borkena
May 16,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed intends to make the Grand Palace(Menelik II Palace) open for the public and as tourist destination. He says the palace demonstrates the greatness of Ethiopia and is useful to show that to visitors. Watch the video clip (Amharic).

Video Source : AMMA
Cover Photo : Screenshot from the video



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The post The Grand Palace (Menelik II Palace) to be open for public and as tourist destination appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
May 18,2018

For many Ethiopians, it was clear that ethnic based federalism brought about havoc. Many have been voicing opposition to it only to end up in jail. After much sacrifice and years of struggle, Ethiopians now seem to think that time is right to once again show to the architects and patrons of ethnic politics in Ethiopia.

In a forum organized at Sheraton Addis on the theme of “National identity,” an Ethiopian man tells the organizers as to what the Ethiopian identity means to Ethiopians. Watch video below (Amharic).

Video credit : Ethiopian News Agency
Cover Photo : Screenshot from Video

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The post Must watch speech : Ethiopian man speaks about “National Identity” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
May 20,2018

Video credit : SMNE
Cover photo : screenshot from video



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The post Miss Hamrawit Tesfa responds to critics of Abiy Ahmed appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
May 20,2018

Soon after arriving from a trip to Saudi Arabia, Dr Abiy Ahmed proceeded to the Millennium Hall, which seem to be full to capacity, in Addis Ababa where he made speech. In his speech, he highlighted that his trip was a success and that he hopes Ethiopian born Saudi Billionaire, Al Amoudi, and more than 1000 Ethiopians citizens will be released from prison soon. He also talked about leadership in a range of sectors and the importance of it to Ethiopia. Watch video below (Amharic).

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The post Dr Abiy Ahmed’s speech at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
May 28,2018
During a meeting for senior EPRDF politicians in Mekelle on the occasion of their victory day, a Tigrean poses “why do they hate us” kind of question. Watch the video (Amharic).

Video credit : ETV.
Cover photo : screen shot from video



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The post “Why the people of Tigray singled out and hated?” questions an ethnic Tigrean appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
May 31,2018

In an interview with Meleskachew Amha of Voice of America Amharic service, Andargachew Tsige speaks his speculation of why he was abducted from Yemen. Watch the interview in Amharic below.

Video credit : VOA Amharic



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The post What Andargachew Tsige thinks about how his abduction happened appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 1,2018

Abiy Ahmed discussing intended reforms in the military and the importance of it.

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The post Abiy Ahmed speaking about reform lines in the military appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 1,2018

Andargachew Tsige reunited with his family in London this morning after four years under TPLF control in Ethiopian prison. Ethiopian living in London and other cities showed up at Heathrow Airport to give him a warm welcome.

Video credit : Social Media

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The post Andargachew Tsige reunited with his family in London appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 5,2018

The thirty-six members executive committee of the ruling coalition announced that it is partially privatizing important state owned firms like Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio-Telecom and electric power, among other things. It is also privatizing sugar factors and other incomplete projects in the country. The following video is from state owned television and talks about firms to be partially and fully privatized. (p.s. video is in Amharic)

Cover photo : Screenshot from video
Video credit : ETV



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The post Privatization of Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio-Telecom and … appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Finally medical error victim boy is in Ethiopia. Ethiopian activist did an extraordinary job to bring the matter to the attention decision makers and Ethiopia’s new reformer prime minister acted as a leader on the matter.

(Video credit : EBC)

borkena
June 8,2018

Ethiopian boy who became a victim of medical error in Saudi Arabia is returned to Ethiopia, reported state media Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority.

Mohammed Abdulaziz was born to Ethiopian family in Saudi Arabia. At the age of 4, Halima Abdulaziz, his mother, took his took him to Dr.Sulaman Fakih hospital, in Jeddah, to remove a skin tag from inside his nostril and the medical procedure was meant to be a very minor one. As it turned out, due to a medical error by the hospital he never woke up and remained in a coma for more than twelve years.

Halima sued the hospital as she care for her son and after a long battle a court in Saudi ruled that the hospital pay the medical victim boy SR 2.4 million (Saudi money) in restitution which the hospital did not honor.

The Ethiopian embassy in Saudi Arabia did give Halima the attention she deserves nor the embassy did try to bring the matter to the attention of Saudi authorities.

Then Nebiyu Sirak,an Ethiopian activists based in Saudi Arabia, stepped in to help out and organized an online campaign seeking justice to Mohamed, he calls him blatenaw. His campaign became a success in that it got the attention of Abiy Ahmed’s administration.

When the new prime minister visited Saudi Arabia last month, he raised the matter to the Saudi prince who ordered the authorities to pay the victim boy SR 3 million( adding SR 600,000). Abiy made changes to the Ethiopian Embassy in Saudi Arabia soon after his return to Ethiopia ; Ethiopian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia was removed.

Abiy Ahmed personally went to the Saudi hospital to comfort Halima. He promised her to return the boy to Ethiopia.

And it happened.

Amir Aman, Minister Health for the Federal Government of Ethiopia, tweeted :

Mohammed Abdulaziz and his mother Mrs. Halima Muzeyen have finally returned back home safe. Mohammed has been admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital & will receive care at the Intensive Care Unit. Mohammed and Halima are indeed brave fighters, and I wish them the very best! pic.twitter.com/HscylHJ1Pt

— Amir Aman, MD (@amirabiy) June 8, 2018

The boy is to receive care at St.Paul Hospital intensive care unit in the capital Addis Ababa. The arrival of the boy in Ethiopia elated those who were campaigning to demand justice when the authorities did not give it attention.

Nebiyu Sirak, who was relentlessly organizing campaigns, wrote in his social media page that he was in tears out of joy that the goal to get justice done to Mohammed was done.



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The post Medical error victim boy returned to Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 10, 2018

In a joint press conference with Egyptian president Abdul Fetah al-Sisi, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed said, in Amharic, that he held an in-depth discussion with his Egyptian counterpart on bilateral and regional issues.

In what seems to be an effort to address the concerns of Egyptian regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam, Abiy Ahmed said “What I want to tell the people of Egypt is that we Ethiopians know the value of spirit of brotherhood and neighborhood and we are God-fearing people, and we will never harm the people of Egypt”

Video source: Social media
Cover photo: screenshot from the video

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The post “We will never harm the people of Egypt”, Abiy Ahmed appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 11,2018

Thirty-two Ethiopian prisoners who were released from prisons in Egypt after prime minister Abiy Ahmed negotiated their release with Egyptian president Abdul Fetah al Sisi. The prime minister seemingly decided to return them to Ethiopia with him boarding the same Ethiopia Airlines plane.

His action and decisiveness has touched, it is possible to say from prevalent remarks on social media, the hearts of Ethiopians in a good way. Ethiopians seem to feel, although much remains to be done, that they now have a prime minister who cares about Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

Many of the prisoners says that they didn’t expect that his would happen. They emotionally recount their experiences in Egyptian prisoners. Watch the video below (Amharic)

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)



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The post Ethiopian prisoners freed from Egypt recount their experiences emotionally appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 15,2018

Prime minister Abiy Ahmed seemingly had a busy schedule today in the capital Addis Ababa as he was hosting United Arab Emirates’ crown prince,Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was even driving the prince from Bole International Airport to IT project center in Bole mini locality. Yet, he managed to spare time to convey message to Ethiopians on the occasion of Eid al Fitr.

In the ten minutes message, Abiy Ahmed updated Ethiopians about financial agreement with the government of United Arab Emirates. The middle Eastern country is to spend US $2 billion in FDI and another $US 1 billion in financial aid to Ethiopia to help tackle foreign currency shortage which has been reportedly pushed the government along the line of adopting reforms to privatize public enterprises.

The prime minister also talked about ethnic based clashes in Hawassa, Welkite and Sodo in the past three days. While acknowledging constitutionality of right to demand government to make changes to administrative arrangement, he reminded the people that resorting to violence as a means to achieve that goal will not benefit anyone in the end.

He was also bold and explicit enough inform Ethiopians that there are forces that will not hesitate to bring about violence among Ethiopians so to pursue their own selfish motive and that people need to be cautious about it as they might be orchestrating the violence insidiously. Noting the death of civilians and destruction of property, he emphasized that Ethiopians have a constitutional right to live and work anywhere in Ethiopia and that the administrative lines between regions are not borders. He announced his governments plan to establish a commission to study matters pertaining to disputes between “borders.”

Abiy also unveiled plan to travel next week to the towns and cities that experienced violence in the last three days and hold discussion with residents, and called on citizens and law enforcement bodies to protect life and property of citizens. Watch the video below (Amharic).

Video credit : Ethiopian State media
Cover photo : Screenshot from Video



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The post PM Abiy Ahmed addressed Ethiopians on the occasion of Eid al Fitr appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 20,2018

The political ideology that the Ethiopian regime under TPLF followed for the last 27 years is now bringing about havoc to the country. Ethiopians who have intermarried and lived together for ages are now fighting each other. Dozens of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in the last three weeks alone in the parts of Southern Ethiopia. And it seems that the conflict was somehow orchestrated.

Prime minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to parts of southern region where there was conflict (namely Hawassa, Sodo and Wolkite) and held discussion with residents.

He called on authorities on zone and district level who were involved in the violence, through action or inaction, to resign.

In a televised message from Wolkite, prime minister Abiy took time to thank Eritrean president Isayas Afeworki for what he described as good news during the celebration of Eritrea’s Martyrs day. He was referring to the president’s decision to send delegation to Ethiopia. Abiy said that it is with a great pleasure that he received the good news on the historic day of Martyrs – commemoration of combatants who died for their cause.

Video credit : EBC
Cover photo : screenshot from video



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The post PM Abiy Ahmed thanks President Isayas Afeworki in Tigrigna appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 23,2018

In a rally organized to express gratitude to the leadership of Abiy Ahmed for what his administration has achieved since coming to power three months ago, the prime minister stated that his team will not be complacent about what they have done but work hard around the clock to bring about change.

The prime minister also emphasized that change is something that needs the participation of all and that Ethiopians not be bystander to the process.

He stressed message of love and forgiveness and called on Ethiopians to stop displacing Ethiopians “their respective region.” And his administration decided to commemorate June 23 as “a National Day of Love, Forgiveness and Togetherness.”

The decision came following a grenade attack during the event at Mesqel Square which left well over hundred people injured, six of them critically, and one person dead, as confirmed by sources from the ministry of health.

Despite what happened, his message of love and unity has brought about optimism among Ethiopians that the future is bright for Ethiopians.

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The post Abiy Ahmed speech at Mesqel Square in Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 23,2018

Ethiopian government designated June 23 as Day of Love, says a report by regional media – Oromo Broadcasting Network.

The decision came a day after what is said to be unprecedented rally in the recent history of Ethiopia which was organized to express gratitude and demonstrate support for Ethiopia’s new prime minister and his colleagues in the government for what they have achieved since the election of Abiy Ahmed in April of this year.

Abiy Ahmed’s seemingly conciliatory leadership focusing on conflict resolution and unifying the country has earned a respect among millions of Ethiopians.

An estimated four million people attended the event which was marred later when grenade attack hit close to the stage where Prime minister Abiy was speaking from. The event left about 155 people wounded and at least six of them are said to be life threatening. So far, two people are confirmed dead.

This morning government announced that the number of suspects under police custody reached 30. Ironically, deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa police and eight other authorities of Federal police are detained suspected of creating security gaps that enabled the attack to happen.

Video credit : OBN

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The post Ethiopian government named June 23 Day of Love appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 24,2018

For the last three years, if not longer, Gonder has been protesting against government but the rally organized yesterday was rather in support of government.

Residents of the city took to the street to demonstrate support for the government of Abiy Ahmed.

Video source : SM
Cover photo: screenshot from video



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The post Gondar rally in support of Abiy Ahmed administration appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 25,2018

Shieferaw Shigute announced today that he is resigning as chairman of Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM).

He tendered his resignation letter to the central committee of the organization which is undertaking an emergency meeting and it is confirmed that the central committee accepted his request to resign. Shiferaw is also resigning from the executive committee of the organization but vowed to struggle from within the central committee.

Shiferaw Shigute was elevated as chairman of SEPDM following the resignation of former prime minister Hailemariam Desalegne in the run to chairmanship position of the ruling coalition, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The practice in the ruling coalition is that whoever becomes chairman of the ruling coalition becomes prime minister. Shiferaw was TPLF favorite during the election within the ruling coalition but lost the election to Abiy Ahmed who turned out to be a popular reformist leader.

Why Shiferaw resigned

Shiferaw said he resigned in support of the reform measures in the country which needs, in his words, new leadership.

However, he could not hide that his resignation has also something to do with the recent ethnic based violence in the region which claimed at least fifteen civilians while hundreds more sustained wounds. Tens of thousands of people were also displaced. And he resigned, he says, because the violence happened during his leadership. He stated that ethnic violence happened not only in the administrative structure but also descended to the population as well.

There seem to be a belief among Ethiopians that Shiferaw Shigute plotted with TPLF leaders to manufacture the conflict in the region he was leading – Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region.

Video credit : EBC
Cover photo : screenshot from video



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The post TPLF loyalist Shieferaw Shigute resigns as chairman of SEPDM appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 28,2018

Washington DC had been hell for Ethiopian government politicians for many years as it is a stronghold of Ethiopian opposition in the diaspora. Now, that seems to be changing.

This time Ethiopians in Washington DC rather organized a big rally in support of reform measures of prime minister Abiy Ahmed and his leadership. The video of the rally is aired on Ethiopian State television.

At the height of the struggle against TPLF dominated, Ethiopians even called on remittance embargo which is believed to have denied the government an estimated $3-4 billion. And Ethiopians in Washington DC have been motors of campigns like these.
Now, Ethiopians are calling off the embargo as a show of support for the new prime minister.

The prime minister is expected to travel to Washington sometime in August and will hold talks with Ethiopians

Video credit : EBC



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The post Ethiopians in Washington DC turn from foe to an ally of the Ethiopian government appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
June 29,2018

Oromo regional state president Lemma Megersa visited today victims of grenade attack, at Tirku Anbessa Hospital, during a rally organized to show support to prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration on June 23,2018.

“What happened to our compatriots is saddening and heart rending” said Lemma Megersa. He added, “It is hard to imagine a sane man would carry out such an attack on innocent civilians who were peacefully demonstrating.”

Yet, he emphasized that it always take sacrifice to bring about change and the victims will always be remembered for their scarifies. Lemma Megersa, arguably one of the most popular politician in the country, vowed that Ethiopians will carry on working for change in unity now and in the future.

Lemma also donated blood in support of victims of the attack. High ranking federal and regional authorities including prime minister Abiy Ahmed and president Mulatu Teshome visited victims of the attack last week. And they all have condemned the attack. Over 30 suspects are in custody in connection with the attack including deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa police commission,Girma Kassa.

Video credit : EBC



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The post Lemma Megersa :”What happened to our compatriot is saddening” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.