Africa

IGAD Special Envoys worried over South Sudan breach of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement

 IGAD Special Envoys for the South Sudan Mediation Process expressed “serious concerns” over reports of ongoing clashes in various locations across Upper Nile, Jonglei, Warrap and Unity states in South Sudan. “The Envoys deplore the breach of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the SPLM/A (in Opposition) on 23rd January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” IGAD special envoys said in a statement,  “these developments will only serve to undermine the ongoing mediation process and the worsening of the suffering of the people of South Sudan.”

Africa

US awards eight grants to Ethiopian enterprises

 USAID AGP-Livestock Market Development Project launches new Innovation Grants Fund

TheUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Agricultural Growth Program-Livestock Market Development project (AGP-LMD)hosted a grant signing ceremony between USAID and eight grantees on Wednesday Feb. 19^th.  According to a statement from the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, the eight small grants valued at over $760,000 will encourage local Ethiopian investment and innovation in the livestock sector. “The overall purpose is to improve productivity and competitiveness of selected livestock value chains including live animals, meat, and dairy.”