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Ethiopia’s ancient Orthodox Church accuses PM Ahmed of interference over rebel bishops

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A recent crisis that rocked Ethiopia’s ancient Orthodox Church where a group of “rebel bishops” broke away to form a new synod, has been blamed on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for interfering in the affairs of the Church, according to the church leadership.

The Church has been grappling with an internal crisis after the rebel clergy created the new synod in Oromia, the largest and most populous region in Ethiopia.

In a statement on Friday, the leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which accounts for about 40 per cent of the country’s 115 million population, accused Ahmed of deliberately causing the crisis and encouraging the recalcitrant bishops by recognising the illegal group.

The patriarchate also accused the rebel clergymen of forcefully entering a church property in Oromia, and called on the government to take action to protect “legally recognised churches and administrative buildings”.

The breakaway bishops had accused the Church of discrimination and linguistic and cultural hegemony, saying congregations in Oromia are not served in their native language, claims rejected by the patriarchate.

In the statement issued by the leader of Church, Patriarch Abune Mathias, the bishops accused the PM, who is from the Oromia region, of making comments that effectively recognised the now-excommunicated “illegitimate group”.

“The government should not interfere in the religious and canonical affairs of the church,” he said.

The Prime Minister who addressed cabinet members on Wednesday, had called for the rivals to engage in dialogue and said both sides had their “own truths”, which the Church leaders said was a subtle recognition of the breakaway bishops.

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Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Metro

Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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