The AU should continue to accompany Sudan during its transition, including through the efforts of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Sudan’s neighbouring countries and IGAD,” reads a Communiqué le Council issued a statement after a meeting held this week.

Through different meetings and resolutions during the past twenty years, the African Union and the United Nations agreed to establish a strong partnership to end conflicts in Africa and to support peace operations led by the African Union.

This partnership tasks the African Union and sub-regional bodies with the resolution of conflicts in the continent. Based on the principle of complementarity, the United Nations would provide the needed material and technical support to achieve this mission.

In this context, the Peace and Security Council requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission to keep working with the military-led Sovereign Council other stakeholders and to undertake a follow-on mission to Sudan to enhance efforts aiming to restore peace and stability there.

The 15 member body “Tasks the AU Commission, in consultations with all relevant stakeholders, to establish a mechanism aimed at supporting Sudan and coordinate the international community efforts, and ensure the full involvement of the AU in supporting Sudan,” further reads the communiqué.

With regard to the UN-facilitated consultations, the Council says it takes note of the UNITAMS initiative stressing “the need for the African Union to coordinate the international community efforts in Sudan in order to harmonize efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Sudan”.

The UNITAMS has launched consultations aiming to facilitate an intra-Sudanese dialogue to end the Sudanese crisis triggered by a military coup last October.

Since Sudanese hold anti-coup protests rejecting the interruption of the transition. 78 civilians were killed and hundreds were wounded. Also, a dozen of rape cases were reported by the security forces.

The PSC Communiqué was issued after a recent visit made by Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security to Khartoum earlier this month to assess the situation and explore the positions of the Sudanese stakeholders.

The African Union mediated the Constitutional Declaration signed by the Forces for Freedom and the military component on August 17, 2019, bringing the army to dissolve the Transitional Military Council and to negotiate the transitional authority with forces of the December Revolution.

The Council said it would undertake a field mission to Sudan to engage with all relevant stakeholders with the aim to contribute towards resolving the current crisis in the country.

Dialogue should be based on previous deals

Regarding the approach that should be adopted to end the crisis, the PSC said dialogue to end the political crisis in Sudan should prioritize the signatories of the constitutional declaration and the Juba peace agreement.

The PSC “Underscores the primacy of dialogue between signatories of the Constitutional Declaration of August 2019 and the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) of October 2020 and all the stakeholders in the country as a viable approach” to end the current crisis.

Further, the meeting requested the AU Commission to propose a dialogue/mediation plan to promptly provide technical and other necessary support to Sudan.

Already in a decision adopted in November 2021, the Council reaffirmed the need to commit to the Constitutional Declaration and the JPA as the “recognized and credible pathway of the democratic transition in Sudan” and to fully implement it.

The military component and its allied former rebel groups in Darfur, the SLM of Minni Minnawi and JEM of Gibril Ibrahim call to amend the constitutional declaration to involve in the transition political groups that were not part of the revolution’s forces.

The Forces for Freedom and Change, the other signatory of the declaration, also call to amend it saying they do not want a partnership with the military who dishonoured the signed agreement and have killed hundreds of peaceful protesters since April 2019.

The PSC also stressed that the peace agreement “should continue to guide the transition plan” to avoid a return to war by the signatory groups.

The coup d’etat of October 2021 is seen as a serious threat to the peace pact signed in Juba in October 2020.

Three groups that joined the Sovereign Council say frustrated by the dissolution of the civilian-led transitional authority by army Commander-in-Chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The difference between the three peace groups and the military component, which controls the collegial presidency, pushed them to issue statements to express publically their positions, as it was the case when they denounced the coup d’etat and recently when the Sovereign Council ordered to evacuate former rebel combatants from the capital.

ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AT SABC MUST BE LOOKED AT: MEDIA WATCHDOGS

This follows the public broadcaster's decision to fire head of news Phathiswa Magopeni with immediate effect, citing a breakdown of trust.

Veronica Mokhoali |

JOHANNESBURG - South African media watchdog groups are calling for allegations of political interference at the SABC to be taken seriously and be properly investigated.

This follows the public broadcaster's decision to fire head of news Phathiswa Magopeni with immediate effect, citing a breakdown of trust.

Magopeni was found guilty late last year of misconduct after she allowed Special Assignment to air an episode that the SABC had been interdicted from broadcasting.

Magopeni maintained she was sacked because she refused to take instructions from SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and Chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini over coverage of the ANC during local government elections last year.

POLITICAL AND EDITORIAL INTERFERENCE

The SABC says the decision was procedurally fair but claims of political and editorial interference continued to plague its newsroom.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula blamed the public broadcaster’s election coverage for the ANC’s poor showing at the polls.

Media Monitoring Africa’s Executive Director William Bird said he was concerned that the editorial independence of the SABC may once again be under threat.

“So, what we have to hope is that the SABC Board continues with those processes. Certainly, it’s in the public interest that those allegations are tested, that there’s a process where people can see what’s going on and we can find out, one way or the other, what actually transpired.”

The Right2Know campaign’s Dale McKinley said this was a setback in the efforts to restore the credibility of the SABC.

“This is important for all South Africans defend the public broadcaster as an institution, whatever the political interference. The legal challenge for this would be supported because I think these kinds of procedures and decisions cannot go unchallenged.”

Meanwhile, the South African National Editors Forum said it would support Magopeni in her appeal against her dismissal.

Zimbabwe: Chinamasa Lands Top SADC Post

29 JANUARY 2022

The Herald (Harare)

By Zvamaida Murwira

Former Cabinet minister and Zanu PF Secretary for Finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, and ex-diplomat Dr Andrew Mtetwa have landed top regional posts after they were appointed to the SADC Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group respectively.

The appointments are a demonstration of confidence on the country by region leaders.

The appointments of the two were made following approval by the 41st Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held in Lilongwe, Malawi, in August 2021.

In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said the Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group were part of the SADC Mediation and Conflict Prevention and Preventative Diplomacy structure established by the SADC Heads of State and Government in August 2014.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mr Livit Mugejo said: "The structure is aimed at strengthening SADC's mediation capacities and timeously pre-empt violent conflict. He will be joining four other eminent personalities that include former Heads of State and Government and former Government Ministers from other SADC countries on the SADC Panel of Elders. His appointment is for a four-year term until August 2025," said Mr Mugejo.

Cde Chinamasa has an illustrious career in Government since independence in 1980, where he rose to become the country's Attorney General, before being appointed Cabinet minister, holding the portfolios of Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Finance and Economic Development.

Dr Mtetwa is a senior lecturer at the Zimbabwe National Defence University, and former Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Belgium, Ethiopia, South Africa and Zambia.

Ambassador Mtetwa is a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been a career diplomat.

"He will serve on the Mediation Reference Group with eight other former Ambassadors and high-level officials from the SADC region who were appointed for their demonstrable technical expertise in strategic studies, conflict resolution and preventative diplomacy. He will also serve for a term of four years ending in August 2025.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade takes this opportunity to congratulate Honourable Chinamasa and Ambassador Mtetwa on their appointments to these important assignments which aim to support the ongoing efforts of SADC Heads of State and Government to promote peace and security in the SADC region," said Mr Mugejo.

Their appointments are testimony to Zimbabwe's ability to produce distinguished regional leaders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wished the two appointees success in fulfilling their functions as members of the SADC Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group.

Azam TV Launches in Zimbabwe

29 JANUARY 2022

The Herald (Harare)

Azam TV, which offers a basic 100-channel service for US$5 a month, has launched its services in Zimbabwe, its seventh country, and has partnered ZBC TV in broadcasting Africa Cup of Nations games from Cameroon.

The station seriously undercuts other pay television stations with its packages ranging from US$5 to US$15 a month and is already operating successfully in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi as it makes major investments into its African operations.

Speaking at the launch in Harare last night, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa commended Azam TV for its investment and its packages for providing a combination of local, regional and international content, and hoped the extra platforms would see the development of local talent in content creation in arts, sports, culture and documentaries and introduce these to wider African audiences.

Minister Mutsvangwa was encouraged that Azam TV viewers will access TV on the go with Azam Max mobile phone application.

"Not only is the availability of these platforms bringing value for money for Azam TV viewers and listeners, it is worth celebrating achievement of universal access to information. This is also a direct contribution to the digital economy theme as envisaged in National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

"My ministry looks forward to your content providing excellent choices to the people of Zimbabwe. We encourage continuous engagements with local broadcasting firms to form profitable synergies that can transform the broadcasting sector into a million dollar industry and making contributions towards economic growth as envisaged by Vision 2030," she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said an investment of this magnitude should provide downstream employment opportunities for Zimbabweans involved in the sale and distribution of products and services of Azam TV as well as installation of TV equipment.

Azam TV chief financial officer, Mr Kedarnathrao Bedare, said packages included sports, movies, cartoons, documentaries, news, drama and series, among others.

He said they have three main categories which are Azam Pure shows 100 channels that cost US$5, Azam Plus shows 120 channels at US$10 and Azam Play shows 130 channels US$15.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government was determined to create a conducive investment climate in the media that will spawn business growth and benefit for both the economy and its people.

Recent media reforms spearheaded by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa were not cosmetic but a well-thought strategy that will help the country to achieve Vision 2030 anchored on the National Development Strategy 1.

"My Ministry will strive to create a conducive investment and operating environment that will enable business growth and further investments in the media to benefit both the economy and our people. This is in line with the Second Republic's thrust of liberalising the airwaves and being open for business," said Minister Mutsvangwa.

"Our reforms in the media sector are not cosmetic but total commitment by Government to promote the growth of the sector. We repealed the dreaded Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and enacted the friendly Freedom of Informatiom Act to allow for the realisation of access to information and freedom of expression.

"There are other Bills that we are still working on that will ensure journalists execute their duties without being harmed or being denied access to information. We know we have not reached that level where we can totally excite all stakeholders but what we have achieved so far working together warrant praise," she said.

At least 21 community radio stations including campus radio stations have been licenced in line with the universal access to information.

Government has also licenced six broadcasting television stations and it is hoped that more would go live on air this year.

Zimbabwe Tropical Depression Ana Traps Students

29 JANUARY 2022

The Herald (Harare)

By Phyllis Kachere

Forty-four Ordinary level students at Nyafaru High School in Nyanga were trapped at the school after roads and a nearby bridge were washed away following the heavy rains that accompanied Tropical Depression Ana last week.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Manicaland provincial manager Mr Munyaradzi Chikukwa said more than 300 families in Nyanga and Mutasa districts are in need of shelter and food after their houses collapsed following the Tropical Depression Ana-induced heavy downpours.

"We used chain saws and logs to try and make way for the children to pass, while the school authorities also had teams clearing the roads for the safe passage of their students," said Mr Chikukwa.

In Mutigwa Village in Ward 27, Nyanga,

63-year-old Mr Micah Chiodza and his two wives and children escaped death by a whisker when the outer wall of one of their bedrooms collapsed after a heavy lashing by Tropical Depression Ana downpour.

"We were sleeping in the other bedrooms when, at around 2am we heard a heavy thud of the collapsing wall.

"Fortunately, no one was sleeping in that bedroom. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster," said Mr Chiodza.

His first wife, Beauty Shayamano said the room had some foodstuffs and other household goods.

"We were lucky that we did not have any injuries or death. We thank God for that," she said.

But 23-year-old mother of three Edeline Machesa was not so lucky when the room she and her children were sleeping in collapsed while they were sleeping at around 3am on January 25.

"I was hit by the bricks, and my back, neck and left side were injured. I am still feeling the pain although the church elders prayed for me," said Machesa, who is a member of the Johanne Marange Apostalic sect.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary general Mr Elias Hwenga said the most critical areas were wards 18, 19 and 26 in Mutasa.

"The Red Cross has made some interventions through the donation of tents, mosquito nets, masks and jerry cans. We are also organising food stuffs for the eight most affected families," said Mr Hwenga.

Mr Chikukwa said other than individual houses, Tropical Depression Ana also damaged institutions and roads.

"In Mutasa, Bonda High School had a staff house's roof blown off while houses at Sheba Primary School, Mandeya 2 School, Chida Zembe School, St Peter's Mandeya School were destroyed.

"Nyanga Police Station in Nyanga District also suffered damage to houses. Some roads have become impassable with some bridges washed away," said Mr Chikukwa.

Zimbabwe Schools Opening Date Announced

Charles Pensulo / RFI

Outside court in Blantyre, Malawi, protesters call for the government not to implement a Covid-19 vaccine requirement.

29 JANUARY 2022

The Herald (Harare)

By Mukudzei Chingwere

Schools open for all classes in nine days time on February 7 as Covid-19 infection levels continue falling, with the curfew now starting at midnight and bars and restaurants able to stay open until 10pm, but only for vaccinated customers.

Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, while extending Level Two lockdown measures including public masking and social distancing, has also relaxed entry requirements.

Fully vaccinated returning residents and visitors no longer need to undergo quarantine when they enter Zimbabwe, but like all others entering the country, must have a valid negative PCR test less than 48 hours before entry.

All workers can now return to their offices full time.

The opening of schools is likely going to be seamless following declarations this week that they were ready for the resumption of face-to-face classes without risking a spike in Covid-19 infections.

By Thursday, the average daily infection rate was down to 200 and continuing to fall as the fourth wave of Covid-19 infection continued to recede.

The peak of average infections was on December 14 with 4 580, which fell rapidly until the final week of December when it plateaued for more than a week at around 1 500 a day and triggered the delay in opening schools in the second week of January.

This delay, including next week, was stretched to four weeks until risks were considered sufficiently low.

The easing of extra lockdown measures by the Acting President were announced in a statement yesterday by the Acting Minister of Health and Child Care Professor Amon Murwira.

"The general school calendar starts on 7 February 2022 following one week of finalising all reopening preparations by both school administrators and parents.

"The business community to go back to working from their offices whilst continuing to observe Covid-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and continuing to encourage their employees and patrons to get vaccinated."

The curfew now runs from midnight to 5.30am.

Restaurants and hotels offering catering can now open from 8am to 10pm, but only the fully vaccinated can sit and eat inside the restaurant.

Bars and nightclubs can be open from 8am to 10pm, but again only the fully vaccinated can enter and they have been encouraged to maintain social distancing when they sit without masks to eat and drink.

Minister Murwira said over the past two weeks, the country had recorded a decline in new Covid-19 cases with the national epidemic curve indicating that the fourth wave is at its tail end and the wave appears to be being brought under control.

He said in that regard, the Acting President reviewed the Covid-19 Level 2 National Lockdown measures.

"All persons entering Zimbabwe must undergo a valid Covid-19 PCR test not more than 48 hours from the time of their departure for Zimbabwe. Those who do not have a valid negative PCR test and a certificate to that effect shall be denied entry into Zimbabwe.

"Quarantine for locals, returning residents and visitors is lifted for those fully vaccinated. The wearing of face masks in public places, especially public transport and closed space gatherings remain mandatory and must be enforced."

The eligible population has been encouraged to be vaccinated, while the provincial Covid-19 task-force teams are urged to increase their efforts in mobilising eligible members of the public to get vaccinated.

"Finally, the practice of WHO recommended Covid-19 preventive public health and social measures that include, washing of hands, sanitising, social distancing, avoiding crowds and gatherings is to continue.

"All of the above measures are subject to periodic review depending on the prevailing Covid-19 situation."

During the just-ended festive season, the Government praised Zimbabweans for their resilience in the face of Covid-19, urging everyone to remain vigilant and continue following expert advice to register total victory against the global pandemic.

Tanzania President Asks Faith Leaders to Pray for Her

29 JANUARY 2022

Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

By Esther Takwa

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday urged Muslim and Christian religious leaders to help her in prayers to undertake her presidency roles.

She made the call during a phone conversation at a live gathering of religious leaders in Dar es Salaam who met to thank God for her turning 62 on Thursday.

"I ask God to help me and accept your prayers so that I can serve the country both now and in the future. I believe that your prayers will lead me to where God intended, so please be with me, keep praying for me and thank you so much," President Samia said in a phone call.

Tanzania Chief Sheikh, Mufti Abubakar Zubeir told the congregation that it was in God's perfect will and plan for President Samia to be the sixth leader of the county.

He warned the society over blaming and complaining about various issues arising in the community and instead wants them to pray for the Head of State.

WAPO Mission International leader, Bishop Sylvester Gamanywa described President Samia's leadership as one of a kind characterized with no confrontations.

"She was ordained to become the president of Tanzania. Her presidency has no conflicts; there are no complaints that she has been there in ways that are questionable, and ever since she came into power the country has been calm like nothing had happened," Bishop Gamanywa said.

Commenting, Pastor Anthony Lusekelo said that Tanzania is a very fortunate country citing previous Head of States as a testimony for the country getting God's fearing leaders.

Read the original article on Daily News.

Imbued with Pan Africanism Paying Homage to the Beacon of Freedom

January 29, 2022

In defiance of subjugations, fighting expansionists, colonizers and neo-colonizers staunchly and chasing out mostly white invaders with their tails between their legs, Ethiopia has managed to maintain its African Identity intact.

Not only that, a standard bearer it had inspired Africans and colored people across the globe to stand up and fight for their rights. In doing so, Ethiopia did serve a fortress society for the freedom thirsty. The reason why many freedom-seeker countries opted to permute Ethiopia’s tricolor resides in this datum. It had also an invisible hand in the liberation movement of African countries like Zimbabwe and the facilitation of training to freedom Icons like Mandela. Anti-Apartheid sensitization campaigns were being held here by Oliver Tambo.

Via its leaders Ethiopia did play quite a role in peace brokering effort. Ethiopia had paved the way for the establishment of the Organization of African Union (OAU) and later African Unity. That is why it turned the most sought-after country for the seat of the aforementioned Organizations. Owing to this fact, Ethiopia stirs a sensitive cord in the heart of Africa. It has a diplomatic niche there. This is evidenced in its power to galvanize Africans.

Take for instance the no more movement and African solutions to African problems campaign. Needless to mention that is why predators harboring a feeling of coming back donning the cloak of neo-colonization still have an axe to grind. They abhor Ethiopia’s push to take off the ground in all aspects proving a role-model. Here it suffices to examine what they did to cow Ethiopia for constructing the Grand Renaissance Dam that could quench the hydropower thirst of the region fairly utilizing the trans-boundary river Abay (Blue Nile) pursuing bootstrapping.

At this precise moment in time, changing the battle from the war to the diplomatic front predators are engaged in a frantic bid to tarnish the image of the country thereby to compel it lose its charm and influence.

Though Ethiopia is singled out a much-wanted country for peacekeeping mission in Africa and beyond and marked for time-old serenity, cordiality, citizens chemistry, considerateness and resilience, predators have been designing every ploy at hand to taint the image of the country.

Condoning the offender, basking under their goodwill gesture and seeing to their diktat to the letter, predators were staining the image of the country parrying the destructive agenda of revolution-exporters, historic enemies, dissenters and  dishonest media houses’ connivance that closed ranks to disintegrate this great nation.

Contrariwise to what doomsayers were bawling “it is wise to shun Ethiopia on the brink of collapse,” on (Timket) Epiphany Ethiopia has showcased it is a magnet of tourists and a cozy place to diaspora members pinning for their native land. This is a big smear campaign foiling victory.

Predators were also sweet talking some African countries for the relocation of the 35th AU summit, due to be held in Addis Ababa.

But engaging in diplomatic activities to win the hearts of African leaders via revealing the truth Ethiopia has managed to double cross predators it kept in the dark about its new tactful ventures. Ethiopia is given the green light to host the summit. This is yet another diplomatic victory. Ethiopia owes a debt of gratitude to those African countries that stood by its side when it was acid tested by the deceitful. A warm welcome home reception awaits all guests at Addis, the political capital of Africa.

Via citizens-government chemistry guest will be made to have a peaceful, eventful and memorable stay in the country.

Ethiopia will keep on demonstrating it is a true proponent of pan Africanism. Hands off Ethiopia, hands of Africa have found an echo among African countries. Black people could slam battles in all spheres be they diplomatic or military.

There is a need to arm the younger generation with Ethiopian History or African History. African must learn to ward off the divisive wedge predators conspire to weaken Africa with.

Let us wrap up with two quotes of two Pan Africanist leaders ( founding fathers of OAU) Haile Selassie and Nkrumah respectively. “We Africans had passed through subjugation. We were under slavery and oppression. There could be no other witness to testify the significance of freedom other than us.”

“I am happy to be here in Addis Ababa. Deploying a concerted effort we have to work for continental union,”

The Ethiopian Herald January 29/2022

”You Cannot Go Forward Without Understanding Where You Are Coming From” -Dr. Setor Norgbe

January 29, 2022

BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW

Today’s Guest is the winner of the 2021 Ghanaian Beauty pageant Dr. Setor Arba Norgbe. By profession, Setor is a medical Doctor. But because of her long time passion for becoming a person that accomplishes extraordinary feats, she decided to compete at the famous Ghanaian Beauty Contest/ pageant. One of the challenges of the contestants is to choose any African country and display how she promotes the culture, history … etc.

Fortunately, she won the competition partly as she chose to project Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government warmly welcomed her as she promoted Ethiopia to the rest of the world using the Ghanaian beauty contest pageant platform as a tool. She has visited Ethiopia, the country that she proudly calls “the country of her ancestors” to realize her dream of knowing her “Second Home”. In her brief stay with The Ethiopian Herald newspaper, she raised a range of issues about Ethiopia in particular and Africa in general. Have a nice read!

First of all, I would like to thank you on behalf of our esteemed readers for your zeal to provide this interview, particularly to The Ethiopian Herald Newspaper. How do you explain Ghanaian Beauty Contest? Did you expect to win the pageant? You raised many points about Ethiopia, what encouraged you to do so? Is that helping you to win the competition?

Generally, Ghanaian’s are beautiful. The competition brings together very intelligent women to promote culture and unity. That is their theme- promoting Ghanaian culture and African culture as a whole. In the particular competition that I went into, there was one particular week where we promote the African culture and I am fortunate to promote Ethiopia. Did I expect to win an award that night? I do not know what I expected that night but I think that I was graceful; so somehow I picked up the award. Did I expect to be an award winner in the whole competition? I do not know I just said that I am pretty much to put out my best, and put out my knowledge about Ethiopia.

Yes, my knowledge about Ethiopia helped me to be an award winner in Ghana’s beauty contest. Ethiopians came together to rally behind me, and 110 million Ethiopians in Ethiopia and thousands of others all around the world sent me so many messages congratulating me on the depth of knowledge that I had about Ethiopia. That was a surprise to me because I used one week to learn about Ethiopia. And I seem to have the nitty-gritty of Ethiopia and actually, pretty much I was grateful because I am here right now to be an award winner to be in Ethiopia.

Do you have a plan to participate in the international beauty contest? If yes, is the visit helping you to further explain Ethiopia’s history, culture and traditions than ever before?

As I said, you never say never! Do I think about participating in the international beauty contest? Yes, why not? If the opportunity opens up for me to go to the international beauty pageant where I will be able to showcase everything that Africa has to the whole world, yes I would. Do I intend to learn more about Ethiopia? Yes! I will never stop learning even about Ghana, where I come from, even about Nigeria, even about South Africa.

I keep learning as it is African culture and I intend to showcase it to the world-yes. Because I intend to showcase as I believe that Africa yet not discovered they need to know the truth about Africa. They need to know the right perception about Africa because there are beautiful people in Africa with beautiful resources and a very powerful nation. So the world out there needs to know who and what Africa is.

Did you have a desire to visit Ethiopia? What was your feeling when you were invited? How did you get the welcoming ceremony and hospitality?

This is a very interesting question because when I was in medical school, there was an opportunity. After all, I was part of the African Union students, African Union medical school. Some of the leaders had to come to Ethiopia, to come and observe at one of the African Union summits. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity. Ethiopia is a country I had to go to for medical school.

When the Ethiopian government invited me, I was surprised! Because I knew the way a lot of Ethiopians all over the world supported me, but I did not do so much to Ethiopians to the extent that the government found, what I did very important is the government officials pay attention to very important things. The little speech I did in less than two minutes meant so much for them. I was pretty much graceful.

The welcoming ceremony, trust me! I did not expect it. I was so grateful because I had just come on a tour and I got to the airport. Even before I come out of the aircraft the people outside welcome me with a placard, “Her Excellency, you’re welcome” and there was a coffee ceremony for me, there is traditional dancing. I love dancing and participating in the dancing ceremony. I was very happy. I was very grateful. I understood in-depth how much the two minutes speech I did was many for Ethiopians and I just believed that this is probably our ancestors’ home and I bonded with Ethiopians so well. Yes! I was surprised and grateful! I was happy! So, thank you Ethiopia.

Do you think that Africa and the rest of the world know Ethiopia well? If not, what do you advice in terms of popularizing its tourism, investment and the like?

First of all, I am going to take that question in bits. I doubt that the rest of Africa knows about Ethiopia. I do think a lot of Africans know about each other and that is a flaw that we need to fix in Africa. We must begin to learn about each other i.e. the only way to come together and promote Africa unity and peace.

We can do that through tourism, and investment opportunities like you said. Now, the African free trade area has been introduced as you said. So, we have to begin to look very carefully at some of these things. For me, in my little capacity, I intend to start an African unity campaign that includes the Ethio-Ghana friendship that I have already put across on almost every media to help facilitate the friendship between Ghana and Ethiopia.

In the future, I hope to be able to create this friendship between other African countries as well. First and foremost, Africa has to begin to learn the culture of all African history. I went to the African Union building and I could see a lot of African history that I didn’t even know. I went to Unity Park and there is a whole lot of history from Emperor Menelik II to a whole lot of African history that I am sure that a lot of Africans do not know. So, we have to start from us, as Africans so that we begin to understand each other.

I think there is an erroneous perception of what Africa is out there, because there are a lot of things in this continent that the world doesn’t know and should know. And we need people; intelligent men and very beautiful women, who project the whole continent for the international community to see Africa. Trust me! There is a lot in every country on the African continent. We need to start voicing up what Africa is.

 In your tweet, you put Ethiopia in plain words: “Second home” Would you explain it a bit further?

After visiting Unity Park, I learnt something- the region of Afar where the origin of all human beings is from. So clearly, we all come from Ethiopia anyways because, I am amazed at the way I can connect both physically and spiritually, we are almost Ethiopian. And who would have thought of this Ghana’s beauty pageant, I think it is a 40 something edition. It has been going on for years. I think I am the first Ghanaian to have that kind of international recognition in the competition and it came because of Ethiopia. And it is interesting how people all over the world, whom I thought I did not know and even now connect with me; easily embrace me like we had known misses like I was born here. Trust me! This is my second home!

What do you say about pan Africanism? What do you contribute to the success of Pan Africanism?

Pan- Africanism is promoting African unity and supporting African stand. For me, as I said, the first step for us to understand one person as Africans and the only way to understand that we are one people as Africans is to learn about each other. All the countries in Africa have to begin to accept that others are brothers and accept that they are one people. That is the first step.

First, we have to understand that we are one people and begin to share ideologies on how to push the African continent together. Like I said, in my little way, I am beginning to promote African unity and pan African-ism. Firstly, by starting the Ethio-Ghana friendship that we already talked about; which I hope to expand it to other countries once I have an affiliation with them.

Pan Africanism – I have a huge Twitter, Instagram and Face book followers. What am I using this for if not projecting Africa? So, these are what I would do in my little ways. Chat with the people I have influence over to see how we can push African unity. That is what I am doing and that is what I have set out to do.

What is your sentiment about neocolonialism which is emerging now? How could Africans resist such western pressure? What is your take on that?

African countries should be free in their affairs, as every country is an independent state. Every independent state has its own rules and regulations. It should run its internal affairs free from international interference. Now, how are Africans going to do that? The only way as a person you can stand everybody to interfere is by being able to develop your resources. Because the more you go to the international community for funds, we will remain under international interference. That is why African unity is important. We have to begin to understand what Africans have. What do we Africans have? We have resources; my country has gold, coal. Ethiopia which is also my country has coffee and very beautiful resources that we should have to explore and internally develop.

Secondly, you cannot go forward without understanding where you are coming from. And you find that many Africans do not even understand their history. If they don’t know it, how can they understand it? These are the things that we have to do to promote African history, the true indigenous African history. The one that had our forefathers doing very wonderful architecture; the one I saw in Lalibela which cannot be explained; the beautiful church and architecture. And the one I saw our forefathers making was a very interesting survival method back in the day.

In Unity Park, I saw the ancient and historic buildings, historic things. I went and said if they had all these things hundred years ago, beautifully crafted cups out of the horn animals but still have resisted the test of time till now. What are we doing now with all the technology? You cannot go forward until you understand where you are coming from. And I talk about the true indigenous African history, not the one we have been made to believe. Does the true one show how intelligent our forefathers were? Until we understand those things we are being sorted at.

Another thing is, being able to teach people to accept themselves as Africans. I am Setor Norbge. That is my name and indigenous traditional Volta region name from Ghana. That is the first step. My father gave me a traditional name so that I could understand where I was coming from as a Ghanaian. Fortunately, I came here; to Ethiopia and almost every region gave me a beautiful traditional name. In Sidama, they named me “Faya”, in Oromia they named me “Beshatu ‘’. These are things that we should be able to stand accepting our names, culture, and origin. These are the first two steps. If we can do the first two steps, the rest is a walk in the park. Understand your history, accept who you are and develop resources. That is the only way we can break away from international interference.

Do you encourage Africans to use traditional dresses instead of buying expensive costumes from western countries? How do we value our traditions?

I was in Sidama a few days ago. Those clothes with accessories that I was given in Sidama are very beautiful. Why can’t we develop all these things? We can develop them. I spent a lot of time in Unity Park; I found a lot of information in the Park which was so grateful that Dr. Abiy had the idea to put up the Unity Park that has so much information in that place. I saw the clothes of Emperor Haile-Selassie I, the clothes of Empress Zewditu, her bed and clothes. These cloaks are more beautiful and indigenous than many dresses that we wear these days. Why can’t we go back to these things? As time goes by, when you add a little trick or two these are African things and they are all very beautiful.

So how can we make it attractive to the international community? I am not saying that there is anything wrong with international clothes because obviously If we project our culture and start wearing them. We should be able to put our things, market our things for the international community to embrace. I want somebody to go to Unity Park and see what I saw today in the history part of it where the palaces and clothes of all these Emperors, crowns made of beautiful metals and ask myself: how do they do all these handmade costumes. Why aren’t we doing these things with even more technology? So I think these are things that we can do. So, it is time for us to project more African clothes and there is no doubt about that.

You were promoting Ethiopia emphasizing that Ethiopia has a great significance to the continent? What does that mean?

Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that has never been colonized. That is an interesting history. It means that you are the mother of the nation. You are practically the first country in Africa as every country was colonized somehow through the breakthrough. My country Ghana first gained independence from sub-Saharan Africa but we are still colonized. However, Ethiopia has never been colonized. That is beautiful and conscientious Ethiopians about the importance of Ethiopia.

The heart of Africa lies here because the headquarters of the African Union is seated here. What does African Union mean? It means that Ethiopia has a very significant role to play when it comes to uniting all these 50 + countries across the continent. I stood in the African Union building and I was told by my tour guide “you are standing in the whole of Africa”. That was true. I was standing in 50 something countries building and this building is in Ethiopia.

Women and girls in Africa have been suffering due to war, lack of education, traditional harmful practices and the like. Could you reflect on that?

That is heartbreaking in the year 2022; women are suffering due to these things especially in Africa. As I said, the only way we can move away from that is, to conscientise ourselves as Africans to understand what we are as Africans. Secondly, women have to understand their place in society. We have moved away from the place where women were believed to be good for the kitchen. I am sitting here today and I am speaking to 110 million Ethiopians sitting in their home and listening to my ideas about Africa. Who says the next young girl could not even have brighter ideas than the one I am sitting for projecting? We need to make our young girls believe that they are important to their society and their voices are also very relevant.

I am very happy when I see her Excellency the President of Ethiopia, Sahle Work Zewde who’s a very graceful one. I was grateful. She greeted me with a local Ghanaian language “Akwaaba” which is the way somebody learned to know another African country. Basically what I am saying is that we Africans both men and women need to begin to move away from the ideology that women are good for the kitchen, or women should take the relegating room. We should start projecting our women. Our women should make the effort to protect themselves and I see Ethiopia doing a great job because I met a lot of women in very powerful positions.

About harmful traditional practices, the only way to stop the harmful practice is the rules made in our constitution to protect not only women but any person against any sort of harmful traditional practices and make sure these laws are implemented. That is the only way we can protect human rights for young girls who probably do not understand what they mean to their society.

Thank you for your willingness.

Thank you, Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Herald January 29/2022

“Ethiopia is Nucleus of African Unity” Dr. Setor Norgbe Ghanaian Model

January 29, 2022

BY LEULSEGED WORKU

Ethiopia has finalized its preparation to hold the 35th African Union Leaders Summit. Holding such a continental meeting by defeating internal traitors and fighting anti-peace elements that aspire to see weakened Ethiopia and working day in day out to realize their sensible wish, is a great success to the nation.

The upcoming Summit is a true indication that Ethiopia’s current situation is peaceful and it also signals the country is built upon a strong foundation. Not only that, the meeting will convey important message to the whole world that Ethiopia has won a diplomatic battle and its strong diplomatic position in African soil is intact.

Holding the 35th African Leaders’ Summit here in Addis Ababa has created confusion among its enemies and became an insignia of peace and stability to its friends. The willingness of African leaders to conduct the meeting in Ethiopia is a true sign that the seed of Pan Africanism is bearing fruits.

There were several attempts to stop the meeting from being conducted in Ethiopia. However, true African children have shown their commitment by siding with Ethiopia. Despite all the pressures, they have preferred to hold the meeting in a nation that has paid all sacrifice for the sake of freedom and fought colonialism. As a land that stood firmly for African unity and played a key role for Pan-Africanism, Ethiopia has a special place in the heart of almost all African leaders, their peoples as well as black people across the world.

As it was recently indicated by Ghanaian Model, Dr. Setor Norgbe, who had spent a wonderful time here in Ethiopia, Ethiopia is the heart of African unity.” Dr. the nation is a reason behind Pan-Africanism and the emblem of African unity and freedom. That is why the country is selected to be the seat of the African Union. “I wanted to represent Ethiopia in the modeling contest and tell the world about the country, Ethiopia. It is the land which has never been colonized, the icon of African freedom, and it is a land where tangible and intangible heritages are found.”

She indicated that, currently, African leaders and its people are working aggressively to African unity. This is a time where Africa needs to be more strong and united to deal with its own affairs. Norgbe, as she stated to local media, has a desire to start Pan-Africanism in a new sense in Ghana. She also uttered as she works particularly to further strengthen the people to people relation between the people of Ghana and Ethiopia. Norgbe stressed that besides reinforcing the mutual relationship of the two countries, she has strong zeal to energize continental connectedness among Africans; and promote further a United African concept, Peace and access to global health.

Indeed, everyone has to discharge his/her responsibility towards Africa`s future. Every African has a responsibility for the peace and stability of the continent. Despite the fact that the continent is free from direct form of colonization, it is still under the yoke of indirect colonization. This is manifesting itself in the form of economic sanction or interference of Western countries in local affairs of African countries.

As it was indicated by Government Communication Service Minister Legesse Tulu, Ethiopia is preparing international events that herald sustainable peace, benefit and prosperity of Ethiopian people. He said, taking the current situation of the country there were attempts to distort Ethiopia`s image. However, this is disproved by the will of African Union Leaders who would attend the 35th African Leaders Summit.

The Ethiopian Herald January 29/2022

Africans’ Understanding of History, Togetherness Elude Interference: Beauty Pageant

January 29, 2022

BY BETELHEM BEDLU

ADDIS ABABA- “Understand our history, accepting who we are and developing our resources is the only way we Africans could escape from international interference,” Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant opined.

In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant SetorAbra Norgbe (MD), who once represented Ethiopia in the ‘week of Africa, said Africans should stand in unison and develop their resources to curtail Western interference. As independent states, Africans should be free in their own affairs and the way to do this is through developing their resources, knowing their own history and developing their resources.

Norgbe, who is a medical doctor by profession, went on saying that the more Africans go to the international community for funds, the more they remain under stiff interference. “We have to begin to understand what Africans have. What do we have? We have resources. My country has gold and coal. Ethiopia, which is my second country, has coffee and very beautiful resources that we should have to explore and internally develop.”

As to her, understanding one’s history, not the one Africans were made to believe, helps promote the true indigenous African history like the one that Ethiopian forefather did in Aksum and Lalibela. These historic heritages show how intelligent our forefathers and until Africans understand those things, they are being intimidated by false narratives.

“Africans should accept that others are their brothers and they are one people. Accepting our culture and origin and learning about the other’s history would lead us one step ahead to stand as one and begin to share ideologies on how to push the African continent together.

“I am beginning to promote African unity and Pan-Africanism. Firstly, I started the Ethiopia – Ghana friendship which I hope to expand to other countries once I have an affiliation with them.”

The beauty pageant further highlighted her utilization of the social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to promote Pan-Africanism and to push for African unity. “What am I using this for if not projecting Africa? Chatting with the people that I have influenced over to see ways on how to push African unity is one of the things that I am set out to do.”

“Just like my father gave me a traditional name so that I can remember where I came from, I had been given names in states that I visited in Ethiopia like ‘Faya’ in Sidama and ‘Beshatu’ in Oromia, so, accepting our names, culture, and origin is the first step because the rest is walking in the park,”she remarked.

The Ethiopian Herald January 29/2022

National Security Council Discussed the Security Situation, “TPLF Provocation”

January 28, 2022

The National Security Council calls the extensive TPLF military operation in the Afar region of Ethiopia “provocation”  

Temesgen Tiruneh, Director of NISS, speaking to state journalists after national security council meeting on January 28, 2022 in Addis Ababa (Photo: screenshot from FBC video)

Borkena

The National Security Council, whose head is Abiy Ahmed, on Friday had an evaluative meeting regarding the security situation in the country. 

According to a report by Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC),  the council evaluated it based on recent experiences, especially with TPLF incursions and the activities of  its supporters. 

The current situation of TPLF and what should be done next to ensure that it does not pose a threat  is discussed. The kind of measures that the government is intending to take and when they will be implemented are undisclosed. The TPLF renewed attack in the Afar region, which already displaced over 220,00 residents from the region, has been making news in the past few days. The council called TPLF’s military operation in the Afar region as “provocation.” 

Also, the council reportedly discussed, and evaluated, armed groups in Ethiopia that are said to be  working in coordination with TPLF and other terrorist groups. Armed wing of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF- Shane) operating in Oromia evaluated Al-shabaab and ISIS as  agenda items during the discussion, based on the FBC report. 

In that regard, relations with neighbouring countries from the point of view of security is discussed. Temesgen Tiruneh, Director of National Information and Security Services (NISS),  told Fana Broadcasting Corporate that terrorist elements sneak to neighboring countries following a security operation by government. Government will work with neighbouring countries to ensure that they are not supporting armed groups that are posing a national security threat to Ethiopia. 

Another important topic was evaluation of what the government called  informally organised armed groups that were created during TPLF invasion of the Afar and Amhara region of Ethiopia, and the circulation of illegal firearms including heavy weaponry. Government did not name names officially. 

Without doubt, that is going to be a controversial issue. In Oromia region, OLF armed wing, government calls it Shane, which has formed a formal military alliance with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has been carrying out an incessant massacre targeting civilians, mostly ethnic Amharas, since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power over three years ago. The Oromia regional government has been claiming that it has weakened Shane and that there are no informally armed groups in the region. 

The TPLF military attacks in the Afar and Amhara regions of Ethiopia have caused the formation of militia and armed groups who played a crucial role in the military campaign to dislodge TPLF forces from both regions. Fanos were alsThe governmentart of the operations. 

There have been rumours that the Federal government is demonstrating discomfort about the Fano group. It will definitely be problematic to disarm when the threat from the TPLF is not reversed. However, the government did not officially make statements about it. What is know at this point is, based on FBC report, that an agreement has been reached among National Security Council members to give a formal standing to the informal armed grouped. What does exactly means? Time will reveal it. 

The Ethiopian Defence Force was discussed in the evaluative meeting too. It is said to be in a much stronger position in terms of manpower, arms and technology.