Addis Ababa: Support being provided to refugees sheltered in Ethiopia by the international aid agencies is inadequate, according to Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service. Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees of various countries; Deputy Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Mulualem Desta told ENA urging the international community to provide the necessary basic provisions to the refugees as the issues of refugees require collective responsibilities. He said Ethiopia has been discharging its responsibilities by receiving refugees, registering and providing them with the necessary shelters, among other vital services. Ethiopia has also been helping the refugees by engaging them in various development activities including irrigation schemes in collaboration with the hosting communities, Mulualem added. Furthermore, the Deputy Director General pointed out that successful refugees and host communities joint development projects are being carried out in seven camps located across the country. He said Ethiopia has also issued work and residence permits to more than 16,000 refugees over the past three months alone. However, the support being provided to the refugees by the international aid agencies have currently been dwindling, he indicated. Mulualem pointed out the pressure created due to lack of humanitarian aid citing the huge emergency relief gap being witnessed to the more than 42,000 Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia through Metema and kumruk. Hence, he urged the international aid agencies to provide sustainable support to the refugees with a view to ensuring their human rights by helping them receive basic provisions. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Day: December 25, 2023
Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his Merry Christmas wishes for all international friends of Ethiopia and the global community at large. In his Christmas message, the premier wishes for all international friends of Ethiopia, Ethiopians in the Diaspora and the global community at large celebrating today. PM Abiy said on social media that 'I extend my well wishes for a joyous Merry Christmas and holiday season.' Christmas is celebrated on December 25th most parts of the globe to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Addis Ababa: The reform measures being carried out with a view to properly utilize Ethiopia's tourism potentials have been contributing to bring inclusive national growth in the country, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said. The 'Elephant Paw Lodge', a cluster of Chebera Churchura National Park inaugurated last week by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The lodge is part of the premier's tourism destination projects being constructed in the country through the 'Dine for Nation' initiative. Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, a world-class national park, is part of the Koysha project located in South West Ethiopia Region. The park harbors the endangered African elephant species, as well as buffalo, wild boar, deer, and antelope, among other animals. The Koysha Project plays a pivotal role in developing the region's tourism environment. The government of Ethiopia has been taking several moves to enable the tourism sector as a catalyst to play its proper role for Ethiopia's inclusive economic g rowth. Proper identification and development of the country's tourism resources, reinforcing the infrastructure of tourism destinations and building more new infrastructures have become the focus of the government. Particularly, the measures taken over the past few years in this regard has brought significant achievement as the sector has been prioritized as one of the five pillars in the Home Grown Economic Reform. Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said Ethiopia is a country, known for its rich in natural, historical, stunning landscapes and cultural tourism resources. However, she elaborated that the country was not able to benefit from its abundant resources of the sector. The tourism resource of most of the African countries, including neighboring countries is limited compared to Ethiopia, the minister said. However, she added that they are much better than Ethiopia in utilizing the limited available tourism resources. According to Fitsum, in its economic reform agenda, the governme nt has given the utmost priority for strengthening the tourism development considering its contribution to generate high income at the macro-economic level and potential in foreign currency revenues. The minister also mentioned about the pivotal role the sector plays to expediting the overall economic growth and ensuring significantly to inclusive national development. Tourism is also instrumental to ensure the benefits of communities as the sector expands infrastructure works around the destinations and creates job opportunities. Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, which is part of the 'Dine for the Nation' project, demonstrates the fact that the tourism development activity of the country is stimulating, Fitsum added. This will help to attain the target of tourism development set by the government by encouraging the private sector engaged in the sector to broaden their horizons , she underlined. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Addis Ababa: Neighboring countries should view Ethiopia's quest to access to sea as a means for sustainable security and robust economic development of the region, Addis Ababa University Interim President, Samuel Kifle said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Samuel said that Ethiopia's quest for access to international sea and ports is a life-long question in its history, civilization, nation formation and state building. Ethiopia's economy is one of the largest in Africa and of course the first in east Africa, he said and added 'we have huge population and young population growing at fast rate; and this implies that we need to have a robust economic growth where ports play critical role not just for the economy but also for the sustainable security of the region,' Samuel elaborated. Access to the sea affects Ethiopia's economy and security, he stated, and pointed out that the issue is critical concept that intellectuals have to have a discussion on and do intellectual discourse explaining why Ethiopia i s asking for port development. The Interim President emphasized Ethiopia's access to the international sea fosters regional integration based on shared interests. 'Our quest is about equity, about fairness, about moral issue that we continue to supply fresh water to our brothers but our brother's keep us away from ports is not a fair issue. They have to view it as a quest for a cooperative development, a quest for sustainable peace in the region, a quest for robust economic growth. This is a quest for justice as well and our brothers and sisters in neighboring countries have to view the question from this point of view,' Samuel elaborated. People in Ethiopia share similar culture, language and faith with peoples in Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan, he said, and stressed 'but Ethiopia being one of the suppliers of fresh water from all its rivers except Awash River is not getting any water from anyone else. Furthermore, the interim president pointed out that all our rivers are crossing borders t o our brothers even though Ethiopia gets no drop of water that comes from Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan or South Sudan. 'We are not asking for using somebody's port; we are asking a real access that is owned and operated by Ethiopians. Historically, we used to have it; we lost it due to some historical reasons and this is time to reclaim a historical right of Ethiopia to a port. And that port has to be negotiated, secured and has to be linked to what Ethiopia aims to have as a prosperous nation and for regional integration-- as one of the ultimate objectives we have to achieve,' Interim President Samuel. Various intellectual and academia discussions are taking place on Ethiopia's legitimate quest for access to sea based on international law. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Addis Ababa: Tourism Minister Nasise Chali said Dine for Nation Projects have been helping the country to attract tourists by retrieving inaccessible tourism resources that were not providing the desired economic benefits due to a lack of infrastructures. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Dine for Nation projects are aimed at transforming untapped national treasures into economic engines for the benefit of local communities and the country. This aim has started to bear fruits on Saturday with the Premier's inauguration of the Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, a Dine for Nation project that breathes new life into the Chebera Churchura National Park, which was largely inaccessible for tourists due to lack of infrastructure and amenities, denying nearby communities the economic benefits it could offer. This project tackled these hurdles head-on, constructing vital infrastructures, making it accessible and desirable for tourists. During the official inauguration and opening of the lodge, Tourism Minister Nasise Chali said Ethiopia has endless tourism attractions hidden in all directions. The country is blessed with natural resources in terms of history, culture, attractive landscape, diverse species of wild animals, hot springs and waterfalls, she pointed out. Recalling that there were, however, gaps in utilizing these untapped resources, the minister stated that the reform implemented over the past five years has given prior attention to the tourism sector resulting in the development of various tourist destinations. Accordingly, the government has been developing tourist destinations such as Koisha, Gorgora and Wenchi as part of the Dine for Nation initiative, Nasise pointed out. According to her, although Southwestern Ethiopia is an area endowed with many natural resources, it was not preferred by visitors due to lack of infrastructure development. Chebera Churchura National Park located in this area was, for example, not a tourist destination due to lack of infrastructure, the minister said. According to her, various infrastructures, including roads developed under the Dine for Nation initiative played significant role in making these inaccessible areas become tourist destinations. Various tourism destinations are also being built across the country under the Dine for Generation Project, the minister mentioned, adding that these projects will play a significant role in promoting Ethiopia's tourism resources. For her, Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge is a unique destination that has been modernized and blended with nature. This modernized haven for nature lovers marks a triumphant milestone in Ethiopia's ambitious Dine for Nation initiative, proving that even the most remote corners can blossom into thriving tourist destinations. Dine for Nation ensures local participation in every step, from construction to hospitality, creating jobs and injecting much-needed income into the region and the country while also empowering communities to become stewards of their own heritage, fostering a sens e of ownership and responsibility for the project's success. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
By Biwah Bryan As the year comes to a close, it's a perfect time to reflect on the highs and lows of the sports world. From the triumphant moments of record-breaking performances and unexpected victories to the challenges of suspensions, injuries and cancelled events, it's been a rollercoaster ride for athletes, fans and everyone involved in the sporting industry. Yet amidst all the ups and downs, one thing remains constant - the passion and dedication of those who live and breathe sports. Athletes who push themselves to the limits, coaches and trainers who tirelessly support them, journalists and commentators who bring us the latest news and insights, and of course, the fans who cheer from the sidelines or behind the screens. This year has shown us that the power of sports goes beyond just entertainment. It has brought communities together, raised awareness for important causes, and provided a much-needed source of resilience and hope in challenging times. From the Olympics and Paralympics, to the return of live events and the emergence of new talents, we have much to be proud of and grateful for. So as we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember the impact that sports has on our lives, and the importance of supporting and uplifting each other. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual fan, let's continue to show the world what it truly means to be a sports enthusiast - one who embodies perseverance, teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. On behalf of Cameroon News Agency Sports, we'd like to extend our warmest wishes to all our readers and sports fans around the world. May your Christmas be filled with love, joy and plenty of sporty moments to cherish. Stay safe, stay healthy, and let's look forward to an even brighter year ahead! Source: Cameroon News Agency
By Biwah Bryan Coton Sport of Garoua suffered their first home defeat and second loss of the season after being defeated 0-1 by visiting Fauve Azur. Eba Tchebegna scored the only goal of the game with a well-placed curling shot in the 38th minute, securing the win for Fauve Azur. Bamboutos vs Union Bamboutos FC of Mbouda dominated Union Douala with a 3-0 victory at the Mbouda Municipal stadium. Sampson Kwassi, Manuel Joseph Mbollo and Stephane Kaiba each scored a goal, leading Bamboutos FC to victory and helping them rise from their two previous losses against PWD and Gazelle. Cheson Loibinho former Foncha Street FC player, scored the decisive goal in a hard-fought match which saw Yong Sport defeat Avion Academy 1-0 at the Mbappe Leppe Stadium in Douala. This win was a result of Loibinho's efforts and contributed to the Yellow Submarines' victorious performance. Canon maintained their unbeaten streak in six games with a 2-0 victory over Gazelle, securing their second spot in pool A, while Gazelle dropp ed from third to fourth place. Dynamo of Douala remains on top of pool A with a four-point lead after a goal From Leonel Ateba gave them a 1-0 triumph over Aigle. Fovu of Baham and UMS could not be separated in a goalless draw, but UMS remains unbeaten in their last five games. Despite being at the bottom of the table, Fortuna secured their first win in their last ten games with a 2-1 victory over Astres. Victoria United beat Stade Renard 2-1 to remain unbeaten in their last 6 league games. PWD of bamenda outplayed Colombe sportive with a 2-0 win in Mbouda Source: Cameroon News Agency
Amid the conflict that started in 2016, health personnel have faced tremendous persecution in line with their duties, but they have never given up fighting to save lives. Though the Konye District Hospital operates in the unrest in Meme Division, the South West region, the staff have braved the odds to keep to their Hippocratic oath, even after suffering a four-year closure. The Chief of the Health District in Konye, Dr Nzozone Henry, summarised this ordeal by saying that 'Konye is a highly insecure zone yet over the past 3 years these staffs have put in their last sweat and blood to ensure the people of Konye receive quality healthcare which is a fundamental human right.' On December 22, 2023, the efforts of the Konye District Health Services Staff were compensated in a prize award ceremony that brought together, traditional rulers, South West regional health officials, administrative and security officers. The Chief of the Health District in Konye, Dr. Nzozone Henry, revealed that the hospital had been in ruins with equipment stolen, and when they reopened in April 2021, they realized there was nothing left to operate with but with concerted efforts, there was a massive turnaround with positive advocacy targetting Government institutions, Councils, NGOs, and well-wishers. 'In June 2021, we secured the donation of an Ultra Modern Autoclave and Oxygen concentrator by the ISLAMIC BANK. In June 2021, we secured material donations from the Konye Municipal Council to 8 facilities in the district worth 35 million FCFA. July 2023 we Installed a solar power system to provide lighting to the Konye District hospital and power all laboratory equipment.' He revealed. Donations also came from the South West Regional Assembly, GAVI, Ministry of Public Health, CERAC Women, and UNICEF among others. The Staff used this equipment and support and changed the status of the hospital from ruins to life! These achievements are the main reasons why the Staff of the Konye District Hospital were awarded prizes for the swift transf ormation of the health institution. 'Recognizing and rewarding the efforts of our staff is essential for maintaining motivation and morale. By presenting these price awards, we aim to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. This recognition will not only encourage our staff to continue striving for excellence but also serve as an inspiration to others in the community. Moreover, acknowledging the achievements of our staff helps to strengthen the bond between the health services and the community. By showcasing the positive impact of their work, we can foster a sense of pride and unity, which is crucial for the continued success of our healthcare services.' The Chief of the Health District in Konye emphasized. Categories Neatest health facility Best facility in timeliness and completeness of reports Most proactive facility in universal health coverage Facility with best data quality for malaria Best chief of center Facility with best data quality for EPI Certificate of recognition M ost dedicated community health worker Most punctual staff District Hospital Konye Most dedicated staff District Hospital Konye Best behaved staff District Hospital Konye Most hardworking staff District Hospital Konye Best health area chairman Best focal point communication While thanking the administration, traditional rulers, the Council, and well-wishers, the Chief of the Health District paid a special tribute to the Staff, adding 'Let us also look forward to the future and the continued growth of our healthcare services. Together, we can ensure that the people of Konye District receive the best possible care, now and in the years to come.' Future projects include: Enroll all targets for Universal health coverage in Konye and further ensure they benefit from all the packages put in place by the State. Advocate for the improvement of human resources, more doctors, more nurses, more midwives Invest in the training and development of our staff to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge t o deliver the best possible care. Advocate for more bikes to cover all remaining 9-health facilities Advocate for infrastructural maintenance of all health facilities Advocate for solar power installations for all health facilities Continuing to collaborate with local and international partners to access the latest medical advancements and technologies. Source: Cameroon News Agency