Ethiopia's government personnel, military personnel and population are under great stress from international activities these days. With a personal interest vested in the country I have decided to look into and learn more about the countries global situation.
I am beginning today with a quick look at the countries that Border Ethiopia and the impact their stability or instability have on Ethiopia.There are currently only 34 countries with travel advisories in the world for Americans. Travel Advisories are released when a country is considered to have conditions that make the country too dangerous or unstable for Americans to consider visiting. Ethiopia is bordered by 3 of these countries.
As you read this consider what impact this nation has on Ethiopia. Remember that Ethiopia's current form of government is only 25 years old, her tax base is the 10th poorest of the world and her current federal police system has been in place for only the past 11 years.
Somalia:
Who isn't confused by Somalia's borders these days? Although we still refer to this region as Somalia, it seems to (as of August 2011) to be comprised of three separate countries (or territories). These three areas have different government control and require different visa's in order to visit them (which as American's we are told not to) although the actual lines of these borders are constantly changing. At this time these areas are called Somaliland, Puntland, and Somalia.
Somalia is now unofficially considered only the most southern part of this land and it is the part most seriously affected by the drought officially recognized by the UN last month. This is the only location where the UN has officially declared a Famine. Much of the famine stricken area borders Kenya. A small portion of the affected area borders south eastern Ethiopia.
Some are confused by this and many are saying there is a "famine" in Ethiopia and Kenya. So why hasn't it been declared as well? In 2005 the UN created an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system (IPC). This classification system now exists because there was a need to identify how to allocate resources. This newer system is why Somalia has been defined as being in a famine and why Ethiopia and Kenya has not.This is not to say there is no hunger in Kenya and Ethiopia. I've found that Ethiopia and Kenya are determined to be between levels 3 and 4 depending on where you are located in the respective countries. The most heavily affected areas of Somalia are classified as a 5. Southern Ethiopia that touches Somalia is considered a level 4. Please refer to the above link to best understand this.
The town most affected in Southern Ethiopia is Dolo Odo. This is the location you will find one of the largest Somali refugee camp. In February of 2007, Save the Children reported finding malnutrition in Dolo Oden and Dolo bay woredas of Ethopia's Somali region. According to GOAL-there are 1,400-2,000 refugees arriving into the 4 camp zones located in Dolo Oden with over 54,000 arriving in 2011alone so far. Combined the current population as of August 2011 indicates that Dolo Oden is sheltering 101,315 refugees. Americans are requested to not visit Somalia or this area unless working for an aid agency at this time.
The Ethiopian military is providing security and safety to the additional Aid individuals coming into Ethiopia because access to Somalia is restricted. In the capital, the federal government resources are being requested to manage the streets during meetings drastically affecting the individual owning a taxi or car's ability to get to work or to manage their own lives. When the federal government is utilized it costs Ethiopian citizens money.
Kenya:
Ethiopia and Kenya have a friendly relationship since 1954. They have supported each other in their efforts to increase peace in Somalia and Sudan. Aid agencies work in both countries and the countries meet often to maintain this friendly relationship. Kenya's entire Northeastern border abuts the famine stricken region of Somalia. There are some travel restrictions and safety concerns for individuals travelling into
North Eastern Kenya due to the affect Somalian unrest is having on this part of the Kenyan border.
Djibouti:
Djibouti has a stable government and is open to tourists. The borders of the country are poorly controlled and there have been recent acts of violence coming from Eritrea and Somalia and going through Djbouti to Ethiopia and acts of piracy at the Djibouti port affecting foreign aid delivery. Djibouti is Ethiopia's prime link to the sea since Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia. It's relationship with Ethiopia is stable at this time. Instabilities in Ethiopia and Somalia have been known to cause floods of refuges to Djibouti in the past.
Eritrea:
Eritrea was linked with attempting to bomb the African Union office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January, 2011 during AU Summit. A summit that hosts more than 30 African Leaders. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi declaired in April that it would support guerrilas fighting to overthrow Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki. The UN has enacted an arms embargo, travel bans and an asset freeze on the political leaders of Eritrea. It is said and largely supported by documentation that Eritrea is actively recruiting and supporting Child Soldiers.
Ethiopia has been in conflict with Eritrea for many years and for many reasons. Besides January's bombing attempt, they have had a large number of Ethiopian soldiers deployed along the Eritrean and Ethiopia border since the 2010 Eritrean-Ethiopian border skirmish.
What effect does this have on Ethiopia? According to some - Eritrea is the largest refugee producing country in the world as of March of 2011. Although many countries are supporting Eritrea's refugees, Ethiopia is currently hosting and supporting approximately 61,000 of them at this time with another 1300-1600 arriving monthly. These refugees are mostly unaccompanied youth.
There seems no end to the conflicts and disputes between Eritrea and Ethiopia. If you want to read more on this subject see the reference links at the bottom of the Wikipedia reference to the Eritrean-Ethiopian War .
American's are requested to not visit Eritrea at this time.
There are a couple of refugee camps being run by the government and Non-profit agencies assisting these refugees. Refugees cannot work and require much support. Violence is common in these camps and police presence is required. I have been told by local Ethiopians that there are many additional refugees illegally working and living in Addis Ababa. These individuals often do not pay taxes or get proper licenses for their businesses for fear of being found out.
Sudan and South Sudan :
The relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia in recent years has been tumultuous. There has been violence on the border between Gambella and Sudan for many years. Sudan itself can be a little confusing to talk about as the South part of the country succeeded from the north in July of 2011 and South Sudan is still 2 days away from being a nation that is a month old as I write this.
There is much conflict between the North and the Southern Sudanese nations as one would imagine thus further affecting ones safety on the Ethiopian/Sudan border. In Sudan, we have an oil rich south, but the only only pipeline and refinery belongs to the north. There is also an ongoing dispute regarding what will be the official border of the a countries. Northern Sudan seems to be rife with challenges. It is documented that they currently bombing the Nuba Mountains, continuing to support Northern Sudan militia in Southern Sudan, and are continuing their operations in Dafur.
Many of the negotiations between these two countries and African discussions regarding these two countries have been occurring in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, South Sudan is currently denying accusations by Ethiopia that a home is being built in this newly formed country for the exiled former President of Ethiopia, Mr. Mengistu Hailemariam. Americans are requested to not visit either Sudan or Southern Sudan at this time.
Egypt:
Although Egypt is not a bordering nation of Ethiopia it is currently in conflict with Ethiopia because of
the Dam project announced in March of 2011. Egypt is staunchly opposed to the building of this dam and refer to a treaty called the British Nile water agreement drawn up by the British in 1929 that provides a right of Veto to any projects that affect the flow of the Nile's water to Egypt and Sudan. It also includes that Egypt has guaranteed access to 55.5bn cubic meters of water out of the 84bn cubic meters the river provides.
Egypt's leadership is now campaigning to block any provisions of loans and grants to Ethiopia for the development of any project centered on the Nile. Egypt is also against Tanzania's plan to build a pipeline from Lake Victoria to support the arid towns and villages of north-west Tanzania. Due to the Nile disputes at this time many people are concerned over a potential conflict developing in East Africa over the control of the Nile waters.
I was privileged to have been in a cafe in Ethiopia when Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced that Ethiopia was moving forward with the planned Nile Dam project. When ETV (ethiopian's primary news source) first showed the news you heard an unusual silence in the cafes... then a loud cheering sound and clapping occurred. Even though I could not understand what was being said on the Television above my head- I felt the crouds enthusiasm, pride and instant concern. The news was immediately interpreted to me which I was extremely grateful for when I felt the tension. Although much of the country was concerned instantly over the potential implications in their relationship with Egypt you could feel the pride in their country and the enthusiasm continued to be contagious throughout March and into early April when Meles Zenawi placed the corner stone of the dam.
References:
http://www.irinnews.org
http://travel.state.gov
http://www.un.org
http://www.globalmarch.org
http://www.ntz.info
http://www.somaliareport.com
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/regional/files/east_central_africa_ce_fs01_05-23-11.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibouti
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1101.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/south-sudan-worlds-newest_n_893552.html
http://www.enoughproject.org/
http://afaralliance.com/wordpress/2011/07/17/south-sudan-denies-it-will-grant-residence-to-former-ethiopian-dictator/
http://www.pactworld.org/cs/sudan/promoting_stability_at_the_sudan_ethiopia_border
Next- I'll cover other items like:
The affect the new class C taxation is going to have/having on small business and I'll try to figure out how the 28% inflation rate in the past year is affecting people's daily lives.
I am beginning today with a quick look at the countries that Border Ethiopia and the impact their stability or instability have on Ethiopia.There are currently only 34 countries with travel advisories in the world for Americans. Travel Advisories are released when a country is considered to have conditions that make the country too dangerous or unstable for Americans to consider visiting. Ethiopia is bordered by 3 of these countries.
As you read this consider what impact this nation has on Ethiopia. Remember that Ethiopia's current form of government is only 25 years old, her tax base is the 10th poorest of the world and her current federal police system has been in place for only the past 11 years.
Somalia:
Who isn't confused by Somalia's borders these days? Although we still refer to this region as Somalia, it seems to (as of August 2011) to be comprised of three separate countries (or territories). These three areas have different government control and require different visa's in order to visit them (which as American's we are told not to) although the actual lines of these borders are constantly changing. At this time these areas are called Somaliland, Puntland, and Somalia.
Somalia is now unofficially considered only the most southern part of this land and it is the part most seriously affected by the drought officially recognized by the UN last month. This is the only location where the UN has officially declared a Famine. Much of the famine stricken area borders Kenya. A small portion of the affected area borders south eastern Ethiopia.
Some are confused by this and many are saying there is a "famine" in Ethiopia and Kenya. So why hasn't it been declared as well? In 2005 the UN created an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system (IPC). This classification system now exists because there was a need to identify how to allocate resources. This newer system is why Somalia has been defined as being in a famine and why Ethiopia and Kenya has not.This is not to say there is no hunger in Kenya and Ethiopia. I've found that Ethiopia and Kenya are determined to be between levels 3 and 4 depending on where you are located in the respective countries. The most heavily affected areas of Somalia are classified as a 5. Southern Ethiopia that touches Somalia is considered a level 4. Please refer to the above link to best understand this.
The town most affected in Southern Ethiopia is Dolo Odo. This is the location you will find one of the largest Somali refugee camp. In February of 2007, Save the Children reported finding malnutrition in Dolo Oden and Dolo bay woredas of Ethopia's Somali region. According to GOAL-there are 1,400-2,000 refugees arriving into the 4 camp zones located in Dolo Oden with over 54,000 arriving in 2011alone so far. Combined the current population as of August 2011 indicates that Dolo Oden is sheltering 101,315 refugees. Americans are requested to not visit Somalia or this area unless working for an aid agency at this time.
The Ethiopian military is providing security and safety to the additional Aid individuals coming into Ethiopia because access to Somalia is restricted. In the capital, the federal government resources are being requested to manage the streets during meetings drastically affecting the individual owning a taxi or car's ability to get to work or to manage their own lives. When the federal government is utilized it costs Ethiopian citizens money.
Kenya:
Ethiopia and Kenya have a friendly relationship since 1954. They have supported each other in their efforts to increase peace in Somalia and Sudan. Aid agencies work in both countries and the countries meet often to maintain this friendly relationship. Kenya's entire Northeastern border abuts the famine stricken region of Somalia. There are some travel restrictions and safety concerns for individuals travelling into
North Eastern Kenya due to the affect Somalian unrest is having on this part of the Kenyan border.
Djibouti:
Djibouti has a stable government and is open to tourists. The borders of the country are poorly controlled and there have been recent acts of violence coming from Eritrea and Somalia and going through Djbouti to Ethiopia and acts of piracy at the Djibouti port affecting foreign aid delivery. Djibouti is Ethiopia's prime link to the sea since Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia. It's relationship with Ethiopia is stable at this time. Instabilities in Ethiopia and Somalia have been known to cause floods of refuges to Djibouti in the past.
Eritrea:
Eritrea was linked with attempting to bomb the African Union office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January, 2011 during AU Summit. A summit that hosts more than 30 African Leaders. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi declaired in April that it would support guerrilas fighting to overthrow Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki. The UN has enacted an arms embargo, travel bans and an asset freeze on the political leaders of Eritrea. It is said and largely supported by documentation that Eritrea is actively recruiting and supporting Child Soldiers.
Ethiopia has been in conflict with Eritrea for many years and for many reasons. Besides January's bombing attempt, they have had a large number of Ethiopian soldiers deployed along the Eritrean and Ethiopia border since the 2010 Eritrean-Ethiopian border skirmish.
What effect does this have on Ethiopia? According to some - Eritrea is the largest refugee producing country in the world as of March of 2011. Although many countries are supporting Eritrea's refugees, Ethiopia is currently hosting and supporting approximately 61,000 of them at this time with another 1300-1600 arriving monthly. These refugees are mostly unaccompanied youth.
There seems no end to the conflicts and disputes between Eritrea and Ethiopia. If you want to read more on this subject see the reference links at the bottom of the Wikipedia reference to the Eritrean-Ethiopian War .
American's are requested to not visit Eritrea at this time.
There are a couple of refugee camps being run by the government and Non-profit agencies assisting these refugees. Refugees cannot work and require much support. Violence is common in these camps and police presence is required. I have been told by local Ethiopians that there are many additional refugees illegally working and living in Addis Ababa. These individuals often do not pay taxes or get proper licenses for their businesses for fear of being found out.
Sudan and South Sudan :
The relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia in recent years has been tumultuous. There has been violence on the border between Gambella and Sudan for many years. Sudan itself can be a little confusing to talk about as the South part of the country succeeded from the north in July of 2011 and South Sudan is still 2 days away from being a nation that is a month old as I write this.
There is much conflict between the North and the Southern Sudanese nations as one would imagine thus further affecting ones safety on the Ethiopian/Sudan border. In Sudan, we have an oil rich south, but the only only pipeline and refinery belongs to the north. There is also an ongoing dispute regarding what will be the official border of the a countries. Northern Sudan seems to be rife with challenges. It is documented that they currently bombing the Nuba Mountains, continuing to support Northern Sudan militia in Southern Sudan, and are continuing their operations in Dafur.
Many of the negotiations between these two countries and African discussions regarding these two countries have been occurring in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, South Sudan is currently denying accusations by Ethiopia that a home is being built in this newly formed country for the exiled former President of Ethiopia, Mr. Mengistu Hailemariam. Americans are requested to not visit either Sudan or Southern Sudan at this time.
Egypt:
Although Egypt is not a bordering nation of Ethiopia it is currently in conflict with Ethiopia because of
the Dam project announced in March of 2011. Egypt is staunchly opposed to the building of this dam and refer to a treaty called the British Nile water agreement drawn up by the British in 1929 that provides a right of Veto to any projects that affect the flow of the Nile's water to Egypt and Sudan. It also includes that Egypt has guaranteed access to 55.5bn cubic meters of water out of the 84bn cubic meters the river provides.
Egypt's leadership is now campaigning to block any provisions of loans and grants to Ethiopia for the development of any project centered on the Nile. Egypt is also against Tanzania's plan to build a pipeline from Lake Victoria to support the arid towns and villages of north-west Tanzania. Due to the Nile disputes at this time many people are concerned over a potential conflict developing in East Africa over the control of the Nile waters.
I was privileged to have been in a cafe in Ethiopia when Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced that Ethiopia was moving forward with the planned Nile Dam project. When ETV (ethiopian's primary news source) first showed the news you heard an unusual silence in the cafes... then a loud cheering sound and clapping occurred. Even though I could not understand what was being said on the Television above my head- I felt the crouds enthusiasm, pride and instant concern. The news was immediately interpreted to me which I was extremely grateful for when I felt the tension. Although much of the country was concerned instantly over the potential implications in their relationship with Egypt you could feel the pride in their country and the enthusiasm continued to be contagious throughout March and into early April when Meles Zenawi placed the corner stone of the dam.
References:
http://www.irinnews.org
http://travel.state.gov
http://www.un.org
http://www.globalmarch.org
http://www.ntz.info
http://www.somaliareport.com
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/regional/files/east_central_africa_ce_fs01_05-23-11.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibouti
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1101.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/south-sudan-worlds-newest_n_893552.html
http://www.enoughproject.org/
http://afaralliance.com/wordpress/2011/07/17/south-sudan-denies-it-will-grant-residence-to-former-ethiopian-dictator/
http://www.pactworld.org/cs/sudan/promoting_stability_at_the_sudan_ethiopia_border
Next- I'll cover other items like:
The affect the new class C taxation is going to have/having on small business and I'll try to figure out how the 28% inflation rate in the past year is affecting people's daily lives.
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