Category: Politics

Addis Ababa: The US Assistant Secretary of State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization operations commended the significant strides achieved by the Federal Government of Ethiopia in implementing the CoHA and advancing the Transitional justice process.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga held in-depth discussions on issues of bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern with US Assistant Secretary of State Anne A. Witkowksy at his office.

The two officials highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations of the two countries and the importance of reviewing bilateral engagements to expand economic cooperation.

During their discussion on current events, Minister Mesganu and the assistant secretary shared perspectives on the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) and the assistance offered by the Federal government to individuals impacted by recent conflicts.

This permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was signed between the Ethiopian feder
al government and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in 2nd November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa, it was indicated.

Ambassador Misganu expressed the commitment of the Federal Government in prioritizing peaceful dialogues at various levels towards augmenting peace and stability.

Anne commended the significant strides and advancements achieved by the Federal Government of Ethiopia in implementing the CoHA and advancing the Transitional justice process.

She also affirmed the United States government’s dedication to assisting the Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process and collaborating closely with Ethiopia to offer technical and diplomatic assistance in achieving a lasting peaceful resolution.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

KEETMANSHOOP: Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament Hidipo Hamata has urged the government to regulate private schools and vocational training centres to ensure fairness and equality for all students and teachers.

Hamata, while speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, said a financial burden is placed on parents due to additional payments demanded by these institutions alongside tuition and hostel fees, adding that it is unsustainable.

‘Government oversight is essential to strike a balance between sustaining private institutions and protecting the interests of parents. The pressing concerns in Namibia’s private education system include fair compensation for teachers, access to education for all students and responsible financial practices,’ said Hamata.

He added that these concerns need immediate government intervention and the establishment of comprehensive regulations to ensure fairness, equality and ethical treatment within both private schools and vocational training centres.

Hamata stated that r
egulating private schools is crucial to addressing fraudulent practices related to tax and social security deductions and advocated for mandated regular reporting and provision of evidence regarding accurate payments on behalf of employees, backed by periodic audits and inspections by relevant authorities.

‘Transparent communication regulations must ensure private schools disclose salary details, including tax and social security deductions, establishing clear legal consequences for fraudulent practices, protecting employee rights to accurate financial information and implementing whistle-blower protection mechanisms are essential components of these regulations. By enacting these measures, we uphold accountability, transparency, and fairness in the financial dealings between private schools and their staff,’ he stressed.

Hamata further expressed concern about the treatment and compensation of instructors at vocational training centres.

‘Government intervention is necessary and in cases where these centres
are found violating employee rights or failing to meet education standards, strict penalties or withdrawal of funding should be implemented. This will serve as a deterrent and ensure that private vocational centres adhere to the regulations set forth, fostering a culture of accountability and commitment to quality education,’ said Hamata.

Source:The Namibia Press Agency

GOBABIS: Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, has formally requested an extension of Employment Equity Commissioner Otniel Podewiltz’s tenure for an additional year to facilitate a seamless transition.

Podewiltz assumed office on 01 April 2019 and his term is set to conclude on 31 March 2024.

Nujoma presented a motion in the National Assembly on Tuesday, advocating for an extension to allow Podewiltz conclude ongoing projects initiated during his tenure in office.

‘It is necessary to highlight a few aspects here for the consideration of this request. The principal consideration here is the future of the Equity Commission, which it at risk if we fail to ensure a smooth transition and stability,’ Nujoma said.

Highlighting operational concerns, Nujoma pointed out that the commissioner currently lacks an immediate subordinate, as the deputy director who previously served was promoted and transferred to the health ministry.

‘The recruitment is underway but is not ye
t completed. The next level employee after the commissioner is a senior employment officer in Grade 8. With the commissioner out of office there will be a serious leadership gap and more importantly, no opportunity for a smooth transfer,’ the minister said.

Nujoma also outlined ongoing initiatives within the commission, such as the development and implementation of an Integrated Review Scorecard assessment to evaluate employer compliance.

The assessment is to be tested during the 2023/24 fiscal year before the new system is implemented, and potential adjustments anticipated.

‘The expectation is that further adjustments and improvements may be required for the new system, which puts the whole process in jeopardy if the key architect is no longer available,’ he noted.

Nujoma also noted that the Employment Equity Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2023/2024 and 2024 is in its final stages under Podewiltz’s leadership. Delays in its release were attributed to issues with the Employment Equity Commission Electro
nic Case Management system.

He further clarified that Podewiltz is not seeking a full five-year reappointment.

‘In reality, we are asking for a one-year extension instead of a full reappointment for five years. Podewiltz does not seek a five-year term of office but is prepared to continue for one more year only,’ Nujoma said.

Source:The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Namibia has welcomed the adoption on Monday, of Resolution 2728 by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which demands amongst others, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and calls for the release of all hostages.

In a media statement availed here Tuesday, Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Penda Naanda stated that the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2728 is a welcome relief for the people of Gaza who have endured constant bombardments of their homes, schools, hospitals and places of worship, during which thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives.

‘In line with the provisions of our Constitution, Namibia has been calling for the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means. While adopting the resolution is a step in the right direction to end the sixth-month war, Namibia continues to encourage a peaceful solution that will not only end in a permanent ceasefire but also in two states living side by side in peace and security wi
thin the pre-1967 border, East Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Palestine,’ he said.

He further stated that the conflict has left about 32,333 people killed, including more than 13000 children and about 8400 women while more than 74 694 people were injured including about 8663 children and 6327 women.

Namibia, he said calls on the members of the UNSC to fulfil their obligations and ensure that the UN Secretary Council Resolution 2728 is implemented without further delay.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conferred with South Sudan’s Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau at the National Security Service (NSS), General Akol Koor Kuc.

‘This morning I received General Akol Koor Kuc from South Sudan. Our discussions centered around shared goals for fostering stability and development in the Horn region,’ the prime minister wrote on Face-Book

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The High-Level Ethiopian delegation led by the Speaker of House of Federation (HoF) Agegnehu Teshager is attending the 148th World Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva.

The 148th IPU assembly kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland, on 23rd March, with the theme “Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding”.

The assembly will continue until 27 March, 2024, it was learnt.

In his opening remarks, Agegnehu said that the assembly is underway at a critical, requiring members of the parliament to discharge their responsibilities to address the current challenges of peace and security worldwide.

The assembly will also create conducive opportunity for members of the parliament to deliberate in the coming days on ways of restoring peace and stability at the global level, he pointed out.

The Speaker further stressed to end the ongoing wars and conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and in other parts of the world, the participation of members of the parliament
is essential in addition to political will.

Ethiopia is resolutely working for peace and stability by fully implementing the Pretoria peace agreement, Agegnehu recalled.

He also stressed the imperatives to bring about durable peace and stability in the eastern Africa, making economic integration in the region and mentioned what Ethiopia has embarked on to this effect, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Agegnehu also mentioned the inclusive National Dialogue Commission which Ethiopia has established with a view to reaching national consensus on major national issues among the citizenry.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency