#MeseretNews Evening Briefs from Meseret Media
• Suicide at Kechene Taxi Terminal
Yesterday, on May 1, 2025, a long-time porter working around the Kechene taxi loading area took his own life after reportedly being forcefully expelled from his workplace by local authorities. The man, who had been working in the area between Addis Ketema market and Kechene taxis (Woreda 7 of Gullele Sub-city) was a father of three. His burial took place earlier today.
• Public Littering Crackdown in Addis Ababa
In various parts of Addis Ababa, city administration officials gathered residents under the slogan "Drink Coffee, Let's Talk" to raise awareness. They, however, warned the public against disposing of waste water—including drains from clothes and showers —into drainage systems. Citizens reportedly asked where to dispose of such items, to which officials responded: "Stop it, or you'll face a 2,000 birr fine or more."
• Land Seizure Allegations in East Gojjam
In Enabse Sar Midir Woreda, Mertule Mariam town administration (Kebele 05), farmers told Meseret Media that they were being forced to sell their land—200 square meters each—for only 33,000 birr under the pretext of “development.” They claimed the same land was being resold by local officials for 89,000 birr, with a 56,000 birr profit allegedly split among those officials.
• Killings in Arsi Zone
On Monday, in the Sire Woreda of Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, 50 passengers traveling by bus were reportedly attacked near a place called “Keleta River,” about 40 km from Adama town. One fatality had initially been confirmed. Updated reports indicate that two more people were killed yesterday and their bodies have been recovered.
• Volkswagen Eyes Assembly Plant in Ethiopia
A representative group from Volkswagen Africa held discussions with Ethiopian government officials on the possibility of starting local vehicle assembly operations. The delegates expressed their strong interest in producing electric vehicles within Ethiopia. Further rounds of discussions are planned soon, with implementation expected to follow.
Meseret Media
In Ethiopia:
• Monthly salary of a general medical practitioner = 11,000 birr (~88 USD)
• Monthly propaganda allowance for government activists = 240,000 birr (~1,920 USD)
#Justice
#NewsAlert Over 100 People Reportedly Killed in Drone Strike in Ethiopia's Amahra region
(Meseret Media) – More than 100 people have reportedly been killed in a government drone attack that took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025 near a school in East Gojjam Zone of the Amhara region, according to local residents and eyewitnesses who spoke to the BBC.
The victims, described as “peaceful civilians,” had reportedly gathered near a primary school in a small rural town in Enarj Enawga Woreda named Gedeb, where they were involved in community development work such as building a fence for the school and constructing homes.
Local authorities, however, told the BBC the attack targeted Fano fighters who had assembled in the area, not innocent civilians.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said it is investigating the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the drone strike hit while people were gathered around the school, causing chaos, screams, and panic.
One witness said, “We don’t even know exactly what happened. It was horrifying. There were people running and screaming.”
Another resident described a "devastating blast" and said many people were injured.
One witness said, “It was total darkness, a black day. The area is completely emptied of life. Some people were crying, others were wounded. It was a deeply disturbing scene.”
Another local said that some people, while building the school fence, were struck in the right hand and killed instantly. “Many people were hit,” he said.
One eyewitness estimated the death toll might exceed 120. “We took over 70 bodies to the church using carts,” he said, adding that the victims included young people and elders.
More than 24 severely injured people were taken to a nearby clinic, but most died after arrival, eyewitnesses reported.
Another person said, “We buried between 115 and 120 people. I suspect even more died, but we couldn’t identify all due to the condition of the bodies.”
A different resident estimated the number of dead to be well over 100. “Many bodies were beyond recognition, and we had to bury them in mass graves at the Gedeb St. George Church.”
One resident said, “To prevent hyenas from eating the bodies, the community rushed to bury the victims in a shared grave.”
Following the drone strike, local government forces reportedly entered the town, prompting fear among residents. Some said they fled due to concerns of further attacks.
After things calmed down, locals reportedly pitched tents and began to mourn and honor the victims, but the situation remained tense.
Via BBC Amharic