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Spotlight: In Florida Mekdelawit Messay, Ph.D. Student, is on a Mission to Study Equitable Water Sharing on the Nile

Published by Tadias Magazine July 19th, 2021 in Profiles. Closed
“Like every kid in Ethiopia, I grew up hearing in songs, stories, folklore and school how the Nile — Abay is its name back home — is our greatest resource—the beauty, the grace of Ethiopia, but also how we have not been able to use it," says Mekdelawit Messay, a Ph.D. Student at Florida International University, who is studying "Equitable Water Sharing" on the Nile. "I feel like I have found my niche in life." (FIU)

FIU News

Ph.D. student is on a mission to study equitable water sharing on the Nile

FIU Ph.D. student Mekdelawit Messay Deribe grew up in Ethiopia hearing about the Nile River and how it is such a crucial yet underutilized water resource.

When life on the Nile was poised to forever change with the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2011, it became the source of Deribe’s inspiration to immerse herself in the water issues surrounding the river.

“Like every kid in Ethiopia, I grew up hearing in songs, stories, folklore and school how the Nile — Abay is its name back home — is our greatest resource—the beauty, the grace of Ethiopia, but also how we have not been able to use it, how it does not have a home at its source,” Deribe says. “So, there was always this dichotomous feeling of love and adoration for the Nile, as well as anger at not using our resource.”

Six years after the construction of the GERD began, Deribe found herself seriously researching Nile water issues and transboundary water use. She completed her master’s thesis on the subject and searched for Ph.D. programs that aligned with her passion. This is when she discovered FIU Institute of Environment and Department of Earth and Environment professor Assefa Melesse’s work on the Nile. It was a perfect fit.

Today, Deribe studies the long-term, sustainable and equitable use of transboundary waters specifically focused on the Nile Basin.

The Nile Basin is expected to be one of the most water-scarce areas in the world in the near future, she explains, so it is especially important to study transboundary water sharing in this area. The current situation in the basin is complex. Deribe explains further that, although the Nile is shared by 11 countries, historical water-sharing arrangements between Sudan and Egypt completely allocate the Nile water between these two countries, complicating the issue even more.

“The way we deal with utilization of the Nile drastically needs to change in the basin if we are collectively to have a sustainable future,” Deribe says. “My research is focused on finding ways to ensure that collective better future for the Basin.”

Deribe has been instrumental in supporting monthly, virtual Nile Talk Forums hosted by the Institute of Environment. She recently spoke on a panel at one of these forums, where she discussed the importance of transboundary collaboration in order to identify solutions for the equitable utilization of the Nile. She also presented her research at the annual FIU graduate symposium, earning third place for Outstanding Oral Presentation by a doctoral student.

“I feel like I have found my niche area—my calling in life—with researching and working on the Nile,” she says. “The Nile Basin has a long way to go in terms of ensuring equitable, long term, sustainable and climate-proof use of the shared water for all the Nile Basin countries and citizens.

“I believe there is a lot to be done in that avenue and I hope to contribute to that cause through my academic research and social advocacy. I love teaching, so I also hope to teach and give back to my country and people in a small way,” Deribe adds.

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COVID-19: Ethiopian Airlines Delivers First Batches Of Vaccine In Ethiopia

Published by Tadias Magazine March 9th, 2021 in Health. Closed
Ethiopian Airlines conducted a major service this week amid progress with the vaccination program in Ethiopia. The airline delivered over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the country. (Getty Images)

Simple Flying

[This week] marked a milestone moment for Ethiopia and its flag carrier. The country received 2.184 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine through the COVAX global vaccine-sharing initiative. These doses were brought in by Ethiopian Airlines.

Getting the ball rolling

In December, Ethiopian Airlines struck a deal with Cainiao Network, which is the logistics branch of the Alibaba Group. This agreement formed an international cold chain from China for the supply of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines. Subsequently, temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals are being delivered twice a week from Shenzhen, China, to Africa and beyond, via hubs in Dubai, UAE, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Following this progress, millions of doses of the vaccine landed in Ethiopia today. Ethiopian Airlines shared the following about the delivery on its Twitter.

“We have transported and delivered the first batch of COVID-19 Vaccines to Ethiopia. The shipment has arrived today and delivered to the Ethiopian MoH in a ceremony held in our cargo terminal. We will keep on providing this mission-critical service to save lives”

A vital service

WHO Ethiopia also tweeted how the delivery was a landmark event. The group confirmed the product that arrived is the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. It added that this move is a big step towards ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines amid the pandemic.

Today, Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership said that the company is prepared to take a lead role in transporting vaccines across the globe. The airline’s cargo division expects demand for these operations to last for up to three years.

Fitsum Abadi, the managing director of Ethiopian Cargo, told Reuters the following:

“We have aircrafts converted from passengers by removing their seats, 16 of them, which are very wide aircrafts converted to transport vaccines.”


The airline has been supporting its cargo department by utilizing otherwise dormant passenger aircraft amid the pandemic. (Getty Images)

Rising to the task

Altogether, Ethiopian’s cargo division has been scaling up services amid the global health crisis. Shipping has been a lifeline for carriers amid the severe downturn in passenger activity, and Ethiopian recognizes the potential.

The airline swirly adapting its operations amid the rise of new opportunities. Early on in the pandemic, the operator took seats out of 25 of its passenger planes to increase capacity for cargo. As the world becomes more reliant on the delivery of products, the carrier is prepared to take on the challenge.

Simple Flying reached out to Ethiopian Airlines for further comment on this landmark delivery this weekend. We will update the article with any further updates from the carrier.

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Artist Spotlight: Mekdelawit of University of Massachusetts

Published by Tadias Magazine February 20th, 2021 in Featured. Closed
Mekdelawit Fissehazion's ardor for live shows began on stages in Ethiopia, long before University of Massachusetts. Mekdelawit was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. When she was 10 years old, [she] moved to Ethiopia, where she lived until coming to UMass for college. Ethiopia is where she began performing, and it influenced how she interacted with people while making music. (Daily Collegian)

The Massachusetts Daily Collegian

Isolation can be lonely, leaving one disconnected and uninspired without people to bounce off of. As humans we feed off of one another, we look forward to interacting, even setting up dates to do so. With quarantine and strict restrictions at the University of Massachusetts, this ability has been stripped of us, leaving a sense of mundaneness for many.

Yet, for others, isolation can be incredibly cathartic, especially for creative introverts. Sophomore Mekdelawit Fissehazion released her first EP, “We Can Stay Here,” last April, in the midst of quarantine. While everyone else was losing their minds trying to figure out a way to spend their time alone, Fissehazion found peace.

“That period of my life was a really big time for healing. It was after I got out of some really bad relationship stuff. That EP reflects it a lot — I just needed to get it out into the world,” she said. “For example, ‘We Can Stay Here’ is about a new person, but you have so many walls up because you don’t want to get hurt like last time. And then ‘Better Know’ was just straight up being like, bro, I miss you. But what can I do about it? You did me wrong. It’s really just exploring the emotions after heartbreak.”

Through the release of her first project, she was able to find a release within herself. The EP itself is mostly freestyles, making her pain feel genuine and stories that much more remarkable.

This sense of such raw realness, especially for a newer artist, did not fall on deaf ears. Her social media was flooded with Instagram reposts and hundreds of shares. The fact is the UMass community was truly rocking with her.

“I really am so grateful that anybody listens to my music, it makes me so happy,” Fissehazion said. “I don’t think people realize how nerve wracking it is to put all your thoughts and emotions into a song and give it to people. The fact that they receive it and actually mess with it enough to post it and tell their friends about it means a lot to me.”

Yet, unfortunately, because the EP was released during quarantine, Fissehazion couldn’t feel the tangible love from her audience that comes with release parties and live shows, something that is important to her as an artist.

“I thrive off of performing, I really love it,” she said. “It’s a different feeling because recording music is a very tedious process, and I love it. But at the same time, singing, being in front of people and interacting with the audience, is very nice.”

Before UMass students were sent home in March, the young artist performed at the Black History Month Showcase, an event hosted by the UMass Black Student Union. Yet, her ardor for live shows began on stages in Ethiopia, long before UMass.

Fissehazion was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, where her parents’ taste in music was affected by their shift to American culture. This in turn influenced the music she listened to growing up.

“Maryland is where I first started listening to R&B and singing with my cousins,” Fissehazion said. She recalled some of the artists that inspired her in her adolescence being Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Keri Hilson, T-Pain and Beyoncé.

Audio: Mekdelawit · We Can Stay Here

“I was obsessed with Beyoncé when I was really young,” she said. “I would beg my mom to buy me the World Tour CDs, watch them and learn every single rendition of every single song so I could sing exactly like her. When I really got into ‘Yoncé, that changed my life as a young kid. And my music taste. That was really where it began.”

When she was 10 years old, Fissehazion moved to Ethiopia, where she lived until coming to UMass for college. Ethiopia is where she began performing, and it influenced how she interacted with people while making music.

Her cousin, Adonis, served as a mentor-like figure for her when she first started out. She began experimenting with GarageBand and singing over her own production, yet it wasn’t until she and Adonis began working together that she began taking her craft to the next level and releasing music.

“He produced and rapped, then I would write and hop on the song, and we would just release like that,” she said.

The two have a few songs together and plan on releasing more collaborative music in the future. But for now, Fissehazion has been focusing on her solo career and trying to sharpen it as much as possible.

“I’m just trying to make sure I’m really focused on quality right now,” she said, regarding a project in the works. “My previous project was mostly just freestyles, so now I’m actually taking my time and writing songs.”

The songwriting process for the artist comes in waves of poetry — or pure spontaneous inspiration.

“I’ll take certain lines from previous poetry and put them in where they fit sometimes,” she said. “Especially like the second verses, they always take me longer to write than the first ones because the first ones are just an outpour of ideas.”

She refers to “Better Know”as the song she is most proud of because of the lyrics. Now, since she has more familiarity in terms of mixing and mastering, Fissehazion would like to work on it again for a re-release.

Last April, she was able to use her heartbreak from previous semesters as fuel to create beautiful art. “We Can Stay Here” is dreamy, smooth and something you would listen to in a bubble bath while lighting a eucalyptus scented candle — knowing that at the end of the day, you have yourself and that’s all that matters.


Mekdelawit (Daily Collegian)

Now, her motivation to create comes in letting out those last bits of frustration and painting a fuller picture of her story.

“I guess quarantine really made it hard because musicians and artists in general thrive on going through things to write music. And even though it is good sometimes to make sad music, I feel like a lot of the music that I made during quarantine… was more sad,” she said. “I don’t want people to feel that way from my music all the time. I’m really trying to pick the things that are more relatable, that are gonna touch different parts of people’s hearts, instead of depression.”

With the release of “We Can Stay Here,” she did not have as many eyes on her because it was her first project. But now the stress of releasing a project under a larger audience is all too real, paired with the inevitable self-doubt that comes with being an artist.

“I’m in my head a lot, self-doubt is a killer,” Fissehazion said. “For real, it’ll beat you down and everything. I’m starting to be more patient with myself and finding the joy in creating again, because it comes with a lot of pressure. You put pressure on yourself, because you want to be so great.”

Conquering something as vicious as your own brain can lead to magnificent outcomes, such as a new single, “Motions” that is merely weeks away from release. Keep your eyes peeled for that and future projects from the 19-year-old R&B artist.

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Feleg Tsegaye of ‘Deliver Addis’

Published by Tadias Magazine January 11th, 2021 in Business, Featured and Profiles. Closed
Feleg Tsegaye, founder of Deliver Addis. (Photo: Howwemadeitinafrica)

Face 2 Face Africa

The man behind Ethiopia’s first online restaurant delivery service changing how people dine

Feleg Tsegaye was born to exiled Ethiopian parents in the United States. When he was 24 years old, he moved to Ethiopia to start the country’s first-ever online restaurant delivery service. Prior to leaving the U.S, he worked at the US Federal Reserve Bank.

In 2015, he launched Deliver Addis, an online restaurant delivery service in Ethiopia which allows customers to place orders from their favorite restaurants and also discover new ones. For Tsegaye, it was his own way of not only creating jobs in his country of origin but to change the way Ethiopians dine.

“What really prompted me to pursue this was the fact that we were creating a completely new industry that did not exist in Ethiopia,” Tsegaye told How We Made It In Africa. “It’s about getting customers what they want in the convenience of their homes and offices. It’s also about generating business for small and medium enterprises – like restaurants that cannot afford space or a good location – and creating jobs for young people as back-office staff or drivers.”

Across Africa, businesses being operated solely online are fast gaining popularity on the continent. This has been largely due to the spread of internet connectivity across the continent. While in some countries internet usage is low, it is high in other states.

Playing a pioneering role in Ethiopia’s e-commerce sector didn’t come easy for Tsegaye. At the time, internet penetration was low and was largely a platform not known to many in the country. Nonetheless, he persisted and now controls a big share of the market.

He was also confronted with other challenges such as the absence of addresses, power outages and inadequate internet connection.

“Our first internet shutdown was when I was on a flight to the US,” he recalled. In 2016, Ethiopia declared a state of emergency due to political instability, resulting in the shutdown of internet connectivity in the country.

“As an e-commerce business, that’s pretty much the worst possible thing that can happen – and I wasn’t even there when it happened,” he said. Although the business was unprepared for the internet shutdown, Tsegaye took advantage of the situation to do some intensive servicing and maintenance of his delivery bikes.

While at it, he took steps to keep the business afloat by designing offline processes for ordering – by phone, or SMS, when available. This saw order volumes go up. In June 2020, he secured funding from the Impact Angel Network to increase its capacity and efficiency to bring on new products and services and expand market share.

Following growing demand due to COVID-19, he expanded his services to include an online marketplace that enables Ethiopian consumers to shop for groceries and other essential goods online.

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IN ETHIOPIA Elections Board Wants to Push Delayed Vote to Mid-2021

Published by Tadias Magazine November 1st, 2020 in Podcast. Closed
Polling material at a National Electoral Board of Ethiopia warehouse, in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia’s elections were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Getty Images)

Bloomberg

Ethiopia’s elections board wants to hold the Horn of Africa nation’s first multi-party vote in late May or early June after delaying the exercise due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Consultations with civil society organizations are ongoing to fix an exact date, according to Solyana Shimeles, a communications adviser to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. The election in Africa’s second-most populous nation was initially scheduled for August.

“It is NEBE’s mandate to decide the election date based on the feedback it gets from different stakeholders,” she said.

Unrest has flared since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began freeing up the country’s once tightly regulated political space when he came to power in April 2018. Abiy has given room for opposition parties and rebel groups to operate, which critics say has stoked fragmentation and long-suppressed rivalries among ethnic communities.

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Ethiopia Braces for Election Amid COVID19


Health minister tells parliament country can hold parliamentary election after necessary precautions. (AA)

AA

Updated: September 18th, 2020

Addis Getachew Tadesse | ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Ethiopia may now be in a position to hold parliamentary election after taking precautionary measures against COVID-19, the health minister said on Friday.

Lia Kebede told an emergency session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives the country could now hold the parliamentary election provided all the necessary precautions are put in place against the spread of the coronavirus.

A landlocked country in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia postponed its sixth parliamentary election twice due to internal conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, in clear defiance of the federal authority, the north Ethiopian Tigray regional state conducted a regional election that was categorically rejected both by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the House of Federation, the upper house of the parliament.

The minister said the nation built preventive capacities in mitigating the circumstances that might lead to the spread of the virus, the local broadcaster FANA quoted Lia as saying.

The country’s testing capacity, she said, increased as the ministry managed to conduct over 11.7 million laboratory tests, detecting 66,224 cases and recording 1,045 deaths.

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Ethiopia Expects to Hold General Elections in Next 12 Months


Ethiopia expects to hold general elections within the next year after a vote scheduled for August was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, PM says. (Photo: A woman prepares her ballot in a voting booth near Mekele on September 9, 2020. in an election that parliament has deemed illegal/Getty Images)

Bloomberg

By Samuel Gebre and Simon Marks

Updated on September 10, 2020

Ethiopia Expects to Hold Delayed Elections Within Next Year

Ethiopia expects to hold general elections within the next year after a vote scheduled for August was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I personally believe there will be elections in the year 2013,” Abiy said on state television on Wednesday. Ethiopia, with its own 13-month calendar that is about seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, celebrates the start of 2013 on Friday.

The ballot will be a test of reforms unleashed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has been opening up the country’s once tightly regulated political space since coming to power in April 2018. His unbanning of opposition and rebel groups has stoked political fragmentation and long-suppressed rivalries among ethnic communities.

The 44-year-old premier has also pledged to open up state-owned industries, from telecommunications to energy, to increased foreign investment in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

Abiy announced the new timeline for the election on the day that the nation’s Tigray region held its own parliamentary vote, defying a ban by the federal government.

Ethiopia became one of the first African nations to postpone elections because of the coronavirus pandemic when it delayed the ballot in March. Lawmakers voted to extend the government’s mandate until elections are held, from the previous Oct 10 deadline.

Authorities have had time to learn about the virus, and a vaccine will probably be available to protect people during the election, Abiy said, adding relevant institutions will make a final decision on a schedule.

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Ethiopian Region Proceeds With Vote Banned by Federal Government


Voters gathered in Mekele on Wednesday for an election that has been declared unconstitutional by parliament, which had postponed the national poll due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Twitter/@rcoreyb)

Bloomberg

Updated: September 9th, 2020

Ethiopia’s Tigray region began holding an election outlawed by the federal government.

Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. in the northern Ethiopian region, said Abdel Guesh, a spokesman for the Tigray electoral commission. Voting will continue until 6:00 p.m., he said.

The ballot is a direct challenge to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, which postponed general elections earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s the latest in a series of challenges Abiy has faced since he began implementing political reforms two years ago in response to intensifying anti-government protests.

Tensions between the Tigrayan and federal authorities may spawn unrest that could jeopardize Abiy’s plans to open up the economy to foreign investment, according to the International Crisis Group. Some federal officials have said they’ll stop the vote, while the nation’s upper house of parliament on Saturday said the results won’t be recognized, state-controlled Ethiopian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Depending on how far the dispute goes, it may push the ethnic Tigray group to consider “constitutional secession procedures, further raising the stakes and intensifying conflict risks,” the ICG said last month.

Lost Influence

Tigray’s ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front was formerly the pre-eminent party in Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, after it helped oust the nation’s Marxist Derg regime in 1991. The party has set itself in opposition to Abiy, an ethnic Oromo, since he came to power in April 2018. In December, it refused to join the Prosperity Party he formed to replace the coalition.

Abiy played down the prospect of the election stoking instability.

“This merry-go-round should not be a headache for us,” he said on state television on Tuesday. “We are not going to lift our hands every time someone shouts asking to affirm their existence.” Security officials on Monday stopped journalists and observers from boarding a flight to Mekele, Tigray’s capital, without providing a reason. The authorities confiscated phones and laptops.

About 3 million people are expected to vote for representatives to Tigray’s 190-member parliament. The results are expected by Sept. 13.

Read more »

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Ethiopian Region Votes, Defying Federal Government and PM

The Associated Press

By ELIAS MESERET

September 9th, 2020

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — People began voting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region on Wednesday in a local election defying the federal government and increasing political tensions in Africa’s second most populous country.

Tigray officials have warned that an intervention by the federal government would amount to a “declaration of war.” They have objected to the postponement of the national election, once set for August, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the extension of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s time in office.

Over the weekend, Ethiopia’s upper house of parliament called Wednesday’s election unconstitutional. Ethiopia’s leader has ruled out a military intervention, but there are fears any punitive measures by the federal government could further escalate tensions.

The standoff with the northern region is the latest challenge to the administration of Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year in part for introducing political reforms. He took office in early 2018. The Tigray region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, was the dominant one in Ethiopia’s previous government.

“This election is illegal because only the National Election Board can conduct elections in Ethiopia,” Abiy said in an interview with the state broadcaster, EBC, on Tuesday evening. “TPLF’s rule over the region is extended until the upcoming election. If the party doesn’t take part in the general election, it won’t be acceptable.

“These types of small gatherings won’t be a headache for us,” Abiy added.

Some 2.7 million people in the Tigray region were expected to cast their votes at more than 2,600 polling stations, regional election officials said.

A regional broadcaster, Tigray TV, showed voters lining up in the early hours Wednesday. Two residents of the regional capital, Mekelle, told The Associated Press there was tight security in the city and surrounding areas. Bikes and auto rickshaws were banned from the city as of Tuesday evening.

On Monday, Ethiopian security officials removed reporters from a plane heading to the region, confiscating their I.D.s, cameras and other equipment. Separately, a non-governmental organization told the AP they were barred from observing the election “for no sufficient reason.”

The group, Seb Hidri, said the Tigray People’s Liberation Front was behind the ban.

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Ethiopian Lawmakers Call Region’s Vote Unconstitutional (AP)


Regional officials in Tigray have opposed the year-long postponement of Ethiopia’s general election, once planned for August, and the continuation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s mandate beyond term limits. They have organized their own election for Sept. 9. The federal government has said the postponement relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and should be respected. (Getty Images)

The Associated Press

By ELIAS MESERET

September 5, 2020

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Ethiopia’s upper house of parliament on Saturday called elections planned next week in the northern Tigray region unconstitutional, amid a confrontation between the federal government and regional officials who have warned that any intervention amounts to a “declaration of war.”

“The decision by the House of Federation treats the act of the Tigray regional state as void from the very beginning,” legal expert Kiya Tsegaye told The Associated Press. “This makes the election unconstitutional and illegitimate. I think this decision will be the base for the next legal action by the federal government.”

Regional officials in Tigray have opposed the year-long postponement of Ethiopia’s general election, once planned for August, and the continuation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s mandate beyond term limits. They have organized their own election for Sept. 9. The federal government has said the postponement relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and should be respected.

Members of the upper house of parliament from the Tigray region boycotted its meeting Saturday.

The Sept. 9 vote will elect members of the regional parliament, which in turn will elect the region’s cabinet and administrators.

Ethiopia’s prime minister has ruled out a military intervention to deal with the confrontation, but there are fears that any punitive measures by the federal government could escalate tensions further.

The standoff with Ethiopia’s northern region is just the latest challenge to the administration of Abiy, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year in part for the sweeping political reforms since he took office in early 2018.

The loosening of the former government’s repressive measures, however, have opened the way for certain long-held grievances and requests by some regions for more autonomy. The former government was largely led by people from the Tigray region, exacerbating the tensions.

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2020 Ethiopia Election Canceled Due to COVID-19


Photo Courtesy: @NEBEthiopia

Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

Updated: March 31st, 2020

New York (TADIAS) — The highly anticipated 2020 national election in Ethiopia has been canceled for now due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that it has shelved its plans to hold the upcoming nationwide parliamentary polls on August 29th after an internal evaluation of the possible negative effect of the virus pandemic on its official activities.

“After conducting detail assessment of the impact COVID-19 would have on its operation, NEBE decided to cancel the current electoral calendar and suspend elections operations of the coming national elections planned to be conducted in August 2020,” the Board said.

The 2020 national election was widely expected to be the first formal measure of public approval for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration.

In its announcement NEBE did not provide an alternative date, nor is it clear how opposition parties will react given that the election is constitutionally required in order to renew the ruling party’s governing mandate.

Ethiopians around the world were hoping that 2020 would be the first transparent and credible election in the country’s history. During the last election in 2015 the incumbent party claimed to have won 100% of the vote.

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.

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Related:

Ethiopia postpones major election because of coronavirus (AP)

Ethiopia Elections Postponed to August

2020 is Election Season Across Africa

Ethiopia Election 2020 Campaign Update

Ethiopia: Board commences election materials printing

Electoral Board Making Preparations For 2020 Elections

Efforts to End Ethiopia’s Ruling Party Draw Criticism from Within

Ethiopia braces for highly-anticipated parliamentary election in May 2020

Ruling Coalition Seeks to Further Unite Ahead of Vote

Prominent Abiy Critic Says to Stand in Ethiopia Election (AFP)

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COVID-19 & Elections: Media Round-up From Ethiopia & U.S.


In Ethiopia the election has been postponed while the country has declared a State of Emergency due to the Coronavirus pandemic. (Photo: Birtukan Mideksa (right), the head of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, being sworn in on November 22nd, 2018)

Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

Updated: May 18th, 2020

New York (TADIAS) – As Ethiopian Americans we were eagerly looking forward to two major elections this year, which directly impact our lives here in the U.S. as well as our communities back in Ethiopia. But that was before the COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down.

In just a matter of weeks the U.S. unemployment rate has gone from the best in 50 years to the worst since the Great Depression altering the conversation surrounding the 2020 U.S. election. And in Ethiopia the national election has been canceled for now while the country has declared a State of Emergency due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The election delay in Ethiopia has also exposed an impending constitutional problem: What happens when the ruling party’s term of office expires in the next few months before an election is held? Interestingly, the historic legal predicament has also sparked a robust civil discourse in social media in regard to the role of the constitution as well as possible solutions for next steps, which is a pleasant surprise in comparison to previous election seasons. The timely and elaborate discussions include diverse and informative viewpoints from scholars, legal experts, journalists, civil society leaders, government advisors as well as politicians.

In the case of Ethiopia, the 2020 vote was supposed to be the first transparent and credible election in the nation’s history coming on the heels of prior highly contested election processes. In a statement announcing the decision in late March the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said: “After conducting detail assessment of the impact COVID-19 would have on its operation, NEBE decided to cancel the current electoral calendar and suspend elections operations of the coming national elections planned to be conducted in August 2020.”

In a recent Facebook post Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed further warned that his rivals were “trying to exploit uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic to seize power, risking instability,” AFP reported, adding that the opposition was quick to push back asserting that Abiy’s comments amounted to “a threat to silence and intimidation.”

As AFP notes: “Ethiopia’s constitution does not spell out how the postponement should be handled — a situation which has stoked concerns that Abiy’s government may soon face legitimacy issues,” and this month “lawmakers in parliament’s lower house formally asked the upper house to provide a ‘constitutional interpretation’ that could offer a way out of the impasse.”

Meanwhile, in the U.S. several voter-driven and non-partisan initiatives are similarly underway across the country aiming to diversify the existing voting options for the 2020 election season including this campaign led by former first lady Michelle Obama who is pushing for voting by mail, early in-person voting, and online voter registration. Unfortunately, the White House has also created a firestorm after Trump advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner indicated that he was ‘not sure’ that the November 3rd elections would be held as scheduled. The Washington Post reported that “hours after his remarks to Time Magazine generated a strong reaction on social media [last week], Kushner issued a clarification, saying he was unaware of and not involved in any “discussions” about changing the date of the 2020 election,” adding that “neither Trump nor Kushner as his adviser has any legal authority to change the timing of the presidential election.”

Americans are also openly discussing another potential concern – which the Washington Post describes as the “need to prepare for the possibility of Trump rejecting election results.”

Below are links to some of the latest online arguments and analyses taking place in Ethiopia as well as the Diaspora:

To resolve constitutional dilemma, interpretation is insufficient: by Girmachew Alemu

Ethiopia’s poll has been pushed out by COVID-19. But there’s much more at play: by Mulugeta G Berhe

Seeking constitutional interpretation: Not ideal but legitimate: by Yonatan T. Fessha

A constitutional path towards political normalization: by Mamo Mihretu

The limits of legal solutions: by Mehari Taddele Maru

Elections and emergencies show constitutional limits on states’ rights: by Brightman Gebremichael

Beating around the bush on the constitutional conundrum: by Adem Kassie Abebe

Ethiopian regions cannot hold elections without federal approval: by Markos Debebe

Ethiopia’s Impending Constitutional Crisis and why we need a political solution: by Jawar Mohammed

Constitutional based national dialogue the best way to avert constitutional crisis triggered by deferred elections: by Solomon A. Dersso

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In Ethiopia PM Urges Patience as Delayed Election Stokes Tensions

Published by Tadias Magazine June 8th, 2020 in Podcast. Closed
Abiy Ahmed Photographer: Michael Tewelde/AFP via Getty Images

Bloomberg

By Samuel Gebre

Ethiopia’s prime minister called on opposition members to be patient amid concerns that the postponement of elections will create a constitutional crisis and stoke political tension.

“If the election is extended, it is only by months, so the opposition parties need to have patience for a few months, prepare and within the time-frame given by the electoral board, carry out a democratic election that is acceptable by all,” Abiy Ahmed said in a speech to parliament on Monday.

The Horn of Africa nation’s electoral board delayed the vote from August because of the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers are assessing how to deal with the legality of the government given that the mandate of the current administration expires on Oct. 10.

The election is seen as a test of the popularity of Abiy, who rose to power more than two years ago following the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn and won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for efforts to end hostilities with neighboring Eritrea. Yet, protests and ethnic violence continue and further political instability could threaten moves to open up the economy of the country with sub-Saharan Africa’s second-biggest population.

Some opposition members have called for a transitional government. The ruling Prosperity Party was opposed to postponing the election, Abiy said.

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Related:

COVID-19 & Elections: Media Round-up From Ethiopia & U.S.

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The Obamas to Deliver Nationwide Graduation Speeches for Class of 2020

Published by Tadias Magazine May 5th, 2020 in Events. Closed
Getty Images

ABC News

Former President Barack Obama will be holding a televised graduation event for the high school class of 2020, most of whom are missing their in-person graduations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Separately, Barack and Michelle Obama will be hosting a virtual commencement celebration in June for the class of 2020. President Obama will also share a message for HBCU students at a virtual event in May.

“Over the past month, President and Mrs. Obama have received dozens of requests from around the globe to address graduating classes whose in-person commencement events have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” the former president’s office said in a statement on Tuesday. “Today, the Obamas are pleased to announce that they will participate in multiple virtual commencement celebrations for students, families and educators.”

“Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020″ will be a 1-hour multimedia event featuring several guests, and it will air on Saturday, May 16, on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC as well as other broadcast and digital streaming partners, according to a press release.

Special guests will include LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai, the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe, H.E.R. and Ben Platt, and the event is being hosted by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation.

“This high school graduation season will be anything but ordinary — but that’s all the more reason why the Class of 2020 deserves extraordinary advice, heartfelt encouragement, and hard-won wisdom about facing new challenges in an uncertain world,” said Russlynn Ali, CEO and co-founder of XQ Institute. “We are grateful to President Obama for giving this gift to our nation’s three million high school seniors as they #GraduateTogether.”

“Show Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition” will be a 2-hour virtual HBCU commencement program presented by Chase in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the National Association for Equal Opportunity, the National Basketball Association, Paul Quinn College, Howard University and JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways Initiative, according to the former president’s office. It will be livestreamed on May 16 at 2 p.m. ET.

View this post on Instagram

To the #Classof2020, I know how hard you all have worked to make it to graduation. You’ve put in long hours studying. You’ve thrown yourself into extracurricular activities and after-school jobs. And you’ve done everything you can to be there for your friends through it all. Some of you will be the first in your families to graduate from high school or college, making this occasion all the more special. And I know that none of you imagined you would be closing this chapter of your life through a computer or phone screen. But I still want to make sure you still get the celebration you deserve. That’s why, through my @reachhigher Initiative, I’m working with @youtube Originals to host a special virtual graduation for you on June 6th. Whether you’re graduating from high school, college, or any other kind of school––we want you, your family, and all of your loved ones to be a part of this celebration. And we want to do this right for all of you, so I’ll be inviting some very special guests—including @BarackObama—to help ring in this momentous day. RSVP here bit.ly/RHGraduation and then tune in on June 6th at yt.be/classof2020. #ReachHigher

A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on

On June 6, the Obamas will take part in YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020,” which will stream live starting at 3 p.m. ET. Both Obamas “will deliver separate commencement addresses” and “a joint message to students,” according to the office.

That event will feature global leaders, celebrities, creators and more, including Malala Yousafzai, Sundar Pichai, former Defense Secretary Bob Gates, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and Kerry Washington.

The announcement of these events comes after students across the nation took to social media to ask Obama to deliver a commencement speech for them, making #ObamaCommencement2020 trend on Twitter, given that they are graduating under such unusual circumstances.

The Obamas have plenty of experience delivering commencement addresses and speaking to the importance of education, something the former first lady has particularly taken on as an initiative.

High school senior Lincoln Debenham, from Los Angeles, California, who was credited with starting that social media campaign, was told by his mother about the former president and first lady’s plans on Tuesday.

“This means a whole lot to me. The class of 2020 as well as anybody who wants to tune in are going to hear inspiration and uplifting words from these two amazing people who my generation grew up following,” Lincoln said in a statement to ABC News. “It’s what need right now and I’m glad Mr. and Mrs. Obama were so kind to agree to do it.”

Last Friday, Lincoln committed to California State in Los Angeles where he will study political science. He said he hopes by the fall he will be in the classroom, but he understands his learning might still be online.

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Related:

In DC, Michelle Obama’s Public Health Message Triggers Wave of Appreciation, Nostalgia

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Ethiopia Delays New Telecoms Licences

Published by Tadias Magazine February 24th, 2020 in Podcast. Closed
Customers at an Ethio Telecom branch in Addis Ababa. (Reuters photo by Tiksa Negeri)

Reuters

By Dawit Endeshaw

Ethiopia Delays Award of New Telecoms Licences

ADDIS ABABA, Feb 26 (Reuters) – Ethiopia will delay beyond a March deadline the award of two telecoms licences to multinational mobile companies, responding to requests from interested bidders, State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign Tolina told Reuters on Wednesday.

“The timeline is probably too aggressive for most operators,” Eyob said in an interview in his office in the capital Addis Ababa.

“They have requested the government should … allow them enough amount of time to prepare and compete.” He said a new timeline will be announced in the next two weeks.

Reuters reported last June that Ethiopia would issue the licences by the end of 2019, quoting Ethiopian officials and telecoms executives with direct knowledge of the process.

Balch Reba, director general of the Ethiopian Communication Authority, then said in October that the government hoped to launch the bidding process early this year and award the licences by April 2020. Reba did not respond to requests for comments on the new timeline.

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Zimbabwe Billionaire to Bid for Ethiopian Telecoms License (Bloomberg)


Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa seeks to acquire a telecommunications license in Ethiopia. (Bloomberg)

Bloomberg

Econet Global Ltd., owned by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, is keen to acquire a telecommunications license in Ethiopia, which is opening up the industry to foreign investment for the first time.

The Horn of African nation has announced plans to sell as much as 49% of the state-owned monopoly, Ethiopian Telecommunications Corp., and issue two new spectrum licenses. Carriers including Orange SA, MTN Group Ltd. and Vodacom Group Ltd. have already shown interest in the nation of more than 100 million people, which has a relatively low level of data penetration and internet access.

“Econet, through a number of its subsidiaries, is actively developing interests in Ethiopia,” a company spokesman said in an emailed response to questions. “Given that there is a competitive process on new licenses, it would not be appropriate at this stage to discuss our own positioning.”

Econet has operations in Africa in Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Burundi, and investments in Europe and South America. Masiyiwa’s Liquid Telecoms, Africa’s biggest fiber company, has assets across the continent.

The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had scheduled the liberalization of the industry for early this year, but delayed the process because of elections to be held in August and also to give bidders for the new licenses more time to prepare. It has yet to provide guidance on the exercise, including any limits on foreign ownership.

Read more »

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Related:

Ethiopia Red Tape Is Barrier for Business as Country Opens Up (Bloomberg)

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Model Ashley Graham Names Son Menelik

Published by Tadias Magazine February 6th, 2020 in Podcast. Closed
The popular American model and TV presenter Ashley Graham has named her new born son Isaac Menelik Giovanni Ervin. Per the entertainment and lifestyle website PopSugar: "As for Menelik, Ashley shared that the couple was inspired when they went to Ethiopia with a friend, and that Menelik was the name of the first emperor of Ethiopia — it means "son of the wise." (Photo: @ashleygraham/Instagram)

Popsugar

Ashley Graham Just Revealed the Name of Her Newborn Son, and You’ll Love Her Choice!

Ashley Graham is a mama! The new mom of one announced the Jan. 18 birth of her son with husband Justin Ervin on Instagram, and we love his name: Isaac Menelik Giovanni Ervin.

Although Ashley didn’t share Isaac’s name in her initial birth announcement, she dedicated the Feb. 4 episode of her podcast show, Pretty Big Deal, to recounting her pregnancy and birth experiences, along with introducing her son alongside her husband. Upon bringing their newborn onto the set, Justin revealed the the idea for the name Isaac is actually one that came to him in high school, and has clearly stuck with him since.

As for Menelik, Ashley shared that the couple was inspired when they went to Ethiopia with a friend, and that Menelik was the name of the first emperor of Ethiopia — it means “son of the wise.” And Giovanni, which is John in Italian, was suggested by a friend, but actually holds a lot of meaning for Ashley and Justin. “It kind of hit home for us because [Justin's] grandfather’s name is John, my grandfather’s name is John,” Ashley said. Justin added that John is also the name of a bishop at his parents’ church and that using Giovanni instead of John is a nod to his partial Italian roots.

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In DC, Ethiopian Jazz Supergroup Feedel Band Is Keeping Traditional Sounds Alive

Published by Tadias Magazine December 14th, 2019 in Featured. Closed
Feedel Band has been playing in the District since 2010. (Abebe Tegegne)

DCist

Selam Berhea

Ethiopian Jazz Supergroup Feedel Band Is Keeping Traditional Sounds Alive In The District

Cutting through the chatter of passersby on 18th Street deciding where to eat or waiting in line at Songbyrd, the sound of a saxophone floats from Bossa Bistro + Lounge. It is the first Thursday of the month, and that means Feedel Band is playing.

Inside, about 20 people are gathered to see them, some of whom have been coming to Feedel’s shows since the band’s residency first started six years ago.

“It took two years to convince [the band members to do the residency], they were not used to playing Ethiopian jazz,” says Araya Woldemichael, Feedel’s founder. “We were just backing up popular singers for so many years.” Things changed after Feedel played its first show at the African Jazz Festival in 2011. “We got a very amazing response from the audience.”

Feedel Band is something of an Ethiopian jazz supergroup, made up of seven musicians with unique track records. Some have played for diplomats, for heads of state, and in music venues around the world. And for the past six or seven years at Bossa, their residency has been a chance to see top musicians of Ethiopian jazz and funk right in D.C.

Saxophonist Moges Habte, for example, was a former member of the popular Walias Band, whose 1977 album with vibraphonist Hailu Mergia, Tche Belew, remains one of the most well-known Ethiopian jazz records. Walias Band was also the first Ethiopian band to tour the United States in 1981. After the band split in 1983, Habte was one of the four members who chose to stay in the U.S. He spends his time with his six grandchildren, drives for Uber, and plays shows with Feedel.

Woldemichael, Feedel Band’s pianist and organist, has performed with the Black Eyed Peas, and was part of the band that backed up Beyonce when she performed in Ethiopia for the country’s millennium celebrations. He got his start playing music in church, and in the ’80s he studied music theory and composition in Moscow. He came to the U.S. in 1989, and has played music in D.C. ever since.

Feedel formed in 2010, and is named after the Ethiopian alphabet. The seven musicians had known each other for years from playing backup for the same singers in D.C. and around the world, including Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Aweke, and Tilahun Gessesse, as well as pop artists. After years of backing up singers, Woldemichael decided to form an instrumental act.

“We just thought, ‘Why are we waiting until they call us? Why don’t we do something ourselves?’” Habte says.

Read more »

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DC Mayor Bowser Takes Delegation Of 70 To Ethiopia

Published by Tadias Magazine November 9th, 2019 in Featured. Closed
Bowser’s trip to Ethiopia comes a year after Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed came to D.C. gave a talk to members of the Ethiopian community at the convention center in July 2018. Bowser joined Abiy on stage and announced July 28 as “Ethiopia Day in D.C.” (Photo by Matt Andrea for Tadias Magazine)

DCist

By Selam Berhea

On Friday morning, Mayor Muriel Bowser left for a five-day diplomatic and trade mission to Ethiopia.

Bowser has a delegation of 70 people in tow, including Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, and city government representatives.

The idea behind the trip is to establish trade relations with different industries in Ethiopia. Bowser will meet with local leaders and government officials in Addis Ababa, the capital city, and Lalibela, a northern city about 531 miles away.

Bowser will also visit with President H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female president, and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, who recently won a Nobel Peace Prize.

“We are continuing our efforts to reach beyond the borders of Washington, D.C. and establish relationships around the world,” said Bowser in a press release on Friday. “We particularly value our special relationship with Ethiopia, which has been strengthened by the substantial Ethiopian population in our city and region.”

The D.C. metropolitan region has the largest Ethiopian-born community in the U.S.—more than 30,000 Ethiopians have settled in parts of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Their influence is apparent at coffee shops in Silver Spring, Ethiopian restaurants on 18th St. or along U St, and in the many Ethiopian churches in the area.

According to WAMU, Ethiopians started coming to D.C. in the 1950s and 1960s as students and visitors. After a military takeover over in 1974, more Ethiopians came to the U.S. Laws like the Refugee Act of 1980 and Diversity Visa Act of 1990 immigration made it easier for those wanting to leave Ethiopia to move stateside. Many people decided to go where there was already a blossoming Ethiopian community established—the D.C. region.

Bowser’s trip to Ethiopia comes a year after Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed came to D.C. gave a talk to members of the Ethiopian community at the convention center in July 2018. Bowser joined Abiy on stage and announced July 28 as “Ethiopia Day in D.C.”

During this trip, Bowser will renew D.C.’s Sister City Agreement with Addis Ababa. The sister city agreement is a promise of friendship and an opportunity for different cities to learn about each other, per Bowser’s office. Including Addis Ababa, D.C. currently has 15 sister cities, according to the D.C. Office of the Secretary website. Then-Mayor Vincent Gray signed the first Sister City Agreement with Addis Ababa in 2013.

“Our Sister City agreements with capital cities around the world play a key role in breaking down barriers and building international relationships that allow us to improve the lives of people in D.C. and abroad.” Bowser wrote in her newsletter.

Bowser has traveled internationally throughout her mayoral tenure, including to El Salvador, Israel, and multiple trips to China. The trips to China each had budgets in the range of tens of thousands of dollars, according to the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

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Liya Kebede Among 22 Most Stylish Supermodels of All Time (Harper’s Bazaar)

Published by Tadias Magazine October 3rd, 2019 in Featured. Closed
Liya Kebede. (Harper's Bazaar)

Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

October 3rd, 2019

New York (TADIAS) — The fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar has named Liya Kebede among 22 most stylish supermodels of all time.

“By and far, models are known for other people’s fashion, not their own,” the monthly publication states. “But, of course, there are those special few who have not only conquered modeling itself but also gained acclaim for their own personal style.” The magazine noted that Liya Kebede is “able to swing from cool-girl athleisure to red-carpet glam,” and added: “Kebede always makes an impact.”

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya launched her modeling career in Paris in the late 1990′s soon after graduating from Lycée Guebre Mariam high school, and gained international prominence in 2003 when she was selected by Estée Lauder to become the first black model to represent the global cosmetics brand.

As The Business of Fashion website — that covers the global fashion industry — shared: “Although Kebede still models for the likes of Tom Ford, Donna Karan and Roberto Cavalli , she is now focused on philanthropic ventures. These include Lemlem, a clothing line founded to protect traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques and support women, which is sold at Barney’s, J Crew, Net-a-Porter and numerous boutique shops. Kebede has also been a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health division since 2005. In 2013, Kebede was named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year for her philanthropic work through her Liya Kebede Foundation. She has two children and resides in New York.”

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Related:

THE 22 MOST STYLISH SUPERMODELS OF ALL TIME (Harper’s Bazaar)

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In US, Las Vegas Gives Warm Welcome to Ethiopia Embassy Delegation – Photos

Published by Tadias Magazine June 24th, 2019 in Featured. Closed
Ethiopia's Ambassador to the U.S. Fitsum Arega in Las Vegas meeting with Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Assemblyman Alexander Assefa last week. (Photo: @fitsumaregaa/twitter)

Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

Published: June 24th, 2019

New York (TADIAS) – In Las Vegas last week Assemblyman Alexander Assefa — who is the first Ethiopian American lawmaker elected to the Nevada State Assembly — was among the local elected officials who met with Ethiopia’s new Ambassador to the U.S., Fitsum Arega. The Ambassador’s trip to Las Vegas on June 18th was part of his ongoing engagement with the Ethiopian Diaspora in the United States.

Ambassador Fitsum also met with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman in addition to holding a public forum with the Ethiopian community similar to his earlier visit to California. An announcement was also shared on Twitter that the Ambassador discussed the potential launching of an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Las Vegas in his discussion with Mayor Goodman.

“I thank City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman for meeting us and offer to facilitate Ethiopian opening service to Las Vegas,” Ambassador Fitsum said on Twitter. He also thanked members of the Ethiopian Diaspora as well as organizers of the town hall meeting:

Below are photos from the event shared on social media by Ambassador Fitsum Arega:


(Photo: @fitsumaregaa/twitter)

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Related:
In the West Coast, Ethiopia Appeals to Diaspora, African Americans to Invest
In Pictures: DC Event on Ethiopia’s Digital Economy

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President Sahle-Work Zewde Speaks at 2019 Women Deliver Conference in Canada

Published by Tadias Magazine June 3rd, 2019 in Featured. Closed
President Sahle-Work Zewde. (Photo: WD2019 website)

Tadias Magazine

By Tadias Staff

Published: June 3rd, 2019

New York (TADIAS) – This week in Vancouver, Canada more than 8,000 civil society leaders, academics, activists and journalists are gathering for the Women Deliver 2019 Conference,” the world’s largest international convention focusing on today’s most pressing issues dealing with gender equality. Among the main speakers featured include Ethiopia’s first female President, Sahle-Work Zewde, who is set to address the global gathering during the event’s kick-off program on Monday, June 3rd along with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

According to the organizers the President of Ethiopia will participate in a high-level panel moderated by BBC News journalist Lyse Doucet with participants that include Environmental Activist Farwiza Farhan, Women’s Rights Advocate Natasha Mwansa, Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau, and the United Nations High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment & Economic Growth Dr. Alaa Murabit.

The Women Deliver 2019 Conference is taking place in Vancouver, Canada from Monday, June 3rd to Thursday, June 6th.

It is “the world’s largest conference on gender equality and the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women in the 21st century,” notes the event’s website. “It will serve as a catalyst for advocates working to achieve a more gender equal world. The conference will present new knowledge, promote world-class solutions, and engage a broad spectrum of voices. It will focus on several issues from health, nutrition, education, economic and political empowerment to human rights, good governance, and girls’ and women’s agency and equality.”

Below is a brief bio of President Sahle-Work Zewde as provided by the conference organizers:

SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE

Sahle-Work Zewde was elected as the fourth and first woman President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on 25 October 2018.

She spent her first professional years in the Ministry of Education. She later joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988 and started her long diplomatic carrier as ambassador to Senegal with accreditation to Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and the Gambia. She served in Djibouti and IGAD- Inter Governmental Authority on Development for 10 years before moving as ambassador of Ethiopia to France, Tunisia and Morocco and Permanent Representative to UNESCO. After her return to Ethiopia she was appointed Permanent Representative to the African Union and Director-General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

President Sahle-Work Zewde joined the United Nations in 2009 and served as Special Representative of United Nations Secretary-General/SRSG/ and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peace-building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) thus becoming the first African woman to become an SRSG.

In 2011, she was appointed as the first dedicated Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) at the level of Under-Secretary-General. In June 2018, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Ms. Zewde as his Special Representative to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). She was the first woman to hold these three positions at the United Nations.

Ms. Zewde is a mother of two boys. She speaks Amharic, French and English fluently.

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Why There Is A Need For A Long-Term Investment Model In Ethiopia – Forbes

Published by Tadias Magazine May 16th, 2019 in Featured. Closed
An aerial view of a new industrial park built in Hawassa, Ethiopia. (GOOGLE)

Forbes

In the last several years, a growing number of global apparel companies have begun having their products manufactured in Ethiopia. For these firms, Ethiopia has become the new low-wage frontier. The East African country now competes with Bangladesh, Vietnam and other South and East Asian nations for a share of the massive volume of global garment production. In this competition, Ethiopia has the dubious distinction of offering the lowest pay anywhere in the worldwide clothing supply chain—and that’s the main reason the big brands are drawn there.

But increasingly it has become clear that these firms need to invest more resources into Ethiopia both to make their make production profitable and sustainable over time, and to ensure that Ethiopians are better off because of their presence. Among the steps they will need to take are to increase wages, enhance training, and help provide housing and other basic necessities to the young women who come from around the country to work in the clothing factories. The challenge these firms face in Ethiopia is to balance the pressures to reduce the costs of production with the realization that to succeed over the longer term, they will need to invest more money. This longer-term view is in tension with what many Wall Street investors and analysts are expecting them to do, driven in part by a mistaken understanding of directors’ legal duties to shareholders.

For the last half-century, most analysts and investors have embraced an antiquated investment model that focuses heavily on maximizing short-term shareholder returns. They have focused on these short-term returns at the expense of longer-term wealth creation for corporations and society at large. This focus took shape in the 1970s, when economist Milton Friedman and then others asserted that corporate CEOs are merely agents of shareholders, responsible for conducting business in accordance with shareholders’ core interest: maximizing stock prices. In an often-quoted 1970 article in The New York Times Magazine, Friedman wrote that corporate executives have a fiduciary duty to conduct business in accordance with the desires of shareholders, which he defined as making “as much money as possible while conforming to the basic rules of the society, both those embodied in law and those embodied in ethical custom.”

Read more »

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Related:
Ethiopia’s garment workers are world’s lowest paid (AP)
Made in Ethiopia: Changes in Garment Industry’s New Frontier (NYU)

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Ethiopian Community Asking Questions After Police Shooting in Philadelphia

Published by Tadias Magazine March 9th, 2019 in Podcast. Closed
The victim 25-year-old Kelab Belay moved to Philadelphia from Ethiopia to attend Temple University last summer. (KYW)

KYW Newsradio

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Members of Philadelphia’s Ethiopian and Eritrean communities are asking questions after one of their own was shot by police on Wednesday night. Police say the victim was wielding a knife, but his supporters believe there’s more to the story.

“The information that is relayed on TV and early release from police is very disturbing to me,” Saba Tedla told KYW Newsradio Thursday afternoon. She runs Bookers Restaurant at 49th Street and Baltimore Avenue and is guardian to Kelab Belay.

She says she hired the family friend to work as a busboy at the restaurant last August after he moved to Philadelphia from Ethiopia to attend Temple University. She says the 25-year-old was quickly promoted to bookkeeper and payroll. So when she heard he was shot multiple times by police, she was shocked.

“He’s very laid back, very introvert, super nerdy and very smart,” she said, “so I don’t know how he could be an aggressor.”

p Police say officers responded to a 911 call of a stabbing near the corner of 49th Street and Hazel Avenue just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Capt. Sekou Kinebrew says a man carrying a knife came out of a home on the block, approaching the officers.

“Both officers initially retreated while both giving him warnings to drop the knife. The male did not comply and continued to advance toward the officers,” he said.

That’s when a 27-year-old officer, a four-year veteran, allegedly shot the man multiple times.

“We searched the scene and the home in search of a stabbing victim. At this point, we have not found anyone that was stabbed,” says Kinebrew.

A kitchen knife was found at the scene. Police have not identified the victim, but Tedla says Belay is the man who was shot.

“How did he end up being shot by police, that’s very puzzling,” said Tedla, “and he had a knife, couldn’t they have used a Taser? Why did they have to use such force, I can’t imagine him being that much of a threat.”

She says the Ethiopian community is already raising money to support Belay and has hired an independent investigator who is already at work.

“We want to shed some light on exactly what triggered this incident,” said Tedla.

Police say the man who was shot is a person of interest. There is no word yet on whether he is under arrest.

Tedla says the Ethiopian community, Belay’s friends and family will gather to come up with next steps.

“We have so many questions,” she said.

Tedla says Belay was a good student at Temple and had just secured a prestigious internship on the Main Line.

City’s Ethiopian community rallies after one of their own is shot by police

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Related:
Tension Building In Aftermath Of Police Shooting Of Knife-Wielding Man In West Philadelphia (CBS)

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Edelawit Hussien’s New Film Reflects on Her Generation in Ethiopia & Diaspora

Published by Tadias Magazine February 6th, 2019 in Art, Featured and Reviews. Closed
Filmmaker Edelawit Hussien. (Instagram)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: February 6th, 2019

New York (TADIAS) — Edelawit Hussien, a 23-year-old Ethiopian filmmaker who is living between New York and Berlin recently shared her upcoming short film with Tadias, which follows three Addis Abeba-based teenagers on a road trip to Lake Langano.

“My work aims to explore dual identity and global exchange motivated by my Ethiopian upbringing within an American context,” Edelawit tells Tadias.

“After graduating from New York University where I studied politics, film, and African studies, I worked within the commercial and branded film sphere before relocating to Berlin to exclusively work on independent filmmaking.”

The film tilted Wallahi, I Will Be Somebody “takes inspiration from the energy of Ethiopia today, a time of excitement and change,” Edelawit adds. “With its growing art community, young people are looking to connect the traditional with the modern as well as build a bridge between Ethiopians within the nation and in the Diaspora. These endeavors have manifested into music, art, fashion, culture and cinema.”

In the short film the three teenagers — Tefera, Omar and Miki — are in an uncertain stage of their lives, “that youth all over the world experience,” explains Edelawit. The film’s Indiegogo page describes how “this uncertainty ranges from how they will make a living, and what kind of life they see for themselves, to how to maintain the joys of their youth.”

According to the project’s website, as the audience, we will also “see how their surrounding affects them as the city evolves and as do the residents. Through a series of vignettes, we are transported in time and space from an elderly couple drinking macchiatos at a Piazza cafe to kids selling toys at a busy roundabout. With poetic moving image chopped throughout the work, the film carries an experimental twist in its meditation on the changing notions of culture, city landscape and societal expectation through an honest look at the youth experience in this evolving time.”

Edelawit shares that the film’s producer is 28-year-old Ethiopian-Swedish Adelia Shiffraw who is currently working in commercial and film production sector in New York City. The filmmaker describes Adelia as an artist who “supports the amplification of minority voices and the preservation of their stories and experiences through film with particular interest in narratives exploring race and representation in a global context.”

Why are they making this particular film?

Edelawit quotes from a play by Suzan-Lori Parks’ noting: “You should write it down because if you don’t write it down then they will come along and tell the future that we did not exist.”

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You can learn more about Edelawit Hussien’s new film and support her fundraising campaign at www.indiegogo.com.

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Ethiopia Sets 2022 for Nile Dam’s Completion Amid Delays

Published by Tadias Magazine December 13th, 2018 in Podcast. Closed
The dam’s construction managers have concerns about the quality of the electro-mechanical works that were handled by the country’s military-run Metal and Engineering Corporation. Latest official figures indicate the dam is now more than 65 percent complete. - The Associated Press. (Photo via VOA)

AP

By ELIAS MESERET

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s controversial Nile River dam will not be completed until 2022, more than four years behind schedule, because of possible defects with the hydro-electrical plant’s equipment, an official said Thursday.

The dam’s construction managers have concerns about the quality of the electro-mechanical works that were handled by the country’s military-run Metal and Engineering Corporation.

“We have a plan to generate power from the first two units within the coming two years and then probably the dam will be completed in the year 2022,” the dam’s construction manager, Kifle Hora, told The Associated Press on Thursday. Experts are assessing some electro-mechanical equipment for possible defects, he said. “Based on the assessment, we are going to devise a remedial solution which we may have to take,” he said.

The assessment came after the installation of the electro-mechanical works, described by officials as one of the most sophisticated parts of the dam, were taken away from the military-run Metal and Engineering Corporation and given to other contractors. The company’s former head, Maj. Gen. Kinfe Dagnew, and other senior officials were jailed recently on charges of corruption and embezzlement.

“We first noticed problems with the dam’s electro-mechanical and metal works two years ago but we only started taking detailed measurements in the past few months,” Ethiopia’s Minister of Water, Irrigation and Electricity Minister, Sileshi Bekele, said.

“This (military) corporation has no prior experience and I highly doubt if some of the people have ever seen a hydropower plant. The government made a mistake in assigning a local contractor that has no knowledge and experience of such a complex project. In my opinion, it was a grave mistake and we are paying a price for that,” Kifle said, adding that construction of other parts of the dam is continuing.

The dam’s former manager, Semegnew Bekele, was found dead inside his car on July in the center of the capital, Addis Ababa. Police officials later said he committed suicide but some Ethiopians suspect foul play.

The dam’s construction has created controversy in the region as Egypt fears that its agriculture would be badly affected if too much of the Nile’s waters are retained each year by Ethiopia’s dam. Ethiopia maintains that the dam’s construction will not reduce Egypt’s share of the water and that the dam is necessary for Ethiopia’s development, pointing out that 60 percent of it 100 million citizens don’t have access to electricity.

Latest official figures indicate the dam is now more than 65 percent complete. Once completed, it will generate about 6,400 megawatts, more than doubling Ethiopia’s current production of 4,000 megawatts.

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US Delegation Visits Ethiopia to Discuss Reforms, Human Rights

Published by Tadias Magazine August 23rd, 2018 in Podcast. Closed
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey is leading the U.S. congressional delegation to Ethiopia. (AP photo)

VOA News

A U.S. delegation is heading to Ethiopia on Wednesday to talk about the country’s reform efforts since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in April.

Republican Congressman Christopher Smith, who led the congressional delegation, said he “is cautiously optimistic” about the political reforms in the country.

In an interview with VOA’s Horn of Africa, Smith says he will meet Prime Minister Abiy and Foreign Minister Affairs Minister Workineh Gebeyehu and push for continued reforms, as well as reinforcing human rights issues.

“We are going to meet with him [prime minister] and encourage him and try to get our own sense of how well the reform process is moving,” Smith said.

The congressman is the architect of H.R. 128, legislation condemning human rights abuses in Ethiopia and outlining a number of reforms that Ethiopia must take to promote peace and democracy. The resolution was passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

A wake of reforms

Since Abiy took office in April, Ethiopia has instituted reforms including releasing political prisoners, diluting state control of the economy, and making peace with northern neighbor Eritrea after two decades of hostility.


Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks in Washington, July 28, 2018.

A 41-year-old former intelligence officer, Abiy came to power after his predecessor resigned earlier this year amid protests of abuses by security forces and public anger over perceived ethnic marginalization of many groups in the racially diverse country.

Smith said the delegation plans to press for “the release of all political prisoners, freedom of the press, the history of forced disappearances, accountability for past abuses committed against civilians, and an end to torture and all human rights abuses.”

These reforms, the congressman said, will only strengthen the country, “and we stand in solidarity with the Ethiopian people in pushing to promote these rights.”

Besides top officials, the U.S. delegation will also meet with religious and civic leaders, and journalists. Their talks are to focus on human rights and democracy in Ethiopia.

Smith confirmed to VOA’s Horn of Africa service that the government of Ethiopia has begun amending the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation with input from opposition parties.

Critics of the law argue it has criminalized dissent, saying the 2009 law’s broad definitions have been used indiscriminately against anyone who opposes government policy. Among its provisions, anyone convicted of publishing information deemed to encourage terrorism could receive a jail term of up to 20 years.

Border issues

The delegation also will discuss border issues between Somali and Oromia states, where thousands are displaced and hundreds have been killed.

The violence is said to be the biggest domestic challenge facing the country’s reformist prime minister. When he took office, Abiy ended a military stalemate with neighboring Eritrea and extended an olive branch to dissidents overseas. However, violence at the border continues.

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Obama Speaks to Cheering Crowd on Mandela’s 100th Birthday in South Africa

Published by Tadias Magazine July 17th, 2018 in Podcast. Closed
Obama’s speech in South Africa is his highest-profile address since leaving office. He is marking the 100th anniversary of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela’s birth and giving an impassioned defense of the values held by the Nobel Peace Prize winner. (Photo: Former U.S. President Barack Obama delivers his speech at the 16th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 17, 2018/AP)

AP

Obama decries ‘utter loss of shame among political leaders’ in high-profile Mandela address

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — In his highest profile speech since leaving office, former U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday denounced the policies of President Donald Trump without mentioning his name, taking aim at the “politics of fear, resentment, retrenchment,” and decrying leaders who are caught lying and “just double down and lie some more.”

Obama was cheered by thousands in Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium as he marked the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth by urging respect for human rights, the free press and other values he said were under threat.

He rallied people to keep alive the ideals that the anti-apartheid activist worked for as the first black president of South Africa, including democracy, diversity, gender equality and tolerance.

Obama opened by calling today’s times “strange and uncertain,” adding that “each day’s news cycle is bringing more head-spinning and disturbing headlines.”

“We see much of the world threatening to return to a more dangerous, more brutal, way of doing business,” he said.

A day after Trump met in Helsinki with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Obama criticized “strongman politics.”

The “politics of fear, resentment, retrenchment” are on the move “at a pace unimaginable just a few years ago,” Obama added.

“Those in power seek to undermine every institution … that gives democracy meaning,” he said.

The first African-American president of the United States spoke up for equality in all forms, adding: “I would have thought we had figured that out by now.”

Obama praised the diversity of the World Cup champion French team, and he said that those countries engaging in xenophobia “eventually … find themselves consumed by civil war.”

He noted the “utter loss of shame among political leaders when they’re caught in a lie and they just double down and lie some more,” warning that the denial of facts could be the undoing of democracy.

But Obama reminded the crowd that “we’ve been through darker times. We’ve been through lower valleys.”

He closed with a call to action: “I say if people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”

The crowd gave him a standing ovation in the chilly South African winter.

“Just by standing on the stage honoring Nelson Mandela, Obama is delivering an eloquent rebuke to Trump,” said John Stremlau, professor of international relations at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg.

He called the timing of Obama’s speech auspicious — one day after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin — and said the commitments that defined Mandela’s life are “under assault.”

“Yesterday, we had Trump and Putin standing together; now we are seeing the opposing team: Obama and Mandela.”

This was Obama’s first trip to Africa since leaving office in 2017. Earlier this week, he stopped in Kenya, where he visited the rural birthplace of his late father.

Obama’s speech noted how Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years, kept up his campaign against what appeared to be insurmountable odds to end apartheid, South Africa’s harsh system of white minority rule.

Mandela, who was released from prison in 1990 and became president four years later, died in 2013 at the age of 95. He left a powerful legacy of reconciliation and diversity along with a resistance to inequality — economic and otherwise.

Since leaving the White House, Obama has shied away from public comment on the Trump administration, which has reversed or attacked his notable achievements. The U.S. under Trump has withdrawn from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal while trying to undercut the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare.”

Obama’s speech drew on his great admiration for Mandela, a fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner whom America’s first black president saw as a mentor.

When Obama was a U.S. senator, he had his picture taken with Mandela. After Obama became president he sent a copy of the photo to Mandela, who kept it in his office. Obama also made a point of visiting Mandela’s prison cell and gave a moving eulogy at Mandela’s memorial service in 2013, saying the South African had inspired him.

Many South Africans view Obama as a successor to Mandela because of his groundbreaking role and his support for racial equality in the U.S. and around the world.

Stremlau, who attended the speech, called it “a tough, strong condemnation of Trump and all that he stands for.”

“Obama hit out at lying, insecurity and putting down others. Obama said he can’t believe it is necessary to once again speak up for equality and human rights,” Stremlau said. “He pulled it together in a carefully worded, measured speech, which urged all to live up to Mandela’s standards and values.”

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Ethiopia Welcomes Peace Delegation From Eritrea

Published by Tadias Magazine June 26th, 2018 in Featured. Closed
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomes an Eritrean peace delegation at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 . The high level delegation from Eritrea includes Yemane Ghebreab, an adviser to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Foreign Minister Osman Saleh. (Photo: Fana Broadcasting)

Bloomberg

Eritrean, Ethiopian Officials Hold Landmark Talks on Peace Deal

Eritrean and Ethiopian government officials held talks about a stalled peace deal for the first time since a conflict between the two countries ended almost two decades ago.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is seeking to normalize relations with neighboring Eritrea as part of a broader program of reforms he’s initiated since taking office two months ago. He’s also announced plans to open up the Africa’s fastest-growing economy to foreign investors and also lifted a state of emergency imposed after the snap resignation of his predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, in February.

“The new developments in Ethiopia augur well for the resolution of the frozen boundary conflict and durable peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia,” Andebrhan Welde Giorgis, a former member of Eritrea’s ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice and now an independent analyst, said by phone from Brussels. “At the same time, the winds of change blowing in Ethiopia could also cross over and usher in a new democratic dispensation in Eritrea.”

Officials including Yemane Ghebreab, an adviser to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, arrived in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Tuesday afternoon, Shamble Tillahun, a spokesman for the Ethiopian government communications office, said by phone from the city. Images published by the Fana Broadcasting Corp. showed the officials holding talks with Abiy.

Read more »

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Eritrea Sending Delegation to Ethiopia

Published by Tadias Magazine June 20th, 2018 in Featured. Closed
Eritrea’s longtime President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopia’s new prime minister Abiy Ahmed. (Photos: Madote and EPA)

The Associated Press

By ELIAS MESERET

Eritrea Sending Peace Delegation to Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Eritrea’s president announced Wednesday he is sending a rare delegation to neighboring Ethiopia for peace talks, days after Ethiopia’s new prime minister took a major step toward calming deadly tensions with its decades-long rival.

This is the first such delegation since 1998, when a border war erupted between the countries.

Eritrea’s longtime President Isaias Afwerki noted “positive signals” in recent days from Ethiopia and said the delegation will “gauge current developments directly and in depth” to plan future steps. He spoke during a Martyrs Day celebration in the capital, Asmara.

Ethiopia early this month announced it will fully accept the terms of a peace agreement with Eritrea signed in 2000 to end the two-year border war that killed tens of thousands. The countries have skirmished a number of times since then. Ethiopia had refused to accept the deal’s handing of key locations, including Badme, to Eritrea and continues to control that town.

The decision to fully accept the peace deal was the biggest and most surprising reform yet announced by Ethiopia’s young new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. “The suffering on both sides is unspeakable because the peace process is deadlocked. This must change for the sake of our common good,” Abiy’s chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, said at the time.

Eritrea shortly after the announcement replied that it had always accepted the peace deal.

On Wednesday, Fitsum on Twitter said Abiy had “thanked and congratulated” Eritrea’s president for the positive response and “expressed his readiness to welcome warmly and with considerable goodwill” the Eritrean delegation.

Eritrea’s ambassador to Japan, Estifanos Afeworki, on Twitter said the delegation will pursue “constructive engagement.” Eritrea’s ambassador to Kenya, Byene Russom, called it a “new chapter of peace and reconciliation between the Eritrean and Ethiopian people.”

Tiny Eritrea is one of the world’s most closed-off nations, ruled by Afwerki since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after years of rebel warfare. Eritrea has become a major source of migrants fleeing toward Europe, Israel and African nations in recent years as human rights groups criticize its harsh military conscription laws.

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Obama to Speak at Mandela’s 100th Birthday Anniversary in South Africa

Published by Tadias Magazine April 23rd, 2018 in Podcast. Closed
Former President Barack Obama will deliver the keynote speech at the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's birth this coming July in Johannesburg, South Africa. (AP photo)

The New York Times

Obama Will Speak in South Africa on Tolerance

WASHINGTON — He’s been photographed kite-surfing with Richard Branson off Necker Island, relaxing on David Geffen’s yacht in French Polynesia with Bruce Springsteen and Oprah Winfrey, river-rafting with his family in Bali and posing with a celebrity chef in Tuscany.

To those who have paid only casual attention to former President Barack Obama’s foreign travels since he left the White House in January 2017, it can seem as if Mr. Obama has been on an extended vacation of the kind only the very rich can afford.

But the former president has also met quietly with groups of young people in New Zealand, Brazil, Indonesia and Singapore, as well as paying calls on foreign leaders, including Xi Jinping of China, Emmanuel Macron of France, Justin Trudeau of Canada and Malcolm Turnbull of Australia.

Now, Mr. Obama is inaugurating his most significant international project as an ex-president, with an announcement on Monday that the Obama Foundation plans to convene 200 young people this July in Johannesburg for five days of meetings, workshops and technical training.

At the same time, Mr. Obama will deliver a lecture to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, whom he eulogized after his death five years ago by saying he “makes me want to be a better man.”

“It gives him an opportunity to lift up a message of tolerance, inclusivity and democracy at a time when there are obviously challenges to Mandela’s legacy around the world,” said Benjamin J. Rhodes, a former speechwriter for Mr. Obama who still advises him.

Read more »

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The Battle Over Ethiopia’s Meqdela Treasures Heats Up

Published by Tadias Magazine April 22nd, 2018 in Featured. Closed
One of several processional crosses that were among the items looted during the British campaign in Ethiopia in 1868. (Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

April 22nd, 2018

New York (TADIAS) — Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the U.K. is renewing his country’s call for the unconditional return of cultural and religious treasures that were looted by British troops at the Battle of Meqdelā in 1868.

More than a decade ago Ethiopia had officially asked for restitution of the country’s looted treasures, that are being held at various locations in England. Unfortunately the request was rejected.

According to Thomas Ofcansky and David Shinn’s book entitled Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia, the British army had employed approximately 15 elephants and 200 mules to transport the bounty seized from the treasury of Emperor Tewodros II and several Ethiopian Orthodox Christian churches.

Speaking on how attitudes about the looted treasures have changed, Ambassador Hailemichael Aberra Afework told The Art Newspaper in a recent podcast interview that “many people in Britain — the public at large, media, higher education, [those] interested in culture — are all sympathetic to Ethiopia’s demand for the return of these objects” and further hoped that individuals “would understand, the government would understand, the institutions will understand and accept this demand for the objects to be returned to Ethiopia.”

This month the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in the U.K. helped to reignite a public dialogue on the topic of the Mekdela treasures when it made an offer to loan Ethiopia the items on a long term contract. V&A’s Director Tristram Hunt was quoted as saying: “They would be sent to Ethiopia on long-term loan, so ownership would remain with the museum.”

“My answer is a quick no,” replied the Ethiopian Ambassador, emphasizing that Ethiopia is the rightful owner of the items. “My government is not interested in loans, it is interested in having those objects returned.”

The gesture from V&A was made on the eve of the museum’s current exhibition that opened on April 5th showcasing its Meqdela collection on the 150th anniversary of the battle.

According to The Art Newspaper, among the nearly two dozen objects featured at the V&A show include “a priestly gold crown, a gold chalice (both 1735-40), several processional crosses and imperial jewelry” that were forcefully removed from Ethiopia.

Hailemichael, who attended the opening, indicated that he appreciated the public awareness value of the V&A exhibition. “When you have something that was hidden away and locked in the room displayed, that in itself is something that we appreciate,” said the Ethiopian diplomat.

The Battle of Meqdelā took place in April 1868 between the British army led by General Robert Napier while Emperor Tewodros II led the Ethiopian warriors. The primary goal of the British invasion, which has been called “history’s most expensive hostage rescue operation,” was to free a group of European missionaries who were being held by Emperor Tewodros. The Ethiopian king had become upset after he failed to receive a reply to a letter that he had sent to Queen Victoria proposing to establish diplomatic and military alliance with his European counterpart. In the end, Emperor Tewodros took his own life and avoided being captured alive as the British closed in on him at his mountain fortress in Meḳdelā.

The British rescue operation is estimated to have cost the British military some $9 million sterling, which converts to billions of dollars today.

Given that the issue is bigger than one museum, would Ethiopia bring up the matter with U.K.’s Foreign Office?

The Ethiopian Ambassador did not rule out the possibility. “I hope that the two governments will, down the road, begin to talk about these things,” he stated. “Not only government to government, but institution to institution…so there is quite a lot of understanding among the British public.”

Ambassador Hailemichael also dismissed the long-held myth that Ethiopia does not have the capability to properly store the objects should they be permanently returned. He mentioned the national museum in Addis Ababa along with other modern museums such as the ones in Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, and Harar as well as universities with active programs on cultural heritage management.

“The whole of Ethiopia is a museum of its cultural heritage,” Hailemichael said at one point during the interview.

“The Ethiopian churches have been custodians of such religious objects for centuries,” Hailemichael added. “And therefore the will is there, the capacity is there, the capability is also there, and it should not be an argument at all for not responding positively to the demand of the people of Ethiopia because we can take care of it.”


Photos: Although Tewodros turned the gun on himself in order to avoid being captured alive, the British soldiers took his young son, Prince Alemayehu Tewodros (who died as a teenager while in exile in Britain).

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Related:
Ethiopians Urge Britain to Return Remains of Prince Alemayehu After 150 Years
150 Years After His Death Ethiopia Commemorates Life of Tewodros II
UK Museum Wants to Loan Ethiopia Looted Ethiopian Treasures. Why Not Return It?
A Photo Journal Retracing the Last March of Emperor Tewodros to Meqdela

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At Oklahoma State University Dr. Clyde Kindell Honored for Service to Ethiopia

Published by Tadias Magazine April 12th, 2018 in Events. Closed
In this photo taken in the 1960s, Dr. Clyde Kindell, President of Alemaya College [now Haramaya University], hosts Emperor Haile Selassie at the agricultural school in Harar. (Courtesy photograph)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

April 12th, 2018

New York (TADIAS) – One of the oldest higher education institutions in Ethiopia, Haramaya University, which used to be called Alemaya College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, was established in collaboration with Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1954. And this month Dr. Clyde R. Kindell, the last American President of the university, will be honored for his service to Ethiopia.

In 1954, during his much publicized first state visit to the United States, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia “made a singular stop in his 7,000 mile tour of the country to thank the people of Oklahoma for assisting in modernizing agriculture and education in his nation,” wrote Theodore M. Vestal, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at OSU in an OPED article published in Tadias four years ago. “The Emperor was honored with a reception and dinner in Stillwater that was described as ‘the social event of the century’ in Oklahoma.”

Now, the late emperor’s grandson Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie will return the favor by presenting the award to Dr. Kindell at a recognition ceremony on April 17th in Wes Watkins Center at OSU campus. The event, which will be attended by former Congressman Wes Watkins, is being organized in cooperation with the School of Global Studies and Partnerships at Oklahoma State University.

Arriving in Ethiopia as a 31-year-old Dr. Kindell first served as the Director of Instruction and Research at the Jimma Agriculture Technical School for two years before taking the helm at Alemaya in Harar.

“I have fond memories of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people,” Dr. Kindell told Tadias in an interview published in 2013. “My daughter was born in Jimma.”

Dr. Kindell traveled to Ethiopia under Oklahoma State University’s Point Four agricultural program in the late 1950s.

“OSU’s involvement in the Point Four program in Ethiopia remains an important milestone in the university’s emergence as a truly global institution,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, Dean of the School of Global Studies and Partnerships. “The entire OSU Family greatly appreciates Dr. Kindell for his leadership.”

The press release added: “The event will also mark the 64th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie’s first visit to Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1954. To date, the former emperor’s visit was the only one of a serving head of state to the OSU campus.”

Photos: Emperor Haile Selassie visiting Oklahoma in 1954:


Professor Ted Vestal notes: “Only one month before the U.S. Supreme Court had handed down its landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education, ending racial segregation in public schools. The Emperor and his entourage were honored at a racially integrated event in an officially segregated state. (Photos courtesy OSU)

Following next week’s ceremony there will be a public showing of the fourth documentary in the Point Four series, directed by Filmmaker and Producer Mel Tewahade.

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Related:
Photos: Dr. Clyde Kindell Gives Emperor Haile Selassie Tour of Alemaya College

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Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Delivers Hopeful Inauguration Speech (Video)

Published by Tadias Magazine April 2nd, 2018 in Podcast. Closed
Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a well-received and hopeful speech after taking the oath of office on Monday appealing for unity, pledging democracy and improved relations with Eritrea. Abiy said: "Democracy cannot be realized in the absence of rights, be it civil or economic rights. We all need to have a platform to voice our concerns." (Getty Images)

Africa News

By Daniel Mumbere

Ethiopia PM appeals for unity, pledges democracy and improved relations with Eritrea

Ethiopia’s parliament swore in Abiy Ahmed as prime minister on Monday with a mandate to implement democratic reforms aimed partly at defusing ethnic tensions in the Oromiya province from which the former army lieutenant general hails.

The ruling coalition picked Abiy last week to replace Hailemariam Desalegn who quit to clear the way for reforms.

Abiy, 42, took the oath of office in a ceremony at the House of People’s Representatives in Addis Ababa.

Addressing a parliament session attended by 478 members of parliament, the new prime minister gave an impassioned speech on the need for unity and reform in the Eastern Africa nation.

“Today is a historic day. We bear witness to a peaceful transfer of power. Today our situation presents us with opportunities and threats. Today we are in the midst of uncertain times,” Abiy said in a speech to parliament.

Read more »

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Related:
Herculean Task Awaits Abiy Ahmed on Human Rights in Ethiopia
Ethiopia Swears in New Prime Minister (AP)
Ethiopia Seeks Calm With a New Leader (The New York Times)
Ethiopia chooses new leader from protest-hit region (The Washington Post)
Ethiopia faces new prime minister in bid to calm protests (AP)
Ethiopia’s ruling coalition approves Abiye Ahmed as prime minister (Reuters)

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Model Gelila Bekele on OkayAfrica 100 List

Published by Tadias Magazine March 30th, 2018 in Featured. Closed
The OkayAfrica website features Ethiopian Model and activist Gelila Bekele on their 00 Women 2018 list—a project highlighting the impactful work done by African women across the globe. (Photo: OkayAfrica)

OkayAfrica

100 Women: Gelila Bekele Is the Ethiopian Activist Building Solutions to Help Her Community Thrive

The Ethiopian model and activist wants to make sure that “Africa isn’t a dumping ground for foreign aid”—here’s how she’s doing it.

Gelila Bekele, is an Ethiopian model, activist, filmmaker and self-proclaimed “village girl” who is fiercely advocating for the people of her community.

Bekele is dedicated to fostering growth and long-term sustainability in Ethiopia’s rural areas—places where she proudly calls home. For her, it’s all about supporting her local community and addressing the barriers that young people face to receiving education, clean water and more. “It all starts from your home,” says Bekele.”

When it comes to seeing her community thrive, Bekele believes that It’s all about intention and follow through. One of her primary goals is to “make sure Africa isn’t a dumping ground for foreign aid, and really making sure that we are apart of the conversation in every level.”

She emphasizes the need for Africans to be in control of our own destinies—this message is wholly reflected in the work she does.

Learn more about Bekele and her work as a community builder in the video below.

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Watch: CNN African Voices Spotlights Former Ethiopian Model Anna Getaneh

Published by Tadias Magazine March 2nd, 2018 in Featured and Profiles. Closed
Anna Getaneh is an acclaimed former international model, a humanitarian and social entrepreneur. She is also the founder and Creative Director of African Mosaique, a clothing design, manufacturing and retail company that collaborates with established and emerging African designers. (Photos: Pinterest)

CNN

Anna Getaneh: A model for humanity

Former Ethiopian model Anna Getaneh walked runways for Chanel. She now paves a path for poor children in her country.Source: CNN

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Ethiopia: 2017 Mandela Washington Fellows Tell Their Stories

Published by Tadias Magazine October 9th, 2017 in Featured and Opinion. Closed
Abinet Tasew, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow from Ethiopia (pictured above), is the author of the following article. (US Embassy Addis)

US Embassy Addis

By Abinet Tasew, 2017 Fellow

The fellowship is a game changer

The name of the program, “Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders,” itself was my inspiration to apply. I learned about the program two years ago from the radio; someone talked about “Young African Leaders,” then associated it with two great leaders I love the most – Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. I thought about two things: how prestigious the program will be and how great young African minds will come together. I looked back at my accomplishments and I told myself that I fulfill all the requirements. I was confident when I wrote my application; I was sure that I would be one of the 2015 fellows. I made it as a semi-finalist, proving me right, but I ended up being an alternate candidate. Guess what I told myself, “This is the result of quotas for the program, and it has nothing to do with me.” I pulled myself together and reapplied. This time, I made it as a finalist and I become a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow. The program is prestigious and I met great, young African minds and hearts.

The fellowship is a game changer. I never thought that a six-week experience could have this huge impact on my worldview.

Read more »

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Related:
“Applying To MWF was one of the best decision I have ever made” — By Tigist Seife Haile
Former Mandela Washington Fellow Gersam Abera Shares Advice for 2018 Applicants
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship was a life changing experience” — By Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema
Four tips to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship program — By Helina Stiphanos, 2017 Fellow
What inspired you to apply? — By Melaku Girma Lemma, 2017 Fellow
Meet the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
Meet the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

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Former Mandela Washington Fellow From Ethiopia Shares Advice for 2018 Applicants

Published by Tadias Magazine October 7th, 2017 in Opinion. Closed
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI) is conducted annually as a merit-based open competition by U.S. Embassies across the African continent. (Photo: Former Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia/US Embassy Addis Ababa)

US Embassy Addis

By Gersam Abera — Assistant Professor of Surgery at Jimma University

Jimma, Ethiopia — I learned about YALI program first from my wife who had joined the YALI group and invited me to join. I used to see email communications and Facebook posts of different African youth who had been impacted by the different programs. My interest was not high enough to actively participate in it until the 2016 MWF when I saw one of my students posting on Facebook about her experience in the US with President Barack Obama. It was then when I paid attention and understood its purpose and goals, which are to inspire and equip young and potential leaders of Africa to better be ready for tomorrow. To be equipped with richer experience and improve my leadership capacity were the two reasons why I applied the MWF 2017.

I stayed at Florida International University for 6 weeks and then in Washington DC for a 3 day summit. I would never trade the time I spent during my MWF experience for anything because it was a rich cross-cultural experience as well as enlightening leadership training course. I learned the vast potential Africa has hidden and unexploited yet in its culture, mineral resources, and untapped youth who are the majority. The networking moments helped me improve my self-confidence and explain about myself better in a limited time. I had fruitful connections from the networks as well. After my stay in US I was determined to come back to my country and get involved in leadership to ensure the limited resource available would be utilized in a more efficient and effective way to better make the service providers as well as the population to be served satisfied in the service.


Former Washington Mandela Fellow Gersam Abera Shares His Experience and Advice for 2018 Applicants.(Photo: US Embassy Addis)

My advice for the MWF 2018 applicants is to follow their passion and dream big because through good self-leadership anything is achievable. As I have explained earlier, my experience at FIU was unforgettable and I am benefiting from it even in my day to day work. So I would like to encourage anyone who is thinking about applying to do it immediately. My further advice for the application itself is to be yourself. The true you who has a big future dream should be expressed in the essays you write. Be bold and clear to show your achievements and aspirations. Write down your essay first time and re-read and re-correct it until you write it in a fewer words but telling all of your inner feelings with the limited word counts given. I would advise you to be serious about the application because there are a lot of youth who are competing for the few spots available. Choose your track wisely. If your future goal and current achievement is inclined to one track than the other, please choose this track which is more related to your current practice. I wish you all the best.

—
Related:
The 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship
“The fellowship is a game changer” – Abinet Tasew, 2017 Fellow
Meet the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
Meet the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

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Ethiopia: What Obama’s Record Breaking Mandela Tweet Tells Us About the World

Published by Tadias Magazine August 28th, 2017 in Opinion. Closed
Twitter has announced that Obama's tweet quoting Mandela after Charlottesville is "the most-liked ever." (Photos: Twitter)

The Conversation

What is it about former US President Barack Obama’s record-setting tweet – it has already surpassed 1.6 million retweets and 4.5 million “likes” – that has captured the imagination of the world?

In the tweet Obama quoted Nelson Mandela:

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion … People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love … For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

Judging by the replies and comments, the tweet seems to have offered some respite to the rapid depletion in social morale in the US after the recent Charlottesville violence. White supremacists gathered in the Virginia town for a “Unite the Right” rally on August 12 to protest against plans to remove the statue of the Confederacy general, Robert E Lee. The violent extremists chanted racist and pro-Nazi slogans.

One of them, James Fields (20), allegedly rammed a car into anti-fascist demonstrators, killing activist, Heather Heyer (32).

Then came the current US President Donald Trump’s press statement that effectively legitimised the racism as perpetuated by the rightwingers.

Why did the Mandela words resonate now?

Obama’s stroke of genius

Amid incredulous scenes of flagrant neo-Nazism – incredulous, that is, in an era of progressive human rights – and the inevitable and necessary protest against the rally, the words of Nelson Mandela resounded with a gentle wisdom and a kindly warning.

It was not so much a case of Obama simply not being able to find the correct words to respond to such a loathsome occurrence. After all it’s not uncommon to use someone else’s words or sentiment to make a statement on social media. I too have done this on occasion.

In this instance, however, the use of Mandela’s words was calculated. Strategically speaking, it was a stroke of genius.

Articulating the poignant message as a “direct quote” tweet enabled Obama to pass on a discreet message saturated with meaning because of its content and because it was attributed to its originator.

But, as we have seen on Obama’s timeline, the direct-quote tweet was given added meaning because of who had sent it, and its timing.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation sent out the same quote as a tweet on 29 July. But it enjoyed just over 1,100 “likes”, 18 replies and 737 retweets. While this is obviously related to the number of followers, the point is that the overwhelming global resonance with the quote via Obama’s twitter timeline, is not simply because of its content, as profound as it is.


NelsonMandela ✔ @NelsonMandela

In this case, Obama may have chosen these words precisely because they offered some distance from the political space in America. Had he tweeted a strong and powerful message in his own name or using his own words – which he is clearly skilled at doing – the message may have been regarded as merely playing the opposition card, or indeed, more likely, the race card. Either of these two imaginary readings would inevitably have been shut down either by political loyalists or increasingly courageous racists.

By using Mandela’s quote as a response to Charlottesville, Obama maintained a sophisticated balancing act, while offering a few poignant messages of his own:

  • America is at risk of legitimising racial hatred in much the same way as South Africa did during apartheid;
  • Far-right conservative politics erodes the natural inclination of the human condition towards compassion;
  • Trump’s views represent irresponsible leadership, and are a veritable seedbed for social hostility.

    Perhaps that is why the echoed words of Mandela caused such an outpouring of support and resonance among twitterati. It said what progressively-minded individuals wanted to say, but simply couldn’t find the words.

    Moral authority

    I think the tweet raises another interesting sociological point about moral authority. In a context in which there is such a deflation of morale – such as the violence in Charlottesville and the blatantly irresponsible responses from Trump – any sound-minded progressive individual might hope, or even pray, for some kind of voice of reason.

    Under normal circumstances, and especially in a predominantly Christian society such as the US, this voice of reason may be found in the Bible. But the right wing rally-goers had traded its life force for a narrative of exclusion that supported their bigotry. Invoking the words of the venerated icon Mandela, then, offered the necessary kind of gravitas or moral weight.

    I can’t help but consider how Mandela’s legacy continues to offer respite to the world, though sometimes in quite different ways. In one case, it is Obama’s political wisdom that prompts him to use the words of Mandela to balance out rising social discontent, and to challenge racial hatred.

    In another case, just under our noses, the African National Congress (ANC) with its increasingly dishonourable political leadership, invokes Mandela’s legacy to balance out rising social discontent about its own moral bankruptcy. Perhaps Mandela too, is, tragically, a man for all seasons.

    —
    The author Caryn Abrahams is Senior lecturer at the School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

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    • Fidel Castro Dead at 90: Left Mark on Horn of Africa

    Published by Tadias Magazine November 26th, 2016 in Featured. Closed
    Cuba's Fidel Castro, pictured June 10, 1977. (AP photo)

    VOA News

    Updated: Sunday, November 27th, 2016

    One place besides Miami where few tears will be shed over the death of Fidel Castro is Somalia, where his military involvement left a mark.

    In the mid-1970s, Castro and former Soviet leaders were celebrating what looked like the emergence of another socialist leadership following the rise of the Derg regime in Ethiopia. Somalia had already been declared a socialist state and had hosted a large presence of Soviet and Cuban military advisers and trainers.

    In early 1977, Castro brought together the leaders of Somalia, Ethiopia and southern Yemen to create greater socialist federal states in the region. General Mohamed Nur Galal was the former deputy defense minister of Somalia and the focal point of Somalia’s military contacts with Cuba at that time. He was present at the meeting in Aden in March 1977.

    Castro’s vision

    “He [Castro] was representing the Soviet Union, although he did not say that at the meeting. He said Somalia and Ethiopia should join up, and said that Yemen will join up, too,” Galal said.


    Former Ethiopian Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam and Fidel Castro celebrating the 4th anniversary of the fall of the Ethiopian monarchy (Revolution Day) in Addis Ababa. Photo: (Flickr/Solomon Kibriye)


    Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam (right): Thousands were killed under the dictator’s “Red Terror” in Ethiopia where he was the chairman of the Derg, the Communist military junta that governed Ethiopia, from 1977 to 1991. (Getty Images)

    According to Galal, Castro told them that the merger would create a strategic alliance that would control the Red Sea, Suez Canal, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

    Castro also explained to the leaders that setting up the new alliance would bring another benefit to the region: solving the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia over the ethnic Somali Ogaden region.

    “We told him that this is about the self-determination of people, and if this federation is going to unite ethnic Somalis, we are up for it,” Galal said.

    The meeting ended without progress. At the time, Somalia was already in an advanced stage of a military buildup to take the Ogaden region, regarded by the Somali government as a territory “occupied” by Ethiopia.

    Meeting with Barre

    When Castro learned of Somalia’s plans, he flew to Mogadishu and met his counterpart, dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

    After the meeting, Castro reportedly said that Barre showed him the territories that he considered part of “Greater Somalia,” including northeastern Kenya, Ogaden and Djibouti, which was still under French control.


    Somalia’s Mohamed Said Barre speaks to the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Oct. 9, 1974. (AP photo)

    Castro reportedly described Barre as a “chauvinist … and someone who thinks he is at the summit of wisdom.”

    Two months after Castro’s visit to Mogadishu, Somali tanks were pounding Ethiopian military defense positions.

    Somali troops took over Ogaden and moved deep into Ethiopia. The Soviet Union sent military advisers and provided technical assistance to Ethiopia.

    Galal said Cuba had members of its Civil Defense System in Somalia and ordered them to go to Ethiopia. Castro also sent thousands of troops to Ethiopia.

    Somalis beaten back

    By March 1978, Somali troops had suffered heavy defeats and were driven back to where they started the offensive.

    The following month, members of the demoralized Somali military officers made a coup attempt in Mogadishu. Barre held on, but the officers who survived the purge escaped to Ethiopia to set up the armed rebels who would overthrow him 13 years later, in January 1991. Somalia has never recovered from the following state collapse.

    “I read a book Castro wrote, saying he brought Somalia to its knees. … He was a bad man who hated Somalis,” Galal said.

    —
    Related:
    Fidel Castro, Who Defied US for 50 Years, Dies at 90 in Cuba


    Fidel Castro, Cuba’s revolutionary leader and dictator who defied U.S. efforts to topple him for five decades, has died. He was 90. (Photo: MSNBC)

    The Associated Press

    HAVANA (AP) — Fidel Castro, who led his bearded rebels to victorious revolution in 1959, embraced Soviet-style communism and defied the power of 10 U.S. presidents during his half-century of rule in Cuba, has died at age 90.

    With a shaking voice, President Raul Castro said on state television that his older brother died at 10:29 p.m. Friday. He ended the announcement by shouting the revolutionary slogan: “Toward victory, always!”

    Castro’s reign over the island nation 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Florida was marked by the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis a year later that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Castro, who outlasted a crippling U.S. trade embargo as well as dozens, possibly hundreds, of assassination plots, died 10 years after a life-threatening illness led him to turn over power to his brother.

    Castro overcame imprisonment at the hands of dictator Fulgencio Batista, exile in Mexico and a disastrous start to his rebellion before triumphantly riding into Havana in January 1959 to become, at age 32, the youngest leader in Latin America. For decades he was a source of inspiration and support to revolutionaries from Latin America to Africa, even as Cubans who fled to exile loathed him with equal measure.

    Read more »

    Watch: Former Cuban Leader Fidel Castro Dead at 90

    Watch: World Reacts to Castro’s Death (VOA News)

    —
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    Model Titi Aynaw, First Ethiopian Miss Israel, Shares 5 Leadership Lessons

    Published by Tadias Magazine November 22nd, 2016 in Featured. Closed
    Titi Aynaw is an Ethiopian-born Israeli model who won the title of Miss Israel in 2013. (Photo: Tadias Mag)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

    New York (TADIAS) — The last time we featured Yityish (Titi) Aynaw, the first Ethiopian Miss Israel, was three years ago when she visited New York City a few months after she was crowned the first black Miss Israel in 2013. The beauty queen who served as a lieutenant in the Israel Defense Force had arrived to fundraise for a project located in her hometown of Netanya where she said she was working to build an after school arts-based community center for children from low-income communities.

    “I’ve taken the initiative to bring together these children in a community room and help them to learn what they show interest in, whether it’s dance or music. I am fundraising to create these opportunities for them” Titi explained.

    This week the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School highlights Titi’s recent visit there to promote “her latest social enterprise, the Titi Project,” noting that the 25-year-old former Miss Israeli is also “a television personality and community activist with 52,000 Instagram followers. And those are only a few of her accomplishments.”


    Crowned Titi Aynaw crowned as Miss Israel 2013 was born in the Gondar, Ethiopia. (KWHS)

    Read more: 5 Leadership Lessons from Israeli Model Titi Aynaw

    In related news also this week, the Times of Israel reported that Lt. Col. Dr. Avraham Yitzhak made history as the first Ethiopian-born Israeli who was named chief medical officer of the army’s Southern Command on November 21st, 2016 “putting him on the path to becoming the first Israeli of Ethiopian heritage to hold the rank of colonel in the Israel Defense Forces.”

    Read more: Ethiopian Lt. Colonel makes IDF history

    —-
    Related
    Tadias Interview with Miss Israel Titi Aynaw

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    Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia Meet with President Obama

    Published by Tadias Magazine August 3rd, 2016 in Featured. Closed
    (Photo: Courtesy of US Embassy Addis)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Updated: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

    New York (TADIAS) — As President Barack Obama wraps up his last summer in the White House, he held a town hall meeting with the 2016 class of Mandela Washington Fellows Wednesday including 50 young professionals from Ethiopia who are part of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

    This year’s class of Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia includes a diverse group of 50 young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 hailing from various regions of Ethiopia. Teachers, lawyers, doctors, filmmakers, human rights activists (including Zone9 blogger Zelalem Kibret), social workers, Ethiopian sign language & deaf culture experts, non-profit directors, public health employees, entrepreneurs, engineers, software developers, and human resource managers are among some of the sectors represented by the new Fellows.

    The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI), which is conducted annually as a merit-based open competition by U.S. Embassies across the African continent, was launched by President Obama in 2014. “Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six-week academic and leadership Institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management,” states the announcement from YALI. “The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. Fifty percent of Fellows were women; and for 76 percent of Fellows, it was their first experience spending substantial time in the United States.”

    In addition, Fellows will receive the opportunity to meet and interact with President Obama as well as other U.S. leaders during a town hall session. Furthermore, the announcement notes that “100 selected Fellows will remain in the United States to participate in a six-week professional development experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies that relate to their professional interests and goals.”

    Click here to Watch live: President Obama Participates in a Young African Leaders Initiative Town Hall.

    —
    Related:
    Meet the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
    Meet the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
    Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

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    On this day, 26 June 1962 Nelson Mandela Arrived in Ethiopia for Military Training

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 26th, 2016 in Podcast. Closed
    (Photo: The Nelson Mandela Foundation)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Sunday, June 26th, 2016

    New York (TADIAS) — The Nelson Mandela Foundation tweeted today: “On this day, 26 June 1962 Nelson Mandela arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for military training.”

    Mandela arrived in Ethiopia under the alias David Motsamayi and disguised as a journalist. In his book, Long Walk to Freedom, he wrote: “I felt myself being moulded into a solider and began to think as a soldier thinks – a far cry from the way a politician thinks.”


    (Image: Ethiopiaforums.com)

    In Ethiopia Mandela’s instructors were Colonel Tadesse Birru, Colonel G.E. Bekele and Lieutenant Wondomu Befikadu. In an article published by Think Africa Press last year, Joseph Hammond noted: “Wondomu, a former fighter, led the physical training while Tadesse lectured Mandela in the philosophy of guerrilla warfare.”

    Among the Ethiopians who knew Mandela was Captain Guta Dinka, a young soldier who was assigned to protect him during his stay in Ethiopia. Captain Guta, now 81, lived to tell the dramatic story of how he exposed an attempt to assassinate Mandela by mysterious foreign agents who had approached him to carry out the killing in exchange for cash payment.

    —
    Related:
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela

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    Meet the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 21st, 2016 in Featured and Profiles. Closed
    Some of the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia. (Courtesy: Mandela Washington Fellowship)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

    New York (TADIAS) — This year’s class of Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia includes a diverse group of 50 young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 hailing from various regions of Ethiopia. Teachers, lawyers, doctors, filmmakers, human rights activists (including Zone9 blogger Zelalem Kibret), social workers, Ethiopian sign language & deaf culture experts, non-profit directors, public health employees, entrepreneurs, engineers, software developers, and human resource managers are among some of the sectors represented by the new Fellows.

    The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI), which is conducted annually as a merit-based open competition by U.S. Embassies across the African continent, was launched by President Obama in 2014. “Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six-week academic and leadership Institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management,” states the announcement from YALI. “The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. Fifty percent of Fellows were women; and for 76 percent of Fellows, it was their first experience spending substantial time in the United States.”

    In addition, Fellows will receive the opportunity to meet and interact with President Obama as well as other U.S. leaders during a town hall session. Furthermore, the announcement notes that “100 selected Fellows will remain in the United States to participate in a six-week professional development experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies that relate to their professional interests and goals.”

    Below are the names and biographies of the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia.

    Aklile Solomon Abate

    Aklile Solomon Abate has been working as a women’s rights activist for more than five years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Law from Addis Ababa University. Aklile is a co-founder of a youth-led initiative called The Yellow Movement AAU, which works on women’s rights advocacy and empowerment. She is responsible for managing campaigns, coordinating events, handling partnerships, and raising awareness about gender-based violence. Aklile also volunteers at a public elementary school by tutoring young children and creates awareness on gender inequality in her community. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Aklile plans on continuing her work on women’s rights by focusing on young children in order to reshape the future generation.

    Gebeyehu Begashaw

    Gebeyehu Begashaw has been working as a lecturer at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, for seven years. His work focuses on teaching graduate and undergraduate students, conducting research projects, and rendering community services. He also currently serves as research officer at the College of Social Sciences, where he oversees research projects undertaken by the faculty and students. His research interests center on different public health issues such as mental health, maternal health, health economics, and health systems. He advocates protecting the human rights of the mentally ill, which includes the right to appropriate mental health care, and the right to education and employment. Gebeyehu has a master’s degree in Social Psychology from Addis Ababa University and in Organizational Behavior from Paris V Descartes University. After the Fellowship, Gebeyehu plans to continue his work in the public health arena with a focus on improving the mental health care system through evidence-based decisions.

    Molalign Belay

    Molalign Belay has approximately eight years of experience working for an academic institution in Ethiopia. Born and raised in a rural village of Ethiopia, he used to be engaged in farming activities and local tour guiding. Currently, Molalign is a lecturer of Sociology. As director of the Alumni Relation and Partnership Office of University of Gondar, he initiates communications and strategic team work, organizes events and alumni workshops, seeks opportunities and networks for alumni/students, and undertakes alumni and employers surveys, to name a few. Molalign has an MA in Sociology (Health and Well-being) from Addis Ababa University. He works for local organizations as a volunteer trainer, project designer and trustee. He is a Rotarian, an educator and a social analyst on the local FM radio program. Upon the completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Molalign plans to create a scholars community through establishing community-based youth centers to engage and empower students.

    Alemseged Woretaw

    Alemseged Woretaw has almost 12 years experience as an educator in the health professions, contributing greatly towards a competent health workforce development. Currently, he is a technical advisor for the National Board of Examinations at the Ministry of Health. He also works closely with universities to improve student assessment and learning by synchronizing licensure exam preparation with faculty development efforts. Alemseged is a medical doctor with a master’s degree in Medical Biochemistry, and is passionate about educating and training future health professionals. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Alemseged plans to continue his work with the exam board, impacting the teaching-learning process, especially student assessment. He will also help to fill the gap in academic leadership skills in medical schools, and plans to design high-impact academic leadership training, promoting mentorship and partnership among academic leaders.

    Girum Assefa Akriso

    Girum Assefa Akriso realized very early that he wanted to become a storyteller. Everyday life dragged him far from his boyhood dream, and he pursued studies in computer and information systems to earn his BSc. Having found himself drifting from his life’s purpose, three years ago he decided that enough was enough! Enena Bete, a film written by Girum was produced and then selected as the opening film in the 9th Ethiopian International film Festival. Girum regrouped, starting Rusty Town Films with three talented young men, and started writing serial radio dramas on migration, stag plays on religion and culture, and several documentaries on community services. They also work on commercials and music videos. Girum’s skill set is best described as a mixture of creativity, storytelling, education, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

    Abraham Mekonnen Alemu

    Abraham Mekonnen Alemu has over six years experience in human capital management in different sectors. Currently, Abraham is a human resources manager responsible for HR activities and operations such as planning, acquisition, talent development, performance management, and staff compensation. In doing so, he ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR and organizational systems. He also volunteers in his local community’s fundraising activities to build school facilities, and teaches management at different colleges. Abraham holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with distinction, and an International Management award with distinction from The Institute of Leadership and Management, London. He is currently doing a master’s program in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Abraham plans to continue creating job opportunities for the youth, people with disabilities, and women by filling the gap between industry needs and university curricula.

    Tigist Getachew

    Tigist Getachew has seven years experience in business strategy and related fields. In parallel with the UN job where she worked for four years, she also provided pro bono services to several local startups on financing, strategic planning, and business plans, while also managing the first fast-moving consumer goods industry analysis for Ethiopia for Euromonitor International. In 2013 she returned full time to the business world to co-found and lead East Africa Gate (EAGate), a boutique foreign investment and business advisory firm. She also works in youth entrepreneurship by mentoring Ethiopian entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas to life. She is also a mentor for Ethiopian applicants to the African Entrepreneurship Award – an initiative powered by BMCE Bank of Africa. Tigist holds a BA in Economics from the University of Toulouse, France, and a Master’s in International Management from IAE Toulouse, Graduate School of Management with business strategy as her major.

    Zemdena Abebe

    A pan-Africanist, Zemdena Abebe is a visionary Political Science and International Relations graduate, activist, and budding writer engaged in women rights in particular and social justice in general. Zemdena volunteers for the African Union at the Academy of African Languages, Mali, as a marketing and research assistant. She consulted for UNICEF Ethiopia for six years in their ‘Speak Africa’ initiative (youth advocacy), as well as in environmental education, hygiene, and sanitation. She chaired the Addis Ababa Girls’ Forum, which facilitates discussion on issues regarding girls’ vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and lays the foundation for legislative intervention against sexual abuse. Zemdena was President of Addis Ababa Students’ Union, and was among 22 young African women writers selected for ’Writing for Social Change’, organized by AWDF and FEMRITE, Uganda. After completing the Fellowship, she will continue writing about social justice and aims to influence society’s behavior towards women by using multimedia platforms and research.

    Addis Abera

    Addis Abera has a decade-long experience in different public enterprises operating in areas of agro-industry, maritime and logistics services, commodity exchanges, and agricultural transformation. Addis’ professional experiences and skills primarily include market research, product development, strategic planning, and project management. Currently, he is a project officer of the Rural Financial Services Program at the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), which focuses on the strategic issues of strengthening rural financial institutions and ensuring liquidity in the rural sector. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Addis will return to the ATA and be part of the national endeavors of agricultural transformation in his country, Ethiopia. Addis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Haramaya University.

    Kalkidan Ayele

    Kalkidan Ayele has over three years experience in disabled and deaf women’s empowerment and HIV/AIDS prevention. Currently, Kalkidan is a manager for the Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf where she focuses on promoting sign language and advocates for a better life for the deaf in Ethiopia. She manages different projects and monitors the overall work of the association. Kalkidan holds a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from Addis Ababa University, where she focuses on gender and disability issues and their impact on the employment opportunities of deaf women and youth. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Kalkidan plans to continue her work with the association by focusing on the challenges of the deaf in Ethiopian society. She aims to find solutions through different projects, advocacy works and networking with similar organizations for the better life of the deaf in Ethiopia.

    Zelalem Kibret

    Zelalem Kibret has over six years of experience in various legal and communal affairs. Currently, Zelalem is trying to build his own virtual law office to help the poor. Moreover, Zelalem is an activist and a blogger who regularly campaigns and writes on the issues of constitutionalism and good governance. He volunteers on the university teaching Law and organizing debates, and has established a dialogue platform. Zelalem holds a master’s degree in Public International Law from Addis Ababa University, with a focus on individual responsibility in International Law. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Zelalem plans to establish a nationwide legal office in Ethiopia that helps peoples who can’t afford to pay for legal services.

    Tinbit Daniel

    Tinbit Daniel is a law graduate, dedicated to contributing to the improvement of the lives of children, especially young girls. She is now the Girls Empowerment programs director, leading a new innovative project to launch the new African animation series called Tibeb Girls. This series is intended to change the way girls are seen by society and by themselves. Tinbit is also wrapping up another project on the education of girls. She is challenging herself with the hope to work on much more progressive programs on the upliftment of females. She received the Youth Champion award by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Public Health Institute. She was selected as one of 18 youth champions. This award recognized Tinbit for being a leader and doing innovative and excellent work on the empowerment of girls, such as education and sexual and reproductive health rights.

    Abrhame Butta

    Abrhame Butta has more than nine years of experience working in academics and entrepreneurship. He focuses on agripreneurship, rural innovation, and smallholder livelihoods. Currently, Abrhame owns and manages his own company, Green Agro Mechanization, which offers services including mechanization, crop chemical and pesticide supplies, a farm credit service, and financial-literacy training. It aims to provide a one-stop farming solution and introduce a farm credit service in which poor farmers pay 40% in cash, with 60% paid without interest after the harvest. Abrhame received an MBA from Addis Ababa University and engaged in various consultancy, community, and entrepreneurship programs. Upon his return from the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he will expand on the farm service center project, with a focus on harmonizing all company services and reaching out to more young and women smallholders.

    Linda Lapiso

    Linda Lapiso is an electrical engineer and construction consultant with over eight years of work experience in the sector. Currently, Linda is a freelance consultant, who specializes in designing electrical building services for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. She also volunteers in community-development programs and speaks against the sidelining of women in society. Linda has received her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Addis Ababa University Institute of Technology. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she hopes to implement lessons learned from the program in her day-to-day consulting services and share newly acquired business skill in order to explore opportunities and inspire growth in her community.

    Mehret Amsalu

    Mehret Amsalu has over five years experience leading multiple maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) projects. Currently, Mehret is a PhD candidate in Public Health and Water at Addis Ababa University, where she is researching feasible solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene-related public health challenges among Ethiopian mothers and children. Mehret collaborates with international volunteers to end preventable maternal and child death in Ethiopia. She is focused on initiating, designing and implementing cost-effective MNCH units in her role as a project manager for Voluntary-Service-Overseas. She is also a volunteer mentor in a girls’ public school. Mehret holds a master’s degree in Public Health from University of Gondar, where she focused on public health challenges and their impact on development. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mehret plans to continue her work in public health with an emphasis on access to quality health services for pregnant women, mothers, and children.

    Enque Deresse Endeshaw

    Enque Deresse Endeshaw has worked as medical doctor for over five years in different capacities, mostly in mental health. Enque did her specialization in psychiatry at Addis Ababa University. Currently, she is working at Lebeza Psychiatry Consultation PLC, where her main focus will be organizing training and treatment for Ethiopian migrant workers living in the Middle East and refugees. Enque has worked as the clinical head at a substance rehabilitation center, which was the first of its kind in Ethiopia. In her tenure as a clinical head, she trained and supervised other staff members. She was involved in the management aspect of the center, in addition to carrying out clinical work. So as to give back to society, she was involved in an outreach program that provided free mental health care to patients. Enque plans to apply and share the experiences she has acquired with both governmental and non-governmental institutions.

    Lulayn Awgichew

    Lulayn Awgichew is an entrepreneur who co-founded an agribusiness company. She is a deputy general manager of Bislet Agritech PLC, where she carries out the duties of setting strategies, marketing, and the management of company activities. She built on her extensive experience in development work to become an entrepreneur. Currently, she volunteers for several nonprofit organizations to support women and children and help them have better lives. She has vast experience in and passion for advocacy and child protection. Upon returning from the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Lulayn plans to continue her work to achieve her company goal of making food affordable to everyone in Ethiopia.

    Minase Tamrat

    Minase Tamrat has over 12 years of experience in software development, technologies, finance and sustainable development. Currently Minase is a general manager of a software development firm which he founded, where he also works as a systems architect and project manager. He has two startups underway which focus on an open financial framework and on integrated sustainable agriculture. Minase is a computer science graduate from HiLCoE School of Computer Science and Technologies. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Minase plans to continue to create a seamless, transparent, integrated and stakeholder-inclusive financial system framework for his country, Ethiopia.

    Fanaye Feleke

    Fanaye Feleke has 10 years of experience in law and development with a focus on gender. Currently, Fanaye is partnerships manager for Girl Effect Ethiopia, which works to positively reframe the image of Ethiopian girls. She focuses on identifying, initiating, building, and managing partnerships. She is also a partner in Setaweet, a feminist establishment which aims to bring about a positive change in the social positioning of women. Setaweet activism takes the form of public forums, women-only study groups, media engagement, and ‘Arif Wond’, an exciting program working with men to challenge patriarchy. Setaweet also delivers high-quality, tailor-made training and research. Fanaye holds a master’s degree in Law in Development from the University of Warwick, where she focused on gender and development. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fanaye intends to focus full time on her Setaweet work in feminist activism.

    Mekbib Ayalew

    Mekbib Ayalew is a social work and development-management professional. He has worked for the past three years in various NGOs, focused particularly on human subject protection and social development. Currently, he is working in the Africa Union Commission as a culture officer focused on assisting and managing the Campaign for African Cultural Renaissance and promoting the spirit of pan-Africanism and shared values on the continent. He also volunteers at the Addis Ababa Correctional and Rehabilitation Center of Juvenile Offenders (Remand Home), where he is responsible for coordinating social reintegration and rehabilitation for juvenile delinquents. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mekbib plans to engage in increasing youth involvement in the promotion and protection of African world heritage, both nationally and within the African Union system.

    Fregenet Zekiewos Gichamo

    Fregenet Zekiewos Gichamo has over two years experience in a government university working mainly as a dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. As such, he is the chief executive officer directing and coordinating activities of the department and other units of the faculty. In addition, Fregenet works on youth development in her community by organizing a program called ‘Generation Empowerment Program’. She is also a volunteer in blood-donation campaigns in her local community and schools. Fregenet is a medical doctor working as a general practitioner in a hospital. She wants to study obstetrics and gynecology in order to strength her contribution against the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fregenet plans to continue her work on faculty development and against traditional harmful practices.

    Yitemgeta Fantu Golla

    Yitemgeta Fantu Golla has over four years experience in the energy sector, mostly in project design and management. Having graduated with his master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the Engineering School in France, he has been exposed to the production, optimal distribution and rational use of conventional and renewable energy in buildings, civil engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and the transformation industries. With his specialization in electrical energy, he is knowledgeable in the monitoring and control of electrical energy, as well as the design of projects that include generation, distribution, and renewable energy. In his most recent roles, he has obtained the title of procurement head and energy adviser at Herfazy Consult. He also leads the design and development of innovative acoustic panels and local solar food dryers. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Yitemgeta plans to strengthen his involvement in the energy sector in Ethiopia and East Africa.

    Rigbe Hagos

    Rigbe Hagos has over five years experience working on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. She has worked as a volunteer legal-aid counselor for women seeking free legal aid services. Rigbe is currently involved in her own private practice carrying out social consultancy for vulnerable groups. She focuses on awareness raising and disability mainstreaming training, counseling on self-esteem development, technical assistance on accessibility, and mainstreaming disability, and conducts research on related issues. She also works as a manager for a private limited company. Furthermore, Rigbe serves a board member and volunteer for the Association for Women with Disabilities Living with HIV, and takes part in other community-service projects. Rigbe holds a master’s degree in Social Work and an LLB. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to continue her work towards promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

    Bethlehem Haileselassie

    Bethlehem Haileselassie has four years experience coordinating a street-child rehabilitation project in her home city, Addis Ababa. Currently, she works as a freelance writer but she also volunteers in two organizations that work on child care and education. In addition, she is in the process of establishing a social enterprise that produces leather handicrafts to create jobs for impoverished single mothers. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Bethlehem plans to launch the social enterprise and establish its social wing, which will initially comprise a community day care and after-school program for children of the single mothers who are trained and hired by the business. Eventually, the project will reach out to other children in the community who live in difficult circumstances.

    Masresha Hirabo

    Masresha has over six years experience in software development, especially in the area of machine learning. Currently, she works as a deputy general manager for eNet ICT Solutions, a software company that she co-founded. As deputy general manager, her responsibilities include administering the everyday operations of the organization, preparing schedules, and providing both managerial and technical support to all projects. In addition, she oversees the progress of projects and coordinates with managers, clients, and supervisors to evaluate approvals. She also works as a part-time research programmer, where she is responsible for the research and development of advanced systems. Masresha holds an MSc in Computer Science from University of Kerala, India, where she focused on Machine Learning and Image Processing. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Masresha plans to lead and expand the company to work on the development of more advanced systems that can solve daily problems.

    Maryamawit Kassa

    Maryamawit Kassa has four years of experience in various fields especially law, human rights, leadership, and peacebuilding. Currently, Maryamawit works with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies in relation to preparation for the 5th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa. Maryamawit works at the Center for African Leadership Studies, as a part-time research coordinator focusing on legal research and organizational assessment for leadership training. She also did volunteer work with the African Union Youth Volunteer Program and is now a member of Global Shapers, Addis Ababa hub, where she dedicates her spare time to shaping and effecting change in the community. Maryamawit holds a master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University, which focused on African solutions for African problems. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Maryamawit plans to focus on homegrown leadership as a means for conflict prevention.

    Muluken Nega

    Muluken Nega is the founder and managing partner of Zana Landscape Design and Contractor PLC. Before starting Zana he worked with local and international businesses in the area of market research, business management, and entrepreneurship. This helped him develop the entrepreneurial and leadership skills necessary to start Zana. In addition to that, he has been taking online landscaping classes since 2009 from experts on landscape design, landscape planning, and planting. More than eight years of work with nonprofits that focus on youth development in Ethiopia has given him the awareness and passion to work in youth empowerment, mentoring, and social entrepreneurship. He volunteers in his community street-boys’ programs, and leads an informal network that inspires ideas, facilitates conversation, and stimulates positive action for changemakers in the community. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Muluken wants to focus on growing Zana into a leading landscape and social business in Ethiopia and Africa.

    Selam Kebede

    Selam Kebede graduated from Aalto University, Finland, with a master’s degree in Communications Ecosystem. Originally from Ethiopia, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. During her college days, she was actively involved in organizing events related to startups, technology, and entrepreneurship, including the Slush event. She passionately believes in the potential of technology to change lives in emerging countries. She loves the ‘Africa-rising’ narrative and holds a black belt in World Taekwondo from Kukkiwon. She is currently working as a senior associate for Africa at Seedstars, and has traveled to more than 20 countries finding the best tech-based startups and bringing them to the world stage. When she isn’t working, she spends her time researching Ethiopian history and contemplating quantum physics.

    Admasu Lokaley

    Admasu Lokaley is a young peace practitioner who has worked for over eight years in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Admasu currently works as field facilitator for CEWARN/IGAD, with a work station in Nyangatom district. His work focuses on collecting and discussing information regarding the outburst and elevation of violent conflict among pastoralists. By analyzing and processing the gathered data, he comes up with alternative routes of local response. Admasu is the co-founder of a community-based organization called Atowoykisi-Ekisil Pastoralists’ Development Association (AEPDA), where he served as program coordinator and executive director. Admasu earned his MA in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University of Ethiopia, where he focused on the complex inter-ethnic interactions along a disputed piece of land called the Ilemi Triangle. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Admasu is inspired to continue his work on peacebuilding and advocacy for pastoralists’ rights to land.

    Mesay Barekew

    Mesay Barekew has been a lecturer at Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) for the last 10 years and teaches business management courses. He is a founding member of ASTU’s entrepreneurship development center. Mesay has been involved in volunteering activities in his local community where he helps children in need to get access to education and required materials. Mesay holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Addis Ababa University, focusing on business development strategies. After completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mesay plans to continue with his business development activities. He will work on establishing an incubation center for business startups in ASTU. He also plans to establish his own primary school with a special focus on creativity, science, and math. At his school, he intends to support children in need through a fee waiver and, depending on their situation, monthly subsistence allowances to support their living expenses.

    Amanuel Lomencho

    Amanuel Lomencho has over four years experience in community development and medical education apart from his work as a physician. He is the founder and general manager of Emerald Medical, a firm engaged in medical education, public education and promoting healthy and environmentally friendly cities through bike diplomacy. He volunteers in Educate Underprivileged Students of Ethiopia, a non-profit organization supporting education for Ethiopian students. Amanuel holds a doctorate degree in Medicine from University of Gondar. Following the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to continue his work in promoting healthy and eco-friendly cities, linking cities with a shared culture of biking, upgrading the quality of medical education through software based medical education, and serving as a bridge between Ethiopian medical schools and their counterparts overseas.

    Mizan Welderufael

    Mizan Welderufael has over eight years of experience in the electrical power sector. She currently serves as automated meter-reading lead at the Ethiopian Electric Utility, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program management office, where she manages the installation of automated energy meters on the outgoing feeders of substations. Prior to her ERP office, she worked in the Energy Management department as energy portfolio and logistics manager. She also worked for about four years as a system operation engineer at the National Load Dispatch Center of Ethiopia. Mizan received her degree in Electrical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, and is currently doing the thesis for her post-grad in Electrical Power Engineering. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, she plans to open her own business that fills the gaps related to power quality and reliability, energy efficiency, energy audit, and micro-grids that can improve access to electricity in Ethiopia.

    Anteneh Asefa

    Anteneh Asefa has more than nine years experience in the field of public health. Anteneh was a fellow of the Maternal Health Young Champion fellowship of the Maternal Health Task Force at the Harvard School of Public Health, where he mainly focused on promoting respectful childbirth services in Ethiopia. Anteneh has also been part of the Emerging Voices for Global Health Fellowship, in addition to being featured in New Voices in Global Health during the World Health Summit, 2013. Anteneh is currently an assistant professor at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, where he provides academic service, research, and technical support to various organisations. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he strongly aspires to be one among the committed young leaders who will be shaping the future of African health systems by responding to the health needs of communities, especially women’s and children’s health.

    Milha Desta Mohammed

    Milha Desta Mohammed was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has worked in the development policy field for over eight years, particularly in the climate change, water security, and agriculture sectors. She has worked at local level with nonprofit organizations and at regional level in intergovernmental organizations, namely the African Union Commission and the United Nations. Milha graduated from Addis Ababa University with a bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, and from the University of East Anglia with a master’s degree in Climate Change and International Development, focusing on water security. She currently serves as chair of the board for a youth environmental rehabilitation organization, where she promotes sustainable transportation and river rehabilitation. Upon her return from the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she will continue to advocate for a greener urban environment by promoting cycling in the city and river rehabilitation through sustainable waste management.

    Rania Ibrahim

    Rania Ibrahim, the service development director for Telemed Medical Services, is responsible for planning, supervising, organizing, and managing product development activities. At Telemed, a startup company that aims to increase access to health care for Ethiopians, she honed her skills of forging creative working partnerships with different organizations and individuals. She was a co-developer of the first TB/HIV patient-tracking system that helps patients adhere to their medication, and she is also the strategic and networking advisor for St Paul’s Hospital, one of the largest public hospitals in the country. Rania also volunteers with Berhan Yehun, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve living conditions for impoverished children. As a Mandela Washington Fellow, she intends to further develop her skills in business development, aiming to expand access to medical technology and to learn ways to fully develop different possibilities of public-private partnerships to improve the health care system in her country.

    Nurhassen Mensur Mudesir

    Nurhassen Mensur Mudesir has over seven years experience in business development and community organizing. He is an electrical engineer by training, an entrepreneur and business development professional by practice. Nurhassen is a founding member and managing partner of the first online payment platform company in Ethiopia: www.yenepay.com. He coaches and consults startup and ongoing businesses under the Entrepreneurship Development Center, Ethiopia. He is a certified project management professional and business development adviser as well as a certified trainer and technical adviser for businesses and community organizations. Nurhassen provides professional and life skills training to business professionals and business owners. As a volunteer, he is passionately engaged in the designing and implementation of development programs that empower women and youth. Upon his return, he wishes to establish renowned international business leadership training, and a consultancy center and a venture capital firm that will enhance entrepreneurship and innovative leadership across multiple sectors.

    Selamawit Wondimu

    Selamawit Wondimu has over six years of experience in urban planning. Currently, Selamawit is a senior analyst at the Ethiopian Industrial Park Development Corporation, which is driving the country’s large-scale industrialization initiative. She works closely on a daily basis with her counterparts on the development of guidelines and standards for industrial-park developments, supporting capacity building, and supporting the operations of the parks. She owns and runs a maker space in Addis, where she provides cutting and engraving services for young entrepreneurs and makers. Selamawit holds a Master of Science degree in Human Settlements from the University of Leuven, Belgium, where she focused on spatial planning and networked governance and how it can enhance coordination in regional and urban development in Ethiopia. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Selamawit plans to continue to expand her business while supporting the country’s industrialization and studying its impact on Ethiopian cities.

    Loza Ruga

    A graduate of Haramaya University College of Law, Loza Ruga has proven herself to be a person gifted with passion and multiple talents. In her early career, she has had an outstanding record of engagement in various sectors, including advocating for women’s empowerment, and volunteering in organizations working for the well-being of disadvantaged and disabled communities in sub-Saharan Africa. She was part of a team at African Union Headquarters that conducted extensive research on accessibility assessment for the inclusion of people with disabilities. Currently, Loza is launching the Ethiopian Association of Girls Guides and Girls Scouts, the first of its kind in Ethiopia. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to establish an inclusive community-based platform aimed at enabling and capacitating vulnerable segments in Addis Ababa and then in the whole of East Africa.

    Liyuwork A Shiferaw

    Liyuwork A Shiferaw has over seven years of work experience. Currently, she is the director of the Maritime Administration Directorate, where she oversees the registration of ships and seafarers; the training, assessment, and certification of seafarers; the follow-up of inland water transportation; and the implementation of international maritime conventions at the Ethiopian Maritime Authority. She also headed the Policy and Legal Department, where she participated in the preparation of national policy, strategy, and legislation. Liyuwork received an LLM degree in International Maritime Law from IMLI, Malta, and an LLB degree from Addis Ababa University. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to continue empowering women in the maritime sector and using best practices to strengthen the maritime sector in Ethiopia.

    Alem Gebru

    Alem Gebru has over eight years of experience in diverse fields within the community-development sector, specifically on changing attitudes on disability issues. At present, Alem is an executive director in Women with Disabilities for Change, where she focuses on capacity building and creating awareness about women and children with disabilities in the community. She also volunteers in similar organizations by offering life-skills training and empowering women with disabilities. Alem holds a master’s degree in Special Needs Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Addis Ababa, where she focused on disability inequality and gender disparity within the education sector and their impact on development in Ethiopia. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Alem plans to carry on her work in disability equality with a focus on encouraging the rights of and equal opportunities for the disabled.

    Asmeret Tesfahunegn

    Asmeret is an experienced computer programmer, and a pragmatic and visionary entrepreneur with passion for problem solving and technology revolution in Africa and beyond. Self-disciplined and passionate about what she does, she is a talented, ambitious, and self-motivated web and mobile developer with a strong technical background. Asmeret graduated from USIU – Africa with a CGPA 4.0 in Information Systems and Technology. Having been involved in a couple of ventures, she has hands-on experience in business and product development in a typical startup business environment with extensive sales and marketing experience. Currently, Asmeret is the co-founder of IntellSync Ltd. In the company she is instrumental in the development and implementation of numerous IT projects, innovation, and strategic partnership management. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Asmeret plans to continue her work in IT to bring about sustainable, innovative, value- and technology-driven economic growth in Africa.

    Dina B Tsehay

    Dina B Tsehay is a Sociology graduate from the University of Mumbai, and has over four years’ experience in various fields of community development. Dina currently works as a project officer at a local NGO called MLWDA, where she primarily focuses on designing economic empowerment projects for marginalized women. Dina has also done various volunteer work in fighting against leprosy, child abuse, and violence against women in India, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Dina plans to continue her work in women’s economic empowerment and create a network for women to participate in cross-border business trade in the East African region.

    Wachemo Akiber Chufo

    Wachemo Akiber Chufo has over nine years of experience in different positions in Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. Currently, he teaches various courses in the field of Environmental Engineering and advises undergraduate and postgraduate students at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. Akiber Chufo holds PhD degree in Environmental Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China. His research areas are production and optimization of renewable energy from biomass wastes and development of solid-waste management methods. Additionally, he works in mitigation of climate change in the community using locally available resources. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Akiber Chufo plans to develop green energy-generation strategies for the community from locally available biomass wastes.

    Kibrom Aregawi

    Kibrom Aregawi is an assistant professor with over 10 years experience in teaching, research, and consultancy services in the Department of Management at Mekelle University, Ethiopia. Currently, he is the coordinator of the Center for Entrepreneurship Development. He is tasked with promoting an entrepreneurial culture and climate in the university community and beyond by organizing entrepreneurship training and providing support services. Kibrom volunteers in training, mentoring, and extending business-development support services to small and medium enterprise operators and students. Kibrom has also assumed various university leadership positions, including coordinator of the management program and head of quality assurance of the College of Business and Economics. Kibrom holds an MBA and an MPP from Mekelle University, and KDIS, South Korea, respectively. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Kibrom plans to continue and scale up efforts to expand community outreach in ways that will impact the lives of millions in the region.

    Seifu Yilma

    Seifu Yilma is Ethiopian and communicates in Ethiopian sign language. At the age of six he became deaf due to meningitis. He attended regular hearing schools and finished his master’s degree in Special Needs Education. He did his Bachelor of Arts in Ethiopian Sign Language and Deaf Culture. He has been serving in several public service activities voluntarily, that benefits the deaf communities in Ethiopia. Seifu served as chairman of the Deaf Association at the Addis Ababa branch of the Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf. He’s also been serving as a board member for the Federation of National Association of Persons with Disabilities. In these commitments, he effectively discharges his responsibilities on advocating the rights of deaf people in getting decent employment, education and social welfare. He was also chairman of a committee at the Addis Ababa University representing deaf students. He is currently a guidance counselor.

    Tirsit Retta

    Tirsit Retta has over 10 years of experience in leadership and public mobilization in the community, and academia and charity organizations. She engages herself in humanitarian services through the Red Cross, Family Guidance Association and Missionaries of Charity to deliver medical services and health education to the poor and destitute. In academia she plans, organizes, directs, and monitors medical professionals who deliver health services to the public. Her unwavering interest in research led her to initiate the largest epidemiological study in Ethiopia, which examines 500,000 patient records to determine skin disease trajectories. Tirsit earned her medical doctorate degree from Jimma University and her postgraduate specialty certificate from Addis Ababa University. Her plan after attending the Mandela Washington Fellowship is to establish an evidence synthesis center in Ethiopia to produce high-quality research, and then inspire women and physicians in the areas of science, environment, and education.

    Yilkal Yilkal-Wudneh

    Yilkal has over three years of experience in various community service activities. Currently, Yilkal is an active participant in Debre Berhan University’s free legal aid center, which advocates cases for vulnerable sections of the society. Yilkal is also manager of the Northern Shoa Zone Blind Teachers’ and Students’ Professional Development and Cooperation Association. In these roles he follows up the legal aspects of its activities and designs and implements its various projects. Yilkal also volunteers in his association and trains blind members of the association on how to use computers with a screen reader program called Jaws. Yilkal has got his LLM from the Ethiopian Civil Service University. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Yilkal plans to continue his work in ensuring the right of access to information for the blind and to advocate for vulnerable sections of the society.

    Amel Yimer

    Amel is an executive radio producer for a popular and reputable radio station – 702, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Amel has worked in the field of family planning, reproductive health, and HIV/Aids on behalf of key players such as Pathfinder International and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With over 10 years of experience in public heath communication and training, design, and facilitation, she now uses her media skills to produce a breakfast show that emphasizes the importance of positive leadership, accountability and dialogue about national affairs. Although a sociologist and filmmaker by trade, Amel, enjoys transcending the boundaries of traditional media to create new means of communication that can reach those in need of inspiration, empowerment and most importantly, a platform.

    Tawetu Abreha

    Tawetu Abreha has over five years of experience in various fields in the educational sector. She has been assistant professor at Mekelle University, system division officer at Meles Aerospace Science and Engineering Dynamics, and gender office head focusing on gender mainstreaming at the Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle (EiT-M). Currently, Tawetu is head of the school of Electrical and Computer Engineering at EiT-M, where she is responsible for the overall management of the school, including teaching and learning activities, research and community service, and local and international collaborations. She also volunteers in the Tigray Science and Technology Agency to coordinate the Girl’s Camp program. Tawetu holds a master’s degree in Communication Engineering from Addis Ababa University. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Tawetu plans to continue her work as a school head with a focus on school-to-industry and international university linkages, and girl’s empowerment.

    Mahlet Tesfaye

    Mahlet Tesfaye has over four years of public management experience in higher academic institutions and diplomacy. Her major areas of interest include gender issues and education policy reform advocacy, where she focuses on designing, implementing and researching on learning schemes. Mahlet worked as an educator and researcher signifying the importance of formal and informal education. She also volunteered in a book and database project that documents stories of hundreds of accomplished Ethiopian women, and served as a motivational speaker on different platforms focusing on education and youth. Mahlet currently works in the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She received her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Addis Ababa University. Upon return, she aspires to work on education diplomacy, education advocacy and the global initiative on education. Her long-term career plan includes working on influential research that could become recommendations to effectively address the challenges in the Ethiopian education system.

    —
    Related:
    Meet the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia
    Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Temsalet: 64 Profiles of Ethiopian Women Role Models — NYC Book Launch April 16

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 14th, 2016 in Featured. Closed
    The NYC book launch & presentation for Temsalet takes place on Saturday, April 16th. (Click here to RSVP)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Thursday, April 14th, 2016

    New York (TADIAS) — Today “nearly 65 percent of Ethiopians are young people under the age of 25; the future of Ethiopia is in their hands,” states the introduction to Temsalet, an intimate photo journal compilation of 64 women who may serve as role models for the country’s vast, diverse and resourceful millennial generation. “About half, or nearly 30 million, of those young Ethiopians are girls who will share their country and their future with the young boys they are growing up with.”

    The women featured in the book range in age from their 20s to 90s, and include many firsts in their professions including the first female captain at Ethiopian Airlines, the country’s first female neurologist, first female professor with full rank, first female Olympic marathon gold medalist, first Ethiopian woman to have a solo art exhibition, and Ethiopia’s first female construction crane operator.

    Edited and compiled by Mary-Jane Wagle with photography by Aida Muluneh, Temsalet is a project of the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Association and is published by Tsehai Publishers of Los Angeles, California.

    “We started writing this book because we want Ethiopian girls and young women to know that there are phenomenal women,” Saba Gebremedhin, Executive director of NEWA, and Mary-Jane Wagle, the book’s Compiler and Editor, co-wrote in the introduction. “We want them to be able to imagine how they can realize their dreams by reading the stories of some of these women. We hope the women in this book will be Temsalet - role models – for them.”

    Join us on Saturday, April 16th for the New York book launch & presentation featuring Temsalet. The editor, Mary-Jane Wagle, will be present to give a book talk followed by a book-signing, and Elias Wondimu will present Tsehai Publishers — one of the only remaining independent academic presses in the United States dedicated to African literature and Pan-African voices.

    This event is brought to you as part of the Tadias Salon Series and co-hosted by Tadias Magazine, Tsehai Publishers and Loyola Marymount University.

    —
    If You Go:
    (Click here to RSVP)
    Tickets: $17 online, $20 at the door. Kids free.
    WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2016
    From 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
    WHERE: Schomburg Center in Harlem
    515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

    (Ethiopian hors d’oeuvres & wine will be served)

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Remembering Friend of Ethiopia Joan Kindell

    Published by Tadias Magazine September 17th, 2015 in Featured. Closed
    Joan Kindell receiving a golden bracelet from Emperor Haile Selassie in 1965. (Photo courtesy: Mel Tewahade)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Thursday, September 17th, 2015

    New York (TADIAS) — Last Friday morning at 10am on September 11th 2015, friends of Joan Kindell gathered at the Fisher Funeral Home Chapel in Denison, Texas to say goodbye to a great friend of Ethiopia who passed away at the age of 86 earlier this month.

    Mrs. Kindell’s first job in Ethiopia from 1958 to 1960 was at the library at Jimma University, which was then called the Jimma Agricultural Technical School, where her husband Dr. Clyde Kindell was the Co-Director. Mrs. Kindell later gave birth to their daughter, Kay Kindell Neasbitt, in Jimma before the family moved to Harar, where Dr. Clyde Kindell served as the last American President of Alemaya (Haramaya) College from 1960 to 1966. The Kindells had arrived in Ethiopia in the late 1950s through the U.S. technical assistance program, Point Four, and an invitation from Ethiopia to help build the fledgling formal education system in the country.

    Dr. Kindell recalled one of the couple’s many meetings with Emperor Haile Selassie who encouraged Dr. Kindell to learn Amharic. “So one day my wife and I had the Emperor over for dinner and all his family and other dignitaries were present,” he told Tadias in an interview conducted in 2013. “I finally managed the courage to say, ‘Your Majesty, Ene bizu amarigna memar alchalkum.’” Dr Kindell continued: “He sort of chuckled, and never bothered me about my language skills again.”

    Since leaving Ethiopia in the summer of 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Kindell have kept their life-long ties to Ethiopia through their many students and family friends including Neamen Tewahade, who gave a eulogy at the funeral, and his brother Ethiopian filmmaker and businessman Bemelekot (Mel) Tewahade who just finished a documentary based on Dr. Clyde Kindell’s work in Ethiopia.

    “They are an incredibly beautiful couple,” Mel. said. “After the funeral in Denison, Texas we drove 3 hours north to central Oklahoma, her birthplace, to lay her in her final resting place.”

    Below are a few images courtesy of Mel Tewahade:


    Emperor Haile Selassie and Dr. Clyde Kindell. (Photo courtesy of Mel Tewahade)


    Saying goodbye to Mrs. Kindell. Dr. Clyde Kindell (second from right) along with the Tewahade family at the funeral in Dennison, Texas on Friday, September 11th, 2015. (Courtesy photo)


    Bemelekot Tewahade at her funeral in Denison, Texas on Friday, September 11th, 2015. (Courtesy photo)


    Neamen Tewahade giving a eulogy at the funeral of Mrs. Joan Kindell in Denison, Texas on September 11th, 2015. (Courtesy photo)


    Joan Kindell. (Family photo)

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    Super Natural: Liya Kebede is One of the World’s Most Successful Models

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 6th, 2015 in Featured. Closed
    Scouted as a teenager in Ethiopia, 37-year-old Liya Kebede is now one of the world’s most successful models, an influential philanthropist and fashion designer. (Ben Morris)

    Sunday Times Style

    By Katie Glass

    Club 55 — where Elton John lunches when he’s in St Tropez — is the kind of ultrachic beachside restaurant where people in diamond-encrusted Rolexes indulge in three-hour lunches of lobster, while out-ordering each other with magnums of champagne. But when I arrive there to meet the supermodel Liya Kebede, she is not flashing cash among the ostentatious throng. Instead, she’s sitting alone on the beach.

    Kebede is here to launch The Outnet’s edit of high-summer clothes: a collection of beachy cover-ups, swimwear and flirty dresses. Today she’s wearing loose cotton trousers and an orange shirt that could pass for pyjamas. “I like being comfortable. I like being effortless,” she says. She has no make-up on, her hair is messily up and she’s drinking a full-sugar Coke, so it’s hard to believe this was the woman photographed in a Dior Haute Couture jumpsuit and curls on the cover of May’s Paris Vogue.

    Read the full article at Sunday Times »
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    Meet the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 4th, 2015 in Podcast and Profiles. Closed
    (Photos courtesy: Mandela Washington Fellowship)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Thursday, June 4th, 2015

    New York (TADIAS) — Below are the names and biographies of the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

    The fourteen fellows from Ethiopia, all under the age of 35, are part of 500 other promising young leaders from across Africa who are selected to attend top U.S. universities over the summer for a six-week academic and leadership institute in one of three areas: business and entrepreneurship; civic leadership; or public management.

    According to YALI: “Immediately following the academic institutes, Mandela Washington Fellows convene in Washington, D.C. for a Summit. During the Summit, participants interact with President Barack Obama and other prominent U.S. government, business, and civic leaders. 100 Fellows will remain in the United States for an additional six to eight weeks after their academic institute and Summit to participate in internships in the public, private and non-profit sectors with organizations throughout the United States.”

    Here are this year’s fellows from Ethiopia:

    Helen Abelle Melesse

    Helen Abelle has over five years’ experience in various fields of the legal sector. Currently, she is a researcher and trainer in the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Regional State Justice Organs Professionals Training and Legal Research Centre, where she focuses on conducting research and training on current legal, social, and human rights issues. Helen obtained a Master’s degree in Human Rights from Addis Ababa University, managed to get some of her research published, and is a volunteer for the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and Ethiopian Human Rights Council. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to continue her work in the development of human rights protection and good governance in her community.

    Abdela Alite

    Abdela Alite has over seven years of experience in different departments of South Omo zone health department, first in drug supply and distribution expert for about a year, then as a quality control process coordinator for another two years. Currently he is head of the department, coordinating about 33 health centers, 247 health posts and one general hospital. He also volunteers in fund-raising activities for helpless children to continue education, as part of a local organization called Male Development Organization. Abdela holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Arbaminch. Upon completion of the Fellowship, Abdela wants to continue working on the education of maternal and child death and also on combating communicable diseases.

    Hana Bekele Ayele

    Hana has over 7 years’ experience in the area of disability, particularly in leadership positions and the teaching of basic computer skills for blind persons. At present, she is working as general manager in the Ethiopian National Disability Action Network, where she gives due attention to strengthening collaboration and creating a united voice among disability-based organizations. She volunteers in associations for women with disabilities, is board vice-chair and a member of the general assembly enabling her to give advice, design projects, and reflect the issues of persons with disabilities at different stages. She has certificate in Basic Computer Skills, a diploma in teaching English, and graduated from the Addis Ababa University with a first in sociology. After completing the Fellowship, she plans to share her experience with the disability community, and facilitate ways where persons with disabilities can access equal opportunities and participate in every sphere of society.

    Hilina Berhanu Degefa

    Hilina Berhanu Degefa has four years’ experience as a women’s rights advocate. She has been working in the area of human rights for women with a particular focus on grassroots advocacy, gender-based violence, and empowerment of women in educational institutions. She is co-founder of the Yellow Movement AAU and Women for Change in Ethiopia as well as youth-led organizations that promote women’s rights. She is responsible for having managed campaigns and run online activism in support of women’s rights, serves as the president of Women for Change in Ethiopia, and is also involved in the Sanitation for Education project. Hilina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Addis Ababa University, School of Law. Upon completion of the fellowship she plans to work on youth mentorship and expand the Sanitation for Education project by setting up sanitary booths and selling or giving sanitary pads for free all across Ethiopia.

    Dagnachew Bogale Wakene (Dag)

    Dag has been working for over nine years as an advocate, educator, and research consultant with a focus on disability rights and inclusive development. He holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a Master’s of Philosophy majoring in Rehabilitation and Development Studies from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He is currently the Africa Regional Coordinator at Disability Rights Promotion International, a project run by York University, Canada to establish a monitoring system that addresses disability discrimination globally. He’s also co-founder of ThisAbility Consulting, an initiative which aims to bridge existing gaps of participatory disability research in Africa. A childhood polio-survivor, Dag embraces an outstanding blend of lived experience and professional excellence in his fields of expertise. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he will continue his robust contributions to efforts of creating an inclusive society in Ethiopia and the continent.

    Maji Hailemariam Debena

    Maji is a social work and mental health professional with over five years’ experience working with different academic and research institutions. Her major areas of interest include mental health, poverty, migration, food security, and gender. As an educator and researcher, she is working with Hawassa University in Ethiopia and currently pursuing her PhD in Mental Health Epidemiology. Her doctoral dissertation combines an intervention and research on understanding barriers to equitable access to mental health care. In her undergraduate, she majored in Philosophy with a minor specialization in Sociology. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her long-term career plans include initiating a regional research and training collaboration involving five East African countries. Upon return, she aspires to invest on equipping the next generation of social activists in Ethiopia.

    Yordanos Jembere Dessalegn

    Yordanos has over seven years’ experience working with coffee farmers’ cooperatives in different positions, particularly the export department. She established her own coffee exporting company, Coffee Culture Coffee Export PLC, where she is the manager. Yordanos also serves as a chairperson of women organized to support each other to address socio-economic problems. She volunteers at Give Hope Ethiopia, a charity helping orphaned and vulnerable children, youth, and women in Ethiopia to which 10% of her company’s revenue goes. She has long-term plans to be one of the top coffee exporters, with her own coffee farm and processing plant producing traceable and quality coffee, creating more jobs for others, mainly women. After the completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Yordanos plans to apply the knowledge and skills obtained from the opportunities she gains to improve her business and enhance the community she serves.

    Meron Kassahun Asfaw

    Meron Asfaw is an architect, lecturer, and researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC) of Addis Ababa University. She is currently involved in research related to sustainable rural housing initiatives, Sustainable Rural Dwelling Unit (SRDU). In collaboration with her colleagues, she spearheaded the SRDU research and has been closely involved in it for the past four years as an author and point person for the management of documentation, publication, and design as well as construction tasks. She strongly believes that real change in rural areas will come when modern science and traditional knowledge learn from each other. Upon completing the Fellowship she plans to continue working on sustainable building practices that will enhance the livelihoods of farmers, particularly in Ethiopia but even more importantly across the African continent.

    Dawud Mohammed Ali

    Dawud has over six years’ experience in teaching, research, international relations, and community service. He is currently a lecturer and researcher at Samara University of Ethiopia, where he also serves as an executive director for the international and public relation affairs directorate of the university. He has been serving in different senior leadership positions of the university for many years and is the founder and president of a NGO called the Afar Development and Scholarship Fund which is dedicated to the advancement of education and development affairs in Afar state of Ethiopia. Dawud holds a Master’s degree in business administration from Andhra University in India, where he focused on international business and leadership aspects of management. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Dawud plans to continue serving his University and to work in promoting development and education to eradicate poverty focusing on activism for youth education and empowerment.

    Balayneh Nekatibeb Begna

    Balayneh holds Master’s degree in Development Studies from Addis Ababa University. For over 10 years, he has designed and managed a number of agricultural growth and economic development programs and projects with NGOs, donor agencies and the Ethiopian Government. He is currently working in Ethiopia as capacity development advisor to the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development of Canada. He volunteers as a board member for KMG Ethiopia, a community-based organization that helps thousands of rural women, girls, and marginalized communities to emancipate themselves from violence and discrimination. His experiences, beyond developing his skills and capacities in development management, have enlightened him to learn about business opportunities that can hugely benefit smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and beyond. He believes that the Mandela Washington Fellowship will help him acquire the skills, networks, and resources he needs to establish a socially viable, prototype Agribusiness Centre in Ethiopia on his return.

    Israel Tibebu Taye

    Israel Taye is young pan-African lawyer from Ethiopia, passionate about African renaissance, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and human rights. He aspires to fast-track youth participation in continental and international development initiatives and has over three years’ experience in various fields in the public management sector, in human rights in particular. Currently, he serves as a legal assistant for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights under the African Union’s youth volunteer program. In this capacity, he focuses on issues relating to extractive industries and environmental rights, as well as other human rights violations in Africa. Israel holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and volunteers for community initiatives aimed at youth empowerment through life-skills development and career guidance. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to engage in youth empowerment and development forums both nationally and within the African Union system.

    Marta Tsehay Sewasew

    Marta Tsehay Sewasew has six years’ experience and involvement in several developmental programs on girl’s education, women economic empowerment, youth leadership, adolescent and youth reproductive health, and orphan and vulnerable children support projects. Currently, Marta is working for the Development Fund of Norway in Ethiopia as a program coordinator on the Girls Education and Youth Participation program, where she focuses on program design and development, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Further, Marta initiated a program called Mobile for Students Reproductive Health (M4SRH) for University students, which uses mobile technology to convey reproductive health messages. She also played an important role in the preparation of a national life-skills manual for students in Ethiopia. Marta has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She plans to continue her effort on scaling up girl’s education and the M4SRH initiative on completion of Fellowship.

    Ethiopia Wondimu Robi (Ethiopi)

    Ethiopi has over three years’ experience in various fields in the real estate sector and works passionately towards introducing green buildings to Ethiopia, and developing a culture of sustainability within the real estate sector. Currently, she is the principal founding member and general manager of Olympus Real Estate P.L.C, a green company committed to developing eco-friendly homes. Ethiopia holds a Master of Science degree in Real Estate Management from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden where she focused on rapid urbanization and housing shortage in Africa while reflecting on the opportunities within the problem facing her country. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to continue her work in her real estate company with a focus on building green, and establishing a positive influence on her fellow professionals in the industry into becoming more environmentally consciously, ensuring a better future for all.

    Hermella Wondimu Woldehana (Hermi)

    Hermi has spent five years working with rural communities in Ethiopia focused on the provision of clean water and promotion of hygiene and sanitation. She is currently the general manager of Drop Of Water, the NGO she co-founded as a university student, and believes it is the honor and moral obligation of all university students to stand for the betterment of their community. Demonstrating the power of grass root volunteerism, Drop Of Water has provided clean water access to tens of thousands of rural communities in Ethiopia. Hermi has a degree in civil engineering from Mekelle University, and has completed training certifications on emergency water and sanitation and water safety plans. Through people working together, she believes the water crisis can be ended, and upon completion of the Fellowship plans to continue her work with volunteers with a focus on community leadership and fundraising.

    —-
    Related:
    Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

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    Feedel Band, Reviving a Robust Sound

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 4th, 2015 in Podcast. Closed
    Feedel Band performs every month at Bossa Bistro and Lounge in DC's Adams Morgan. (Courtesy photo)

    The Washington Post

    By Aaron Leitko

    By the second half of Feedel Band’s gig at Bossa in January, you could tell the group had struck a chord with the audience. It was past 11 p.m. on a cold Thursday night, yet nobody was leaving. Glasses continued to clink and it was a struggle to find an open seat — not exactly a small feat for a work night.

    The band, which takes heavy inspiration from the sounds of Ethio­pian jazz during the 1960s and ’70s, a style that some of its members had a formative role in developing, managed to summon the feel of a geographically distant time and place, but also a lost moment that hit closer to home. There was something about Feedel Band’s set that made Adams Morgan feel a little more like its old self.

    Stylistically speaking, there’s not much out there like Ethiopian jazz. The songs are a moody hybrid of classic R&B grooves and harmonies built atop distinctive minor-key Ethiopian scales. It’s the kind of music that has become rare in the post-Internet everybody-knows-about-everything world — a hybrid born of cultural exchange but nursed and enhanced by isolation. These could be the backing tracks for James Brown in a bizarro reality in which Brown was reserved and moody rather than explosive and effusive.

    Read more »


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    Aurora Delegates Head to Adama, Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine February 13th, 2015 in Podcast. Closed
    “A lot of this first trip is to formalize the relationship,” Karlyn Shorb, the executive director of Aurora Sister Cities, said as one of 20 people who left for Ethiopia Feb. 12 for a six-day tour of Adama, Ethiopia. (AS)

    Aurora Sentinel

    By RACHEL SAPIN

    AURORA | The card game is called “Five Tricks.” There is no talking allowed and each team gets a different set of rules to play by. After a few minutes, some members switch to the other team, not even knowing the rules the other team has been told to follow.

    Sound impossible? It’s supposed to be, said Karlyn Shorb, the executive director of Aurora Sister Cities.

    Shorb was part of a group who took part in the card game as a communication-building exercise at Aurora city hall to prepare for a trip to Adama, Ethiopia — Aurora’s first partner sister city in nearly a decade.

    “A lot of this first trip is to formalize the relationship,” Shorb said as one of 20 people who left for Ethiopia Feb. 12 for a six-day tour of Adama. “We’re doing a number of tours so we can get to know the city, their needs, and things we can help them with and work together on.”

    Last August, delegates from Adama, which included the city’s mayor, visited Aurora and took part in Global Fest at the Aurora Municipal Center, a celebration of Aurora’s sizable and growing international community.

    Read more »
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    Related:
    Pictures: At Global Fest 2014 Aurora, Colorado Welcomes Adama (Nazret) as Sister City

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    On This Day 1962 Mandela Visited Ethiopian Embassy in Nigeria for Visa to Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 29th, 2015 in Featured. Closed
    (Photo © Gediyon Kifle)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Thursday, January 29th, 2015

    New York (TADIAS) — The Nelson Mandela Foundation tweeted Thursday that “On this day, 29 January 1962 Nelson Mandela visited the Ethiopian Embassy in Nigeria for a visa for Ethiopia.”

    Mandela’s trip to Ethiopia and other African countries that year is also the subject of an upcoming documentary-drama entitled Mandela’s Gun, which he received as a gift from the government of Ethiopia. “He was given a Makrov pistol by the then Emperor Haile Selassie and he apparently buried it at a farm in Johannesburg before he was arrested,” says the filmmaker Jeremy Nathan. “It was a ceremonial weapon, which is reportedly the first weapon of the armed struggle against the regime.”

    Mandela arrived in Ethiopia under the alias David Motsamayi and disguised as a journalist. In his book, Long Walk to Freedom, he shares: “I felt myself being moulded into a solider and began to think as a soldier thinks – a far cry from the way a politician thinks.” In Ethiopia Mandela’s instructors were Colonel Tadesse Birru, Colonel G.E. Bekele and Lieutenant Wondomu Befikadu. In an article published by Think Africa Press last year, Joseph Hammond writes: “Wondomu, a former fighter, led the physical training while Tadesse lectured Mandela in the philosophy of guerrilla warfare.”

    Nathan adds: “Everybody thought it was one of the great untold stories [about Mandela]…He was being followed by the CIA, MI6 and the South Africans. And they were obviously sharing information amongst themselves about the activities of ANC and its leadership. So we bring in those elements as far as we can. We trace his journey through Ethiopia, down to Khartoum, Sudan to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, back to Botswana and into South Africa. The film is not only a feature film but a documentary feature. It includes testimony of people who knew him at the time.”

    Among the Ethiopians who knew Mandela was Captain Guta Dinka, a young soldier who was assigned to protect him during his stay in Ethiopia. Captain Guta, now 79, lived to tell the dramatic story of how he exposed an attempt to assassinate Mandela by mysterious foreign agents who had approached him to carry out the killing in exchange for cash payment.

    The director John Irvin told The Guardian: “There is an aspect of the political thriller, the spy thriller in the story, because he was being monitored by western intelligence services, a lot of whom still had an allegiance to some pretty odd ideas.”

    Nathan shares that since they started working on the film the story has blossomed with more research. The filmmakers “delve into the debates for and against armed struggle (within the ANC).” In addition, Nathan notes that the film is “a metaphorical search for the gun starting with Mandela leaving South Africa in 1962 to go and get support across Africa and he under went training in Algeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Egypt, across West Africa. We actually have gone out of our way to shoot in the exact locations where he trained, where he slept, where he lived.”


    —
    Related:
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela

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    Double Delight for Ethiopia in Dubai Marathon

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 23rd, 2015 in Podcast. Closed
    Lemi Berhanu set a world-leading 2:05:28 to defeat a distinguished field in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon but Kenenisa Bekele dropped out at the 30km mark with injury. (IAAF)

    World Running

    Jan. 23, 2015

    Lemi Berhanu was the unexpected winner of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, which produced another slew of super-fast times on Friday (23).

    With former three-time champion and ex-world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie on duty as part of the commentary team for international TV coverage, Berhanu – the winner of the Zurich Marathon last year in 2:10:40 – left some of the biggest names in marathon-running trailing in his wake.

    In fine but relatively warm conditions, the 20-year-old clocked a world-leading time of 2:05:28. Lelisa Desisa, who won this race on his debut two years ago, took second in 2:05:52 while Deribe Robi completed an all-Ethiopian podium with a time of 2:06:06.

    In contrast, Bekele lost contact with the leading group around the 28km mark and dropped out a few kilometres later. The world 5000m and 10,000m record-holder was hoping to improve his lifetime best of 2:05:04 which he set on his marathon debut in Paris last April.

    “Kenenisa suffered hamstring problems in both legs,” explained his coach Renato Canova. “But I think the real problem is in his right Achilles tendon. At the end of November he had to reduce training because of this. But then it got better and actually his final training sessions looked encouraging. A world record was never a realistic target, but a 2:04 time seemed realistic.

    “However when I saw him running today he did not look relaxed; he looked tight. And I think this is the reason why he developed hamstring problems. Something must have happened in the final few days before the race. We now have to solve this tendon problem. But for his future marathon career I remain very confident. I think he will do really well,” added Canova, whose charge is due to run in the London Marathon on 26 April.

    With Bekele out of contention, Desisa and Berhanu duelled for the title and with one kilometre remaining, the relatively inexperienced marathon exponent Berhanu forged a decisive gap on the former winner of the Boston and Dubai Marathons.

    “I would never have thought that I could win this race. It was my dream to do this in Dubai one day, but not this year! With around one kilometre to go I sensed that I could succeed,” said Berhanu, who won some $200,000 for his efforts.

    “I never thought about the money,” said Berhanu, who is hoping to represent Ethiopia at the IAAF World Championships in August. “I really don’t know what I will do with it.”


    Aselefech Mergia of Ethiopia. (IAAF)

    Aselefech Mergia secures hat-trick on marathon return

    Contesting her first marathon in nearly three years, Aselefech Mergia returned to the top-table of women’s marathon-running with her third victory in the Dubai Marathon.

    Mergia, who represented Ethiopia at the 2012 Olympics, has largely been absent from the international circuit since then through injury and childbirth but the Ethiopian looked back to her best as she became the first woman to win three titles in the Dubai Marathon.

    Read more »
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    Model & Designer Hiwot Bekele Represents Ethiopia at 63rd Miss Universe Pageant

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 5th, 2015 in Featured. Closed
    Hiwot Bekele Mamo, 24, is the current Miss Universe Ethiopia. (Photo: Miss Universe )

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Monday, January 5th, 2015

    New York (TADIAS) – 24-year-old Hiwot Bekele will represent Ethiopia at this year’s Miss Universe contest, which will be held on January 25th, 2015 at Florida International University (FIU) in Doral, Miami. Hiwot was crowned Miss Universe Ethiopia in November following a competition held at the Radisson Blu hotel in her hometown of Addis Ababa.

    According to the Miss Universe Organization:

    Hiwot Bekele was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At a very young age, she fell in love with pageants and fashion design. At 16, she started modeling and doing pageants. When she turned 17, she joined Next Fashion Designing Institute to develop her knowledge and her passion fashion designing. She is a hard worker. She graduated high school first from her department and joined Addis Ababa University School of Commerce. She had one of the best GPA’s at her university, and on top of school and modeling she started working for a production company as a marketer. After a few months she was promoted to Marketing Manager. After graduating from AAUSC, Hiwot started developing her own fashion line. She won several prizes over the years working as a model, designer and a pageant girl. She is now 24 years old, working as one of the top models in Ethiopia and running her own line as a fashion designer.


    Left: Hiwot Bekele designing a dress. Right: celebrating her third birthday. (Credit: Miss Universe)

    Per the the announcement the upcoming 63rd annual Miss Universe pageant in Florida features 88 participants from around the world and the crowning of the new queen by last year’s winner Gabriela Isler of Venezuela. Organizers add: “Thomas Roberts and Natalie Morales will host the event with live musical acts performing during the show.”

    In the United States the competition will be televised live on NBC from the FIU Arena on Sunday, January 25th at 8/7c.


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    A Year in the World Without Mandela

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 6th, 2014 in Podcast. Closed
    A resident in Soweto, South Africa, in front of a mural of former President Nelson Mandela on Thursday, a day before the first anniversary of his death. (Photo: Credit Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters)

    The New York Times

    By ALAN COWELL

    It was a death long foretold that drew mourners from his own nation and across the globe. But on Friday, one year after Nelson Mandela died, it almost seemed as if those he inspired were questing to rediscover his message of probity and reconciliation in a society with new troubles.

    After a long illness, Mr. Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, died at age 95 on Dec. 5, 2013, and President Jacob G. Zuma declared, “Our nation has lost its greatest son.” Mr. Mandela remains the country’s moral touchstone.

    The superlatives returned on Friday as South Africa planned a day of anniversary events that included prayers and speeches as well as a star-studded cricket match and the blaring of the monotone vuvuzela horns that distinguish the nation’s soccer crowds.

    In the year since his death, South Africa has sometimes seemed to cling to his memory as an antidote to the apparently intractable challenges of a land whose leaders stand accused of corruption and failure to provide jobs and basic services for millions of impoverished people.

    Read more at NYT »
    —
    Related:
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela

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    Zone 9 Case Sees 11th Court Delay

    Published by Tadias Magazine November 8th, 2014 in Podcast. Closed
    Journalists Tesfalem Weldyes, Asmamaw Haile Giorigis, Edom Kassaye, and bloggers Mahlet Fantahun, Abel Wabela, Befeqadu Hailu, Zelalem Kebret, Atenaf Berahene and Natnael Feleke have been jailed since April.

    The International Press Institute

    By: Siobhan Hagan, IPI Contributor

    VIENNA – An Ethiopian court this week delayed proceedings for an 11th time against six bloggers and three independent journalists, who were arrested in April in connection with their activities as part of the Zone 9 collective.

    The court at a hearing on Tuesday adjourned the case until Nov. 12, 2014. The nine defendants, who were arrested in Addis Ababa on April 25 and 26, have now been in pre-trial detention for over six months.

    The bloggers and journalists are being held on charges of alleged terrorism and inciting violence as a result of their contact with foreign human rights organisations and opposition political parties. They are being prosecuted under Ethiopia’s controversial, 2009 anti-terrorism law.

    After a joint mission to Ethiopia with the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) last year, IPI called on Ethiopian authorities to release all journalists convicted under the legislation and urged that the law be amended in a way that does not inhibit constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression rights.

    IPI Senior Press Freedom Adviser Steven M. Ellis said: “The Zone 9 case not only illustrates the stifling press environment in Ethiopia, but the severely impeded judicial proceedings in this case also interfere with the defendants’ due process rights.”

    The Zone 9 Trial Tracker blog calls the 11th delay a “record” in a case that has been stalled since the April arrests and marked by repeated delays.

    The first delays were a result of police requests for more time to conduct investigations. The defendants were not formally charged until July 17, when they were brought to the Lideta High Court for a hearing without legal representation. When they refused to be tried without a lawyer, the case was adjourned until the next morning. At a July 18 hearing, the trial was adjourned until Aug. 4.

    The Trial Tracker blog reported that at Tuesday’s hearing there was confusion regarding changes in the courtroom venue. The blog said that the hearing was pushed back as a result of two presiding judges in the case being replaced with new judges, who were unprepared to make a ruling.

    Before last year’s joint IPI/WAN-IFRA mission, African Union Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information Pansy Tlakula told IPI: “[F]ollowing the 2005 general elections in Ethiopia, freedom of expression and media freedom [have] been continuously deteriorating.”

    In a report released on Jan. 14 following the mission, IPI said that Ethiopia’s use of sweeping anti-terrorism law to imprison journalists and other legislative restrictions were hindering the development of free and independent media in the country.
    —
    Photo credit: Jomanex Kasaye via IPI

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    Ethiopian Community of Greater Philadelphia Celebrates 30th Anniversary

    Published by Tadias Magazine September 22nd, 2014 in Events. Closed
    (Image courtesy: The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia - ECAGP)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Published: Monday, September 22nd, 2014

    Philadelphia (TADIAS) – September 27th is officially designated as “Ethiopia Day” in Philadelphia by the city council. And this year the day also marks the 30th anniversary of the Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia, which is the oldest African community organization in Pennsylvania. The association announced that the outdoor festivities this coming weekend will include a street fair, music, children’s games and keynote addresses by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Ethiopian filmmaker Professor Haile Gerima.

    The event will take place on 44th and Chestnut Street, which organizers say will be blocked off for the occasion. The entertainment line-up features live performances by Asfaw Jeb Jeb, Abinet Girma (Tinishu Tilahun) and Daniel Gebril on keyboards.

    —
    If You Go:
    Ethiopian Day in Philadelphia
    When: September 27th, 2014
    Time: 11 am – 5:00 pm
    Where: 44th and Chestnut Streets
    Ethiopian Community Assoc.
    4400 Chestnut St. – 1st Floor
    Philadelphia, PA 19105
    TEL: 215.222.8917
    www.ethiophilly.org

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    Meet the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 29th, 2014 in Profiles. Closed
    (Photo courtesy: YALI - Young African leaders Initiative)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

    Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – Ethiopia is represented by 13 young leaders in the newly renamed Mandela Washington Fellows for Young African Leaders program.

    Per the White House: “Selected from nearly 50,000 applications, the 500 Mandela Washington Fellows represent the extraordinary promise of an emerging generation of entrepreneurs, activists, and public officials. Mandela Washington Fellows are between 25 and 35 years old; have proven track records of leadership in a public, private, or civic organization; and demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing their skills and talents to building and serving their communities. The first class of Fellows represents all 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and includes equal numbers of men and women. Despite their youth, more than 75 percent of Fellows already hold a mid-level or executive position, and 48 percent have a graduate degree. Twenty-five percent of Fellows currently work in a non-governmental institution and 39 percent of them operate their own business. Nearly all Fellows are the first in their families to visit the United States.”

    Below are the names and brief bios of the 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows from Ethiopia:

    Fozya Tesfa Adem

    Fozya Tesfa has over nine years of experience working in the education sector. She is founder and current Dean of the School of Education at the University of Gondar, responsible for recruiting instructors, working with instructors on curriculum planning and delivery, training and advising students, and organizing and delivering pedagogical trainings. Fozya holds a Master of Arts in Educational Planning and Management from Addis Ababa University focusing on identifying management problems and prioritizing possible solutions in technical and vocational education and training institutions. She is also a Ph.D. candidate in Comparative and International Education at the same university with a special emphasis on pre-primary education. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, Fozya plans to work towards improving the quality of education in Ethiopia by empowering teachers and students and to advocate for children and other stakeholders throughout the educational system.

    Mesganaw Assefa

    Mesganaw Assefa has experience working in the areas of governance, human rights, and education. He currently serves as a national Peace Expert for the Ministry of Federal Affairs where he advises on strategic directions, policy formulation, and capacity building efforts in its conflict prevention and resolution tasks. He also teaches law for undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. Previously, he worked at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission as a member of the team of experts that drafted the first National Human Rights Action Plan of Ethiopia, which is currently being implemented. Mesganaw holds two master’s degrees, an LLM in International Human Rights Law from Lund University and a Master of Arts in Global Political studies with specialization in peace and conflict studies from Malmö University. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, Mesganaw plans to continue to engage with public institutions to influence the implementation of strategic policy decisions on safety and justice issues with a particular focus on issues of women and girls.

    Darara Mole Banti

    Darara Mole has five years of experience working in community development. Currently, he serves as a Program Coordinator with the Harmee Education for Development Association, an organization that works with women, children, youth, and people with disabilities located in rural areas. He is also chairman of the Youth for Action and Charity and previously worked with the Office of Government Labor and Social Affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and is currently working towards a master’s degree in Social Work at Addis Ababa University. Upon his return from the Washington Fellowship, Darara plans to share his acquired skills and knowledge with his community and engage in leadership cultivation programs at schools to inspire youth to be responsible citizens. He is also very keen to engage in charitable activities and to continue working with children.

    Helawi Beshah

    Helawi Beshah is an architect that researches and lectures for the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC). For the last seven years he has researched and conducted experiments focusing on innovative, green, and affordable housing alternatives and constructing prototype buildings for lower income neighborhoods in Ethiopia. He is also the founder and Executive Editor of Building Ethiopia, the first architecture and urban scientific journal in Ethiopia. He is skilled in photography, visual communications, and graphics design. Helawi received his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Addis Ababa University and a master’s in advanced studies in Urban Design at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, Helawi plans to create publications, documentaries, and platforms that focus on innovations and change by youth across Africa.

    Saba Bisrat

    Saba Bisrat has over five years of experience in the construction business sector. She is currently the founder and Managing Director of Revo Construction where she executes projects that mainly focus on alternative construction methodologies. She is also a partner with a turnkey solution company called TKM Maestro Technology PLC and serves as co-founder and committee president for an international student organization called AIESEC. Saba is planning to launch a labor training center focused on providing skills for those working in the construction sector. Saba holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology and Management from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Upon the completion of the Washington Fellowship, she plans to share her acquired knowledge and skills with her community by giving workshops to different construction associations and graduating students who will be entering the construction industry.

    Deginet Doyiso

    Deginet Doyiso has four years of experience working as a Public Prosecutor in the Kambata Tambaro Zone Justice Office, in the SNNP Region of Ethiopia. As a disabled person, Deginet works to ensure that all disabled people in Ethiopia are given equal opportunities and do not live in poverty. He has received training in various areas including project management and planning, fundraising, and public speech from the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs in Kerala, India. He is founder of an NGO that focuses on issues and problems important to the disabled community and also has a center that provides training to disabled women in small businesses. After completing the Washington Fellowship, Deginet plans to renew his energy and further improve his NGO to empower disabled persons economically and socially.

    Haleta Giday

    Haleta Giday has over three years of experience working in community development. She is currently a Lecturer of Law at the Woliyta Sodo University and serves as a public prosecutor in southern Ethiopia. She focuses on the rights of women and children and has conducted several trainings to increase awareness regarding the legal and financial rights of women. Haleta holds a degree in Law from Jimma University and conducted her research on human rights violations in Africa. After completion of the Washington Fellowship, she plans to work with the United Nations and African Union on issues related to peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Africa. She also plans to conduct trainings on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    Yonas Moges

    Yonas Moges has over ten years of experience working in the hospitality industry with major international hotel chains. Currently, he is a managing partner at Calibra Hospitality Consultancy and Business Plc, where he focuses on advising local hotel developers in hotel design concept development, site selection, conducting feasibility studies, searching and selecting a hotel operator, and sourcing debt and equity finance for hotel projects. Yonas received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Addis Ababa University and is currently pursuing an MBA-HRM in Distance Education from Cambridge International College. Upon the Completion of the Washington Fellowship, he plans to work on strengthening third party hotel management and introducing the first franchised family restaurant to his home city. He is also working to start an Ethiopian Vocational School of Hospitality with an international hotel school accreditation system.

    Michael Addisu Haile

    Michael Addisu Haile has more than 8 years of experience in lecturing, consultancy and business management, with a focus on the financial sector. He worked in several positions before starting a new and pioneering microfinance institution called Nisir Microfinance. Nisir provides medium size and demand-driven credit, saving, micro-insurance, micro-leasing and business advisory services to medium sized enterprises. Michael was inspired to start Nisir when writing his Master’s thesis in 2006, when he discovered a large gap in the Ethiopian financial sector that was not being served; existing microfinance institutions focused only on the bottom segment and commercial banks mostly served high-end customers only. He was able to raise over $800,000 from over 200 shareholders to establish his company. Upon returning to Ethiopia, Michael will continue to provide young entrepreneurs, including women-owned businesses and other emerging companies through business development and financial services. Michael has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finance and Accounting, and is currently a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) candidate from the CFA Institute.

    Edda Zekarias

    Edda Zekarias has eight years of experience working in child and adult education, communication, and advocacy. She currently works closely with UNDP Ethiopia’s Governance and Capacity Building Unit where she is responsible for reporting and sharing program developments with different parties including the Ethiopian government and its people as well as international partners. She also assists with media related projects by producing content and pictures for the UNDP Ethiopia website and writing updates for the organization’s social media networks. Edda also serves as the Secretariat of the UN Communication Group (UNCG) in the office of the UN Ethiopia Resident Coordinator, assisting efforts to strengthen and promote the work of the UN in Ethiopia and also engage the state and private media in developing communication. After The Washington Fellowship, Edda plans to share acquired knowledge and skills with her UNDP Ethiopia and UNCG colleagues.

    Aichatou Tamba

    Aichatou Tamba has five years of experience in conflict prevention and African peace and security dynamics with the African Union (AU). She is currently working on the AU Border Program, focusing on capacity development in a dozen African States with an emphasis on promoting borders as a conflict prevention tool and an instrument for African integration. Previously, Aichatou conducted research focused on the relation between African regional and continental integration bodies and on the concept of “African Solutions.” For two years, she was the liaison officer of the Africa Peace and Security Program, which gave her advocacy skills and access to a network of multilateral organizations and actors focused on mediation, peace, security, and governance. She received her degree in Comparative Law and Politics with a specialization in International Analysis and Prospective from the University of Auvergne. Upon completing the Washington Fellowship, she plans on advocating for strong diversity management policies for conflict prevention in Africa.

    Mitiku Gabrehiwot

    Mitiku Gabrehiwot is a lecturer at Mekelle University with over 10 years of research and teaching experience. He is a postgraduate Coordinator at the Department of Anthropology and is responsible for launching and supervising master’s programs within the department. He also works with the Mekelle School for the Blind where he organizes and coordinates volunteers from several different countries including Ethiopia, UK, and USA. He received a bachelor’s degree in History and Law and a master’s degree in Journalism and Medical Anthropology. He is an accomplished photographer and speaks seven different local languages. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, he plans to mobilize and encourage youth in his community to be active in volunteerism and public service.

    Tsion Teferra Zeleke

    Tsion Teferra Zeleke has seven years of experience serving as a development practitioner. Her work has focused on providing services in strategic development and management, result based program implementation and management, partners appraisal and management, and promotion of community and children participation. She is currently serving as the Director of Child Protection for Save the Children Ethiopia. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing the in-country child protection program and performing advocacy work to positively influence policies. She has a Master of Arts in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, Tsion plans to be engaged in advocating for adequate budgeting for the implementation of projects that protect vulnerable children and families.
    —
    Related:
    Obama Renames Africa Young Leaders Program For Nelson Mandela
    U.S.-AFRICA SUMMIT 2014: Preview
    Transport Chiefs From Five Countries to Visit Chicago Ahead of U.S.-Africa Summit
    Ambassador David Shinn on the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Obama Renames Africa Young Leaders Program For Nelson Mandela

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 29th, 2014 in Featured. Closed
    (Photo courtesy: YALI - Young African leaders Initiative)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

    Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) – President Obama has renamed the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in honor of Nelson Mandela. Obama made the announcement on Monday during an address to the current class of 500 fellows who are receiving six-week executive leadership training at various universities in the United States.

    “The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies President Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa,” said the press release from YALI. “The first class of Mandela Washington Fellows arrived in June 2014 for six weeks of intensive executive leadership training, networking, and skills building, followed by a Presidential Summit in Washington, DC.” The press release adds: “Through this initiative, young African leaders are gaining the skills and connections they need to accelerate their own career trajectories and contribute more robustly to strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.”


    —
    Related:
    Meet the Mandela Washington Fellows From Ethiopia
    U.S.-AFRICA SUMMIT 2014: Preview
    Transport Chiefs From Five Countries to Visit Chicago Ahead of U.S.-Africa Summit
    Ambassador David Shinn on the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Guta Dinka, The Man Who Saved Mandela, to Speak at Ethiopian Heritage Festival

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 10th, 2014 in Featured. Closed
    Captain Guta Dinka. (Photograph courtesy Ethiopian Heritage Society in North America)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Thursday, July 10th, 2014

    Washington, D.C. (TADIAS) — They thought they were giving Captain Guta Dinka an offer he can’t refuse (lots of cash – more than he’s ever seen) to kill Nelson Mandela. He was then 27-years-old and one of two Ethiopian soldiers assigned to guard the legendary future leader of South Africa during his brief stay for military training in Ethiopia in 1962. Instead Captain Guta marched straight to the house of his superior, General Tadesse Birru, and exposed the assassination plot that would have changed the course of history. And thanks to him the world is much better off for it.

    Captain Guta, 78, will be speaking at the opening of the 4th Annual Ethiopian Heritage Festival on Friday July 25th at Silver Spring Civic Building in Silver Spring, Maryland. The three-day event organized by the Ethiopian Heritage Society in North America will be held from July 25th to 27th, the last two days dedicated to outdoor activities on the campus of Georgetown University. According to organizers, the opening night will also feature an art exhibit by Ezra Wube from New York, which includes an animation display. In addition, Naome Marie, MIT freshman from San Jose, California, will be speaking on what “Ethiopian heritage” means to him as an Ethiopian American. Naome who was accepted to several Ivy League schools before deciding to attend MIT will also be honored at the event. Obang Metho is the keynote speaker.

    Learn more about the event at ehsna.org/heritage-festival.

    Video: Captain Guta Dinka, The Man Who Saved Mandela

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Dance At Your Own Risk: Debo & Feedel Band at Artisphere in Arlington June 27th

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 17th, 2014 in Featured. Closed
    (Photo courtesy Debo and Feedel Band)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

    New York (TADIAS) — Whether you are into eskista, reggae or breakdance, it can’t get any better than to get your groove on with Debo and Feedel bands performing together in one place. The two bands are scheduled to share the stage (hosted by Grammy nominated Ethiopian-born singer Wayna) at Artisphere in Arlington, Virginia on Friday June 27th.

    Boston-based Debo Band, founded by Ethiopian-American Saxophonist Danny Mekonnen, is known for its cross-cultural appeal and popularizing the sounds of “swinging Addis” from the 1960′s and 1970′s  among modern-day American audiences. The group is currently working on its second album following their debut self-titled record released in 2012. “We are self-producing our sophomore album, which will feature original songs along with Ethiopian traditional medleys, unique covers, and wild mashups that push the limits of our band’s sound,” states their announcement on the pledgemusic.com campaign website.

    Likewise, Feedel Band is also currently working on a new album with producer and Gogol Bordello band member Thomas Gobena soon to be released by Electric Cowbell Records. As OkayAfrica highlights the ethio-jazz group, which hails from the Washington, D.C. area, “have been making waves with their vintage Ethiopique sound” while Apropop Worldwide says the band ”keeps the funky experimentation of 70s Ethiopia alive.”
    —
    If You Go:
    Friday June 27 – 8pm
    Debo Band + Feedel Band w/ DJ Underdog
    Hosted by Wayna
    Artisphere
    1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22207
    Adv Tix $15 – Day of $18
    Click here to RSVP via Facebook

    Watch: Debo Band: Ethiopian Funk On A Muggy Afternoon (NPR)

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Obama Startles and Delights Tourists During Stroll Through Washington (Video)

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 22nd, 2014 in Featured. Closed
    President Barack Obama, center, surrounded by members of the Secret Service, waves to tourists during his walk on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 21st, 2014. (Photograph credit: AP)

    VOA News

    May 22nd, 2014

    Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Washington every year to see the national monuments and iconic buildings.

    Several visitors were startled and delighted Wednesday to see perhaps the greatest attraction of all – President Barack Obama.

    Obama took advantage of a sunny afternoon to take an unexpected stroll from the White House to the Department of the Interior, where he announced the establishment of a national monument in New Mexico, before walking back to the White House.

    Flanked by Secret Service agents, the president chatted with visitors from Israel and China, handed out boxes of candy to children, and invited a group of shocked tourists to shake hands, assuring them that he does not bite.

    Obama told reporters that it is good to get out.

    Video: Obama Takes Afternoon Stroll Through D.C. (NBC News)

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Feedel Band Brings Ethio Jazz to NYC

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 12th, 2014 in Events. Closed
    (Photo: Feedel Band Facebook)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Published: Saturday, April 12th, 2014

    New York (TADIAS) — OkayAfrica recently highlighted Feedel Band noting that “the ethio-jazz group have been making waves with their vintage Ethiopique sound” while Apropop Worldwide says the band ”keeps the funky experimentation of 70s Ethiopia alive.” Tonight they will be playing at Meridian 23, a live World Music venue in downtown NYC.

    Feedel Band is currently working on a new album with producer and Gogol Bordello band member Thomas Gobena to be released by Electric Cowbell Records.
    —
    If You Go:
    Showtime 9:30 PM
    $10 at the door until 11:15 PM
    161 West 23rd St
    New York, New York 10011
    (212) 645-0649
    More info at www.facebook.com/meridian23nyc
    www.feedelband.com

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    Feedel Band at Silvana in Harlem March 7th

    Published by Tadias Magazine March 3rd, 2014 in Events. Closed
    Feedel Band. (Courtesy photo)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Published: Monday, March 3rd, 2014

    New York (TADIAS) – The Washington DC-based Ethio-Jazz group Feedel Band will perform in New York City this coming weekend at Silvana in Harlem on Friday, March 7th with saxophonist Moges Habte who was featured on Ethiopiques CD series volume 13. Feedel Band is currently working with Producer Thomas Gobena who previously produced Debo Band’s self-titled debut album.

    The event announcement noted: “Feedel Band’s sound can best be described as a merging of ’60s R&B and jazz with traditional Ethiopian songcraft. Feedel is by definition, the Amharic word for letter or alphabet. In all languages we learn to read one letter at a time, and from those letters we form words. Feedel Band is taking Ethiopian music and jazz, and blending it into a simmering stew of musical genre’s, textures and feeling. They are creating and in some cases re-creating the musical language of what has been called EthioJazz. The members of Feedel Band are acclaimed musicians in their own right. Individually, and as part of a larger group they’ve all performed with numerous well known musicians and artists. Since the bands inception, the reception that Feedel has received has been extraordinary. At FestAfrica 2011, the audience was enamored with their warm and engaging style. While their music is inspired by the sounds of legendary Ethiopian bands like Walias, Ibex and Roha Band. Feedel Band also composes and performs their own original music.”
    —
    If You Go:
    Okayafrica Presents Feedel Band
    Silvana’s in Harlem
    Friday, March 7th, 2014 at Midnight
    300 West 116th St
    New York, NY 10026
    www.brightestyoungthings.com

    Related:
    Rising Ethio-Jazz Singer Yeshi Demelash Prepares for U.S. Tour

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    A Photo Journal Retracing the Last March of Emperor Tewodros to Meqdela

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 20th, 2014 in Events and Featured. Closed
    Cover of the book Crossing Ethiopia: A 1972 Photographic Journal Retracing the Last March of Emperor Tewodros to Meqdela. (Photo Courtesy: John Snyder)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Monday, January 20th, 2014

    New York (TADIAS) — Forty two years ago, John Snyder traveled with his wife to Ethiopia to retrace Emperor Tewodros’ final route to Meqdela to face British troops numbering over 60,000.

    “I had just finished reading Alan Moorehead’s ‘The Blue Nile’ and I was fascinated by Emperor Tewodros and his battle with the British,” John told Tadias. “I had traveled to Kenya and Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and now my interest in Ethiopia was peaked.”

    After contacting both the Ethiopian consulate and the office of Ethiopian Airlines to inquire about the feasibility of the route, John was connected to the late Professor Donald Crummey — who was teaching at Addis Ababa University at the time — and an Ethiopian translator. Arriving in Ethiopia John and his wife began the 300 mile expedition by bus, Land Rover, mule and foot, and John recorded his meetings with governors and civilians along the way and took extraordinary photographs, a selection of which are now published in his new book: Crossing Ethiopia.

    Following the treacherous and unpaved route taken by Emperor Tewodros and his army John set out to see firsthand where Ethiopian and British “armies converged for a showdown at [Meqdela], a mountaintop fortress where a handful of European prisoners were residing in fetters at the mercy of the Emperor.” John noted in his introduction: “Costing $9 million in 1867 sterling, (translating to over $5 billion today) it was, and remains, history’s most expensive hostage rescue operation.”

    —
    You can learn more about the book on Amazon.com.

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    Hailu Mergia & Feedel Band at Drom NYC

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 9th, 2014 in Events. Closed
    Hailu Mergia and Feedel Band will perform at Drom NYC on Saturday, January 11th, 2014. (Photos: Washington Post and Feedel Band)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Published: Thursday, January 9th, 2014

    New York (TADIAS) — The legendary Ethiopian keyboard player Hailu Mergia and the Washington DC-based Ethio-Jazz group Feedel Band will make an appearance at Drom in New York City this weekend as part of a musical showcase sponsored by the record labels Electric Cowbell and Barbes.

    Hailu, who spends six days a week driving a cab to and from Dulles Airport in DC, emerged from obscurity this month hitting the performance stage for the first time since 1991. “Little of his customers are probably aware of the fact that the cabbie once was Ethiopia’s most popular keyboard player and band leader of the legendary Walias Band (which featured Mulatu Astatke, among pillars of the Addis scene),” Drom noted in its announcement. “The Walias Band’s much sought-after LP Teche Belew goes for thousands of dollars on EBAY (if it can be found there at all) and features the original version of the monstrous Muziqawi – arguably the best known Ethiopian tune worldwide.”

    Feedel Band will also be playing at Silvana in Harlem on Friday, January 10th with saxophonist Moges Habte who was featured on the Ethiopiques Volume 13 album. Feedel Band is currently working with Producer Thomas Gobena who previously produced Debo Band’s self-titled debut album.

    “Since our inception as a cohesive unit we’ve performed in numerous venues, for very diverse audiences,” Feedel Band said in a press release. “Our most recent collaboration was with Aster Aweke as her band, on her current Ewedihalehu U.S. tour. Our journey now brings us to New York City; hope you can join us for an evening of music and fun.”

    At Drom on Saturday, Feedel Band starts at 10:15pm, while Hailu Mergia takes the stage at 11:00pm accompanied by a new band featuring multi-instrumentalist and producer Nikhil P. Yerawadekar of Low Mentality and Antibalas.
    —
    If You Go
    Hailu Mergia & Feedel Band at Drom NYC
    Saturday, January 11th, 2014
    85 Ave A (b/w 5th & 6th)
    New York City, 10009
    (212) 777-1157
    www.dromnyc.com

    Video: Hailu Mergia Takes Off

    —
    Aster Aweke to Perform at B.B. King in NYC
    Apollo Theater Features Wayna at Music Café January 11th, 2014
    Hailu Mergia Performs in Brooklyn

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Was Mandela Really Trained by Mossad?

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 22nd, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    (Photo © Gediyon Kifle)

    News 24

    Johannesburg – The Nelson Mandela foundation on Saturday quashed reports that the former president received training from Israeli agents in 1962.

    “Media have picked up on a story alleging that in 1962 Nelson Mandela interacted with an Israeli operative in Ethiopia,” the foundation said in a statement.

    “The Nelson Mandela Foundation can confirm that it has not located any evidence in Nelson Mandela’s private archive… that he interacted with an Israeli operative during his tour of African countries in that year.”

    British national daily newspaper the Guardian website reported on Friday, that Mandela apparently underwent weapons training by Mossad agents in Ethiopia in 1962 without the Israeli secret service knowing his true identity.

    Read more.
    —
    Related:
    Capitan Guta Dinka: The man who saved Nelson Mandela’s life (Video)
    Touching Moments From Mandela’s Memorial Service (Video)
    The Ethiopian man who taught Mandela to be a soldier (BBC News)
    Nelson Mandela In Ethiopia: A Peacemaker’s Beginnings As Guerrilla Fighter (IBT)
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela (TADIAS)
    World Reflects on the Life of Nelson Mandela
    Nelson Mandela: 1918 – 2013

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Touching Moments From Mandela’s Memorial Service (Video)

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 8th, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    19 March 1990, Stockholm. (Photo courtesy © Chester Higgins, Jr.)

    NBC News

    By F. Brinley Bruton, Ghazi Balkiz and Lester Holt,

    SOWETO, South Africa – Nelson Mandela was lauded as a “giant of history” and “one of the greatest leaders of our time” as tens of thousands cheered and almost 100 world leaders paid tribute to the anti-apartheid icon at a memorial service Tuesday.

    Read more.

    Watch: Touching moments from Mandela’s Memorial Service

    Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

    Video: World leaders praise ‘giant of history’ at memorial

    —
    Related:
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela
    Mandela In Ethiopia: A Peacemaker’s Beginnings As Guerrilla Fighter
    World Reflects on the Life of Nelson Mandela
    Nelson Mandela: 1918 – 2013

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    The Man Who Taught Mandela to Be a Soldier

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 7th, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    General Tadesse Birru gave a pistol to Nelson Mandela as he returned to South Africa. (BBC News)

    BBC Africa

    By Penny Dale

    Addis Ababa — In July 1962, Col Fekadu Wakene taught South African political activist Nelson Mandela the tricks of guerrilla warfare – including how to plant explosives before slipping quietly away into the night.

    Mr Mandela was in Ethiopia, learning how to be the commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe – the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

    The group had announced its arrival at the end of 1961 by blowing-up electricity pylons in various places in South Africa.

    Then on 11 January 1962, Mr Mandela had secretly, and illegally, slipped out of South Africa.

    His mission was to meet as many African political leaders as possible and garner assistance for the ANC, including money and training for its military wing.

    And to be moulded into a soldier himself.

    During this trip, he visited Ethiopia twice and left a deep impression on those who met him during his stay in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

    Read more at BBC News.
    —
    Mandela In Ethiopia: A Peacemaker’s Beginnings As Guerrilla Fighter


    In 1962, Mandela was issued an Ethiopian passport under the name David Motsamayi, which he used on his tour of several African countries. (Photo: Sheger media)

    International Business Times

    By Jacey Fortin

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Flags are flying at half-staff outside the African Union headquarters on Friday in honor of Nelson Mandela, whose death Thursday has the entire continent, and the world, in mourning. The activist, politician, scholar, husband, father and Nobel Peace Prize laureate fought against apartheid, a system of formalized segregation that saw black South Africans treated as third-class citizens, and helped to heal a fractured nation in the aftermath of minority rule.

    “Nelson Mandela will be remembered as a symbol for wisdom, for the ability to change and the power of reconciliation,” AU Deputy Chairman Erasmus Mwencha told reporters here in Ethiopia’s capital city on Friday morning. “His life and legacy is the biggest lesson, motivation, inspiration and commitment any African can give to Africa.”

    But Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately known, was not always a man of peace. Before he capped his career as South Africa’s first black president in 1994, before he spent 27 years imprisoned for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela came to believe that violence was sometimes necessary in the fight for freedom. And it was in Ethiopia that the young Mandela received his first formal training in the art of guerrilla warfare.

    At that time, Ethiopia was ruled by Emperor Haile Selassie, who had gained a reputation as a defender of African sovereignty. Mandela was a member of the African National Congress, a then-illegal organization that opposed apartheid in South Africa and is now the country’s ruling political party. He had founded the group Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), which would operate as the military wing of the ANC, in 1961. Mandela first traveled to Addis Ababa in 1962 to attend a pan-African summit as a representative of the ANC.

    “Ethiopia has always held a special place in my own imagination, and the prospect of visiting Ethiopia attracted me more strongly than a trip to France, England, and America combined,” Mandela later wrote in his 1994 autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.” “I felt I would be visiting my own genesis, unearthing the roots of what made me an African. Meeting His Highness, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, would be like shaking hands with history.” On his Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa, Mandela was surprised to find a black pilot in the cockpit, the first he had ever seen.

    Mandela went on to visit a host of African countries and meet with leading officials, but at the end of his international tour he returned to Ethiopia for military training. It didn’t last long; the young revolutionary was soon called back to South Africa, and in August 1962 he was arrested and thrown into a Johannesburg prison. He would spend the next 27 years behind bars at several different facilities until his final release in 1990.

    Mandela’s visit to Ethiopia was a pivotal moment for many Ethiopians, including Merera Gudina, who now chairs the major political opposition coalition Medrek and still draws on South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle for inspiration.

    “Mandela was hosted by one of our best known heroes, Gen. Tadesse Beru, who was at that time the commander of the Ethiopian special forces,” said Merera. “Even during the time of the emperor, people were supporting the cause of South Africans. South Africa was a part of the larger African anti-colonialist struggle.”

    Read more.
    —-
    Related:
    Touching Moments From Mandela’s Memorial Service (Video)
    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela
    World Reflects on the Life of Nelson Mandela
    Nelson Mandela: 1918 – 2013

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Photographer Gediyon Kifle’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 7th, 2013 in Featured. Closed
    (Photo © Gediyon Kifle)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Updated: Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

    New York (TADIAS) — The above photo of Nelson Mandela was captured by photographer Gediyon Kifle during the iconic leader’s last visit to the United States in 2005 at a meeting hosted by The Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C.

    For Gediyon the gathering at a Georgetown hotel eight years ago was a personal and professional opportunity of a lifetime that he can’t forget. He said it was a moment that he had been eyeing ever since Mandela was released from prison on February 11th, 1990 — an event etched in his memory as if it was yesterday.

    “I vividly remember that it was a Sunday morning because we were headed to the chapel on campus,” Gediyon recalled in an interview with Tadias Magazine shortly after news broke on December 5th, 2013 that the iconic anti-apartheid leader had passed away. At the time when Mandela was released from prison Gediyon was a senior attending boarding school in Virginia. Like Mandela, Gediyon’s father was also a prisoner during the Derg regime in Ethiopia, but he never made it out alive.

    “My teacher knew what Mandela had meant to me, so he allowed me to stay behind and watch the live broadcast of his release,” Gediyon said. “It was as if my own father was coming out of prison. Here I was by myself, full of pure excitement and gratification, very emotional and it gave me a sense of closure about my own dad.”

    Since then in his career as a photojournalist Gediyon has photographed several personalities around the world, including all the living U.S. presidents as well as athletes like Haile Gebrselassie and Muhammad Ali. But, he said, nothing compares to how he felt in the presence of Nelson Mandela. “To just give you an example,” he added, “I documented post genocide Rwanda, which was a display of the worst side of human beings. For me Mandela represents the exact opposite. He epitomizes the best of humanity. He is a force for peace, justice, fairness, reconciliation and forgiveness. He embodies what’s good about humans. His achievements speak for themselves.”

    Gediyon was only one of two photographers invited to cover the 2005 meeting at the Four Seasons hotel in Washington, D.C. That was the first and last time that he saw Mandela in person. Prior to that, he said, he had made several arrangements to meet with the legend in private, including traveling to Johannesburg. “It was doable, but our timing never worked out. My only regret is that I did not pose to take a picture with him when I had a chance.” Gediyon reflected on this decision noting that at the time he wanted to maintain his “professionalism as a photographer.” And yet he admitted “inside me I had this desire to reach-out and touch him.”


    —
    Related:
    Capitan Guta Dinka: The man who saved Nelson Mandela’s life (Video)
    Touching Moments From Mandela’s Memorial Service (Video)
    The Ethiopian man who taught Mandela to be a soldier (BBC News)
    Nelson Mandela In Ethiopia: A Peacemaker’s Beginnings As Guerrilla Fighter (IBT)
    World Reflects on the Life of Nelson Mandela
    Nelson Mandela: 1918 – 2013

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    World Reflects on the Life of Nelson Mandela (Reactions on Twitter)

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 5th, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    Top left, Mandela casting his vote in the 1994 elections. Right, young Nelson Mandela in 1937. Bottom, De Klerk and Mandela shake hands at the World Economic Forum in 1992. (Photos: Creative Commons)

    NPR

    Nelson Mandela, who became an icon of the struggle for racial equality during a decades-long struggle against South Africa’s apartheid system, is being remembered across the globe on Thursday following his death at age 95.

    Mandela died after a prolonged lung infection, which had been a recurring problem for him since his days as a prisoner of conscience on South Africa’s Robben Island. He served 27 years at the notorious jail.

    “He is now resting. He is now at peace,” South African President Jacob Zuma said in an address to the nation.

    Read more at NPR.

    Below are a few reactions on Twitter.


    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Nelson Mandela: 1918 – 2013

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 5th, 2013 in Featured. Closed
    Mandela as Dissident, Liberator and Statesman: Nelson Mandela, the leading emancipator of South Africa and its first black president, died on Thursday, December 5th, 2013. (Ian Berry/Magnum Photos)

    The New York Times

    Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s Liberator as Prisoner and President, Dies at 95

    By BILL KELLER

    Nelson Mandela, who led the emancipation of South Africa from white minority rule and served as his country’s first black president, becoming an international emblem of dignity and forbearance, died Thursday. He was 95.

    The South African president, Jacob Zuma, announced Mr. Mandela’s death.

    Mr. Mandela had long declared he wanted a quiet exit, but the time he spent in a Pretoria hospital in recent months was a clamor of quarreling family, hungry news media, spotlight-seeking politicians and a national outpouring of affection and loss. The vigil even eclipsed a recent visit by President Obama, who paid homage to Mr. Mandela but decided not to intrude on the privacy of a dying man he considered his hero.

    Mr. Mandela will be buried, according to his wishes, in the village of Qunu, where he grew up. The exhumed remains of three of his children were reinterred there in early July under a court order, resolving a family squabble that had played out in the news media.

    Read more at NYT.

    Video: President Jacob Zuma announces Mandela’s death

    —
    Nelson Mandela Dies at 95 (VOA News)

    December 05, 2013

    JOHANNESBURG — Former South African President Nelson Mandela, 95, died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said.

    Mandela, the country’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy.

    “Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” Zuma said in a nationally televised address.

    “Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love,” he added.

    Mandela would receive a full state funeral, Zuma said, ordering flags to be flown at half mast.

    Mandela rose from rural obscurity to challenge the might of white minority apartheid government – a struggle that gave the 20th century one of its most respected and loved figures.

    He was among the first to advocate armed resistance to apartheid in 1960, but was quick to preach reconciliation and forgiveness when the country’s white minority began easing its grip on power 30 years later.

    Mandela was elected president in landmark all-race elections in 1994 and retired in 1999.

    He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, an honor he shared with F.W. de Klerk, the white Afrikaner leader who released from jail arguably the world’s most famous political prisoner.

    As president, Mandela faced the monumental task of forging a new nation from the deep racial injustices left over from the apartheid era, making reconciliation the theme of his time in office.

    The hallmark of Mandela’s mission was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which probed apartheid crimes on both sides of the struggle and tried to heal the country’s wounds. It also provided a model for other countries torn by civil strife.

    In 1999, Mandela handed over power to younger leaders better equipped to manage a modern economy – a rare voluntary departure from power cited as an example to African leaders.

    In retirement, he shifted his energies to battling South Africa’s AIDS crisis and the struggle became personal when he lost his only surviving son to the disease in 2005.

    Mandela’s last major appearance on the global stage came in 2010 when he attended the championship match of the soccer World Cup, where he received a thunderous ovation from the 90,000 at the stadium in Soweto, the neighborhood in which he cut his teeth as a resistance leader.

    Charged with capital offenses in the infamous 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony.

    “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination,” he said.

    Video: South Africans pay tribute to Nelson Mandela through his own words

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    UPDATE: ICC Grants Delay in Trial of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

    Published by Tadias Magazine October 31st, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    Uhuru Kenyatta has always said he would co-operate with the ICC. (AFP)

    BBC News

    The trial of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the International Criminal Court has been delayed following last month’s terror attack in Nairobi.

    His trial was due to begin on 12 November but it has been put back until 5 February.

    His lawyers said he needed more time to deal with the aftermath of the attack on the Westgate shopping centre.

    He denies links to violent attacks following the disputed 2007 election, which left some 1,200 people dead.

    African leaders have been lobbying for the case to be delayed until Mr Kenyatta is no longer in office, saying the trial would make it impossible for him to run the country.

    Read more at BBC News.
    —
    Related:
    ICC Rules Kenya VP must attend his trial (VOA News)
    UPDATE: AU Measure for Mass Withdrawal From ICC Fails
    African Union urges ICC to defer Uhuru Kenyatta case (BBC)

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Lelisa Desisa Delivers an Ethiopian Victory Amidst Sporting Disappointments

    Published by Tadias Magazine October 15th, 2013 in Featured. Closed
    Lelisa Desisa won the BAA Half Marathon in Boston on Sunday in a record time. (Photo: Boston Herald)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Sabrina Yohannes

    Published: Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

    New York (TADIAS) – On a day that began with optimism and ended with crushing defeats for fans of Ethiopian sports in the United States, the athletics world marathon silver medalist Lelisa Desisa delivered victory for the nation at the BAA Half Marathon in Boston, where he had triumphed over twice the distance six months earlier.

    The 2013 Boston marathon champion Lelisa set a course record of 1 hour and 34 seconds (1:00:34) in winning the BAA race on Sunday October 13, ahead of Kenya’s Daniel Salel and Stephen Sambu, who were both given a time of 1:00:41. Lelisa pulled ahead in the 11th mile of the 13.1 mile race.

    “I wasn’t feeling well as a result of a cold I caught, but I ran as well as I could,” said Lelisa, who has a 2011 personal best of 59:30 for the distance, and ran 2:04:45 in winning the 2013 Dubai marathon at the head of an Ethiopian sweep of the men’s and women’s race there. Lelisa also overcame illness to medal in his third marathon of the year at the Moscow world championships in August, where he was sick after eating his breakfast on the day of the race.

    “After this, my only plan as far as marathons are concerned is to return to Boston, but there will be other races like half marathons,” said Lelisa, who is not planning to defend his Dubai title in January.

    On Sunday, his race began at 8am local time, and 30 minutes later, the gun went off at the Chicago marathon, where Ethiopia’s former world cross country junior champion and Dubai marathon champion Ayele Abshero was a contender and Atsede Baysa was the defending women’s champion. At 9am Eastern United States time, Ethiopia’s soccer team kicked off its 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria in Addis Ababa, with U.S. coverage beginning at 8:50am.

    “I thought Ethiopia would win, I would win, and in Chicago, I thought Ayele would be a strong contender,” said Lelisa.

    By morning’s end, however, no Ethiopians had made the podium in Chicago, where Ayele placed sixth and Atsede fifth; and after Ethiopia held off the African champion Nigerian team, remaining tied at 1-1 until the 89th minute of the regulation 90-minute game, Nigeria scored a penalty goal to hand Ethiopia a crushing defeat at home.

    “I was watching the game closely,” said Lelisa, who is himself a continental champion, having won the 2011 All Africa Games half marathon. “I was watching on the internet, on the Oromia channel. It was going so well until the penalty kick.”

    Like his countrymen all over the U.S., Lelisa was consumed by the game. “Ethiopians here had it on,” he said. “As soon as I finished the race, we were watching on a mobile phone, right there, at the race location, near the medal ceremony. In the beginning, when we scored a goal, I was so happy, and while we were hoping for them to add another goal, the other side scored, and then came the penalty goal.”

    Ethiopia scored the first goal in the second half of the game with Nigeria tying the score shortly thereafter. “I expected that our team would somehow win, but as luck would have it, the opposition prevailed,” said Lelisa, who downplayed any offsetting effect his own victory may have against the day’s other losses in much bigger and more widely-watched contests. “The half marathon is my specialty, I’ve run it for many years, I know what kind of shape I’m running in – even if I did happen to catch a cold in the preceding week – I know what kind of shape I was in,” he said.

    “But Ethiopia, and football!” he added, his emphasis conveying the passions that surround the game in the nation, despite it being a land of legendary runners. “I was sure that because of the home advantage and the climate, and because we had had a draw against them before, and our team has since gotten much stronger, our team could win.”

    Ethiopia has never made it to the World Cup and its last victory in the African Cup of Nations came in 1962, making its 2013 position historic. Nigeria, meanwhile, is the reigning continental champion, had four World Cup appearances since 1994, and took Olympic football gold in 1996 and silver in 2008.

    But Ethiopian optimism was boosted by the national Walia Antelopes team’s run of late and its record in home games. Prior to Sunday, the nation had won all four of its matches in Addis Ababa in the quest for a 2014 World Cup berth, including its game against South Africa. And although Nigeria has the upper hand in head-to-heads between the two countries regardless of the venue, Ethiopia also recorded two notable prior results in home matches against the West African nation, winning 1-0 in 1993 and drawing a 2-2 tie in 2011 during African Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

    “It was a good performance,” said Lelisa of the Walias’ game Sunday. “I mean, they’ve been improving from the past. It’s just that the opposing team came and defeated us at home, but really, it was a good performance.” There were notable Ethiopian athletic performances elsewhere in the world on Sunday. In the Netherlands, Yemane Tsegaye led an Ethiopian sweep at the Eindhoven marathon, and Yenew Alamirew won over 4 miles with former marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie dipping down in distance to take third. And Ethiopia will have another chance to play against Nigeria to determine which country goes to next summer’s soccer World Cup in Brazil; but the Nigerian powerhouse which is already ahead will enjoy the home team advantage in that November 16 qualification match, making Ethiopia’s loss on Sunday a critical blow.

    Lelisa’s first Boston win, in the April 15 marathon, came on a day that was devastating in a literal sense, when bombs exploded on the race course, hours after the elite runners’ race ended. When he returned two months later for the June 23 BAA 10K, Lelisa expressed his sympathy by giving his marathon medal to the city of Boston, where his gesture was appreciated.

    His world championship medal run on August 17 in Moscow, however, was followed by his teammate Tadesse Tola’s marathon bronze medal and his compatriots Meseret Defar’s gold and Almaz Ayana’s bronze in the women’s 5000 meters on the same day, after which the team was given a hero’s welcome in Addis Ababa on August 21. “It was a wonderful reception,” said Lelisa. “They didn’t even want us dispersing to our homes and put us up in a hotel, and in the morning, a bus took us around the streets where people stood and cheered.”

    On Sunday, Lelisa also received cheers from Bostonians, and he’ll be looking to be the first to receive the same cheers at the end of another major marathon there on April 21, 2014.
    —
    Related:
    World Cup 2014: Ethiopia 1-2 Nigeria (Video Highlights)
    Lelisa Desisa at home in record win (Boston Herald)

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    World Bank Group: Countries Band Together to Improve Delivery of Services

    Published by Tadias Magazine October 3rd, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    Six countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Malawi, Senegal and Albania form Global Network of Delivery Leaders. (Map: Worldbank.org)

    4-Traders

    UNITED NATIONS — Political leaders from six countries today announced they were forming an unusual network to share knowledge about what works — and what doesn’t — in delivering government services to citizens. The countries — Albania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Malawi, and Senegal — decided to start this joint effort after meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week.

    The countries, while facing a wide variety of issues, share a common desire to improve the delivery of services, ranging from improving education in classrooms to increasing vaccination rates of children to building bridges.

    The group, called the Global Network of Delivery Leaders, was formed following a meeting with World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The leaders met with Kim and Blair during the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. The World Bank Group and the Office of Tony Blair will provide technical support to the network and its members. Details are still being worked out with the countries.

    “I believe delivery is at the core of governance,” said President John Mahama of Ghana. “We can come out with beautiful policies, but policies alone will not do the job. In order to succeed as a leader, you need to deliver on your programs.”

    Read more at www.4-traders.com.
    —
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    EU Delegation Denied Access to Imprisoned Journalists in Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 18th, 2013 in News. Closed
    Imprisoned Ethiopian journalist Reeyot Alemu, recipient of the 2012 Courage in Journalism Award and winner of the 2013 UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Dagnachew Teklu

    Updated: Friday, July 19, 2013

    Washington, D.C. (TADIAS)- A delegation of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights conducted a visit to Addis Ababa this week to meet with AU and Ethiopian officials and to assess the human rights situation in Ethiopia. The EU parliamentary delegation was led by Barbara Lochbihler of Germany and included Jacek Protasiewicz of Poland, Jörg Leichtfried of Austria, and Jean-Jacob of France.

    The group was turned away from Kaliti prison, where most of Ethiopia’s prominent imprisoned journalists and political leaders are held.

    Reached by phone the head of the EU delegation, Barbara Lochbihler, said officials at the prison administration asked the delegation to leave the area without giving them any explanation. She said they had received permission in advance through the EU delegation in Ethiopia to visit the Kality prison facility. She said the meeting was scheduled from 8:00 am to 9:00 am on Wednesday morning.

    “However, when we arrived there, we were denied access,” Barbara said. She noted that the delegation had a similar visit earlier this year to Yemen without such an incident. “We are protesting this action,” she said. “It is honestly disappointing.”

    Barbara indicated that the delegation was scheduled to visit journalists Reyout Alemu, Eskinder Nega, Woubishet Taye and other imprisoned opposition party officials.

    “The Government of Ethiopia must guarantee freedom of opinion, speech and the right of peaceful assembly at all times, in accordance with its Constitution and obligations under international law,” the European Union said in a statement.

    In an interview with the Associated Press Getachew Reda, a spokesman for Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, said Ethiopia has no political prisoners. “We do have, like any other country, people who were convicted of crimes including terrorism who are currently serving their sentence,” he said. “We are not going to release anyone just because some European Union members said so.”

    Getachew dismissed the EU appeal saying: “They [the prisoners] would only be freed when either they complete their sentence or probation on good behavior.”

    Regarding their visit to the AU headquarter, a priority issue for the EU delegation was the fight against impunity. In this respect, Ms. Lochbihler declared, “Africa has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Cooperation among international, regional and national levels is crucial to promote global justice and peace. We owe to the African victims of atrocious war crimes that those responsible are brought to justice.”

    As to Ethiopia, the visitors took note of some “encouraging developments,” such as the adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan and the establishment of the Human Rights Commission and of the Ombudsperson.

    “While welcoming the efforts of the Ethiopian authorities in the field of economic and social rights, notably in relation to poverty alleviation, the EP delegation called for the opening of the domestic space for civil society, which could only contribute to the overall development of the country,” EU said in a statement. “They stressed that civil society organizations should be allowed to function freely, without interference, harassment and undue restrictions.”

    The European delegation’s visit to Addis included meetings with representatives of the government, parliament, opposition parties, as well as with representatives of civil society organizations.

    Meanwhile, former President of Ethiopia and UDJ Chairman Negasso Gidada has told international media that police in four districts of Addis Ababa had detained 40 opposition supporters on Tuesday for distributing pamphlets asking people to sign a petition that also demanded the release of jailed opposition members, religious leaders and journalists. “It is harassment,” Negasso said in a phone interview with Bloomberg News. “There is no law that says you need permission to distribute leaflets.”
    —-
    Related:
    Letter From Ethiopia’s Gulag: By Eskinder Nega (The New York Times)
    EU urges Ethiopia to release journalists, revise terror law (Reuters)
    Police Detain UDJ Activists Calling for Terror Law Repeal (Bloomberg News)
    Ethiopian Opposition Holds Rare Protests in Gondar and Dessie (AFP)

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

    UPDATE: Obama in South Africa, Holds ‘Town Hall,’ Honors Mandela

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 26th, 2013 in Podcast. 1 Comment
    President Barack Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma address a press conference following their meeting at Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa, June 29, 2013. (Photo:VOA News/AP)

    VOA News

    BY Dan Robinson

    June 29, 2013

    JOHANNESBURG — U.S. President Barack Obama engaged young people from South Africa and three other African nations for more than an hour Saturday, taking questions on issues ranging from economic growth and job opportunity in Africa to countering extremism in a town-hall style meeting that followed talks earlier in the day with President Jacob Zuma.

    The condition of former South African leader Nelson Mandela was a key topic, and Obama praised the ailing anti-apartheid icon in emotional terms at both events on Saturday, saying Mandela’s personal courage and South Africa’s historic transition are a personal inspiration to him and to the world. The president will visit Robben Island in South Africa Sunday, the prison where Mandela spent nearly 20 years for fighting to overturn the country’s apartheid regime.

    The president appeared at ease and energized for his exchange with the young people in his audience at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto.

    Africa is “on the move,” he said, but the continent faces great challenges “that can’t be papered over.” The president said Africa’s young people will lead the way.

    Watch: Video report by Dan Robinson of VOA News

    “Even as too many Africans still endure tremendous hardship and great injustice, there is, as the song says, a new Africa — more prosperous, more confident — taking its place on the world stage,” he said. “And one of the reasons is because of your generation.”

    Paying tribute to heroes of the anti-apartheid movement including former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Obama also recalled Hector Pieterson, a boy killed by police gunfire during a protest in 1976.

    “During my first visit to South Africa, I was able to go to Hector Pieterson’s memorial and pay tribute to an African boy who moved the world,” Obama said, adding that he was “humbled by the sacrifices of all who have gone before us, so we can stand here as free men and women.

    “I am honored to return to Soweto now as president of the United States of America.”

    What followed was a wide-ranging question and answer session with young people gathered from Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria on issues ranging from the need for accountable governments and jobs to climate change and threats from extremist groups.

    One Nigerian woman asked: “Considering how long the war on terror has been on for, would you say that we are winning the war on terror, seeing as how there are new terrorist groups developing in Africa. One of which is in Africa?”

    Obama said groups like Boko Haram are “doing great harm,” taking advantage of weak African governments, but that the United States is helping to build African governments’ capacity to respond to extremism.

    “We want the African union and other regional organizations to build up the capacity to send in peacekeepers, to be able to nip terrorist cells that may be forming before they start and gain strength,” he said.

    Answering a question from Kenya, Obama said Africans are beginning to demand accountability from their governments.

    “You are starting to see more and more a norm, a standard, take hold in Africa,” he said. “And young people, I think, especially have high expectations about how government should function, and it should function for the public good, not for the benefit of just a few.”

    Earlier in the day, President Obama and President Jacob Zuma discussed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the political situation in Zimbabwe and South Africa’s progress in fighting HIV/AIDS.

    Zuma urged further relaxation of U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe, and Obama said elections there scheduled for next month must be credible.

    Obama said the U.S. does not feel threatened by aggressive investment in Africa by China and other countries, but he urged Africans to carefully consider what they are getting from investment partners.

    Obama also praised South Africa’s role in the African Union and regional mediation efforts, and shared his vision for enhanced U.S. economic engagement and trade with Africa.

    On the situation in Egypt, Obama said the U.S. is watching the situation there closely and ensuring its diplomats and facilities are protected. He called for restraint without violence.

    Meets with Mandela family

    President Obama did not visit ailing former president Nelson Mandela in his hospital bed, instead meeting privately with Mandela’s daughters and grandchildren. He also spoke by telephone with the 94-year-old leader’s wife, Graca Machel.

    The president, his wife and their daughters fly on Sunday to Cape Town, where he will deliver a major speech expected to frame his goals of increasing investment and empowering the youth of Africa to take hold of their future.
    —
    Obama Praises Senegal, Calls Mandela ‘Hero for World’ (VOA News)

    President Obama arrives in Senegal on Jun. 26, 2013 (VOA News/Reuters)

    VOA News

    By Dan Robinson

    June 27, 2013

    DAKAR — In Senegal on the first leg of a three-nation Africa trip designed to demonstrate his re-engagement with the continent, U.S. President Barack Obama praised democratic progress made by African nations. He also spoke about former South African president Nelson Mandela.

    Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were welcomed by President Macky Sall at the presidential palace.

    Obama’s motorcade drove through streets lined with thousands of people holding signs welcoming the first African-American U.S. president back to the continent, reading: “Yes we can – President Obama and Macky Sall.”

    One of Obama’s objectives is to recognize democratic progress in this small Muslim-majority nation, and across Africa.

    Lauding Senegal’s progress

    He called Senegal an inspiring example.

    “Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa and one of the strongest partners that we have in the region. It is moving in the right direction, with reforms to deepen democratic institutions, and as more Africans across this continent stand up and demand governments that are accountable and serve the people, I believe Senegal can be a great example.”

    Obama said the world too often overlooks “amazing progress” Africa is making to improve democratic governance and empower citizens. He also mentioned Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger and Ghana.

    In translated remarks, Sall praised Obama for his determination to give new energy to relations between the U.S. and Africa.

    “We have a historic opportunity here to open new prospects for our relations on the basis of complementarity, by offering greater opportunities to our youth and by stimulating trade and investments for shared prosperity,” said Sall.

    Answering a U.S. reporter’s question, Sall said Senegal is a tolerant country, but is still not ready to decriminalize homosexuality. He said homosexuals are not discriminated against.

    Obama said the issue did not come up in their talks, but said he believes in equal treatment for all under the law.

    “My basic view is that, regardless of race, regardless of religion, regardless of gender, regardless of sexual orientation, when it comes to how the law treats you, how the state treats you, the benefits the rights and the responsibilities under the law, people should be treated equally,” said Obama.

    Honoring Mandela

    Obama next went to Senegal’s Supreme Court, where he addressed judicial system leaders from across the West African region about the importance of the rule of law.

    He also commented on 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon Mandela, who is in critical condition in a hospital.

    Saying his thoughts and prayers are with Mandela and his family, Obama said Mandela’s life provided an example to the world.

    “I think he is a hero for the world, and if and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we will all know is that his legacy is one that will linger on throughout the ages,” said Obama.

    The rest of Obama’s schedule Thursday included a visit, with his family, to Goree Island, site of a museum dedicated to the history of the West African slave trade.

    His visit there with civil society leaders reflects another major objective of underscoring the importance of empowering citizens to play a role in their governments and work to demand accountability of their leaders.

    Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha are traveling with the president and the first lady. Separately, Michelle Obama visited an all-girl’s school in Dakar named in honor of the late African-American U.S. civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


    —
    Related:
    Obama Africa Trip Highlights Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania (TADIAS)
    Obama to Discuss Trade, Investment in Africa (VOA News)
    Obama’s Africa Trip to Focus on Democracy, Development (VOA News)

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    UPDATE: South African President Cancels Trip as Mandela Remains ‘Critical’

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 23rd, 2013 in Featured. Closed
    Nelson Mandela has become critically ill in hospital, the South African presidency has announced. (Photo credit: Festival Karsh Ottawa, Creative Commons)

    VOA News

    South African President Jacob Zuma has canceled a scheduled trip to Mozambique, as former president Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition in a Pretoria hospital.

    The anti-apartheid icon has been hospitalized for nearly three weeks for a recurring lung infection.

    Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Tuesday offered a prayer that Mr. Mandela, the nation’s first black president, be granted a “peaceful, perfect end.”

    Mr. Mandela’s relatives are gathered at his home in Qunu, in Eastern Cape province. South African media reports say his children called the meeting to discuss important family matters.

    U.S. President Barack Obama plans to be in South Africa Friday as part of his week-long visit to the continent. He will visit Robben Island, where Mr. Mandela was imprisoned for almost 20 years.

    The White House says President Obama considers Mr. Mandela as one of his heroes.
    —
    Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

    Video: Nelson Mandela’s Health Downgraded to Critical Condition (ABC News)

    Photos: Nelson Mandela in “Critical” Condition in South African Hospital (VOA News)

    —
    Related:
    Nelson Mandela critically ill in hospital (BBC News)
    —
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    Update: Mandela’s Health Improving, but Condition Still ‘Serious’

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 10th, 2013 in Podcast. Closed
    Former South African President Nelson Mandela. (AP file photo)

    VOA News

    June 13, 2013

    The South African government says former president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela continues to recover from a lung infection, but it says his condition remains serious.

    In a statement Thursday, President Jacob Zuma appealed to the people of South Africa and beyond to keep Madiba — Mandela’s clan name — in their prayers, and to wish him a speedy recovery.

    The 94-year-old icon was hospitalized in Pretoria last week in serious but stable condition. It was his fourth such hospitalization since December.

    Mr. Mandela has a history of lung problems dating back to the tuberculosis he contracted during his 27-year imprisonment under South Africa’s apartheid system. He was released in 1990, and four years later was elected president in the country’s first democratic polls.


    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Obama at Morehouse: Spotlight on Valedictorian Betsegaw Tadele (Video)

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 21st, 2013 in Featured and Podcast. Closed
    President Barack Obama congratulated valedictorian Betsegaw Tadele, GPA 3.99, for academic excellence at Morehouse College graduation ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, May 19, 2013. (Morehouse)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

    New York (TADIAS) – How would you like to be a valedictorian at a graduation ceremony where the keynote speaker is the President of the United States? That’s exactly the opportunity that Betsegaw Tadele, a computer science major at Morehouse College, received when President Barack Obama delivered the commencement address at the historically black institution this past Sunday.

    “We will remember this day,” Betsegaw told his classmates in his own well-received speech. “We will be among the few graduates 50 years from now who will remember who was their commencement graduation speaker.”

    Invoking President Obama’s book The Audacity of Hope Betsegaw added: “There is no impossible. There is no unbelievable. There is no unachievable, if you have the audacity to hope.”

    When it was Obama’s turn to take the stage after being introduced by Morehouse College president John Wilson he joked with Betsegaw. “I have to say that it’s a little hard to follow, not Dr. Wilson, but a skinny guy with a funny name — Betsegaw Tadele,” Obama said. “He is going to be doing something.”

    On a more serious note to the graduates Obama said: “Whatever success I have achieved, whatever positions of leadership I’ve held, have depended less on Ivy League degrees or SAT scores or GPAs, and have instead been due to that sense of connection and empathy, the special obligation I felt, as a black man like you, to help those who need it most; people who didn’t have the opportunities that I had — because there, but for the grace of God, go I. I might have been in their shoes. I might have been in prison. I might have been unemployed. I might not have been able to support a family. And that motivates me.”

    The President was also given an honorary doctorate from Morehouse. One of the school’s notable alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I am humbled to stand here with all of you as an honorary Morehouse Man. I finally made it,” Obama said to laughter. “And as I do, I’m mindful of an old saying: ‘You can always tell a Morehouse Man — but you can’t tell him much.’” He added: “And that makes my task a little more difficult, I suppose. But I think it also reflects the sense of pride that’s always been part of this school’s tradition.”

    “It is not just the African-American community that needs you,” Obama, who became the first sitting president to speak at the Atlanta-based college, told the students who gathered among 10,000 family members and other spectators in a rain soaked afternoon. “The country needs you. The world needs you,” he said.

    Watch: Morehouse College Class of 2013 Valedictorian Speech By Betsegaw Tadele

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Letter From Harar: Dr. Clyde Kindell’s ‘Fond Memories of Ethiopia’ — Photos

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 8th, 2013 in Featured and History. Closed
    In these photos taken in the 1960s, Dr. Clyde Kindell, President of Alemaya College, hosts Emperor Haile Selassie and Jomo Kenyatta at the agricultural school in Harar. (Courtesy photographs)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Updated: Thursday, May 9th, 2013

    New York (TADIAS) – In the summer of 1966 when Dr. Clyde R. Kindell, the last American President of Alemaya College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in Ethiopia, was preparing to return home to the United States, he received a letter from the Governor of Harar whom he had befriended during his eight-year stay in the country, which he kept as a memento.

    The document, shared with Tadias, was written on June 11th, 1966 and signed by Fitwarai Tewahade Woldeyes. “Dear respected friend, I am very sorry to hear from your letter of 30th Ginbot 1958 EC [Ethiopian Calendar] that you are completing your term as the president of the Agriculture College of Alemaya and going back to your country,” it said. “I consider your departure as losing one of those highly esteemed Ethiopians not as a foreigner going back to his country.”

    The governor goes on to inform Dr. Kindell that had he been younger he too would have chosen to enroll at Alemaya College. Nonetheless, “I am very grateful to learn from your diligence, honesty, and tact of making others work through cooperation,” he wrote. “Please, therefore, accept my heartfelt thanks and I wish you a bright future in all your endeavors.”

    Upon his return to the United States, Dr. Kindell became president of Murray State College in Oklahoma, where he worked for 27 years until he retired in 1994.

    In a recent phone conversation with Tadias Magazine from his current home in Denison, Texas, Dr. Kindell, now 86-years-old, shared his recollections of Ethiopia.

    “To this day I am still in touch with the children of Fitwarai Tewahade, including Mel,” he said, referring to filmmaker and businessman Mel Tewahade, producer of the documentary Point Four, which explores the history of America’s “Point Four” foreign policy and its impact in Africa and Asia.

    “I have fond memories of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people,” said Dr. Kindell, who traveled to Ethiopia under Oklahoma State University’s Point Four agricultural program in the late 1950s. “My daughter was born in Jimma.”

    Mel Tewahade told Tadias the letter was penned by his late father as a farewell and thank you to Dr. Kindell. “Since my father was the Mayor of the city of Harer and governor of surrounding region, he had frequent interaction with the American staff at Alemaya and that’s how the two developed their friendship,” he said.

    Mel said that part of his father’s job was “to ensure that Americans were safe and any misunderstanding between them and the residents living around Alemaya was quickly and peacefully resolved, as well as security matters, such as attempting to reduce the use of Khat (Chat) in and around the school and developing a market for Alemaya grown potato.”

    Dr. Kindell, who was 31-years-old when he first arrived in Ethiopia, served for two years as the Director of Instruction and Research at the Jimma Agriculture Technical School before taking the helm at Alemaya in Harar. He noted that he reported directly to Emperor Haile Selassie, who was the Chancellor of the nation’s university system.

    “The Emperor was like a father figure to me,” Dr. Kindell said. “He would scold me from time to time, mostly for not learning Amharic fast enough.”

    Dr. Kindell shared his “vivid memory” of an encounter he had with Emperor Haile Selassie in November 1963 as the Emperor prepared to leave for Washington, D.C. to attend President Kennedy’s funeral. “The Emperor had great respect and admiration for John F. Kennedy because they had met and Kennedy had sought his advice,” he said. “He was very saddened by his death.”

    Speaking of Kennedy, Mel added that he has released another movie called Peace Corps in Ethiopia highlighting one of Kennedy’s legacies. “It was screened at Kotebe Teacher Training College in September 2012,” he said. “It was shown at the 50th year reunion of returned Peace Corps volunteers who served in Ethiopia and Eritrea.”

    “The film is the history of Peace Corps involvement in Ethiopia from 1962 to 1976″ Mel said. “We interviewed several volunteers and asked them to share their experience. Senator Harris Wafford of Pennsylvania and former director of Peace Corps in Ethiopia, outlines the contribution that Emperor Haile Sellasie made to the success of the program, and the support that Peace Corps got from President Kennedy and the director of Peace Corps Sargent Shriver.”

    As to his own reminiscence of growning up near the school, Mel pointed out that the view from his father’s car window still remain fresh in his mind. “My most favorite of this time was the drive I used to make with my dad to Alemaya,” he said. “The lake was beautiful and there were plenty of fruit stands around the town of Alemaya. It was breathtaking.”

    And back on the phone Dr. Kindell recalled, “So one day my wife and I had the Emperor over for dinner and all his family and other dignitaries were present,” he said. “I finally manged the courage to say, ‘Your Majesty, Ene bizu amarigna memar alchalkum.’”

    Dr Kindell continued: “He sort of chuckled, and never bothered me about my language skills again.”

    Below is a digital copy of the letter courtesy of Mel Tewahade:

    Photos: Dr kindell hosting Emperor Haile Selassie and Jomo Kenyatta at Alemaya College

    —
    To learn more about Mel Tewahade’s film “Point Four,” please visit the website www.pointfourethiopia.com.
    —
    Related:
    Filmmaker Interview About the Movie ‘Point Four
    Haile Selassie in America: Q & A with Professor Ted Vestal
    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Philadelphia: Debo Band Brings Sounds of Ethiopia, Much More to Town

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 15th, 2013 in Art. Closed
    At World Cafe Live in Philadelphia last weekend Debo Band drew on Ethiopian pop music from the 1970s and many other sources. The band's spirit of adventure made it a pleasing performance. (Courtesy Photo)

    Philadelphia Inquirer

    KEVIN L. CARTER, FOR THE INQUIRER

    Hard-driving African music held court Saturday night at World Cafe Live. And though rhythms of Africa and its diaspora dominated the proceedings, drums had very little to do with this domination.
    Debo Band, from Boston, has gone all in on the Ethiopian pop music of the 1970s, a veritable golden age of creativity in that venerable land. Though other groups, including Either/Orchestra, Debo’s Hub homeboys, have done homage to this music, none is as adventurous or unabashedly traditional as Debo.

    Read more at Philadelphia Inquirer.
    —
    Watch: Debo Band: Ethiopian Funk On A Muggy Afternoon (NPR)

    —
    Related:
    Debo Band: Ethiopian Funk, Reinvented (NPR)
    Interview with Debo Band’s Founder Danny Mekonnen (TADIAS)
    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Model Democracy in Africa Loses Its Leader: Ghana President Mills Dies, VP Takes Over

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 24th, 2012 in Podcast. Closed
    John Atta Mills, the president of Ghana who won international praise for presiding over a stable model democracy in Africa, died on Tuesday at a military hospital in the capital, Accra, five months short of finishing his first term in office. He was 68. The vice-president was quickly sworn in to replace him at the helm. (Photo: A file picture shows President John Atta Mills of Ghana waving to a crowd at the Yamoussoukro airport / AFP PHOTO BY ISSOUF SANOGO) )

    VOA News

    Ghana’s President John Atta Mills has died at the age of 68. The Ghanaian minister of information, Fritz Baffour, confirmed the president’s death in a phone interview with VOA.

    The official Ghana News Agency, quoting a statement from the office of the presidency, reports that Mills died Tuesday at a military hospital in the capital, Accra.

    The statement said the president died a “sudden and untimely death,” a few hours after falling ill.

    There was no immediate word on the nature of his illness. Ghana’s vice president took the presidential oath of office Tuesday, hours after the announcement of Mills death.

    [Mr. Mills] became the country’s third democratically-elected president in 2009 after defeating ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in a run-off election that was hailed as a rare example of a peaceful transfer of power in Africa.

    In July 2009, President Barack Obama visited Ghana and proclaimed the country a model for other African countries.

    Watch VOA’s Shaka Ssali’s ’09 interview with President Mills

    Read more at VOA News.

    Wosene Kosrof’s ‘Fidel Chewata’ Comes to New York

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 14th, 2012 in Events and Featured. 5 Comments
    Berkeley, California-based painter and mixed-media artist Wosene Kosrof is best known for his work that incorporate Amharic alphabetic characters into his prolific compositions. (Photo credit: Alan Bamberger)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Published: Monday, May 14, 2012

    New York (TADIAS) – An exhibition of recent paintings by the Ethiopian-born artist Wosene Kosrof will open at Skoto Gallery in New York this week. This will be Wosene’s fifth solo exhibition at the gallery.

    The show entitled Word: Future Tense is the a continuation of his Word Play series in which he combines written language and universal sounds anchored with an Amharic script. Wosene’s work is dense with visual complexity that celebrates text traditions from around the world. He forgets conventional meanings of words, and instead explores their aesthetic, sensual, and visual content to speak to a universal audience.

    “The Ethiopian writing is one concept of exaggeration that I use in my paintings to express a global message that is political, cultural, and social,” he said in a recent interview with TADIAS. “I just returned from Japan, for example, where I had an exhibition and my intention is to show that we’re all connected.” He added: “If you look carefully you would notice that our music, jazz and other visual cultures are also embedded in my work.”

    Wosene, who was raised in Ethiopia but has lived in the United States for over three decades, uses Amharic as a core compositional element. “I came to America during Jimmy Carter’s era,” he said. “That wasn’t that far back. It was only 30 years ago.” His work draws from his personal memories. “It’s really a Fidel Chewata,” Wosene said, referring to the Amharic translation of Word Play.

    What inspires his paintings? “Movies, bookstores, photography, landscape, fashion, colors, conversations,” he said. “I am a loner so listening to jazz, sitting at cafes, watching street lights, people, car movements, all give continuous formation to my paintings.”

    Wosene will be present at the opening reception on Thursday, May 17th, 6-8pm.
    —
    If You Go:
    SKOTO GALLERY
    529 West 20th Street, 5FL.
    New York, NY 10011
    212-352 8058
    info@skotogallery.com
    www.skotogallery.com


    Words: Future Tense, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 34×34 inches
    —
    Related:
    Wosene Kosrof’s Exhibition ‘Wordplay’ at Gallery of African Art in London (Video)

    Court Delays Verdict for Award-Winning Journalist Eskinder Nega

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 11th, 2012 in Featured and News. Closed
    Eskinder Nega (pictured above with wife Serkalem Fasil) in their younger years, has been imprisoned at least six times for his work as a writer and publisher. He is currently awaiting a verdict on terrorism charges and he faces life in prison. (Photo: PEN America)

    Tadias Magazine
    News Update

    Saturday, May 12, 2012

    New York (TADIAS) – An Ethiopian court postponed a verdict that had been expected Friday for the award-winning journalist Eskinder Nega whose trial on terrorism charges is being closely watched by the international media. Eskinder is among 24 people charged with a similar offense under the country’s controversial anti-terrorism legislation.

    “We will not give a decision because some parts of the defence are not transcribed,” Judge Endashaw Endale told the courtroom, before announcing the next appointment to be on June 21st, according to Agence France Presse.

    “We are disappointed Eskinder Nega’s ordeal didn’t come to an end today with the acquittal he deserves,” said Peter Godwin, President of PEN American Center, which honored Eskinder last week with its prestigious “Freedom to Write” award in New York. The literary organization’s highly regarded accolade is granted to international writers who have been persecuted or imprisoned for exercising the right to freedom of expression. The award was accepted by his wife Serkalem Fasil, also a journalist who gave birth to their son behind bars while serving a 17-month sentence that began in 2005.

    “The trial proceedings only reinforced the baselessness of the charges against him, and the court’s explanation for the delay in issuing a verdict—that it needs another six weeks to transcribe the record—does little to inspire confidence in the court’s workings,” Mr. Godwin said in a statement.

    Eskinder had spent his high school and college years in the United States, and went back to Ethiopia in 1991. Since returning home, Eskinder, 43, has published and written articles that critical of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and government policies. He was arrested in September 2011 after criticizing the jailing of other journalists and the actor Debebe Eshetu.
    —
    Related:
    Watch video: Eskinder Nega Honored With Prestigious PEN Award

    WordPress plugin


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    Photos: PEN America’s 2012 Annual Gala Dinner in New York Honors Eskinder Nega

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    Related:
    Imprisoned Ethiopian Journalist Is Honored With PEN Award (The New York Times)
    Ethiopian journalist honored with PEN America ‘Freedom to Write’ award (The Washington Post)
    Jailed Ethiopian journalist Eskinder Nega honoured (BBC)
    PEN Honors Jailed Ethiopian Journalist (Associated Press)

    Celebrating Women’s History Month 2012: Tadias Interview With Model Maya Gate Haile

    Published by Tadias Magazine March 29th, 2012 in Art and Featured. 15 Comments
    Maya Gate Haile is an Ethiopian model and philanthropist based in New York City. (Courtesy photo)

    Tadias Magazine

    By Tseday Alehegn

    Published: Thursday, March 29, 2012

    New York (TADIAS) – Our next feature for Women’s History Month is model and philanthropist Maya Gate Haile. Maya is signed with Elite New York and Los Angeles, and has worked with Ford Model (Chicago & Miami), IMG (Paris), and Zero Management Model (South Africa). She was born in Ethiopia, grew up in Holland and speaks four languages (English, Dutch, Amharic, and Guragena). She currently resides in Harlem, New York with her husband Chef Marcus Samuelsson. In addition to fashion & modeling, Maya’s personal interests include photography and learning about diverse cultures. “I believe it enriches people’s lives and everyone should embrace the best part of different cultures to create your own culture without forgetting your original one,” she says.

    Maya serves on the steering committee for UNICEF’s Next Generation and focuses on reducing child mortality and improving the lives of children through education, engagement and advocacy work. Maya is also involved with 10×10, a feature film and social action campaign developed by ABC news journalists to empower girls in developing nations by providing access to education.

    In 2011, Maya launched ‘Ethiopia’s Next Number One Model,’ an initiative to provide Ethiopian women with support and resources to gain access to international modeling opportunities. Maya serves as host of the program where the winning contestant receives a 3-year contract with a top international modeling agency as well as travel opportunities to network with high-fashion designers. Maya has been quoted as saying “Modeling is not a destination, it’s a start.” Her work both in the fashion industry as well as her outreach with youth is a testament of her desire to uplift and inspire the next generation.

    “What I love about my job the most is working with creative people,” Maya tells Tadias. “I work and learn at the same time, and meet new people every day.” Her role models are “the women of Ethiopia, who work hard everyday to make their parents and family proud.”

    Reflecting on her volunteer and charity work Maya says: “Working and being a model is glamourous and it’s been so great, but what’s next? Helping people. My family did that and they are still doing it, and when you get so much love and you see how people care you just want to give back to your people.”

    To Tadias readers Maya says: “Dream big. Be positive. Take chances. Be mindful of your day. Respect yourself and you will respect others.”
    —
    Stay tuned for more highlights celebrating Ethiopian women role models and change agents.

    Related Women’s History Month Stories:

    Interview with Birtukan Midekssa
    Interview with Artist Julie Mehretu
    Interview with Nini Legesse
    Interview with Sahra Mellesse
    Interview with Lydia Gobena
    Interview with Author Maaza Mengiste
    Interview with Grammy-nominated singer Wayna
    Interview with Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
    Interview with Journalist Fanna Haile-Selassie
    Interview with Dr. Mehret Mandefro
    New Book Highlights Stories of 70 Accomplished Ethiopian Women (TADIAS)

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

    Video: Meet Ethiopian Model & Social Activist Gelila Bekele

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 27th, 2011 in Featured and Interviews. 5 Comments
    Gelila Bekele, 26, is an Ethiopian model, humanitarian and social activist. (Courtesy photo)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Tuesday, December 27, 2011

    New York (TADIAS) – In a video interview Ethiopian-born Model and Social Activist Gelila Bekele recently discussed her career and humanitarian projects with Tadias Magazine.

    Gelila is currently signed with Ford Models, appearing in ads for Levi’s, Pantene, L’Oreal and Colgate as well as being featured in various fashion magazines including Essence, Marie Claire, and Allure.

    “I couldn’t take credit for being good at modeling, but of course you have to be a business woman to have longevity,” Gelila said, speaking about her modeling work. “It’s one of those situations where you say to yourself I have not changed but I am not the same.”

    Regarding her humanitarian projects Gelila focuses on access to clean water, food, and education. “Those are the three things for me that are important as a human being,” she said. “Life is a perspective, but for me if a child…has basic access to clean water, food and school and proper health care, it’s one of those situations where you are not creating for people to wait for foreign aid.”

    Watch Tigist Selam’s Interview with Model Gelila Bekele

    Fashion And Charity Go Together For Former Supermodel

    Published by Tadias Magazine February 1st, 2011 in News and Podcast. Closed

    Above: In the 1990s Anna Getaneh was a supermodel. A trip
    to a refugee camp on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya in 1995
    with Pharmacists Without Borders changed her life. (Photo AM)

    From Nkepile Mabuse, CNN
    January 30, 2011

    (CNN) — In the 1990s Ethiopian supermodel Anna Getaneh walked the runways of Paris and Milan. These days she is putting her flair for fashion to good use, helping deprived children in rural areas of her home country.

    “I was working in an industry where I felt that there were very few Africans that were represented,” says Getaneh, who modeled for Yves Saint Laurent, among others.

    “Africa’s presence was sort of very vague or reduced to being different,” she adds.

    In 1995 Getaneh visited a refugee camp on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya with Pharmacists Without Borders. She returned to New York “moved” and inspired to make a difference.

    Read more and view photos at CNN.

    ESAI to Hold 2011 Summit in Philadelphia

    Published by Tadias Magazine January 2nd, 2011 in Events and Featured. Closed

    Above: The Ethiopian Students Association International will
    hold its 11th annual summit in Pennsylvania. (Photo by ESAI)

    Tadias Magazine
    Events News

    Updated: Wednesday, January 5, 2011

    New York (Tadias) – Ethiopian Students Association International (ESAI) will hold its 11th annual summit at the University of Pennsylvania, from March 18th to March 19th, 2011.

    According to the organizers, the two-day event will feature various seminars, workshops and keynote speakers, including a talk by young entrepreneur Eskat Asfaw, founder of College Shuttle, and Lull Mengesha, author of The Only Black Student.

    The upcoming summit will be hosted by the Philadelphia Ethiopian Students Association. ESAI was founded at Marymount University in Virginia in 1999 as an inter-campus network among Ethiopian students. Each year local student groups compete for a chance to host the annual gathering in their city. Last year’s conference was held outside the United States for the first time in Toronto, Canada.

    Entertainment programs at the Philadelphia summit will include the annual cultural show mixed with fun highlights of eskista and a history contest.

    If You Go:
    11th Annual ESAI Summit
    University of Pennsylvania
    Houston Hall
    March 18-19, 2011
    9:00 a.m-3:30pm
    3417 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA, 19104
    (At the Bodek Lounge Room 100)
    Learn more at: www.esai.org

    Cover image: At the 10th Annual ESAI Summit in Toronto, Canada. (Photo ESAI via Flickr)

    Little Ethiopia Grows Up: One of D.C.’s biggest immigrant communities steps off the political sidelines

    Published by Tadias Magazine September 10th, 2010 in News. Closed

    Above: Dil Belay once supported Adrian Fenty but now he’s all
    in for Vince Gray. “We need somebody who listens to us” – Dil

    Washington City Paper
    Posted by Lydia DePillis
    Sep. 9, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Back in 2002, Daniel Belayneh started the non-profit Ethiopian Community Services and Development Council because he noticed a clear injustice: Two homeless Ethiopian immigrants had frozen to death in the street, and nobody noticed or cared. When a Hispanic man was found dead under similar circumstances, he says, the tragedy made the newspapers and attracted attention from politicians.

    Eight years later, he feels like Ethiopians are receiving the same treatment from the administration of Mayor Adrian Fenty. Belayneh started a homeless shelter for down-on-their-luck African immigrants, but had to shut it down last year after expected city funding didn’t come through. He invited Fenty to attend a ribbon cutting for a new free clinic his organization had started, but the mayor didn’t show up.

    Belayneh says ECSDC represents Ethiopians in D.C., helping new immigrants become law-abiding, productive citizens. But he’s never once been able to get so much as a meeting with Fenty. And now, though his organization is formally non-political, he’s ready for someone else to run things at the Wilson Building.

    “We need somebody who listens to us now in office, to answer our questions. We don’t need somebody sitting there and ignoring our calls,” Belayneh says, with consternation. “I’m telling you, can you imagine, I live in Washington, I am in charge of 80,000 people in D.C., they deny me access to his office? I’m telling you, it’s just unbelievable!” Read more.

    Ethiopian Soccer Tournament: Delay to announce host city has Toronto organizers fed up

    Published by Tadias Magazine August 13th, 2010 in News and Reviews. 11 Comments

    Above: The most recent tournament was held in San Jose, CA
    Toronto and Atlanta are the front runners for 2011. (File photo)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Yeamrot Taddese

    Published: Friday, August 13, 2010

    Toronto, Canada (Tadias) – The Ethiopian Soccer Federation in North America (ESFNA) was supposed to announce the next soccer tournament host city on July 4 but bidding cities are still waiting for a decision.

    Tournament organizers in Toronto said if the delay continues, their city will lose a rate offer from the Royal York Hotel, one of the hotels where discounted reservation has been made to accommodate visitors. “A decision will need to be made very soon to be able to hold the space for [the tournament],” wrote Shelley Crawford, the Account Director of Sports from Tourism Toronto to the organizing committee. “Royal York’s offer will expire late August.”

    Samuel Getachew, the communications director of Toronto’s Ethiopian soccer team, Ethio Star, has also been working to complete ESFNA’s criteria of a host city. “It has been six weeks and I am now questioning my confidence in working with the federation,” he said. He added that he personally believes ESFNA is having a hard time choosing between Toronto and its competition Atlanta. “But leadership is about making decisions.”

    Getachew, who is running for city councillor in Toronto, said he and his team are still making sure they provide everything ESFNA asks for. If the games don’t come to Ontario’s capital next year, Getachew said he will resign his post as a member of the organizing committee of tournament.

    The organizing team and other Torontonian Ethiopians told Tadias in June that it is about time their city hosted the soccer games. ESFNA must include Canada to live up to its name as a North American sports federation, they had said.

    This week, the Ethiopian community in Ontario’s capital succeeded in having September officially recognized as Ethiopian Heritage Month by the City of Toronto.

    ESFNA spokesperson Fassil Abebe said the delay is a result of some “unfinished business.” He said the federation is still seeking supporting documents from Toronto and Atlanta. He added that decision will be made by August 15. The organizing committee in Toronto has not been made aware of this date.

    The last time Toronto hosted the games was in 2000 and Atlanta in 2005.

    Support of the community to the sports, availability of a large stadium, closing venue and a member team are some of the criteria ESFNA is looking at. Abebe said he will not say what each city currently lacks.

    Abebe also said the criticism that ESFNA excludes Canada despite its name does not hold. “There are cities [in the United States] that have never hosted the games,” he said. “Yes, it has been 10 years but Toronto has at least hosted the tournament twice.” He added that Calgary was one of the four non-member teams which competed to become a member in San Jose this year.

    Endale Tufer, Atlanta’s tournament organizer said it is not the first time a delay is happening but he said he could not comment about the implications of the hold-up on Atlanta’s preparations.

    –
    Cover Image: At the 2010 San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament by Kal Kassa.

    About the Author:
    Yeamrot Taddese is a journalism student at the University of Toronto, Canada. She is also a contributing reporter for Tadias Magazine.

    Related from Tadias:
    Photo Journal: San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010
    –

    Toronto Says It Has What It Takes to Host the Tournament

    Photos from Chicago: Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2009 (Tadias)

    Birth pangs of democracy (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 12th, 2010 in Opinion. 1 Comment

    Above: Students at Addis Ababa University say it helps to be
    a member of Ethiopia’s ruling party to gain college admission.
    (Photo: Harold Jackson / Inquirer Staff )

    The Philadelphia Inquirer
    By Harold Jackson
    Opinion Columnist

    Posted on Sun, Apr. 11, 2010

    Ethiopia is like a rose – oh, so beautiful, but beware its thorns.

    I found that out while accompanying a Healing the Children medical missions team that was there in March, performing pediatric surgeries and other services, mainly at Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa.

    Talking to a variety of people, from university students to entrepreneurs to government officials, provided insight beyond the rather ubiquitous tranquillity of the typical Addis Ababa street.

    I learned that the Ethiopian government is benevolent and repressive and that we in America should pay more attention to one of the oldest independent countries in the world. Read more.

    Related:
    A team of U.S. doctors and nurses discovers the unexpected on a mission to Ethiopia

    Addis Voice Toolbar Delivers Breaking Ethiopian News To Your Desktop

    Published by Tadias Magazine March 29th, 2010 in Featured and News. 13 Comments
    Above: Developed by Journalist Abebe Gelaw, the new toolbar delivers up-to-the-minute Ethiopian stories from news sources around the world. (Photo courtesy of Stanford University)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Monday, March 29, 2010

    New York (Tadias) – As all eyes are focused on the upcoming May 2010 elections in Ethiopia, and amid talks of blocking VOA’s Amharic program, a new media tool is changing the way people retrieve Ethiopian news online.

    Developed by Journalist Abebe Gelaw, a 2009 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University and a 2010 World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders honoree, The Addis Voice Toolbar delivers up-to-the-minute breaking Ethiopian stories from news sources across the globe.

    We followed up with Gelaw to learn more about the Addis Voice Toolbar. Below is our recent interview with him.

    Tadias: Could you please tell us a bit about the Addis Voice Toolbar? How does it work?

    Abebe Gelaw: The Addis Voice Toolbar is a unique and innovative digital tool that allows users multimedia access to information. Traditionally, people have to actively search for information, visit different websites to gather information. It occurred to me that this traditional way of searching for information is not only time consuming but also limiting in terms of multimedia experience, which is the most powerful and dynamic feature of the Internet.

    I created a simple toolbar using the Conduit platform in order to make my personal web experience easier by making the kind of content that I regularly want on a menu. The beauty of the platform is that it allows you to take full control of your toolbar and add your own innovative ideas, content and widgets.

    Once I created a toolbar for my own use, I realized that I could create a more useful and powerful toolbar that can help deliver the kind of information and content that any Ethiopian can potentially seek. The final product, which has taken me nearly a year to design, redesign, experiment, improve and upgrade, has now been installed on nearly 13,000 computers across the world. If each computer is used by at least three people, it means around 42,000 users are currently using our toolbar.

    As anyone using the Addis Voice Toolbar knows, you don’t need to go to Google to look for information because the toolbar offers a range of search engines including the best features of Google. You can easily use the menu to access Google to search any content you want like news, images, videos, books and blogs. You can also search for music, lyrics, Wikipedia, quotes, free software and dictionary.

    While browsing the Internet, you may want to listen to music. You don’t need to search music as clicking the music button on the toolbar will open a music player that automatically gives you access to hundreds of popular songs. You may also want to listen to a radio webcast such us the VOA or Deutsche Welle while you are browsing the Internet or doing something else on your computer. If you use our toolbar, you don’t need to go to VOA’s website to listen to the latest programs as the toolbar has two radio widgets, one for popular Ethiopian radio webcasts and another one for international broadcasts such like NPR, BBC, World Music and Premier.

    Watching TV programs, playing games, checking up to date weather forecast are among the many features embedded on this toolbar. I believe we have made the online experience of our users much easier and more enjoyable.

    Tadias: So does this mean we can download the toolbar and have immediate access to breaking Ethiopian news without opening our browser for each news website? Is that correct?

    AG: Absolutely! By using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) technology, the toolbar brings to users neatly organized breaking news and fresh content from so many sources. The content on the RSS menu is updated every 15 minutes, which means the toolbar provides you fresh content whenever you want it. Though it is possible to embed RSS on any website, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive selection of fresh content in a way that our toolbar is capable of delivering automatically.

    At any time, the toolbar delivers over 400 recently received news and commentary headlines from credible sources that are linked back to their original sources. It is like selecting from a restaurant menu; you choose what you find more attractive to your appetite. It is safe to say that as far as the appetite for information and multimedia content is concerned, the toolbar serves as a comprehensive menu. You select what you want read, watch or listen to.

    Tadias: Is the toolbar limited only to news sources or does it include entertainment and lifestyle websites as well?

    AG: The toolbar is not just limited to news content. It informs, educates, entertains and most importantly empowers users. You may wonder how a simple toolbar can empower users. If we agree on the basic premise that information is power, here is a tool that provides you with a lot of information that you cannot normally get on one site. So if you look at the content that the toolbar delivers at any time it is wide ranging. If you are not even satisfied with what is on offer on the menu, you can use the search facilities on the toolbar to look for the content that you seek.

    Tadias: We also understand that Addis Voice Toolbar has other benefits, such as allowing users to access websites in countries where that specific URL maybe blocked. Could you please talk about this feature? How does it work?

    AG: Yes, it is true. The toolbar has an embedded proxy that serves users in countries like Ethiopia where the government has deployed devices and employed people that try to jam radio stations, close down newspapers and censors content on the Internet. I find this totally pathetic as the job of a government is simply to serve the people, provide protections, promote their interests, protect their freedom and create a conducive environment that enables citizens to attain their fullest potential. It is a sad reality that the government in our country seems to be committed to suppressing our freedom and the basic rights enshrined in the constitution which is only alive on paper. In the process of pursuing its narrow objectives, which appears to be to stay in power at any cost, the government has been trying to suppress the inconvenient truth. They seem to realize the fact that the truth will eventually subvert the system which is perpetuating oppression and tyranny, the very things that the current rulers of Ethiopia had fought to abolish.

    You asked me to tell you how it works. I don’t mind telling you how it works. But at the same time I prefer to take caution as there are people out there paid to frustrate the efforts of their fellow citizens to access uncensored content and information.

    Tadias: Where can people download the toolbar and how much does it cost?

    AG: Anyone in any part of the world can download the toolbar at www.addisvoice.com/toolbar.htm. It is absolutely free. We have no plans to charge for this service as our aim is not to make profit but to enable Ethiopians to have as much access to information as possible.

    Tadias: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

    AG: I would like to encourage people to test this unique toolbar. Users who have already been making the best of it may need to recommend it to their friends and loved ones. We are also looking into ways of networking users around the world as well as creating a platform where people can also share content and exchange their views and ideas.

    Tadias: By the way, congratulations on your recent recognition by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of their newest Young Global Leaders (YGL) honorees! Could you tell us a little bit about what a Young Global Leader is?

    AG: Thank you! So many people have asked me the same question. Just to clarify, being a YGL honoree is not just an honor. It is becoming a member of one of the most vibrant communities at the World Economic Forum. By virtue of being a YGL, I have been admitted as an active member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders. Members of this forum, most of whom are the most innovative and entrepreneurial people on earth, have an enormous impact. When the founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, the distinguished professor Klaus Schwab, envisioned it, he wanted to create a powerful global forum to have a real and tangible impact on the future of our world by bringing together bold, innovative and forward looking young people who aspire to change the world for the better. It is a great privilege to be part of this vibrant group of people.

    Tadias: Thank you Abebe and good luck.

    AG: You are most welcome and I thank you so much too.
    —–

    Actress Happy to be Role Model For Jolie-Pitt’s Ethiopian Daughter

    Published by Tadias Magazine December 13th, 2009 in News. 10 Comments

    Above: Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, featuring the first
    African-American princess, dominated the box-office with a $25
    million nationwide debut.

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Sunday, December 13, 2009

    New York (Tadias) – Angelina Jolie, the adoptive mother of 4 year old Zahara, is excited about the new animated family comedy, featuring Disney’s first black princess, as a positive influence for her Ethiopian daughter.

    The Disney animated musical, The Princess and the Frog, currently number one at the box-office, is a fairy tale about a beautiful princess named Tiana and a frog prince who desperately wants to be a human again. The story takes place in Jazz-filled New Orleans, where a fateful kiss would lead them both on an adventure through the fabled wetlands of Louisiana.

    According to OK! magazine: “Angelina Jolie has spoken about how she’s ecstatic that her four-year-old daughter Zahara will have a role model thanks to the barrier being broken.”

    Anika Noni Rose, 37, the actress whose voice is used for Disney’s first black princess agrees. “It’s wonderful,” Rose, told Valerie Nome of OK! magazine. “I think every little girl should be able to feel themselves the princess. I think every little girl is worthy of having a princely young man, and vice versa. It’s really thrilling that Zahara will never have a moment where she didn’t see herself in that light. She’s Ethiopian. She comes from kings and queens. She should certainly know herself as a princess.”

    Here is the film’s trailer:

    Video: Princess and the Frog Reaction

    Ethiopian Beauty Queen Wins Best Female Model Contest

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 26th, 2009 in Featured, Interviews and News. 34 Comments
    Kidan Tesfahun, 24, of Ethiopia has won this year's Best Female Model of the World contest held in Spain.

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Monday, July 27, 2009

    New York (TADIAS) – 24-year-old Kidan Tesfahun, Ethiopia’s Miss Millennium Queen, has been named Best Female Model of the World 2009 at a fashion modeling contest organized by Sukier Models International in Alicante, Spain, on 24th July 2009, her representatives announced.

    According to the competition’s director and founder Sukier Vallejo Marte: “The contest was created with the idea of attracting new faces and talent for future projects both domestically (in Spain) and internationally…”

    Tesfahun, who had previously represented Ethiopia at the Miss International 2007 and Miss Earth 2008, says her newly gained title adds confidence to her future prospects in the modeling industry.

    “From here on I guess the sky is the limit for me,” the aspiring model said. “I have gained the professional acceptance I always knew I should have, and I am indeed grateful to the Almighty Lord for guiding me and making my dreams come true.”

    She is the second Ethiopian model this year from the Ethiopian Millennium pageant to win an international beauty competition. Bewunetwa Abebe, 19, was crowned Model of Africa at the 2009 International Beauty and Model festival in China.


    24-year-old Kidan Tesfahun – Best Female Model of the World 2009.


    Kidan Tesfahun pictured here at the Miss Earth 2008 contest.

    Obama Delivers Call for Change to Africa

    Published by Tadias Magazine July 10th, 2009 in Featured and News. 4 Comments

    Above: While the history of the moment was lost on no
    one and Mr. Obama bathed in the rapturous welcome, he also
    delivered a strong and at times even stern message.
    (Photo: Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)

    NYT
    By PETER BAKER
    Published: July 11, 2009

    CAPE COAST, Ghana — President Obama traveled in his father’s often-troubled home continent on Saturday as a potent symbol of a new political era but also as a messenger with a tough-love theme: American aid must be matched by Africa’s responsibility for its own problems. “We must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans,” Mr. Obama said in an address to Parliament in the capital, Accra, that was televised across the continent. Read More.

    Video: Obama on Africa’s Role as Global Partner EUX.TV

    WATCH: Obama Visits Historic Slave Trading Site In Ghana

    Obama’s Ghana Trip Sends Message Across Africa (Video)
    Story Highlights
    -People in Ghana wearing Obama clothing ahead of U.S. President’s visit
    -Obama has singled Ghana out for praise over its democratic commitment
    -Some in other countries view Obama’s Ghana visit as a snub to them


    Obama And Africa (NBC First Read)

    The president later heads to Ghana today, and that trip also will carry plenty of symbolic significance — and could demonstrate why Obama has the opportunity to do something in Africa that just isn’t about throwing money at the challenges that continent faces. In fact, at his press conference this morning, Obama told a personal story about his family struggles in Kenya. He mentioned that he still has relatives living in poverty there. And he stressed that Africa’s problems didn’t have to do with history or colonialism — but were instead a result of the governmental problems there. “The telling point is when my father traveled to the United States from Kenya to study … the per capita income of Kenya was higher than South Korea’s,” he said, per the AP. He also said people in Kenya can’t find a job without paying a bribe; that’s not the fault of the G8. “If you talk to people on the ground in Africa, certainly in Kenya… they will say that part of the issue is that the institutions are not working for ordinary people,” he said. So when Obama says these governments needs to stop blaming the West or stop blaming history, Africa really might listen to Obama.

    Ethiopian American Supermodel: Having Obama as President is “priceless”

    Published by Lifestyle Tadias June 13th, 2009 in Featured. Closed

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Saturday, June 13, 2009

    New York (Tadias) – In a wide ranging interview with Hamptons Magazine, the premier lifestyle publication of one of the world’s most opulent communities, Ethiopian American Supermodel Liya Kebede discusses her new children’s clothing line, her upcoming movie gig, politics and more.

    And what does Liya think of President Obama’s performance so far?

    “Fantastic. It’s such a moment for us to have him as president. The way everybody sees America has completely transformed since he’s been in office, and everybody is looking up to him,” she told Hamptons.

    “For me and my kids, living in America, it’s so great to see a black president. I’m not sure I thought I would ever see it in my lifetime. And now for my kids it’s something normal, which is priceless.”

    Read the interview at Hamptons-Magazine.com.

    Related:
    Interview with Sara Nuru: Germany’s Next Top Model

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff
    Photos by Oliver S

    Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

    New York (Tadias) – The following is an interview with Sarah Nuru, who was crowned Germany’s Top Model last month after she beat out 21,000 contestants to claim the coveted title.

    Heidi Klum, the top model host, made the announcement in front of a packed crowd of 15,000 in the Cologne Lanxess Arena.

    Watch the Video

    The 19-year-old fashion model from Munich, whose parents
    immigrated from Ethiopia, has earned the nickname “Sunshine”
    from Germany’s Next Top Model, and was wildly popular with her
    competitors.

    Click here to read Tadias’ interview with Sara Nuru.

    Tadias Interview With Sara Nuru: Germany’s Next Top Model

    Published by Tadias Magazine June 2nd, 2009 in Interviews. 37 Comments
    Germany's Top Model Sarah Nuru. (Photo by Oliver S)

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

    New York (TADIAS) – The following is an interview with Sarah Nuru, who was crowned Germany’s Top Model last month after she beat out 21,000 contestants to claim the coveted title.

    Heidi Klum, the top model host, made the announcement in front of a packed crowd of 15,000 in the Cologne Lanxess Arena.

    The 19-year-old fashion model from Munich, whose parents immigrated from Ethiopia, has earned the nickname “Sunshine” from Germany’s Next Top Model, and was wildly popular with her competitors.

    Here is our interview with Sara.


    Photo by Oliver S.

    TADIAS: Sara, thank you for your time and congratulations on your tremendous
    accomplishments. How does it feel to be crowned Germany’s Next Top Model?

    Sara: Thank you very much, I feel very happy. Yes it is quite amazing what is going on right now. It will probably take time until I really recognize this amazing development. But so far, it is a wonderful experience and right now a very exciting time for me.

    TADIAS: What does this title mean for your future career?

    Sara: To be honest, the title is a great door-opener but I will not lay back and enjoy the title . I have a great chance to make the very best of my benefit. Since the 21st of May, the day I became Germany’s next Top-model, I was hardly at home, worked day and night and really enjoyed my new life as a model! That’s how I imagined it.

    TADIAS: This is historical in a sense that the media is saying that you are the first black person to be crowned Germany’s Next Top Model. Did you feel additional pressure because of your cultural background?

    Sara: Well, I feel honored that you call it “historical”, but I wouldn’t make a big thing of it . For me, it is of course fantastic to be a black model. I’m very happy that I became the winner of Germany’s next Top-model beside so many beautiful and talented girls. I’m Ethiopian through my parents that’s a fact and I’m absolutely proud of it. But I can’t imagine that my skin color had a big effect for my victory at this show .

    TADIAS: Where do you see yourself in a few years?

    Sara: It is quite difficult to predict a career, but I have a reliable agency and already great jobs and four big campaigns to work for. Of course, it is desirable for every model to be successful in the international model business. But I am someone who is down to earth and I, of course, will work hard and be calm and serene in attending to my ways.

    TADIAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

    Sara: Thank you to everyone who believed in me. And, yes, just like I said stay true to yourself and never forget were you came from.

    TADIAS: Good luck Sara.

    Sara: Thank you very much and all the best.

    Sara Nuru – One of Her First Interviews After Her Victory

    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Interview with Sara Nuru: Germany’s Next Top Model

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 22nd, 2009 in Featured and News. 87 Comments
    Sarah Nuru, Germany's Top Model 2009. (Photo: Sarah Nuru's Myspace page)

    Tadias Magazine

    By Tadias Staff

    May 22, 2009

    New York (TADIAS) – The following is an interview with Sarah Nuru, who was crowned Germany’s Top Model last month after she beat out 21,000 contestants to claim the coveted title.

    Heidi Klum, the top model host, made the announcement in front of a packed crowd of 15,000 in the Cologne Lanxess Arena.

    The 19-year-old fashion model from Munich, whose parents immigrated from Ethiopia, has earned the nickname “Sunshine” from Germany’s Next Top Model, and was wildly popular with her competitors.

    Here is our interview with Sara.

    TADIAS: Sara, thank you for your time and congratulations. How does it feel to be crowned Germany’s Next Top Model?

    Sara: Thank you very much, I feel very happy. Yes it is quite amazing what is going on right now. It will probably take time until I really recognize this amazing development. But so far, it is a wonderful experience and right now a very exciting time for me.

    TADIAS: What does this title mean for your future career?

    Sara: To be honest, the title is a great door-opener but I will not lay back and enjoy the title . I have a great chance to make the very best of my benefit. Since the 21st of May, the day I became Germany’s next Top-model, I was hardly at home, worked day and night and really enjoyed my new life as a model! That’s how I imagined it.

    TADIAS: This is historical in a sense that the media is saying that you are the first black person to be crowned Germany’s Next Top Model. Did you feel additional pressure because of your cultural background?


    Sara Nuru. (Photo by Oliver S.)

    Sara: Well, I feel honored that you call it “historical”, but I wouldn’t make a big thing of it . For me, it is of course fantastic to be a black model. I’m very happy that I became the winner of Germany’s next Top-model beside so many beautiful and talented girls. I’m Ethiopian through my parents that’s a fact and I’m absolutely proud of it. But I can’t imagine that my skin color had a big effect for my victory at this show .

    TADIAS: Where do you see yourself in a few years?

    Sara: It is quite difficult to predict a career, but I have a reliable agency and already great jobs and four big campaigns to work for. Of course, it is desirable for every model to be successful in the international model business. But I am someone who is down to earth and I, of course, will work hard and be calm and serene in attending to my ways.

    TADIAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

    Sara: Thank you to everyone who believed in me. And, yes, just like I said stay true to yourself and never forget were you came from.

    TADIAS: Good luck Sara.

    Sara: Thank you very much and all the best.

    Sara Nuru – One of Her First Interviews After Her Victory

    —
    Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

    Ethiopian Beauty Queen Crowned ‘Model of Africa’

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 20th, 2009 in News. 14 Comments

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

    New York (Tadias) – 19-year-old Bewunetwa Abebe, who participated in the recently completed 2009 International Beauty and Model festival in China, has won the title of Model of Africa.

    She was the second teenage Ethiopian model from the Ethiopian Millennium pageant to represent Ethiopia at an international beauty competition, which took place in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million.

    The 3-weeks event from April 22 to May 7 gave the
    participants an opportunity to display their country’s
    attire as well as their posing skills.

    Ethiopian Supermodel Works to Improve Health of Third World Mothers (NBC)

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 7th, 2009 in News. Closed

    Above: Liya Kebede holds a baby while on a visit to Africa for
    the World Health Organization. (Courtesy of WHO).

    NBC News
    Liya Kebede: Supermodel on a mission
    Wed., May 6, 2009
    Each month, we highlight a celebrity’s work on behalf of a specific cause. This month we speak with supermodel, actress, WHO ambassador and mother, Liya Kebede, about her work on health issues related to childbirth. You may recognize Kebede as the former face of Estee Lauder or from the cover of magazines including Vogue’s May 2009 issue. Kebede, who is Ethiopian, founded her own organization to reduce mortality among mothers, newborns and young children and well as to help mothers and children stay healthy. Read more.

    Related: J. Crew Partners with Ethiopian-born Supermodel

    J. Crew Partners with Liya Kebede to Carry her Handmade
    Children’s Collection, Lemlem

    (NEW YORK) – When J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons and team met supermodel, mother of two, and International Goodwill Ambassador Liya Kebede, a relationship was born. Lyons approached Kebede to appear in the April catalog, but both quickly realized their relationship needn’t end there. Read More.

    Ethiopian at 2009 International Beauty and Model Festival in China

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 27th, 2009 in News. 10 Comments

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tadias Staff

    Published: Monday, April 27, 2009

    New York (Tadias) – 19-year-old Bewunetwa Abebe, who was crowned Miss Teen Millennium Intercontinental, will take part in the 2009 International Beauty and Model festival in China along with 40 other contestants from around the world, organizers announced.

    She “becomes the second teenage Ethiopian model from the Ethiopian Millennium pageant to represent Ethiopia at an international beauty pageant,” Beauties of Africa Inc, which operates the Miss Teen Ethiopia beauty contest, said in a press release.

    The 3-weeks event from April 22 to May 17 gives the participants an opportunity to display their country’s attire as well as their posing skills.

    The beauty and model festival is scheduled to take place in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million.

    Ethiopian Athlete Bekana Daba Delivers in Dashing Conclusion at Carlsbad 5000

    Published by Tadias Magazine April 6th, 2009 in News. Closed

    Above: Bekana Daba of Ethiopia takes the Carlsbad 5000
    with a time of 13 minutes, 19 seconds. (Crissy Pascual /
    Union-Tribune) -

    Source: Union-Tribune
    Late kick by Daba wins Carlsbad 5000
    By Don Norcross, Union-Tribune Staff Writer
    April 6, 2009

    CARLSBAD – Matt Turnbull, who recruits the professional field for the Carlsbad 5000, received a call about 10 days ago from Mark Wetmore, one of running’s most influential agents.

    The conversation played out something like this.

    Wetmore: “I’ve got a young Ethiopian. He’s run some good races indoors this winter. I know you’re full at Carlsbad, but if adidas paid part of his airfare and I kick in the rest, can we get him in?”

    Turnbull: “I’d be more than happy to give him a spot.”

    A bit after high noon yesterday, on a sunny, postcard afternoon, 20-year-old Bekana Daba turned the corner onto Carlsbad Village Drive, running virtually side by side with fellow Ethiopian Abreham Cherkos. Read more.

    J. Crew Partners with Ethiopian-born Supermodel

    Published by Tadias Magazine March 22nd, 2009 in News. 2 Comments

    J. Crew Partners with Liya Kebede to Carry her Handmade
    Children’s Collection, Lemlem

    (NEW YORK) – When J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons and team met supermodel, mother of two, and International Goodwill Ambassador Liya Kebede, a relationship was born. Lyons approached Kebede to appear in the April catalog, but both quickly realized their relationship needn’t end there.

    The product of their partnership? Not only will Kebede be the first model to be the exclusive face of a J. Crew catalog, but J. Crew’s Crewcuts line will pick up pieces from the model’s handmade children’s clothing line, Lemlem. Lemlem (the name means “to bloom”) was launched by Kebede in 2007, with all of the pieces made by hand from natural cotton in her native Ethiopia. The line will be available at Crewcuts store locations and at jcrew.com beginning in April. Read More.

    From Tadias file (2007): WWO honores Liya Kebede & Silda W. Spitzer

    Tadias Magazine
    By Tseday Alehegn

    New York (Tadias) – The Worldwide Orphans Foundation, dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans around the world (with work in eight countries, including Ethiopia), held it’s 10-year anniversary gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday evening.

    Co-Chairs Janet Kagan and Mary Knobler announced that the organization had raised approximatley 1.4 million dollars.

    rsz_1rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0054.jpg
    Dr. Aronson and Mary-Louise Parker

    Tony award-winning actress Mary Louise Parker presented the Honorary Orphan Ranger Award to Supermodel Liya Kebede for her work in promoting maternal health in developing nations, while ABC news co-anchor Cynthia McFadden presented another Honorary Orphan Ranger Award to Silda Wall Spitzer, First Lady of New York and founding chair of the non-profit Children for Children.

    rsz_1rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0180.jpg
    Liya Kebede after being presented the Honorary Orphan Ranger
    award by Mary-Louise Parker.

    rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0194.jpg
    Silda Wall Spitzer also received the Honorary Orphan Ranger
    Award

    rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0192.jpg
    Cynthia McFadden presented the Honorary Orphan Ranger Award
    to Silda Wall Spitzer

    rsz_1wwo_101507_gala_0275.jpg
    Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, introduced Jane
    Aronson    , founder of Worldwide Orphans Foundation.

    rsz_1rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0244.jpg
    Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News

    Aronson said she was proud to announce the opening of the WWO Academy in Addis Ababa, the same day as the gala in New York. The kindergarten offers schooling for children with HIV.

    The gala program was interspersed with vignettes showcasing previous orphan rangers, who are medical students, health professionals and therapists who gave their time to working with orphanages in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

    The event included entertainment by Tony-award winning Broadway stars Christine Ebersole and Donna Murphy, and the cast of Grease on Broadway.

    rsz_1rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0291.jpg
    The cast of Grease on Broadway.

    rsz_1rsz_wwo_101507_gala_0087.jpg
    Tony-award winning Broadway stars Christine Ebersole and Donna Murphy.

    rsz_liya-with-des.jpg
    Liya Kebede with Dr. Aronson’s son Desalegn. She received the Honorary Orphan Ranger Award

    A fun and educational time was had by all.

    More at: wwo.org

    Starbucks Delays Opening Coffee Farmer Support Center in Ethiopia

    Published by Tadias Magazine March 11th, 2009 in News. Closed

    Above: Starbucks barista Alex Igarta hands a drink to a
    customer at a store near the company’s corporate
    headquarters in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / AP)

    The Seattle Times
    By Melissa Allison
    March 10, 2009

    Coffee City
    “Melissa Allison tracks Seattle’s — and the world’s — caffeine addiction.”

    Starbucks does not know when it will open a support center for coffee farmers in Ethiopia that was scheduled to open last year, according to spokeswoman Deb Trevino. The economic slowdown, along with delays in opening a more regionally-focused center in Rwanda last year, have “made it challenging for us to move as quickly as we would like,” she said in an e-mail. “We remain committed to opening a Farmer Support Center in Addis, but do not have an opening date to announce at this time.” Read More.

    Related: Starbucks to cut 6,700 jobs, close 300 stores
    msnbc.com staff and news service reports
    Wed., Jan. 28, 2009

    Starbucks Corp. said Wednesday that it would cut as many as 6,700 jobs as it closes hundreds more stores and eliminates more positions at its corporate headquarters. Faced with slowing demand for lattes and cappuccinos because of the recession, Starbucks plans to close 300 stores, including 200 in the United States, and eliminate about 6,000 store jobs. The company also plans to eliminate about 700 corporate jobs, including about 350 at its corporate headquarters in Seattle. Read more.

    The 1919 Ethiopian Delegation to the U.S.

    Published by Tadias Magazine August 11th, 2008 in News. Closed

    Above: A headline by the Chicago Defender announcing the
    arrival of the first Abyssinian diplomatic delegation to the U.S.
    on July 11, 1919.

    By Liben Eabisa

    New York (Tadias) – The arrival of the first Ethiopian diplomatic delegation to the United States on July 11, 1919 made headlines in Chicago, where journalists eagerly awaited their opportunity to meet and interview the delegation.

    At the time Woodrow Wilson was serving as the 28th President of the United States. In Ethiopia, Empress Zawditu, the eldest daughter of Emperor Menelik, was the reigning monarch.

    Dejasmatch Nadew, Empress Zawdituís nephew and Commander of the Imperial Army, along with Ato Belaten-ghetta Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Kentiba Gebru, Mayor of Gonder, and Ato Sinkas, Dejamatch Nadew’s secretary, comprised the first official Ethiopian delegation to the United States in the summer of 1919.

    The main purpose of their trip was to renew the 1904 Treaty of Amity (Friendship) between the United States and Ethiopia (brokered when President Theodore Roosevelt authorized 37-year-old Robert P. Skinner to negotiate a commercial treaty with Emperor Menelik).

    The treaty had expired in 1917. This four-man delegation to the United States became known as the Abyssinian mission.

    The distinguished delegation headed to the White House in Washington D.C. after staying at the elegant Waldorf-Astoria in Chicago.

    izawditu.jpg 492px-president_woodrow_wilson_portrait_december_2_1912.jpg
    Above: Left, Empress Zawditu (In office: 1916 to 1930),
    Right, President Woodrow Wilson (In office: March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921).

    The group visited the U.S. at a time when blacks were by law second-class citizens and the most common crime against American blacks was lynching. Before leaving Chicago, a reporter for the Chicago Defender, an African American newspaper, asked the delegation what they thought about lynching in the U.S. The representatives responded “[We] dislike brutality… lynching of any nature, and other outrages heaped upon your people.”

    African-Americans were inspired to see a proud African delegation being treated with so much respect by U.S. officials. Newspapers reported that in honor of the delegation’s visit “the flag of Abyssinia, which is of green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes, flew over the national capitol.”

    The Chicago Defender reported that the delegation expressed their support for the struggle of American blacks and gave them words of encouragement. A member of the press had inquired if the group had advice to African-Americans. Ato Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, who spoke fluent English, replied: “Fight on. Don’t Stop.”

    The Ethiopian presence at the Waldorf Astoria, dressed in their traditional white robe and pant attire attracted large attention.

    Upon arriving in Washington D.C. they took up residence at Hotel Lafayette and awaited their formal presentation at the White House.

    “It perhaps is of much interest to know that the Abyssinian religion is the oldest Christian religion in the world”, Captain Morris, the delegation’s chaperon, told reporters. “The queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon was once their queen, and the present ruler is descended from the queen of Sheba.”

    The Abyssinian Mission enjoyed an overall warm welcome and before returning to Ethiopia, they toured the cities of New York and San Francisco. They also visited an Irish Catholic cathedral, a Jewish synagogue, the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem, and Yellowstone National Park.
    —-

    About the Author:
    liben_author.JPG
    Liben Eabisa is the Founder & Publisher of Tadias Magazine. He is also the publisher of the book: Abyssinia of Today – Reissue of Robert P. Skinner’s memoir, a narrative of the first American diplomatic mission to black Africa. Liben Eabisa lives in New York City.

    First Ethiopian Delegation to the U.S. in 1919 Made Headlines

    Published by admin August 11th, 2008 in News. Closed

    Above: A headline by the Chicago Defender announcing the
    arrival of the first Abyssinian diplomatic delegation to the United
    States on July 11, 1919.

    By Liben Eabisa

    New York (Tadias) – The arrival of the first Ethiopian diplomatic delegation to the United States on July 11, 1919 made headlines in Chicago, where journalists eagerly awaited their opportunity to meet and interview the delegation.

    At the time Woodrow Wilson was serving as the 28th President of the United States. In Ethiopia, Empress Zawditu, the eldest daughter of Emperor Menelik, was the reigning monarch.

    Dejasmatch Nadew, Empress Zawdituís nephew and Commander of the Imperial Army, along with Ato Belaten-ghetta Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Kentiba Gebru, Mayor of Gonder, and Ato Sinkas, Dejamatch Nadew’s secretary, comprised the first official Ethiopian delegation to the United States in the summer of 1919.

    The main purpose of their trip was to renew the 1904 Treaty of Amity (Friendship) between the United States and Ethiopia (brokered when President Theodore Roosevelt authorized 37-year-old Robert P. Skinner to negotiate a commercial treaty with Emperor Menelik).

    The treaty had expired in 1917. This four-man delegation to the United States became known as the Abyssinian mission.

    The distinguished delegation headed to the White House in Washington D.C. after staying at the elegant Waldorf-Astoria in Chicago.

    izawditu.jpg 492px-president_woodrow_wilson_portrait_december_2_1912.jpg
    Above: Left, Empress Zawditu (In office: 1916 to 1930),
    Right, President Woodrow Wilson (In office: March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921).

    The group visited the U.S. at a time when blacks were by law second-class citizens and the most common crime against American blacks was lynching. Before leaving Chicago, a reporter for the Chicago Defender, an African American newspaper, asked the delegation what they thought about lynching in the U.S. The representatives responded “[We] dislike brutality… lynching of any nature, and other outrages heaped upon your people.”

    African-Americans were inspired to see a proud African delegation being treated with so much respect by U.S. officials. Newspapers reported that in honor of the delegation’s visit “the flag of Abyssinia, which is of green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes, flew over the national capitol.”

    The Chicago Defender reported that the delegation expressed their support for the struggle of American blacks and gave them words of encouragement. A member of the press had inquired if the group had advice to African-Americans. Ato Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, who spoke fluent English, replied: “Fight on. Don’t Stop.”

    The Ethiopian presence at the Waldorf Astoria, dressed in their traditional white robe and pant attire attracted large attention.

    Upon arriving in Washington D.C. they took up residence at Hotel Lafayette and awaited their formal presentation at the White House.

    “It perhaps is of much interest to know that the Abyssinian religion is the oldest Christian religion in the world”, Captain Morris, the delegation’s chaperon, told reporters. “The queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon was once their queen, and the present ruler is descended from the queen of Sheba.”

    The Abyssinian Mission enjoyed an overall warm welcome and before returning to Ethiopia, they toured the cities of New York and San Francisco. They also visited an Irish Catholic cathedral, a Jewish synagogue, the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem, and Yellowstone National Park.
    —-

    About the Author:
    liben_author.JPG
    Liben Eabisa is the Founder & Publisher of Tadias Magazine. He is also the publisher of the book: Abyssinia of Today – Reissue of Robert P. Skinner’s memoir, a narrative of the first American diplomatic mission to black Africa. Liben Eabisa lives in New York City.

    Harlem to Addis: America’s Mega-Church Leads 150 Delegates on a Journey to Ethiopia

    Published by admin August 30th, 2007 in Featured. 1 Comment

    NEW YORK — On September 15, The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the oldest African-American institutions, announced that it’s continuing its 18-month bicentennial celebration by returning to its roots — Ethiopia.

    This journey is a core component of a series of major events and activities commemorating the
    church’s 200th anniversary in November 2008.

    Ethiopia, which follows the Coptic calendar (seven years behind the more common Gregorian), is poised to celebrate the Millennium on Steptemer 11, 2007.

    In 1808, after refusing to participate in segregated worship services at a lower Manhattan church, a group of free Africans in America and Ethiopian sea merchants formed their own church, naming it Abyssinian Baptist Church in honor of Abyssinia, the former name of Ethiopia.

    In 1954, former Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I, presented Abyssinian’s pastor, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., with the Ethiopian Coptic Cross. This cross has since become the official symbol of the church.

    haile_powel.jpg
    Above: Emperor Haile Selassie presenting the cross
    to Reverened Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., on May 27, 1954.
    Photography by Marvin Smith.

    “As we celebrate 200 years of Abyssinian Baptist Church as an empowering center of spiritual and community transformation, we are eager to embark upon this befitting journey to our native land of Ethiopia, especially during this time of the Ethiopian Millennium,” said Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of Abyssinian.

    “The African-American church has long been a galvanizing force in the active building of beloved
    communities in the United States. We seek to further advance that cause as part of our global mission – gaining first- hand knowledge during our pilgrimage that will aid in our consideration of a viable, long-term course of action supporting the people and progress of Ethiopia.”

    During the trip, Dr. Butts and members of the 150-person Abyssinian pilgrimage will assess economic, health, education and social needs of the Ethiopian people to determine how The Abyssinian Baptist Church can specifically apply its resources to encourage advancement in the country.

    For more information about Abyssinian 200, visit http://www.abyssinian200.org.

    TADIAS TV: Harlem Today – Bre’s Walking Tour of Harlem (Fordmodels.tv via You Tube.)
    Take a fun tour of Harlem with Model Bre of Ford Models.

    Related Links and Tadias Stories:

    A special visitor from Ethiopia discovers Harlem in 1931 (Tadias)
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    African American & Ethiopian Relations (Tadias)
    haile_powel.jpg

    The Case of Melaku E. Bayen & John Robinson (Tadias)
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    First Ethiopian Delegation to the U.S. in 1919 Made Headlines

    Published by Tadias Magazine May 11th, 2007 in History. 19 Comments
    The Chicago Defender newspaper covered the first Ethiopian delegation's visit to the U.S. in 1919.

    Tadias Magazine

    By Liben Eabisa

    Updated: May 11th, 2007

    New York (TADIAS) – The arrival of the first Ethiopian diplomatic delegation to the United States on July 11, 1919 made headlines in Chicago, where journalists eagerly awaited their opportunity to meet and interview the delegation.

    At the time Woodrow Wilson was serving as the 28th President of the United States. In Ethiopia, Empress Zawditu, the eldest daughter of Emperor Menelik, was the reigning monarch.

    Dejazmach Nadew, Empress Zawditu’s nephew and Commander of the Imperial Army, along with Ato Belanteghetta Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Kentiba Gebru, Mayor of Gonder, and Ato Sinkas, Dejazmach Nadew’s secretary, comprised the first official Ethiopian delegation to the United States in the summer of 1919.

    The main purpose of their trip was to renew the 1904 Treaty of Amity (Friendship) between the United States and Ethiopia (brokered when President Theodore Roosevelt authorized US Ambassador Robert P. Skinner to negotiate a commercial treaty with Emperor Menelik).

    The treaty had expired in 1917. This four-man delegation to the United States became known as the Abyssinian mission.

    The delegation headed to the White House in Washington D.C. after their brief stay in Chicago.


    Empress Zawditu of Ethiopia (In office: 1916 to 1930) and US President Woodrow Wilson (In office: March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921). Photos: Public Domain.

    The group visited the U.S. at a time when blacks were by law second-class citizens and in some places the most common crime against American blacks was lynching. Before leaving Chicago, a reporter for the Chicago Defender, an African American newspaper, asked the Ethiopian delegation what they thought about lynching in the U.S. The representatives responded “[We] dislike brutality… lynching of any nature, and other outrages heaped upon your people.”

    African-Americans were inspired to see a proud African delegation being treated with so much respect by U.S. officials. Newspapers reported that in honor of the delegation’s visit “the flag of Abyssinia, which is of green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes, flew over the national capitol.”

    The Chicago Defender reported that the delegation expressed their support for the struggle of American blacks and gave them words of encouragement. A member of the press had inquired if the group had advice to African-Americans. Ato Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, who spoke fluent English, replied: “Fight on. Don’t Stop.”

    The Ethiopian presence at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, dressed in their traditional white robe and pant attire attracted large attention.

    Upon arriving in Washington D.C. they took up residence at the former Lafayette Hotel and awaited their formal presentation at the White House.

    “It perhaps is of much interest to know that the Abyssinian religion is the oldest Christian religion in the world”, Captain Morris, the delegation’s chaperon, told reporters. “The queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon was once their queen, and the present ruler is descended from the queen of Sheba.”

    The Ethiopian Mission enjoyed an overall warm welcome and before returning to Ethiopia they toured the cities of New York and San Francisco. They also visited an Irish Catholic cathedral, a Jewish synagogue, the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem, and Yellowstone National Park.

    —-
    About the Author:
    Liben Eabisa is Co-Founder & Publisher of Tadias Magazine.

    Related:

    History: US- Ethiopia Complicated Alliance

    Ethiopia: US-Africa Relations in Trump Era

    A Memoir of First US Diplomat’s Meetings With Emperor Menelik

    African American and Ethiopian Relations

    President Obama Becomes First Sitting U.S. President to Visit Ethiopia

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