Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative: Reforesting Millions of Hectares Ethiopia is making significant strides in environmental restoration with the successful rehabilitation of over 15 million hectares of degraded and deforested land. This initiative, led by the Ethiopian Forestry Institute, is a part of the country’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative. Overview of Ethiopia’s Reforestation Efforts Since 2018, Ethiopia has planted more than 48 billion seedlings, encompassing both forest and agroforestry species. According to Aberu Tena, Executive Director for Green Legacy and Artificial Forest Development, these efforts are divided into two phases. The first phase, extending from 2018 to 2022, saw the planting…
Author: Abren
Strengthening Ethiopia-India Relations: A Focus on Strategic Partnership Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia and India have strengthened their burgeoning strategic partnership through high-level discussions Marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy. The notable exchange took place between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa, solidifying long-standing ties and opening avenues for enhanced cooperation. Official Welcoming Ceremony and Cultural Exchange Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed PM Modi at the National Palace, where an official ceremony took place. The event included a tour of the Palace Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.…
The Impact of the 2011 Dual Shock on Sudan: From Secession to Civil War In 2011, Sudan faced a profound crisis that forever altered its political landscape. This year marked a pivotal moment, characterized by two significant events: the secession of South Sudan and the advent of the Arab Spring. Together, these events triggered a series of economic and political upheavals, leading to a fiscal crisis and escalating social unrest. The Secession of South Sudan: A Fiscal Catastrophe In July 2011, South Sudan gained independence, removing about 75% of Sudan’s oil revenues overnight. This loss plunged the ruling National Congress…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian nationals living in the United States, a move that reflects a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ethiopia and underscores evolving assessments of security and political risk in the Horn of Africa. In a statement this week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that Ethiopia no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS under U.S. immigration law, asserting that conditions in the country have improved sufficiently and no longer pose a serious threat to the personal safety of returning nationals. DHS officials stressed that TPS…
Ethiopia’s Media Crackdown: Deutsche Welle Journalists Suspended Amidst Growing Tension In a significant blow to media freedom in Ethiopia, Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international public broadcaster, reported on December 12 that the Ethiopian Media Authority has permanently suspended two of its journalists. This action reflects the ongoing struggle for independent journalism in a nation grappling with political unrest and stringent state control over media narratives. Background of the Suspension The Ethiopian Media Authority, which holds the power to regulate news outlets, initially notified DW on October 23 of a temporary suspension affecting nine of its journalists based in Ethiopia. However,…
Understanding the Sudanese Civil War: A Crisis of Legitimacy Introduction The ongoing civil war in Sudan represents a profound crisis rooted in failed democratic processes and a struggle for legitimacy. This conflict, which exploded into violence in April 2023, follows a tenuous democratic transition initiated in 2019 after the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir. Understanding the underlying factors will shed light on the complex dynamics at play in Sudan. Historical Background: From Hope to Crisis In 2019, Sudan adopted the 2019 Draft Constitutional Charter, establishing a fragile power-sharing agreement between military and civilian actors. However, this optimistic beginning quickly deteriorated.…
Prime Minister Modi Initiates Historic Visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off on a significant diplomatic journey on December 15, visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. This trip aims to strengthen the civilizational ties and enhance bilateral relations that India shares with these nations. Strengthening India-Jordan Relations In Jordan, Modi’s visit marks a milestone: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Upon his arrival, he plans to engage in comprehensive discussions with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. He will also have the opportunity to meet Crown Prince…
Discover Ethiopia: A Rising Star in Global Tourism Ethiopia’s Tourism Sector Transformation Addis Ababa, December 14, 2025 — Ethiopia’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, driven by strategic government investments and innovative initiatives. These efforts aim to establish the country as a top-tier destination on the global tourism map. Expansion of Tourist Destinations Over the past six years, Ethiopia has seen significant expansion in its tourist offerings, especially in its capital city, Addis Ababa. One of the standout initiatives, the “Dine for Nation” program, showcases local cuisine while promoting tourism across various regions. This strategic expansion marks a pivotal…
Leadership Change at Development Bank of Ethiopia: Esayas Kassa Takes the Helm In a significant leadership shift, Esayas Kassa (PhD) has been appointed as the new president of the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE), following the removal of Emebet Melese (PhD). This change is documented in recent materials obtained by Birrmetrics, marking a pivotal moment in the bank’s governance. Goals of the Leadership Transition This appointment is part of a broader reform initiative led by Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), which aims to enhance governance, bolster institutional performance, and ensure that the DBE aligns with national development priorities. The EIH has…
New Zealand’s Commitment to Ethiopia: A Diplomatic Perspective Ambassador Michael Upton’s Reflections Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA) — Outgoing New Zealand Ambassador, Michael Upton, has articulated a message of international cooperation during a recent discussion in Ethiopia. Highlighting the country’s significant physical transformation, he reaffirmed New Zealand’s dedication to enhancing engagement across various sectors. Strengthening Bilateral Ties In a meeting with Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Ambassador Upton emphasized the potential for growth in New Zealand and Ethiopia’s trade relationship. Despite the current modest trade levels, he stated that efforts are underway to bolster ties in trade, services, and…