Abinet Gebremesqel Released from Prison after Corruption Charges Dropped on Health Grounds

Jun 1 , 2024


Abinet Gebremesqel was released from Qality Prison, ending an eight-month detention period. Federal Prosecutors at the Corruption Crimes Investigation Unit dropped their charges against Abinet and four other co-defendants charged in connection with a 1,972Sqm plot leased by Bole Towers Plc in Woreda 2 of the Qirqos District, near Wello Sefer Roundabout. Prosecutors had accused Abinet, an American citizen, of fraudulently transferring ownership of the property to Mullege Plc for 83 million Br. He held a 40pc stake in the property’s ownership on Africa Avenue (Bole Road), with Al-Amoudi holding the remaining 60pc. Initially, Abinet was held under custody at the Federal Crimes Investigation Bureau on Mozambique Street near Mexico Square before being transferred to the Federal Prison Centre a.k.a Qality Prison. The Unit’s Director General, Zelalem Fikadu, signed the letter dropping the charges on May 27, 2024, citing Abinet's "precarious health condition." Once a close confidant of billionaire Mohammed Ali Al-Amoudi, Abinet had repeatedly requested hospital visits during court appearances over the past eight months. Judge Yonas Mengistu of the Federal High Court Lideta Criminal Bench, one of three judges presiding over the case, signed the release order. Amare Ashenafi, a defence team of the 5A Legal firm defending Abinet, confirmed to Fortune his release on May 27, 2024.


Radar

Ethiopia Revives WTO Ambitions After Five-Year Stall

Ethiopia's trade delegation led by Kassahun Gofe (PhD), a chief negotiator in the WTO accession talks, is reviving a long-stalled effort to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO), signalling renewed ambition following a five-year hiatus. He travelled last week to Geneva, Switzerland, where the WTO is headquartered, to conclude negotiations for membership by March next year. If successful, Ethiopia's accession to the world's trade body will be timed, with the 14th ministerial conference set t...


Radar

First Digital Insurance, Loan Services Launched

A new digital insurance and loan service platform christened 'Agar' - translated as a partner - has debuted in the market, marking a notable entry into the financial sector. The initiative, a collaboration among Global Bank Ethiopia, Lucy Insurance, and Kacha Digital Financial Services, pledged to transform access to insurance and credit for various user groups, including insurance policy buyers, taxi drivers, and salaried employees. For Abraham Tilahun, CEO of Kacha Digital Financial Service...


Radar

City Forms Task Force to Regulate Informal Street Vendors

A new task force under the city administration will enforce new regulations designed to restore order on the streets of Addis Abeba and address concerns over cleanliness and public safety. The task force has been established to enforce regulations imposed on informal street vendors. The city's Trade Bureau launched the initiative to address the increasing informal trading, which city officials say has been "disruptive to the established trade system." The task force is headed by Deputy Mayor...