Two individuals have been sentenced for up to six years and six months of rigorous imprisonments for planning to carry out a terror attack in Ethiopia.
According to the Federal Attorney General, the defendants, identified as Bedris Yesuf and Anis Usman, were arrested three years ago while they were planning to carry out a terror attack.
The defendants received trainings from the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab after becoming members of the group, the charge sheet indicated.
They were also active in recruiting members to establish an Al-Shabaab cell in Ethiopia.
The first defendant, Bedris in particular took part in an exchange of gunfire held nine years ago in Mogadishu between the militant group and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The Federal High Court 19th criminal bench today sentenced the first defendant to six years and six months of rigorous imprisonment, while the second defendant was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. (FBC)
2017 World Hydropower Congress to be held in Ethiopia next month
The 2017 World Hydropower Congress will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 9–11 May 2017, under the theme “how to do ‘better hydro in a changing world,” according to a report by Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
The Congress, which expected to be held for the first time in Africa, will explore a diversity of perspectives and examine how initiatives of governments, businesses, finance, civil society and academia can advance sustainable development.
Hydropower currently provides 70 percent of the world’s renewable electricity, supplying more than a billion people across 152 countries.
It mitigates climate change by offsetting greenhouse-gas emissions and the use of fossil fuel, equivalent to six billion barrels of oil per year.
According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the Congress will bring together leaders and specialists to set the course for hydropower’s contribution to future energy and water systems. (FBC)
Somalia President makes first international state visit to Turkey
Somali President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo accompanied by a high level delegation visited Turkey from Tuesday following an official invitation by the Turkish President.
The African President held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his three day state visit, around the areas of humanitarian aid, security, trade and other key strategic issues.
Farmajo visited the resting place of great Turkish leader Ataturk today, founder of the Republic of Turkey who served as its first President from 1923 until his death in 1938.
Farmaajo also visited Turkey’s Parliament building & held talks with Speaker Ismail Kahraman.
The Horn African nation has signed a new agreement with Turkey, Lutfi Elvan, minister of development of Turkey and the visiting Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Garad Omar have inked a deal on culture and development in Ankara. (CGTN)
Precious Gemstone Sapphire found in Tigrai
Huge deposit of most precious gemstone Sapphire found in Tigrai State northern Ethiopia, Voice of America reported on Thursday.
According to the report, a massive deposit of sapphire has been found in Tigrai State northern Ethiopia. Sapphire is the most precious and valuable blue gemstone on Earth. Blue sapphire is the most desirable gemstone next diamond due to its excellent blue color, hardness, durability, and luster.
The deposit is found in three parts of Tigrai State around central, western and north western of the state. According to Mr. Maerig Hadush, Tigrai state official of mining and energy sector, about six thousand local traditional miners are mining in the different locations. The sapphire is sold 2500 to 3500 Birr per a gram in local markets the official indicated. He added the government is working for the gemstone to be sold as an Ethiopian sapphire in the world market. Some companies are marketing it as a Madagascar sapphire in the world and the Ethiopian government wants to stop that. (VoA)
