Teddy Afro didn't sing for Meles Zenawi

By Birhan, Staffer of De Birhan Media 
25 August 2012

Reports by few Ethiopian media that the legendrary young artist Tewodros Kassahun aka Teddy Afro has released a tribute song for the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who was declared dead last week, was refuted "fasle". The artist however, did officially express his condolences over the death of Meles.

According to sources close to the artist and Adika Communication and Events have stated that Teddy Afro did not sing any song for the late Ethiopian Premier.

However they stated that due to the Premier's death the artist has postponed his Ethiopian New Year's eve concert that was scheduled for September 10, 2012. 

Teddy Afro has released four albums so far and has been controversially popular for his songs and the various legal battles he had been into. The artist is also known for releasing appreciative tribute songs for Ethiopian heroes and icons. 

However, website's that are affiliated to the regime are falsly claiming that Teddy Afro has released a song for the late Prime Minister by adding the deceased's photographs into an old traditional chant he played in 2010. 

One pro regime website, Aigaforum desperately seeking the artist's attention  attached a counterfeit video clip claiming that it was a song of the legendary artist Teddy Afro in tribute of Meles Zenawi. 

Nevertheless, the above clip that they claim was released in tribute of the Prime Minister, was an old song that Teddy played in 2010 in tribute of Lent season. Check here :

Please check the uploading dates in both videos. 

S&D Euro MPs call for the release of human rights activists in Ethiopia

Press Statement 

August 23, 2012 

After the death of Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi,  Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament  Group spokeswoman for foreign affairs Ana Gomes today made the following statement:

"Meles Zenawi was a dictator. His rhetoric on development, democracy and combatting terrorism only convinced those in the EU and the USA who wanted to be fooled. His words were clearly at odds with the cruel repression of his people and his actions in banning human rights and development organisations and jailing opposition members and journalists – Ethiopian and foreign.

"Two Swedish journalists are today still languishing in Meles Zenawi's prisons, together with hundreds of brave Ethiopians who dared to work for freedom and democracy for their people, including Pen Prize winner Eskinder Nega.

"The EU must immediately demand the Ethiopian caretaker authorities ensure their prompt release. It must call for an immediate and inclusive dialogue involving all opposition parties – including the armed groups – to ensure a peaceful transition until democratic elections can be organised to determine the future of governance in Ethiopia." 

Solange Hélin Villes

solange.helin@europarl.europa.eu

+ 32 2 283 21 47

+ 33 3 88 17 47 79

+ 32 476 51 01 72

www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu

Haile Mariam Desalegne's daughter gets extra security

By T, Staffer of De Birhan Media
22 August 2012 

Joanna Hailemariam Desalegne, 22, the eldest daughter of the current Acting Prime Minister of Ethiopia who took over on the steps of the late Meles Zenawi, has been accorded 'extra security' since Monday, sources informed De Brihan. 

Joanna who studied her secondary education in Dandi Boru, Bole Addis Abeba and now a student at the Addis Abeba University has been separated from her everyday  friends, accorded with new private chauffeur and security.  


In cautions of safety, Jonna is now receiving similar protection and security protocol that Semhal Meles, daughter of the late Prime Minster used to be given.  Meles Zenawi's Chief of Protocol has now began grooming Joanna. 

Joanna Hailemariam Desalegne

Hailemariam said in a 2010 interview that he came back to Ethiopia because of family — his daughter had been born when he was leaving the country, according to Assocaited Press report on August 21, 2012. Haile Mariam served in the government of Ethiopia as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs since     2010.

After the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on 20 August 2012, Desalegn was named acting prime minister. Haile Mariam Desalegn is the first Protestant Christian (Pentay) head of government in the history of Ethiopia.

Born in the Wolaita Zone Boloso Sore District of Southern Ethiopia, Desalegn studied and spent most of his youth in Wolaita. He was President of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR) from November 2001 to March 2006 and was promoted as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in October 2010.

Ethiopia officially admits Meles Zenawi's death : Live Updates

By T, De Birhan Media Staffer 

August 21, 2012

De Birhan has been reporting at various occasions during the past few weeks that Ethiopian Prime Minister was reportedly dead, according to sources. Now the Ethiopian government State Media has officially admitted the death of  Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. BBC and other international media have been reported the News too.  

The State Media said the Deputy PM will succeed and take over the leadership. 

De Birhan will be updating you Live. 

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Live Updates

- MelesZenawi's coffin to be accompanied by army Generals and revolve around AddisAbeba roads before it enters National Palace.

- Athlete Haile Gebresellasie sobbing bitterly said on behalf of a group of athletes "hero of heroes" has died  on the State TV.#Ethiopia

-  The rebel group Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) said in a statement "The death of the Ethiopian dictator may usher a new era of stability and peace in Ethiopia and in the Horn as a whole" 

- Ethiopia has no army general at the moment. Gen. Samora Yenus, Chief of the Army is being hospitalized in Essen, Germany, receiving medical treatment. He is diagnosed Samora with Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia. He is in a critical condition. details coming

- The streets of Addis Abeba show with mixed feelings of people. The majority of the popualce is happy, report De Brihan partners in Addis Abeba.

- Over 800 Ethiopians in an online discussion forum called ECADF are now rejoicing Meles Zenawi's death while some pro Meles groups are crying @Geza Tegru chat room. 

- Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga says he is worried for the future of Ethiopia without Meles Zenawi. Listen to the interview coming up shortly on BBC Newsday.

Ethiopia's economic growth and cognate factors may bring "social disruptions and environmental impacts" : Study

By Tadese H., De Birhan Staffer 

20 August 2012

Ethiopia's  "fast pace of change and economic growth" and other cognate factors may have serious impacts and implications on the country, a study finds.  

A paper published on August 16, 2012  written by Christopher Paul, Erika Weinthal, and Courtney Harrison from Duke University for the TA Paper Series entitled, "Climate Change, Foreign Assistance, and Development: What Future for Ethiopia?”  concludes,  "The fast pace of change and economic growth involving a wide range of actors and within a context of uncertainty over climate change, food security, and demographics may result in social disruptions and environmental impacts that are difficult to monitor and have serious security and human development implications." 

 The paper adds,

Ethiopia has made enormous strides in economic growth over the last two decades. However, large DGP growth and development of modern economic activities largely bypasses the huge majority of rural Ethiopians who depend on subsistence agriculture. These rural poor are the most vulnerable to global change, both that of climate change as well as global economic forces.

The researchers also state, 

Development activities may positively influence governance if they promote transparency and local engagement. Outside agencies can demonstrate behavior such as stakeholder involvement. However, external actors can just as easily support and entrench the powerful rent seekers.

The authors recommend that in order to promote more equitable and sustainable development, the transatlantic community must engage other donors and investors to promote coordination and transparency. They also urge greater transparency. 

Development and poverty must be acted upon within the context of climate change. In turn, acting at appropriate scales with transparency reinforces good governance and provides the groundwork for cooperation and coordination among actors. 

The Transatlantic Academy was created in 2007 as a partnership between the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) and the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius. The Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation joined as full partners beginning in 2008, and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation joined as a full partner in 2011.

Access report here HERE