ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia’s parliament on Thursday approved a four month extension of a state of emergency that was first imposed in October to quell nearly a year of anti-government protests.
“The House unanimously voted to extend the state of emergency,” said a report carried by state media.
Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa said the “extension is needed so as to take the prevailing relatively good peace and security situations to the point of no return,” the Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) reported.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared a six-month state of emergency in October after months of protests in different parts of the country that were met with a strong security response that killed hundreds, according to human rights groups.
The protesters also targeted foreign farms and businesses, especially in the Oromia region close to the capital where unrest began in November 2015.
A key complaint of the protesters is the domination of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party, in power since 1991, and which holds all 546 seats in parliament.
Anteneh Terefe, an opposition Blue Party official was dismayed by the government’s decision.
“This is a bad signal to all of us as political parties, as Ethiopians as individuals and for the state of country,” he said.
“Extension of the state of emergency means things have not gone back to normal. I really wonder how it will possible for us to do any kind of politics.”
More than 11,000 people were arrested under the state of emergency but most were released after receiving “renewal training” on the country’s constitution and other topics, FBC reported last month.
As part of a crackdown on dissent some opposition leaders in the country have been arrested, while others in exile are facing trial in absentia.
Olympic silver medallist Feyisa Lilesa drew attention to the protests at last year’s Rio games by crossing his wrists above his head — a gesture that has become a symbol of the protest movement. He now lives in exile in the US.
The current state of emergency is the first in Ethiopia nationwide since the fall of communist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991.
Ethiopia state of emergency extended by four months
Ethiopia state of emergency extended by four months
From round fruits to lucky charms: How Filipinos invite prosperous New Year
- Lights are lit, doors and windows open to allow good spirits in
- Sticky rice dishes are served to keep family sticking together
MANILA: With the dining table set with symbolic foods, a bit of noise and rituals to invite good luck, Filipinos are ready to welcome the New Year, carefully observing every tradition and superstition to bring prosperity.
Media noche or the midnight dinner on New Year’s Eve is central to the celebration. Besides traditional meats, there will be sticky rice dishes to keep the family sticking together, and pancit or long rice noodles to represent long life.
There should also be 13 round fruits prepared specifically for the occasion, with 12 representing each month of the year, and the 13th adding extra luck. Because they are round like coins, they are believed to invite abundance, wealth and prosperity.
“We cook bilo-bilo (sticky rice balls) with coconut milk and palitaw (sweet rice cakes). It’s something we simply grew up with,” said Cel Reyes from Mabini in Batangas province, south of Manila.
“It’s sticky, so it symbolizes togetherness, and it is also round. Anything that’s round is prepared also as a symbol of prosperity.”
In Malabon, a coastal city in the northern part of Metro Manila, Priam Nepomuceno’s 86-year-old mother-in-law sets unhulled rice on the table.
“Because of the gold color, it’s believed to bring luck and abundance,” he said. “Grapes are also hung on the door. They’re not meant to be eaten and are kept hanging for the whole year as a symbol of prosperity.”
Some people also jump when the clock strikes 12, believing it will help them grow taller.
In many households, all lights are lit before midnight, with doors and windows open to allow good spirits to enter, while noise from firecrackers and party horns keeps the bad ones at bay.
“By nature, Filipinos are superstitious. We believe in good luck, deities. We give in to faith and luck, and it’s tied to deep spirituality,” said Juanita Galang-Trinidad, an 80-year-old editor from Bulacan province north of Manila.
“We also put 12 coins in varying amounts in our pockets and wear polka dot clothing. Rice, cereal, and salt containers should be full.”
New Year’s celebrations, like Christmas, bring families together, but with extra traditions for good luck. Beyond the midnight feast and keeping round objects on the table and at hand, Filipinos try to pay off debts to avoid financial trouble in the coming year.
On New Year’s Eve, they also avoid serving chicken, as chickens are believed to scratch backward when they eat, symbolically scratching away good fortune.
“We hold on to our traditions despite these growing changes, modernity, in our environment,” Trinidad said.
“We still hold on to our traditions and customs because they identify us as a people, as Filipinos.”
