
In a significant legal development, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of accepting bribes from Egyptian officials to exert pressure on Ethiopia. The senator's involvement in the scandal has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, revealing a web of corruption and foreign influence.

Three New Jersey businessmen have also been convicted in connection with the case. They were found guilty of accepting substantial bribes in the form of gold and cash and acting as agents of the Egyptian government to facilitate Menendez's actions against Ethiopia.

This verdict comes after a series of allegations against Senator Menendez, including accusations of abusing his power, obstructing justice, and participating in 16 other related crimes. The case underscores the severe consequences of corruption at the highest levels of government and the potential impact of foreign influence on U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Found Guilty in Bribery Scandal Linked to Egypt and Ethiopia

በወንዶች 3000 ሜትር መሰናክል ታዋቂው ኢትዮጵያዊው አትሌት ላሜቻ ግርማ ራሱን ስቶ የቀረው ይህ ክስተት በጭንቅላት ላይ ከፍተኛ ጉዳት በማስከተሉ እንደሆነ ከቦታው የወጣ መረጃ ያሳያል።

ግርማ ለተጨማሪ የህክምና እርዳታ በፍጥነት ወደ ሆስፒታል ተወሰደ። የአይን እማኞች እንዳረጋገጡት ወድቆ መጎዳቱን  ተከትሎ ራሱን ስቶ በመውደቁ በቦታው ለተመለከተው በጣም አስከፊ ነበር።

የአትሌቲክስ ማህበረሰቡ የግርማ ሁኔታ በጣም ያሳሰበው ሲሆን ለወርቅ ሜዳሊያው ይወዳደር ለነበረው ጎበዝ ሯጭ ፈጣን እና ሙሉ ማገገም ተስፋ አለኝ ሲል መግለጫ አውጥቷል።

በዚህ ፈታኝ ጊዜ ሀሳባችን እና ጸሎታችን ከለሜቻ ግርማ ጋር ነው ሲልም በመግለጫው አክሏል።

Tragic Fall in Men's 3000m Steeplechase: Ethiopian Athlete Lamecha Girma Suffers Serious Injury

Ethiopian athlete Lamecha Girma, a prominent figure in the men's 3000m steeplechase, suffered a severe fall and serious injury during the final event last night. The incident, which left him unconscious, resulted in a significant head injury.

Girma was promptly rushed to the hospital for further medical assistance. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the scene was dire as he fell unconscious following the fall. 

The athletic community is deeply concerned about Girma's condition and is hoping for a swift and full recovery for the talented runner, who was competing for the gold medal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lamecha Girma during this challenging time.


በወንዶች 3000ሜ መሰናክል አሳዛኝ የመውደቅ አደጋ በኢትዮጵያዊው አትሌት ለሜቻ ግርማ ላይ ከባድ ጉዳት አደረሰበት።

ኢትዮጵያዊው ካናዳዊ ምሁር ዶ/ር ቡሻ ታአ በጎንደር ዩኒቨርሲቲ የሶሺዮሎጂ የሙሉ ፕሮፌሰርነት ማዕረግ አግኝተዋል። እንደ ዩኒቨርሲቲው ገለጻ ፕሮፌሰር ቢኒያም ቻቂሉ ከህክምናና ጤና ሳይንስ ኮሌጅ፣ ፕሮፌሰር ቡሻ ታ ከማህበራዊ ሳይንስና ሂውማኒቲስ ኮሌጅ እና ፕሮፌሰር ሰፊነው አለሙ ከእንስሳት ህክምና እና እንስሳት ሳይንስ ኮሌጅ የደረጃ ዕድገት አግኝተዋል። 


Dr. Busha Taa, an Ethiopian Canadian academic, has been promoted to the rank of full professor of Sociology by the University of Gondar. According to the university, Prof. Binyam Chakilu from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Busha Taa from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Prof. Sefinew Alemu from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences have all been promoted to full professorship ranks.



ኢትዮጵያዊው ካናዳዊ ምሁር ዶ/ር ቡሻ ታአ ወደ ሙሉ ፕሮፌሰርነት አደገ/Ethiopian Canadian Scholar Dr. Busha Taa Promoted to Full Professor!

 Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Ambassador Taye Atskeselase-Selassie, welcomed Canada's Minister of International Development, Hon. Ahmed Hussen, in a meeting today aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. This significant engagement underscores the commitment of both nations to foster sustainable growth and mutual prosperity through collaboration in key areas such as peacebuilding, development, and economic opportunities.

During the discussions, Ambassador Taye Atskeselase-Selassie and Minister Ahmed Hussen explored various avenues to deepen their partnership. The meeting highlighted the following key points:

- Peacebuilding Initiatives: Both ministers emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They discussed potential joint initiatives to support conflict resolution, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote social cohesion in Ethiopia and the surrounding region.
  
- Development Projects: The dialogue covered a range of development projects that could benefit from enhanced cooperation. Topics included infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, and educational programs designed to uplift underserved communities in Ethiopia.

- Economic Opportunities: Recognizing the potential for economic growth, the ministers explored ways to boost trade and investment between the two countries. They discussed opportunities for Canadian businesses to engage in Ethiopia’s emerging markets and for Ethiopian products to gain better access to Canadian markets.

Minister Hussen expressed Canada’s readiness to support Ethiopia’s efforts towards achieving its developmental goals. He reiterated Canada’s commitment to providing technical assistance and financial support to key sectors, particularly those that align with Ethiopia's strategic development plans.

Ambassador Taye Atskeselase-Selassie acknowledged Canada’s valuable contributions and stressed the importance of sustained international cooperation. He highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing reforms and the country’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment and international partnerships.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in Ethiopia-Canada relations. By focusing on peacebuilding, development, and economic collaboration, both nations are poised to achieve greater heights in their bilateral relationship. The strengthened partnership not only aims to benefit the people of Ethiopia and Canada but also to contribute positively to regional and global stability.

The discussions concluded with a mutual agreement to continue dialogue and explore further areas of cooperation. Both ministers expressed optimism about the future of Ethiopia-Canada relations and committed to working together to achieve shared objectives.



Ethiopia and Canada Strengthen Partnership on Peace and Development


As part of the Mental Health Week celebrations, a special documentary screening took place last Saturday, May 18th. The film, "Tesfaye (Hope)," captivated audiences with its compelling tale of migration and resilience. The event underscored the theme of this year's Mental Health Week, "Healing with Compassion," by highlighting personal journeys towards wellness and the healing power of storytelling. The community gathered to reflect, share experiences, and find strength in collective compassion and understanding.

Inspiring Documentary "Tesfaye (Hope)" Illuminates Community Event on May 18th

Nobel Laureate Alice Munro, Master of the Short Story, Dies at 92

May 14, 2024
Canadian author Alice Munro, the 2013 Nobel Prize winner for literature, passed away at her home in Port Hope, Ontario, on Monday night. She was 92. Munro, celebrated for her insightful and compassionate short stories about life in rural Canada, leaves behind a legacy that has deeply influenced readers worldwide.

Often likened to Anton Chekhov for the depth and empathy of her work, Munro's literary career spanned over six decades. Kristin Cochrane, CEO of Penguin Random House Canada, praised her as "a national treasure - a writer of enormous depth, empathy, and humanity whose work is read, admired, and cherished by readers throughout Canada and around the world."

Munro's first major success came with her 1968 short story collection, *Dance of The Happy Shades*, which won the Governor General's Award, Canada's highest literary honor. She went on to win this award twice more, solidifying her place in Canadian literature. Over her lifetime, she published thirteen collections of stories, a novel (*Lives of Girls and Women*), and two volumes of selected stories.

Born in 1931 in Wingham, Ontario, Munro's upbringing in a rural setting heavily influenced her writing. Her stories often reflected the people, culture, and life of the region. In her youth, she was named class valedictorian at her high school and received a scholarship to the University of Western Ontario, where she excelled in English.

Munro's stories began gaining wider recognition in the 1950s and 1960s, being broadcast on CBC and published in various Canadian periodicals. Her breakthrough in the United States came in 1977 when the New Yorker published *Royal Beatings*, a story drawn from her childhood experiences. This led to a long-standing relationship with the magazine.

Her storytelling prowess earned her numerous accolades, including the Man Booker International Prize for lifetime achievement in 2009. The judges remarked, "To read Alice Munro is to learn something every time that you never thought of before." They highlighted her ability to bring "as much depth, wisdom, and precision to every story as most novelists bring to a lifetime of novels."

Munro's impact on literature was further cemented when she received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013. The Nobel committee hailed her as a "master of the contemporary short story."

In her final collection, *Dear Life* (2012), Munro included several partly-autobiographical stories. She hinted in an interview with the National Post that it might be her last work, reflecting on her changing perspective on life.

Alice Munro's legacy endures through her powerful and moving stories that continue to resonate with readers. Her passing marks the end of an era for Canadian literature, but her influence will be felt for generations to come.

Nobel Laureate Alice Munro, Master of the Short Story, Dies at 92


In a landmark event, the inaugural Canada-African Union Commission (AUC) Development Policy Dialogue has marked a pivotal advancement for Africa's development agenda. Held at the African Union headquarters, the meeting highlighted Canada's robust support for #Agenda2063, the continent's ambitious blueprint for social and economic transformation.

Canada's Minister of International Development, the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, announced a doubling of Canada's grant to the AUC, committing an additional $20 million. This substantial increase in funding is designed to empower the African Union in achieving its visionary goals.

AU Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, warmly welcomed the Canadian delegation, emphasizing the importance of the discussions in advancing shared development interests. This strengthened partnership is set to drive significant progress and herald a brighter future for Africa.

Canada Commits $20 Million Boost to African Union in Historic Development Dialogue


Toronto, ON – The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) marked World Press Freedom Day with a ceremony on May 10th, honoring five distinguished journalists for their contributions to the field. The event, held in the Members Lounge/Council Chambers of Toronto City Hall, underscored the critical role of journalism in upholding democracy and challenging dominant narratives.

NEPMCC, dedicated to supporting multicultural media outlets across Canada, emphasized the importance of press freedom, particularly in a year marked by numerous attacks on journalists worldwide. The celebration served as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who pursue truth in the face of adversity and the indispensable role of a free press in fostering a democratic society.

Honoring Truth: NEPMCC Celebrates World Press Freedom Day with Journalist Awards at Toronto City Hall

 

In a stirring celebration of liberty and journalistic integrity, the inaugural ceremony of the Free Speech Hub (FSH) unfolded on Wednesday, May 01, 2024, at the Toronto Event Venue. This pioneering non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting Afghan media and journalists while upholding press freedom and freedom of speech, beckoned luminaries and advocates from around the world to partake in an evening of enlightenment and solidarity.

The event, graced by renowned keynote speakers from Afghanistan, Canada, and the United States, resonated with the profound words of Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie, chair of the Writers in Exile group of PEN Canada. 
Reflecting on this sentiment, Demissie extended heartfelt appreciation to the visionaries behind the establishment of the Free Speech Hub, notably recognizing the unwavering dedication of Saeed Najib Asli, a champion of freedom of thought. As individuals who have confronted the perils of operating in countries that suppress press freedom, Demissie and Asli underscored the paramount importance of initiatives like the Free Speech Hub in championing unfettered expression and disseminating diverse perspectives.

As the global community gears up to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, Demissie's words resounded with a call to action, directing thoughts towards the countless journalists unjustly incarcerated in regions like Ethiopia and Afghanistan. "When one house is on fire, the neighboring house is not immune," Demissie remarked, urging collective action to confront and rectify hostile environments that stifle ideas and undermine the indispensable role of media professionals.

Indeed, the Free Speech Hub stands as a beacon of hope in an era characterized by unprecedented interconnectedness. With its mission to foster transformative outcomes and usher in an era marked by unwavering commitment to press freedom and intellectual pluralism, the Hub symbolizes a united front against injustice and oppression.

As attendees departed the ceremony, buoyed by a renewed sense of purpose and determination, they carried with them the spirit of solidarity and the unwavering resolve to safeguard freedom of expression. In the words of Demissie, may the endeavors of Najib and the Free Speech Hub illuminate the path towards a future where the pen truly is mightier than the sword.

Free Speech Hub Inauguration Marks Beacon of Hope for Global Press Freedom


New Horizons: Immigrant Filmmakers Shine at TIFF Lightbox. In a dynamic celebration of Canada's multicultural landscape, Skills for Change, in collaboration with TIFF Community Impact, unveiled "New Horizons: Diverse Voices of Canada" at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto's vibrant entertainment district on Friday, April 19. This pioneering event offered an immersive journey into the immigrant experience through the artistry of filmmaking.

Highlighting the evening was the screening of six captivating short films, including "Tizita," a moving documentary penned and directed by Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie, an esteemed Ethiopian filmmaker, writer, and journalist. The audience was transported into the intricate narratives of immigrant, refugee, and first-generation individuals, as depicted through a diverse range of cinematic expressions.

Attendees were treated to a complimentary viewing of these thought-provoking films, each offering a unique perspective on identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant journey in Canada. From poetic reflections to animated explorations, the lineup showcased the rich tapestry of storytelling inherent in the immigrant experience.

Following the screening, a moderated discussion provided an intimate insight into the creative processes and personal journeys of select filmmakers, including Demissie. This interactive session facilitated a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives shaping Canada's cultural landscape and underscored the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities.

"New Horizons" stands as a beacon of intercultural understanding and appreciation, uniting communities in celebration of Canada's multiculturalism. By amplifying immigrant voices like Demissie's, the event champions the importance of diversity and creates a platform for dialogue and connection.

