PIPE REFUGE


PIPE REFUGE

A man finds refuge from the impending rain within a weathered cement pipe. Ethiopia’s refugee population exceeded one million last year, making it the second-largest host country in Africa, as it continues to open its borders to those seeking asylum and refuge. Meanwhile, at least 4.5 million locals were displaced in the country as of December 2023, due to conflict, violence, drought, and flooding. According to the UNOCHA report, immediate action is crucial to reduce people's vulnerability to protection risks caused by these multifaceted shocks. This includes addressing displacement and preventing reliance by internally displaced persons (IDPs) on harmful coping mechanisms.


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PHANTOM PUMPS

While modern fuel stations with glass partitions are appearing in Addis Abeba, a contrasting reality that suspends fuel supply to new stations unfolds, citing national policy to reduce fuel imports and promote electric vehicle adoption. According to Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise (EPSE), this comes as the country intends to decrease fuel import expenditure by four percent this year, and transition to electric vehicles. The policy, which includes a ban on petroleum vehicle imports and redu...


In-Picture

ORPHANED PAWS

A group of street dogs rests in the Kazanchis area, a distinct reminder of the displacement caused by urban redevelopment. As homes and buildings around the neighbourhood were demolished, many pets were left behind, adding to the estimated 250,000 stray dogs in Addis Abeba. Volunteers try to step in, feeding these dogs daily with funds raised primarily through TikTok and Telegram campaigns under the monekir Animals Need Attention. On average, these efforts provide meals with about 80 Br for each...


In-Picture

EMERALD BITES

It is chickpea pod season in Addis Abeba, a time when residents enjoy "Eshet," a favorite green nibble with roots in local households. Available from November to January, market-oriented production of these nutritious pods (rich in protein, antioxidants, and fiber) is a recent development. As a major chickpea producer (contributing about 17pc globally), Ethiopia benefits from this dual-purpose crop, used both for food and for improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need...