Volcano in Afar

A volcano has erupted in Ethiopia's remote Afar region, leaving two people missing and forcing hundreds to leave the area, the state news agency said on Wednesday.

Volcano erupts in Ethiopia's Afar state, 2 missing (Reuters) August 15, 2007

Countdown to terror?

Security forces in Ethiopia say they have prevented an attempt by a rebel group to assassinate officials and destroy public institutions.

...The venue of the main outdoor concert on New Year's Eve has been moved from the central Meskel Square to the National Stadium, where it would be easier to check those attending.

Ethiopia New Year terror thwarted (BBC) August 15, 2007

Jijiga grows under Karamara mountains

Since the government started devolving power and money to the component parts of the Ethiopian federation, Jijiga has become the capital of Somali region, and it is now finally acquiring the trappings that go with its status.

...But Jijiga is also the capital of a region battling a long-running rebellion, which has flared up dramatically in the past few months.

In the shadow of Ethiopia's rebels (BBC) August 14, 2007

Eritrean consulate sent packing

The United States has ordered the closure of Eritrea's consulate in California, in a sign of worsening diplomatic relations.

...The BBC's Peter Martell in Asmara says the closure will affect the Eritrean government's attempt to collect a 2% income tax on Eritrean expatriates in California - an important source of income.

US moves to shut Eritrean mission (BBC) August 13, 2007

Leakey calls Lucy's tour 'prostitution'

Ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, priceless artwork by great European painters, even prehistoric dinosaur fossil predating Lucy's bones have all been transported and displayed safely in museums around the world. Yet somehow, when Africa attempts to get earnings from display of a rare possession, it's called "prostitution?" I wonder if Mr. Richard Leakey has ever visited the Addis Ababa National Museum. I have, last year, and what a sad sight. The building is old, with staff looking lifeless and underpaid. A national museum that is uninviting is a good reason why many Ethiopians themselves have sadly not visited, though that's no excuse. And yes, even Lucy's bones on display are actually a replica. The smaller museum at Holy Trinity Church does better, though built with private funds, displaying surprising cultural treasures donated by Ethiopia's former imperial family. Sharing Lucy's fossil on tour can help educate and produce much needed funds to build facilities in Ethiopia for display of national treasures, securely and with dignity. So with all due respect, unless Mr. Leakey or any other critic is willing to help fund these projects, they need to quit preaching...Put up, or shut up!

..."It's a form of prostitution, it's gross exploitation of the ancestors of humanity and it should not be permitted," Leakey told The Associated Press in an interview Friday at his Nairobi office.

Leakey calls Lucy skeleton tour 'prostitution' (Associated Press) August 10, 2007

The Peacemaker

...Professor Ephraim Isaac, a retired Ethiopian Harvard scholar who lectures around the world on religion, peace, and conflict, had just helped resolve his country's two-year political crisis using problem-solving methods as traditionally Ethiopian as his garb.

In Ethiopia, elders dissolve a crisis the traditional way (Christian Science Monitor) August 9, 2007

Lucy ("Dinknesh") comes to America

I remember as a young student being marched to see Lucy's skeletal exhibit at the newly opened Ethiopian Expo., near Meskel Square. Who knew, a quarter of a century later and on the other side of the world, I get to lay my eyes on her again.

The public has only seen the real Lucy remains twice in Ethiopia The oldest humanoid skeleton ever found has been taken out of Ethiopia for a controversial tour of American museums.

...But Ethiopia said it would use cash raised from the six-year tour to fund museums back home and build new ones.

Famous fossil Lucy starts US tour (BBC) August 7, 2007

Security chief's killer executed

...Tsehaye Woldeselassie was found guilty of shooting dead Kinfe Gebremedhin [photo] in a case which shocked the country.

Death sentences are extremely rare in Ethiopia and this is only the second execution carried out since the present government came to power.

Ethiopia executes spy boss killer (BBC) August 6, 2007

Haile is King of NYC Half-Marathon

Haile Gebrselassie, the double Olympic gold medalist and multiple World record-holder from Ethiopia, won the second annual NYC Half-Marathon Presented by NIKE today, clocking 59:24, the second-fastest Half-Marathon time ever on North American soil [second only to his own 58:55 in Tempe, Arizona, last year].

Gebrselassie cruises 59:24 in New York (IAAF) August 5, 2007

Dallas community mourns slain Ethiopian

In Ethiopia, people are killed over politics. In America, you are killed for nothing. Our hearts and prayers go to Tadesse, his wife and unborn child.

Everyone who lived near the Quick Save Food Mart on 1900 N. Hall Street says Tadessa Kebeda was an amazing person. They called him “Shorty” because of his small stature, but say he had big heart.

Neighbors Mourn Clerk Killed During Robbery (Fox News) July 31, 2007

Watch News Video