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Check FAQAbout Eskinder
Eskinder Firew is an esteemed journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a career spanning about two decades at the Voice of America, Horn of Africa Service, since joining in 2005. His reporting primarily focuses on conflict resolution and political affairs, with a special emphasis on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, where he has diligently covered the peace talks mediated by the regional bloc IGAD. Eskinder's work has been pivotal in elucidating the efforts to establish a transitional government and the persistent challenges in the war-torn region, thereby enhancing the understanding of international relations and civil strife in South Sudan. Eskinder adeptly reports in Amharic, Ethiopia's official language and English , catering to a diverse audience. His proficiency in English was particularly instrumental during the South Sudan peace talks in Addis Ababa, where he reported continuously for the South Sudan in Focus Program. His versatility as a journalist was also showcased when he served as a pool reporter during former Second Lady Jill Biden's visit to Ethiopia in July 2016. His interviews included exclusive sit-down interviews with the current Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, foreign ambassadors and diplomats. "Eskinder is an established journalistic institution in Ethiopia, with a longtime following and a particular skill set that is unique value in Addis", a former chief of VOA’s Horn of Africa Service said. Prior to his tenure at the Voice of America, Eskinder honed his journalistic skills at Ethiopian Television, where he was recognized as an award-winning journalist. His roles there included reporter, editor, and program producer, which equipped him with a robust foundation in media and journalism, setting the stage for his subsequent contributions to international reporting and his insightful coverage of critical political events in the Horn of Africa.
English
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Fact Checking
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Aid Groups Suspend Work in Ethiopia After 2 Killed
Humanitarian aid efforts by the United Nations and other groups have been suspended in Ethiopia's Gambella regional state following the deaths of two aid workers from Action Against Hunger. The suspension will remain until security improves in the region, which has seen a rise in ethnic violence and internal displacement. The victims were ambushed while en route to the Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp. The U.N. is consulting with Ethiopian officials on security measures.
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Departing US Envoy Warns Ethiopia Against Violence
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Raynor emphasized the importance of Ethiopia in Horn of Africa stability while warning against ongoing ethnic violence, particularly in the Tigray region. He highlighted the U.S. government's concerns about humanitarian access and the involvement of Eritrean forces. Raynor also reflected on improved U.S.-Ethiopia relations under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, despite challenges posed by ethnic tensions and the Tigray crisis. The U.N. and other international bodies have criticized Ethiopian authorities for blocking aid, and Raynor called for immediate action to address these issues.
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Ethiopia Says Tigray Back to 'Normalcy,' but Witnesses See Disaster
Ethiopia's government claims the Tigray region has returned to normalcy, but witness accounts reveal a dire humanitarian crisis with residents hiding in fear, widespread food shortages, and non-functional health centers. The conflict, which began in November, has led to thousands of deaths and significant displacement. Humanitarian organizations report severe conditions, with many people in need of emergency food aid and medical care. International pressure mounts on Ethiopia to allow unrestricted humanitarian access, while concerns grow over the potential for a massive humanitarian crisis.
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Ethiopian PM: ‘All of My Intention and Action Is Aimed at Elevating Ethiopia’
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in an interview with VOA, emphasized his commitment to elevating Ethiopia and addressing regional conflicts. He discussed the importance of judicial reforms, equal treatment under the law, and the need for regional cooperation to solve issues involving Eritrea, Somalia, and Kenya. Abiy highlighted the progress made in opening borders with Eritrea and the challenges that remain. He reiterated his stance against corruption and misuse of power, aiming for a peaceful and integrated region.
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Ethiopia Cautiously Embraces New Era of Press Freedom
Ethiopia is experiencing a new era of press freedom as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has released all journalists from jail, marking the first time in 14 years that no journalists are imprisoned in the country. The government has also unblocked internet access and about 260 websites. On World Press Freedom Day, Abiy spoke about the importance of responsible journalism in the face of newfound freedoms. Tsedale Lemma, editor-in-chief of Addis Standard, expressed concerns about populist media inciting ethnic hatred and emphasized the need for the press to maintain high standards. The event, organized by UNESCO, also highlighted the global challenges faced by journalists, with about 100 killed and over 300 imprisoned worldwide. However, Ethiopia's progress offers hope to international observers.
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Solidarity, Resolve After Blast Interrupts Rally For Unity in Ethiopia
An explosion at a rally for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which killed two people, interrupted what was the largest peaceful gathering in Ethiopia's history. The rally in Addis Ababa, attended by hundreds of thousands, was in support of Ahmed's message of unity and reform. Despite the blast, which some called an assassination attempt, the event highlighted significant public support for Ahmed's reforms, including the release of dissidents and lifting of press restrictions. Challenges remain, particularly regarding peace efforts with Eritrea and opposition from the TPLF party. Authorities have arrested 30 people in connection with the explosion, including the capital's deputy police chief.
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Ethiopian FM: No Security Concerns in Country
Ethiopia's foreign minister asserted there are no security concerns despite a state of emergency declared after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn's resignation and the release of political prisoners. The state of emergency aims to control unrest that regular law enforcement couldn't manage. Ambassadors and the U.S. State Department criticized the move, citing concerns over freedom of speech and expression. Opposition parties demanded the immediate lifting of the state of emergency, accusing the ruling party of potential rights violations.
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South Sudan Warring Sides Make Peace - Again
The regional bloc IGAD is mediating peace talks in South Sudan and has given the conflicting parties a two-week deadline to finalize the details of a transitional government. IGAD has also issued a warning that it will take action against any party that breaches the new peace agreement. This development is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan, which has been marked by civil war and political instability.
South Sudan Warring Sides Make Peace - Again
The regional bloc IGAD is mediating peace talks in South Sudan and has given the conflicting parties a two-week deadline to finalize the details of a transitional government. IGAD has also issued a warning that it will take action against any party that breaches the new peace agreement. This development is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan, which has been marked by civil war and political instability.
Compromise Peace Deal for South Sudan Off to Shaky Start
The compromise peace deal for South Sudan began uncertainly as the government announced it would reject any new conditions to the agreement. The IGAD Plus mediation team, including international entities, was invited to modify the deal. The final round of talks is scheduled for early August, with a deadline for a peace agreement set for August 17. Previous deadlines have passed without an agreement. The conflict in South Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, displacement, and economic hardship.
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IGAD: More Mediators to be Added to South Sudan Peace Talks
South Sudan peace talks will be expanded to include more mediators under the IGAD-Plus initiative, involving representatives from the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, China, five African states, the African Union, and the European Union. The expanded talks will be formally launched at the African Union summit in Johannesburg, with negotiations expected to take place in Addis Ababa. The lead negotiator for the South Sudanese government expressed skepticism about the value of additional mediators, while the rebel group led by Riek Machar accepted the new mechanism. The conflict in South Sudan has displaced two million people and severely impacted the country's economy.
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