“The money-changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of the restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.” Franklin D Roosevelt , 1933, inaugural speech
Source: Canadian Patriot Press
27 September 2021
by PD Lawton 21 September 2021
image: former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu greeting Chinese civil engineers
Zambia`s former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu has questioned the results of Zambia`s recent elections held on the 12 August. He said that the elections had not been free and fair due to violence in parts of the country .
Many dispute the likelihood of a win by the opposition party that has run 6 times in the past without success. However, continuing in the tradition of this peaceful nation, Edgar Lungu`s party, the Patriotic Front (PF), has handed over to the new government of Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Patriotic Front (PF) has been in government since 2011 when Michael Sata became the first PF president. He died in office in 2014 and his position was filled by Vice President Guy Scott.Edgar Lungu took office in 2015.
image: former President Michael Sata and his Vice president Guy Scott: mwebantu.news
Why Poverty?
Copper is Zambia`s main source of revenue. Copper mining has been the monopoly preserve of London since the days when Zambia was called Northern Rhodesia. Rhodesia was named after the British arch imperialist , Cecil John Rhodes who ruled the region on behalf of London, under the auspices of the British South Africa Company.
Edgar Lungu continued with the policies of Michael Sata and Guy Scott, in taking on the predominantly City of London based mining corporations operating in Zambia, namely Glencore. Mining royalties of Zambian copper were increased from little over 6% to 20% in 2015.
Zambia is Africa`s second largest copper exporter, the largest being the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the ups and downs of the selling price of copper, Glencore Xstrata continues as one of the world`s largest commodities traders. It is an Ango-Swiss MNC which is registered in the British off -shore tax haven of Jersey. While Zambia continues to be one of the poorest countries in the world and the majority of Zambians continue to live in poverty.
In 2011 Glencore was accused by a number of ngo`s of crooked accounting and financial manipulation in a tax avoidance scheme that resulted in loss of revenue to the Zambian government to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
This scandal was covered in a documentary by Christoffer Guldbrandsen,which delves into illicit financial outflow from Africa`s resources and in particular the case of Zambian copper.The documentary is called `Stealing Africa` and is as pertinant today as when it was made in 2012.
In 2015, Hakainde Hichilema promised to reverse the mining tax in favour of the corporations and foreign investors. Unfortunately, it seems that Hichilema will now be in a position to implement his policies. It remains to be seen if he will go as far as to turn Zambia away from a very old friend, China. His election win caused an explosively jubilant response from the anti-China faction in Washington.
In his inaugural speech, President Hichilema promised : “We will foster a better democracy… rule of law, restoring order, respecting human rights, liberties and freedoms.”
President Biden`s government has applauded Hichilema`s win as” a tribute to the democratic ideals upon which the country was founded and an inspiration for the democratic aspirations of people around the world.
President Hichilema, it appears will be returning Zambia to the neo-colonial fold of the IMF and its `rules based order` of so-called human rights and democratic values which comes as a package that gives expansive IMF loans that always have strings attached and intended for soft infrastructure only. In return, recipient countries must produce a relaxed investment climate ( a liberalized economy) that favours multi national corporations and their shareholders over national development of the physical economy i.e hard infrastructure.
Debt and China
Zambia was the first African country to default on its debt to the IMF post COVID-19. The debt was in Eurobonds. Perhaps Lungu`s government had no intention of paying this particular debt but as Zambia stood alone on that front at the time, it was a war that could not be won.There is now an increasing call for the renunciation of Africa`s debt in a campaign being led by Ghana.
Times are hard in Zambia. There is very high unemployment, increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation is soaring, food , fuel and electricity have gone up and millions of Zambians are struggling. Food prices have risen by 33% in the last 12 months.
The government under Edgar Lungu has focussed on much needed infrastructure. Working with China, the friend of Zambia since 1964. The country has seen an infrastructure build that rivals anything in the SADC region ( Southern Africa Development Community).
During Lungu`s administration,activists from the Zambian opposition party were always vocal in spreading anti-China propaganda, protesting against China`s `debt trap` and demanding President Edgar Lungu #sayno2China. They claim that Zambia is so indebted to China that China effectively owns Zambia, hence the activists new name for Zambia- `Chambia`.
As president, Edgar Lungu, hit back at critics and said:
“I implore you to ignore the misleading headlines that seek to malign our relationship with China by mischaracterising our economic cooperation to mean colonialism.”
The Finance Minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe, put the record straight and told critics that of the total interest paid to creditors in the first half of 2018 only 30% was to China.
Leading Zambian economist and head of Zambia’s Private Sector Development Association Yosuf Dodia said that Chinese investment should be seen as an opportunity not a burden.
“Zambia has been dominated by the West for 100 years… and we are seeing poverty all over the continent,” he said.
On Zambia`s relationship to China he said “The partnership level is around $10bn – and that is good. There is no other country that offers those kinds of opportunities.”
That is the general consensus of African governments who defend the Chinese model. Compared to other creditors ( like the IMF) Chinese banks offer far better terms. The interest is, in some cases, non-existant or else at very low rates of interest. There are lengthy periods of grace before payments commence and much longer re-payment periods.And unlike Western banks, the Chinese banks are lending, extending credit for the express purposes of uplifting the standard of living of African nations by funding hard infrastructure.
In 2018, at the historic Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Zambia secured a $30 million interest-free loan and a $30 million grant .
Along with the spreading of anti-China propaganda, xenophobic attacks on Chinese nationals are also on the increase. It would appear that the resentment felt by a few is being fuelled by the same anti-China critics. In other words the xenophobia is opposition run as is evident in an article from Xinhuanet which reported a demonstration held by Zambian miners in Kitwe City, Copperbelt Province to protest against opposition politicians who have been inciting xenophobic attacks on Chinese investors.
The Road to Zambian Transformation:
Energy Sector Developments
Zambia, like all sub-Saharan African countries, has an acute energy shortage.Only 25% of its urban population and 3% of its rural population have access to electricity.
Currently 90% of Zambia`s electricity is from hydro-power. Between 2015-2016 Zambia lost power capacity and the economy dropped by 40%.This was a result of prolonged regional drought which made existing hydropower ineffective.
Nuclear energy would be a far more reliable source of power generation in African countries such as Zambia that are prone to drought when under the adverse effects of the El Niño weather system.
Recent years have seen great interest in pushing forward Zambia`s nuclear program.Under the presidency of Edgar Lungu steps were taken to fast track a nuclear power program.
In April 2019, Dr Roland Msiska, Head of Zambia`s Atomic Agency (ZAMATOMA), led a delegation of officials and journalists to the annual ATOMEXPO which is held in Sochi, Russia, and run by ROSATOM. The journalists were tasked with learning about nuclear technology, including its multiple uses, medical and agricultural, apart from energy production. The journalist have since tackled the many misconceptions held by the public on nuclear technology.
Dr Roland Msiska, said:
“Nuclear is the technology of Zambia’s future”…”One nice thing about nuclear programme, because of the length in which you have to plan, about 200 years, you’ll have to think inter-generationally because that’s four generations. That’s 20 presidents, if you are talking about each president [serving for] 10 years. You have to plan inter-generationally and implement inter-generationally.”
As key to initiating the nuclear program, government started the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology which is a vehicle for training personnel who will operate the plant and will advance Zambia in science and technology.
The design, feasibility study and approvals for the project have been concluded but as of March 2020, finances are still being arranged between Zambia and Russia.
There are 2 phases of construction, the first being the construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology and the second phase will be construction of a nuclear power plant of 2,400 megawatts capacity.
Hydro
Kariba North Bank hydropower plant is a recent extension of the Kariba Dam Hydropower Plant. In 2013 280MW were added and another 80MW in 2014.
Itezhi Tezhi hydroelectric project ( 60MW) is another of the recent constructions which are all contributing to increasing Zambia`s electricity needs.
The much larger Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station is funded mostly by China. The Chinese Sinohydro Corporation have been awarded the construction contract. It will supply 750MW which will increase the national energy capacity by 38%.
Water Sanitation
Water sanitation is an extremely important sector of hard infrastrucure. The acute lack of it in most African countries is the greatest cause of easily preventable diseases. In addition, time collecting water is an unnecessary waste of time and a burden that usually falls on women and young girls.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has been awarded the contract for water sanitation improvement projects Zambia`s Northern Province’s two districts of Kasama and Mbala.
Road , Rail and Supporting Infrastructure
China`s first act of solidarity with the newly de-colonized Zambia in 1964, was to construct the Tanzam Railway, also called the Uhuru (freedom)or Tazara Railway, which runs from Zambia to Tanzania. China built 1,860km of railway from Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia’s Central Province to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania`s main port.The line was completed in 1975. The idea was to assist Zambians in exporting their copper reserves. London`s leaverage over the government of Kenneth Kaunda was under-estimated at the time! It would take another 47 years before Michael Chilufya Sata would take on the herculean task of confronting corporate colonialism.
Kazungulu Bridge
This is a very important part of the Trans-Africa North-South Corridor and is a road and railway bridge connecting Botswana and Zambia over the Zambezi River, currently only having a ferry service. It is 930m long and 18.5m wide.It will connect Central and Southern Africa and connect to sea ports, namely Durban in South Africa and Maputo in Mozambique. The bridge is completed and once legalities of the two new border posts are finalized, it will be opened. The bridge is a vital connection between Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and South Africa.
Botswana`s Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo,said :
“This state-of-the-art infrastructure will among others facilitate quick access to international markets through connectivity with major seaports as well as contribute to maximizing the operational efficiency of the corridor and enhance regional economic integration…Our strategic partnership in the project should enhance development and competitiveness of our economies to improve the prospects of attracting more private sector investment and create the much needed jobs.” Source:
http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=59052
Mongu-Kalabo Road
This road spans the Barotse floodplain on the Zambezi River in western Zambia. Completed in 2016 it incorporates 26 bridges and is 34km long. It was an extremely challenging construction across one of Africa`s greatest floodplains.
Airports
Re-building of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and the new airport at Ndola have both recently been completed.
The Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport at Ndola was financed by China`s EXIM Bank and designed and constructed by Chinese company, AVIC International. The ultra-modern airport’s design includes a 12,000 square metre terminal building which can accommodate one million passengers.
Urban Development
Recent years have seen a boom in the construction sector in Zambia with the building of shopping malls, up-market hotels, residential areas and office blocks. Construction is currently the largest industrial sector of Zambia comprising 27.5% of the GDP with a growth rate of 12% in 2016.This has led to a growth of Zambian construction companies and companies supplying building materials. It has increased the demand for professional employment such as architects and engineers and construction workers.
The National Heroes Stadium is a new multi-purpose stadium in Lusaka which seats 60 000 spectators.
Conclusion
While it remains most likely that money has been squandered and corruption has been present under Edgar Lungu, he has at least continued building the road to prosperity.
In a recent interview, Amos Chanda, Campaign Spokesman for the Patriotic Front, defended the policies of Edgar Lungu`s government. Asked about the rapid development taking place in and around Lusaka, new roads, bridges, airports and commercial and residential construction, Mr Chanda replied:
“These are the pre-requisites for investment. One thing the government realized when we came in 2011, one thing we realized is that delapedated infrastructure, whether that is roads,water networks, airports, was impacting on development, as it were. That 3 million Zambians were being treated to a power infrastructure, that remained stagnant for 40 years.
So we have had to put 750MW of power because there has been an expansion in industry, mining, so you have got to invest in infrastructure.There has been an expansion in wheat growing, tobacco growing and all those things are powered by energy as the center pivot.
You cannot have a public infrastructure that does not correlate with the population.
There are only 2 ways of raising money, whether at a personal level or a national level or business, it is either debt or equity.If you do not have equity, you have got to go into debt. If that debt is invested into production rather than consumption, there is absolutely nothing wrong.
The government now 2021-2026 is moving into the micro food security,income levels for the people.”
During the same interview Mr Chanda was grilled on the soaring inflation and asked to respond to complaints from residents of Lusaka that they now had very good roads and airports but could not afford food and could not eat roads. His comment was:
“Actually you can eat roads because there was this story of a bumper harvest that all got wasted because no one could get there produce to the markets in good time.”
He is quite right in saying that. More than 90% of the Democratic Republic of Congo has no infrastructure, roads or railways. There everyone says: we want the roads because it is the roads that feed us.
Hard infrastructure is Africa`s primary need. A true friend of Africa are those who build roads and railways.
Whatever the causes of the change in government may be, I, for one, think the most likely cause for any foreign interfence from Westminster and Washington in Zambia`s elections is that in 2018, the Governor of the Bank of Zambia, Dr Denny Kalyalya, in his `Monetary Policy Committee Statement for fourth quarter 2018`,put forward the proposal to use the Yuan instead of the US dollar as the reserve currency.
by PD Lawton , 19 September 2021
image: transmission lines. Dailyenergyinsider
Africa suffers from an acute energy deficit. Electricity consumption correlates directly with a nation`s standard of living. Electricity is the foundation of all economic development from manufacturing and agricultural processing to hard infrastructure,communication, health care and education.
At present, sub-Saharan Africa has roughly the equivalent energy capacity of one European country, that being Spain, which is the 14th largest economy by GDP.
Half of sub-Saharan energy capacity is in South Africa which despite this, cannot meet its own demand for electricity.
600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to electricity.
900 million households have no alternative to wood or manure for cooking.
image: Africa by night
In terms of environmental degradation, which results in natural disasters, wildlife habitat loss, loss of biodiversity, forest clearance which leads to lower rainfall, desertification and lower crop yields, only economic development can solve this.
To say that Africans must not burn coal, cannot have nuclear and must not increase energy capacity in order to protect against climate change, is to condemn them to continued poverty and their environment to continued degradation which is one of the primary causes of climate change.
The case for this has been proven throughout China which has eliminated all dire poverty by stimulating economic development and has now one of the world`s highest environmental standards. Multiple arid regions are now experiencing increased rainfall due to the creation of new forests and other techniques which stop environmental degradation. In China this has been successful as economic development is viewed as key to solving environmental degradation.
Africa`s Size and Climate Present Unique Energy Challenges .
Europe and North America are small regions compared to the sheer scale of the African continent . Even single African countries dwarf regions in the West. The Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest African country, situated in the center of the African landmass, is roughly 2.5 million km2. That is slightly greater than the combined land surfaces of Spain,Germany, France, Sweden and Norway.The capital of DR Congo is Kinshasa which is located in the west. Bukavu is the provincial capital of South Kivu which is in the east. The distance between the 2 cities of Kinshasa and Bukavu is 2,494km which is slightly less than the distance between London and Moscow.
In South Africa the distance from Pretoria to Cape Town is the same as that from Rome to London.From Cape Town to the eastern capital, Durban, is 1, 274km.
image: orange=China,brown=USA, yellow=India+Japan+Germany, blue=UK=Eastern Europe,pink=france, light brown=Spain
The African continent is larger than the combined land surfaces of the USA, China, India and Europe.
Transmission distances in Africa are therefore far greater than any other region in the world. Due to the resistance properties of electric current the further you are away from the source of power generation, the less current can be drawn off.
The length of transmission cables and scale of energy infrastructure needed for Africa are uniquely daunting. The cost of transportation of fuel, be that coal or diesel, is far greater.
Hydro-power depends on rainfall.
In 2015-16 Zambia lost power capacity and the economy dropped by 40%.This was a result of prolonged regional drought caused by the el Nino weather system,which made hydro-power ineffective.Kariba Dam, the source of Zambia`s hydro-power was reduced within 1 year from 79% usable storage capacity to 19%.
Recently in Tanzania, an important hydro plant lost 73% of its output due to low rainfall.
African countries have to find workable solutions for African conditions.
Baseload is Essential and not an Outdated Concept
Baseload is the term used for basic 24/7 energy output.It is the minimum energy requirement for any economy. All across the globe industrialized economies rely on either coal or nuclear to supply baseload whether it is imported or produced domestically. Supplying baseload is where renewable energy fails. Solar and wind are weather dependant and cannot be reliable or consistant.
With the increasing development of the African high-speed continental railway (AIHSRN) more and more countries are using electric trains. These trains will be running 24/7 and will therefore need each country to have sufficient baseload. The new railway network is just one example of needing a reliable baseload.
Nuclear offers Solutions
The nuclear industry is extremely highly regulated and monitored. Having a nuclear industry in fact raises the professional competence of a nation. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is mandated by the UN to assist any country wishing to adopt nuclear energy in nuclear power generation. There are currently 34 African states who are active members of The Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa.
Employment Creation,Science and Technology
The nuclear industry acts as a science driver for an economy unlike the renewables industry. Nuclear promotes research and development at the high end of science. The need for high level skills is an opportunity for Africa to uplift the labour market.
Koeberg is Africa`s first and at present, only nuclear power station, situated in Cape Town, South Africa. It provides in excess of 1500 highly skilled permanent employment opportunities, and that is consistant for up to 80 years.
Nuclear is a high density form of energy which makes it the most progressive source of energy production unlike wind and solar which are low density.
A volume equivalent to a couple of soft drink cans of uranium will supply 1 person`s energy needs for the duration of their life!
If Koeberg ran on coal, it would take 6 train-loads of coal every day to keep it at 2000MW capacity. In fact it takes 1 truck-load of uranium per year!
Compared to hydro and renewables, nuclear has a very small land footprint.
Urbanization
African populations are becoming increasingly urbanized as the younger generations seek employment opportunities in cities. Renewables are ideal in rural and remote regions to power homes and run water pumps, however, with increasing demand for electricity in cities, renewables cannot power a national grid, unless accompanied by nuclear.
In 2014, around 63% of South Africans were urbanized. By 2030, it is projected that 70% will live in cities.The increase in urbanization is similiar across the continent. Therefore demand for electricity is increasing. Job creation and general social welfare depend on the power capacity of any country.
Manufacturing and Economic Growth
South Africa is presently in a dire economic situation due to the lack of investment in the physical economy.If the situation in South Africa continues as it is, by 2030, the existing manufacturing/industrial plants will be faced with operation shutdown due to insufficient electricity.At present, there is no incentive to invest in new manufacturing plants because there is not enough power. See footnote [1]
Clean Energy
There is nothing clean or green in the manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines. The obsolete components are unrecyclable and contain toxic heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic , chromium and lead.
There are no greenhouse gases emitted from a nuclear power plant. In Koeberg, South Africa, all the spent fuel from the last 40 years is stored deep underground on site. The storage of spent fuel is highly regulated. Nuclear waste is the same in size before and after processing. There is no loss in mass.
Koeberg accumulates 1 truckload of spent fuel per year.
Nuclear Can Make Potable Water
The extremely high temperatures of nuclear energy make it ideal for de-salinating sea water. Nuclear can provide the high temperature needed to boil sea water. The steam is then condensed and the salts removed. In arid regions de-salination is the answer to water scarcity. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have hardly any rainfall but no shortage of drinking water because they de-salinate using their abundant oil supply. The African continent is rich in uranium and thorium it could be put to good purpose to generate power and make potable water for regions like, for example ,the Eastern Cape in South Africa, that suffers constant droughts.
South Africa has one of the largest deposits of uranium in the world and the richest thorium mine. Thorium is needed for the next generation of nuclear technology.
Since construction there has never been any hazardous issue related to Koeberg, South Africa`s nuclear power plant, which has provided 2000MW to South Africa`s energy capacity since 1984.
Nuclear energy is cheaper in the long term than renewables. A wind turbine or solar panel have a short life expectancy compared to a nuclear power plant which provides power for up to 80 years. After the initial costs of construction, nuclear is the cheapest, cleanest, greenest,most reliable source of energy. South Africa has now spent more on renewables than what it would have cost to build a second nuclear power plant, R250 billion.
Small Modular Reactors are the Future
“There is nothing to stop any African country going into nuclear power immediately…..The image that somehow nuclear is only for the `big sophisticated Western world` is not true. A small modular reactor of 100-200MW can be placed anywhere in Ethiopia [for instance] and Ethiopians can run it.” Dr Kelvin Kemm, South African nuclear physicist on OBN Future Africa [2]
What if someone said to you: there is a solution to all your energy needs? The solution can be operated in the centre of a city or in a desert, it is affordable, will generate power for decades and it is 100% safe. In the near future, it will be used in Space, on the Moon or Mars.
The large nuclear power stations are from 2000 – 4000 MW. There is now a whole new class of nuclear reactors which is the small modular reactor (SMR).They are typically 100-300MW. There are 2 types of SMRs. There is the older type which is water- cooled and there is now at the cutting edge of innovation, the gas-cooled SMR.
The SMR is a South African invention. The gas-cooled reactor can be used in the most arid and remote regions,not requiring water for cooling.
SMRs never have to be switched off for refueling.
SMRs cannot go into meltdown, it is technically impossible.
The cities along the West African coastline could all be powered by the water-cooled SMRs. Douala, Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé , Accra, Abidjan to Dakar could all be linked up and powered by cutting edge African technology!
image: Akon City, planned futuristic city in Senegal
Changing Perceptions for a Brighter Future
Times are changing rapidly as Africa demands the industialization of its economies, food self-sufficiency, mineral benefication of its own resources, manufacting of its own goods, jobs for the millions of unemployed youth, economic progress and the right to stand as equals among nations of the world. All of this comes down to power, the power to develop. With South African technology, Africa does not have to aim for being equal, it can aim for being first!
Footnotes
1]
David Nicholls, a senior manager with Eskom for over 30 years
Load shedding: what caused it and why the lack of a solution?ChannelFMF : https://youtu.be/iKWHnz5Yh3U
2]Talk to OBN : interview with Dr Kelvin Kemm
https://www.esi-africa.com/industry-sectors/generation/op-ed-small-nuclear-offers-a-realistic-african-energy-solution/
1800 km of electric high-speed rail to be completed by 2023!
Source: The New Africa Channel
Egypt’s High Speed Railway Project Takes-off – The Egyptian nation will finally see the commencement of the 660 km high-speed electric rail line which will route across the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, networking port cities of Ain Sokhna to the Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria respectively, forming a rail link similar to the Suez Canal. The intended blueprint is to develop an ultra-modern 1800 km high-speed reliable rail network at an estimated cost of $23 billion. This will not only lessen travel time, but would stimulate the economy, provide jobs and influence quality of life. It will also provide a sustainable and efficient medium for commuting. A $4.5 billion agreement was signed between the Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels and an alliance of companies which includes Orascom Construction S A E, The Arab Contractors and Siemens Mobility, whose share stands at a figure of $3 billion. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of the Egyptian prime minister and Minister for Transport. The nation has had a vast network of rails reaching up to about 5000 km across its borders, connecting key cities and towns in a loop since the 1850s. These systems, however have grown obsolete and antiquated due to the lack of significant investments in the decaying sector leading to an increase in fatal crashes and accidents.
Source: CGTN Africa
12 September 2021
Sunday, Sept. 12, marked a week since the bloodless coup in Guinea that toppled President Alpha Conde. The international community has expressed concerns about these developments, and demanded a return to civilian rule and unconditional rule of the ousted president. Here’s a brief look at the latest developments from the West African nation.
Source: SARaw Politics News
24 July 2021
Source: SARaw Politics News
5 September 2021
re posted from XINHUANET
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-11 21:17:21
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) — Ethiopians on Saturday marked the first day of the Ethiopian New Year, as the East African country welcomed the year 2014 with hope for national harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The Ethiopian New Year, or Enkutatash in Amharic language, falls on Sept. 11 (or Sept. 12 during a leap year).
The East African nation uses a unique calendar, which counts its year seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Presently, the country is celebrating the arrival of the year of 2014.
As the just concluded Ethiopian 2013 witnessed a deadly conflict that erupted in the country’s Northernmost Tigray regional state between government and rebel forces which is now expanded to neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, Ethiopians are now welcoming the New Year relatively in a feeble mood than ever.
In addition to hoping to see an end for the recently expanding conflict, Ethiopians are anticipating the just started 2014 to bring about better market conditions exacerbated by the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the capital of Addis Ababa, the disruptions and price hikes are highly visible across markets, with soaring prices for festive commodities across holiday markets witnessed by Xinhua journalists.
continue reading Here: Source:
http://www.news.cn/english/africa/2021-09/11/c_1310182197.htm
Yesterday was the Ethiopian New Year`s Day, marking the beginning of 2014.
the Adey Abeba flower, the special flower of Ethiopia that marks the arrival of the New Year
re posted from AFRICA AND THE WORLD
Last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan
by Lawrence Freeman
September 2, 2021
As the United States was in the final days of evacuation from its twenty year old failed invasion of Afghanistan, the Washington Post called on President Joe Biden to impose more harsh penalties on the nation of Ethiopia. There are insights we can glean from the juxtaposition of these two events.
On August 27, the Washington Post editorial board called on President Joe Biden to issue additional sanctions against Ethiopia. The Post asserted that the government of Ethiopia is responsible for atrocities including civilian massacres, using rape as a weapon, and “causing the world’s worst hunger crisis in a decade.” No proof was provided other than reports from Amnesty International and comments by Samantha Power, Chief of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Readers of the Post editorial are expected to have accepted all the allegations by the media against Ethiopia over the last ten months as true and factual. However, a leaked video conversation by United Nations representatives in August, revealed an admission of no real evidence-data-to support the media’s unsubstantiated claim that Ethiopia used rape as a weapon of war. Also, recent reports from USAID officials, indicate that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have been stealing food intended to feed Ethiopians.
continue reading HERE: Source: