borkena
September 18,2018

The massacre of innocent Ethiopians in Burayu has caused not just grief but also concern among millions of Ethiopians.

Mekonnen Habteghiorgis Birru was apparently born and raised in Addis Ababa from an Oromo family but he rather prefer to identify himself as Ethiopian.

He seem to be angered by opposition leaders like Bekele Gerba (secretary of Oromo Federalist Congress) for instigating ethnic based sensationalism.

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The post “I want to be identified as an Ethiopian, not as an Oromo” says Mekonnen appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

bokena
September 19,2018

This past weekend dozens of Gamo people were killed and thousands displaced from Burayu region, in oromo region of Ethiopia outside the capital, in what appeared to be an ethnic cleansing move.

As youth groups in Arba Minch,Gamo Gofa, in South Western part of Ethiopia made a move to retaliate the attack targeting Oromo business, Gamo elders intervened holding freshly cut grass on their hands and kneeling down to beg the youth not to attack Oromos. And the averted violence.

While Ethiopians are moved by the wisdom of Gamo elders, they seem to be noticing such a wisdom is consumed by ethnic politics in many other parts of Ethiopia.

Video source : Social Media
Credit : Akids Empire Entertainment



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The post Gamo elders intervention to avert retaliation got Ethiopians talking appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
September 29,2018

Ethio-Eritrea war and the twenty years of state of war has brought about much tragedy to many families. Separation was one of them.

Following rapprochement between the two countries since a few months ago, normalization of relation is in full force. People to people relation is reinforced. And families are reuniting.

Getachew Muhye was a member of Ethiopian Defense force of the Air Force Division. He was in Eritrea during the war against the then Eritrean rebels (Shabiya), now People’s Front for Democracy and Justice which is governing Eritrea under the leadership of president Isayas Afeworki.

As a military officer in Eritrea, he happened to marry a girl from Eritrea, Frewoyni, and happened to have his first daughter Selamawit Getachew in 1990.

When the situation changed in Eritrea following the fall of colonel Mengistu Hailemariam’s government in May 1991, Getachew, along with the rest of the army division he was in, had to live Eritrea and cross to Sudan.

Later, he was able to return to Ethiopia but was unable to reunite with his daughter and wife. “I managed to communicate with them via letter soon after my arrival to Ethiopia. But after the border war, there was no communication,” he told JTV Ethiopia talk show.

His daughter know him only in picture for more than 25 years. She is now married and has one son.

“If you are alive, it has been more than 25 years,I want to meet you and I love you.” Those were the words of Selamawit when JTV Ethiopia, which must be credit for the effort to search and reunite separated families in Ethiopia and Eritrea, asked her as to what she wants to say to her father.

JTV Ethiopia went extra-mile to reunite the families. Selamawit flew to Ethiopia from Eritrea. It was a surprise when she knocked on her father’s door in condominium in Tulu Dimtu, outside of Ethiopia, but with no time theye were both in tears as they were hugging. A very moving experience. Once again credit goes to JTV Ethiopia on this matter.

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The post Ethiopia and Eritrean story : Father-daughter moving reunion after 25 years appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 3,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s speech (in Amharic) during the opening ceremony of EPRDF 11th Congress at Hawassa, in South Ethiopia.

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)



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The post Abiy Ahmed speech at EPRDF 11th Congress in Hawassa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 10,2018

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)

As Ethiopian Special forces,a division of the Ethiopian Defense Force, who were deployed to the Burayu, a town in the western outskirts of Addis Ababa, to control ethnic-based attack against Gamo completed their mission, they wanted to meet the prime minister to discuss matters pertaining to benefits and pay before they proceeded to their designated military camps.

And they were armed, according to a report by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, and they marched to the state house. They are said to be about 240 in number.

From the report, meeting with the special forces didn’t seem to be in the calendar of the Abiy Ahmed. “I had a meeting and I did not know what was happening,” said Abiy Ahmed.

The situation has in fact caused speculation as it was reported in social media differently ; in a making it seem like a mutiny -which is far from what really happened based on a report by government media outlets.

Members of the special fores wanted to share what they believe is grievances regarding pay and benefits.

The Prime Minister paraphrased their demands as follows; “We would like arrangements which could enable us lead our lives in a durable manner.”

The special forces also reportedly pointed out what they say are administrative gaps (including corruption) within defense force.

The Prime Minister is cited by EBC as saying that government will address the questions durably based on studies.

Because the prime minister had to cancel his scheduled work, it seems like he wanted to make them pay for it by ordering them to do push ups with him. That way he seem to have managed to make his encounter with the special forces fun and memorable.

But the prime minister might need to remember their demands and the way they reportedly showed up at at the state house too.



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The post PM Abiy Ahmed doing push ups with special forces who demand better pay appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 14,2018

Ginbot 7 movement leaders received warm reception in Adama (Nazret) in Oromo regional state of Ethiopia on Saturday last week. Thousands of supporters of the party turned out to the stadium in the city carrying historical flag.

The party aims to hold another rally in Arbaminch in the near future, according to a report by Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT)

It is to be recalled that the movement had its rally in Debre Berhan, just about 120 kilometers north of the capital Addis Ababa,last week.

Video credit : ESAT



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The post Ginbot 7 gets warm reception in Adama, Oromo region of Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 18,2018

In his parliamentary appearance today, prime minister Abiy Ahmed says that the intention of special forces who marched to the palace armed was dangerous. Watch the video below (in Amharic).

Video Credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation



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The post Abiy : Military march to palace was intended to abort the reform appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 21,2018

Ginbot 7, an opposition movement with a pan-Ethiopian political agenda and structure, leaders had a meeting with residents of Wolkitie,about 150 kilometers to the South West of the capital Addis Ababa.

Berhanu Nega,the leader of the organization, made a speech in which he emphasized the dangers of ethnic politics.

The movement had similar meetings in Bahir Dar, Gonder, Dessie, Debre Birhan and Adama, among others. It has also plan to organize similar meetings in Arbaminch and Hawassa in Southern Ethiopia.

The party’s plan to carry out a meeting in Harar,South Eastern Ethiopia, does not seem to work as it is reportedly denied permission from the authorities in the city.

Video credit: ESAT



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The post Ginbot 7 held a meeting with residents of Wolkite in central Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 30,2018

Prime Minister Abiy met some Ethiopians today in Frankfurt’s Brandenburg square as get a break from a meeting.

Video Credit : DW Amharic



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The post Abiy Ahmed met Ethiopians in Frankfurt appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 30,2018

That is how German Chancellor Angela Merkel greeted Abiy Ahmed and his entourage as they arrive at her office.

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)
Cover photo : Screenshot from EBC video



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The post How Angela Merkel greeted Abiy Ahmed and his entourage appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 31,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s speech to Ethiopians in Frankfurt. Ethiopians came from across Europe to attend the meeting with Abiy.

Video Credit : DW Amharic



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The post Abiy Ahmed speech to Ethiopians in Frankfurt appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
November 6,2018

Dr. Tsegemariam, as she is introduced, is an American citizen whose father is from Jamaica.

In her appearance on Seifu show, she said that she lived in Ethiopia for three years twenty years ago. She came back only one year ago, and this time with her son, Joshua, whose Christian name is, as in the tradition of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Betreselassie.

From what she told to Seifu, she seemed to be very fascinated about Ethiopian history, culture and the Ethiopian Churc

“Ethiopian culture is wealth,” she told the talk show host, Seifu who was unable to get her to talk more about it. It would have been a lesson for those of us who tend to overlook the relevance of culture in all its forms.

And she noticed very well that the generation is rather pursuing western culture including in dressing style. She likes the traditional Ethiopian cloth and she even went to the extent of calling for a traditional cloth day.

Her strong interest in Geez language is very visible as she was trying to recite spiritual geez lesson. And she thinks that “everyone’s soul speaks geez as it is a language of God.”

Her begna playing skill is truly astonishing too. Watch the following three parts interview (in Amharic) with Seifu.

Part II
Part III

Cover photo : Screenshot from Seifu show video


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The post Jamaican American’s astonishing Begena play and geez language skill appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
November 8,2018

Bertukan Mideksa returned to Ethiopia yesterday after seven years in the United States. Youth from Ferensay Legasion neighborhood in the capital Addis Ababa organized a very warm red carpet reception to a woman many Ethiopians looked up for inspiration when she was fighting for democracy and human rights in the country before she left the country.

“I am very happy,” said Birtukan.

Her emotion laden humble speech to the crowed that showed up in her mom’s place was touching. And the video of it was in circulation on social media. Take a look below.

Video : from Social Media



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The post Birtukan Mideksa’s touching emotion laden speech as she returns after seven years appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 3,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s speech (in Amharic) during the opening ceremony of EPRDF 11th Congress at Hawassa, in South Ethiopia.

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Abiy Ahmed speech at EPRDF 11th Congress in Hawassa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 10,2018

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)

As Ethiopian Special forces,a division of the Ethiopian Defense Force, who were deployed to the Burayu, a town in the western outskirts of Addis Ababa, to control ethnic-based attack against Gamo completed their mission, they wanted to meet the prime minister to discuss matters pertaining to benefits and pay before they proceeded to their designated military camps.

And they were armed, according to a report by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, and they marched to the state house. They are said to be about 240 in number.

From the report, meeting with the special forces didn’t seem to be in the calendar of the Abiy Ahmed. “I had a meeting and I did not know what was happening,” said Abiy Ahmed.

The situation has in fact caused speculation as it was reported in social media differently ; in a making it seem like a mutiny -which is far from what really happened based on a report by government media outlets.

Members of the special fores wanted to share what they believe is grievances regarding pay and benefits.

The Prime Minister paraphrased their demands as follows; “We would like arrangements which could enable us lead our lives in a durable manner.”

The special forces also reportedly pointed out what they say are administrative gaps (including corruption) within defense force.

The Prime Minister is cited by EBC as saying that government will address the questions durably based on studies.

Because the prime minister had to cancel his scheduled work, it seems like he wanted to make them pay for it by ordering them to do push ups with him. That way he seem to have managed to make his encounter with the special forces fun and memorable.

But the prime minister might need to remember their demands and the way they reportedly showed up at at the state house too.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post PM Abiy Ahmed doing push ups with special forces who demand better pay appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 14,2018

Ginbot 7 movement leaders received warm reception in Adama (Nazret) in Oromo regional state of Ethiopia on Saturday last week. Thousands of supporters of the party turned out to the stadium in the city carrying historical flag.

The party aims to hold another rally in Arbaminch in the near future, according to a report by Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT)

It is to be recalled that the movement had its rally in Debre Berhan, just about 120 kilometers north of the capital Addis Ababa,last week.

Video credit : ESAT



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ginbot 7 gets warm reception in Adama, Oromo region of Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 18,2018

In his parliamentary appearance today, prime minister Abiy Ahmed says that the intention of special forces who marched to the palace armed was dangerous. Watch the video below (in Amharic).

Video Credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Abiy : Military march to palace was intended to abort the reform appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 21,2018

Ginbot 7, an opposition movement with a pan-Ethiopian political agenda and structure, leaders had a meeting with residents of Wolkitie,about 150 kilometers to the South West of the capital Addis Ababa.

Berhanu Nega,the leader of the organization, made a speech in which he emphasized the dangers of ethnic politics.

The movement had similar meetings in Bahir Dar, Gonder, Dessie, Debre Birhan and Adama, among others. It has also plan to organize similar meetings in Arbaminch and Hawassa in Southern Ethiopia.

The party’s plan to carry out a meeting in Harar,South Eastern Ethiopia, does not seem to work as it is reportedly denied permission from the authorities in the city.

Video credit: ESAT



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ginbot 7 held a meeting with residents of Wolkite in central Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 3,2018

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s speech (in Amharic) during the opening ceremony of EPRDF 11th Congress at Hawassa, in South Ethiopia.

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Abiy Ahmed speech at EPRDF 11th Congress in Hawassa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 10,2018

Video credit : Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)

As Ethiopian Special forces,a division of the Ethiopian Defense Force, who were deployed to the Burayu, a town in the western outskirts of Addis Ababa, to control ethnic-based attack against Gamo completed their mission, they wanted to meet the prime minister to discuss matters pertaining to benefits and pay before they proceeded to their designated military camps.

And they were armed, according to a report by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, and they marched to the state house. They are said to be about 240 in number.

From the report, meeting with the special forces didn’t seem to be in the calendar of the Abiy Ahmed. “I had a meeting and I did not know what was happening,” said Abiy Ahmed.

The situation has in fact caused speculation as it was reported in social media differently ; in a making it seem like a mutiny -which is far from what really happened based on a report by government media outlets.

Members of the special fores wanted to share what they believe is grievances regarding pay and benefits.

The Prime Minister paraphrased their demands as follows; “We would like arrangements which could enable us lead our lives in a durable manner.”

The special forces also reportedly pointed out what they say are administrative gaps (including corruption) within defense force.

The Prime Minister is cited by EBC as saying that government will address the questions durably based on studies.

Because the prime minister had to cancel his scheduled work, it seems like he wanted to make them pay for it by ordering them to do push ups with him. That way he seem to have managed to make his encounter with the special forces fun and memorable.

But the prime minister might need to remember their demands and the way they reportedly showed up at at the state house too.



Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post PM Abiy Ahmed doing push ups with special forces who demand better pay appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.