
			Ethiopian history

Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia's Speech Engagement Schedule

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. is proud to announce the launching of Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia's new book. For contents of the book, please click on the following link: www.africanidea.org/Ghelawdewos_Araia_New_Book.html and individual subscribers (including students) interested in purchasing the book should send a check of $25 ($20 + $5 for shipping and handling) payable to Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia's to 1199 Whitney Ave Suite 523 Hamden, Ct, 06517; institutions including libraries should send $35 ($30 + $5 for shipping and handling). For further information, email webmaster@africanidea.org or call (203) 789-1990 (203) 747-2763 (203) 537-0240

For Interpretation Services of Ethiopian Languages (Tigrinya, Amharic) please contact the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) by calling 203-747-2763 or writing via webmaster@africanidea.org

Purchase one book & get the second one for Free
October 3, 2011
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. once again is launching Cultures That We Must Preserve and Reject (Tigrigna and Amharic), authored by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia. Subscribers interested in buying the book must indicate their selection (Amharic or Tigrigna) and if they decide to purchase the book, they will get Advice to the Son & In Memory to the Father by Belaten Geta Herouy Wolde Selassie for free.
Subscribers must send a check in the amount of $18.00 (this includes shipping and handling), payable to Ghelawdewos Araia, to 1199 Whitney Avenue Suite 523, Hamden, CT 06517 For further information, please call (203) 789-1990 or email webmaster@africanidea.org

Ethiopia is now Africa's fastest growing economy
By Chris Giles, CNN
CNN) Ethiopia, Africa's second most populated country, is forecast to be the fastest growing economy in Sub-Saharan Africa this year, according to new data from the IMF. Ethiopia's economy is predicted to grow by 8.5% this year. The figures signal continued economic expansion following a long period of impressive growth. In the last decade, Ethiopia has averaged around 10% economic growth, according to the IMF. To boost the economy, the country is pursuing a number of large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Grand Renaissance Dam and a railway network.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: The world reacts to the death of a lioness

Easter Monday saw the death of a South African woman so famous she could be referred to by just one name: Winnie. In the hours following the confirmation of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s passing at 81, tributes and reaction locally and from around the world poured in to honour – and sometimes criticise – the anti-apartheid icon. By REBECCA DAVIS and BHEKI SIMELANE. 1
The crowd of mourners gathered outside Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s Soweto home on Monday evening was evidence of a woman who remained adored by millions of South Africans until the end of her life. The crowd of mourners gathered outside Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s Soweto home on Monday evening was evidence of a woman who remained adored by millions of South Africans until the end of her life. 2 “I always wished to meet her,” Soweto resident Zakhele Shabala lamented.“It will take eternity to get someone like her. We aspired to have a female president because of her.”

Possible Challenges for the Newly Elected Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Professor Asayehgn Desta
Last Tuesday, March 27, 2018, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation announced Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s landslide election to Chair the ruling party, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). Voters elected Dr. Abiy assuming he was a progressive voice, a reformist, cue-taker, open to suggestion, and because he has a proven ability to divert profound social crises in his hometown, a point he developed into his doctoral dissertation. Despite Prime Minister Hailemariam’s resignation and the public’s opposition to the government’s state of emergency declared in February 16, 2018 tailored to uphold the rule of law and stem a wave of anti-government protests, the Oromo youth’s anti-government protests that emerged in late 2015 and gradually spread to the northern part of the Amhara region of Ethiopia, demanding more political inclusion, economic equality and social justice. Thus, protesters temporarily suspended changes in decision-making process immediately after Dr. Abiy’s victory (Quartz Africa, Feb, 16, 2018)

IDEA Hails the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)

IDEA Editorial March 30, 2018

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

We at the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) are delighted to witness the launching of the continental free trade area that would, in effect, supersede all existing regional blocs like ECOWAS, SADC, COMESA, etc without contradicting or contravening the mission and objectives of the latter. At long last, the Africa must Unite motto of the 1958 Accra conference, then attended by only eight independent African countries, will become a reality. On May26 1963, the pan-African movement to unite Africa culminated in the signing of the OAU Charter by 31 African countries. The OAU became AU (African Union) in May 26 2001, and between the establishment of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) and AU, a significant number of regional organizations were founded, but the idea of integrating the entire continent was conceived long before the AfCFTA was signed by forty-four African countries on March 21, 2018 at Kigali, Rwanda.

Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia shares his opinion on Ethiopia’s Political transition and future path after the recent resignation of its PM, domestic violence, and security challenges.
Dr. Araia, recently published an article recent and offered the following recommendations for the government to consider:
The Government and the legally operating opposition parties in Ethiopia should enter dialogue with the sole purpose of fostering national unity and retooling Ethiopian nationalism while at the same time de-emphasizing ethnic politics. If this kind of national reconciliation is tried, it should be done in public in which the Ethiopian people also become participant-observers. This would also be a momentous historic event at unleashing a political culture of toleration and inclusiveness and a reflection of the ideals and sentiments of the Ethiopian nationhood.

GHANA GOLD MINERS THREATEN NATIONAL WALKOUT OVER PROFIT-DRIVEN MINING LAYOFFS
Mar. 13, 2018 (GIN) – A South African mining company with a long-term contract to extract Ghana’s precious gold reserves is facing nationwide strikes after it announced plans to outsource some 2,000 jobs from their operations in Ghana.
Gold Fields Ghana, which holds leases for 51,500 acres, produces about 550,000 ounces of gold per year at its Tarkwa mine and employs directly and indirectly about 8,000 Ghanaians, said that outsourcing would enable the firm to remain profitable.
But plans to vacate contracts with thousands of workers were rebuffed as “horrifying” by Ghana’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) “given the already precarious employment situation.” The corporation’s maneuvers to protect profits are also meeting strong resistance from the Ghana Mine Workers Union which has charged Gold Fields with “acts of corporate greed at the expense of Ghanaian mine workers. ”In an interview with the news site Fin24, Prince William Ankrah, the 16,000-member union’s general secretary, laid down the gauntlet. “We cannot allow this to happen, all the reasons given by Gold Fields are flawed,” Ankrah declared.

IN A SURPRISE TWIST, SIERRA LEONE OPPOSITION TAKES THE LEAD IN ELECTION COUNTDOWN
Mar. 12, 2018 (GIN) – An opposition candidate has taken the lead out of a field of 16 hopefuls in a tight presidential race. If neither candidate receives 51% of votes cast, a runoff is required.
Earlier in the day, presidential candidate Julius Maada Bio of the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party scored 848,438 (43.3%) votes cast while the candidate of the ruling APC (All People’s Congress), Samura Kamara, was behind with 833,519 votes (42.6%).
Recounts have been ordered for 154 of the nation’s 11,122 polling stations. In a grueling campaign, candidate Kamara ran on a record of building roads and connecting electricity during his party’s 10 years in office. But the APC was tarnished by claims of corruption, mishandling of the 2014 Ebola epidemic and a massive mudslide last year that killed over 1,000 people on the outskirts of Freetown.

STATE DEPT’S AFRICA VISIT TO ‘REAFFIRM PARTNERSHIPS’ IS CUT SHORT
Mar. 12, 2018 (GIN) – An extended visit to Africa this month by the U.S. Secretary of State to mend fences after the President’s crude description of African and Caribbean countries was cut short this week by pressing issues at home, most likely including the President’s unexpected overture to North Korea.It was the first tour of the continent by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and he took tough questions about the President’s remarks. "Those statements shocked almost all Africans," Chadian Foreign Minister Mahamat Zene Cherif said at a press conference next to Tillerson, but added, "We made efforts on either side to move ahead and look at the future with optimism." Quietly, however, Chadian President Idriss Déby made his anger known about his country being targeted in a Muslim travel ban despite close working relations between the two countries on anti-terrorism.

Ethiopian Jews threaten mass hunger strike over Israel move
By ELIAS MESERET, ASSOCIATED PRESS ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Feb 28, 2018, 2:31 PM ET
In an emotional gathering, representatives for thousands of Ethiopian Jews announced Wednesday they will stage a mass hunger strike if Israel eliminates funding to allow them to join their families in that country.
Hundreds met at a synagogue in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, to express concern that Israel's proposed budget removes the funding to help them immigrate to reunite with relatives. Many held photos of their loved ones.
Most of the nearly 8,000 Ethiopian Jews in the East African nation are said to have family members already in Israel. Some told The Associated Press they have been separated for well over a decade.

Misreading History and Political Science and the Exigency of Smooth Power Transition in Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD February 18, 2018
Any given society, including our own Ethiopian society, must be examined in the context and methodological framework of history and political science, because the two social science disciplines can effectively dissect and analyze the nature and characteristics of systems and phenomena. As Charles Tilly and Robert E. Goodwin aptly put it, “the ultimate aim of political science is to identify general laws of political process that cut across the details of time, place, circumstances and previous history.” Furthermore, these scholars tell us that “knowledge of historical context provides a means of producing more systematic knowledge of political processes.”1 It is this kind of methodological rigor that is clearly missing in the Ethiopian Diaspora charlatan groups. They have heavily depended on the ethnic factor to explain present Ethiopian politics, and as a result they have completely misread history and political science. Consequently, they have made wrong diagnosis of the Ethiopian reality and singled out Tigrayans from other Ethiopians in an attempt to isolate and target Tigrigna-speaking Ethiopians. The Diaspora opposition attempted to construct a rational analysis of the Ethiopian political ....

Retrospective and Prospective Analysis of

Ethiopian University Student Activism for Diversity Curricula

Asayehgn Desta, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainability
Dominican University of California

Following the dismantlement of the Military Junta—the “Derg”—in 1991, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a product of the 1960s and 1970s, Addis Ababa University’s university student movement and an adherent of Marxism and Leninism ideology came to power; it vigorously embarked on actualizing the self -determination of the various Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia. That is, in contradiction to the socialization process of the ancient regime and the military Junta who favored a centralized type of government, after coming to power, the EPRDF propagated and endorsed an ethnic-based federal type of government structure in Ethiopia (Hailemariam, 2017).

Managing Ethiopia's political crisis
by Goitom Gebreluel & Biniam Bedasso
7 Feb 2018
Nemera Mamo is a co-author of this article. He is a teaching fellow at SOAS, University of London.
Ethiopia has been experiencing recurrent mass protests, riots and ethnic conflicts over the past two years that have claimed the lives of thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.
These events have led observers and members of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) to conclude that the very survival of the Ethiopian state is at stake. State collapse is so far an extreme and unlikely scenario given that the conflicting parties are internal actors in the system and have a vested interest in its survival. A more likely but still dangerous scenario is a long-term vicious cycle of political conflict and economic stagnation that cripples state and society.

Geopolitical Laboratory
How Djibouti Became China's Gateway To Africa
Djibouti, one of Africa's smallest countries, has become China's "strategic partner." The Chinese have built a military base and a port, and is currently constructing a free trade zone, fast establishing it as Beijing's gateway to the continent. A police car appears in a cloud of red dust on the dirt road between the boulders. A young man in uniform opens the window and starts grousing in French. The Chinese men he is rebuking don't understand any of it, but slowly realize where the anger is coming from. They had forgotten to register with the sentry guarding the entrance to the large construction site above the coast.

Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA)

Revising and Reposting a 2005 Article in 2018

This article in Amharic was first published in 2005; we are now reposting it in February 3, 2018, because its content very much reflects the current crisis surrounding ethno-nationalism and the psychology of ethnic affiliation vis-à-vis the overarching Ethiopian national identity. Moreover, it looks that some of the ideas incorporated in the article such as “one cannot chose to be born in this or that ethnic group” has now resonated among Ethiopians, ranging from youth and adult to Gospel preachers. I personally am gratified that at long last the present Ethiopian generation has begun articulating the necessity and significance of pan-Ethiopian agenda, and hopefully Ethiopia will make a transition from mono-ethnic regional states to multi-ethnic entities. In order to have a good grasp of the essence of the old article, I urge that readers read between lines and make sense out of it while at the same time use it for their respective discussion circles and/or forums as well as social media networks. Please read the article in its entirety by opening the following link: www.africanidea.org/Doc5.pdf

Nearly 40 years ago, in his mid-twenties, Dr. Amare Tegbaru wrote this historical novel, which contains Vol I & II, while on death row, from 1978–1982, in a maximum-security prison. He was jailed during the bloody military dictatorship of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam. Despite his agonizing wait for the death squad that could appear to take him at any moment, he dared to write on discarded cigarette packets and newspapers. What makes Yandit Mider Lijotch, a fictional historical novel a memorable classic is its clear eyed honesty and integrity. It paints almost photographic images of that battlefield along with the freedom fighters’ turbulent emotions around the survival of an independent Ethiopia. The urban poor—workers and children—normally ignored in the literary history of Ethiopia are given prominent roles. The novel offers a deeper understanding of the role of women, the challenge of male supremacy and the complicated issues of gender equality in family and societies.

Observing and Analyzing the New Egyptian-Ethiopian Accord with Cautious Optimism
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD January 26, 2018

I am optimistic by nature, but given the jittery politics and unfathomable political discourse and diplomacy of the Egyptian leaders, I like to observe and analyze the recent meetings and subsequent agreement reached between Egypt and Ethiopia with cautious optimism. There is no doubt that both sides, that is, the Ethiopian and Egyptians diplomats, were satisfied by the outcome of the three-day meeting (beginning January 16, 2018) and discussions wrought in an effort to iron out differences. After he returned home, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, for instance, told Ethiopian journalists that he was personally gratified with the agreements reached on various cooperative agendas; he underscored that both countries have agreed to cooperate in many sectors including agriculture, industry, health, education, and tourism. Beyond these sectors, both countries have also agreed to work together and create synergy in some (e.g. tourism) in sectors such as investment, mining, electricity, water resources, and culture.

A major geopolitical crisis is set to erupt over who controls the world’s longest river
When Ethiopia’s prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn visits Egypt this week to discuss bilateral cooperation in sectors like health, education, and agriculture one contentious issue will stand out: the completion of Africa’s largest dam.It is no secret what Egypt thinks about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the centerpiece of the Horn of Africa nation's bid to become Africa’s biggest exporter of electricity. From the get-go, Egypt was opposed to the idea of the dam, and politicians including former president Mohamed Morsi were caught on air proposing military action against Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s lawmakers approve ban on foreign adoptions
By Elias Meseret
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian lawmakers have approved a ban on foreign adoptions amid concerns about mistreatment of children overseas. The approval came after rare heated debate as some lawmakers worried that the East African nation does not have enough child care centers to handle the effects of the ban. Ethiopia had been among the top 10 countries for adoptions in the United States, according to State Department figures released last year. Actress Angelina Jolie is among the people who have adopted a child from the country. For more reading :

"We can't be Silent on the Reality Surrounding Abused Ethiopian Adoptees: Appeal to Diaspora Ethiopia an the Ethiopian Government"

Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA)

Ethiopia frees all political prisoners and closes notorious Maekelawi jail in surprise decision
Ethiopians were quick to respond, even with social media sites currently blocked
Elias Meseret Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In a surprise move, Ethiopia's leader on Wednesday announced plans to drop charges against political prisoners and close a notorious prison camp in what he called an effort to "widen the democratic space for all."
Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn's comments came after anti-government protests engulfed much of the restive Oromia and Amhara regions in recent months, bringing many businesses, universities and transport networks to a standstill. The protests spread into other parts of the East African country, leading to a months-long state of emergency that has since been lifted

Reflections on The Ethiopian Condition.
BY Tedros Kiros (Ph.D.)
A few years ago, I wrote sustained articles on the Idea of Ethiopianity, the corner stone of Ethiopian Pride, manifest in the classical battle at Adwa, where our Ethiopian ancestors gave their lives, so that we Ethiopians can live in dignity and prosperity. I would like to refuel the engines of Ethiopianity on which I have contributed.

Book Review
Dr. Fongot Kini-Yen Kinni is Dean of the Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Cooperation at Bamenda University of Science and Technology, Cameroon. He is a prolific researcher, writer, designer, artist, musician, philosopher and poet, who has travelled widely in Africa and the world.
Kinni, Fongot Kini-Yen. Pan-Africanism: Political Philosophy and Socioeconomic Anthropology for African Liberation and Governance, Research and Publishing CIG, Bamenda, Cameroon, 2015, Volumes 1-3, ISBN: 9956762768.
This work is a paramount contribution to humanity. This is a three-volume set that documents the history and trajectories of the worldwide ideological movement of Pan-Africanism. Kinni argues that the universal unity of the movement to fight racism and oppression with self-determination and liberation is an unbreakable force for social change that remains pertinent and alive today.
Kinni uses historical records and anthropological perspectives of cultural and socioeconomic diversity to collect and spread through this work, the struggles of Africans and people of African descent across the world,

Mercedes

Now a days I have been seen driving
A Mercedes downtown.
People gaze at me with puzzled looks--
The Mercedes Benz speaks to them;
I don't know what it evokes,

BILLIONAIRE CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PICKED AS NEW AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS LEADER

Dec. 18, 2017 (GIN) – After a bruising battle for votes within the governing African National Congress, billionaire tycoon Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa edged out his rival in the final minutes of the ANC’s 54th national elective conference in Johannesburg, opening the prospect of his winning the presidency in 2019. Ramaphosa, 64, won in a squeaker against Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, one-time minister, doctor, and former chair of the African Union Commission who campaigned on a platform of youth development and “radical economic transformation” aimed at transferring more wealth to the black majority. In the final days before the vote, President Zuma also added his pledge to make higher education free for all South Africans.
There were 2,440 votes for the business-friendly Ramaphosa to Dlamini-Zuma’s 2,261, indicating not only the closeness of the race but also the deep divisions within the party after 10 years under President Jacob Zuma.

AN ALARMING RISE IN DEPORTATIONS FOR SOMALI-AMERICANS IN MINNESOTA
Dec. 18, 2017 (GIN) – As bombs rain down on Mogadishu, officers of the U.S. immigration service have been stalking the Somali expat community in Minnesota, snatching suspected immigrants without documents to the distress of families there.
Among those recently placed on a plane bound for Somalia was Mohamed Hussein, according to a report by Minnesota Public Radio. Hussein arrived in Minnesota as an infant more than 20 years ago. Somalia is a country he’s never seen and where he knows no one.

CONTROVERSIAL KENYAN ADVOCATE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED SEEDS PASSES IN BOSTON
Dec. 18, 2017 (GIN) –The Kenyan director of the Science, Technology and Globalization Project at Harvard University, Professor Calestous Juma, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, this week, after a brief illness. He was 64. At the time of his passing, Juma served as Professor of the Practice of International Development, and was affiliated with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, the Center for International Development, and the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. The Harvard Kennedy School recalled Juma as a widely acclaimed academic whose research and writing focused on science, technology, and environment, and on the ways in which they could be harnessed to improve the lives of people. He won multiple international awards for his work on sustainable development, and was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2016 by New African magazine.

Trends and Patterns in Contemporary Ethiopian Politics Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD December 13, 2017

Time and again I addressed and seriously underscored the significance of Ethiopian unity, because from day one since the ascendance of the EPRDF to power, I sensed a political program that could possibly undermine the unity of the Ethiopian people and subsequently the fragmentation of the Ethiopian nation-state. This concern of mine, shared by multitude of Ethiopians, was expressly stated in my debut book published twenty-two years ago, and it goes as follows: The TGE’s policy of Kilil and self-determination is commendable, but the consequence of fragmentation as a result of new wave of ethnic political consciousness, and the inability of some minority nationalities to become economically and politically viable, would ultimately preoccupy Ethiopians to otherwise unforeseen problem.1

Is the Tigrai People’s Liberation Front a Communist Party? A Brief Review
Professor Desta, Asayehgn
Since the oust of the brutal socialist military dictatorship from power in 1991, a large portion of the Ethiopian people have desired and dreamed living in a democratic system of government rather than a communist-dominated government. The Ethiopian people wished their country’s democratic system would entertain 1) free and fair elections; 2) active participation of the Ethiopian citizens in politics and civic life; 3) protection of the human rights; and 4) the existence of rule of law, in which the laws and procedures of the country apply equally to all citizens (See for example, Stanford University, 2004).
The Ethiopian elites redefined the transitional Ethiopia’s political and social structure. Starting with the formation of the Ethiopian Constitution in 1994, the Ethiopian government was forced to cope with new realities and to seek its own path toward the formation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: History, Doctrine, and Challenges
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD November 20, 2017
ኢትዮጵያ ታበጽህ እደዊሃ ሃበ እግዚአብሔር
መዝሙር ዳዊት ፮ ፰: ፫ ፩ Psalm 68:31Given the present challenges the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (henceforth EOTC) has encountered, this article intends to critically examine the internal and external foes of the Church and expose the agent provocateur mission to emasculate and if possible destroy the EOTC, and I will do so by way of discussing the history, doctrine, and challenges of the Church. However, at the outset, I like to make my position clear that I happen to be a scholar and a professor but not literati in theology; in fact, admittedly, my knowledge of theology is minimal and negligible, to say the least. Moreover, I would like to make it clear that I will not apologize to anyone for defending the EOTC, and it is for the following reasons:

China Poly Sees Ethiopia Gas Exports by 2019, Minister Says
By Nizar Manek
China Poly Group plans to start exporting natural gas from Ethiopia’s eastern Ogaden basin by mid-2019 as it continues to explore near the border with Somalia, Petroleum Minister Motuma Mekassa said.
Shipments from the Calub and Hilala fields will be exported along a 700-kilometer (435-mile) pipeline to a port complex being built in neighboring Djibouti, Motuma said in an interview in the capital, Addis Ababa.
“They want to export the gas to Asia,” Motuma said.

Proportional Representation Electoral System: The Pathway to Democratizing the Ethiopian Constitution and Mitigating Ethnic Conflict

Desta, Asayehgn, Professor, Dominican University of California

Given the widespread and outrageous repression prevalent in Ethiopia during the Derg’s era, Ethiopians had no other choice but to welcome the guerilla fighters that have been fighting to overthrow the dictatorial military government for more than fifteen years. After the military government was dismantled, with little or no consultation of the Ethiopian masses, the emerging Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) instituted an ethnic federation to form the current Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

DIRECTOR OF WORLD HEALTH BODY CANCELS JOB OFFER TO ZIMBABWE PREZ
Oct. 23, 2017 (GIN) – The Ethiopian director-general of the World Health Organization has rescinded his appointment of Pres. Robert Mugabe as Goodwill Ambassador after four days of heavy international pressure. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose own appointment sparked controversy in his home country, had appointed the Zimbabwean leader to the ceremonial position of honor. Tedros, who goes by his first name, apparently was unprepared for the firestorm the appointment would ignite.
“I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised,” he said in a statement issued Sunday. “I have also consulted with the Government of Zimbabwe and we have concluded that this decision (to rescind the appointment) is in the best interests of the World Health Organization.

Manufacturing of Eco-friendly Textiles: A Case Analysis of an Industrial Park in Mekelle, Ethiopia
Desta, Asayehgn, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Economic Development, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California
Hadush Berhe, Assistant professor of Industrial Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Technology, Mekelle University
Introduction
Because of extensive growth in infrastructure (roads, schools, railways, water, electricity), and the booming construction industry, Ethiopia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had grown at the rate of 10% per annum from 2003/04 to 2014/15. At the same time, as measured by the international poverty line of less than $1.90 per day, the poverty trends in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia have decreased from 55.3% in 2000 to 33.3% in 2011 (World Bank. 2017).

Here is why the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) won’t be a Danger to Egypt’s Water Necessity
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD October 7, 2017
This essay, in effect, is a response to a recent USA Today special piece entitled “Here is Why Egypt’s Nile River is in Danger” and contributed by Jacob Wirtschaffer on September 27, 2017.
Time and again, I have scribbled on the Nile issue pertaining to the concerns of Egypt with respect to shortage of flow of water as a result of the GERD construction in Ethiopia. To some extent, Egypt’s concern is legitimate because the country would simply cease to exist without the Nile; the Nile indeed is the lifeline of the Egyptians and it is not without reason that the ancient Egyptians of Kemet worshipped the god of the Nile named Hapi. However, Egyptian politicians, for the most part, are jittery when it comes to the waters of the Nile and their concern is overblown and out proportion, and at times they exhibit unnecessary and infantile provocation against Ethiopia.

Geez Qene Translations
1 Eጣነ ሞገር/Etane Moger (Casting Incense)

BOOK REVIEW By Solomon E. Gebre Selassie
DELIVERANCE: A Tale of Colliding Passions and the Muse of Forgiveness
Author: Professor Bereket Habte Selassie
Publisher: Red Sea Press
Published: 2017
Pages: 330
This is a book essentially about the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP). The author is no stranger to most Ethiopians and Eritreans. He held several positions of power in Ethiopia, such as Attorney General, Associate Justice of Ethiopia's Supreme Court, Vice Minister of Interior, and Mayor of the Eastern Ethiopian City of Harer. After switching sides by going over to Eritrea, he was mostly known as the principal architect of Eritrea's constitution which never saw the light of day. After a falling out with the Isayas regime, he is currently Professor of African and Afro American studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he also teaches at the School of Law there.

IDEA Editorial on Current Politics in Ethiopia and Kenya

September 20, 2017

Precautionary Measures in Ethiopian Politics can Mitigate and/or Overcome Local and Regional Conflicts

Compared to conflict-ridden countries like Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia is by far stable and peaceful, although the country has never been free of conflicts in its enduring long history; a good example of ethnic conflict in Ethiopia is very much reflected by the present Oromo-Somali territorial disputes and confrontations. Long before the regional states were established, there were intermittent conflicts between the many transhumance of Ethiopia, and the present conflict between the Oromo and Somali Ethiopians could have been exacerbated by the pastoral mode of production of the two peoples; more specifically and arguably, the Oromo-Somali confrontations are manifestations of disputed grazing areas and water sites (wells and streams). This IDEA editorial is interested in exploring the brief history of the conflicts and concludes with a possible permanent resolution to the conflicts.

KENYA, GOING GREEN, SLAMS THE DOOR ON PLASTIC BAGS Aug. 28, 2017 (GIN) – If it’s a choice between suffocating seabirds, strangling turtles or the convenience of a plastic bag, Kenya is taking the side of marine animals.
Starting this week, citizens producing, selling or even using plastic bags will risk imprisonment of up to four years or fines of $40,000. It’s the world’s toughest law attacking plastic pollution which threatens land and sea.
Throughout Kenya, plastic bags are found everywhere — on roofs, on walls and clogging drainage. Kenyans are estimated to use 24 million bags a month.

WILL AFRICA’S RICHEST MAN ‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN’?
Aug. 28, 2017 (GIN) – Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the 60 year old Nigerian cement tycoon, has his eye on new investment prospects and is tempted by U.S. opportunities in renewable energy and petrochemicals.
“Let’s say that by 2025, I’m looking at (investing) between $20 billion and $50 billion outside Africa. Mind you, we don’t do small things,” said Dangote, who is worth $11.1 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
Dangote Group will consider investments in Asia and Mexico, but will focus mainly on the U.S. and Europe, he said. “I think renewables is the way to go forward, and the future. We are looking at petrochemicals but can also invest in other companies.”
Over the last five years, Dangote diversified both geographically and into new industries. Dangote Cement Plc, which accounts for almost 80 percent of his wealth, has expanded into nine African countries aside from Nigeria. In 2015, he began building a 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery near Lagos, Nigeria’s main commercial hub, and he’s constructing gas pipelines to the city from Nigeria’s oil region with U.S. private equity firms Carlyle Group LP and Blackstone Group LP.

ANGOLAN RULING PARTY DECLARES VICTORY BUT OPPOSITION FAILS TO AGREE
Aug. 28, 2017 (GIN) – The party that ruled Angola for nearly four decades, amassing a vast fortune from the production of oil while its 29 million citizens were consigned to poverty, declared victory in last week’s national elections – but victory was not sweet.
The nation’s two largest opposition parties rejected provisional results in which the incumbent Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) received a majority of votes.

FinTech is Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Banking in Africa
Due to their potent blend of trail‐blazing technology and disruptive innovation, FinTech players have the ability to accelerate the digital transformation of financial services in Africa and, in turn, further spur incumbent banks to rapidly ramp‐up their own innovation initiatives to meet the financial needs of under‐served markets across the continent.
August 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: FinTech players are increasingly becoming an important part of the fabric of Africa’s financial services ecosystem and the leading banks on the continent are now more urgently seeking to harness technology innovations, collaborate with FinTech start‐ups, and create a platform to scale much faster – to make digital financial services pay.

With Sukuk & Innovation Driving New Growth Momentum, the Prospects for Islamic Finance in Africa Look Increasingly Promising
Despite being in the early phases of development, the Islamic finance industry in Africa is fast gaining the attention of key stakeholders including central banks & regulatory authorities, as well as the leading international Islamic financial institutions and investors seeking to tap into high-growth opportunities on the continent
Wednesday 9th August 2017, DJIBOUTI: The footprint of Islamic banking in Africa is set to expand further as the continent seeks to deliver on the economic and strategic opportunities provided by Shariah‐compliant ﬁnancing. Sukuk has emerged as a viable and strong source of attracting international funding for infrastructure projects in Africa and the continent has recently witnessed a surge of successful Sukuk debuts.

KENYAN TEENS HEAD FOR SILICON VALLEY WITH ‘APP’ TO END FGM

July 24, 2017 (GIN) – When historians write Africa’s digital story, Kenya will likely assume its place as the cradle of the internet revolution on the continent.

ELECTION RACES TO WATCH – KENYA, RWANDA AND ANGOLA
July 24, 2017 (GIN) - Major elections are taking place in three African nations next month: in oil giant Angola, East African powerhouse Kenya and tiny, rapidly developing Rwanda. Rwandans go to the polls August 3-4. The undisputed favorite is the longtime president who has ruled since the end of the tiny nation’s horrific 1994 genocide.

HATE SPEECH ROILS MINNEAPOLIS AFTER POLICE SHOOTING OF WHITE WOMAN

July 24, 2017 (GIN) – Somali-American activists are denouncing the recent outbreak of hate speech, Islamophobia and xenophobia linked to the fatal shooting of a white Australian woman by a Somali-American police officer.

VENDORS IN TEARS AS ZAMBIA’S BIGGEST OUTDOOR MARKET BURNS
July 10, 2017 (GIN) – A fire of unknown origins raced through the largest outdoor market in Zambia, destroying the livelihood of its many vendors. Goods worth millions of kwacha – the Zambian currency – have gone up in flames.
Images on social media show how the fire which began July 4 and was barely extinguished by July 7 destroyed the Lusaka market

Djibouti asks AU to deploy observers along its disputed border with Eritrea
By Aaron Maasho | ADDIS ABABA
Djibouti has asked the African Union to deploy observers along its disputed border with Eritrea after Qatar withdrew its peace-keeping troops two weeks ago, the Djibouti foreign minister said on Monday.
The Qataris were sent to the region after clashes broke out between Eritrea and Djibouti in 2008, but they were pulled out without warning on June 14. gave no reason for the withdrawal, but it came days after both Djibouti and Eritrea sided with Gulf Arab nations that had broken off relations with Qatar.

21^st Century Ethiopian Politics should be Reoriented Toward National Reconciliation and a Home Grown Ideology

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

June 28, 2017

This article intends to address the current complex and complicated Ethiopian politics in Ethiopia and the Diaspora by way of infusing theoretical explanations and furnishing some ideological tenets for the sake of clarity and for overcoming the dearth of political culture amongst the Ethiopian political groupings at home and the Diaspora. Furthermore, this article will attempt to diagnose the prosaic and disillusioning realities that have now afflicted much of the Ethiopian Diaspora and some opposition groups in Ethiopia.

Let there be Light all Over Africa

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
June 20, 2017This article is partly inspired by the May 3-5 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) for Africa that was held in Durban, South Africa, and partly by the overall promising progress African countries are making in spite of the fact that we still witness enormous challenges for the continent, especially in overcoming poverty, illiteracy, disease, and instability in some pockets. However, this essay is mainly inspired by the ‘Electrifying all of Africa’ panel, which was part of the WEF Africa conference.

FinTech and the Positive Transformation of Banking in Africa
The impact of Blockchain, Open Banking, Mobile Money and Payments innovation are radically transforming the financial services landscape as FinTech disruptors intensify the challenge to Incumbent Banks in Africa and kickstart new opportunities
25th May 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The unique environment for financial services in Africa is fertile ground for innovative FinTech players who are capitalizing on the opportunities to disrupt or leapfrog established business models to make ﬁnancial services more affordable, accessible and profitable across the continent.

MALIAN ‘CARDINAL OF PEACE’ IS ELEVATED BY THE POPE
UNPLEASANT SURPRISE UNVEILED FOR WEST AFRICANS IN AMERICA – YOU’RE DEPORTED
NIGERIA’S FIVE WEALTHIEST MEN COULD END POVERTY IN THAT COUNTRY – OXFAM
NIGERIA’S ABDUCTED GIRLS REUNITED WITH PARENTS AT LAST

Illusion or Reality: Is the town of Adwa growing in Leaps and bounds?

Professor Asayehgn Desta
On March 1, 1896 Ethiopian patriots achieved an unprecedented triumph against Italy’s aggressive colonization at the Battle of Adwa. It is exciting to know that the honorable Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Ato Haile Mariam Desalgne has laid down a commemorative monument dedicated to the establishment of the Adwa Pan-African University 120 years after this historic battle. Although the infrastructure in Adwa is currently inadequate, the prospective university center is key to Adwa’s future.
The university’s site is very close to the Enda Aba Girma Church, where the Italian Brigadier Vittorio Dabormid and the remaining Italian brigade was finally wiped out (Jonas, 2011). The stone monument was erected very close to the statue and burial place of the known Ethiopian hero, Ras Alula (Aga Nega). In addition, the University will be close by the church of Aba Germa, where some of the belongings of the Holiness Abuna Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahado Church, are found

National Academy for Training& Capacity Building (NATCB)
Introduction:
The National Academy for Training and Capacity Building (NATCB) was founded in 2010 as Nonprofit Organization and it registered as training provider in 2015 as specialized institution in leadership training and consultations in Sudan. It has several credits locally and globally, and go on with future vision indicators that training and development become an exigent issue and strategic option in organizations, or rather one of features of life.

Remembering and Bidding Farewell to a Wonderful Woman and Friend: Mehret Iyob

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD 4/21/2017

I was shocked and completely taken over by the bad news on the passing of Mehret Iyob; I did not know until a friend told me five days after the untimely death of Mehret and her body laid to rest on April 15, 2017 at Asmara, a city where she was born and brought up. The passing of Mehret is a major loss for her immediate and extended families and it is with deep sorrow that I am extending my condolences to her husband, Beraki Gebreselassie, her children, and her sisters Ararat Iyob and Ruth Iyob, and the rest of her brothers and sisters.

Proposed Language Reform for Ethiopia: Volume I

Three Qua Publishing December 2016; made in the USA, Charleston, SC, January 2017

Authored by Lou T. M. Kahssay

Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

April 20, 2017

The title of the book tells it all. Proposed Language Reform for Ethiopia meticulously (and I gather painstakingly) diagnosed the problem and shortcomings of the Ethiopian written system (commonly known as Ethiopic or Geez) in particular and the language in general, and came up with a radical departure from the traditional Ethiopian orthography. “Due to the Ethiopic alpha syllabic script and fusional nature of the Ethio Semitic languages,” says Lou Kahssay, “it is difficult to maintain alphabetical order for the majority of word derivations and inflections without reforming the orthography to some degree. The existence of too many word derivations, widespread spelling inconsistencies and a large number of characters in the Ethiopic writing system means only a small fraction of words in Ethio Semitic languages can be entered in any dictionary let alone to be ordered alphabetically.” (Preface)

The Necessity of Circumspection in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy with respect to the future Ethiopia-Eritrea Relations

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD April 14, 2017
Once Ethiopia accepted the Algiers arbitration and the decision of the EEBC, I realized (like many of my colleagues) that Ethiopia would encounter complex foreign policy parameters while it attempted to redeem its relations with Eritrea. And facing the Border Commission, at the outset, Ethiopia was dealing with colonial treaties of 1900 (for the central sector), 1902 (for the western sector), and 1908 (for the eastern sector), all treaties that were long dead and also made null and void by Italy when it temporarily occupied Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941. On top of this, in due course of deliberations by the Border Commission, there were so many confusing names of places and rivers that were presented by the two parties as part of their documentary evidences or exhibits. I recall that Ethiopia maintained that there was no such river named Muna in the 1900 Treaty; Ethiopia’s position was right because Muna was just part of the Endeli River stream. However, contrary to Ethiopia’s correct position, the EEBC upheld the name ‘Muna’ tout court.

Kidane Alemayehu, My Journey with the United Nations and Quest for the Horn of Africa’s Unity and Justice for Ethiopia

Kidane Alemayehu, My Journey with the United Nations and Quest for the Horn of Africa’s Unity and Justice for Ethiopia, RoseDog Books, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2017; 353pp. $30.00; ISBN: 978-1-4809-7048-9

Getatchew Haile

Prof-Getachew-Haile The journey which author Ato Kidane Alemayehu chronicles in his new book takes him through Lesotho, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and the Horn of Africa as a representative of the United Nations, and ultimately to establish an organization dedicated to confronting “Fascist Italy and the Vatican.” His book contributes valuable information to the history of East Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and to the rationale behind Ethiopia’s struggle to win recompense from Italy for crimes committed during the Fascist era. Ato Kidane describes his varied experiences in beautiful, lucid English, and indeed it is a credit to Ethiopia and its educational system that the United Nations looked to her for qualified people to serve in other African countries.

Fasil Amdetsion
Attorney, Foreign Policy Advisor
Fasil Amdetsion is an Ethiopian-American lawyer with expertise in international law and international affairs. He previously worked as an attorney at the New York law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; and, as Senior Policy and International Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. He has spoken or authored pieces on international affairs, international law and the Nile, education and development in Africa, and modern African history. He is currently a member of the Board of Advisors of Seeds of Africa and a member of the Board of Directors of Jazzreach. He is a also a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the African Services Committee. He is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School.

Editorial note

In relation to the 80th Fascist Occupation of Ethiopia and the subsequent atrocities and massacre of Ethiopians, the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) would like to furnish a statistical data that could serve as companion to the Press Release by the Global Alliance for Justice. One source for the Italian atrocities and crime against Ethiopians during 1936-1941 is Arthur James Baker’s book The Rape of Ethiopia and here below are the losses on the Ethiopian side:
Killed in action: 275,000
Patriots killed: 78,500
Women, children, and others killed by bombing: 17,800
Massacre of February 1937: 30,000
Persons who died in concentration camps: 35,000
Patriots executed by sentence of Summary Courts: 24,000
Persons who died from privations due to the
Destruction of their villages: 300,000
Total: 760,300

NIGERIANS PUT THE BRAKES ON SUPERHIGHWAY CUTTING DOWN RAINFOREST

Mar. 20, 2017 (GIN) – Bulldozers approaching the communities of the southern state of Cross River, with orders to raze up to a million homes and cut down an ancient tropical rainforest, were stopped in their tracks as an environmental impact statement for a proposed superhighway was rejected by officials. As conceived, the roadway would link northern Nigeria to a proposed deep seaport in the south, covering 162 miles and displacing along the way some 180 indigenous communities, a national park and adjoining forest reserves that are home to some of the country’s most endangered species.

The Historical Responsibility of Ethiopian Public Scholars in the Redemption of Ethiopian History Book Ghelawdewos Araia February 27, 2017
Theda Skocpol once said, “Our roles as public scholars, as influential citizens, and as mentors for civically engaged young adults have never been more important than they are right now.”2 Theda’s eloquent statement (appeal) on scholars is quite a fitting to the central thesis of this essay and to the message I want to convey to my fellow Ethiopian scholars. It is our solemn duty and responsibility to educate the young Ethiopians and lead them by example so that they embrace the authentic history of their country and this would have a tremendous positive impact on the psychological makeup of Ethiopian youth. To be sure, the young Ethiopians are not only the torchbearers of what we kindled but they are also the leaders of tomorrow. It is thus crucial that we arm our young citizens with Ethiopian historiography.

Professor Richard Pankhurst has a made a transition; he died in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the age of 89 and he will be laid to rest at the Trinity Cathedral. On February 22, 2009, the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) posted an article to honor and celebrate the achievements of Dr. Pankhurst, the paragon of professors, and today IDEA celebrates his life by reposting the 2009 article: www.africanidea.org/Professor_Richard_Pankhurst.pdf

Somalia’s Aircraft Hangar Could be the Birthplace of Democracy in the Troubled Horn of Africa Nation IDEA Editorial February 10,2017
On February 8, 2017, the Somalis, at last long, witnessed a peaceful transference of power from one regime to the other, and this was a rare political commodity in the history of Somalia since 1991. On February 8, the Somali members of parliament (MPs) were convened in a very unusual temporary conference hall, which happen to be the aircraft hangar in Mogadishu; the Somali’s MPs chose this venue for security reasons but this very place could signal the reemergence of civil dialogue and incipient democratic culture among the Somali people.
When the voting process in the Hangar was in progress, the MPs did not enjoy the company of peaceful electorate of the public at large, as it is standard practice in stable democracies. Due to lack of security, the Somalis were unable to conduct elections in public squares and mobilize the Somali people from district to district and encourage them to vote for their favorite candidates; it is for this apparent reason that the MPs were compelled to opt for a secret ballot.

Published in Cooperative Waters Magazine (1st ed)
Time to Think about Ethiopia’s Post-GERD Nile Policy

Fasil Amdetsion
The eventual completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will be a much-celebrated event in Ethiopian history for two oft-remarked reasons. Soaring 170 meters high, spanning 1,800 meters in width, and capable of generating 6,000 MW, the GERD will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. As such, it is a remarkable feat of modern engineering. Just as the GERD’s colossal dimensions have reshaped the landscape surrounding it, the dam’s construction has upended the customary official rhetoric and politics of the Nile basin. Heretofore, Ethiopia limited itself to assertions of its right to develop the Nile; whereas, Egypt reacted to any minor suggestion of the mere consideration of construction by upper riparian as an existential threat to be met by an apoplectic reply. Construction of the GERD has pushed Egypt to grudgingly acknowledge that dialogue between riparian states is the only way to reach mutually acceptable solutions to competing claims over the Nile

GAMBIA BEGINS NEW ERA AFTER UNPOPULAR LEADER PACKS AND RUNS
Jan. 23, 2017 (GIN) – Former President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, packed a Chadian cargo plane with luxury cars and went into exile late Saturday, barely missing the west African regional troops on their way to remove him by force if necessary.
Jammeh, who lost a re-election bid on Dec. 1 but resisted stepping down, accepted an invitation from Pres. Teodoro Obiang, a highly-unpopular leader in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea. This sparked objections by the opposition Convergence for Social Democracy (CDS), pointing out that Gambia’s instability was a result of ex-president Jammeh’s own refusal to relinquish power after 22 years.

A WISH LIST FOR SUCCESSFUL OPPOSITION AND GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATIONS

Solomon Gebreselassie

The fact that the TPLF/EPRDF regime initiated a negotiation proposal with the opposition inside the country regarding the multi-faceted problems of the country is commendable. The regime further stated that it was dropping its stubborn demand from years past that MEDREK sign its civic charter as a precondition to negotiate. This is also a welcome sign. Obviously not all the legal opposition invited by the government to the negotiation are genuine opposition parties. Some are clones of the regime, and still others have a high negative rating by the people. And then of course there are opposition groups that are not part of what the government calls “legal”, a few of which have even been categorized as terrorist.

Government as Employer of Last Resort: A Tentative Proposal for Solving Youth Unemployment in Ethiopia

Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D. Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Barowsky, School of Business, Dominican University of California
Abstract
Despite having a favorable Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for more than fifteen years, Ethiopia is currently faced with exceptional challenging youth unemployment. The youth unemployment and idleness in Ethiopia has contributed to massive social unrest in several Ethiopian urban areas. To calm down the massive instability in the country that were precipitated mainly by the unemployed youth, the Ethiopian government has allocated 0.72 percent of its GDP to resolve the youth unemployment in the country. Realizing that the actions taken by the government will not have a substantial impact, this study has proposed that using the Employer of Last Resort (ELR) economic model in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Technical, Vocational Education and Technical (TVET) institutions, so that the ELR could be used as a road map to create pathways for a smooth transition between classrooms and office or factory jobs.

Sysem: Ethiopia’s Pathway to Participatory Democracy Desta, Asayehgn Sarlo Distinguished Professor of SustainableEconomic Development

Introduction

The choice of electoral system has a profound effect on the future political life of a country (IDEA, 2005). After the promulgation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in 1995, Ethiopia declared that its electoral system — the set of rules that specify how voters can express their preference (ballot structure) and how the votes are translated into parliamentarian seats or elect legislature (Aziri, E. and Saliaj, 2013) — would be based on majoritarian or winner–take-all electoral votes. That is, the Constitution and the amended electoral law (Article 25) state that Ethiopia follows the majority system, under which the candidate who receives more votes than any competitors within a constituency is declared the winner (Ethiopian Election, 2016).

African geologists warn of possible ‘Fukushima’ at site of proposed nuclear reactor
Global Information Network | December 1, 2016
Russian President Vladmir
(GIN)—Geologists at the Africa Earth Observatory Network fear that a nuclear power station built over canyons in bedrock, as proposed by South Africa’s state-owned utility Eskom, is at risk of deadly surge storms and tsunamis—not unlike those triggered by the meltdown at the Japanese plant in Fukushima. Eskom disputes the findings.

FIDEL WAS ‘A STRONG VOICE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE,’ U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL
(GIN)—U.N. Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon extended sympathies to the Cuban people on the passing Friday, Nov. 25, of their longtime president, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, who he called “a strong voice for social justice.”
Admired by leftists and people of the developing world as a revolutionary champion of the poor, the former president died at the age of 90. Monday, tens of thousands of Cubans, some wrapped in red, white and blue Cuban flags, lined the streets from Havana to Santiago de Cuba as a funeral cortege made its way across the country, carrying the ashes of the renowned leader.
Speaking to reporters at a conference in Turkmenistan, Ban praised Fidel Castro’s advances in the fields of education, literacy and health.

Curbing Corruption in Ethiopia:

Applying Democratic Autonomy at the Local Level

Desta, Asayehgn, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development

Introduction

Ethiopia seems to be in a paradox. While its economy has been on a growth trajectory for the last fifteen years, more recently, Ethiopia’s landscape has been overwhelmed by deplorable rampant corruption and massive youth unemployment that has contributed to social upheaval in some parts of the country. In my earlier research, as a talking point, I proposed that Ethiopia needs to apply a deliberate use of an economic model known as “Employer of Last Resort” to fully tackle the existing youth unemployment. Briefly discussed, the “Employer of Last Resort” paradigm suggests that governments don’t need to entirely control employment but should give grants to privately administered institutions to facilitate and guarantee full employment opportunities to the unemployed who are ready and willing to work at a minimum wage in environmentally sensitive projects (Desta, 2016 and Baker 1993).

Dr. Ghelawdewos, ever since, premier Melez Zenawi, passed away (peace be to his soul) I started praying for Ethiopia daily in my daily morning prayers and I never ever miss a day praying for the peace and safety of Ethiopia since that time! I was deeply saddened to hear the ethnic/tribal riots and violence that broke out in Ethiopia recently and I even intensified may prayers for Ethiopia during this time. I really, really, do love Ethiopia and I believe even more importantly God loves Ethiopia because Ethiopia, as I believe, is a unique country to God! I keep wondering that Ethiopia existed as a nation for thousands of years and even long before Europe or North America existed as countries and yet Ethiopians were always united for the love of their country and kept defeating all kinds of enemies throughout their long history. I am wondering, what happen to that deep spirit of national unity now? Why is it missing and can it be revived again? Sometimes, I feel that the government of Ethiopia has focused so much on improving the economic development of Ethiopia that it has even forgotten or neglected to maintaining to work the collective feeling of national pride Ethiopian citizens.

Foreign Intervention, the Politics of Burning Public Property, and State of Emergency Declaration in Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD November 4, 2016
While the EPRDF brought about significant material culture transformation for Ethiopia, it was unable to make gains in the realization of a democratic culture. Some of the EPRDF leaders that I know in person envision a democratic Ethiopia and underscore the significance of democratic practices, but the collective EPRDF leadership is stuck in patron-client relations as manifested in the various gradations of government apparatuses, from local to state, and to federal levels. The rationale behind the patron-client relations is that loyal cadres and elites rather than opposing and challenging groups are accommodated and favored by the ruling party.

PRESS RELEASE Mengistu Hailemariam is going to be brought to justice
ጋ ዜ ጣ ዊ መ ግ ለ ጫ መንግሥቱ ኃይለማርያም ለፍርድ ሊቀርብ ነው!

Strengthening Business Ties Between Italy and Africa
By Fasil Amdetsion • September 23, 2016
Many large Italian companies have little or no presence in Africa. Major reasons for the lack of a more significant Italian corporate presence in Africa are the misinformation and biases that continue to color perceptions about the continent. As one Italian commentator aptly put it, “In recent years, one can observe Italian business’ unawareness of the dynamics of Africa markets; perceptions are still anchored on dated impressions and prejudices of the 1980s of an Africa in decline.”

From Retroactive to Proactive Strategic Management Style: Redressing Widespread Social Unrest in Contemporary

Ethiopia
Desta, Asayehgn, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development
Though it is uncertain who has been appropriating it, Ethiopia’s economy has been showing monumentally high economic growth for the last fifteen years. Given this economic environment, Ethiopia’s investment climate has been on the right trajectory and as a result it has been appealing to many domestic and foreign investors.

WORLD BANK ISSUES DIRE WARNING ON DIRTY AIR

Sep. 12, 2016 (GIN) – What’s deadlier than malaria, four times as deadly as HIV/AIDS and flies under the radar for most policymakers worldwide? Air pollution. That’s the finding of a new report by the World Bank and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). The culprits are particles of dirt, smoke, gases, microscopic liquid droplets and heavy metals and are the fourth cause of death, the study found, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia accounting for more than half of the estimated 5.5 million lives lost to diseases associated with pollution in 2013

A Road Map to Resolving Contemporary Ethiopia’s Political Crises: A Comment on Lt. General Tsedaikan GebreTensae’sArticle
Desta Asayehgn, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development
Recently, Ethiopia has been facing many kinds of surprising political activities. Though over the years, the regime in power turned deaf ears to genuine constructive criticisms from a number of Ethiopian scholars, the regime may now be turning its attention to them because uprisings have emerged not only in numerous parts of the country, but also in an interesting article was being posted on a number of websites. It was written by Lt. General Tsadakan Gebre Tensae, the former Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces (hereafter referred to as the author), who has dramatized the political crisis in Ethiopia. However, it should be made clear to the readers that the Amharic version in the Reporter (Hamli, 24, 2008) is slightly different from the English version posted in the Horn Affairs in English (August 4, 2016).Thus, it should be known that I have used both the Amharic and English versions, along with General Tsadkan’s response to Prof. Messay Kebede’s in order to review and assess the author’s position

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa) »
Universities to Develop Curricula in Response to Africa's Land Governance Challenges
Addis Ababa, 26-28 July, 2016 — Senior leadership drawn from sixteen African universities and institutions of higher learning endorsed key recommendations to review land governance curricula, with a view to ensuring land professions better respond to Africa’s realities. Participants, who also included representatives of RECs, Member States, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector, were attending a three-day validation workshop, organized by the Land Policy Initiative (LPI).

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa) »
Addis Ababa to Host the 10th African Development Forum
Addis Ababa — Preparations are underway for the Tenth African Development Forum (ADF) to be convened by the Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union and the African Development Bank.
The forum, which brings together a large number of participants, including Heads of State and Government, policy makers of African member States, development partners, UN agencies, academics, civil society organizations, the private sector, eminent policy and opinion leaders, among others, will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 15-17 November on the theme; "Migration and Africa's transformation". Parallel events will take place from 13-14 November.

Pan-Ethiopian Agenda Vs Sectarian Ethnocentric Politics
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD August 4, 2016
This essay, as its title suggests, intends to discuss the significance and preponderance of an overarching Ethiopian nationalism over narrow ethnic nationalism. This is not the first time I have addressed a pan-Ethiopian agenda that is more inclusive vis-à-vis exclusive or divisive ethnocentric politics; I have indeed produced many similar articles in the past , some of which are: 1) ለኢትዮጵያ የሚበጅ የፖለቲካ ስትራተጂ መቀየሰ የሁላችን ሐላፊነት ነው (2006); 2) የትምክህተኝነትና የጠባብ ብሔርተኝነት አደገኛነት; 3)

Beyond Ethnocentric Ideology and Paradigm Shift for A Greater Ethiopian Unity

Published on Jun 30, 2016
Former President Thabo Mbeki was the keynote speaker at a session to celebrate 120 years of the battle of ADWA. This session was part of the Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference & Africa Day Expo on 25 May 2016.
The session took place at Ditsong Museum of South Africa in Tshwane.
He will addressed the session on “The 120 Years of the Adwa African Victory.” Led by Empress Taitu, the wife of Emperor Menelik II, and the Emperor’s generals, the patriotic Ethiopian army defeated the Italian colonial forces at Adwa, Ethiopia on 1 March 1896 and thus secured Ethiopia’s independence from colonial rule.

The Necessity of Strategic Vision in the Ethiopian Israeli Relations

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD July 9, 2016

Strategic vision entails a long-term comprehensive plan and its objective is essentially to promote the interests of a country without making worse-off the other country that is involved in the partnership discourse. The latter concept or policy is facilitated and translated into action via diplomacy, a fine vehicle that manages international relations. Incidentally, Ethiopians are astute diplomats and suffice to read the letter exchanges of Emperors Yohannes and Menelik with foreign heads of states and dignitaries in the late 19th century and early 20th century, not to mention the clever diplomatic ventures of Emperor Haile Selassie. The legacy of these leaders is still visible amongst present Ethiopian diplomats.

መክሊት

እንኳን ደስ አላችሁ ፈለግና ቆስጠንጢኖስ

መክሊትን አገኛችሁ የቤቱ ፋኖስ

On the Mechanics of Ethiopian Economic Progress, Some Recent Promising Developments, and Some worth of Thinking
By Hluf Hagos Shiqar1 June 24th, 2016

“Learning really means getting out of our comfort zone; in some cases, it can mean suffering before our ideas take off” – Paolo Gallo (2016), “3 Ways to Become a Learning Machine.”
Introduction: Economists and development specialists have long been building models to try to understand the mysteries of what drives economic growth and how it could be sustained such as by culture, by government institutions, or by patterns of industrialization. Ethiopia, sometime used to be crowned with the name of famine despite the fact that it has had economic institutions required for sustained economic progress and was as prosperous as any place in the world in 400 AD, has for some time now been praised for its prudent macroeconomic management and performance.

Crisis erupts over police-linked killing of Kenyan human rights lawyer
Global Information Network | July 6, 2016
(GIN)—Four police officers have been arrested in the torture/murder of a noted Kenyan human rights lawyer and two other men.
The Law Society of Kenya called it “a dark day for the rule of law” and a countrywide boycott of the courts has been called.
The respected lawyer disappeared with his client and a taxi driver after filing a charge of police brutality. The officers are being held without bail while an investigation is underway.

Proclamation by the Mayor of Frankfort (Kentucky)

Whereas, Dr. Gashaw WeneNeshet Lake has been a member of the Kentucky State University family for 30 years, serving in the capacity as a tenured professor and Dean of the School of Public Administration.

The Trump Phenomenon & American Politics

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD June 22, 2016

Most often, history comes up with surprises in the social and political realms, and with the advent of history’s enigma people are puzzled and have a hard time understanding the power nexus, more so the emergence of “unlikely” individuals and ascendance to the highest echelon of power relations. The reason why people are confused and puzzled with respect to such kind of historical irony, for the most part, emanates from their existential expectations and assumptions that only wise and astute individuals should wield state power. Contrary to this assumption, however, many foolish, crazy, and retarded individuals have assumed power and became the leaders of their respective countries in the distant past, the medieval era, and in our modern period. Examples abound in human history, but suffice to mention some of them: Nero of ancient Rome; Ivan the Terrible of Russia; Hitler of Germany; Mussolini of Italy; Pol Pot of Kampuchea; Mobutu of Democratic Republic of Congo; and Mengistu Hailemariam of Ethiopia

Ethiopia: Heavy Fighting Reported Along Ethiopia, Eritrea Border
By Salem Solomon
The Eritrean Ministry of Information issued a statement Sunday accusing the Ethiopian government of launching a military attack against the country. Ethiopia denies initiating the attack, accusing Eritrean forces of prompting a counterattack by Ethiopia.
The brief statement from the Eritrean Ministry of Information said the attacks occurred on the Tsorona Central Front. Tsorona is a village located near the border, a little over 35 kilometers from Adigrat, an Ethiopian town in the Tigray region.
Ethiopian Communications Minister Getachew Reda said Eritrean forces from around the Tsorona region made unusual, aggressive movements, eliciting a response from the Ethiopian side. He denied it was a significant battle.

Reflections on Strategy for Sweden’s Development Cooperation with Ethiopia

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD June 1, 2016
This paper intends to systematically analyze Sweden’s development cooperation with Ethiopia (2016-2020) in the context of the multivariate facets or component parts of the Strategy and in conjunction with Ethiopia’s role in the transformation process and overall development agenda. First, however, I like to present a brief synopsis of the distinctive history of Sweden that ultimately led to the Swedish Model. Sweden is one of the most fascinating, prosperous, and peaceful country in our planet earth; and this is not a mere historical accident or coincidence. What makes Sweden one of the most successful and best countries in the world has to do with its long tradition of peaceful resolution to conflicts and its rich political culture in social democracy; admittedly, however, Sweden was engaged in wars with Denmark, Russia, and Poland in the 17th century and it even became a regional power in the Baltic zone in the same century.

IDEA Extends Gratitude to Diretube for the Patrice Lumumba Video

May 28, 2016

We at the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) are gratified to watch a brief documentary video on Lumumba put out by Diretube. While we thank Diretube for posting this video for our consumption, we particularly wish to convey our heartfelt appreciation to the presenter Shewenzu Melaku; the script writer Simneh Getaneh; project manager Teshome Tadesse; and editor Benti Abera. The video entitled Leadership in Africa: The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba, dramatically captures the early 1960s political crisis in the Congo that led to the ultimate murder of Lumumba. By all measure, the documentary did a marvelous job in depicting the Lumumba experience but it was too short to fully document the politics of Congo in the early 1960s; and while the video critically examined the interference of Belgium and the United States in the Congo affairs, it does not extrapolate the heyday of the Cold War as manifested in the Congo and in which the Soviet Union was also involved.

Establishing the Ethio-Adwa Pan-African University:
Some Suggestions
Professor Desta, Asayehgn
The defeat of the Italian forces by Ethiopian patriots at the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896, became a mountain of pride and inspiration to millions who cherish black heritage. Later, in 1914 and 1917in Jamaica and in the United States, Marcus Garvey, a well-known African nationalist, ignited his supporters against white racism by stressing emphatically the way the Ethiopian patriotic forces dismantled Italian aggression at the Battle of Adwa. Using phrases such as “Ethiopia thou land of our fathers,” Garvey further galvanized his followers to adopt his “Back to Africa Movement” slogans. To arouse passion against colonial aggression and racism, Benito Sylvian of Haiti, Joseph Vitalien of the West Indies, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, and W.E. B. Du Bois, all represented Ethiopia as a tower of independence, and the Battle of Adwa gave hope that European colonization could be resisted with dignity.

NIGERIA TO SIGN VISA-FREE PACTS WITH EIGHT COUNTRIES
BY LUCY CLARKE-BILLINGS ON 5/25/16
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, says plans have been concluded to sign visa-free pacts with eight African countries to promote economic partnership on the continent.
Onyeama made the announcement on Tuesday, at a news conference in Abuja, marking one year of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The minister, who did not disclose the names of the countries involved, noted that trading among African countries had been very low. The pact, he said, is expected to cause an upsurge in economic activities.
“Africa is the centrepiece of our foreign policy but it is a paradox that as a Nigerian, you cannot go to an African country without a visa, unlike what is obtainable in Western Europe,” he said.

Linkages between Economic Growth and Food Security:

An Eclectic Perspective

We live in a world where of the 80,000 edible plants used for food, only about 150 are being cultivated, and just eight are traded globally. In a world where we produce food for 12 billion people when there are only 6.3 billion living, 800 million suffer from malnutrition.

Vandana Shiva. World-renowned environmental leader (Manifesto on the Future of Food & Seed, 2007).

Professor Desta, Asayehgn

Abstract

The causal linkage between food security and economic growth hasn’t been fully resolved. That is, does food security contribute to economic growth or does economic growth result in food security; or is there a two-way causal relationship between economic growth and food security? The causality has not yet been ascertained. Drawing on previous research and insights, this study attempted to find and understand the relationship between food availability and economic growth. A review of existing secondary studies indicates that food insecurity, low food intake and the variable access to food endemic in Ethiopia, is not due to the lack of economic growth and income distribution.

Africa: Economic Gains From Closing Gender Gap Far Outweigh Cost - Mckinsey
By Emma Batha
Copenhagen — World could add $12 trillion to annual GDP in 2025 if every nation bridged gender gap
The economic returns from investing in closing the gender gap are six to eight times greater than the spending required on areas like health, education and financial inclusion, analysts told a global women's rights conference on Tuesday.
Recent research by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) showed the world could add $12 trillion to annual GDP in 2025 if every nation bridged its gender gap at the same pace as the best performing country in its region.
A new study, unveiled at the Women Deliver conference in Copenhagen, shows the cost of achieving this return would be $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion.

Kenyan businessman shot dead, opposition sees political motive
Fri May 6, 2016

Jacob Juma was in his forties and was a critic of the government NAIROBI May 6 (Reuters) - Kenyan businessman and government critic Jacob Juma was shot dead in his car late on Thursday in Nairobi, the police said on Friday, a killing the opposition said appeared to be politically motivated.
There was no immediate comment from the government, but officials have repeatedly accused the opposition of seeking to stoke tensions with what they say are trumped up accusations against the government ahead of next year's elections.
Police spokesman Charles Owino said the reason for the shooting late on Thursday was not clear. "We cannot get a motive unless we manage to get the killers," he said, adding that the case was being investigated.

Beyond Ethnocentric Ideology and Paradigm Shift for a Greater Ethiopian Unity

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD April 20, 2016
This essay intends to address the current Ethiopian affairs in the context of ethnocentric politics and Ethiopian unity, twin themes that I have discussed numerous times in my previous works, but it will also respond to some critics pertaining to my VOA interview on Wolkait-Tsegede district of Ethiopia. The latter, though it unnecessarily stirred controversy especially among the disgruntled and misinformed Ethiopian groupings, it is very much relevant to the kernel of this paper.As indicated above, I have addressed the issue surrounding ethnic politics and Ethiopian unity several times in the past, and my first article entitled “Nation Building Beyond Ethnic Nationalism” was published in The Ethiopian Mirror in 1992.1 The central thesis of this article was straight forward and clear: Ethiopians to transcend ethnic nationalism and embrace rather a pan-Ethiopian agenda. My recommendation then had resonated among the Ethiopian Diaspora because, unlike today, Ethiopians were not inoculated with the virus of narrow and sectarian ethnic nationalism.

Africa’s Billionaires Among Tax Dodgers In Panama Leak
Posted by: keesto Posted date: April 12, 2016 In: International | comment : 0
image002Africa’s most talked-about and admired billionaires are among the dozens of world leaders named in the so-called Panama Papers – a huge trove of records listing tax dodgers and other misdeeds leaked to a media outlet in Germany and published in papers around the world this month. The massive leak of confidential documents from the Panama-based firm Mossack Fonseca has even pointed a finger at Africa’s richest man whose net worth is said to exceed $17 billion. While the leak does not say if the shell companies associated with Dangote and associates were used for illegal dealing, they have raised questions if the prominent businessman and industrialist has been paying his fair share of tax in Nigeria.

Multi-party Consensus Autonomous Self-Rule Democracy: A Briefing for Tomorrow’s Ethiopia
Professor Desta, Asayehgn
Unlike the tenets of a majoritarian democracy, according to Lijphart (1977), a consensus democratic federal nation needs to be governed by the existence of: 1) a grand coalition (including the ruling elites of each unit to rule in the interest of their constituencies in elections, cabinets, parliament, civil service, etc); 2) a mutual veto (requiring consensus rather than majority rule); 3) proportionality (representation based on the population of each unit); and 4) segmental autonomy (each federal unit is autonomous and has its own sphere of authority, either territorially or functionally). As paraphrased by Shah. “…in the context of deeply divided places, this would appear to be a rather pleasant outcome whereby political parties representing different ethnicities would come together to form coalition governments, hence, ensuring broader representation of interests and minimal exclusion.” (2013).

Rediscovering Ethiopian History and African Wisdom
Compiled, edited and translated by IDEA Staff, 10/13/2004
IDEA likes to introduce its readers to a piece of Ethiopian history not so well known in the academic community and scholarly discourse, and an African wisdom that was literally obscured and buried. This is an attempt to excavate and revive some objective facts of the remote past that may well serve the present generation of Ethiopians and enable them to rediscover their past experience and subsequently formulate policies in the political and cultural realms.
In the present rediscovery, Tigray, the quintessentially Ethiopian northern state throughout history represents the piece of Ethiopian history; and the wisdom is an extraction from the literary works of Bilatin Geta Hiruy Woldeselassie.

PRESS RELEASE
THE PASSING OF CLARENCE MLAMLI MAKWETU
On behalf of Veronica Zodwa Sobukwe and the Sobukwe family, the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust and its trustees would like send our condolences to the Makwetu family. uTatu Clarance Mlamli Makwetu was a family friend, and he was a pillar of support to the family, especially to Mrs. Sobukwe during difficult times. The loss of a leader the calibre of utatuMakwetu will be felt not only by the Makwetu family but by the nation as a whole. He was a leader with no excuses to give; he fought for the least of our people, and led those that had nothing to lose. He has truly served, suffered, and sacrificed for this glorious continent.

The Contradiction between Good Governance and the Developmental State in Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD March 21, 2016
Good governance has now become the vogue, if not the primary policy agenda of developing countries around the world that seek aid from international financial institutions (IFIs) like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The concept was launched during the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a major UN agenda initiated at the turn of the 21st century, a program of action to be achieved between 2000 and 2015, but most of the developing nations were unable to realize the MDG.

Modifying the ‘One Size Fits All’ Good Governance Agenda for Ethiopia
Desta, Asayehgn- Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California
Introduction As advocated by neo-liberal entities, the agenda of good governance is grounded on democratic principles that create on-going interaction processes that are supposed to solidify, governmental structures, functions and practices of the state and its people. As the a key driver to economic growth to alleviate poverty in developing countries, the interaction process of good governance embeds core guidelines that include, the rule of law, citizen participation, transparency, accountability, and elimination of corruption.

Chris Hani's killer Janusz Walus given parole in South Africa
A court in South Africa has ruled that the killer of anti-apartheid hero Chris Hani should be freed on parole after more than 22 years in prison. Hani's widow, Limpho condemned the white judge's decision to free Janusz Walus as racist.
Walus' lawyers argued he should be freed in the spirit of reconciliation. He was convicted in October 1993 and was serving a life sentence for the murder which threatened to derail South Africa's transition to democracy.

THE SORROWS OF ETHNIC FEDERALISM IN ETHIOPIA Solomon Gebreselassie January 2016
At the end of 2015 and going onto the first weeks of 2016, about 140 Oromo youth were murdered, and about 5,000 incarcerated by forces of the ruling Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)/Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party. Theircrime? They participated in a peaceful demonstration protesting the widespread dispossession of farmlands in the Oromia regional state bordering the capital Addis Abeba. A similar protest, although not claiming as many lives, had taken place nearly 2 years ago in some areas of the regional state. The federal government and the regional party OPDO have since halted the policy of the expansion of the planned development into Addis’s suburban areas. Civil disobedience, as part of the peaceful struggle in Ethiopia, empowered the protesters and proved once again that Ethiopians can assert their natural rights by engaging in peaceful, defiant acts.

Global Information Network | January 26, 2016
Africa UN(GIN)—The present composition of the United Nations is a thorn in the side of some African leaders who question why none of the five permanent members to the Security Council is a black African.
The Security Council is a powerful decision-making body within the house of nations. It is charged with maintaining global peace, admitting members to the UN and approving changes to the agency’s charter.
It has 15 members, but only five are permanent and hold veto powers. They are Russia, China, France, the UK and the USA.

To U.S. military base in Djibouti: Guess who’s coming to dinner?
Global Information Network | January 26, 2016
Djibouti President Ismail Guelleh and Jia Qinglin, a top Chinese advisor.
(GIN)—China has received a green light from the nation of Djibouti to build its first overseas military base in that Horn of Africa nation. The question is: will they get a welcome basket from neighbors France, Japan and the U.S.? All three have military bases there as well. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said the new facility will give logistical support to China’s fleet that performs escort duties in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast.
Those escort missions have been ongoing for some years. With “real difficulties in replenishing soldiers and resupplying fuel and food,” China found it necessary to have nearby and efficient logistical support, he said

Democratic Self-rule Federalism: The Legitimacy of Self-Determination in Ethiopia

Professor, DestaA sayehgn

Based on the recent unrest that has been precipitated by the Oromo people in Ethiopia, a number of observers such as Davison,2015;Muindi, 2016; and Borago, 2016, have argued that the Addis Ababa Master Plan has not only undermined self-determination but also contributed to a further loss of autonomy and the marginalization of Oromos living on the outskirts of the Federal capital, Addis Ababa. As stated by the European Parliament (1, 21, 2016): for the past two months,

…Ethiopia’s largest region, Oromia, has been hit by a wave of mass protests over the expansion of the municipal boundary of the capital, Addis Abba, which has posed risks of eviction for farmers from their land

Ethiopia Should Manage Internal Political Crisis

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD January 18, 2016

This article is intended to address the current political crisis surrounding Oromo outbursts in Ethiopia by providing a general pattern of political science theory in regards to crisis management. The present Oromo protestation is instigated by the so-called “Addis Ababa-Oromia Integrated Master Plan” because protestors perceived the Master Plan as ‘land grab’ from the Oromia region. To the best of my knowledge, there is no such thing as ‘land grab’ unless there is a hidden agenda of the Addis Ababa City Administration to systematically expand the Addis Ababa Zone by incorporating Oromia adjacent lands.

On ANC anniversary day, resurgence of hate speech noted
Global Information Network | January 12, 2016
anc gathering(GIN)—President Jacob Zuma delivered the annual Jan. 8 address marking the birth of the African National Congress movement launched in 1912. Speaking at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, he opened with some ANC history:
“We are celebrating that which brings us together as South Africans—the ANC and its undying commitment to this country and its people. The ANC has worked hard to earn its special place in the hearts of South Africans

Water rationing new reality in southern Africa
Global Information Network | December 22, 2015 (GIN)—The science of climate change is not an open question in Africa. The only question is how quickly safe drinking water can be rushed to the countries now experiencing their worst droughts in decades. Water shortages are the frightening new future for African cities and towns. The southern African nation of Botswana is one of the worst hit, U.N. expert Leo Heller confirmed. Heller, the U.N.’s special rapporteur on the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water, toured close to a dozen communities, health facilities and schools in a recent nine-day trip. His findings were troubling.

Rwandans, defying odds, give President Kagame third term option
Global Information Network | December 22, 2015
(GIN)—In a setback to the international community which lobbied heavily for a “no” vote, Rwandan citizens overwhelmingly gave a thumbs up to a third term option for President Paul Kagame. Kagame, now completing his second term, was previously unable to seek an additional term according to the constitution. The head of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), reporting results on Saturday, said that 98.4 percent of voter supported the proposed constitutional change. More than 98 percent of registered voters participated in the ballot exercise. Some 40,000 Rwandans in the diaspora also voted.

Cultural Racism in the Obama Era
Bronx Currents gives Bronxites the opportunity to attend community meetings, debates, and symposiums, now via BRONXNET. Bronx Currents provides full coverage of many of the events that help to determine the future of our borough. Additionally, the program features documentaries that capture the people and flavor of our borough and sporting events featuring local high school and college teams - See more

Famine and Development: Contradiction in terms in the Ethiopian Context
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD December 6, 2015
Given the promises of development in my home country, I never thought I was going to write on the Ethiopian famine again, because it logically follows that famine (a widespread hunger) would not apt to occur in the midst of intensive development projects such as infrastructure (which is visibly testified) and agricultural and rural as well as industrial developments (which could not be verified easily and which require research and close scrutiny to understand).

Ethiopia’s Themed Restaurants as Cultural Ambassadors for Culinary Diplomacy and Recipes for the Tourism Economy.

David Watuwa

Background:

In the year 2012, the world registered about 1.035 billion or 1,035 million tourists. Subsequently, Africa’s share was about 52 million tourists. As past records showed (2011), Morocco and South Africa registered about 9.3 & 8.3 million tourists, respectively, while Ethiopia picked up about 523 thousand tourists. [1] Tourism, as a whole, is a service based industry. It has strict criteria that adhere to factors, ranging from good business environment to safety and security. In order to get a fair share from the industry, Ethiopia has to promote its immense natural resources, and incorporate them into an exclusively service based industry.

The Paradox of History: When Chauvinists Shift Positions and Forge Unholy Alliances

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD October 31, 2015

I always have said to my friends and colleagues in the academia that history, at intervals, comes up with surprises and the latter are often revealed when relatively unpredictable phenomenon appears on the horizon and when what is brewing in a given political crisis is not clearly perceived. What we are witnessing at this juncture of Ethiopian history is a more obscure political atmosphere in which chauvinist actors seemingly have taken center stage in politics, especially among the Ethiopian Diaspora.

Fisshea Desta’s Reminiscence of the Ethiopian Revolution: A Critical Review Professor Desta, Asayehgn

Considering Meison’s visionary ideologue, EPRP’s firm convictions, and the Derg’s commitment to unity and sovereignty, if these were to operate in a conducive socio-political and economic environment, they would have ushered in Ethiopia’s successful development!

(Fisshea Desta, as paraphrased by professor Desta.)

Last year, while we were reviewing KhasayAbraha Bisrats’ book , entitled “A Special Love for Assimba” at the National Archives and Library in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one of the reviewers, Professor GebruTareke, brought to the attention of the audience that in addition to the books written by former President Mengistu Haile Mariam (hereafter Mengistu) and former Prime Minister Fikre Selassie Wegderase (hereafter Fikre Selassie), the former Vice President, Fisshea Desta (hereafter Fisshea, or the author) has written an account of his memories of the Ethiopian Revolution during the Derg’s (an Amharic word for committee) era.

Africa: We Can Defeat Poverty – Melinda Gates
October 5, 2015
INTERVIEW By United Nations
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls the efforts to achieve ‘Millennium Development Goals’ over the last 15 years “the most successful anti-poverty movement in history’. The final report on the goals says the number of people living in extreme poverty has declined by more than half, as has the death rate of children under five years old. Deaths of mothers in pregnancy and childbirth has dropped almost as much – by 45 percent. School enrollment is up. Gender inequality has diminished. But millions still live in poverty and hunger and die from preventable causes. Last week the UN General Assembly adopted ambitious new targets for the next 15 years – the Sustainable Development Goals – aimed at eliminating poverty and its ills.

Africa Rising? No, Africa Stalled
Cape Town — Africa's premier survey of the quality of governance across the continent shows that it has not improved in the past four years. "Overall governance progress in Africa is stalling," says Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-born entrepreneur whose foundation runs the Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
The latest edition of the index, the first to include data from all 54 countries across the continent, was published on Monday. The authors of the new report used data for the four years between 2011 and 2014 to compare progress in different categories of governance, and in different countries.

Beyond the Usual: Re-thinking Ethiopia’s Ethnic Federalism for the 21st Century

By Professor Asayehgn Desta

Beyond the Usual: Re-thinking Ethiopia’s Ethnic Federalism for the Century. The implementation of Ethnic-federalism for the last twenty years in Ethiopia has produced polarizing debates

Abstract

A review of the political and ideological stalemate demonstrates that the concept of federalism has produced a polarizing debate among scholars. That is, federalist regimes have been rigorously challenged from theoretical and from practical points of view. Supporters of multi-ethnic federalism defend it as an effective operational device for granting autonomy to distinct peoples. They forcefully swear that federalism is indispensable for self-rule, encouraging shared governance, and giving each region the opportunity to enjoy a proportional share of economic investment to support development. On the other hand, the scholars that espouse a democratic autonomous self-ruling type of federalism are skeptical and also question the viability of a centralized Federal state.

Critique and Reflection on EPRDF’s Policies and Practices

Ghelawdewos Araia August 28, 2015

This essay is intended to critically examine the policies and practices of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Party (EPRDF), the ruling party of Ethiopia, but before I delve into the main corpus of this paper, at the outset, I like to make crystal clear that ‘critique’ is not synonymous with ‘oppose’, although the latter is also perfectly healthy and should be tolerated as such in a democratic political system. Thus, ‘critique’ means analyses of an objective reality critically examined in order to influence public policy and consequently implement doable development programs that, in turn, would transform the Ethiopian society.

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500.
Dear President Obama,
Subject: Appeal for Justice on Behalf of Ethiopia
The Global Alliance for Justice – The Ethiopian Cause (GAJEC) presents its compliments to H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America and submits this letter of appeal for consideration.
We are writing to you, Mr. President, on behalf of GAJEC, which is a civic organization committed to research and advocacy related to issues of justice for Ethiopians As you well know, Mr. President, most of the processes of humanity's historical transformation have occurred under domination and oppression of man by man. As the axis of time has pointed towards the present, however, more democratic political arrangements have proliferated, thanks in part to the efforts and goodwill of the US. This has encouraged former oppressors and colonizers to regret and apologize for their inhumanity and cruel misdeeds against their former subjects and victims

RODOLFO GRAZIANI A WAR CRIMINAL WHO ESCAPED JUSTICE
Kidane Alemayehu
INTRODUCTION

Rodolfo Graziani was one of Fascist Italy’s top military leaders during Benito Mussolini’s rule of that country. Although Graziani had important military roles in Italy, Libya and the Italo-Turkish wars, this article is, on the main, focused on his devastating war crimes in Ethiopia. The war was part of Fascist Italy’s “civilizing mission to Ethiopia”, resulting in the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians, including 30,000 people killed within only three days in Addis Ababa during February 19-21, 1937 as well as over 2,000 monks and parishioners at the Debre Libanos Monastery. Graziani was not prosecuted at an international court despite Ethiopia’s attempt to bring him to justice under the United Nations war tribunal.

THE FASCIST INVASION OF ETHIOPIA AND THE PAPACY
By Rev. Dr. Mikre-Sellassie G/Ammanuel
1. The Attitude of the Vatican
The Vatican took a somewhat equivocal attitude throughout the Italo-Ethiopian conflict. The pope, Pius XI, tried to display a kind of neutrality in all his official political positions regarding the Italo-Ethiopian dispute. He kept silent while Mussolini was making military preparations for war against Ethiopia and while the League of Nations was trying its best to bring peaceful settlement to the dispute. The Pope neither spoke in support of the League’s attempt to avert hostility and the subsequent war between the two belligerent countries nor did he himself take any initiative to bring peace while church leaders in different countries strongly expressed their concern about the matter and appealed to the League of Nations to do everything possible to bring peace.
G. W. Baer, commenting on the Vatican attitude, has the following to say:

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON JUSTICE FOR ETHIOPIA
REGARDING THE FASCIST WAR CRIMES DURING 1935-41
The conference is scheduled to be held in Washington, DC on September 26, 2015 under the auspices of the Global Alliance for Justice – The Ethiopian Cause (GAJEC).
BACKGROUND
In 1935 Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia and during the course of the following five years it committed savage war crimes killing thousands of peaceful citizens and leaving the country in ruins. Italy’s unprovoked invasion included:

Economic Growth and Governance in Ethiopia:

An Observation Professor Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D.

Over the past decade (2003 to 2013), Ethiopia has shown a dramatic increase in its economic growth. When compared to the regional average of 5.3 percent, Ethiopia’s Gross Domestic Product has grown at the rate of 10.8 percent per year. In tandem, Ethiopia’s extreme poverty line in both rural and urban areas has also declined from 38.7 percent from 2004-2005 to 29.6 percent in 2009-2010. As planned by the United Nations, Ethiopia has also achieved some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in areas such as child health services and safe water requirements. Moreover, Ethiopia has also made encouraging progress in gender parity mainly in primary education, as well as in HIV/AIDS, and malaria disease control (Ethiopia/Overview, April, 05, 2015). Given these dramatic, noticeable improvements, the cardinal question that stands to be answered is: can Ethiopia’s economic growth be attributable to market-enhancing strategies?

Prospects for peace in South Sudan fading fast
Global Information Network | August 18, 2015
(GIN)—Dismissing efforts, including those of President Obama, to sign off on a peace agreement and end the 20-month long civil war in the world’s newest nation, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir declined to sign, saying he needed more time for consultations. Seyoum Mesfin, mediator for IGAD, a regional group, told the media.Rebel leader and former Vice-President Riek Machar did sign the agreement. Among the issues in dispute were the structure of the government, the powers of the president, and the vice president, power-sharing percentages, security issues, and the demilitarization of Juba and other places.

Africa: Power Projects Take Time But Access to Electricity is Spreading –
Paul Hinks
interview
Washington, DC — Paul Hinks, CEO of Symbion Power, has had a 30-year career in the energy sector, the last five focused on Africa. The independent power producer and engineering contractor builds, owns and operates electricity infrastructure. Since 2012, Hinks has also served as chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa. He was interviewed in the company's Washington, DC headquarters.

Green Journey "Ethiopia's Agricultural Revolution"

Revitalizing Ethiopia’s Manufacturing Enterprises through the Japanese Production Management Strategy, Kaizen, Tate Publishing 2015
Authored by Asayehgn Desta, PhD Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD July 18, 2015
Asayehgn Desta, our colleague in the academia and scholarly research, has produced an excellent book on contemporary Ethiopia’s political economy in general and macroeconomic analysis in particular. The book presents a comprehensive survey, analysis, and critical remarks on Ethiopia’s industrial enterprises in the context of Kaizen, a Japanese management system that “a number of Ethiopian enterprises” have adopted in order “to redesign their manufacturing enterprises and eventually improve their competitiveness in the global market” as stated in the Introduction of the book.

Ethiopia Should Welcome Obama as if He is Her Own Son!

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD July 2, 2015

However Ethiopia, and by extension Africa, view the Obama political persona and character, call him prodigal son or the lost son of Africa, the land of the origin of humanity should welcome him as if he is her own son. In the micro sense, Obama is African-American but in the macro sense and also in the broader context of the etymology of the term Ethiopia (denoting ‘sun-burnt face’), he is Ethiopian. Therefore, his sojourn to Ethiopia on July 2015, in fact, evokes the Homeric depiction of Ethiopia, as land in which the gods enjoy their respective excursions. Obama, thus, will enjoy his sojourn in Ethiopia not only with the Ethiopian people but in the company of the gods as well.
Ethiopia should welcome Obama not only as her own son, but she also should baptize him with the sacred waters of the land and offer him an adopted Ethiopian name, preferably Tesfa (hope), because he is the hope for thousands upon thousands of young Americans, and more specifically for African Americans. By default, Obama has become the vital force and inspiration for black Americans who survive every single day against all odds in democratic and prosperous America.

Summit of women of African descent opens in Nicaragua
Global Information Network | June 30, 2015
(GIN)–Some 270 women from 220 countries gathered in Managua, Nicaragua over the past weekend to launch a political platform that addresses discrimination against people of color. At the end of the three day meeting, the women participants and representatives of more than 400 black women’s organizations adopted a political strategy, timed to coincide with the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).

A panel discussions conducted with Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia On the issue of Djibouti, its past, present, and future relationship.

Africa tracks: construction of key Djibouti-Ethiopia rail line to finish
Djibouti (AFP) - The leaders of Djibouti and Ethiopia will oversee the completion of a railway linking their two capitals on Thursday, with the ambition that the link might eventually extend across the continent to West Africa.
Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn will attend the ceremonial laying of the last track in the 752-kilometre (481-mile) railway, financed and built by China, linking the port capital of Djibouti with landlocked Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

JOIN US FOR PROF. HAILE GERIMA'S KICKSTARTER

We are very pleased to announce our joining the fund raising campaign for the renowned film maker, Prof. Haile Gerima's new film Yetut Lij. The goal is to make sure that this film is fully made through the direct effort of the community. If successful, we can all claim a stake on this independent and promising film. Details on the film and its project description can be found on the web site: YetutLijMovie.com

Critical Reflection on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa Conference
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD May 29, 2015

This critical reflection aims to systematically appraise the papers presented by some panelists in ‘Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa Conference’ (May 9-10, 2015, Arlington, Virgina) and furnish constructive ideas for the sole purpose of provoking discussion among Ethiopians at home and in the Diaspora. I have seen some of the videos of the conference, but the one that I watched with some focus and interest was the panel of Ermias Legesse Waqjira, Drs Getachew Begashaw, Messai Kebedde, and Berhanu Nega.

Election Eve Reality on the Ground and Possible Post-election Scenario in Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD May 22, 2015

I have been following the pre-election debates and the overall spirit and visible excitement of the Ethiopian people to cast their votes on May 24, 2015. Despite some shortcomings exhibited by the contending parties’ representatives, the debates were nonetheless a learning process for the Ethiopian people, the political parties running for office, and the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Party (EPRDF) or the ruling party. In one form or another, the debates served as vehicles of enlightenment for the larger Ethiopian audience. It was clear from the outset that the 2015 pre-election debates were going to be by far advanced and civilized compared to the two previous elections of 2005 and 2010.

We (ETHIOPIANS) GET THE GOVERNMENT WE DESERVE? By Tecola W Hagos
Introduction

In a couple of weeks, Ethiopia’s national election is upon us in the middle of a year full of unprecedented cruelty and barbarism against defenseless Ethiopian migrants in Libya and South Africa. We have individually and collectively suffered the barbarism of some Arabs in Libya and the savagery of some Zulus in South Africa. This is only the tip of the iceberg, for things will turn out even worse unless we make some fundamental and profound changes in the leadership of the Ethiopian Government and in each of us Citizens of Ethiopia.

Strategies to combat and defeat the international menace of ISIS

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD May 3, 2015
Dedicated to the 30 Ethiopians who were shot and beheaded by ISIS in Libya on April 19, 2015
While the overall general trend of history could be reasonably predicted, history itself often comes up with relatively unfathomable phenomena, and we humans are caught at the crossroads and thresholds and rather become helpless. This might sound ironic but it happened many times in history every time societies encountered quandaries and conundrums, as well as social calamities manifested in the form of Nazism, Fascism, Jihad etc. In the above context, thus, the new ex machina of Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), would be one more surprise of history. Ex machina, is a positive attribute to a Godly appearance in religious tenets or a sudden appearance of a character in a drama that would provide solution to an insoluble difficult problem; it would be inappropriate to depict ISIS as ex machina in its literal sense, but I am using it only as “a sudden appearance of a phenomenon.” ISIS, far from providing solutions to problems, is in fact an international menace and global challenge. This menace should be combated and defeated.

'It's degrading,' says Ethiopian-Israeli soldier beaten by police
By Oren Liebermann, CNN
Jerusalem (CNN)—The Ethiopian Jewish soldier at the center of a viral beating video that has sparked protests across Israel says he supports the anti-racism demonstrations, but condemns the violent clashes that erupted. Cpl. Demas Fikadey, 21, told CNN he was a block away from his house in Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv, when he tried to cross the street. Fikadey says an officer stopped him from crossing, then grabbed his bike and cell phone. Fikadey says he urged the police officer not to use force, but by then, another officer had joined in. The video shows the two officers push Fikadey to the ground and hold him down for approximately one minute before allowing him to stand up. The entire incident is caught on a nearby security camera, but the video has no sound.

South Africa’s Incredible Amnesia: Forgetting Africa’s Contribution to the Liberation Struggle
IDEA Viewpoint April 24, 2015

We at the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) are disturbed by the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa against African immigrants. Hence we present this viewpoint and reflection so that our subscribers have a good flavor and understanding of the mob action against fellow Africans. We begin with a brief historical note and proceed in analyzing and critically examining the South African wave of anti-immigrant attacks.
South Africans and other Africans may not know or remember the Massavana story because it took place so long ago, but that of Mandela and the struggle of liberation is a recent memory and South Africans are cognizant of the sympathy and solidarity extended to them by fellow Africans. At least the South African leadership knows too well about Mandela’s training in Ethiopia, the African National Congress (ANC) base camp in Tanzania, and the support they have enjoyed from Zambia, Zimbabwe, other SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) nations, as well as other Africans.

Former military man declares victory in Nigerian polls
Global Information Network | April 1, 2015 |
Opposition party wins election in West African economic giant, Goodluck Jonathan ousted
GIN)–Showing a “commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders,” Nigerians by the hundreds of thousands lined up at polling stations across the country to select the next president and National Assembly of their country, U.S. and British witnesses to the hotly-contested presidential polls observed. In a joint statement by the British foreign secretary and the U.S. secretary of state, the observer governments “welcomed the largely peaceful vote on March 28.”
Concerns over the possibilities of fraud were quietly swept away when the national election commission called the winner of the country’s presidential poll as Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ethiopia Should Allow Free Press and Legitimate Dissent to Flourish

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD March 16, 2015

This article is intended to address the role of the free press and legitimate dissent in the enhancement and establishment of democracy in Ethiopia. Ethiopia had missed a golden opportunity in finding a democratic culture during the formative period of the 1974 revolution. Soon after the outbreak of the Ethiopian revolution, a modicum of democracy was allowed by default when the emerging Derg elements pretended as protectors of the Revolution while Ethiopians staged massive demonstrations freely. Moreover, the EPRP and Meisone intellectuals conducted series of ideological debates via their respective journals, namely Goh and Tsedey, but all these semblance of democracy were soon suppressed by the military junta.

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) would like to invite its subscribers to view a video on the integration of Ethiopia and Djibouti. This video reinforces Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia’s article entitled The Unification of Ethiopia & Djibouti will be of Paramount Historical Significance and his recent VOA Amharic interview (http://amharic.voanews.com/content/article/2595509.html). The following video actually depicts the sincere real thinking or ordinary Ethiopians and Djboutians on the integration of both countries.

ETHIOPIA IS TOO BIG TO FAIL

Cyber Politicians’ Bad Omen & Critique on the Doomsday Scenario of Ethiopia

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD February 21, 2015

First and foremost let me make my position crystal clear why I decided to write this piece. I am not affiliated to any political organization nor am I interested to address any party, governing elite, or government in relation to this essay. I see myself as an independent scholar who advances a modicum of advocacy on behalf of Ethiopia, and I would be more than willing to perform as a spokesperson for my country. As the subtitle of this essay implies, I am critiquing the recent video clip entitled US Policy: Ethiopia A Failed State¹ that has been circulating among Ethiopians in the Diaspora. I am perplexed and flabbergasted by the contents of the narrative of the video surrounding a pending disaster for Ethiopia, and while I am not interested in totally refuting what has been presented in the video, I am however disappointed by the egregious negligence and exclusion of the Ethiopian people, the ultimate force who play a pivotal role in determining the fate of Ethiopia. Moreover, the video completely ignores the greatness of Ethiopia that I will address later in order to reinforce my thesis of ‘Ethiopia, too big a nation to fail’.

The Unsung and Forgotten Ethiopian Heroes and Heroines
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD February 4, 2015

Too many to remember and call their names
Heroes and heroines of utmost altruism
Who fell on behalf of a noble struggle and
Who gave their lives for justice, freedom, and
Equality for all nationalities of Ethiopia

Some of them were buried in shallow graves
In ravines and mountainsides
Others may have enjoyed a proper burial by their comrades
Yet, they too were buried in unmarked fox holes

‹‹ኢትዮጵያና ጂቡቲ ለበለጠ ኢኮኖሚያዊ ምናልባትም ፖለቲካዊ ውህደት ሊሠሩ የሚገባበት ጊዜ ነው›› ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ኃይለ ማርያም ደሳለኝ

ኢትዮጵያና ጅቡቲ በምጣኔሀብት ለመዋሀድ የያዙት እቅድ

ኢትዮጵያና ጅቡቲ በምጣኔሀብት ለመዋሀድ የያዙት እቅድ
ኢትዮጵያና ጂቡቲ የኢኮኖሚ ውህደት ለመፍጠር እየሰሩ መሆናቸው ይታወቃል። ውሎ አድሮም ወደ ፖለቲካዊ ውህደት የማምራት እድል እንዳለው ይገመታል።
View on amharic.voanews.com

Egypt Should Rethink Its Death Sentences over Muslim Brotherhood
IDEA Editorial February 2, 2015
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) appeals to the Government of Egypt led by President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi, to rethink and reconsider the death sentence of 183 Muslim Brotherhood (MB) members and refute the Court’s decision. The rationale of IDEA’s appeal is not simply based on human rights parameters, but also on anticipating the negative consequences of the capital punishments that might otherwise haunt Egypt in the long haul.
We at IDEA prioritize development and education issues pertaining to the African continent, but since politics and its attendant detachments like human rights and democracy are inseparable from development agendas, we have also produced and posted numerous articles on Africa, which are essentially political in nature.

Book Title : “Fitsum New Imnetie”
“Key Shibir”, “Red Terror”
“The truth of Kefetegna 15”
By Nesibu (Alulla) Sibhat
Book Review by: Abera S, Chicago Illinois USA

UNESCO Should Recognize Ethiopian Epiphany as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD January 24, 2015

UNESCO has already recognized Ethiopia’s most popular Meskel festival (the founding of the True Cross holiday) as one of the world’s intangible heritages and Ethiopians were appreciative of the constructive undertaking rendered by the UN agency for education, science, and culture. There is no doubt that Ethiopians would be more appreciative if UNESCO recognizes Timket (Ethiopian epiphany), which is as popular as Meskel, as yet another intangible Ethiopian heritage.

The Historic Ethiopian-Egyptian Renewed Diplomacy and Cooperation

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD January 12, 2015

I am gratified to witness the renewed Ethiopian-Egyptian diplomacy and cooperation after much turbulence, mistrust, and bellicose political climate that have griped the two African nations for decades. To be sure, it was Egypt that had promoted animus belligerendi (a near war attitude) against Ethiopia since the days of Emperor Haile Selassie. Now, thanks to the wise leadership of President Field Marshall Abdel Fatah el-Sisi and the pragmatic vision of the Egyptian people, Egypt has completely reversed its old policy and enhanced a friendly foreign policy toward Ethiopia. Ethiopia, on the other hand, had advanced a more conciliatory and compromise d’arbitrage (resolving disputes peacefully) policy toward Egypt, but finally, so it looks, the Ethiopian patience paid off.

A BITTERSWEET TOAST TO ALL THE JOURNALISTS IN JAIL By Global Infor...
December 30,2014
Dec. 29 (GIN) – Of the thousands of relentless scribes who dig for a story, dodge bullets, follow paper trails, shine a light in the darkness, some 220 news writers around the world will spend New Year’s this year in a faraway jail. This month, Kenyan writer Janet Otieno-Prosper dedicated her essay in the Africa Review to remembering the public watchdogs arrested for their attempt to tell the truth. “I have dwelt on many subjects, from women and children rights, to environment and health,” she wrote. “Today, I use this column to give a toast to those journalists who will be spending their Christmas, and perhaps New Year, in jail.” A list prepared by the NY-based Committee to Protect Journalists gives the story. - See more at:“Ethiopian journalist Temesghen Desalegn jailed with 17 colleagues after a court in Addis Ababa convicted him in connection with opinion pieces published in the now defunct Feteh news magazine. He was sentenced this October to three years on charges of defamation and incitement. Eritrea shames Africa with 23 in jail (Ethiopia has 17). Vietnam follows closely with 16 as Egypt and Syria each follow at 12. - See more at: http://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/a-bittersweet-toast-to-all-the-journalists-in-jail.html#sthash.5xLSw9Eq.dpuf

The Unification of Ethiopia & Djibouti will be of Paramount Historical Significance

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

December 17, 2014

The unification of Ethiopia and Djibouti would be a historical reaffirmation of the genetic linkage of the two peoples. I argue that the peoples of Ethiopia and Djibouti are genetically and historically inextricably linked together, not only to imply that their respective countries are geo-politically intertwined, but also to undergird the common heritage, historical experiences, the oneness of cultural ethos, same language, and linguistic semiotics shared by the two peoples on either side of the Ethiopia-Djibouti border. The two main ethnic groups that make up Djibouti are the Afar and Issa, whose ancestral homes are in Ethiopia. Wherever they may be, all Afar people claim Awsa, Ethiopia as the birthplace of their ancestors. Likewise, all Issa (a Somali clan) strongly believe that their original home is Ugaz (in greater Dire Dawa, Ethiopia).

Sovereignty and Democracy in Ethiopia: A Reflection on Gebru Asrat’s Book

Reviewed by Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D. Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California

Over the past forty years, we have been hearing and reading a lot about the Tigrai People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) which dismantled the inhuman and atrocious Military dictatorship that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991. It was not only highly skilled in military operations but was visionary. The impression that was widely circulated was that when the TPLF came to power it would protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty, adhere to the rules of law and ensure that equity and social justice would prevail , and above all democracy would be the norm of Ethiopian society.

Annotated Bibliography of New and Noteworthy Books on Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

We can’t be Silent on the Reality Surrounding Abused Ethiopian Adoptees: Appeal to Diaspora Ethiopia & The Ethiopian Government
December 13, 2014
I want to die in my own country; I don’t want to die in somebody’s country

Abey, Ethiopian homeless in Seattle, Washington
Children with no voice

Pastor Berhanu Seyoum, Mekane Iyesus Ethiopian Church, Seattle, Washington

The Dan Rather video clip on abused adoptees and subsequent homeless Ethiopian teenagers in Seattle, Washington is a wakeup call for all of us Ethiopians. After exchange of ideas and information and discussing the adoption enigma in some detail, we at the Ethiopian Observer and the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) have decided to take a more proactive position on the problem of illegal human trafficking and adoption of apparently orphan Ethiopian children, and use this opportunity to call upon all Ethiopians in the Diaspora and the Ethiopian Government to come up with some novel solution to this invidious problem.

Studies on Contemporary Ethiopian Social Issues
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA)
December 1, 2014
Dedicated to Hanna Lalango ለ ሃና ላላንጎ መታሰብያ
This scholarly article on Ethiopian social issues attempts to fill a lacuna in Ethiopian contemporary social studies with particular focus on social ills that have proliferated in Ethiopia as of recent but ironically underreported by the Ethiopian media. Social problems, including crimes, are not unique to Ethiopia and they are apt to develop, if not mushroom, especially in nascent expanding urban centers. However, we Ethiopians, and especially intellectuals, have historical responsibility to research and study the social problems and influence public policy for the sole purpose of overcoming the problems.

IDEA Rare and Special Collection Books for Sale
Books on Ethiopia, African Studies, African-American Studies, Political Science, Political Economy, International Studies, History, and Literature are available for purchase. Note: Book prices plus shipping and handling are final, and once books are purchased they cannot be returned for refund.

How to Order: Select your title and make check payable to IDEA, Inc. and add $4 for shipping and handling cost (and add $2 for additional copy, i.e. if you order 2 books, mailing cost would be $6; if 3 copies, $8 etc) and mail your check to 975 Mix Ave, Suite 3K, Hamden, Ct 06514. The price for each book is noted against the corresponding title of respective books. For questions:

email webmaster@africanidea.org

Girmay Zahilay: A young man with positive energy and bright future

Giramy Zahilay is a lawyer and recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Born in Gedaref, Sudan, he immigrated to the United States with his family at age three and grew up in Seattle, Washington. He received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 2009. Before Law School, he spent a year working at a law firm in San Francisco, and another year working to fight poverty in America through the Congressional Hunger Center in Washington, DC. During law school, he had the opportunity to intern at the White House and assist President Obama’s legal team by conducting research and writing memos on various legal issues ranging from policy implementation to federal ethics

Ethiopian Culture and Holidays in Adigrat, Ethiopia : EBC Sunday Entertainment Video

Current Issues in Educational Development in Selected African Countries: A Comparative and International Education Perspective
Ghelawdewos Araia October 13, 2014
This article intends to critically examine the state of educational developments in Botswana and South Africa from Southern Africa; Ethiopia and Tanzania from East Africa; Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone from West Africa; and Egypt and Morocco from North Africa. The methodology employed throughout the text of this article is the comparative and international education perspective, but the latter, as some people assume, is not simply about comparisons and contrasts. It goes deeper rather in exploring the educational theory and practice in international context, delves into the purposes of schooling, educational access and opportunities, accountability, as well as professionalism and quality education. The methodology also involves demographic attributes, geographical and economic realities, as well as political and cultural factors.

Obama Praises Development in Ethiopia
Sep 28th, 2014

US-ETHIOPIA-OBAMA-DESALEGN PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I want to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Desalegn and his delegation. When I spoke previously at the Africa Summit about some of the bright spots and progress that we’re seeing in Africa, I think there’s no better example than what has been happening in Ethiopia — one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. We have seen enormous progress in a country that once had great difficulty feeding itself. It’s now not only leading the pack in terms of agricultural production in the region, but will soon be an exporter potentially not just of agriculture, but also power because of the development that’s been taking place there.

The ISIS Factor: What Islamic Jihad Means for Ethiopia and the Rest of Africa
IDEA Viewpoint
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD September 20, 2014
ISIS is the latest mystique obscurity of the Islamic Jihad variety, but Jihad is not novice to Ethiopia and/or the rest of Africa. The acronym ISIS actually should read ISIL meaning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (the geographic area that includes Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and parts of Turkey). The geopolitics of ISIS, though conceptual rather than actual, includes the entire Middle East, all Horn of Africa countries, all North African countries, some African countries, Spain, and countries like Indonesia in South East Asia.
The new ISIL Jihad extremists who gained momentum in destabilized Syria and Iraq have preferred to use the name ISIS, perhaps inadvertently or by design, in order to have a catchy name that corresponds to the ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis (Aset).

Fingerprint Geometric Analysis
Andres J. Washington

Dear Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia

Kahsay Abraha the author of Yeasimba Fikir interview with VOA

Date: Monday, September 8, 2014, 7:28 PM GREEN PEACE TAKES AIM AT SOUTH
AFRICA’S ‘ESKOM’ OVER AIR-BORNE KILLER COAL DUST Sep. 8 (GIN) –

Environmental activists at Green peace Africa have launched a global campaign to block efforts by Eskom, South Africa’s public power utility, to release more polluting coal dust in the air. The dust has been linked to an uptick in premature deaths now estimated at 2,700 every year. Green peace is pushing its campaign in the wake of an application by Eskom to postpone compliance with new minimum emissions standards aimed at reducing the damaging health impacts of air pollution. The new standards will impact the north-eastern Mpumalanga Province where 12 coal-fired power plants are clustered on the western high-altitude

FIGHT OVER SPOILS TURNS DEADLY IN LEADERLESS LESOTHO By Global Infor...

September 03,2014
In the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, encircled by South Africa, there’s trouble in paradise.

Prime Minister Tom Thabane, fearing a military coup, slipped out of the country Saturday night,

to reappear in Johannesburg calling for intervention by that country’s security forces. Thabane believed

he was a target by his coalition partner seeking his ouster so he blocked a no-confidence vote in

parliament and suspended the entire body in June. Lesotho has endured numerous military coups

since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. In the current skirmish, Thabane, 75, commands

the loyalty of the police. The deputy prime minister, Mothetjoa Metsing, has the support of the army. -

LIBERIA CONTENDS WITH EBOLA AS DIASPORANS URGE ‘REGIME CHANGE’

Sep. 2 (GIN) – Photos of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf looking tired or grim suggest the toll the current Ebola epidemic has taken on the 75 year old leader. The crisis, for which the region was ill-prepared, has taken over a thousand lives – some 700 in Liberia - and many of the improvised control strategies appear to have backfired including the quarantining of the overcrowded West Point slum. This week, nurses at Liberia's largest hospital walked off their jobs, demanding better pay and equipment to protect them against the deadly epidemic. "From the beginning of the Ebola outbreak we have not had any protective equipment

TO BE NAMED FOR SIERRA LEONEAN MD WHO TREATED VICTIMS OF EBOLA
Sep. 2 (GIN) -

The family of Sheik Humarr Khan has set up a foundation in his name to help pay for the education of future medical workers and provide support to the families of doctors and nurses who lose their lives in the field, The Lancet, a medical magazine reported in a recent issue. “He was very aware of the dangers of his work, but selflessly worked around the clock to ensure that patients received the best possible standard of care”, said Kristian Andersen, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University.
“He saved the lives of many patients.” Khan, virologist and expert in viral hemorrhagic fevers who led Sierra Leone's Ebola response, died from Ebola in Kailahun, Sierra Leone, on July 29. He was 39.He was born in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on March 6, 1975. Humarr Khan’s brother Alhajie recalled how one day, before school exams, Sheik read the obituary of a German doctor who had come to Sierra Leone to help treat people with Lassa fever. He had contracted the disease and died. Sheik, then 15 years old,

The Art of the Kaizen Approach for Sugar Production in Ethiopia:
Lessons from the Methara Sugar Factory
Asayehgn Desta, Ph.D. Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) deals with fundamental organizational change, or is the great-leap approach to redesigning and retooling. It seeks to bring a radical approach to creating a breakthrough in organizations trapped in outmoded and outdated business processes. Top managers and consultants design new ways of doing things and force companies to go beyond continuous improvement of existing products, services, and processes. Though innovative, BPR is being challenged by some companies looking for a strategic remedy that will contribute to the sustainable improvement of their performance and quality, add value for their customers while minimizing cost and eliminating waste.

Africa News in Brief from Global Information Network
Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 10:09 AM FRENCH FIRM LOSES BID TO OWN
AFRICA’S ‘ROOIBOS’ TRADEMARK Jul 28 (GIN) –South African tea planters won a major victory over European and U.S. Tea dealers this week. They defeated efforts by a French firm to gain control of the name “Rooibos” - a popular tea that grows in South Africa - by trademarking it abroad. Under the agreement, Rooibos, which means ‘red bush’ in Afrikaans, will refer to tea grown in the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape where it’s been farmed for generations. The indigenous shrub-like plant is known for its health benefits, sweet taste and many uses. These include herbal teas, fruit juices and other foodstuffs, as well as healthy and beauty products.

SURVIVORS OF ‘BIAFRA WAR’ IN NEW PUSH FOR REPARATIONS
Jul. 14 (GIN) – Survivors of the Nigerian civil war that raged for 3 years and whose horror was captured in

unforgettable photographic images that shocked the world have renewed their demand for compensation for

the suffering of those years.
Ndigbos, a socio-cultural Igbo group, were cut down in a brutal war that followed years of political wrangling among three regional-political sectors joined in an uneasy alliance by British colonialists. The newly-independent Nigeria consisted of Yoruba, Igbo and Muslim Hausas. After a deadly coup and counter-coup, the Igbos declared their intention to breakaway and form a sovereign republic called Biafra. Their intention triggered a war against the new republic which had minimal defenses. A military blockade of the Biafrans in 1968 led to a humanitarian disaster including widespread civilian hunger and starvation in the besieged Igbo areas. The Biafrans claimed that Nigeria used hunger and genocide to win the war, and they sought aid from the outside world. Only five countries (Tanzania, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia and Haiti) officially recognized the endangered Biafra republic.

CHILD MARRIAGE – NIGERIA’S OTHER SCOURGE
Jun. 30 (GIN) – Nearly 300 school-age girls are still in the hands of Boko Haram, a Nigerian terrorist group, but they’re not the only group of young women yanked from school against their will and made to work at the beck and call of husbands they did not choose. A new exposé rips Nigeria for its record number of child brides – some as young as 9.
According to the U.N. Population Fund, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

May 31, 2014

Book Launching and Discussion on Contemporary Ethiopia

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) is proud to announce the launching of Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia’s book, Ethiopia: Democracy, Devolution of Power, and The Developmental State in Washington DC on June 28, 2014.

IDEA encourages all Ethiopians and scholars on Ethiopia in the Washington DC Metro Area to join the fascinating discussion on contemporary Ethiopia. Professor Haile Gerima will introduce the book signing ceremony and Dr. Araia will engage the audience in a lively and interactive intellectual discussion.

Venue: Sanfoka Video and Books, 2714 Georgia Ave, Washington DC 20001

Time: Saturday June 28 at 3 pm

‘INVEST IN OUR GIRLS,’ SAYS LIBERIA’S ‘MA ELLEN,’ IF AFRICA IS TO RISE
Jun. 16 (GIN) – In an open letter dated June 16 – the International Day of the African Child – Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf warned there would be no “Africa Rising” without a serious “investment in our girls.”
The key cornerstone to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges is through providing a quality education to all children, especially girls, the former World Bank official known as “Ma Ellen” declared.
“To not invest in and prioritize girls' education, we as African leaders are telling our women that we do not care,” she said. “As one of those women, I will not accept this and I urge all our leaders to invest in our children's future. Investing in girls' education is not only a moral imperative, it is a smart investment.”
The Liberian leader noted that Africa had the dubious distinction of having the highest rate of girls not in school and in sub-Saharan Africa nearly four out of five poor rural girls are not completing primary school.

HASHTAG’ CAMPAIGN FOR KIDNAPPED GIRLS SPARKS DISPUTE
Jun. 9 (GIN) – Is the social media campaign to bring back the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls an effective tool to win their freedom or just trending until the next big thing comes along? That’s the question heating up the news wires with rescue efforts at an apparent standstill and new dramas coming on the media stage.
Staff writer Joshua Keating in Slate.com was among the questioners. He compared #BringBackOurGirls to the #StopKony campaign of 2012. “Stop Kony was the most successful viral video in history and succeeded in making Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army internationally famous,” he wrote.
But the video had flaws. “It not only fudged basic facts of geography and chronology, but failed to provide viewers with any social, political or economic context for Kony’s violence,” Keating said.

NEW PRESIDENT OF MALAWI TAKES POWER UNDER FELONY CLOUD

June 2 (GIN) – In his second try for elected office, Peter Mutharika captured the winning margin of victory and edged out Malawi’s first woman president – Joyce Banda.

The 74 year old Mutharika, brother of a former president, was declared the victor last week in a disputed election. But he comes into office under a cloud, accused of attempting a constitutional coup two years ago by hiding the death of his brother, President Bingu wa Mutharika, in order to block Mrs. Banda – then vice-president – from assuming the presidency.
When President Bingu wa Mutharika suffered a cardiac arrest on April 5, 2012, brother Peter allegedly pushed forward a measure allowing him to become President, overriding the constitution. A secret meeting to swear him in failed and Mrs. Banda was elevated to the top job.

The Passing of an African American Giant in Literary and Political Movements: Maya Angelou 1928-2014

May 28, 2014

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) extends its condolence to the immediate and extended families of Maya Angelou and celebrates her life as jack-of-all-trades and quintessential poet laureate. Maya Angelou became famous with her first book entitled I know Why the Caged Bird Sings; she directed Down in the Delta, a film that made her famous, and the whole world also witnessed when she came to read a poem for the presidential election of Bill Clinton in 1993.

Melvin Donalson in his book CORNERSTONES: An Anthology of African American Literature tells us how Maya sees herself in her own words: “for the black voice and any ear which can hear it. As a composer writes for musical instruments and a choreographer creates for the body, I search for sound, tempos, and rhythms to ride through the vocal cord over the tongue and out the lips of Black people…I write because I am a black woman, listening attentively to her talking people.”

May 20, 2013
In light of Egypt's leader, Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi plan to visit Ethiopia, the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) recommends Ethiopian policy makers to make reflections on an editorial entitled Egypt has no choice but to cooperate with Ethiopia, published on June 12, 2013. IDEA also encourages its subscribers to re-read the said editorial and come up with constructive ideas in an effort to support the Ethiopian people's initiative to construct and complete the Grand Renaissance Dam. The editorial, written almost a year ago, can be accessed by the following link: www.africanidea.org/Egypt_has_no_choice.html

ATTENTION UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, INSTITUTIONS, and Bibliophiles
Seize the moment for a highly acclaimed book entitled ETHIOPIA: Democracy, Devolution of Power, and The Developmental State
Author: Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia
ISBN: 978-0-578-12124-6
Paperback
Publisher and distributor: Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA)
Price: $30 plus $5 for shipping and handling
For book order, please visit www.africanidea.org and for contacting the publisher you may email via webmaster@africanidea.org or call (203) 747-2763, (203) 789-1990, and (203) 537-0240. Libraries and other institutions should send their order number, mail address, email, and phone number in order to expedite delivery. The book has been reviewed in many blogs and websites, including Amazon and the author has enjoyed several book launch and reception events at higher institutions of learning including Teachers College, Columbia University.
Please see attachment for book image

Creating Territorial Boundaries to Design the Political Order of
Self- rule and Shared-rule of Federal Units: A Review
Desta, Aayehgn, Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California
Federation involves a territorial division of power between constituent units – sometimes called provinces, cantons, possibly cities and states, and the central government (Watts, 1998). In other words, federalism may be defined as a form of governmental and institutional structure designed by the will of the stakeholders to maintain unity while also preserving diversity (Odion, 2011). The main characteristics of federalism include: 1) political power that is structurally dispersed among centers of authority to encourage both self and shared rule; 2) subordinate units prescribed by areas of jurisdiction that cannot be invaded by the central authority; 3) leaders of subordinate units who draw their power heavily from local sources independent of the central authority; 4) governmental institutions of the sub-units that have democratic rights to choose their own officials and develop (by forming their own constitution, symbols, anthems, etc) their own policies within their areas of jurisdiction; 5) leaders and representatives of each sub-unit who possess a legally protected base from which they can voice their opposition to the central authority; and 6) governors of each unit chosen not by the ruling political party but are elected by local residents ( Feeley,1994).

Yohannes IV of Ethiopia: A Political Biography

Revised Edition, The Red Sea Press 2014

Authored by Zewde Gabre-Sellassie, PhD

Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

May 6, 2014

Zewde Gabre-Sellassie’s book pioneered in fully exploring and documenting the political biography of Emperor Yohannes in detail and in depth. Other books on Yohannes include that of Bairu Tafla’s Chronicle of Yohannes IV: 1872-1889; Tekle Tsadiq Mekuria’s Atse Yohannes ‘na Ya Ethiopia Andinet (Emperor Yohannes and the Unity of Ethiopia); and Mamo Wudneh’s Yohannes (fiction in Amharic), not to mention numerous articles including mine entitled The Martyred King of Kings: Emperor Yohannes IV that I wrote in 2006 (www.africanidea.org/atse_yohannes.pdf) .The Red Sea Press posthumously published Yohannes IV of Ethiopia: A Political Biography, first put out by the Clarendon Press in 1975, now revised and updated by the author. The book is organized into thirteen chapters and supplemented by nine appendices that greatly enriched the respective chapters and more specifically the historical themes of the text, and this becomes handy for the casual reader as well as the scholar engaged in serious research.

Nigeria holds up release of highly acclaimed film by popular novelist
Apr. 28 (GIN) – A new film based on the highly-praised novel by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi has run into “regulatory issues” from Nigerian censors who have delayed its release

South African who fought toxic waste dumping wins environmental prize
By Alessandra Scipione
Apr. 28 (GIN) - A South African environmentalist Desmond D’sa has been awarded the 2014 Goldman Environmental Prize. Desmond D'Sa, a community leader and co-founder of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance in 1996, campaigned against toxic waste dumping in South Durban, a poor but highly industrialized area, finally successfully obtaining the closure of the chemical dump.
SOMALI MOTHER OF STOWAWAY TEEN WEEPS TO LEARN OF HIS RISKY FLIGHT
Apr. 18 (GIN) – The mother of the 14 year old boy who risked death to stow away in the wheel well of a plane bound for Hawaii wept upon learning of his life-threatening adventure. Ubah Mohamed Abdullahi, who lives in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, says it was the first news she had heard about her lost son for six years.
South Africa Celebrates 20 Years Of Democracy
Bill Chappell
People attend South Africa's Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, with the federal Union Building in the background Sunday. The day marks the end of the apartheid era, when all races went to the polls to vote in historic 1994 elections. President Jacob Zuma led Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria Sunday, as South Africa marked the 20th anniversary of democratic rule. The nation held its first general elections in 1994, when voters sent Nelson Mandela to the presidency with a resounding win that helped the country distance itself from the scourge of apartheid.

Uniting A Continent:
A Celebration of the Organization of African Unity
Dr. Gelawdewos,
As our community of supporters have propelled Tsehai for the past decade, we look to nourish and expand even further. Today we launch a month-long Indiegogo campaign to support the publication of our newest project, Uniting a Continent. Indiegogo is an online crowd-funding website that allows projects to be funded through a word-of-mouth approach, which incorporates the individual donor as essential to the project's completion. Uniting a Continent is a beautifully designed and informative book that chronicles the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of each African nation. We believe this book will contribute to the telling of a story that needs to be told, one that will continue to be told by future generations.

Alliance and Alienation

Ethiopia and Israel in the Days of Haile Selassie

Authored by Haggai Erlich, PhD The Red Sea Press, 2014

Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD April 17, 2014

Haggai Erlich is a renowned Israeli historian and an Ethiopianist, and this is not the first time he is writing about Ethiopia. One of his excellent books on Ethiopia put out by the Lynne Rienner Publishers in 1986 is Ethiopia and the Challenge of Independence. What makes Alliance and Alienation different is the fact that the book is heavily focused on diplomacy and intelligence with respect to the Ethiopian-Israeli relations. The book also provides the reader some secretly conducted diplomatic ventures and investments of the Israeli Government as well as the unofficial sojourn of Israeli leaders in Ethiopia.

Alliance and Alienation
Ethiopia and Israel in the Days of Haile Selassie PDF format

The Misdirection of Healthcare Facilities:
Don’t You Need to Wake up Before it's Too Late?
Professor Desta, Asayehgn
While the fundamentals of human rights place health services as indispensable for the exercise of other human rights conducive to living a life of dignity, the human capital theory locates health as fundamental to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the labor force. Given these as fundamental rights of health services, it is disheartening to note that a number of policy makers in a number of developing countries don’t seem to have a sustained political will to allocate their limited heath sector budget to providing accessible health care facilities for their citizens.

HOPES OF QUICK AND EASY VICTORY FADE FOR EMBATTLED ANC

Apr. 14 (GIN) – As the May 7 election day in South Africa nears, former friends and allies of the ruling African National Congress are betting that voters will follow them out of the party or at least send a strong message that the country’s current direction is not good enough.

A number of veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle and former government leaders have even launched a “Vote NO!” campaign that could dash ANC hopes for a quick and easy win.

Among the veterans is former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, former deputy health minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge and other ANC stalwarts.

The Ground Water Potential of the North African Region and the Nile Issue

Asmamaw Temesgen was a native of Lake Tana Region, source of the Abay River, April 7, 2014.
This article was designed to provide a brief overview on the Geo-scientific information and the economic potential of the enormous natural water reserves in the North African Region. Focus was made to the growing water resource demands of the region, particularly on the “Nile River Saga”. The writer has a Geo-scientific back ground and aims to draw more attention to some of the relevant information about the ground water potential of the region that has not been covered from the Egyptian’s standpoint. He also tries to connect the information gap and aspects that has to be dealt with, when dealing the Nile Issue. Furthermore, it is to allow the readers to understand the importance of a massive water potential in the North African Region.

BLUE NILE MONOLOGUE
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD April 3, 2014
I was born millions of years ago

Perhaps 180 million years geological timeline
When Gondwanaland broke up
During the Mesozoic period
When crustal extension took place
Beyond the Lake ŢanaNear the mountain called Denquez

On behalf of the Institute of Development and Education for

Africa (IDEA), Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia will soon begin reviewing

several books on Ethiopia and two of the books whose

image is shown here, 'Alliance and Alienation' by Haggai Erlich and

'Yohannes IV of Ethiopia' (revised edition) by Zewde Gebre-Selassie

will be the first to be reviewed. Readers interested in purchasing the books can directly contact the the publisher at the address below:

The Red Sea Pres, Inc.

541 W. Ingham Ave. Suite B Trenton, Nj 08638

(609) 695-3200

awprsp@verizon.net http://www.africaworldpressbooks.com/

The Battle of Adwa, African Victory in the Age of Empire: A Reflection

Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D, Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Dominican University of California

Introduction
The defeat of Italy by Ethiopia on March 1, 1896 at the Battle of Adwa, then the vibrant capital of Tigrai, not only demonstrated the resilience and patriotism of Ethiopians but also made Ethiopia the steward of future hopes for the emancipation of the other nations that were subjugated under foreign rule. For example, Japan, used Ethiopia’s experience as its model and developed a strategy to fight against Russia in 1904. However, for a number of the European colonialists, when they heard that Italy was defeated by the heroic Ethiopian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, they were surprised and humiliated that members of the white race had lost. They suddenly had to rethink their ideas and policies about Africa being predominantly inhabited by primitive people that needed colonial rule in order to advance into a modern world.

TEACHERS COLLEGE | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Vice President’s Office for Diversity and Community Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs, African Alumni Club of Columbia University
A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA PH.D
A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR
DR. GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA

Two more colossal pharaoh statues unveiled in Egypt
March 25, 2014
By Jay Deshmukh, Riad Abou Awad
The Daily Star
Archaeologists unveiled two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt's famed temple city of Luxor Sunday, adding to an existing pair of world-renowned tourist attractions. The temple is already famous for its existing 3,400-year-old Memnon colossi – twin statues of Amenhotep III, whose reign archaeologists say marked the political and cultural zenith of ancient Egyptian civilization

March 5, 2014

The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) is seeking help from the Ethiopian Diaspora and other donors

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. would like to encourage its subscribers to extend financial contributions to ECDC’s Axumite Heritage Foundation (AHF) library project at Aksum, Ethiopia. The construction of the library had begun in 2010 but AHF was unable to complete its project due to financial constraints. IDEA has deep appreciation to ECDC and AHF’s initiatives and strongly believes that this great purpose needs the support of all of us.

Folder Header: Nepotism and misappropriation as management practices within the African Peer Review Mechanism
By Ramata Sore ramata.sore@gmail.com
Since its inception, the credibility of the APRM was based on a Panel of independent persons. This Panel led the assessments of the countries that are members of the institution. And these assessments were free from political pressures and manipulations. And in the course of its actions, the Panel was supported by a technically competent and motivated Secretariat. Thus, the assessment reports on governance have enabled many African citizens to participate in political debates in their respective countries, as said the Senegalese Marie-Angelique Savane, one of the former leaders of this structure.

The Ethiopia Eritrea No War No Peace Situation has to End

The Horn of Africa is the most conflict ridden region in the world. The people and the land are devastated by endless wars. The de facto no war no peace policy that has persisted between Ethiopia and Eritrea for the last 13 years affects the lives of millions in both countries and the stability of the whole region. Bringing this conflict to a peaceful resolution is of paramount importance.

The devastating 1998 - 2000 war between Ethiopia and Eritrea cost billions of dollars in infrastructure damage, missed investment opportunities and lost aid, claimed about 100,000 lives, and dislocated millions of people. Instead of the end of the war bringing peace, for the last fourteen years the policy of both countries has been “no war no peace.” As bad as open war is, an endless no war no peace situation is insufferable.

Overcoming Water Scarcity Problem in Ethiopia

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

March 12, 2014 መጋቢት 3 2006

In anticipation of World Water Day, which will be observed on March 22, the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) presents ideas and strategies to overcome the problem of water scarcity and water public works in Ethiopia. It may sound paradoxical for Ethiopians (the people of the Blue Nile) to go thirsty when their country, in fact, is the source of all waters that replenish the gift of life for the neighboring peoples. But, that is the stark reality now. Therefore, this Amharic article proposes several methods to solve water shortage problems in Ethiopian communities and IDEA hopes they will be implemented and effectively reverse the current problem that has afflicted many districts in the country.

February 10, 2014
What happened to the African Renaissance?
Postliberation Eritrea
Special issue of the journal Africa Today, Volume 60.2
Guest editor: Tekle M. Woldemikael AFT-60_2-Cover-1
Twenty years ago, Eritrea conducted a successful referendum, gaining independent state status. It received recognition as a new African Renaissance state, and was on the forefront of African renewal and rebirth, which included the nations of South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, and Ethiopia as well. This occurred after many gloomy years of pessimism about progress,

Ethiopia: The Monastery At Debre Damo - History the Origin of Ethiopian Self-Confidence
By Richard Dowden, 25 February 2014
allAfrica Analysis

No wonder the monastery at Debre Damo has survived unmolested for some 900 years among the vast Tigrayan Mountains of Northern Ethiopia. Getting to it is arduous - the last stretch is achieved via an 80 foot rope. A few feet from the top my arms gave out and I couldn't move. I dangled desperately searching for a foothold. There wasn't one. The drop was dizzying. After what seemed like an hour, I felt the second rope, made of strips of cowhide stitched together, take my weight and I was ignominiously pulled up to the ledge. The strong young monk who had hauled me up took my trembling hand and greeted me formally.

Wretched of the Earth Ethiopian Genius

February 26, 2014

The Ancient Egyptian Kemetic creation theory and the Big Bang creation theory of the universe have something in common: Void. Out of nothing (empty space) came out something. This Ethiopian genius, whose name is Ishak Ayiris also came out from an impoverished Ethiopian parents, who had nothing and who were in fact wretched of the earth, to borrow Fanon’s book title. Ishak has now a bright future and the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), with pleasure, brings the story of Ishak Ayiris to the attention of its readers. Please read!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/eton-college-council-estate-kid-3185903

Critique on and Supplement to Bank Sector Reform in Ethiopia
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD February 24, 2014
This essay, as its title suggests, intends to critique and supplement Bank Sector Reform in Ethiopia by Drs. Desta Asayehgn and Admassu Bezabeh that was published by (IDEA) Inc. (www.africanidea.org/Banking_sector_in_Ethiopia.html). I found their abstract interesting, especially in some parts where the authors present sound arguments and are leveled against government policies as constructive criticism, and I will endorse the ideas that I agree with. On some of their ideas, however, I have different views, reservations and disagreements; hence I will critique those ideas in an effort to make input and insight for future considerations.

Banking Sector Reform in Ethiopia: An Abstract

Admassu Bezabeh, Ph.D, School of Business and Leadership, Dominican University of California San Rafael, California

Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D. School of Business and Leadership , Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California.

The fragile and inefficient state-dominated banking sector that existed in Ethiopia during the military government (1974-1991) was a major hindrance to economic growth. Since it took power in 1991, the current government has implemented a number of reforms. For instance, in 1994, the government legalized domestic private investment in the banking industry. In addition, it restructured the two development banks as commercial banks, and introduced a new Banking and Monetary Proclamation that gave more autonomy and further clarified the National Bank of Ethiopia’s activities as the regulator and supervisor of the banking sector.

Economist:

Manufacturing in Africa: An Awakening Giant
February 7, 2014
A quiet boom in manufacturing in Africa is already taking place. Farming and services are still dominant, backed by the export of commodities, but new industries are emerging in a lot of African countries." Less than an hour's drive outside Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, a farmer walks along a narrow path on a green valley floor after milking his cows. Muhammad Gettu is carrying two ten-litre cans to a local market, where he will sell them for less than half of what they would fetch at a dairy in the city. Sadly, he has no transport. A bicycle sturdy enough to survive unpaved tracks would be enough to double his revenues. At the moment none is easily available. But that may be about to change. A construction boom is fostering access to high-voltage power. The spread of mobile telephony, including mobile banking, helps small suppliers struggling with overheads. IBM, an American computer giant with an eye on Africa, goes so far as to say that “software is the manufacturing of the future”. Consumers will still want to buy hardware, but growing local demand is creating a market for African app and software developers

Prof. Shibru Tedla at Meet ETV with Tefera Gedamu
A conversation with Prof. Shibru Tedla, Executive Director, Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) by Tefera Gedamu : Meet ETV

Ethiopian Foreign Policy & How the Delicate Balance of diplomacy and negotiation should be maintained

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

IDEA Editorial January 25, 2014

Since the beginnings of people-to-people and state-to-state interaction thousands of years ago, the Horn of Africa has always been a troubled region and by comparison the most volatile and unstable area in Africa. The impetus behind these continuous conflicts is partly induced by geopolitics and foreign intervention and partly engendered by complex mode of productions as well as the mindset and lack of vision of the people

In vigilant defense of press freedom
The Ethiopian Reporter
Article 29 of the Ethiopian constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of the press and provides that the press shall, as an institution, enjoy legal protection to ensure its operational independence and its capacity to entertain diverse opinions. This provision is a replica of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Article 29 enshrines the right to hold opinions without interference, as well as the right to freedom of expression without any interference including freedom to seek, receive and impart information through any medium of one’s choice. It also prohibits any form of censorship and stipulates that any citizen who violates any legal limitations on the exercise of these rights may be held liable under the law.

የመጽሃፍ ግምገማ

A Special Love for Assimba: A Psychological Catharsis for 'Kahsay Abraha Besrat'

Asayehgn Desta, Sarlo Distinguished Professor Sustainable Economic Development

January 4, 2014, I drove from San Rafael to Oakland, California, for about forty-five minutes to have a get-together dinner with one of my best friends, Kidane Haile and learn more about the innovative projects that he is undertaking in Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco. In the course of our discussion, the owner of the restaurant came and showed us a book entitled “Ya Assimba Fekere” or My Special Love for Assimba.”

King Menelik Has Investments Here November 7, 1909

Abyssinia’s Ruler said to be a Heavy Buyer of America Railways Stock

Today the Abyssinian ruler has extended the range of his financial operations to the United States, and is a heavy investor in American Railroads. What with his American Securities and his French and Belgian mining investments. Menelik has a private fortune estimated at no less than twenty- five million dollars.

Ethiopia aims to create new generation of entrepreneurs
By James Jeffrey
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Damenech Zewudie decided it was time to strike out on her own after 33 years working in secretarial and administrative roles for various employers in Addis Ababa.Now she is the proud owner of a two-month-old business selling injera, the large, thin pancake-like staple which is the base of almost every Ethiopian meal."I never used to think about owning a business," Ms Damenech says. "Then I saw how no-one was selling injera where I live - so I took a chance." state-run training and support scheme called the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP).

Accession Number: MO 63.1306

Collection: Gifts from Heads of State

Title: Filigree Bowl

Maker: Maker unknown

Date(s) of Materials: ca. 1960

Place Made: Ethiopia

Medium: Silver, gold plate

Dimensions: 16 3/8"

Description: Footed bowl decorated with eighteen pierced and filigreed lobes of silver. Applied to the rim are gold filigree flowers and a gold crest of His Imperial Majesty.

Historical Note: This bowl was presented to President John F. Kennedy by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia (1930-1974), during his state visit to the White House in October 1963.

Gifter: Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia (1930-1974)

Digital Identifier: JFKSG-MO-1963-1306

Subject(s): Gifts

Heads of state

Person(s): Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, 1892-1975

Place(s): Africa

Ethiopia Source http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKSG-MO-1963-1306.aspx

Reflections on Africa Competitiveness Report 2013

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

December 27, 2013

The Africa Competitiveness Report 2013, put out by the World Economic Forum (WE Forum), is a comprehensive analysis and critique of the overall development status of thirty-eight African countries. It has also recommendations on how Africa can uplift itself and successfully become part of the global economy. Based on the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) data base and recommendations, the Report makes a thorough assessment of African countries’ economic parameters, ranging from their use of information technology to regional integration in the context of other successful countries outside Africa, as well as developed nations that could become major foreign direct investment (FDI) potentials.

Urgent UN-AU Task Force is needed to quell the South Sudan Unrest
December 19, 2013
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's concern is to be appreciated, but beyond expressions of concerns and admonishes the United Nations and the African Union should establish an emergency task force to intervene in South Sudan before the country descends into an all out civil war. The current skirmish between the forces of President Salva Kiiri and the forces of the ousted Vice President Riek Machar cannot be simply viewed in the context of power struggle; it could easily degenerate into ethnic wars between the Dinka (Kiiri's people) and the Nuer (Machar's people). If the current infighting is not somehow mitigated by a joint UN-AU task force, bloody ethnic clashes could ensue in the predominantly Nuer territory of Likuangola state, which is adjacent to the Gambella Regional State of Ethiopia, and this part of the Horn of Africa may once again witness ethnic cleansing.
Almost a year ago, that is, on January 9, 2012 the Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) posted a viewpoint entitled “The Tragedy of South Sudan” and we invite our subscribers to read what we have then anticipated: www.africanidea.org/South_Sudan_tragedy.html

'GAME CHANGERS' OF IDENTITY POLITICS IN ETHIOPIA

I am gratified to have this book in my possession and I must thank, first, Gedion Wolde Amanuel for compiling the many articles and essays, including mine that make up the text of this work, and second A. Asamnew for mailing the book to my address. The book is dedicated to Wallelign Mekonnen and Marta Mebrahtu, and more specifically to the 40th anniversary of the sacrifice of these two prominent student leaders. Although the book is for Wallelign and Marta, it also extends credit to all Ethiopian students who equally paid sacrifices for a better Ethiopia.

Tribute to Nelson Madiba Mandela
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
December 5, 2013

The great Nelson Mandela has departed; he left us for good but his soul, his ideas, and his openly declared determination for the liberation of his fellow Africans lives on. He himself foretold his passing when he remarked on the death of Walter Sisulu ten years ago. Sisulu’s “passing was not unexpected,” said Mandela, “we had long passed the age when either of us would protest against the brevity of life.”
I made reference to the above quote in my eulogy article entitled “Sharing Nelson Mandela’s Grief over the Death of Walter Sisulu” in 2003. In that article, this is what I said in part: I like to share Nelson Mandela’s moving tribute to Walter Sisulu who died on May 6, 2003.In direct contrast to some African leaders who suffer from kleptomania and low self-esteem, Mandela and Sisulu rank among the best and the brightest Africa has ever produced. These two great Africans were comrades-in-arms for more than six decades, whose unflinching stand in the struggle for free South Africa have proved to the world their unparalleled heroism and altruism.

Clash of Civilizations Conundrum and Controversy in The Ethiopian Context
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
December 4, 2013

This essay is intended to address some important issues surrounding 'clash of civilizations' as discussed by Seife Hailu in his article entitled "Is the war of the west equal to the war on the rest? What can we learn from the anti-Ethiopians "wars" in Saudi Arabia?" This article was posted on www.tigraionline.com on November 20, 2013. I am interested in thematically highlighting the points I have concerns with only. Otherwise, the author has done a good job in his overall approach to solving or dealing with a problem, and I like to extend my gratitude to him. In the latter spirit, thus, I am going to make some input by way of critiquing the conceptual framework of "A Clash of Civilization".

Saudi Arabia should be expelled from the UN & Ethiopia should take Serious Diplomatic Measures

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

IDEA Editorial

November 12, 2013

The rape of Ethiopian women Ã©migrÃ© and the physical assault and murder of young Ethiopian men by Saudi thugs on November 11, 2013 is unacceptable, unconscionable, and downright the height of brutality and savagery unparalleled in recent memory. The attack perpetrated by hundreds, if not thousands, of mob gangsters against few innocent Ethiopians was committed under the watch of the Saudi authorities and the latter should be held responsible for the injuries sustained by young Ethiopians and the death of some in the so-called land of the birthplace of Muhammad. Where did the Saudis get this jumbled bias that made them act like wild beasts and take unfettered measures against helpless Ethiopians? One obvious factor that could have contributed to the Saudis negative image of Ethiopians could be the fact that Christian Ethiopians were predominant in the socioeconomic and political realms for thousands of years. I canÂ’t think of any other additional factor that could have contributed to the irrational hatred of Ethiopians.

EXPULSION OF SAUDI ARABIA FROM THE UNITED NATIONS
By Tecola W. Hagos
I. Trafficking in Persons: Slavery
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the fifth annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report on Friday, June 3, 2005 at the State Department. The Report pointed out fourteen Countries around the world as the worst violators of human rights involving trafficking in young women and children as domestics, prostitutes, and farm hands. The hypocrisy of the Bush government is quite jarring, since only a couple of months earlier President Bush, RiceÂ’s boss, was pictured proudly holding the bloody hands of would-be-king Abdullah, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia whose government had just beheaded eight young Somali men a month earlier on conviction of Â“armed robberyÂ” under a crude discriminatory legal system.

World Wide Solidarity for the Crying Eritrean Mother
IDEA, Inc. Editorial
November 7, 2013

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA, Inc.) is calling upon every human being with conscience to extend solidarity and sympathy to the crying Eritrean mothers, epitomized by the courageous mother Weizero Asgedet in the Rome demonstration that came to our attention by Assena Radio. Weizero Asgedet vented on the powers-that-be, who are indirectly the cause for the death of the 365 Eritrean victims at Lampedusa; she was angry, forceful and eloquent, and in just few minutes she reached out the world by her megaphone; she was not literally crying while talking but there is no doubt that her heart was bleeding.

The Suffering of Women in the Two Sudans
October 30, 2013
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA, Inc.) has serious concerns about the violence directed by the powers-that-be against the people of Sudan in general and women in particular in the two Sudans. This is not the first time IDEA, Inc. has brought the issue of violence and genocide in the Sudan to the attention of its subscribers. Back in 2007, IDEA presented "Darfur Should Exemplify the End of All Violence in Africa" http://youtu.be/KOafMZGHkZs

Dear Professor Ghelawdewos,

I just read your review of the fascinating book Tower in the Sky by Hiwot Teffera. Incidentally, I came across it right after I finished reading the book, which I acquired a few days ago. Even though I am long behind you in school and tertiary education, which I completed during the time of the military junta, I can somehow relate myself to the mayhem and murder of that time that affected and ruined the lives of thousands. As a student of Woizero Siheen High School in Dessie, from which hailed those prominent student movement leaders you mentioned, my long standing aspirations and hopes during my elementary school time were not matched by what we encountered during our stay at Woizero Siheen. In those years of 1976/77, when I was a 10th and 11th grade student, teachers and students of the school used to be killed and thrown on the streets like street dogs knocked down by vehicles, as a result of which attending classes was mostly a rare occasion.

Reposted for the 75th Anniversary of Italy's Fascist Crimes in Ethiopia.

Ghelawdewos Araia

This essay will make a brief historical synopsis and analysis of the crimes perpetrated by the Italian fascists against the Ethiopian people in the 1930s. At this particular juncture, it may sound ironic to revisit the crimes against humanity committed in Ethiopia by Fascist henchmen like Marshall Pietro Badoglio and Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, but sometimes the past contends with the present especially if justice has not been served and no official apologies extended by state and/or religious leaders of the perpetrator nation.This essay is also aimed at reinforcing the Global Alliance for Ethiopia, a group of EthiopiansÂ’ initiative in an effort to convince the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI to apologize to Ethiopians as he has done to the Jews in Germany with respect to the Holocaust committed by the Nazis. As a matter of fact, one of the members of the Global Alliance for Ethiopia, Ato Kidane Alemayehu has written a letter to the Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (Vatican_Apology_to_Ethiopia.doc) but to this day no answer was given.

Tower In The Sky

Authored by Hiwot Teffera

Addis Ababa University Press, 2012

Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

October 17, 2013

Hiwot Teffera has produced a very powerful, scintillating, and captivating book on the Ethiopian PeopleÂ’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and the Ethiopian Revolution. It all began with the authorÂ’s exposure to the uncharted waters of political philosophy and ideology when one time student leader and revolutionary, Getachew Maru, whom she affectionately calls Â“my heroÂ”, baptized her. Tower In The Sky is an enduring literary power, especially for the Ethiopian generation that was engaged in protracted wars against the feudo-bourgeois regime of Haile Selassie and the most brutal Derg regime in Ethiopian history.

New Book on Ethiopia
October 15 2013

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA, Inc.) is delighted to announce a new book on Ethiopia entitled The Ethiopian Student Movement and The National Question: Theory and Practice 1950-1980
Selected and Introduced by Ayalew Yimam (Mukhtar)
Foreword by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia
Readers interested in purchasing the book should contact Ayalew Yimam at ayimam@verizon.com

The International Criminal Court and African LeadersÂ’ Concern
IDEA Editorial
October 11, 2013

The precursor to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 that was called upon by the Commission of Responsibilities. The Paris Conference initiative to establish an international tribunal, however, did not gain currency until the League of Nations addressed the issue again on November 1937, in which only thirteen countries signed but the idea of finding a permanent international tribunal was not ratified. Nevertheless, the idea persisted and this time it was precipitated by the Nuremberg Trials and the Tokyo Tribunals presided over by the Allied Forces following WWII. By 1950, the UN General Assembly was poised to establish an international tribunal, but this initiative too was circumvented by the Cold War.

Political Socialization in the era of Globalization in Ethiopian Schools

Desta, Asayehgn, Ph. D. Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development

Abstract:

In contrast to other socialization agencies such as the family, peer groups, religious institutions and the tribal elders, and mass media, there is no doubt that schooling commands nearly undivided attention of students for long hours over many years and remains the most controllable channel for important cognitive and affective political socialization. During Haile SelassieÂ’s regime (1930-1974) in Ethiopia, in addition to regarding education as one of the major players for training and the development of human resources essential for economic growth, the overarching goal of public schooling has been to build national pride, a strong common national identity dominated by one ethnic group, obedience to rules and laws, and the development of respect espousing legitimacy for government and the political institution.

Africans Live On A Continent Owned by Europeans!
By: Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN
Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 at 1:10 pm.
face-of-the-african-diasporaThe Dream of Europeans is to transform the whole continent into South Africa or Kenya, where a white minority owns and controls the local economy, while Africans are just good like consumers or their servants. The subject is uncomfortable but we need to talk about it, otherwise we will wake up with more Robert Mugabe who is doing a great job redressing centuries of white minority domination and exploitation of Zimbabwean people.LetÂ’s take a look at South Africa, a country where the white minority makes less than 10% of the population but owns more than 80% South African lands and economy. They didnÂ’t buy those lands.

ETHIOPIA: Democracy, Devolution of Power, & The Developmental State
Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) 2013
Authored by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
Reviewed by Tariku Debretsion
Review first published on Amazon September 21, 2013

This book is an essential reading for all who are interested to study and act on the transformation of the Ethiopian state. For far too long, the policies and actions of the elites in power have been directed by existential instinct to cling to power indefinitely, while the oppositions were primarily concerned as to how to ascend to power in the shortest possible time. These have been the linchpins of the vicious cycle of violence that has dragged the nation into the abbeys of misery. The essential question is power for whom and what? Flowery manifestos have been written, ideologies hailed, revolution heralded, savage wars fought and victories declared, yet a modicum of change has occurred in the hapless lives of the people, the bureaucratic institutions and economic edifices.

My Life: My Vision for the Oromo and Other Peoples of Ethiopia
The Red Sea Press, 2013
Authored by Bulcha Demeksa
Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
September 19, 2013
Obbo Bulcha, dubbiin kun maal isini fayyadhaa?
As the title of the book clearly implies, the book is an autobiography but it is also about what the author wants to write on what he knows and believes about the Oromo, as he aptly puts it in the preface of the book. Upon reading the book, I have come to conclude that Bulcha Demeksa is honest and candid in his analysis of the Ethiopian phenomenon. At times he vents anger toward the oppressive machinery that mistreated and exploited the Oromo and other Ethiopian minority nationalities; unlike other Oromo nationalists, however, Bulcha is very much concerned about the Ethiopian nation as he is very much interested in promoting the self-determination of the Oromo people. In this sense, thus, the book is more of advocacy for the cause of the Oromo rather than solicit vision as the subtitle of the book indicates.

Nigeria: The Good News about Economic Growth and Competitiveness
By Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, 13 September 2013
guest column
Washington, DC Â— The World Economic Forum's 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), as reported 4 September, 2013 [Premium Times] on allAfrica.com, highlighted various countries, including Nigeria. It is important to put the article into the proper context. Since the global economic crisis of 2009, Nigeria has performed better than most countries and still enjoys a 6.1 per cent GDP growth rate despite a drop in the price of oil, its major export. Nigeria maintains single-digit inflation at around 8.6 per cent and is expanding both trade and investment in other sectors outside of the oil industry, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure development. Both Nigeria's banking sector and stock exchange have helped bolster confidence in Nigeria among global financial circles.

Reflections on the Ethiopian Anti-Terrorism Law Debate between the EPRDF and the Ethiopian Opposition Parties
IDEA Viewpoint September 9, 2013
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
The purpose of this essay is to critically appraise the issues surrounding terrorism in general and the Ethiopian Anti-Terrorism Law in particular. This essay would not favor or disfavor any of the contending debaters; on the contrary it would objectively analyze the nature, characteristics, and spirit of the debate. Before we delve into the central question and points of arguments presented by members of the opposition and the Government, it is important to clearly define terrorism. There is no universally acceptable definition of terrorism, but one conceptually agreed upon definition comes from the United Nations. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly came up with the following definition of terrorism:

Ethiopia: 2nd U.S - Ethiopia University Linkages Workshop to Be Held
By Nesru Jemal, 31 August 2013
The 2nd national workshop on building linkages between Ethiopia and U.S. universities organized by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy will be held 4-5 September 2013 in Addis Ababa.
According to a press release the Embassy issued on Friday, the workshop is aimed at providing an overview of sustainable partnership and focuses on best practices in establishing or expanding mutual beneficial linkages between U.S. and Ethiopian higher learning institutes.

The Bureaucratic Empire: Serving Emperor Haile SelassieBy Seyoum Haregot, The Red Sea Press, 2013
Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
August 6, 2013
This is a well-written and thoughtful book. It is sharp, stimulating and exquisite and I could not stop reading it. The book is full of authentic anecdotes in relation to the authorÂ’s private and political life and contains five parts and a total of thirty two chapters. The chapters, incidentally, are not the familiar chapters that one encounters in conventional textbooks in terms of length; some of them are indeed one page or one and half pages, but they are precise, concise, and to the point especially in documenting the overall political scenario in Ethiopia during Emperor Haile Selassie. By contrast, Chapter one runs into 51 pages and chronicles the nature and characteristics of governance and political personalities in detail.

Africa: Computer Model Gives Early Warning of Crop Failure
By Joel Winston, 24 July 2013
An international team of researchers has developed a computer model to predict global crop failures several months before harvest. Since 2008, widespread drought in crop-exporting regions has resulted in large increases in food prices on global commodity markets. With climatic extremes also expected to become more common, being able to predict global crop failures could help developing nations that are reliant on food imports - making them more resilient to spikes in food prices.

Tanzania: Education On ARV Use Must Be Enhanced
25 July 2013
THERE are reports that some HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are dodging clinics for various reasons including fear of being identified by people who know them .
A senior medical official with the Bugando Referral Hospital in Mwanza was recently quoted as saying that at least 100,000 people out of 180,000 registered on ARV therapy have abandoned clinics.
Some of those dodging have opted to travel all the way to Shinyanga which is about 164-kms from Mwanza to secure the life-prolonging drugs, while others have abandoned treatment altogether or consult traditional healers for cure of the disease.

Ethiopia: AAU Bestows Full Professorship On Three Scholars
By Online, 24 July 2013
The Addis Ababa University (AAU) said it has bestowed full professorship on three academics. The University told ENA on Wednesday that the scholars are Dr. Berhanu Kotiso, Dr. Getnet Mitike and Dr. Berhan Tamir. It said the intellectuals have made significant contribution in different fields and research works. The academics fulfilled all the criteria required for the title of full professorship, the University said.

Mozambique: Feeding the Future in Mozambique Through School Meals
23 July 2013
Albertina Naftal (9) lives with her parents, two brothers and two sisters in a hut made of sticks and grass in the village of Muchenga, in Changara, west of Mozambique.

The Exigency of Religious and Political Toleration in Ethiopia: Reflections on The Tragic Death of Shiek Nur Imam
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
July 20, 2013

In the urgency of the matter with respect to political stability in Ethiopia, it is time for me to once again address the issue of religious and political tolerance in Ethiopia. This essay, in particular, is inspired by the tragic murder of Sheik Nur Imam in Wollo, Ethiopia. Some Diaspora Ethiopians contend that the Sheik, in fact, was murdered by the Ethiopian government1 though their claim is not substantiated with evidence and is very much tuned to what is often described as conspiracy theory. When I was invited by the Ethiopian Law Students Association at Harvard in 2006 as one of the panelists to address Â“Ethnicity and National Identity in Ethiopia,Â” I told the audience that I had Â“a gut feeling that there are some forces who want to disturb the unity of Ethiopians and destabilize Ethiopia, but since I am a scholar and I must address issues based on evidence and scientific analysis, I will not uphold conspiracy theory and/or intuitive reflections.Â”

Congratulations Ethiopian University Students Class of 2013
IDEA Editorial
July 8, 2013

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 2013 Ethiopian Universities graduates and celebrates their highest academic achievements with them. IDEA is proud to witness the spectacular and remarkable milestone that the Ethiopian students of 2013 have made and have colorfully celebrated in all the university campuses.

Language for whose Audience in the Ethiopian context? A Message to PM Hailemariam Desalegn
IDEA Viewpoint
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
June30, 2003
This viewpoint is intended to critically appraise the mode of communicative language Ethiopians use whenever they want to express their ideas in the form of speech or writing. The majority of educated Ethiopians (high school to advanced degree levels) like to either speak in English or in Amharic or other Ethiopian languages bombarded with English language, even when they address illiterate peasants who donÂ’t understand English at all. It has become increasingly fashionable for urbanite Â“educatedÂ” Ethiopians to use Guramayle (English and Ethiopian languages) to exhibit that they are civilized and modern, but in doing so they have utterly disregarded the majority of Ethiopian people, who apparently are uneducated. They speak without due consideration of their audience, and most importantly they seem to have forgotten that the most sophisticated educated people are those who communicate with their audience in the language that the latter understands.

Egypt Has No Choice but to Cooperate with Ethiopia On The Issue of the Nile
IDEA Editorial
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
June 12, 2013

The recent Â“classifiedÂ” video on Egyptian Cabinet bluffing in seemingly sophisticated but sinister maneuver against Ethiopia should not come as a surprise. Irrespective of regime change, Egypt consistently pursued a policy that would emasculate any small-scale initiative on the use of the Nile by the riparian states, let alone the construction of a major project like the Grand Renaissance on the Ethiopian side of the Nile.

Egyptian Blooper: Politicians, Unaware They Are on Air, Threaten Ethiopia over

Exploring an Ethiopian Poet by Pure Accident
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
June 5, 2013

It was a nice spring day and I went out for a quick shopping to the Hamden Plaza in Connecticut, and in the Stop and Shop I bumped into a dignified Ethiopian by the name Gashaw Lake. He was with his wife and daughter and when we were about to greet and introduce each other, in the traditional Ethiopian manner, which has now became increasingly a rare commodity, he lifted his hat and greeted me. I was delighted to encounter the best of Ethiopian values but I must admit that I was subconsciously compelled to reciprocate by bowing while shaking the hand of my Ethiopian brother.In the tradition of poetry, the power of GashawÂ’s poems authenticate reality by successive stanzas and cadences, and these are best exemplified by the many poems dedicated to either family members or random Ethiopian and/or African American personas. For instance, ለጋሼ ሲራክ is for General Sirak Tesfa; ምን ያለ ያገር ሰው is for the late Professor Asrat Woldeyes; Eይዋት ስትናፍቀኝ is obviously for the late famous Ethiopian singer Tilahun Gessesse; ስንብት is dedicated to Abraham Weinshet Workalemahu, and Â‘The StatueÂ’ is in honor of Whitney Young, an African American who struggled for human rights. Â‘The StatueÂ’, incidentally, has an emancipating power because it represents Â“a sanctuary for peopleÂ’s rightsÂ”.

The Rise of the Sun People: A New Morning Breaks in Africa
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD May 24, 2013

For the last two decades I have been telling my students that Africa will one day rise, and it looks the time has arrived for a triumphant and jubilant Africa. The golden jubilee of the founding of the OAU (now AU) thus would not simply be a gathering of African heads of states and governments, a conventional conference with underpinning conventional wisdoms, but a landmark in the history of the continent that signals the preliminary achievements of the Lion Kings. It will also signal that, at long last, the sun people have managed to overcome centuries old of obstacles and a new morning has indeed broken in the African continental landscape.

Ethiopia: BBC Reports Ethiopia Has One of World's Fastest Growth Rates
By Zeryhun Kassa, 20 May 2013
Once known for its famines and dependency on foreign aid, Ethiopia now has one of the world's fastest growth rates. This is a report by the BBC in connection to the 50th African Union Anniversary gathering pace to be celebrated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The report says some of that growth is coming from small businesses - and George Alagiah has been to a shoe factory with a difference in Addis Ababa. Following is the full text of the story George produces from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Behind the FaÃ§ade of Corruption in Ethiopia and what the Government ought to do
IDEA viewpoint
Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD
May 12, 2013

Corruption is a very intriguing concept in theory and an elusive human conduct enmeshed in bizarre and rather subtle but toxic human activity, and it is manifested in different forms, as well as assumes different scales and scopes. To be sure, unless there is a system in place to monitor corruption or there is a political system strong enough to mitigate, if not eliminate this disease, it could pervade the larger society like a malignant cancer.

Purchase one book & get the second one for Free
October 3, 2011
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. once again is launching Cultures That We Must Preserve and Reject (Tigrigna and Amharic), authored by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia. Subscribers interested in buying the book must indicate their selection (Amharic or Tigrigna) and if they decide to purchase the book, they will get Advice to the Son & In Memory to the Father by Belaten Geta Herouy Wolde Selassie for free.
Subscribers must send a check in the amount of $18.00 (this includes shipping and handling), payable to Ghelawdewos Araia, to 1199 Whitney Avenue Suite 523, Hamden, CT 06517 For further information, please call (203) 789-1990 or email

webmaster@africanidea.org

Â“Between the Jaws of HyenasÂ”
A Diplomatic History of Ethiopia (1876-1896)Richard Caulk
Richard Caulk
Edited and with an introduction by Bahru ZewdeHarrassowitze Verlag, Weisbaden, 2002
Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia
March 21, 2013

Ethiopia to Open First Industrial Zone to Bolster Economy
By William Davison Source Bloomberg
Ethiopia will spend 900 million birr ($49 million) to open its first industrial hub for export- oriented manufacturers in a bid to deliver faster economic growth, Industry Minister Mekonnen Manyazewal said. South Korean garment-makers are among companies in talks with the government about establishing operations at the planned site in the capital, Addis Ababa, Mekonnen said in an interview in the city on March 15. The facility is scheduled to open before the fiscal year ends on July 7, he said.

Pascal Lamy Guest of Honor of a GDN-CUTS Forum
Pascal Lamy, Director General, WTO officiated the signing of a MoU between Global Development Network (GDN) and CUTS International on research and capacity building in developing countries on

trade and competition, on 30 January 2013, New Delhi. Speaking on the challenges of global governance at the forum, Lamy said "The current deadlock in international discussions on trade or on climate change and other global issues find their sources in the big geopolitical transformation that accompanies the rise of emerging countries in the world economy." He added that consensus is still lacking on the balance of contributions and benefits between the US, the EU, Japan and the like on the one side, and India, China, Brazil and the like on the other side, particularly on the Doha Round.

Ghelawdewos AraiaÂ’s New Book 2013 Release
ETHIOPIA
Democracy, Devolution of Power, and The Developmental State
Note: The Book is a comprehensive survey of democracy, devolution of power, and the developmental state in Ethiopia and critical and comparative analyses of contemporary Ethiopian politics and development programs as indicated in the various chapters. The seventeen chapters of the book are designed to cater scholarly research methodologies and paradigms for academic circles and to serve as handbook for politicians, policymakers as well as political scientists and political economists.

From Economic Dependency and Stagnation to Democratic Developmental State: Essays on the Socio-Political and Economic Perspectives of Ethiopia
Desta, Asayehgn Ph.D. Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Dominican University of California of ventures.
Fully convinced that the Japanese kaizen management model would be an effective strategy for latecomers like Ethiopia to industrialization and realizing that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP is only about 5 %, employees of thirty pilot companies from Ethiopia were sent to Japan. Chapter 8 therefore reviews the literature and develops a conceptual framework for assessing the transferability of the Japanese Â“kaizenÂ” management techniques to manufacturing plants in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Diaspora Politics and the People of Tigray
Ghelawdewos Araia
IDEA Viewpoint February 2, 2013
I like to underscore that I am not shaken by the Mickey Mouse politics of Ethiopian Diaspora, who are regretfully a spent force; on the contrary I am at ease with what the Ethiopian people are doing at Home, including the inspiring and hope elevating performance of Ethiopians in such events as Â‘Ethiopian Nationalities DayÂ’ and in celebrating their Ethiopian unity. The Ethiopian people have reaffirmed to the world, time and again, that they are steadfast in their unity and their Ethiopian heritage. They have reiterated on many occasions that they would work in unison to transform Ethiopia. I would urge the Ethiopian Diaspora to catch up with Ethiopians at Home and refrain from campaigning against the people of Tigray. The Diaspora has still a chance to safely exit from its current mess and engage in concerted actions that could benefit their motherland.

Re: What language should Ethiopians speak?
Fiseha Haftetsion January 31, 2013
I am writing this piece in response to Dr. Ghelawdewos ArayaÂ’s article entitled Â“what language should Ethiopians speak?Â” published on June 4, 2012 by www.africanidea.org that was inspired, as he said, by my draft article entitled Â“choosing a working language in multiethnic nations: rethinking EthiopiaÂ’s working language policyÂ”.

Ethiopia Feeding Itself With Support From WFP's P4P and School Meals Programmes
21 JANUARY 2013
Hanja Chafa Â— Markos and Elias have received school meals from WFP for the past two years, but the lunch they ate one day in November was special. For the first time ever, the students enjoyed a meal made from crops grown just a few kilometers from their school - purchased by WFP directly from Ethiopian farmers.

Nigeria: Implement Policies On Agricultural Extension for Food Sustainability - DON
26 JANUARY 2013
Prof. Oluwasegun Adekunle of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies on agricultural extension for food sustainability. Adekunle, who made the call on Saturday while delivering a lecture entitled: "Key to Unlock" in Ilorin, said for any government to succeed in the agriculture sector, it must implement good policies on agricultural extension

Namibia: The Reality of School vs Education
BY PATRICK SAM, 28 JANUARY 2013
OPINION
THIS article discusses the reality of schools and its implication on education. In modern society, the idea of schools is highly popularized under the assumption that schooling guarantees education, and an education guarantees social mobility. "Back to school, back to reality," were the lyrics of a song traditionally aired on national radio.

EthiopiaÂ’s Diaspora Contribution to EthiopiaÂ’s Development
IDEA Editorial January 18, 2013
Ghelawdewos Araia
The present generation of Ethiopia is challenged by a calling from the motherland, not to cash-in but to pitch-in for the development of the country, and as Frantz Fanon once aptly put it, Â“each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it.Â”

Professional Vacancies in Ethiopian Regional States
There are plenty of professional openings currently demanded by the respective regional states of Ethiopia. Qualified Ethiopians in the Diaspora are entitled to apply by presenting their credentials to the region of their choice and the contact person of the regions.

Africa: Raising the Bar on Agricultural Innovation
By Wendy Atkins, 8 January 2013
analysis
Technological innovation, especially in mobile, will be critical to improving agricultural productivity, but R&D funding must be ramped up after years of neglect
When Ismail Serageldin, director of the Library of Alexandria, told the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that global population growth meant food production would have to increase by 70 percent by 2050, using the same amount of water, he identified agricultural innovation as the key to solving the problem. With global efforts to improve fertilizer quality, harvesting technology and water resources, what role can R&D and mobile communications play in transforming agriculture in Africa?

Ode to the Budding Flowers of Sandy Hook Elementary School
Ghelawdewos Araia
December 22, 2012
Oh what a day is Friday, December twelve two thousand twelve
A day of carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary
In Newtown, Connecticut territory

Mali: History, Politics, and Fundamentalism

Zambia: Govt Introduces Distance-Learning Education Programmes. THE government has introduced distance-learning education programmes from grades eight to twelve in its effort to attain Education for All goals.Launching the 'Alternative Upper Basic and High School Programmes' at Kabulonga High School yesterday, education deputy minister Gunston Chola said the ministry recognised the right for every Zambian to have good quality education and focused on key factors of educational provision such as access, equity and quality maintenance at all level.

FG to Furnish Engineering Laboratories in Polytechnics
The Federal Government has secured funds from the Petroleum Technology Development Funds (PTDF) to furnish the engineering laboratories of one Federal Polytechnic in each of the six geographical zones of the country.

AfricaÂ’s wealth and Western poverty of thought
A response to J. Peter PhamÂ’s New York TimesÂ’ article on the Congo, November 30, 2012
Toussaint Kafarhire Murhula, S.J.2012-12-13, Issue 610
Specifically and to begin with, Mr Pham offers a cost-effective alternative to the squandering of international humanitarian resources that could be reallocated in a better way to relief and development, if the Congo were allowed to fall apart and to break into smaller states that would better governed. He views the UN Security CouncilÂ’s support of the Â‘sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrityÂ’ of what he characterizes as a fictional state as a costly in terms of lives and resources.

IDEA Editorial

Ghelawdewos Araia

The history of Mali is inextricably concatenated to the history of ancient Ghana (not to be confused with present-day Ghana), Songhay, and Kanem-Borno, civilizations that thrived in Western Africa between 700 and 1500 CE. These civilizations were collectively known as the Niger Valley civilizations, and Mali was at the center of all this.

AU Peace and Security Council delays AbyeiÂ’s referral to January meeting
December 14, 2012 (KHARTOUM) Â– African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) decided to stick to its acceptance to a proposal aiming to hold a referendum next year in Abyei, but did not refer it to the Un Security Council.
Member of the AUHIP, and AUPSC commissioner Ramtane Lamamra, in a meeting held on Friday 14 Dec 2012 to discuss the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement Khartoum and Juba signed on 27 Sept. 2012 (Photo African Union) In a communiquÃ© released on Saturday morning, the AUPSC referred "the determination on the issue of the Final Status of Abyei to its meeting at the level of the Heads of State and Government, to be held on the margins of the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, in Addis Ababa, in January 2013."

Egypt: Latest Developments of Egypt's Constitutional Referendum
Egyptians began casting their votes in the referendum on the country's new constitution on Saturday.
Below are the latest developments:
Cairo:
. Long queues of women at a Shubra polling station where a veiled woman verbally attacked different media

outlets and members of Egypt's highest court, an eyewitness said.
. Some polling stations witnessed high turnout, others did not.
. Some Salafis (ultraconservatives) were seen outside one polling station trying to convince voters to vote

"yes".
. Some voters complained that ballots were not stamped while a judge complained that there were not

enough staff members to assist voters.
. United States envoy in Egypt Anne Patterson visited some polling stations.

Brave New Voices Trailer
All over the United States, a new generation of poets is emerging. Our HBO series captures teenagers picking up the pen and taking hold of the microphone with passion, intelligence, creativity, honesty and power. Watch the trailer for the original HBO special Brave New Voices and then watch on HBO ON DEMAND. The poets perform some of their best stuff from start to finish. Watch bonus clips now online. Click post title to view.

Congratulations President Barack Obama on Your Re-Election: What You Need to Do Now!
IDEA Editorial November 7, 2012
Congratulations Barack Obama on your re-election, but now, you know, that you have a great mission to accomplish, a lacunae to fulfill, and a promise to keep. You know, and we all know, that you have come to

the political platform with a slogan of Â‘changeÂ’ that you have met partially but not completely. As a result, a significant number of your supporters, especially the young men and women, were confused, disenfranchised, and some of them disgruntled. But they have not opted for quid pro quo, and on the contrary, on Election Day, they came out in significant numbers to make sure that you are re-elected. This, we believe, is a reaffirmation on the part of your supporters that they have faith on you and you should consider yourself as very lucky man, but it is time for you to pay back. Therefore, here are below is a repertoire of what you need to do:

Rodolfo Graziani: A Fascist Hero and the Butcher of Africa

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.
IDEA Viewpoint

November 2, 2012
Rodolfo Graziani has been dead for the last fifty-seven years, but in 2012 the village of Affile in Italy attempted to resuscitate him by erecting a monument on

his behalf and the lingering fascist sympathizers. The mayor of Affile, Signor Ettore Viri has been criticized for deciding to dedicate a bust for Graziani, but contrary to negative public reaction, he bragged about his commitment to Graziani by saying, Â“the head is a dedication of a citizen.Â” Yes, Graziani could be a citizen and a hero to Ettore Viri and the fascist riffraff, but to Africans he is a butcher fascist murderer.

TO THE GENERAL ATTORNEY OF THE REPOUBLIC OF PRATO

The undersigned Catellini Fulvio, born in Prato on 1/25/1963 and living in

Montemurlo (Prato), Montalese Street 299, an Italian citizen, enrolled as member of A.N.P.I. (National Association of Partisans of Italy) puts forward and asks, as indicated below, how the mayor of Affile (Rome), Ercole Viri, has unveiled the mausoleum to Rodolfo Graziani, built with funds given by the region. For this project has been spending a sum of at least 1300.00 pounds that it seems is funded by the Lazio Region.

Translated by Awgania Yecunoamlak from Italian into English

Ethiopia: What the World Bank Thinks About Ethiopia
21 October 2012
Thinking beyond dogmas is typical of Guang Z. Chen, the resident country director of the World Bank Group (WBG) in Ethiopia. An educational background that took him between the two poles of the existing world, his country of origin, China, and the global superpower, United States, might have contributed to his ability to easily and smoothly sail through the overlapping waters.

Q: Before two weeks, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its Article IV Consultation Staff Report, in which it has provided its view of the Ethiopian macroeconomic environment. The report recommends for the government to facilitate deep structural changes in the economy with a focus on the private sector. Do you share their view?

Announcing A New Organization: A Gift for Ethiopia from Ethiopians

D.E.M.O.C.R.A.T.

Sara Haile-Mariam speaks at One Nation Working Together press conference in NYC

Tagged: Africa, Business, Business, External Relations, Governance, Trade, U.S., Canada and Africa
By Andrew Westbury and Witney Schneidman, 10 October 2012
The U.S. has lagged behind countries such as Brazil and China in its commercial engagement with Africa, just when American markets need it most. It is hard to imagine a feat more challenging in Washington, D.C. today than forging bipartisan consensus in the United States Congress. However, over the past twelve months, finding common ground and unity is exactly what a small group of legislators have done for what many Americans might find a surprising issue: increasing America's trade with Africa.

Somalia: New Start, Stubborn Realities
AfricaFocus Bulletin
Sep 16, 2012 (120916)
(Reposted from sources cited below)
Editor's Note

The unexpected election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, an educator and civil society activist, as the new president of Somalia, has aroused hopes of a new start in that country. But the stubborn realities he and other Somalis face include not only the continuing threat from Al Shabaab, which launched a suicide assassination attack on the new president on September 12. Even more daunting is the challenge of embedded corruption in the government he will head, which has been fostered by a long history of external dependence.

Africa's best time is ahead
By Berhan Ahmed Friday, 7 September 2012
For the first time in history, African countries have enjoyed a period of strong and sustained growth. The booming African economy has transformed the prospects for ordinary Africans across the continent. According to The Economist, six of the fastest growing economies in the world - Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Chad, Mozambique and Rwanda - are in Africa. Investment in Africa gives greater returns than in any other developing region of the world. The growth in Africa as a whole from 2000-2010 was a little behind Asia, but India and China account for most of that growth.

Post-Meles Ethiopia

The Challenges Ahead and the Collective Responsibility of Ethiopians

Ghelawdewos Araia

September 7, 2012

This essay intends to critically examine the challenges that Ethiopians encounter at this juncture of their history and what they ought to do in the ongoing development and transformation of their nation. In many of my writings, I have reiterated time and again and underscored the significance of collective, communal, and harmonious endeavor in nation building. We must all understand that it is our obligation to pitch in the dynamic development process (that I will fully address in my forthcoming major scholarly work) and not simply observe as bystanders and watch as if miraculously manna is going to drop from heaven.

Meles Zenawi and the unfinished project of Ethiopian modernity
By Teodros Kiros
The recent death of Meles Zenawi, the architect of Ethiopian modernity has sent tremors of moral shock to the Ethiopian state and other African states, engaged in the murky business of capitalist modernity.
The strategic Meles attempted to modernize Ethiopia through a market economy, jettisoning the socialist alternative, which characterized, the earlier project of revolutionary Ethiopian modernity, which Meles, following the visions of Chinese thinkers dubbed, the Developmental State.

Remembering Meles Zenawi

Ghelawdewos Araia August 21, 2012

As the maxim goes, with all the best intentions in the world some sorrow remains, and there is no doubt that the family and extended family of Meles Zenawi are in deep sorrow for his untimely departure. Before I delve into the remembrance notes I like to extend my condolences to Azieb (Gola) Mesfin and his children.Meles

Zenawi will be remembered for many things of his contributions, including the conception and plan of Agriculture Development-Led Industrialization (ADLI), a blue print for EthiopiaÂ’s development; for his leadership in the establishment of higher institutions of learning (at least twenty universities have been established under his leadership) and the expansion of schools in the urban and rural areas; for his leadership in road construction and major development infrastructures such as the Millennium Dam; for his leadership in various capacities in the African Union (AU), including his chairmanship of New African Partnership for Development (NEPAD).

The Emergence of a Dual-System of Primary Schooling in Ethiopia Desta, Asayehgn Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Economic Development, Dominican University of California
Based on the manpower planning process where schooling is considered an important tool for the training of a workforce, an essential prerequisite for economic growth, and an effective instrument of citizenship training, the central goals of schooling in Ethiopia during Haile SelassieÂ’s reign were to build a limited number of trained human resources, instill obedience to the established authority, and to develop respect for the then existing political institutions. Stated differently, the few schools that existed in Ethiopia during Haile SelassieÂ’s reign were not only elitist but were designed to maintain respect for the existing order.

Beyond Politics and Innuendo: Preserving Our Humanity and Salvaging Ethiopia from Moral Decadence

Ghelawdewos Araia & Teodros Kiros

Viewpoint August 6, 2012

Reasoned dialogue, guided by a more loadstar, and propelled by the public reason of the Ethiopian people must lead the way. The precondition for our proposal, however, is the unity of the Ethiopian people and as per the wisdom of Corinthians and our forefathers, we urge our fellow Ethiopians to be Â“completely united with only one thought and one purpose.Â”

Ethiopia: Police Arrest Muslim Protesters As Clashes Continue
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle, 22 July 2012
Addis Ababa Â— Ethiopian police on Sunday said that they had arrested several people after violent clashes between police and Muslim protesters continued on Saturday in the capital, Addis Ababa. The clash occurred at Anawar Mosque following noon prayers. "Protesters blocked worshipers from leaving the Mosque compound. They hold them hostage until riot police forces took situation under control" Deputy Police commissioner Girma Kassa said.

Sabila

My dear Sabila,

I am saddened by your departure

YouÂ’ve left us too soon

And I never got a chance

To examine your caricature

You and I have never met

We did not converse one-to-one either

But I have known you very well

You are part of my soul

Part of my spiritual bowl

From which I drink the sacred oil

Proposed Federal GovÂ’t Budget Embraces Macroeconomic Loopholes; Risky!
Both proponents and critics of the Revolutionary Democrats concur that ambition is their defining character. They have carried it through two decades of leading this rather volatile nation. It has existed in the highs and lows of their time in power, as if it is the oxygen of their administration.

Ethiopia: Genomics and African Queens
21 June 2012 AllAfrica.com

Researchers have started to unveil the genetic heritage of Ethiopian populations, who are among the most diverse in the world, and lie at the gateway from Africa. They found that the genomes of some Ethiopian populations bear striking similarities to those of populations in Israel and Syria, a potential genetic legacy of the Queen of Sheba and her companions.
The team detected mixing between some Ethiopians and non-African populations dating to approximately 3,000 years ago. The origin and date of this genomic admixture, along with previous linguistic studies, is consistent with the legend of the Queen of Sheba, who according to the Ethiopian Kebra Nagast book had a child with King Solomon from Israel and is mentioned in both the Bible and the Qur'an.

What Language Should Ethiopians Speak?
Ghelawdewos Araia June 4, 2012
This essay attempts to resolve the age-old controversy of the use of one language in Ethiopia as a lingua franca or a working language, and will discuss the anatomy of language, not only in its narrow definition related to the mechanical facilitation of communication but also in its broader conception of expressing and embodying culture in the micro and macro senses.The power of emotive language could be gained via indigenous languages only. I have had the opportunity to experience the power of language,

My Graduate Students

These graduate students that you see in the group photo below were in my classes, Global Political Economy and Research in International Studies (IS 597 70 and IS 598 70 respectively) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). Most of them have taken several classes with me, including International Diversity and Integration (IS 571 70); some of them have already begun developing their theses (see topics in parenthesis against their names); they are a dynamic and cohesive group in the midst of Blue Devils and they have a bright future ahead of them. I WISH THEM ALL THE BEST!

WALDEBA MONASTRY AND WOLKAYITE IRREGATION PROJECT A lot have been said about this topic through the different medias recently. For the majority of us, it is still a conundrum we longed for the real picture and the truth..

Libya: Deserting Refugees in the Sahara
By Rebecca Murray, 13 May 2012
Kufra Â— As dusk settles over the isolated Saharan town Kufra, young guards order a few hundred migrants lined up at a detention centre to chant "Libya free, Chadians out", before they kneel down for evening prayers. Most of the prisoners in the small, squalid compound called the Freedom Detention Centre - run by Kufra's military council - are from Chad. Hundreds more, from Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia, were moved to bigger facilities due to overcrowding. Almost 1,000 miles from the Mediterranean coast in Libya's desolate southeast desert, the Kufra oasis strategically lies near the long and porous borders of Egypt, Sudan and Chad.

Sudan Conditions Pullout of Abyei On Forming Administrative Body
Khartoum Â— The Sudanese government has conditioned withdrawal of its troops from Abyei on the formation of an administrative body as agreed with South Sudan last year, warning that otherwise a vacuum would be created in the hotly-contested region.
South Sudan has already pulled out troops from Abyei last week, prompting the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to call on Khartoum to follow suit.
The move followed a UN Security Council's resolution ordering the two countries to withdraw troops from disputed border regions and resume negotiations on post-secession issues with a three-month deadline to conclude them.

A Season of War in the Horn of Africa
Can another all out war be prevented?
At the London Conference on Somalia this year, a plan of acÂtion was unveiled to find a way out of that conflict. But with underlying tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and charges that the London conference was little more than a PR exercise to Â‘rubber stampÂ’ a solution designed by international actors, little was accomplished. Our panel of speakers will address the current dilemma and explore pathways to peace
Date Apr. 26. 2012
Time: 6.30p.m-9.00 p.m
Contact # 212-244-3123
to RSVP: newsdesk@mindspring.com

Speakers Ghelawdewos Araia,Kassahun Checole and Said Samatar

A season of War in the Horn of Africa: Can another all out war be avoided?

Global Information Network

146 W 29th St
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New York, NY (map)
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We're between 6th and 7th aves. on the 7th floor
At the London Conference on Somalia in February, a plan of action was unveiled to find a way out of the conflict in Somalia. But with underlying tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and charges that the London conference was little more than a PR exercise to Â‘rubber stampÂ’ a solution designed by international actors, little was achieved. On April 26, the Africa Roundtable will host a panel of distinguished scholars, activists, and academics from the region to explore pathways to peace. Please join us in welcoming Profs. Ghelawdewos Araia, Kassahun Checole, and Said Samatar for a provocative dialogue on this important topic. Your questions will be entertained after the talk.

Europe/Africa: Underdeveloping Africa (Again)
AfricaFocus Bulletin
Mar 21, 2012 (120321)

Africa is in trouble. Its future is once again on the table, and it is Europe that holds the ace. Unlike the Berlin Conference of 1884 to 1885 which balkanized Africa among 13 European powers as guaranteed sources of raw materials and market, the current contraption under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) spearheaded from Brussels is the modern day equivalent of the Berlin Conference.

President Obama Welcomes President Mills of Ghana to the White House
Washington, DC

The Integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training with Sustainable Development Education: A Review of African Case Studies

Desta, Asayehgn, Ph.D.

Sarlo Distinguished Professor of Sustainable International Economic Development

Dominican University of California

Abstract

With the emancipation of the Rio Conference of 1992 and the Johannesburg Conference of 2002, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been regarded as the key component of implementing sustainable development. In particular, the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) for entrepreneurs has been identified as a vehicle for the implementation of education for sustainable development. To assess the effective integration of ESD in TVET, four of the six case studies undertaken by UNESCO in 2009 in Eastern and Southern Africa (i.e., Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, and Mauritius) were reviewed by the author to solicit information as to whether the objectives of ESD have been achieved by the TVET programs.

Fisseha Abraha, the Family man from the North
By Teodros Kiros
Few are genuinely brave. Brave are those who are made out of moral discipline
and still disposition. Such rare individuals blend in one whole -compassion and firmness.
Such was Fisseha Abraha, the gallant man from the north. A brother to Seeye Abraha, an Ethiopian hero, Fisseha has paid heavy price for speaking power to truth and was imprisoned in Ethiopian dungeon on false charges. Those days in prison have cost him his health. It is said that while in prison he was confined with six hundred others whose sweats were literally dropping on his body against which he attempted to protect himself by covering himself with plastic bags to no avail.

Let the Nkrumah Statue Stand and Let Other Statues Flank and Accompany It

Ghelawdewos Araia Phd.

February 18, 2012

In any event, notwithstanding the inaccuracy with respect to the pan-African movement and the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU, renamed African Union Â–AU Â– in 1999), controversies in whatever form presented, and insofar they are substantive, are healthy and must be encouraged. In the latter spirit, thus, I like to join the chorus but only with a fervid intention of presenting a scholarly-cum-historical synopsis of pan-Africanism, a powerful movement that incidentally paved the way for the founding of the OAU.

Archaeologists strike gold in quest to find Queen of Sheba's wealth
Dalya Alberge
The Observer, Saturday 11 February 2012
A British excavation has struck archaeological gold with a discovery that may solve

the mystery of where the Queen of Sheba derived her fabled treasures A British excavation has struck archaeological gold with a discovery that may solve the mystery of where the Queen of Sheba of biblical legend derived her fabled treasures. Almost 3,000 years ago, the ruler of Sheba, which spanned modern-day Ethiopia and Yemen, arrived in Jerusalem with vast quantities of gold to give to King Solomon. Now an enormous ancient goldmine, together with the ruins of a temple and the site of a battlefield, have been discovered in her former territory. Louise Schofield, an archaeologist and former British Museum curator, who headed the excavation on the high Gheralta plateau in northern Ethiopia, said: "One of the things I've always loved about archaeology is the way it can tie up with legends and myths. The fact that we might have the Queen of Sheba's mines is extraordinary."

A Very Important Book on Ethiopian Traditional Medicine
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. invites all to read this very important book (Amharic) entitled Ethiopian Traditional Medicine in Scientific Perspective: Herbal Medicine. The author, Dr. Fekadu Fulas, a Ph.D. in pharmacognosy (study of medicinal drugs obtained from plants and other natural sources) has presented a well-researched and well-written book on Ethiopian traditional herbal medicine. Important themes discussed in the book range from the knowledge of chemical properties of herbs, to the various types of herbs and their usage in North America, Europe, China, Africa, and Ethiopia (Chapter 1).
Chapter 2 is about the history of Ethiopian traditional medicine; regulation to control the medicines; on diseases; etiology and side effects of traditional medicine; and branches of traditional medicine and the training of experts

Access Capital adds its own to the on-going debate on EthiopiaÂ’s economic performance
By Keffyalew Gebremedhin
AccessÂ’s view of two pillars of development
Access Capital just published its third Ethiopia: Macroeconomic Handbook 2011-2012, to sell its views and ideas on prospects and problems of EthiopiaÂ’s economy. The handbook contains several useful data on activities of the different sectors of the national economy, accompanied by analyses from a business perspective that Access Capital truly represents with lots of hunger and drive.

Interview on Contemporary Ethiopia: Lessons Learned
Desta, Asayehgn Ph.D.
On January 17, 2012, I read an interesting interview given to the Ethiopian Observer website by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia. Generally, if we look at it from the standpoint of art, a discourse between a journalist and an interviewee is very intriguing. But, what was amazing to me was the relevance of the questions used by the interviewer (Ethio-observer). They caught my eyes, vibrated my brain, and highly motivated me to read and examine the content of the interview process and learn from the interviewee. The types of questions used by the interviewer were very instructive, well prepared, and objectively designed to elicit the expert views of the well-known and highly respected historian and political economist, Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia. In short, the questions were well researched and the interviewer seemed to have read the enumerable articles and books authored by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia.

US sets eyes on Africa
By Jenny Lei Ravelo on 19 January 2012
ThereÂ’s more to Africa than just war, famine and drought, and the United States is quick to see this as it boosts investments in the region
At the Â“Opportunity: AfricaÂ” conference, held in Wilmington, Del., the heads of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Millennium Challenge Corp. spoke of their latest work in the fast-emerging region. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah said the agency launched a major effort to move 30 percent of its funding this year to the private sector, entrepreneurs and local civil society organizations in Africa. MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes, meanwhile, said the agency is investing in roads, airports and ports in Africa to expand trade and commerce in the region. He said MCC is constructing a new terminal at the Bamako Airport in Mali and rehabilitating major roads in Tanzania.

Keynote by MCC CEO Daniel W. Yohannes at the Delaware-Africa Conference
Sustainable Economic Development and Trade with Africa
Thank you so much! ItÂ’s great to be in Delaware, the home state of our esteemed Vice President Joe Biden. ItÂ’s also great to be here with Senator Christopher Coons, who is an outstanding advocate for Delaware and for the American people. I want to thank him for inviting me to speak here this afternoon. The SenatorÂ’s visionary leadership as chairman of the African Affairs subcommittee is breaking new ground on how we work with Africa.

Africa: Kenya - Impunity & Elections, 1
"Public support for the ICC remains high. A majority of the respondents - 64 per cent - are happy that the ICC is pursuing the six suspects. ... the perception that the government is unlikely to conduct genuine investigations, or prosecute powerful individuals, has sustained high support for the ICC as the justice mechanism of last resort." - Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation (KNDR) Monitoring Project, January 2012
Opening a very complex year of legal and political developments in Kenya, the International Criminal Court today issued pre-trial indictments against four prominent Kenyan political figures, including rival presidential candidates William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, for crimes during the post-electin violence in late 2007 and 2008 (see http://www.icc-cpi.int /direct URL http://tinyurl.com/7ysluo5) Charges were also issued against Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura and radio executive Joshua Arap Sang. Charges were not filed against two other suspects, Postal Corporation chief Hussein Ali and suspended government minister Henry Kosgey.

Interview on contemporary Ethiopia January 17, 2012
Ethioobserver has conducted a comprehensive interview on major issues and current affairs pertaining to Ethiopia with Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia, and while we are pleased to present a discussion forum to our subscribers, we also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the interviewee for his cooperation and his time.

Ethioobserver: What is your advise to Meles Zenawi and the EPRDF regarding the overall governance and politics in Ethiopia?
Dr. Ghelawdewos: My advice could be two-penny worth, but it is at least clear and simple. Meles and the EPRDF should completely change (if they could) their exclusive domination of state power and accommodate opposition parties like Forum;

Ethiopia Sale of State Assets Would Raise $7.6 Billion
January 11, 2012, 10:11 AM EST
Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- EthiopiaÂ’s government would raise 132 billion birr ($7.6 billion) if it sold the countryÂ’s five biggest state-owned companies to private investors, Access Capital SC said.

Larger-than-life characters, intrigue part of history behind Battle of Adwa

By Nancy Wick, University of Washington (Seattle) | January 8, 2012

Raymond Jonas went to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts one day when he was in town for a conference, aiming to see an exhibit of European art. But on the way out, he stumbled onto a photography exhibit with one arresting image.

The Tragedy of South Sudan
IDEA Viewpoint
Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D. January 9, 2011
In 1997, I had serious concerns with the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa and attempted to address the political instability surrounding Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. I suggested that members of the Inter-Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD), the United States, and the United Nations engage in concerted efforts to peacefully resolve the conflicts. I further argued, Â“Members of IGAD must utilize their Agency to promote peace and not war. For one thing, the continuation of war for the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia (who were yearning for peace for three decades) would be totally unfair, and for another development agendas will be curtailed and altogether stifle any meaningful reconstruction. Â…To avoid the coming political quagmire, peaceful resolution to the conflict should be initiated by IGAD members themselves, i.e.

The Good and the Ethiopian condition
By Teodros Kiros

In a very recent wise article, (Ethiopians Must Garner A Higher Form of Unity in Light of Kebede Michael Vision, Ghelawdewos Araia December 27, 2011) Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia advises us to aim at discovering our higher selves and garner a higher form of unity in light of Kebede MichaelÂ’s Vision, and disembark from the destructive path of hammering on obsessions with the psychological makeup of our leaders. He alternatively suggests that:

Ethiopians Must Garner A Higher Form of Unity in Light of Kebede Michael Vision
Ghelawdewos Araia
December 27, 2011
This essay is intended to further reach out Ethiopians at home and in the Diaspora in an effort to emancipate themselves from narrow ethno-politics that has virtually gripped the minds of political groupings, apparently vocal and avowed opposition but that altogether lacks unity.

Tigray Announces Acquisition of the 795 Square Kilometre Harvest North Properties in Ethiopia
Press Release: Tigray Resources Inc. Â– Mon, Dec 19, 2011
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire -12/19/11)- Tigray Resources Inc. (TSX-V: TIG.V - News) ("Tigray" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding agreement with respect to a three-year option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the Harvest North properties from an arm's length party. The Harvest North properties cover 795 square kilometres immediately adjacent north and west of Tigray's existing Harvest project in Ethiopia.

1. በ ስመ ኣብ
BÃ¤ sime aab
In the name of the Father
በስመ ኣብ ወ ወልድ ወ መንፈስ ቅዱስ Aሃዱ Aምላክ
BÃ¤ sime aab wÃ¤ wold wÃ¤ menfes qidus ahadu amlak
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. is delighted to announce a new book by Ayalew Yimam. The title of the book is YANKEE GO HOME: The Life of an Ethiopian Revolutionary & The Fall of Assimba, EPRP's Red Base

Modern Ethiopian History Series
The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) presents modern Ethiopian history in the context of diplomatic reports and dispatches. This series of publications would enable Ethiopian historians and scholars on Ethiopian history to galvanize their research toward writing theses, dissertations and books. In a classroom setting, teachers and/or professors can cite them for the purpose of historical discourse.

Ethiopian Illicit Outflows Doubled In 2009, New Report Says
Ethiopia lost $11.7 billion to outflows of ill-gotten gains between 2000 and 2009, according to a coming report by Global Financial Integrity. ThatÂ’s a lot of money to lose to corruption for a country that has a per-capita GDP of just $365. In 2009, illicit money leaving the country totaled $3.26 billion, double the amount in each of the two previous years. The capital flight is also disturbing because the country received $829 million in development aid in 2008. According to GFI economist Sarah Freitas, who co-authored the report, corruption, kickbacks and bribery accounted for the vast majority of the increase in illicit outflow Â“The scope of EthiopiaÂ’s capital flight is so severe that our conservative US$3.26 billion estimate greatly exceeds the US$2 billion value of EthiopiaÂ’s total exports in 2009,Â” Freitas wrote in a blog post on the website of the Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development.

QYenesew Gebre an Embodiment of Existential Seriousness
By Teodros Kiros

The face is elegantly thin. The eyes are large. The mouth is slightly open, betraying an ambiguous smile. The forehead is big, born to think for the Ethiopian world by being the voice of the voiceless, the eyes of all those who cannot see, the healer of all those whom he touched and the caring mind of those who cannot think freely, lest they are silenced by the guns of tyranny.

The Egyptian Military Must Yield to Civilian Democratic Rule in Egypt

IDEA Editorial

Ghelawdewos Araia November 23, 2011

Now, in retrospect, the phrases Â“we may not figure out the definite trajectory of the movements,Â” and Â“we must be cautiously optimistic,Â” could be argued, they were statements in anticipation of the second gathering of the Egyptian people at Tahrir Square in the last week of November of 2011 to demand democratic civilian rule in Egypt.

The African Union Must Devise A Long-Term Somalia Redemption Project

IDEA Editorial

November 20, 2011

The troubled Horn of Africa Region, epitomized by the torn-apart Somali nation, whose people seem to have opted for an intriguing and paradoxical decision to dismember their own country. For all practical purposes, at this juncture of history, the Republic of Somalia that prevailed as an independent nation on the political map between 1960 and 1991 does not exist now. Sadly, now we have three Somali nations, namely Somaliland, Puntland, and Mogadishu (the beleaguered Somali proper), and soon we may witness a fourth Somali nation: Jubaland.

I Love Sonia Sanchez

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

November 4, 2011

Sonia Sanchez came to Lehman College of the City University of New York on November 3, 2011 and in her honor I took my African Civilization class with me to the Lovinger Theater where she read her poem.

I had the honor to meet this wonderful woman of great stature in the world of poetry and literature. Once she began reading her poems, instantaneously I felt as if the Harlem Renaissance was reenacted with new dimensions and vistas. There is no doubt that Sonia Sanchez is the direct descendant of the Harlem literary giants. The more she read, the more I felt as if a vibrant literary renaissance and cultural regeneration was taking place. Sonia Sanchez entertained the audience by her wit and sense of humor and the many genre of poetry that she read. She read poems that she wrote for Bill Cosby, Martin Luther King, and Toupak etc. She read love poems and captivated the audience.

HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS: HOW THE EUPHORIA OF INDEPENDENCE TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE FOR THE ERITREAN PEOPLE

Bahlbi Yemane November 6, 2011

A prominent Greek speech writer, Demosthenes once wrote Â“every dictator is an enemy of freedom and an opponent of law.Â” This has been proven exactly right when it comes to modern Eritrean political reality. Some of us are lucky enough to have lived in democratic societies where leaders are elected to serve the people; where people have all the fundamental rights to shove them out of office when they failed to live up to their promise.

Africa Nears Agreement on Continental Infrastructure Plan With Accord in Morocco
10/31/2011
African states came closer to finalizing a continental programme for the development of vital infrastructure as talks ended in Morocco at the weekend. North African countries agreed on priority projects at the last round of regional consultations by the promoters of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) in Rabat, Morocco. PIDA is an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission and the

WOLLO: Microcosm Ethiopia and Exemplar of Ethiopian Unity
Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.
October 22, 2011
Literally and figuratively speaking, Wollo is the central locus and the heart of Ethiopia. By virtue of its geographical location, Wollo, both in the distant past and the annals of contemporary Ethiopia, served as the rendezvous point for major Ethiopian nationalities, and by way of reflecting on this reality, on November 2, 2005, in a brief Amharic article entitled Â‘The Question of Nationalities and Ethiopian UnityÂ’ or in Amharic የብሔር ጥያቄና የIትዮጵያ Aንድነት I wrote the following:

WORLD ASSOCIATION OF PARISHIONERS OF E.O.T. CHURCH
4002 Blacksmith Drive, Garland, TX 75044 www.eotcipc.org

United States Foreign Policy Towards Africa

FROM THE AFRICAN EXECUTIVE
Africa: Surviving the Global Jungle

New challenges and opportunities
The use of the images of Â‘villageÂ’ or Â‘jungleÂ’ has decisive implications for AfricaÂ’s choice and strategy for action. In what follows, For clarity I summarise some of the features that distinguish a jungle from a village: A village is a low risk space; a jungle high risk. A village is compassionate and caring; a jungle hostile and ferocious. A village is inclusive; a jungle is restrictive. A village is regulated by rules; a jungle by power. A village is co-operative; a jungle competitive. A village is sharing; a jungle selfish.

Black Student College Graduation Rates Inch Higher But a Large Racial Gap Persists
Source: The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
Nationwide, the black student college graduation rate remains at a dismally low 43 percent. But the college completion rate has improved by four percentage points over the past three years. As ever, the black-white gap in college graduation rates remains very large and little or no progress has been achieved in bridging the divide. Most important, in view of the huge penalty race discrimination has imposed on African Americans in the United States, is the fact that blacks who complete a four-year college education have a median income that is now near parity with similarly educated whites.

AfricaÂ’s Friend China Finances $9.3 Billion of Hydropower
By Randall Hackley and Lauren van der Westhuizen
When completed in 2013, Gibe III on EthiopiaÂ’s Omo River will be AfricaÂ’s tallest dam, a $2.2 billion project that conservationists say will deprive birds and hippos of vital habitat. Some 600 miles (965 kilometers) to the north, Sudan is preparing to build the $705 million Kajbar dam on the Nile, which would inundate historic towns and tombs of the Nubian people, descendants of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The $729 million Bui project on the Black Volta River, to be finished in 2013, will boost GhanaÂ’s hydropower capacity by a third -- and flood a quarter of Bui National Park while displacing 2,600 people.

Martin Luther King would be elated, but not completely satisfied
Ghelawdewos Araia
September 7, 2011

Professor West blames President Obama for falling Â“tragically short of fulfilling KingÂ’s prophetic legacy.Â” I donÂ’t think this is a fair statement, but I suspect that Cornel West has subconsciously but falsely assumed that a Black president could have dramatically and/or miraculously solve the African-American problem. In point of fact, he seems to forget that Obama is an American president who happens to be black and he does not exclusively represent African-Americans (and he should not) nor does he serve as a spokesman for black people. If he does, he should be the head of the NAACP or the Urban League and not the president of the United States. The only problem I see with Obama is his claim of Â“I am the dream,Â” a parenthetically misleading claim that needs to be scrutinized and criticized. Just because we have a black president does not logically follow that we are witnessing a post-racial American society.

Justice for Shweyga: Appeal to World Conscience!
IDEA Viewpoint September 3, 2011

The world has now testified the gruesome and horrendous criminality of the Gaddafi family. The poor Ethiopian lady, Shweyga Mullah, found herself in DanteÂ’s Inferno in

Tripoli. Her crime: for refusing to beat a crying child! And for this, she paid the ultimate price of being burned by hot water, poured on her entire body Â– head to toe Â– by a sadistic and cruel monster by the name Aline Skaf, the wife of Hannibal, GaddafiÂ’s son. The barbaric act committed by Aline against Shweyga is crime against humanity, and other crimes of similar nature, including burning maids and nannies with hot water and executing political prisoners, was the shocking revelation that humanity encountered this week in Libya.

How an Ethiopian slave became a South African teacherSandra Rowoldt Shell
University of Cape Town
When Neville Alexander used to visit his maternal grandmother Bisho Jarsa as a boy, he never suspected

the extraordinary story of how she had come from Ethiopia to the South African city of Port Elizabeth.
Bisho was one of a group of Ethiopian slaves freed by a British warship in 1888 off the coast of Yemen, then taken round the African coast and placed in the care of missionaries in South Africa. "We were overawed in her presence and by the way she would mumble to herself in this language none of us understood," recalls Mr Alexander, now 74. This was Ethiopia's Oromo language, Bisho's mother tongue, which she reverted to as she grew older. Mr Alexander, who was a political prisoner in the 1960s, sharing Robben Island with Nelson Mandela, is today one of South Africa's most eminent educationists.

WorldÂ’s Top 10 Coffee-Producing Countries in 2010-2011
By Justin Doom - Aug 19, 2011
The following is a table of the worldÂ’s 10 largest coffee-producing nations, measured in thousands of bags, for the 2010-2011 crop year. One bag weighs 60 kilograms (132 pounds).
Data are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1) Brazil 54,500
2) Vietnam 18,725
3) Colombia 9,500
4) Indonesia 9,325
5) India 5,100
6) Ethiopia 4,400
ARABICA BEANS:
1) Brazil 41,800
2) Colombia 9,500
3) Ethiopia 4,400

The Wise Mouse and The Lion that Ate Corrupt Bureaucrats!
Ghelawdewos Araia
August 16, 2011

But I have this bad habit of being tempted to say something. Although I promised not to indulge in interpreting the story of the lion and inject my bias, I like to make this passing and concluding remark: The power of metaphor is that it can authenticate reality by dramatizing stories represented by fictional characters, like the cat, mice, lion, and bureaucrats. And remember, since time immemorial, the symbol of Ethiopia was the lion! For that matter, the lion is also the symbol of all Africa, but in the Serengeti, the lions eat antelopes, gazelles, and zebras and only when they are desperate do they try human flesh.

What went wrong in Eritrea?
Eritrea's hard-won independence promised much for the future, but instead it brought repression, war, secrecy and international pariah status One can only surmise what is really happening in this small country of 4.5 million, whose young people are fleeing to neighbouring countries, where rationing is widespread, independent media do not exist, and all accurate data is government property. I suspect there is a drought in Eritrea, although its effect may not be as severe as in Somalia or other neighbouring countries. But Eritreans are used to going hungry.
Â• Dawit Mesfin, an Eritrean, is principal director of Justice Africa, UK

GREEK MYTHOLOGY, as Part of My Summer Reading
By Aphilas Araia
August 7, 2011

The narration below is based on Rick RierdianÂ’s book Percy Jackson and The Olympians of the Titan Curse. The book is about Greek mythology; it is about Greek heroes who try to defend their Olympian parents from being overthrown by half bloods (half god, half human) who betrayed the Olympians because they were mad at them. There are good half bloods and bad half bloods; the heroes are good half bloods.

RANDOM RYMES!
By Aphilas Araia
August 7, 2011

Ghana: We Smell 'Dutch Disease' in Oil Sector

The Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas is raising the concern that Ghana has already started showing signs of the Dutch Disease, few months into the production of oil and gas in the country. The Platform's Coordinator, Mohammed Amin Adam, addressing the opening of the Summer School of the Africa Regional Extractive Industries Hub at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), noted though it is early days, analyses of the first quarter of the economy shows that the country is on the path of developing the unpopular phenomenon often associated with oil producing countries.

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. Hails the 31st Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking
July 25, 2011

IDEA congratulates the organizers of the 31st Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking that will be held near University of California at Berkeley from July 25 to July 28, 2011.

Axumite Hertiage

One of the Ethiopian Development Council's (ECDC) missions is to conduct humanitarian and development programs in the Horn of Africa. To this end, ECDC has shipped 867,212 books estimated at $44.5 million since 1992 for distribution to Ethiopian schools and libraries, including the Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumz, Oromia, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, and Tigray regions. In Addis Ababa, ECDC has responded to requests from Addis Ababa University Library, its Law, Medical and Pharmacy Schools.

Africa's Future Education Conference

The Benefits of Tolerance and A Vision of New Ethiopiawinet

By Metshet Wubneh

July 11, 2011

The fundamental rule of politics is tolerance. Without tolerance there is no politics. Politics is a special kind of friendship and friendship itself is ground on respect. Friends respect each other by listening to one another and by caring to each other. Similarly, a large number of people who wish to attain a goal seek to cultivate a kind of friendship that is suitable for political life, where total strangers come to the political arena to articulate a way of life by listening to one another and respecting each otherÂ’s views, however divergent and irreconcilable those views are.

Saluting The Wonderful Ethiopian Intellectuals

Ghelawdewos Araia

June 27, 2011

Given the current intellectual crisis among the Ethiopian Diaspora I have become increasingly nostalgic to the rich scholarly legacy of my former professors at Addis Ababa University (AAU) and the brilliant University Students Union of Addis Ababa (USUAA) militants who were prolific writers and gifted public speakers. Some of my mentors are still around but a significant number of them have vanished in due course of the Ethiopian Revolution. One of the objectives of this essay is to acknowledge the scholarly and intellectual contributions of these wonderful Ethiopians, without whom, I sincerely believe, I could not have made the achievements of education that I have attained and the professorial career that I have today. And it is for this apparent reason that I have quoted Isaac Newton in my debut book, Ethiopia: The Political Economy of Transition, and attributed his celebrated maxim (Â‘If I have been able to see farther than others it was because I stood on the shoulders of giantsÂ’) to my exemplar par excellence Ethiopian intellectuals.

KAHSAY G/EGZIABIHER IS ASKING FOR SPONSORSHIP OF HIS FUTURE BOOK

CHARACTER COUNTS

By Aphilas Araia

Buena Vista School

Walnut Creek, CA

June 2011 So far this year, I have learned that it is bad to have or use drugs, also instead of dealing with conflict physically we should deal with it mentally. Character Counts has given me a great experience throughout the year, and I have been inspired to practice all of these great ideas.The kind of character a person is an indication of whether they can make good choices with things that may affect their life. For example, showing responsibility is necessary to resist drug use because this person would have some self control and think before they act. I feel knowing the consequences of drug use, causing disease like cancer, that I can make the right choices. So I hope when I grow older I am able to choose to never start using drugs because I know those consequences and I can show responsibility.

Character Counts gave me more of an experience on how to deal with conflict. Last year I just learned what to do about it besides just walking away. This gave me more information and ideas of how to deal with conflict, like getting an adult or calling the police. I think the character trait of fairness is important and can show how to resolve conflict. If you donÂ’t do anything bad to others they wonÂ’t do anything bad to you. I also think citizenship would show how you would be liked if you cooperate with others and be a good neighbor.

These particular traits will be important for me to try to do in the future. I will keep practicing them so I wonÂ’t become addicted to drugs and so that I will be better resolving conflicts. Note: This year Aphilas AraiaÂ’s instructor was Ms. Kari Stewart. Aphilas can be reached via aphilasaraia@yahoo.com

A book Review of Cultures that We must Preserve and Reject by Ghelawdewos Araia (Institute of Development and Education for Africa, Inc, 2008
By Teodros Kiros

In no small measure has EthiopiaÂ’ s foremost educational theorist, trained at the prestigious Columbia University, a pioneer of his generation, successfully written a compact but powerful book, that has in its own way given us, Ethiopians, a critical theory of society that is simultaneously transcendence and appropriation. This work is a product of an exilic mind, forced to leave his homeland and seeking to examine the inner architectonic of its rich culture and political tradition with an enviable judiciousness and a measured criticality. Indeed, this work will be appropriated by the future generation as a foundational critical theory of an Ethiopian society, in the grand tradition of the Frankfurt school of critical theory of society.

National Ideologies, National Blinders

Ken Ohashi, World BankÂ’s Country Director for Ethiopia.
Many nations have a Â“national ideologyÂ” of one kind or another, though it may not be always very explicit. It helps achieve a collective focus on some national goals; it gives individual efforts a shared purpose. So, what is the Â“national ideologyÂ” of Ethiopia?

I am not entirely sure. Perhaps it has to do with protection of its independence and unique identity; no easy task in a historically fluid and unstable region. More recently, there emerged a narrative around building an economically prosperous and stable nation. However the Ethiopians may describe their own national ideology, it seems to have stressed, as means to achieve its ends, discipline and control.

The Unconquered Nation, Crippled By Bureaucrats
Jon Evans May 30, 2011
Seems like itÂ’s Sub-Saharan Month around here: first Sarah Lacy went to Nigeria, and now here I am in Addis Ababa, EthiopiaÂ’s capital and AfricaÂ’s fourth-largest city. It feels like a boomtown. There are cranes and construction sites everywhere, throwing up gleaming new glass-and-steel buildings full of shops selling computers and mobile phones. Alas, EthiopiaÂ’s government seems fond of monopolies, protectionism, and bureaucracy. I believe mobile Internet access is a transformational force that could turn African nations into economic lions to rival AsiaÂ’s tigersÂ—but only if itÂ’s fast, cheap, and ubiquitous. And that will never happen here while every bit of EthiopiaÂ’s Internet is controlled by a dinosaur monopoly with no competitive incentive to improve.

Public Agenda (Accra)
Ghana: We Demand Unqualified Apology From Ethiopia
30 May 2011
Only last Wednesday, May 25, the entire African continent celebrated the 48th birthday of the African Union (AU) with poignant and inspirational messages on the need for African countries to harness their resources and work towards the ultimate goal of building a strong union parallel to that of European Union (EU). In many African countries the day has been declared a public holiday and rightly so, considering the significance of the day in the political history of the continent. Such diplomatic faux pas is counterproductive to the vision of the founding fathers like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Haile Selassie of Ethiopia as well as the spirit and letter of the AU Charter, as they drive us miles apart. The two leaders, we guess will be turning in their graves over the shameful act of the Ethiopians.

Africa's Future Education Conference
When: 4 September - 6 September 2011
Where: Emperors Palace - Gauteng
The Business Zone is very passionate about the Future of Education in Africa. Skills Development and Education in Africa, as we stand today, is poor and far behind the rest of the world. We need to get the education, training and skills development effort working for the good of those involved - the beneficiaries. Bringing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to education is vital for the future of Education. We wish to offer a platform to the corporate industry of Africa, as well, donors, education researchers and service providers to discuss trends in education development in Africa.

Venue Rome
Description GUIDE Association Â–Global Universities in Distance Education Â– is pleased to invite you to the 5th International Conference focusing on current conditions and future trends in the e-learning sector. The Conference will deal with a wide range of issues related to the development of new organization structures and pedagogical models to support complex institutional and university systems, combining education, technology and research. All participants will have the opportunity to take part in the debate concerning the creation of a common quality framework for e-learning system and its different phases: organization, planning, services delivered, monitoring and evaluation, research and development.
The Conference will approach the following topics:

United States Department of State (Washington, DC)
Senegal: Solar Technology Powers Learning
Sonya F. Weakley 18 April 2011
Washington Â— In four middle schools in the Fatick region of Senegal, nylon fabric bound to interlocking pieces of plastic piping is stirring a small revolution in educational philosophy. The materials may seem simple, but that's the point. Combined with a solar-powered battery running a "netbook" computer connected to a small projector and infrared camera, these items are enabling teachers and students to use uncomplicated technology as a tool for 21st-century learning.

EthiopiaÂ’s Challenge is our Challenge

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

May 7, 2011

Great things are achieved by guessing the direction of oneÂ’s century¹

Giuseppe Mazzini

While I appreciate Aklog and GetachewÂ’s macroeconomic analysis of Ethiopia and why it Â“is not conduciveÂ” to invest in Ethiopia today (the exact opposite of the GovernmentÂ’s claim of Â‘10 reasons to invest in EthiopiaÂ’), I am of the opinion that the complex Ethiopian scenario requires a more comprehensive political economy analysis.

My Visit to the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute of African and African American Research at Harvard University

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

April 21 2011

On April 18, 2011 the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research of Harvard

University honored the quintessential activist and artist Elizabeth Catlett and I went there along with my good friend professor Teodros Kiros to join the spirited and enthused audience that virtually packed the small auditorium in the second floor of the Institute.The event was opened by a brief remark of the charismatic Vira Grant, the Executive Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute and then the Professor and Director of the Institute, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (popularly known as Skip Gates) arrived and gave a speech on his long-awaited Â‘Blacks in Latin AmericaÂ’ PBS series and the biography of Elizabeth Catlett. According to the brochure distributed for the event, Â“throughout her career, Catlett has been committed to art as a vehicle for social change.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

A Friendly Little Dictatorship in the Horn of

Why the world doesn't care about Djibouti's autocracy.
BY ALY VERJEE | APRIL 8, 2011
In the shadow of the extraordinary events under way in the Middle East, Djibouti's presidential vote was always going to struggle for attention. Indeed, the plight of this tiny country, sandwiched between Somalia and Yemen, remains almost completely ignored. But as the primary seaport to 85 million landlocked Ethiopians, the center of anti-piracy efforts in the Horn of Africa, and a reliable Western ally in the war on terror, Djibouti is a strategically vital country in an unstable neighborhood.

Local consultants aided Khadafy Cambridge firm tried to polish his image
March 04, 2011|Farah Stockman, Globe Staff
CAMBRIDGE Â— It reads like Libyan government propaganda, extolling the importance of Moammar Khadafy, his theories on democracy, and his Â“core ideas on individual freedom.Â’Â’ But the 22-page proposal for a book on Khadafy was written by Monitor Group, a Cambridge-based consultant firm founded by Harvard professors. The management consulting firm received $250,000 a month from the Libyan government from 2006 to 2008 for a wide range of services, including writing the book proposal, bringing prominent academics to Libya to meet Khadafy Â“to enhance international appreciation of LibyaÂ’Â’ and trying to generate positive news coverage of the country.

Reform School
In the early days of Ivory Coast's election crisis, U.S. policymakers tried to offer Laurent Gbagbo a post at Boston University. Could academia really entice the world's most entrenched strongmen to step down?
BY ELIZABETH DICKINSON | APRIL 12, 2011

Top Khadafy aide helped craft deal with local firm
Company aimed to help Libya image
WASHINGTON Â— He is Moammar KhadafyÂ’s brother-in-law and his most trusted aide, convicted in absentia for the 1989 bombing of a French airliner and implicated in the 1996 massacre of 1,200 Libyan political prisoners.

IVORY COAST: State of Denial and Denial of Justice

IDEA Viewpoint

Ghelawdewos Araia

April 1, 2011

Ultimately, thus the solution must come from the people of Ivory Coast themselves. Both Quattara and Gbagbo are learned men; the former, by virtue of his banking experience was an International Monetary Fund official, and the latter was a university professor, and they must be able to sit down and talk for the sake of their country and their people. They can share power and form a coalition government, or Gbagbo must be persuaded to exit peacefully and Quattara must show some fortitude to accommodate his erstwhile foe. This is done by sophisticated people who understand the complexity of politics and who also prioritize the security and stability of their country, and above all the welfare of their people. Otherwise, the state of denial in one and the unwillingness of compromise on the other may subsequently deny justice to the people of Ivory Cost for a long period of time.

Ethiopia crackdown on opposition to prevent protests

afrol News
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is accused of another crackdown on the opposition
afrol News, 19 March - The Ethiopian opposition reports that over 250 of its central members have been arrested during the week. The arrests are seen in connection with a planned mass protest. According to Ethiopia's main opposition coalition Medrek - composed of eight mostly regionally-based parties - several of its member parties have experienced a wave of arrest this week. At least 250 opposition members remain in detention, they claim.

International Intervention & Support to the Libyan Opposition is A Moral Imperative
IDEA Viewpoint March 11, 2011
Ghelawdewos Araia

It is indeed a major dilemma when it comes to the conceptualization and practical application of intervention, but a reasonable assessment of a prevailing political situation could enable us determine whether intervention is worth it vis-Ã -vis egregious human rights violations. The case of Libya, for instance, demands that intervention is necessary in order rid of a murderous regime, help democratic forces install a government that could respect human rights and serve their interests, and also facilitate peace building and stability in the region.

Africa: Agroecology & the Right to Food
AfricaFocus Bulletin

According to the latest Global Food Price Monitor, from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, world food prices hit a record high in February, the highest since the index was first created in 1990. The debate on food security, and what to do about, is rising higher and higher on global agendas. There are elements of consensus, such as the need for greater attention to agriculture in development planning, and investment in particular in smallholder agriculture. But there are also significant disagreements on what kind of investment is needed. In broad terms, one approach is to foster a new "green revolution" giving highest priority to technologies developed in collaboration with large agrifood corporations and assuming compatibility of their interests with those of farmers. The contrasting approach stresses the importance of sustainable agroecology, local knowledge, and participation by smallholder farmers, while noting that large agrifood enterprises and technology they control is more likely to be part of the problem than part of the solution.

Djibouti masses protest U.S./French-backed regime
By Abayomi Azikiwe
Editor, Pan-African News Wire
Published Feb 27, 2011

The former French colony, which still maintains close ties to Paris, has a population of less than 850,000, but serves as a strategic outpost in Western imperialismÂ’s so-called Â“war on terrorism.Â” Djibouti houses the only known U.S. military base on the African continent and is therefore highly significant to the PentagonÂ’s strategy aimed at dominating the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Peninsula. The Financial Times reported that WashingtonÂ’s camp is an outpost for the U.S. Africa Command, Africom. (Feb. 20)

The USA should cease the moment

By Teodros Kiros

The United States, as one of the founding members of the UN, is no stranger to the concept and practice of collective security. Therefore, the popular uprisings in North Africa should not be viewed as a challenge to the United States; on the contrary, they should be perceived as a golden opportunity for America in finding new democratic friends in Africa and elsewhere. If the United States is serious in reformulating its foreign policy spectrum in such away to accommodate democratic regimes and no longer appease dictators, it should uphold what political scientists call Â‘global level of analysis,Â’ in which state and non-state global actors find common ground and work together.

The Historic North African PeopleÂ’s Uprising and Its Implication for American Foreign Policy

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

February 16, 201

Because the United States employed realism as the basic tenet in its foreign policy for so long, the social reality of other societies that aspire for democracy was largely mystified to the extent that democratic forces in developing nations were either considered not dependable or not trustworthy. America indeed made some modification in its realist policy by embracing the Â‘hegemonic stability theoryÂ’ paradigm, an admixture of realist and neo-liberal policy, but the latter in fact should have been considered as an important factor in shaping its foreign policy.

Foot Bone Puts Giant Leap for Mankind at 3.2 Million Years Ago
February 10, 2011, 2:04 PM EST
From Businessweek
MannKind Plans to Cut 41% of Workforce on Drug Delays Ethiopia WonÂ’t Need to Fully Liberalize Economy to Join WTO Sebelius May Not Have Power to Approve Arizona Medicaid Cuts Obama Health-Care Ruling to Get Speedy Appeals Court Review Pfizer Told to Pay $10 Million Over Prempro Verdict

The Role of the Diaspora in the Quest for Democratization in Ethiopia

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

Paper presented at the SOCEPP Canada Conference, January 15, 2011

The Ethiopian Diaspora nor the home front opposition was successful in its endeavor for the establishment of democracy in Ethiopia, while the EPRDF managed to manipulate and maintain the grips of power to this day. What seems to be the problem? In order to answer this simple question, the Ethiopian Diaspora must openly and candidly discuss the root of the problem, including problems surrounding democratic culture in its own circles.

THE ECONOMIST - LONDON
A more hopeful continent
The lion kings?
Africa is now one of the worldÂ’s fastest-growing regions
January 6th, 2011

Over the past decade sub-Saharan AfricaÂ’s real GDP growth rate jumped to an annual average of 5.7%, up from only 2.4% over the previous two decades. That beat Latin AmericaÂ’s 3.3%, but not emerging AsiaÂ’s 7.9%. AsiaÂ’s stunning performance largely reflects the vast weight of China and India; most economies saw much slower growth, such as 4% in South Korea and Taiwan.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON ETHIOPIA

SOCEPP Canada cordially invites you and your family to a public discussion exploring major issues affecting current day Ethiopia and their implications for democratization and Human Rights. We are fortunate to bring you a team of distinguished and remarkable scholars from the US and Canada , to inform you and engage you on a number of important topics.

Date & Time: Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 4:00PM

Place: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON

MENGISTU HAILE MARIAM (EX-PRES.) GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER!(1)
ARE THE UN AND THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC) ALIVE?
By Kidane Alemayehu

Horn of Africa Peace Engagement
HOP Referendum on Self-Determination of Southern Sudan
January 7, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Of Devine Warning: Reading Disaster in The Modern Age
Jane Anna Gordon and Lewis R. Gordon
Paradigm Publishers, Boulder & London 2009
Reviewed by Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.
January 4, 2011

Of Devine Warning, a small book in terms of length of pages is in fact an encyclopedia of well-synchronized knowledge. The book lays out theoretical frameworks to central questions surrounding monsters, disasters, ruin, and dominant ideologies vs. the oppressed. The strength of the book, however, is not so much in offering conceptual frameworks but in illustrating theoretical and definitional issues by examples. Moreover, apart from the wide-ranging empirical contexts pigeonholed in the various chapters, the book can maximize the potential of generally agreed upon postulates.

Ghana: Oil and The Economy Took Centre Stage
Accra Â— Someone said the other day that Social Democracy is a political concept that allows discredited communists the opportunity to act as if they have abandoned the principle of communism in favour of a less totalitarian model of government. It is difficult to argue with this definition, given the occurrences in the communist states of Eastern and Central Europe after the cold war. From Russia to Romania, the former communist dictators found solace in Social Democracy when communism collapsed with the end of the colds war.

Ethiopia's Million Dollar Energy Boost
The African Development Bank has provided a loan and grant amounting U.S.$200 Million to support the development of electricity projects, according to state media.
Addis Ababa Â— The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided Ethiopia a loan and grant amounting $200 million USD to support the horn nation's projects to develop electricity projects, according to the official Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency (ERTA). The supplementary financing agreement was signed on Monday between Finance and Economic Development Minister, Sufian Ahmed and AfDB resident Representative of Ethiopian Office, Lamin Barrow.

The Horn of Africa Peace Conference
Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D December 14, 2010
The objective was to generate ideas as much as possible and not necessarily to agree on all issues and this was one of the major accomplishments of the conference. The conference indeed was forum-cum-dialogue par excellence! One shortcoming of the conference perhaps was that the conferees were unable to thoroughly examine the consequences of the formation of a new South Sudan although some were talking about their concerns in informal gatherings. Both the South and North Sudan delegations seemed to have taken it for granted that a South Sudan Â“RepublicÂ” would indeed be formed after January 9, 2010. For all intents and purposes, the Juba new government is a fait accompli given the attitude of the Sudanese delegation and the preparation on the ground in South Sudan. Whatever happens after January 9 in the Sudan, I hope that Sudan will not be embroiled in political skirmishes and conflicts, and I wish the Horn of Africa Peace Conference in Atlanta and beyond would make an input to make peace possible!

Book Review and Miscellaneous Comments

- Teodros Kiros, Philosophical Essays, Trenton , NJ: The Red Sea Press, 2011, pages 101. $19.95.

- Teodros Kiros, Ethiopian Discourse, Trenton , NJ: The Red Sea Press, 2011, pages 236. $24.95.

By Tecola Worq Hagos

Professor Teodros Kiros [hereafter Â“TeodrosÂ”] is a well established personality in our Ethiopian Diaspora community (political life) due to his exemplary hard work and commitment to our political and social struggles. In several of his outstanding books, numerous essays and articles, we are privileged to learn about ourselves, about our struggle, and about our hopes and aspirations. Teodros is no charlatan trying his hand in this or that, but a well educated, brilliant, and socially conscious individual. He received his B.A. at University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. in Political Philosophy at Kent State University . The following two books (under review) are his most recent contribution to our Ethiopian discourse: Teodros Kiros, Philosophical Essays, Trenton , NJ : The Red Sea Press, 2011. [Teodros-1]; Teodros Kiros, Ethiopian Discourse, Trenton , NJ : The Red Sea Press, 2011. [Teodros-2]

Book Review
Jane Anna Gordon and Lewis R. Gordon, Of Divine Warning; Reading Disaster in the Modern Age (Paradigm Publishers, 2010) Book Review by Teodros Kiros
Jane Gordon and Lewis Gordon have produced a masterpiece on reading disasters in the modern age. The book is at once analytic, historically sensitive and imaginative, feature that we have come to expect from these two committed writers, each time they collaborate and produce books of enduring quality.

The Beautiful Phylicia Rashad

IDEA Viewpoint

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D December 2, 2010

Phylicia Rashad was with Tavis Smiley on November 2, 2010, and she still looks beautiful as when she was acting during the Cosby Show (1984-1992). Like millions of Americans, I used to enjoy the acclaimed show in prime time NBC, a fun-cum-educational TV entertainment in which the gifted grand actor Cosby (Dr. Huxtable) and the many other terrific actors captivated a huge audience. But I was exceptionally attracted to the beauty, elegance, and voluptuous charisma of Phylicia as Ms. Huxtable, a character of a successful attorney and a mom, in the show. However, I must confess that I just explored the brilliance of Phylicia when she appeared on the Tavis Smiley Show. Indeed, I explored a beautiful mind behind a beautiful forehead.

Book Review
Africa: Unity, Sovereignty, and Sorrow. By Pierre Englebert. Boulder,
CO: Lynne Rienner, 2009. 310 pp. $65.00 cloth=$26.50 paper. This is something of a jubilee year for Africa, marking half a century from that annus mirabilis of 1960 when no fewer than eighteen colonial territories across the continent were given their independence. It might seem churlish, butÂ—aside from literally a handful of truly exceptional casesÂ— one might legitimately ask what there is about these anniversaries that is to be celebrated. By almost any measure of progress or index of well-being, the vast majority of the states of sub-Saharan Africa have failed their citizens.

Ethiopian needs a Spiritual Warrior as a leader

By Teodros Kiros November 23, 2010

The spiritual warrior as a leader knows the interiors of pain, the corrosive effects of prejudice and leads by helping the citizens to confront the drone inside and seek spiritual healing Reconciliation, for example, is an attempt at self-purification; it is a very difficult but necessary step at moving forward from frozenness in hate, suspicion and mistrust towards the sunlight of loving the other, who is your other part, the part that non-spiritual warriors have fostered into un enemy.

Extremism Begets Extremism
By Daniel Gizaw November 19, 2010

Political commentary, when it is temperate and deliberate, makes sense. However, when it is exorbitant and intemperate, it drives people away. I see the latter as a huge problem. The extremist position is always one-sided. It is also typical with other extremist Diaspora position that had miserably failed. Take a look at the Cuban Diaspora, the Iranian Diaspora, the former Soviet Union Diaspora, or even the Mexican Diaspora of the 1970s. History shows us that all of them share same political passion, same extremist view, with each violently anathematic toward the regimes they opposed in their respective countries. In almost each instances, however, because of their extremist position, they all had missed the opportunity to achieve victory and reclaim Â“their country.Â” In this case, Castro is still in Cuba, the Mullahs in Iran have a firm grip on the countryÂ’s fate; and, hear this: the demise of the Soviet Union had nothing to do with the dissidentsÂ’ movement abroad.

The Fate of Ethiopia Must be Decided by Ethiopians

A commentary on Gregory StantonÂ’s Speech

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

November 15, 2010 IDEA Viewpoint

This commentary is aimed at the recent speech of Dr. Gregory Stanton to an Ethiopian audience and also at Ethiopians who dearly love their country and who want to make a difference in the future of a better Ethiopia. It is also aimed at Ethiopians who are either unable to fathom the reality of their own society and the complexity of global inputs, or are easily hoodwinked, uncritically accepted divisive ideas, and have applauded to potentially harmful diatribes.

RECONCILIATION IS THE LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATIVE RATIIOAALITY

By Teodros Kiros Ph.D

The decisive advise of Dr. Ghelawdewos must encourage us all to enter into the deep recesses of our rational hearts and invite the prevailing regime to come to the roundtable of dialogue and aim at establishing a concentric circle of themes that we must address to save our nation. I appeal to us Ethiopian to establish forums of national reconciliation globally and invite and encourage Ethiopians to discuss the future of our nation. All views including the viability of armed resistance can and must be freely discussed in the agora of the free market of ideas.

Editoral Observer

Call for pogrom-the verifiable attack of Tigreans by Dr. Gregory Stanton, President of Genocide Watch,

Tigreans could pay the price for Meles crimes Â– Gregory Stanton

November 12, 2010

It defies any rationale to justify why Tigreans have to pay the price for the type of government existing in Ethiopia . EPRDF is a coalition composed of many nationalities federated by common interest. It is simply an Ethiopian government recognized by all the world bodies and not as he contemptibly described as a Â“Tigrean regimeÂ”. We donÂ’t understand why Tigreans have to be targeted for such assault campaign and propaganda by this heinous man. This is an archetype and irresponsible person who would like to see and enjoy the killing fields of yet another failed state in the sub region of the Horn of Africa. His scorn and anti-Ethiopian stand cannot lead him anywhere and his call for pogrom of Tigreans is unfortunately not going to be heeded by all our Ethiopian compatriots.

Reconciliation and the Future of Ethiopia
By Teodros Kiros Ph.D

Professor GhelawdewosÂ’ brilliantly crafted National Reconciliation and National Development in Ethiopia is a pragmatic outline of how to bring the existing regime and the opposition to the palaver of a democratic dialogue guided by communicative rationality. This article wisely proposes a model of political behavior worth emulating.

In defense of Â“National Reconciliation and National Development in Ethiopia"

Bereket Kiros November 7, 2010

I am not trying to stifle criticism and freedom of expression but, rather aimed at writing critically appraise the activities of few individuals who try to make a political career by insulting and name calling. I believe personally in the free flow of ideas that individuals can write articles or essays in defense of their own fundamental rights and their own aspirations at any rate, out of respect I hope my suggestions or criticism will be constructive, and dignified. Two weeks ago Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD posted an article in various websites titled National Reconciliation and National Development in Ethiopia. The authorÂ’s intention was to open a dialog between the Ethiopian government and the opposition to usher a new beginning and forge a cohesive approach. The authorÂ’s message was lost in the sea of ignorant political discourse. The level of discussion on web is degenerating too low some step must be taken to avoid; itÂ’s becoming another gossip forum.

Dr. Ghelawdewos AraiaÂ’s Speech Engagement Schedule

National Reconciliation and National Development in Ethiopia

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD.

October 22, 2010

The government must preside over a national reconciliation forum not simply with the intention of permitting democratic rights, or sharing power, but also in enabling the opposition to participate in national development at all levels. Politics and development are gregarious, and that is the bottom line that I am implying to when I call upon the opposition and the government to make a historic national reconciliation. Without the participation of the Ethiopian people, development would become ideal chimera of economic salvation, and without reconciling differences of all groups, the Ethiopian nation could not move forward.

Green Revolution for AfricaÂ’s Sustainable Development: Renewed Interest or Paradigm Shift?
Ghelawdewos Araia

October 4, 2010
The concept of green revolution is not nascent to Africa, but African leaders were not able to successfully implement its objectives, nor consistently follow the parameters of the Revolution. When Africans gathered in Ghana on September 4, 2010 to once again talk about the priority of agriculture for development, it is indeed a promising endeavor and initiative by the respective African ministers and the plethora of experts in the field of agriculture.

Ethiopian Muslims Burn Down Christian Homes, Farms
Thursday, September 30, 2010 (2:52 am)
by George Whitten
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News)-- Twenty-five Muslims burned down ten Christian homes, leaving eighty Christians homeless in Ethiopia, a Washington-based rights' group said Thursday, September 30.
International Christian Concern (ICC) said on July 15 at 8 PM local time, attackers who were led by a local government militia, destroyed the homes in the Goda district of Jimma, Ethiopia. They also set fire to their barns, killing their animals and destroying their harvest. "The assailants asked the Christians to leave their homes and told them, 'We will show you what we are going to do to your homes, and if you inform this to anyone we will burn you the way we burn your homes.' Then they set the Christian homes on fire and began celebrating by singing near the burned homes," ICC quoted a Christian leader, who apparently spoke anonymously due to security concerns.

Westminster Abbey has been accused of sacrilege over its refusal to return a "looted" sacred object to the Ethiopian Orthodox church.
The object is a tabot, a small tablet that symbolises the Ark of the Covenant. Tabots are regarded by 35 million Ethiopian Christians as so sacrosanct that only priests are allowed to look at them. Such is their significance that they must never be displayed or photographed. The abbey has a stone tabot inlaid at the back of an 1870s altar in the Henry VII Lady Chapel, where it is visible to anyone peering around its left side.

Ethiopia: Addis demolishings begin despite lack of compensation funds
Tuesday 21 September 2010 / by Desalegn Sisay
Over 4,500 houses located in different parts of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa have been earmarked to be demolished this year [2010-2011 fiscal year] under a development plan. The plan will not only affect illegally built houses. For the time being, the city is struggling with compensation payments to owners of legally built structures which will be affected by the plan. Most of the houses set to be dismantled are in shanty areas built on plots which are to undergo re-development. Most are scattered on lands meant for the cityÂ’s main roads, according to the administration charged with the development plan.

A Young Ethiopian Reconnecting with Her Roots in the Motherland

September 4, 2010

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

Samrawit is one of the many Ethiopians who traveled from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia to the motherland; and this Diaspora young Ethiopians, as a matter of course, encounter cross-cultural and comparative perception of two cultures, namely the Ethiopian and the Diasporan. For Samrawit, more specifically, it was an exposure to the cultural uniqueness and ethos of Ashenda, but it was also an opportunity for her to reconnect herself with her roots and begin to appreciate her cultural heritage. All culture is learned and there is no such thing as genetic imprint of culture. The oft-expression of Â‘our culture is in our bloodÂ’ is egregiously unscientific. Samrawit, like all other girls, thus, was initiated in the Ashenda festival and learned some aspect of her cultural heritage.

Energy and Security Issues in the Red Sea Transforming as the Age of Gas Begins in Earnest
Written by Gregory R. Copley
Thursday, 26 August 2010 13:56
Major new energy issues are about to transform still further the strategic balance of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, with foreseeable consequences for the global energy market over the coming decade. Soon-to-be-evident new wealth in the Red Sea/Horn of Africa region will transform the intensity of conflict there, which in turn will affect not only the region, but the worldÂ’s most important trading route: the Red Sea/Suez sea line of communication (SLOC).

Ethiopia Must Complete the Construction of Gilgel Gibe III Dam
IDEA Editorial
August 30, 2010
Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

Ethiopians in the Diaspora who have entertained ideas opposing the Gilgel Gibe project too must rethink there stands and carefully delineate the distinction between a seating regime and the long-term development of Ethiopia. In the meantime, the government must bolster its initiative in an effort to expedite the construction of the dam and must seek alternative avenues, including capital and technical assistance from any government that would support the Gilgel Gibe III project.

Unequal Playing Field Becomes Breeding Ground for Corruption

TESFAYE KIDAN (PhD) (tesfayekidan@gmail.com),

It is a matter of time before the technocrats there perfect the mechanisms to manage their shady deals without detection; there is a credible risk that the commission may turn out to be a perfect breeding place for corruption. Given societyÂ’s negative perception of corruption, these interventions by the administration, if well managed, could cut the incentives for corruption significantly. However, to the extent that such interventions are delayed, and as corruption becomes common, Ethiopian society may lose its distaste for it. Once corruption is deep-rooted in society, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse participation in it.

Constructing Shrines of all Faiths at Ground Zero: An Alternative Idea

IDEA Viewpoint

August 16, 2010

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

There is no doubt that the idea of constructing a mosque near Ground Zero, which by most Americans is considered a hallow ground, has stirred controversy among the public. The opinions debated on the mosque idea by proponents and opponents are understandable, but unfortunately people on either side tend to dichotomize the issues pertaining to the mosque vis-Ã -vis Ground Zero. They donÂ’t see a middle ground in the extremities of the continuum and we are all lost in the blazing arguments and counter-arguments. Therefore, this IDEA viewpoint offers an alternative idea, indeed a novel solution, of constructing shrines of all faiths at Ground Zero.

Tool-making and meat-eating began 3.5 million years agoBy Jason Palmer
Science and technology reporter, BBC News

Researchers have found evidence that hominins - early human ancestors - used stone tools to cleave meat from animal bones more than 3.2 million years ago. That pushes back the earliest known tool use and meat-eating in such hominins by more than 800,000 years. Bones found in Ethiopia show cuts from stone and indications that the bones were forcibly broken to remove marrow. The research, in the journal Nature, challenges several notions about our ancestors' behaviour.

Ethiopian Opposition Alliance Takes Step Toward Becoming a Single Party

A coalition of Ethiopian opposition parties will take steps toward becoming a single party by forming a front, said Negasso Gidada, co-deputy chairman of the so-called Medrek alliance.

African Union
(Addis Ababa)

The African Capacity Building Foundation and the African Union Sign Memorandum of Understanding in the Margins of the AU Summit in Kampala

Uganda Â— Strategic partnership between the African Capacity Building Foundation and the African Union to harness joint resources for a better Africa
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and the African Union (AU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cement their strategic partnership. H.E. Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission signed on behalf of the AU and Dr. Frannie LÃ©autier Executive Secretary on behalf of ACBF.

IDEA Hails The East African Common Market

IDEA Editorial

July 10, 2010

July 1, 2010 marks the official establishment of the East African Common Market Protocol, whose members are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. It is a historic achievement for the Eastern African Bloc in particular and Africa in general, for this regional cooperation means a higher level of civil, economic, cultural, and political agenda that will altogether benefit 125 million people with a GDP of at least $70 billion.

Unearthed, the ancient texts that tell story of Christianity
A British bookbinder has restored ancient copies of the gospels dating back to the fourth century, writes Jerome Taylor
A still colourful page from the book despite the 1600 age of the worlds oldest christian book found in a remote monastry in Ethiopia. The text was thought to be medieval but carbon dating has taken it back to the 5th century AD.
Originally thought to be from around the 11th century, new carbon dating techniques place the Garima Gospels between 330 and 650 AD. New dating techniques have put the creation of the two books to somewhere between 330 and 650, making them a close contender to being the most ancient complete Christian texts. The only major collection of scripture that is known to be older is the Codex Sinaiticus, a copy of the Bible hand-written in Greek which dates back to the third century. Unlike the Garima Gospels, the Codex includes large chunks of the Old Testament, but the entire work is divided between museums and monasteries in Egypt, Britain, Russia and the USA.

Towards Poverty Alleviation and Greater Inclusiveness in AfricaÂ’s Middle Income Countries?

Poverty reduction strategies in Africa can be improved by understanding the sources of

economic growth and how such growth translates into poverty reduction. Using different household survey data at 5 to 10-year intervals, the AfDBÂ’s Research Department conducted a pro-poor growth analysis in four of AfricaÂ’s middle-income countries (MICs): Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia. While all four countries are shown to have moved from agro-based primary sector economies, with manufacturing, services, exports and tourism becoming increasingly important, significant differences emerge in terms of the poverty-reducing effects of the observed growth.

Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia on African Television Network: Perspectives on The Ethiopian Election 2010' on the above link:

Looking Back and Looking Forward: Beyond the Politics of Ethiopian Election 2010
Ghelawdewos Araia June 3, 2010

Ethiopians have no choice but to look back and look forward. The opposition, in particular, must reevaluate its political program in light of the objective conditions of Ethiopia and reassess its tactics and strategies. The opposition also must win the hearts and minds of the US and the EU despite the latterÂ’s cynical role in global politics. The Ethiopian opposition must understand that the US and the EU have now hegemonic control and it must recalibrate its performance in relation to the foreign powersÂ’ international status and the dialectical engagement with world histories and global processes.

The saga of the Starbucks-Ethiopia affair
By Wondwossen Mezlekia
May 31, 2010
The coffee trademark dispute between Starbucks and Ethiopia officially ended exactly three years ago. In June 2007, the giant coffee chain and the government of Ethiopia declared their agreement "to work together to license, distribute and market EthiopiaÂ’s specialty coffees." Starbucks further promised, as part of the dispute resolution, to buy its aprons from textile factories in Ethiopia, open a Farmer Support Center in Addis Ababa, and promote the coffee brands in its stores.

Medrek Support Group North America (MSGNA)

The Shamefaced Ruling Party & the Phony 2010 Ethiopian Election

May 26, 2010

The 2010 election is yet another sign of a direct confrontation of the EPRDF with the Ethiopian people and the ruling party have to answer to the people for all the violence it unleashed when the people, on the contrary, sought peaceful political change through free and fair elections. But the arrogant Meles regime would not listen. Sooner or later, the Ethiopian people will rise and bring the criminal gang of the EPRDF before the court of justice, a newly established institution out of the blood and tears of the Ethiopian people.

EU chief observer says Ethiopian poll was not fair
By ANITA POWELL Associated Press Write
Ask AP: Immigration bills, sucking up spilled oil
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) -- Tens of thousands of ruling party supporters rallied Tuesday in Ethiopia's capital to celebrate victory in the national election, while the chief EU observer said the poll had been marred by an uneven playing field. A top opposition leader denounced the provisional results released by the Ethiopian elections board, but did not indicate what action his party would take. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived midmorning at the main square in Addis Ababa and addressed the crowd as hundreds of blue-uniformed federal police stood guard.

The Next struggle for Hegemony: Political calmness in the middle of a storm.
By Teodros Kiros

Â“If the EPRDF acts in the same manner as it did during the 2005 election and grabs power by force, it should not be a shocking revelation, for it has become standard practice in EPRDFÂ’s operations to stifle any democratic process that is perceived as threat to the status quo. The Ethiopian people knew too well about this kind of scenario and it is no longer a mystique obscurity. But they could be scared of government forces including the intimidating cadres, the police, the secret service, and the military forces.Â”

Why Ethiopians Must Support Medrek and Aspire for A Democratic and Peaceful Transition

Ghelawdewos Araia May 17, 2010

Is this what we get from the EPRDF in the last two decades? Does the EPRDF at all have a positive faÃ§ade? Let me begin with the latter and galvanize the central theme of this paper. I have always argued that objectivity and integrity are two faces of the same coin. If I claim I have integrity, I would be remiss if I fail to mention EPRDFÂ’s achievements. All hitherto governments of Ethiopia had merit and demerit and even the murderous Derg government had initiated some major development projects like the Melka Wekena Hydroelectric, the Shiwushu-Gumaro tea plantation, the Bahir Dar and Komblecha textile industries, the Beles agricultural project, the Muger cement factory, and Gilgel-Ghibe Hydroelectric. The latter is now being expanded under the EPRDF.

Medrek Support Group North America (MSGNA)

May 13, 2010

It is for the first time in the last two decades that a cohesive and well-organized coalition of eight parties led by visionary and dedicated leaders that has really challenged and confronted the EPRDF. In the 2005 election, the Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) or Kinijit was a relatively viable opposition but its non-democratic operations coupled by very loose organizational network and inside job saboteurs, made it an easy target to the more formidable EPRDF. The latter had already knew about the weaknesses of UDJ and despite the overwhelming success of Kinijit on the polls, especially in the urban areas, the ruling party, by claiming that it had won the rural areas, snatched the ballots by sheer force. Then UDJ supporters protested by staging demonstrations and they were dealt with government bullets and bayonets.

OPPOSITION CAMP ON ECONOMY
With Temesgen Zewdie, (MEDREK)
TEMESGEN ZEWDIE (Medrek)
Q. To what extent should the involvement of state in the management of the economy go?
The factors of production like land, capital, labour, and entrepreneurship are all sources of wealth. These will be controlled by the private sector.
In a country where the major source of capital - which is land - is controlled by the government, farmers consider themselves as employees of the state. Not only does the government control the land, now it even controls what crops are harvested and where they are supposed to be collected.
The major player in both sectors, owning the land and the crops on the land, is the government. The ruling party has its own trade conglomerates that control the fertilizer of the land and the farmer plays no role becoming a political instrument for the ruling party.

In Defence of Participatory Democracy and against
Revolutionary Democracy and Liberal Democracy:
9 May, 2010 | By Teodros Kiros (Ph.D)

Ethiopia needs participatory democracy, as the politicalform of its immediate future, a
future that is simultaneously an ideal and a strategy, which needs the participation of the Ethiopian people, so as to bring about the desperately needed alternative to the sham democracy of the ruling regime.

World Bank (Washington, DC)

Sierra Leone: Supporting our Global Common Interests

Samura Kamara 5 May 2010

column

With the strong support of the international development community, Sierra Leone is emerging from a legacy of conflict which has delayed hopes for a better future for millions of our people.

Our country is beginning to move beyond humanitarian and emergency relief, focusing instead on more lasting investments in the future of our nation, gains in building strong democratic institutions, restored economic stability and more accountable, responsible and stable leadership.A common factor in this progress for us, and for many other low-income countries, has been the support of the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank Group's concessional arm, which provides lending and grants for the world's poorest countries. IDA works with us as a partner to provide financial resources, technical assistance and effective collaboration with other development partners, to support our economic development priorities and help build institutions to sustain growth and provide clear results that benefit our people.

Authored by Zewde Gabre-Sellassie, PhD

TEACHERS COLLEGE | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Vice President’s Office for Diversity and Community Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs, African Alumni Club of Columbia University A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA PH.D A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR DR. GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA

March 5, 2014

Authored by Hiwot Teffera

October 17, 2013

Ghelawdewos Araia

Ghelawdewos Araia August 21, 2012

Ghelawdewos Araia & Teodros Kiros

Sabila

I am saddened by your departure

Ethiopia: Genomics and African Queens 21 June 2012 AllAfrica.com

Ethiopia Sale of State Assets Would Raise $7.6 Billion January 11, 2012, 10:11 AM EST Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- EthiopiaÂ’s government would raise 132 billion birr ($7.6 billion) if it sold the countryÂ’s five biggest state-owned companies to private investors, Access Capital SC said.

1. በ ስመ ኣብ BÃ¤ sime aab In the name of the Father በስመ ኣብ ወ ወልድ ወ መንፈስ ቅዱስ Aሃዱ Aምላክ BÃ¤ sime aab wÃ¤ wold wÃ¤ menfes qidus ahadu amlak In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Ghelawdewos Araia November 23, 2011

Ghelawdewos Araia, PhD

Ghelawdewos Araia

June 27, 2011

CHARACTER COUNTS

By Aphilas Araia

Buena Vista School

A book Review of Cultures that We must Preserve and Reject by Ghelawdewos Araia (Institute of Development and Education for Africa, Inc, 2008 By Teodros Kiros

Great things are achieved by guessing the direction of oneÂ’s century1

Giuseppe Mazzini

Reform School In the early days of Ivory Coast's election crisis, U.S. policymakers tried to offer Laurent Gbagbo a post at Boston University. Could academia really entice the world's most entrenched strongmen to step down? BY ELIZABETH DICKINSON | APRIL 12, 2011

IDEA Viewpoint

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

Paper presented at the SOCEPP Canada Conference, January 15, 2011

IDEA Viewpoint

A commentary on Gregory StantonÂ’s Speech

October 22, 2010

September 4, 2010

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.

IDEA Editorial

The Shamefaced Ruling Party & the Phony 2010 Ethiopian Election

Ghelawdewos Araia May 17, 2010

May 13, 2010

IDEA Viewpot

Ghelawdewos Araia

TEACHERS COLLEGE | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Vice President’s Office for Diversity and Community Affairs, Office of Alumni Affairs, African Alumni Club of Columbia University
A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA PH.D
A BOOK LAUNCH AND RECEPTION FOR
DR. GHELAWDEWOS ARAIA

Ethiopia: Genomics and African Queens
21 June 2012 AllAfrica.com

Ethiopia Sale of State Assets Would Raise $7.6 Billion
January 11, 2012, 10:11 AM EST
Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- EthiopiaÂ’s government would raise 132 billion birr ($7.6 billion) if it sold the countryÂ’s five biggest state-owned companies to private investors, Access Capital SC said.

1. በ ስመ ኣብ
BÃ¤ sime aab
In the name of the Father
በስመ ኣብ ወ ወልድ ወ መንፈስ ቅዱስ Aሃዱ Aምላክ
BÃ¤ sime aab wÃ¤ wold wÃ¤ menfes qidus ahadu amlak
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

A book Review of Cultures that We must Preserve and Reject by Ghelawdewos Araia (Institute of Development and Education for Africa, Inc, 2008
By Teodros Kiros

Great things are achieved by guessing the direction of oneÂ’s century¹

Reform School
In the early days of Ivory Coast's election crisis, U.S. policymakers tried to offer Laurent Gbagbo a post at Boston University. Could academia really entice the world's most entrenched strongmen to step down?
BY ELIZABETH DICKINSON | APRIL 12, 2011