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Check FAQAbout Maya
Maya Misikir is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a rich background in both print and broadcast media, including radio and television. Her work primarily focuses on Ethiopian politics, civil rights, and social issues, and she is known for her insightful coverage of current affairs for Voice of America (VOA). In addition to her reporting for VOA, Maya contributes in-depth analysis to various other publications, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to thorough journalism. Her reporting has shed light on the progress and challenges of women's political participation in Ethiopia, delving into the roles that societal norms and institutional support play in achieving gender parity and empowerment. Maya's dedication to civil rights is evident in her work, which often explores the intersection of politics and social justice. Maya's journalistic expertise extends to covering significant events such as the Ethiopian civil war, where she has reported on the peace agreement and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces. She has also examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Tigray conflict on Ethiopia's tourism industry, highlighting the country's efforts to rejuvenate this sector through cultural events like the Epiphany festival. Her comprehensive reporting provides audiences with a nuanced understanding of the complexities facing Ethiopia today.
Amharic
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Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
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Sifter is a free weekly newsletter that brings you the top 5 stories of the week on Ethiopia under 10 minutes!
Ethiopia's Inaugural 'Innovation Summit' Sparks Imaginations
A technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship summit, Enkopa, was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together global speakers and exhibitors. The event, organized by the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills and other partners, emphasized the government's role in fostering job creation and a conducive environment for entrepreneurship. Key discussions included the role of AI in agriculture, sustainable farming, and the importance of land management. Companies like Chakka Origins, Lersha, and ARMADA AgriTech showcased their efforts in working with small holder and commercial farmers. The summit, funded by the United Nations Development Program, is expected to become an annual event.
Ethiopian Entrepreneur Awarded for App That Helps Refugees Find Work
Eden Tadesse, an Ethiopian app inventor, was awarded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for creating Invicta, an app that connects refugees with employers. The app has helped 2,500 refugees find jobs and 7,000 continue their education. The award was presented at a ceremony in New York, attended by global leaders. Invicta assesses refugee applications, provides training, and introduces them to companies. Eden was inspired to create the app after seeing the potential of refugees in a camp. The Goalkeepers Initiative, which gave the award, aims to showcase progress and inspire those making a difference.
EU Moves Toward Normalizing Relations with Ethiopia, Pledges $680 Million
The European Union, represented by Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, has pledged $680 million to Ethiopia as part of efforts to normalize relations. This commitment follows a meeting with Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and is part of the EU's broader strategy to promote economic integration in the Horn of Africa. The Multi-annual Indicative Program will focus on a green agenda, human development, and peace building. The EU had suspended budgetary support to Ethiopia three years ago due to conflict in the Tigray region, but recent developments, including a peace deal brokered by the African Union, have paved the way for renewed cooperation.
Ethiopian Civil Society Groups Issue Call for Peace
Civil society organizations in Ethiopia, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Council and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia, have called for a peaceful resolution to the country's conflicts. Over the past year, more than 1,000 political conflicts have been reported, leading to deaths, displacements, and human rights violations. A nationwide peace convention is proposed to address and prevent conflicts. Despite peace talks with the Oromo Liberation Army, no agreement has been reached.
Shortage of Goods, Reduced Health Care Hit Ethiopia's Volatile Amhara Region
Rising tension in Ethiopia's Amhara region due to sporadic fighting between the federal government and local militia groups, known as Fano, has led to shortages of goods and reduced health care services. The Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency, restricting movement and transferring regional administration to a military command post. The conflict has resulted in price hikes on basic goods and the arrest of over 1,000 people. Despite a statement from Ethiopian Defense Force Field Marshall Berhanu Jula claiming the situation is no longer a security threat, residents continue to face difficulties.
Shortage of Goods, Reduced Health Care Hit Ethiopia's Volatile Amhara Region
Rising tension in Ethiopia's Amhara region due to sporadic fighting between the federal government and local militia groups, known as Fano, is causing shortages of goods and reducing health care services. The Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency in early August, leading to restricted movement and a military command post taking over the region's administration. The conflict has resulted in price hikes on basic goods and significant arrests, with over 180 deaths reported since July. Despite a recent briefing by Ethiopian Defense Force Field Marshall Berhanu Jula stating that the situation no longer poses a security threat, residents continue to face challenges.
Ethiopia: At Least 26 Killed in Drone Strike in Ethiopia's Amhara Region
At least 26 civilians were killed in a drone strike in Finote Selam, Amhara region, amid ongoing conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and the regional Fano militia. The strike exacerbated the hospital's capacity issues, with over 100 injured initially reported. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed shelling in multiple locations and reported civilian beatings and killings in Bahir Dar. The government arrested 23 individuals, including opposition parliamentarian Christian Tadele and Alpha Media's editor-in-chief Bekalu Alamrew, following a state of emergency declaration.
At Least 26 Killed in Drone Strike in Ethiopia's Amhara Region
At least 26 civilians were killed in a drone strike in Finote Selam, Amhara region, amid ongoing conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and the regional Fano militia. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported shelling and civilian casualties in multiple locations, while essential medical supplies are running short due to roadblocks. The government has arrested 23 individuals, including an opposition parliamentarian and a news editor, following a state of emergency declaration.
Ethiopia: Japan, Ethiopia to Work On Black Sea Grain Deal Resumption
Japan's foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, during his visit to Ethiopia, expressed hope for collaboration with Ethiopia on resuming the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was terminated by Russia. The initiative had previously facilitated the export of over 262 metric tons of wheat to Ethiopia, addressing severe food insecurity exacerbated by climate shocks and conflict. Hayashi also reiterated Japan's support for the peace agreement in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Ethiopia's deputy prime minister, Demeke Mekonnen, highlighted their productive discussions and commitment to strengthening political, economic, and social partnerships. Hayashi's visit to Ethiopia concluded his six-nation tour of Southwest Asia and Africa.
Japan, Ethiopia to Work on Black Sea Grain Deal Resumption
Japan’s foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed hope for collaboration with Ethiopia on resuming the Black Sea Grain Initiative, following a meeting with Ethiopia’s deputy prime minister, Demeke Mekonnen. Hayashi condemned Russia's termination of the initiative and highlighted Japan's support for Ethiopia's peace deal with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The discussions also focused on deepening political, economic, and social partnerships, with a commitment to enhancing investment, trade, and development cooperation. Hayashi's visit to Ethiopia concluded his six-nation tour of Southwest Asia and Africa.
Ethiopia: Rights Body Calls for Action in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission's annual report highlights severe tensions and violence in the Oromia region, with attacks in 13 of the 20 zones leading to numerous casualties. The Ethiopian government blames the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) for the violence, but the commission also criticizes the government's retaliatory measures for causing human rights violations. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced over the past four years. Ethnic militias, including Fano from the Amhara region, are implicated in the violence. Peace talks between the government and the OLA in April ended without agreements, exacerbating the mistrust and anarchy in the region.
Ethiopia: Enforced Disappearances Rise in Ethiopia, Says Rights Commission
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reports a rise in enforced disappearances across Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions and the capital, Addis Ababa. The disappearances are linked to the recent conflict in Tigray and ongoing ethnic conflicts. Victims include members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force and opposition political parties, with some found dead or in poor condition after being missing for extended periods. The Oromo Federalist Congress has criticized the government for ruling by force and failing to take meaningful steps to address the issue. The commission urges the Ethiopian government to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Rebel Group Accuses Ethiopian Government of Attacks Despite Peace Talks
The Oromo Liberation Army has accused Ethiopian federal troops of launching attacks in the Oromia region, contradicting the de-escalation understanding from preliminary peace talks in Tanzania. Despite no formal agreement, both parties had expressed commitment to peace. The OLA reported intense fighting and various crimes by troops, including burning homes and sexual violence. The conflict has persisted for four years, displacing thousands. The Ethiopian government has not responded to the accusations, and the OLA has stated it will not accept a political settlement under military pressure.
Ethiopian Journalist Melkamsew Puts Women At Show's Heart
Ethiopian journalist Melkamsew Solomon hosts a weekly radio program called Yimechish, which means 'You go, girl' in Amharic, focusing on the lives and challenges of rural women in Ethiopia. Despite some pushback for its women-centric content, the program, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has been positively received, including by male listeners. Bethlehem Negash of the Ethiopian Media Women's Association highlights the traditional lack of women's voices in Ethiopian media and notes that women comprise 30 percent of journalists in major media houses. She advocates for more female-friendly newsrooms. Yimechish, which airs on Sheger Radio, benefits from the support of its owner, a veteran woman journalist, in content production.
Ethiopia: Rights Commission Denounces Security Measures
Ethiopia's Human Rights Commission has condemned security measures in the Amhara region, citing civilian deaths and destruction due to military actions. The commission is investigating reports of shelling and roadblocks amid clashes between the Ethiopian military and the Amhara region militia. Protests erupted in early April over government plans to integrate regional forces into the national military or police. The commission plans to issue a detailed report and recommend interventions once more information is available.
Ethiopia has long struggled with problems of communal friction turning into violent, ethnic conflict. Members of the two largest ethnic groups, the Oromos and Amharas, have come together to showcase traditional conflict resolution through musical drama.
Ethiopia's Tourism Sees Hope After Tigray Peace Deal
Ethiopia's tourism industry has faced a significant downturn, losing $2 billion over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in the Tigray region. However, with a recent peace deal between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Ministry of Tourism is taking steps to rejuvenate the sector. The Epiphany festival, or 'Timket', is a key event that draws visitors, including those from Germany and France. Tour guides like Henok Abebe, who had to join the regional militia during the conflict, are now seeing a glimmer of hope for increased tourism. The government is focusing on restoring flights, promoting historic sites, and attracting tourists from Africa and the Middle East.
Ethiopia’s military says Tigrayan forces have started handing over heavy weapons as part of the peace deal
Ethiopia's military has confirmed that Tigrayan forces have begun surrendering heavy weapons as part of a peace agreement to end the two-year civil war. The handover, which included tanks, rockets, and mortars, took place at Agula camp and was observed by the African Union and military representatives from various countries. The peace deal, mediated by the AU and signed in South Africa, stipulates that the Tigray People's Liberation Army (TPLF) will disarm in exchange for humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of foreign forces from Tigray. Since the deal, Ethiopia has allowed aid into Tigray and restored essential services. There have been meetings in Nairobi to discuss the deal's implementation, and Eritrean troops have reportedly withdrawn from Tigray. However, the TPLF claims Eritrean soldiers are still present and accuses them of atrocities. Rights groups have alleged war crimes by all parties involved. The international community has welcomed the progress, but it remains uncertain what actions will be taken to address justice for the victims.
In spite of pioneering policies and progressive laws, traditional obstacles remain to a fairer representation of women in Ethiopian politics.
The article discusses the challenges and progress of women's political participation in Ethiopia. Despite the appointment of women to high-level positions, such as the country's first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, and the initial gender parity in the cabinet under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, traditional societal norms and a lack of institutional support continue to hinder women's political empowerment. The article highlights the experiences of women politicians and activists, the role of civil society organizations, and the impact of legal frameworks and policies on women's rights. It also touches on the use of gender quotas by political parties and the manipulation of women voters through government programs. The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association's election monitoring with a gender lens is also discussed, revealing the widespread intimidation and harassment of women in politics.
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