PM Abiy and Tigray Leaders Discuss Postwar Challenges
Seven of Ethiopia's State-Owned Sugar Factories Cease Operations
Seven of Ethiopia's State-Owned Sugar Factories Cease Operations
Seven out of Ethiopia's eight state-owned sugar factories have ceased operations, according to a report by Wazema Radio(This outlet). The affected factories include Metehara, Fincha, Kessem, Arjo Dedessa, Tana Beles, No 1, Omo Kuraz No 1, and No 2. The suspension are attributed to attacks by armed groups, lack of maintenance, and power supply issues. Currently, only the Wonji Sugar Factory, located in the Oromia region, remains operational. The government has announced an international tender to sell these sugar factories.
EHRC Confirms Forced Military Conscription in Oromia, Including Children and Disabled People
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has confirmed that regional authorities in Oromia have been conducting forced military conscription for the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), including among children and individuals with mental disabilities. In its investigation, EHRC revealed that families of conscripts were asked to pay large sums of money to secure the release of their loved ones. The Commission reported it had secured the release of 36 forcibly conscripted individuals, including children and people with mental disabilities, from two detention centers. Regional security authorities have acknowledged the issue and pledged to address it.
PM Abiy and Tigray Leaders Discuss Postwar Challenges
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leaders and security officials of the Tigray Interim Administration met to discuss political, administrative, and security issues in the war-affected Tigray region. Their discussions aimed to address ongoing postwar challenges. The two sides agreed to expedite the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of former combatants. They also discussed supporting the Interim Administration’s mandate until elections are held. It is unclear whether the ongoing dispute between the Interim Administration, led by Getachew Reda, and the faction of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), led by party chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, was addressed during the talks.
GERD Produces 1,550 MW of Electricity, Expected to Boost Power Generation
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is currently producing 1,550 megawatts of electricity with four operational turbines, according to officials. Once all turbines are installed, the dam is expected to increase Ethiopia's annual power generation capacity by 83%. When fully completed, the GERD is projected to produce a total of 5,150 megawatts of power. The overall construction of the dam has reached 97.6%. However, lower riparian states, Egypt and Sudan, continue to push for a tripartite binding agreement on the operation and filling of the dam.
Unexploded Ordinances Continue to Kill, Especially Children, in Tigray
Unexploded ordnance left behind from the war in Tigray continues to claim lives, particularly among children. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported that 242 victims have been admitted to its rehabilitation facilities since early 2024, with 80% of the victims being children. The ICRC also noted that many deaths and injuries remain unreported across the region, as those admitted to its centers represent only a fraction of the total victims.
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