The Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC) for the African Union Mission in Somalia convened its 22nd meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday.
Chiefs of Defense Staff of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troop contributing countries (Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda) or their designated representatives attended the meeting, chaired by the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smaïl Chergui.
Representatives of the Somalia National Army (SNA), partner countries and institutions namely: the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the European Union and the United Nations also participated in the meeting.
The meeting, which took place ahead if the AU summit, in the wake of the encouraging developments in the evolving outcomes of the electoral process, is also held against the backdrop of the need to exchange views and agree on the way forward on the expansion of AMISOM and SNA offensive operations in Somalia as well as the urgent need to address AMISOM prevailing funding gaps. (FBC)
Erta-Ale flowing out of its crater, expert says
The world’s famous active volcano and molten lava lake of the Afar Regional Sates, Erta-Ale is flowing out of its crater for the first time in a decade, according to a geology professor at Addis Ababa University (AAU).
The unusual happening was made public on Tuesday this week by Professor Gezahegn Yirgu of Addis Ababa University’s Department of Geology.
The molten lava crater is a famous destination for tourists and scientists both from home and abroad. It has been flowing in large amount over for a week now, the professor said.
According to the professor, the molten lava has filled another crater and flowing further south wards towards Afdera town. If the flowing continues, it disrupts life in the area and that needs a serious inspection, he said.
The professor also noted that at the right side of the road to Erta-Ale, a new happening has been observed; lava is coming out of a new depression in the area. (WIC)
Tedros one of three finalists for WHO top position
The World Health Organization announced Wednesday that three finalists are in the running to become the next director-general of the global health agency.
Tedros Adhanom (PhD), 51, of Ethiopia, Sania Nishtar (MD), 53, of Pakistan, and David Nabarro (MD), 67, of Britain were selected as finalists in the competition to replace Margaret Chan (PhD), whose second term of office ends June 30. Their voting tallies were in that order, sources told STAT.
Knocked out of contention were Flavia Bustreo, 55, of Italy, a WHO assistant director-general, and France’s Philippe Douste-Blazy, 64, at one point considered a strong contender for the job.
The election will take place in May when its 194 member states convene in Geneva for the WHO’s annual general meeting, the World Health Assembly.
The contenders are vying to take the reins of the UN’s leading health agency, which has been buffeted by criticism in recent years, largely due to its slow response to massive outbreak of Ebola in West Africa in 2014. (WHO)
CoM refers revolving youth fund to HPR, approves regulations
The Council of Ministers has referred the Draft Proclamation Providing for the Establishment of the Revolving Youth Fund to the House of People’s Representatives (HPR).
The Council, on its 21st deliberations held here today, also approved regulations that introduce financial inclusion strategy, mining activities, and Foreign Service.
In a press release it sent to ENA, the Council of Ministers said the draft proclamation for the establishment of revolving youth fund is important as it provides financial and technical support for the youth so as to enable them to actively participate in development and ensure their benefits.
Noting the need for the establishment of a 10-billion birr revolving youth fund, the Council referred the draft proclamation to the House of People’s Representatives for approval.
Regarding the financial inclusion strategy, the Council noted that it is important to introduce inclusive strategy to promote saving, job creation, and stable financial system.
It said the strategy would also enable to expand suitable financial products and services as well as destinations. (ENA)
