Addis Ababa, May 10/2024(ENA) The Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has officially transferred the management responsibility of Ethio-Djibouti Railway to the governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti at a ceremony held today in Addis Ababa. CRCC was undertaking the management of Ethio-Djibouti Railways in collaboration with the governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti over the past six years within the framework of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth. Ethio-Djibouti railway is one of the several development projects of the initiative which was put into operation on January 2018. With a total length of more than 750 kilometers, the railway that starts from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia in the west, and ends in the port of Djibouti in the east, is the first electrified railway project in Africa. Executive Director of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Abdi Zanbadi has today received the keys of the Ethio-Djibouti train from the Director General of the CRCC office , marking the start of the joint Ethio-Djibouti railway management. The event was attended by a large number of government officials from Ethiopia, Djibouti, and China, including the Speaker of Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representative Tagesse Chafo. On the occasion, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Equipment of Djibouti, Hassan Hamad pledged to further continue the development partnership with Ethiopia. “Today we celebrate the formal transfer of this responsibility to our governments... By taking over the management of this railway network, our governments are committed to contributing to the path of excellence and innovation." He assured that this infrastructure continues to serve our common interests, promote sustainable development and strengthen our strategic partnership. Emphasizing the importance of railways in the economic field and regional integration of the two countries and the region, the minister indicated that "this railway is a symbol of cooperation and progress and an engine for our economic development and regional integration.” For his part, the Executive Director of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Abdi Zenabi, called for more partnerships in establishing other railways in the region. “As we celebrate today, let us cast our eyes toward the future. Let us imagine a network of railways crossing our region, connecting us not only physically, but also culturally and socially.” Abdi stressed the important role played by the project in the field of transportation. “The Ethiopian-Djibouti Railway is more than just tracks and locomotives. It is a symbol of cooperation, friendship and shared aspirations." Designed with precision and dedication, it extends over a distance of more than 750 kilometers, connecting the Ethiopian hinterland to Djibouti City. "This strategic coastal railway has transformed the way goods move between our two countries, reducing transit times and enhancing trade opportunities,” the executive director elaborated. He enumerated the benefits gained from operating the railway in the region, “It has opened new markets, attracted investments, and created job opportunities for our people. The efficient transportation of goods - whether agricultural products, manufactured goods or minerals - has revitalized our economies.” The Executive Director General of CRCC office, Peng Danyang highlighted the pioneering role of the railway for strengthening regional development.   “The Ethio-Djibouti railway leads regional development. Since commercial operations in 2018, the railway has operated 2,500 passenger trains with a passenger volume of 68,000.” Over the past six years, the average annual rate of increase in transportation has reached 39 percent, he added. The company has played role in training experts and professionals to assume responsibility for local self-management. “Over the past six years of operation, a total of 2,840 people have been trained and certified, which has led to the localization of all railway professions in the field of rolling stock operation, maintenance and safety".      

Addis Ababa, May 10/2024(ENA) The Nejashi Zero Zero Village project would serve as an important instrument to promote Ethiopia’s ancient history to the world, a historian Professor Adam Kamil remarked. The Nejashi Zero Zero Village project, which aims to build a global village in Nejashi town of Tigray region, was unveiled at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. The tourist village will include sub-projects, such as museum, hotel, research institution, health and sports facilities. Professor Adam Kamil told ENA that Al-Nejashi depicts not only Ethiopia’s history but also the global Muslims. King Nejashi had played crucial role for the existence of Islamic religion by providing refugee to followers of Prophet Muhammad who had fled persecution during the early age of Islam. In the history of Islam, this was the first hijra, or migration. Professor Adem said the idea to build a global village in Nejashi town of Tigray region is a pride to Ethiopia stressing the need to engage all Ethiopians both in the country and abroad in various ways for the realization of this important project. The professor further mentioned that Prophet Muhammad attested to Ethiopia's status as a land of truth and peace, and that the Muslim migrants enjoyed peace in Ethiopia that they had previously lost in their home city. In this regard, he said the construction of Nejashi Zero Zero Village project is instrumental to promote Ethiopia’s ancient history and its values for enhanced brotherhood to the world. Nejashi is synonymous with Islam as it is the place where the first Muslim settlement took place in the world in the 7th century. The idea of naming the project Nejashi Zero Zero indicates the origin and location of the story in which Islam first began in Ethiopia. The project would be implemented by the Supreme Council for Ethiopian Islamic Affairs, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Tigray Region, and the King Nejashi Reconstruction and Development Initiative (ARDI).                                        

Addis Ababa, May 10/2024(ENA) The successful conduct of upcoming national dialogue is a great hope for the brighter future of Ethiopia, National Dialogue Commission Commissioner Blen Gebremedhin remarked. Ethiopia is about to commence a historic nationwide dialogue to pave the way for national consensus on the most fundamental issues, keep the integrity of the country and ensure sustainable peace by engaging all segments of the society with proper representation. One of the 11 commissioners of the National Dialogue Commission, Blen Gebremedhin told the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that the upcoming national dialogue is huge hope for all Ethiopians to ensure sustainable peace which is a prerequisite to successfully attain prosperity. The commission has made a lot of works since its establishment that are vital for the successful conduct of the dialogue, Blen indicated. The commission has so far carried out extensive activities on how the dialogue should be conducted through series of consultation with relevant stakeholders, she added. According to the commissioner, identifying of participants has been conducted in 10 regional states and two city administrations and districts. According to her, all efforts have been made to ensure the inclusivity the dialogue by meticulously identifying participants with a view to bring national consensus on the most fundamental national issues among the people of Ethiopia. The commission’s establishment proclamation has also been translated in 10 local languages so as to help the people easily understand all about the objectives and outcomes of the national dialogue, Blen noted. The commissioner further elaborated; “we have been working a communication activities not only through the mainstream media but also the digital media to reach the large population with respect to national dialogue.” Now, we are going to commence agenda collection through public discussion, the commissioner indicated. “Of course, since 8 months, our door was open for those who want to send their agenda items for national consultation either in private or in group in various means of communications,” Blen stated. She urged all stakeholders including the general public to play a crucial role in process. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission with eleven members came into effect since February 23, 2022.    

Addis Ababa, May 10/2024(ENA) The Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) announced that it is developing a policy and proclamation that ensure proper protection and utilization of wetlands in Ethiopia. Researchers in the sector have been revealing the growing concerns about the impact of farming, grazing, and other activities on the country's wetlands. Wetlands, including lakes, rivers, and springs play a crucial role in regulating water resources and maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Experts in the field have repeatedly called for a robust legal framework to safeguard wetlands from threats and implement sustainable management practices. EEPA's Water Bodies and Wetlands Management, Monitoring, and Control Desk Head, Zerihun Mengesha noted the importance of wetlands as guarantor of water resource development and sustainability. He added that wetlands not only protect domestic water supplies but also play a vital role in the flow of transboundary rivers. "Wetlands are the kidneys of earth," Zerihun said, underscoring the need for a comprehensive legal frameworks that manage and govern the ecosystems. The EEPA is currently drafting a policy and decree to address the management and regulation of wetlands. The legal frameworks are expected to help prevent pollution and degradation of water bodies caused by depletion and damage of wetlands and the broader ecosystem. The head pointed out that Ethiopia's efforts in environmental protection and development, including the Green Legacy initiative, will play significant role in safeguarding wetlands and ensuring the sustainable flow of transboundary rivers. Furthermore, Zerihun emphasized that regional cooperation and support will be crucial for sustainable development of watersheds and the protection of water resources as Ethiopia is a source of water for neighboring countries.  

BY SOLOMON DIBABA The Agreement on Permanent Cessation of Hostilities was signed on 2 November, 2022 between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF in Pretoria, South Africa. The peace talks mediated by the AU, was attended by international observers such as UN and paved the way for a lasting peace in northern part of Ethiopia. Even before the signing of the agreement, the Ethiopian Government had been providing the lion’s share of relief supplies to the citizens affected by the war and has been cooperating with international partners and UN systems to facilitate the supply of relief food to the needy people of Tigray. The Pretoria Peace Agreement has enhanced a new culture of putting an end to conflicts by soliciting political solutions through round table discussions. This bold move amplifies the importance of a mature and resolute decision of the federal government of Ethiopia to prevent future generations from inheriting a legacy of winners and losers characterized by animosity and grudges. Through peace agreement, the two parties agreed to halt the bloody and unnecessary conflict. The Ethiopian Government has established an environment conducive to unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Tigray. Following the signing of the peace agreement, the government surpassed its obligations stipulated in the accord and implemented series of measures deemed necessary to cultivate trust and sustainable peace in the northern part of the country. The government has also been diligently working towards repairing and reinstating damaged infrastructure facilities and services. Considerable financial resources have been allocated by the government to reinstate economic activities in the Tigray region. Given the substantial dividend of peace, the government has carried out activities beyond expectations to heal the wounds inflicted by the conflict. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Ethiopian Government took remarkable swift action in restoring the infrastructure facilities that were damaged by the conflict by opening up road transport to Tigray as a major prerequisite for fast-tracking relief and rehabilitation supplies as well as restarting social services like hospitals, health centers and clinics and schools as well as telephone and network services. The government also restored electric power supply in Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions by deploying professionals who accomplished their duties in a relatively shorter period of time. Major airports in Tigray region were rehabilitated and air transport resumed operations enabling citizens to reunite with their families who had been separated for two years. With regard to costs of the maintenance of airports in Tigray, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told members of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) earlier this year that over half billion Birr of expenditure was made for the resumption of the air transport to Shire, Mekele and Axum. The air transport at least helped people with chronic diseases to fly to Addis and get medical treatment. Moreover, Ethio telecom also repaired over 1000 kms of optical fiber and 475 mobile sites while repairing over 20,000 landline telephones, it was learnt. Furthermore, the National Bank Ethiopian provided 10 billion Birr liquidity, enabling some 600 bank branches to start services. Almost all universities in Tigray regional state have resumed their duties. Similarly, health care institutions are now providing health services. Through a special procurement, the federal government has imported 500 tractors and over 300 pumps to improve agriculture in Tigray. About 630,000 hectares of land was also cultivated in the region last crop season with support of agricultural inputs support such as tractors, select seed, fertilizer and pumps by the Ministry of Agriculture and other regional states. Moreover, major public and private banks were reopened to provide financial services which were totally closed during the war which lasted for two years. This has helped to reinvigorate business activities that have totally collapsed in the advent of the devastative war. The aforementioned results are just a few of the achievements carried out by the federal government as part of its duties to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, creating confidence with TPLF. However, the other party has reciprocated little. For instance, former combatants of TPLF have not been demobilized, to the contrary, there are visible deployment and mobilizations of armed forces for fresh conflicts that everyone can see, claiming they will seize disputed areas of former settlements. This is in stark violation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The peace agreement underscores that disputed areas should be resolved constitutionally, not through force. Hence, to fully implement the peace agreement, the other signatory must reciprocate its duties in the same manner and commitment demonstrated by the federal government: it needs to demobilize its forces, cease provocation to control disputed areas by force. It is only the federal government which should have military might and capability. States are prohibited from maintaining armed and organized forces beyond the police and militia required for law enforcement at the state level; they should not exceed this limit. Hence, the disarmament process and associated procedures must be expeditiously implemented in accordance with the plan charted out by the Rehabilitation Commission. Efforts to resettle those displaced by the war must be accelerated, but IDPs should be returned to their settlements as civilians, not with arms. The issue of administrative border demarcation should be addressed constitutionally, not by resorting to military means. The people of Tigray have greater expectations for the implementation of the peace agreement because much of their current and future aspirations depend upon the full implementation of the Agreement for which the government has paid special attention. The AU and international community are fully backing the timely implementation of this agreement which is of crucial importance for both the national peace and security as well as the stability of the Horn of Africa. Failing to learn from past mistakes is more problematic than committing the mistakes in the beginning. Without drawing lessons from our past mistakes, it will be difficult to whole heartedly collaborate with those who wish to perpetuate the problems we face today. Thus, sustaining the achievements so far registered by the federal government to accelerate the full implementation of the agreement seriously requires the other signatory to contribute its part in the peace process with no reservations and excuses as the terms of the Agreement entail legal accountability at all levels. All told, the federal government has gone a long way to fully implement the peace agreement. It is vehemently working for durable peace and stability, upholding the rule of law. Hence, the National Dialogue is under implementation to resolve differences of opinion among citizens on fundamental issues and forge a national consensus and address Ethiopia’s backlogs of problems through extensive public discussions. The government has also put in place a Transitional Justice Policy Framework, anchored on the pillars of justice, accountability, reconciliation and redress past mistakes. Inevitably, Ethiopia’s prosperity will thrive on.