Stories about Ethiopia from May, 2012
Ethiopia: EPRDF’s Anniversary: What is There to Celebrate?
The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) celebrated its 21st anniversary on 28 May. Some Ethiopians consider the day a ‘National Day’ while others see it as a day when one oppressive regime replaced another one. Netizens have taken to blogs and Facebook to reflect on EPRDF anniversary.
Ethiopia: G8 Summit Casts Fresh Light on Ethiopia
Netizens have stepped up their effort to draw attention to Ethiopia’s independent media situation as the G8 Summit approaches. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and three other African heads of state are expected to attend. The upcoming G8 Summit in the United States will be held at Camp David in Maryland from 18-19 May, 2012.
Africa: Development or Democracy, Which Comes First?
The question of whether Africa needs to sacrifice democracy in order to focus on economic development has become the subject of much discussion online after the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi claimed at the World Economic Forum that there is no relationship between economic growth and democracy.
Ethiopia: Muslims Take Campaign Online for Religious Independence
Signs of Ethiopian Muslims digital activism are mounting as they protest against government’s meddling in their religious affairs. They have turned to Facebook and Twitter to make their voices heard.
Ethiopia: The World Economic Forum in Africa 2012
Over 700 leaders from more than 70 countries are attending the World Economic Forum in Africa taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian from 9 - 11, 2012. The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world.
Ethiopia: Netizens Thrilled with PEN Award for Dissident Blogger and Journalist
Ethiopians are celebrating online after the jailed Ethiopian dissident blogger and journalist Eskinder Nega won the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award for his defence of freedom of expression in Ethiopia.
Africa: Calls for Transparency Over Marked Increase in Land Deals
Almost 5% of Africa's agricultural land has been bought or leased by investors since 2000. Observers are increasingly worried about the fact that such land deals usually take place in the world poorest countries and how they impact its most vulnerable population, the farmers.