Eritrean Opposition Groups Convene in Ethiopia
IMF Approves $248 Million Disbursement to Ethiopia
IMF Approves $248 Million Disbursement to Ethiopia
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the disbursement of $248 million to Ethiopia following the completion of the second review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) on Wednesday. This latest disbursement brings the total amount provided to Ethiopia under the ECF to approximately $1.611 billion since July 2024. The funds are intended to address macroeconomic imbalances and lay the groundwork for private sector-led growth. The IMF emphasized that Ethiopia's contribution to targeted social safety nets fell short of expectations and stressed the critical need to expand these safety nets. The IMF also called for the full cost recovery of fuel prices to help mobilize revenues and rebuild fiscal buffers.
Eritrean Opposition Groups Convene in Addis Ababa
Opposition political groups and individuals opposed to President Issaias Afeworki’s regime in Eritrea convened in Addis Ababa earlier this week. The meeting aimed to discuss strategies for toppling the regime and establishing an inclusive democratic governance system in Eritrea. Over 2,000 participants, including representatives from the Eritrean Afar National Congress, attended the gathering. Neither the Eritrean nor Ethiopian authorities have commented on the meeting.
Action Against Hunger (RSF) Ordered to Halt USAID-Funded Programs
Action Against Hunger (RSF), a humanitarian organization aiding severely malnourished children in Ethiopia's Gambella region, has been instructed to immediately cease its programs funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving vulnerable populations at risk. In 2024, RSF treated 3,000 children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition and runs nutrition assistance programs for 400,000 refugees. Following the order received on Friday, RSF has begun the process of closing its feeding centers by the end of the week. USAID remains a major donor for humanitarian operations in the country.
Human Rights Watch Calls for Lifting Suspension on Rights Groups
Human Rights Watch has urged Ethiopian authorities to lift the suspension of rights groups, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Council, and halt the continued targeting of civil society organizations. The rights group described these actions, including arbitrary detentions, as part of a broader effort to silence critical voices. Human Rights Watch called for both the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the UN Human Rights Commission to oppose the targeting of rights defenders. Additionally, it called on the U.S. and France, which support the civil society regulatory body and the suspended organizations, to publicly back the role of civil society in Ethiopia and condemn the suspensions.
Schools in Amhara Region Closed Due to Fano Militia Kidnappings
Several schools in the violence-stricken Amhara region's West Gojjam zone have been forced to close again due to fears of abduction by the Fano militia. Many students have stopped attending school following a series of kidnappings involving students and teachers. The Fano militia, which has been in conflict with government troops since mid-2023, opposes the resumption of academic activities in the region. Teachers and school principals who have not returned to schools have been arrested by government security forces. While the 2024/25 academic year began in September, many schools in Amhara region remain closed due to the ongoing insecurity and armed clashes.
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