AU Commends Implementation of Pretoria Peace Agreement


Addis Ababa: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, received the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adoye, in his office.

On the occasion, Ambassador Taye affirmed that the Ethiopian government is fully committed to the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

Commissioner Bankole commended the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

With this inline he reiterated the AU’s commitment to implementing the Ethiopian peace process, recalling that Ethiopia was the first country to benefit from the AU Peace Fund, receiving one million US dollars in support of its DDR process.

In addition, he recalled that the Union has successfully deployed the full team of the AU Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM).

He also added that the African union will continue to support the implementation of the transitional justice policy framework in Ethiopia.

The two sides held a wide-ranging discussion o
n important issues of peace and security in the Horn of Africa, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Bankole noted that Ethiopia is a formidable and effective partner in the peace-making efforts in the Horn of Africa and he underscored African Union’s commitment to continue strengthening its joint work with Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Foreign State Minister, US Special Envoy Stress Need for Int’l Support for DDR Process


Addis Ababa: State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Ambassador Mike Hammer, the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa met to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Ambassador Mesganu emphasized the need for a renewed structural engagement between the two countries to further scale up relations.

The discussion between the two sides noted the need for international level support for the DDR process and for the successful implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Premier Says Improving Office Ergonomics, Creating Conducive Environments Priorities


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Improving office ergonomics and creating conducive environments in government offices have been ongoing priorities.

The premier conducted a brief visit to the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development to observe the initiatives being carried out by the ministry.

‘Today, I conducted a brief visit to the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development to observe the initiatives undertaken within its premises and to gain insights into the urban progress it oversees,’ Abiy shared on social media pages.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

India Extends Humanitarian Assistance To Flood Victims


The Government of India on Tuesday sent 40 tonnes of relief supplies to support rehabilitation efforts in the flood affected regions of the country.

The consignment includes 22 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) items such as tents, sleeping bags/mats, blankets, power generation sets, ready to eat meals, basic sanitary utilities and hygiene kits,

They also donated 18 tonnes of medical aid, comprising essential life-saving drugs and surgical equipment for critical care and wound management.

A press release Tuesday also indicated that the donation also included items required for baby food, water purification, menstrual hygiene, repelling mosquitoes, along with malaria and dengue diagnostic kits, anti-venom treatment and several types of testing kits that could be readily deployed on the ground.

Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Ms. Namgya Khampa handed over the relief materials to Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development
Peninah Malonza at Embakasi military hangar.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the statement said that the assistance to Kenya signified the strong and friendly relations with Kenya in the spirit of South-South cooperation and their commitment to keep Africa on top of their priorities.

‘This is also in line with India’s philosophy of World in one Family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) and our commitment to collective action to deal with natural disasters under India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) for the Indian Ocean Region.

‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by the devastating floods in Kenya. We stand in solidarity with the Government and People of Kenya,’ he added.

An earlier consignment of immediate relief material was brought in by Indian Naval Ship Sumedha and handed over to the Government of Kenya at Mombasa Port on 10 May 2024.

Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet, Idris Salim Dakota, Principal Secretary, State Department for Cabinet Affairs and Mr.
Harsama Kello, Principal Secretary, State Department for Arid Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development were also present.

Kenya has been hit by the devastation caused by the floods with 38 out of 47 counties being affected. An estimated 267 people have died, 188 injured while over 280,000 displaced. This year, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) estimated Sh1.9 million people in the country being food insecure and needing humanitarian assistance between February and March 2024.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Film Commission Offers Free Training To Filmmakers


Kenya Film Commission in partnership with the County Government of Kiambu, through the Department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, have organized a Six-day film workshop, to train local filmmakers in areas of pre-production, production and post production.

The Film Capacity Building Workshop, scheduled from May 13th to 18th, 2024, will be held at the Kiambu County Headquarters.

The training aims to equip Kiambu County youth with film production skills, promoting the industry as a livelihood source, sustainable wealth contributor, and job creator.

Meanwhile, According to the Kiambu County Executive (CECM) for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, Ali Osman, the trainees have been selected from different parts of the County, with an aim to sharpen the local filmmakers with practical experiences on the filmmaking process.

‘The training will enhance the professional skills of local filmmakers, preparing them to compete effectively in both local and international film environments,’ said Osman

H
e further encouraged filmmakers from the County, to be active in seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities that are presented by the National government, through the Commission and the county.

Thus, ‘the training will cover various aspects of film and production such as scriptwriting, directing and acting, cinematography, picture composition, video editing, sound techniques, lighting, among others’ the CECM added

Elizabeth Kamau, one of the beneficiaries of the program said she is looking forward to acquire skills that will help her, create great productions and contents that can be marketed commercially so she can make an income out of it. The individual attended a training session on professional skills for content creation, including camera parts, story characteristics, and video editing techniques.

In 2020 the Kenya Film Commission launched Capacity Building workshop, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program and rolled it out to the counties, in a bid to ensure that the country
has a vibrant film industry with professionals who are empowered to tell authentic Kenyan stories, thus making significant contributions to the Kenyan film industry.

Source: Kenya News Agency

President Sahle-Work Zewde Appoints New Ambassadors


Addis Ababa: President Sahle-Work Zewde has appointed 24 ambassadors today.

According to the Office of the President, out of the 24 appointed ambassadors, 14 are Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

The list of appointed ambassadors are as follows:

1. Ambassador Fesseha Shawel Gebre

2. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun Woldeyes

3. Ambassador Legesse Geremew Haile

4. Ambassador Delil Kedir Bushra

5. Eskendir Yirga Asfaw

6. Leulseged Tadese Abebe

7. Nardos Ayalew Belay

8. Brook Mekonnen Demmisse

9. Tewodros Girma Abebe

10. Mekuria Getachew Worku

Below are the list of extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of Ethiopia;

1. Betre Mengistu Berhanu

2. Yohannes Fanta Woldegiorgis

3. Haileslassie Suba Gebru

4. Nigus Kebede Kassew

5. Zerihun Abebe Yigzaw

6. Teshome Shunde Hamito

7. Lelisa Berhanu Geleta

8. Dereje Beyene Demissie

9. Sebsibe Bade Abdiabeb

10. Nebiyu Tedla Negash

11. Anteneh Alemu Senbete

12. Lemlem Fisseha Menale

13. Anuwar Mukhtar Muhammad

14. Abraham Mengistu Gemechu

Source: Ethiopian News Agency