Escalating Violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region 11/04/2020 05:47 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States is deeply concerned by reports that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front carried out attacks on Ethiopian National Defense Force bases in Ethiopia’s Tigray region on November 3.  We are saddened by the tragic loss of life and urge immediate action to restore the peace and de-escalate tensions.  The protection of civilian safety and security is essential.  We will continue to follow this situation closely.  The United States stands with the people of Ethiopia and will work with all who are committed to peace, prosperity, democracy, and the rule of law.

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Wednesday, 4th November 2020 Office of Prime Minister’s statement on TPLF’s attack on Ethiopian National Defense Forces Base in Tigray   In the early hours of November 4, 2020, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Forces Base located in Tigray region and attempted to rob the northern command of artillery and military equipment. The Northern command has been stationed in the Tigray region for more than two decades in service and protection of the people of Tigray from any threats. It is to be recalled that in the past few weeks the TPLF has been arming and organizing irregular militias outside of the constitutionally mandated structure. The attack on the Northern Command has been premised on TPLF viewing the Ethiopian National Defense Forces as a foreign army rather than an army that has been protecting the people of Tigray for more than twenty years. Resultantly, TPLF has chosen to wage war in Dalshah. Over the past months of continued provocation and incitement for violence by TPLF, the Federal Government has maintained a policy of extreme patience and caution in order to avoid any harm that such provocations would cause to the people of Tigray. In addition to Federal government provocation, the TPLF through Almeda Plc – a textiles manufacturing company based in the region – have been manufacturing military outfits resembling that of the Eritrean National Defense Forces, to implicate the Eritrean government in false claims of aggression against the people of Tigray. While the Federal government has used all means to thwart a military engagement against the TPLF, a war however cannot be prevented only on the goodwill and decision of one side, but on the mutual choice for peace by both parties. The last red line has been crossed with this morning’s attacks and the Federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces, under the direction of a Command Post, have been ordered to carry out their mission to save the country and the region from spiraling into instability. Federal Council of Ministers declares State of Emergency in Tigray Region In its 21st Extraordinary Session held today, on the 4th of November 2020, the Council of Ministers has decreed a state of emergency in accordance with article 93(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The Council of Ministers has decreed the state of emergency: recognizing the constitutional responsibility of the state to maintain the country’s peace, the safety and security of its citizens and to prevent acts that may lead the country to further unrest and instability;  recognizing that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order, public peace and security, specially threatening the country’s sovereignty, seriously impeding the Federal Government from discharging its constitutional responsibility in the Region, violating decisions of the House of Federation, and  understanding that this situation has reached a level where it cannot be prevented and controlled through the regular law enforcement mechanism;  The State of Emergency is decreed for a period of six months and a State of Emergency Task Force to be led by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, composed of representatives from pertinent institutions and accountable to the Prime Minister has been established through the State of Emergency decree.  The State of Emergency Shall be applicable throughout the National Regional State of Tigray. The State of Emergency Taskforce may through directives expand or restrict the geographic scope of application of the decree. Detailed information regarding the State of Emergency on a regular basis will be provided in due course.  On recent violence in the Oromia Region… The heinous identity-based attacks, which took place in the West Wellega Zone on 1st November, are the calculated actions of disgruntled political forces and militant groups hell bent on seizing political power at all costs, including at the expense of the state itself. These attacks only aim to foment further bloodshed, driving wedges between communities that have lived in harmony for millennia.  The Government of Ethiopia condemns these actions and those responsible for them in the strongest possible terms, while expressing its profound condolences to the families of those affected. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, the results of which will determine the extent of the attacks and the number of casualties. As we speak, the security forces have been deployed to the area and are taking all proportional measures to bring those responsible to justice and to re-establish peace and security. Though these forces seek to divide us, and to derail the reforms that we have embarked on, the people, and the Government of Ethiopia, will always prevail. These attacks will not break the spirit or will of the Ethiopian people. The House of Peoples' Representatives has called on the government to take conclusive and immediate action against the perpetrators of atrocities on the Amhara ethnic group if the country is to remain united.  Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Honourable Tagesse Chafo, said the aim of both internal and external anti-peace forces is to disintegrate the country. "We must stand together, save the country from this threat and not give them a chance to achieve what they want " he said. On the progress of the AU-led GERD Negotiations… It is to be recalled that Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt concluded the last round of AU-led tripartite talks over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on 28th August 2020, with the understanding that talks would reconvene in September.  Unfortunately, the September talks, set to be held under the chairmanship of the Republic of Sudan, did not take place. Following this unexpected pause in negotiations, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and current Chairperson of the AU, in consultation with the Heads of State and Government of the three countries, called for a resumption of the talks in mid-October. Accordingly, ministerial talks comprising the ministers of water and foreign affairs of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt were held on 1st November 2020. The talks resulted in agreement that the three countries would assign six experts, two from each country, to discuss in further detail the modalities of upcoming talks and on the role of the AU’s experts going forward. The experts are expected to submit their findings to the ministers in the next round of talks slated to take place on 3rd November 2020. As from the beginning, Ethiopia remains committed to successful conclusion of the AU-led tripartite negotiations. These negotiations represent the ideal opportunity for the three countries to constructively debate and reach consensus on the outstanding issues on this matter.  Ethiopia, once again, calls on all its partners to strengthen their support for the AU-led process as the ideal platform to bring about a sustainable win-win agreement on the GERD.  2021 National Elections Update It is to be recalled that the National Electoral Board (NEBE), in its statement of April 1st 2020 announced its recommendation to postpone national elections due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.   The sixth national elections, which had been scheduled to take place on 29th August 2020, were subsequently postponed following deliberations by a Council of Constitutional Interpretation (CCI), overseen by the House of Federation. On 30th October 2020, in line with the recommendations tabled by the Minister of Health, Her Excellency, Dr Lia Tadesse, in her address to Parliament of 18th September 2020, the Board proposed that the postponed national elections be held in Spring 2021. The Board has subsequently been engaged in a series of consultative meetings with political parties, civil society organisations, media and government organs in order to discuss the mode and manner in which the electoral process will take place. Additionally, the Board has requested a further 1.1 billion birr (approximately £22 million GBP) in funding to ensure the implementation of all necessary precautions against COVID-19. The Board has also proposed a tentative schedule as follows: December – January: Training for polling officers January – February: Voter Registration  February: Candidate Registration February – Final week of Election: Campaigning   ---ENDS---

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Our Approach to the Second Coronavirus Lockdown in England Thursday, 5th November 2020  Amid rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 across the United Kingdom and the announcement of a new national lockdown for England to control the spread of the virus, we wanted to take the time to keep you informed of the measures we are putting in place in line with national restrictions. With issues of health and safety rightly at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the wellbeing of our customers, guests, employees and their families, remains the Embassy’s number one priority. The points below set out our updated approach as of 5 November 2020 and will remain in place until the easing of these lockdown restrictions. At its foundation our approach adheres to the current public health guidance and strives to ensure workplace safety and reduce the spread of the virus. During these trying circumstances, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance given by the Government, making all necessary changes to ensure the safety and health of our customers and colleagues. ~MANAGEMENT~ Consular & Diaspora Services Furthermore, effective immediately, the Embassy’s consular section will be limiting operational hours to Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm for the processing of the following postal applications ONLY: Visas Ethiopian-origin ID Card Renewal Passport Renewal Legalisation Confirmation of Pension Eligibility In addition to these postal applications, the Consular section will be processing death certificates in-person strictly on a case by case basis and by appointment only. For further information, contact the Consular section on 0207 838 3885. Until further notice, all other consular and diaspora services currently being offered on an appointment basis at the Embassy are henceforth suspended, including in-person collections. Details of how to make a postal application for our consular services can be found at www.ethioembassy.org.uk/consular-services For consular emergencies, please contact us on 0207 838 3885 or by email at ca@ethioembassy.org.uk. For diaspora services, please contact us on the following numbers: 020 7838 3873 | 0207 838 3886 | 0203 846 6682 or by email at diaspora@ethioembassy.org.uk. Visiting the Embassy We have adjusted our operations across the rest of the Embassy: All other departmental staff, apart from essential members of staff, will be working remotely until further notice. We will therefore no longer be offering appointments nor accepting drop-in visitors. Those who require services or information are advised to consult our website or to contact the relevant departments via the details below. Emergency Contacts for other Departments Due to the national lockdown, most of our staff will be working remotely until further notice. Please note the below contact details for any urgent enquiries during this time: General enquiries: info@ethioembassy.org.uk Diaspora Affairs: 020 7838 3873 | 0203 846 6682 | 0207 838 3886 | diaspora@ethioembassy.org.uk Press / Media: 020 7838 3883 | press@ethiopembassy.org.uk Political Affairs: 0207 838 3885 | political.affairs@ethioembassy.org.uk Trade and Investment: 0203 846 6682 | business@ethioembassy.org.uk Due to the high volume of calls and emails, it might take longer than usual for us to respond. For emails, please allow at least 5 working days for routine enquiries. Travelling to Ethiopia Amid the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place new health guidelines for all travellers entering Ethiopia.  Our latest travel guidance is available here on our website at https://bit.ly/TravelUpdateET.

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NAIBU Spika anayemaliza muda wake, Dk.Tulia Ackson akipokea fomu kutoka kwa Katibu Msaidizi wa Idara ya Oganaizesheni ya CCM, Solomoni Itundakwa aji ya kuomba kugombea unaibu spika wa Bunge. Tulia ni Mbunge Mteule wa Mbeya Mjini.

Dk Tulia akitoka  baada ya kuchukua fomu

Na Richard Mwaikenda, CCM Blog Dodoma.

NAIBU Spika anayemaliza muda wake, Dk.Tulia Ackson amesema ameaamua kugombea unaibu spika si uspika ili apate fursa ya kulitumikia vizuri jimbo la Mbeya Mjini.

Ameyasema hayo alipokuwa akizungumza na waandishi wa habari muda mfupi baada ya kuchukua fomu za kuwania tena nafasi hiyo katika Makao Makuu ya Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), jijini Dodoma.

Amesema kugombea nafasi hiyo badala ya uspika si kwamba ameogopa ushindani utakaokuwepo kwenye nafasi hiyo ya juu, bali ameona unaibu spika unamfaa ili apate muda wa kuwatumikia vizuri wananchi wa jimbo la Mbeya.

alipoulizwa kwamba haoni kama kutogombea uspika anaogopa ushindani? Dk Tulia alijibu kuwa hadhani yeye kama ni mmoja wa watu wanaoogopa ushindani, kwa sababu hata jimbo alilogombea si jimbo la kawaida na kwamba yeye kama mdada ameweza kushinda hivyo kuwa mwanamke wa kwanza kuliongoza jimbo hilo.

"Hapana siyo kwa habari za ushindani,  Sidhani kama naogopa, kwanza mimi si mmoja wa watu wanaoogopa ushindani, kwa sababu jimbo ambalo nimekuwa mbunge si jimbo la kawaida  na mimi ni mdada ni wa kwanza kuliongoza. Nipo vizuri kwenye ushindani, lakini kwa sasa nimeona fursa hii naweza  kuliongoza jimbo na vilevile kumsaidia Spika endapo wawakilishi wa wananchi yaani wabunge wanatanipa ridhaa ya kutumikia nafasi hiyo", amesema Dk Tulia.

Dk. Tulia ambaye amehudumu kwenye unaibu spika kwa miaka mitano, amewaomba wabunge wampe tena ridhaa ya kushinda nafasi hiyo na kwamba yupo tayari kutumikia, kwani ana shauku ya kuona wabunge wanawawakilisha vizuri wananchi wao bungeni,

"Unaibu Spika ni nafasi ya utumishi, nipo tayari kutumika, miaka mitano iliyopita nilitumika naomba tena niendelee kutumikia kwani shauku yangu ni kuona wabunge  wakiwakilisha wananchi wao bungeni vizuri, kazi yao ni kuikumbusha serikali iliyoyaahidi iyatekeleze."

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Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General on the 2020 General Elections in the United Republic Of Tanzania

2 November 2020

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The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has strongly urged authorities to investigate allegations regarding the recent general election in the United Republic of Tanzania of serious electoral irregularities, violence and of deaths, particularly in Zanzibar.

Secretary-General Scotland stated:

“By turning out to vote on 28 October, the people of Tanzania once again placed their hope in our shared values of democracy. I laud them for their unwavering commitment.”

“However, I am deeply concerned by reports alleging serious incidents of violence and electoral malpractice. I urge the relevant authorities to transparently and expeditiously conduct the necessary investigations and ensure the rule of law, justice and accountability prevails, in order to maintain the people of Tanzania’s confidence in democracy.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed her hope that positive lessons from previous elections could inform current processes, and added:

“I hope that every option will be explored to maintain trust in the electoral process and to ensure that democracy, peace and unity are safeguarded in Tanzania. The Commonwealth will remain ready to offer support if required”

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YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 28 October 2020 You're invited! Made in Dagenham film studios big reveal We’re a step closer to seeing plans to build London’s largest film studios in Dagenham become a reality! And there’s some exciting news we want to share with you, so we’re inviting you to our live streamed big virtual reveal. All you need to do is set yourself a reminder to join us at www.lbbd.gov.uk/made-in-dagenham on Tuesday 3 November at 10am for your front row seat and slice of the action!  But before then, we want to hear from you. If you have a question you’d like to ask relating to the film studios, now’s the time to ask it. Whether it’s a question around jobs for local people and how to access them, how you can contribute to the film and tv industry supply chain, or simply what the studios will mean for budding talent in the borough, we’ll be answering as many questions as we can during our virtual event. Please send us your questions by midday this Friday, 29 October.  Ask your question here. We can’t wait to mark another huge milestone in the picture perfect Made in Dagenham film studios journey - and we hope to see you there!  Need help with free school meals? Get in touch If you or your family are struggling with food, including how to get free school meals over the half term, we have lots of ways we can help.   The council runs four community food clubs which offer weekly fresh food for free and are open to children on free school meals and their families. You can find out more at www.lbbd.gov.uk/community-food-clubs.  In April, we launched our Hardship Scheme to assist residents who have been impacted by Covid-19 and need help with buying essentials. You can find out more at www.lbbd.gov.uk/hardship-scheme. All of this support is coordinated by our Homes and Money Hub who can be contacted by email: homesandmoneyhub@lbbd.gov.uk or phone: 020 8724 2115 / 020 8227 2927. Since April, we have supported 1,756 people through our Homes and Money Hub. We’ve also provided another 374 households with hardship payments totaling £223,228, and distributed 831 foodbank vouchers and parcels to local residents. Our community food clubs have helped save our residents almost £8,000 since April this year, so if you need help this half term or at any time, please reach out.

In your 20s? You’re at risk of passing it on to more vulnerable people Cases of Covid-19 among people in their 20s are on the rise, even in Barking and Dagenham, according to the latest Public Health England data. In the last week, a third of all cases of Covid-19 have been aged 20-29. Even if you’re in a low risk age group like your 20s, it’s really important that you still follow government advice and play your part in keeping your relatives and London Safe. If you catch the virus you might recover (but there’s evidence it leaves long term effects), but you risk passing it on to people who could get really ill and ultimately die.  When you’re out and about, please remember to wear your face covering properly (covering your mouth and nose) and dispose of it responsibly when you return home. Please also continue to wash your hands regularly. And if you’re catching up with friends, please make sure you follow the social-distancing rules to help keep your friends and family safe. No kissing or hugging no matter how tempting it might be. Find out more here.

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New law banning social gatherings of more than six from Monday The government has announced that from Monday 14 September, it will be illegal for groups of over six people to meet socially indoors or outdoors, after a rise in Covid-19 cases. The new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports. It will be enforced through a £100 fine, doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200. For the latest info about what you can and can’t do during the pandemic check out these FAQs: www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-9-september

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 9 September 2020

 

New COVID-19 testing site opens today Recently we put in a bid for three walk-in Covid-19 testing centres within the borough, to make it easier for residents to get tested for coronavirus, near to their homes.  Our bid was successful, and the first centre will be opening today, Thursday 3 September, at Mayesbrook Park car park on Lodge Avenue. The testing site will help reduce the spread of Covid-19 by making it easier for residents with symptoms of the virus to get tested locally.  Today the centre will be open 2–5pm, tomorrow (Friday 4 September) it will be open 10am–5pm, and then from Saturday 5 September onwards, it will be open 8am-8pm every day, seven days a week. If you have symptoms, you should book a test appointment immediately by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. You can also walk in for a test without an appointment, but there is no guarantee you’ll be seen if the site is busy that day, so booking is best. If you walk in without an appointment you will also need to bring a smart phone with you so you can register when you arrive. The site is one of three coming to the borough to make testing easier for you. Look out for more information about the other two sites which will be coming soon. You can find out more about the testing sites here.

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Interested in a career in health and social care? Then come on down Are you interested in a career in health and social care? If so, you are invited to attend an online careers fair in September. The event, which will give participants access to a number of employers and live vacancies will take place on Thursday 17 September, from 10am to 11am and will take place via Microsoft Teams, so access to a computer is essential. Residents interested in taking part will need to book a place by email to: vacancies@lbbd.gov.uk

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme extended  The Government today announced that self-employed people whose income has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to claim a second payment from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. Applications for the second final grant worth up to £6.570 went live today.