Ethiopian News Video
borkena
December 7,2017

The video footage below is believed to be Emperor Haile Selassie’s last appearance before he was detained by a group of military officers – who later emerged as leaders of the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution. Those who were fighting against these same groups in the early course of the revolution contest that the military officers were not the leaders of the revolution but they hijacked the revolution.

In the ensuing years, Ethiopia witnessed one of its bloody history. First, Emperor Haile Selassie and sixty senior government officials, both military and civilians, (see the list below the video) were killed by the military junta that later called itself as “Derg.” Many of members of Derg,including former president Mengistu Hailemariam, produced an autobiography and now they say that they were wrong in carrying out death sentence. Before the execution, members of the Derg had a meeting and voted on as to what to do with the detained former politicians. And they voted to execute them. Akililu Habtewold, Ethiopia’s renowned diplomat who served as prime minister and foreign affairs minister, made a historical speech following Derg’s decision : “If you can bring better days for Ethiopia by killing us, we are happy to die.”

Emperor Haileselassie was killed separably and in a mysterious way.

The years following the death of members of Imperial government of Ethiopia was marked by power struggle between the military group that took over power and other group of revolutionaries. The result was a period of bloodshed known in Ethiopian history as “red Terror.”

In light of the political,social,cultural and economic situation of Ethiopia today, considerable number of Ethiopians glorify and lament the pre-Derg era.

1. Lij Tsehafi Ti-izaz Aklilou HabteWold
2. Leoul Ras Asrate Kassa
3. Lij Indlakatchew Mekonnen
4. Ras Mesfin Sileshi
5. Lieutenant Colonel Tamrat Yigezu
6. Kibur Ato Akalework Habtewold
7. Dr. Tesfaye Guebre Egzy
8. Ato Mulatu Debebe
9. Ato Abebe Reta
10. Dejazmach Solomon Abraham
11. Dejazmach Legesse Bezou
12. Dejazmach Sahlu Difaye
13. Dejazmach Workneh Wolde Amanuel
14. Dejazmach Kifle Ergetou
15. Dejazmach Worku InqoSelassie
16. Dejazmach Aemero Selassie Abebe
17. Dejazmach Kebede Ali Wele
18. Colonel Solomon Kedir
19. Afe Negus Abedge Debalk
20. Kibur Ato Nebiye Leul Kifle
21. Kegnazmach Yilma Aboye
22. Kibur Ato Tegene Yeytechawork
23. Kibur Ato Solomon GuebreMariam
24. Kibur Ato Hailu Teklu
25. Lij Hailu Desta
26. Blata Admassu Reta
27. Fitawrari Dems Alamirew
28. Fitawrari Amde Aberra
29. Fitawrari Tadesse InqoSelassie
30. Lieutenant General Abey Abebe
31. Lieutenant General Kebede Guebre
32. Lieutenant General Diresse Dubale
33. Lieutenant General Abebe Gemeda
34. Lieutenant General Yilma Shibeshi
35. Lieutenant General Haile Baykedagne
36. Lieutenant General Assefa Ayene
37. Lieutenant General Belete Abebe
38. Lieutenant General Issaya GuebreSelassie
39. Lieutenant General Assefa Demissie
40. Lieutenant General Debebe Haile Mariam
41. Major General Seyoum Gedle Ghiorgis
42. Major General Goshu Kebede
43. Major General Tafesse Lemma
44. Vice-Admiral Eskender Desta
45. Brigadier General Mulugeta WoldeYohannes
46. Brigadier General Wondimu Abebe
47. Brigadier General Girma Yohannes
48. Colonel Yalem Zewd Tessema
49. Colonel Tassew Modjo
50. Colonel Yigezu Yimene
51. Major Berhanu Metcha
52. Captain Mola Wakene
53. Captain Demesie Shiferraw
54. Captain Belay Tsegaye
55. Captain WoldeYohannes Zergaw
56. Corporal Tekle Haile
57. Private Bekele Wolde Ghiorghis
58. Lieutenant General Aman Mikael Andom
59. Lieutnant Tesfaye Tekle
60. Corporal Yohannes Fetoui

Video Source : Social Media
Cover photo : screenshot from Video
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The post Emperor Haileselassie’s last appearance before he was taken by a group of military officers [Video] appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian Video
borkena
December 8,2017

Dr. Dagnachew,teaches philosophy at Addis Ababa University, appeared on Oromo Broadcasting Network Television, a station funded by Oromo regional state of Ethiopia. He explained the essence of deep rooted Amhara-Oromo social fiber drawing on historical and cultural examples. The OPDO leadership seem to be given some credit for showing desire to repair damaged relation between the two people( the most intermingled in Ethiopia) due to radical ethno-nationalist narratives.

Video Credit : Oromia Broadcasting Networ
Cover photo : Screenshot from the video



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The post Dr Dagnachew explaining the Amhara – Oromo social fiber and its essence appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian Video
borkena
December 10,2017

A recent study published by Pew Research Centre ( Ethiopia is an outlier in the Orthodox Christian world) established that 98 % of Ethiopians believe that religion is very important to them. This video could reinforce the outcome of the study. All is not well for Ethiopians in who live in the Middle East. Often times, the news that emerges from the region regarding the situations of Ethiopians is not nice. Most Ethiopians work as maids in very difficult situations. Yet, they make time for their faith ; their day offs over the weekend are devoted to attending church service in most cases. This video is from Lebanon.

Video Source: Social Media



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The post Ethiopians in Lebanon seem to spend their day offs in church. Watch appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia News
borkena
December 22, 2017

Having lost all other forms of divisive playing cards and desperate to stop OPDO (Oromo People’s Democratic Organization) and ANDM (Amhara National Democratic Movement), TPLF tabled in the Federal Parliament the issues of “Oromia special interest on Addis Ababa.” However, OPDO members of parliament stopped TPLF political spin when they opposed discussion on the agenda and walked out.

Ethiopian Satelite Television reported that Oromo Regional State Communication Head, Addisu Arega opposed the move first and the rest of OPDO members supported him. He reportedly argued that discussing Oromoia special interest over Addis Ababa is not a priority for his party when more than half a million Oromo’s are displaced from Somali region of Ethiopia and staying makeshift campus in the region. Quite a considerable number of OPDO members reportedly supported his position and the parliament was dissolved. Strange thing in this development is that Abadula Gemeda, who submitted resignation letter as speaker of the parliament on grounds that his party and people are disrespected, did not vote for the motion that Oromia Special interest on Addis Ababa is not a priority for OPDO.

“Addis Ababa Special interest” is perhaps the last playing card that the regime could use to put a dividing wall between Amhara and Oromo people.

This past weekend, OPDO and ANDM members of parliament boycotted regular sessions by demanding prime minister Hailemariam Desalegne to appear before parliament first to explain rising ethnic violence in South Eastern parts of Ethiopia and across institutions of higher learning.

The notion of “Oromoia special interest on Addis Ababa” is based on article 49 of the existing constitution which declares that “Oromia regional state” has a special interest over Addis Ababa. Oromo Speaking Ethiopians in Addis Ababa constitute about 5 % and the rest of residents are from other parts of Ethiopia.

Cover photo : Screenshot from ESAT latest News Youtube video



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Ethiopian Video
borkena
December 25, 2017

In 2016, Mackonen Michael appeared at the US Library Of Congress to discuss his 47 minutes documentary entitled “Heaven and Earth; Church education and Monastic Culture in Ethiopia”

He has two other documentaries; “Ethiopian Thinking” a 22 minutes documentary on Ethiopian philosophy and “Art Education in Ethiopia” from the perspective of an Autobiography of Ale Felege Selam , a remarkably notable Ethiopian who is the pioneer of modern art school in Ethiopia while emphasizing on Ethiopian art.

Watch the video below :

Cover photo : Screenshot of Library Of Congress YouTube video



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Tamagne Beyene is a free man, ruled a court in Washington

Ethiopian Video
borkena
December 27,2017

Once celebrated comedian in Ethiopia, Tamagne Beyene has become an activist for a long time now in the US where he is living in exile. When he coordinated and led demonstration at the Libyan Embassy in Washington DC last week to protest the slavery situation, he was detained by Washington DC police and released after four hours. He was arrested because he resisted to leave the embassy area as the Libyan Ambassador to the US refused to accept a letter that the protesters prepared.

In a facebook updated he shared today, he stated that he appeared in court,as required, and the court set him free . He thanked his supporters.

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The post A court in Washington set Tamagne Beyene free appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Teddy Afro looks forward to a concert in Asmara, Eritrea

borkena
December 28,2017

Up on releasing his latest album entitled “Ethiopia” which has become a hit and on top of billboard, Teddy Afro planned a launch party at the Hilton Hotel, made a reservation and all was in order. As his crew showed up at the hotel and tried to unload instruments in the premises of Hilton hotel, they were that government did not allow it and the concert had to be cancelled. Unable to do anything to reverse the decision of Ethiopian authorities, who literally plunged the country to chaos and ethnic violence, Teddy Afro had to prepare an official letter to guests who were invited to the launch party to apologize and notify them that his concert is cancelled.

It has been years since Teddy Afro had a concert in Ethiopia. Despite a constitutional right, Teddy Afro was unable to get permission to perform in Ethiopia. And in the past he dealt with numerous government orchestrated sabotages , not only on matters related to deals with companies, like Coca Cola and Bedele Beer, but also he was even thrown to jail where he was kept in solitary confinement on trumped up charges of “hit and run”

Teddy Afro has a huge fan both in the country and abroad. He even have Eritrean fans. He had an interview with AFP in Addis Ababa this week and he revealed that he is now preparing for a tour to Europe and North America. He hopes to have a concert in Asmara, Eritrea, too. And his motive is to help improve the relations between Ethiopians and Eritreans which is marred after the regime in power in Ethiopia expelled Eritreans and tens of thousands were killed due to the two years border conflict.




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The post [Video] Teddy Afro spoke to AFP. Plans to a have concert in Asmara, Eritrea appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
December 31, 2017

Amhara Mass Medi Agency (AMMA) discussed the situation of Ethiopian Universities and possible solutions with Dr. Dagnachew Assefa, Associate Professor Abeba Ayalew, Seyom Teshome, Asemahegne Asres and Wubshet Mulat

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The post Discussion on the situation in Ethiopian Universities (AMMA) appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

ESAT
January 2, 2018

Many are not aware as to what remittance to Ethiopia can do. A short documentary video by ESAT (below) shades light on that.

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The post Power of remittance – Do not feed the TPLF killer beast appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian News
borkena
January 3, 2017

Chairman of the four parties that constitute the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front Party held a joint press statement.

The party is making some political moves as a gesture to address the existing protest across the country. Are these enough measures? Time will tell.

Video credit: Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation
Cover Photo : Screenshot from Video



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The post Joint press conference of chairman of the four parties within EPRDF appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Belay Zeleke, Ethiopia’s celebrated Hero

borkena
January 9, 2017

Many Ethiopian are oblivion that the third generation of Belay Zeleke lives in the heart of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, where he was executed. On the occasion, Ethiopian Christmas, Talk show host Josey paid a visit to his grandchildren. She has a story to tell.

While she takes a pride in the history and achievement of her grandfather, she could not hide disappointment with the tragedy of Belay Zeleke and what happened to his offsprings after he was hanged by the imperial government of Ethiopia.

The following video from Jose in the House show is must watch.

Video credit : Josey in the House Show
Cover photo : Screenshot from Video

Here is one of the best tributes to Belay Zeleke by Yezena Negash; “jegnaw Belay Belay”

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The post Belay Zeleke ‘s grand children speaks about celebrated Ethiopian Hero appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Dr. Abiy Ahmed speech is not like any other ruling party officials; it has got a different tone and texture. It is unique, informed and speaks of knowledge and experience.

borkena
January 11,2018

A few years ago most Ethiopians were oblivious as to who Dr. Abiy Ahmed is. Apparently, he was lurking as a member in Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), which is one of the member party of the ruling coalition, (EPRDF), ostensibly with growing influence and hence power recently.

Now Dr. Abiy is known among young Ethiopians in the country as a sensible person with a great power of eloquence. He accepts invitations to make speeches in events organized by young Ethiopian writers and many seem to see in him a bright person with a love for reading and endowed with a skill to articulate his ideas.

Who is Dr. Abiy Ahmed ?

A look into his recent past reveals that he was a PhD candidate at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), a relatively new department in the country and he already graduated from his PhD program. In October of 2015, he was appointed as the minister for Science and Technology.

In terms of relation with the existing government in Ethiopia, there are reports that he worked in the military intelligence unit although it is not known how long he served and where he was assigned. Those who have known him for a long time add that he was a member of Ethiopian Peacekeeping force in Rwanda.

Currently, he is the vice president of Oromo region of Ethiopia and holds a senior position within OPDO party structure.

political world view

To say that Dr. Abiy Ahmed is a member and senior official in OPDO is to say that his that his political worldview revolves around ethnic politics.

Yet again, when Dr. Abiy speaks on matters outside of the realm of Ethiopian politics, could be social relation, culture, knowledge or what have you, it is hard to imagine that a person of his caliber is entrapped in ethnic politics; perhaps he had no other option and has no the capacity to create something else.

Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s speeche

In his latest public appearance, he spoke passionately about the power of word ( and/or concept); it’s making or breaking power. In this speech (watch the video below), he made references to the social malaise. For example, he spoke about the attitude that is making the youth abandon Ethiopia behind only to die in the Libyan desert and under worse circumstances. “What makes a situation look like a hell,” says Abiy Ahmed, “is the way we look at it.” Alluding to the importance of hardship in life, he brought up a metaphor of honing steel; rough surface is meant to sharpen us.

Of course, there is noticeable reservation about his political rhetoric and if he is the kind of person that will commit himself to live what he preaches. While we have to leave that judgement that for time, it is not disputable that the passion for reading and knowledge he demonstrated his recent public appearances speaks to the fact that he has the power to ignite a movement against social malaise in the society – a campaign the outcome of which could be positive in terms of transforming hate and ethnic-based politics entrenched in the last three or so decades to that of consensus and rebuilding the country based on ideas rather than living hate and division under the guise of “nations and nationalities” , ethnic (“identity”) politics.

Video source: Social Media
Cover Photo: Screenshot from Video
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The post Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s must listen speech on knowledge,ideas and concepts appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

We were working within the legal framework all along, says Merera Gudina

borkena
January 18, 2017

Merera Gudina was freed yesterday after more than a year in detention for alleged charges of plotting to overthrow the constitutional order in Ethiopia through violent means.

His supporters took to the street and there was a typically Ethiopian warm reception for Chairman of Oromo Federalist Congress opposition party, Merera Gudina. An Ox was slaughtered and Fresh Kurt was served in his home in Burayu. Pictures and videos shared on social media captured the attention of many Ethiopians.

Many would agree that what is seen yesterday testifies that Merera Gudina has a formidable political support base in Oromo region of Ethiopia. As a politician is respected among Ethiopians and has a background from the era of left politics which was, although the ideology in the form it was introduced was foreign to Ethiopia, based on the idea of Ethiopia rather than ethnic identity.

Much has been changing since Merera Gudina was thrown to prison in 2016. Although it is premature to say now whether the President of Oromo regional, Lemma Megersa, will adhere to it or not, he has demonstrated a very good grasp of what Ethiopians need when he (and his team) took the initiative to reunify Ethiopians – which was seen as a positive step given the damage wrought by ethnic politics.

Will Merera Gudina rise up to the challenge and transform the existing promising change in the avenue of uniting Ethiopians to the next level in a way acting as a catalyst for change? And there are various options for his Oromo Federalist Congress to undertake a political change that Ethiopians are desperately looking for.

Video credit : VOA Amharic service
Cover Photo : Screenshot from Video
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Tigist Mengistu Hailemariam
Ethiopian Video
January 18,2018

Former Ethiopian leader Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam’s daughter, Tigist Mengistu Hailemariam, speaks out on the issue of Abay

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borkena
January 18,2018

“‘Faces of Africa’ sought to unearth the events and memories of the man who dared to confront The League of Nations, now UN, pleading for their support in conquering the Italians who were preparing to attack Ethiopia.” CGTN Africa YouTube channel



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Video of Timkat Celebration in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
borkena
January 19,2018

Timkat is celebrated colorfully across Ethiopia. Video below is from celebration in Bahir Dar, Western Ethiopia.

Video source : Social Media
Cover Photo: Screenshot from Video


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Armorica dance-as part of Timkat culture
borkena
January 19,2018

Certainly Armorica has not been part of Timkat for many centuries. But it certainly has been part of the cultural aspects of Timkat celebration for many decades now. Many Ethiopians who are in the diaspora fondly remember Armorika dance, which was in a way “modern” back in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s. It is still very much part of the cultural aspects of Timkat. Check it out.

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The post Armorica dance has been part of Timkat culture for many decades appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Tribute to victims Woldia Massacre
January 21, 2018

Ethiopian security forces fired on people who were celebrating Ethiopian epiphany. At least five people are killed and many more are wounded. The death toll is expected to rise.

The following Amharic poem is tribute to the victims of the massacre.

Source : Nebiyu Sirak
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The post Ethiopia : Tribute to victims Woldia Massacre appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
January 21, 2018

Teddy Afro is in Bahir Dar for his first concert in the country in a very long time. Ethiopian government prohibited Teddy Afro to organize a concert in Addis Ababa and the rest of the country.

To the surprise of many Ethiopians, Amhara regional state permitted Teddy Afro to stage a concert at the National Stadium in Bahir Dar. Amhara Mass Media Agency seized the opportunity of Teddy Afro’s presence in Bahir Dar to conduct the following interview.




Video credit: Amhara Mass Media Agency
Cover photo : Screenshot from Amhara Mass Media Agency Video
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The post Teddy Afro interview with Amhara Mass Media Agency in Bahir Dar appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
January 21, 2018

Gedu Andargachew speaks on the killings in Woldia. Although he seems to reflect the same sentiment with TPLF leaders in regards to the cause of the protest in Wolida ( for them it is instigated by “others”), he stated that no one should be killed.

Today, he had a meeting with youth from Woldia and those who were detained following killings by government security in connection with the protest were released.

Video credit : Amhara Mass Media Agency

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