Column
At the recent Horn of Africa Peace Conference, aptly titled “Tsimdi” (Solidarity) and hosted in Sudan, prominent political figure Andargachew Tsige delivered a virtual keynote address that was quickly swallowed by his supporters as a masterclass in regional statesmanship. ...
In a democratic system, parliament is the ultimate sanctuary of the people, a place where the public voice is heard, government operations are scrutinized, and transparency reigns supreme. ...
Being landlocked does not inherently condemn a nation to poverty, nor does possessing a coastline guarantee prosperity. Eritrea, for instance, boasts more than three islands and two major ports, yet where does Eritrea stand today? Nevertheless, the maritime question raised by the government is fundamental; it is beyond doubt that we require such access. Assab is inhabited by the Afar people; indeed, it was founded by them. In the Afar language, “Assab-uy” translates to “Red Pond.” Crucially, Ethiopia’s maritime history predates even the pre-Aksumite civilisations....
The assertion that the Awash to Mekelle railway constitutes a “loss making investment” by Abiy Ahmed may carry rhetorical force, yet it does not withstand rigorous scrutiny when examined through the lens of long term economic strategy, state continuity, and the fundamental logic of infrastructure development. Indeed, when one takes into account that the project was launched by the previous regime shortly before the incumbent administration assumed office, the critique becomes not only analytically weak, but politically evasive....
The recent decision by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance to grant income tax exemptions to investors operating within free trade zones marks a significant policy shift—one that is as ambitious as it is consequential. At its core, this reform seeks to alleviate financial pressures on investors while catalysing industrial growth. Yet, beyond the optimism that accompanies such fiscal incentives lies a deeper question: does this policy represent a sustainable pathway to economic transformation, or merely a temporary reprieve from structural constraints?...
By Staff Writer...
