This week in thePanel’s ‘Exploring the Horn of Africa’…
We are continuing the debate as our October 1st event approaches. This week we discussed Ethiopia’s Hydropower, The Sultnate of Awsa, Canadian terrorists joining Al-Shabaab, and Diaspora Development.
Below are excerpts from this week’s articles…
Below are excerpts from this week’s articles…
Ethiopia’s bid for Hydropower Dominance
by Emily Savage @emiliesavage
Only 14% of Ethiopia’s population has access to energy, one of the lowest levels in the world. To address this, the government is pursuing a series of hydroelectric projects on the Omo River. As Ethiopia’s largest investment project, it aims to give 100% of Ethiopia access to power by 2018. But, with a lack of local consultation and environmental assessments that has the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank withdrawing funding, will the dams’ benefits outweigh the risks?Read More…
Why Canadians Should Care About Al-Shabaab
by Jesse Comeau, @jessecomeau
Al-Shabaab is a violent extremist group operating in Somalia. With the group’s warped interpretation of Islam they impose strict Sharia law on the citizenry. Despite being geographically distant, this group highly affects Canada. Recently, a Canadian, with Somali background, organized an Al-Shabaab attack on a courthouse that killed government officials, peacekeepers and civilians. What is Canada’s legal obligation to assure our own citizens are not committing acts of terror? And, how do we prevent Canadian extremists from radicalizing fellow citizens and conducting acts of terror on Canadian soil? Read More…
Sultanate of Awsa
by Kadafo Mohammed Hanfare
Written by the former Ambassador of Ethiopia to many Middle Eastern and African countries, this piece tells a personal account of the Afar Region in Ethiopia under the Sultanate of Awsa dynasty. The author, who was born and raised in Ethiopia, speaks of Imam Salman, a cruel, tyrannical ruler and his successors.
Read More…
Read More…
Diaspora Development
by Helina Gebremedhen <hgbremedhen@gmail.com
Development in Africa is often associated with high-profile NGOs, large budgets, and international teams from around the globe. However, diaspora development – small-scale initiatives undertaken by those living outside their country of origin – is gaining ground. Multicultural Canada has language skills, networks, and highly educated individuals that open development up to a multitude of possibilities. The importance of remittances is huge; for example, Somalia receives $1.6 billion annually from Somalis around the world. But, could a wealthy returning diaspora push out locals and their initiatives or do diaspora communities create linkages between the developing and developed worlds, increasing cooperation and encouraging partnerships? Read More…
