A Week in the Horn of Africa (10/10/2008)

We also appreciate the fact that there is a US presidential election under way and both Senators and Congressmen are playing their part in this. However, we do not believe that misleading comment on Ethiopia or Eritrea should be part of this process, directly or indirectly. Nor do we think Senators or Congressmen should try to influence Americans of Ethiopian or Eritrean origin misleadingly. Congressman Payne, well-known for his repeated efforts to support any and all Ethiopian opposition, this week attempted to appeal to Eritrean Americans. Considering Congressman Payne’s repeated and public commitment to human rights, his listeners may have been surprised that he failed to raise the issue of human rights in Eritrea during his three day working visit there earlier this year. Congressman Payne described Eritrea as “very remarkable,” and said he had been very impressed by the activities of the Eritrean Government, and that he had agreed with President Issayas on many points. In the light of these comments, can anyone still take Congressman Payne’s profession of support for human rights in Africa at all seriously? more..http://www.mfa.gov.et/Press_Section/Week_Horn_Africa_October_10_2008.htm

Rep. Donald Payne's Misguided Africa Policy
Problems in the VOA-Somali Service

Jijjiga-Degehabur asphalt road nearing completion

Addis Ababa, October 11 (WIC) – The 163 kms Jijjiga-Degehabur asphalt road under construction with 342 million birr in Somali State is nearing completion, the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) said.

Authority Information and Public Relations Service Head, Samson Wondimu, told WIC that the construction of the road was launched four years ago with the stated sum earmarked by the federal government. more..http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3561&Itemid=45