PM Abiy Invites Opposition Parties for Consultations
Controversial Bill on Undercover Investigators Approved
Prime Minister Abiy Invites Opposition Parties for Consultations
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has invited opposition parties to participate in consultations on national affairs, scheduled for June 18. Each opposition party has been requested to select four representatives for the event. However, several opposition parties, including the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), have declined the invitation, citing doubts about any concrete outcomes from the consultations. Abiy has already held discussions with artists and teachers, and additional consultations are planned with other sectors of society in the coming days.
Controversial Bill on Undercover Investigators Approved
Ethiopia’s Federal Parliament has passed a contentious bill granting undercover crime investigators immunity from prosecution for crimes committed during their investigations, except for killings. Some opposition MPs have opposed the bill, arguing that it could be misused to restrict the rights of journalists, opposition figures, and human rights defenders. The bill also grants financial intelligence authorities the power to block suspicious transactions for up to seven days without a court warrant. The authorities have denied that the bill would be used to curtail the rights of certain groups.
56,000 Former Combatants Demobilized in DDR Program
Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has reported that over 56,000 former combatants have been demobilized and reintegrated into society as part of the first phase of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program. More than 45,000 of these former combatants are from Tigray, the region most affected by the recent war. The NRC plans to demobilize and reintegrate a total of 75,000 former combatants during this phase, with the process expected to be completed in Tigray within the next two months.
Ethiopian Airlines Wins SKYTRAX Best Airline in Africa Award
Ethiopian Airlines has been named the Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year at the prestigious SKYTRAX World Airline Awards held during the Paris Air Show on June 17. In addition to the top honor, the airline also won awards for Best Economy Class, Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Africa. The World Airline Awards are recognized as one of the most prestigious events in the airline industry.
Eritrea Submits Draft Resolution to UNHRC to End Special Rapporteur's Term
Eritrea has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) calling for the termination of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea. The Special Rapporteur’s latest report accused Eritrean authorities of systemic human rights violations, but the Eritrean government has rejected the findings, dismissing the report as lacking transparency and balance. Eritrea claims the report contradicts past assessments by other UN agencies regarding the country's progress in various areas. Meanwhile, the UK has called for a review of Eritrea's mandatory national service to address the country’s growing youth exodus and raised concerns over Eritrea’s refusal to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur.
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