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Ethiopian govt, Oromo rebels to begin peace talks in Zanzibar

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The Ethiopian government and the main rebel group from the country’s Oromia region, have opened peace talks in the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, in a bid to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who made the announcement on Tuesday, said his government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), agreed on Sunday to hold the talks at an event to celebrate a ceasefire agreement signed in November, along with another rebel group from the northern Tigray region.

Spokesman for OLA, Odaa Tarbii, who also confirmed the talks, told journalists that the “Oromia Talks” began on Tuesday morning at the archipelago island and are expected to last until Thursday.

“I want to clarify these are preliminary talks meant to pave the way for comprehensive negotiations in the very near future,” Odaa said.

“The focus, for now, is confidence building and clarifying positions.”

The Ethiopian federal government in a statement on Wednesday said the talks were being mediated by Norway and Kenya. The statement stressed that the European Union, the United States and eastern African regional bloc, IGAD, were expected to be part of the process going forward if it was successful.

“The government’s negotiating team in Zanzibar includes Justice Minister Gedion Timotheos and Redwan Hussein, the Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser, while the rebels team is led by the Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association, a U.S.-based civic group,” the statement said.

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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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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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