Lawmakers Vote Human Rights Commission out of Election Observer Role

Jul 18 , 2020


Lawmakers have taken out the observer role of the Human Rights Commission in general elections in the newly approved revised establishment proclamation of the Commission. The Commission is instead obligated to give full focus only to issues related to human rights during the period of a general election. The establishing proclamation was given a green light in the presence of 290 members of the parliament with one abstention. Parliamentarians, during the presentation of the report by the Law, Justice & Democracy standing committee, enforced the change of the provision that granted the commissioner or the deputy commissioner to work part-time at the Commission. After the session, the approved proclamation compels the executives of the Commission to work full time. The revised proclamation has also restructured the nominations of the committee members of the Commission by adding new members from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Academy of Science, civil society organisations, and another member to be elected by the joint agreement of opposition parties and given a seat in the House.


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...