Addis Ababa January 6/2025 (ENA)—Lalibela, home to famed rock-hewn churches and the ancient city revered as the Camelot of Gena (Ethiopian Christmas) is poised for a spectacular celebration this Tuesday on 7th January 2025. January 7th is the date that Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia and the holy city of Lalibela is where they’d all like to be on this religious day of this magnificent celebration. This is a city where hundreds of thousands of people flock to it for these Christmas celebrations and throughout the day seeing numerous pilgrims, monks and priests. Lalibela is known as Africas’ Jerusalem due to its 11 unique churches and artificial “River Jordon” which was a vision of King Lalibela during his reign. An area of religious and historic significance and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia, the religious ceremonies have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. As usual, Lalibela is now welcoming thousands of visitors ahead of Ethiopian Christmas, which is going to be celebrated tomorrow. According to the information obtained from the Lalibela City Administration, over one million visitors are highly expected to be part of the Christmas (Genna) holiday, which will be celebrated Tomorrow, January 7th, 2025. As Ethiopia's top tourist destination with its rich cultural heritage and historic significance, this year’s Ethiopian Christmas is highly anticipated to be a vibrant celebration in Lalibela city that is filled with various religious events. Most importantly, the festive spirit will come alive in Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s top tourist destinations, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic significance. Rooted in deep religious traditions, the celebration will include colorful church services, traditional music, and dance, showcasing Ethiopia’s unique customs. Pilgrims and tourists from around the world will gather to witness these spiritual festivities, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the region's stunning landscapes and ancient rock-hewn churches. Since it is one of Ethiopia’s most cherished holidays, Christmas in the north is not only a religious observance but a cultural experience that beautifully blends history, faith, and festive joy in a truly spectacular way. As the Ethiopian Christmas celebration marks the coinciding birth date of Jesus Christ and Saint Lalibela, it will be held with special pomp and pageantry. Hotels, tour guides, health centers, support staff, property managers, and other service providers have also completed their preparations, according to the city administration. As the Ethiopian Christmas celebration marks the coinciding birth date of Jesus Christ and Saint Lalibela, it will be held with special pomp and pageantry. Hotels, tour guides, health centers, support staff, property managers, and other service providers have also completed their preparations, according to the city administration. In line with the celebration, the Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, has arrived in Lalibela to participate in the Christmas festivities.

AUC Chairperson Election: A Defining Moment for Africa's Progress Addis Ababa January 5|2025 (ENA)—The election of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson has evolved from a largely ceremonial position to one of critical importance in shaping Africa's future. As the continent grapples with a multifaceted set of challenges, including climate change, cybersecurity threats, and the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence (AI), the AUC leadership requires a profound transformation. In an era where technological advancements are fundamentally reshaping the global geopolitical landscape, the next Chairperson must not only possess exceptional diplomatic skills but also the ability to leverage data-driven governance and AI to effectively address Africa's most pressing issues. In response to these challenges, the African Union Commission has positioned itself as a champion of innovation. The AUC is increasingly leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, blockchain, and data analytics, to effectively address crises, optimize resource allocation, and accelerate sustainable development. These technologies are no longer peripheral to governance; they are becoming integral to Africa's development strategy. As Chairperson of the AUC, the new leader will be tasked with steering the continent into an era of technological sophistication, ensuring that Africa not only adapts to global trends but also emerges as a leader in innovation, resilience, and geopolitical influence. The role of the AUC Chairperson has transcended traditional diplomacy. It now demands leadership of a continental technological revolution, where the effective utilization of data and AI can propel Africa's transformation into a global hub of innovation. This new vision necessitates a leader who not only comprehends the transformative power of emerging technologies but also possesses the strategic acumen to integrate them into Africa's political and developmental frameworks. A defining characteristic of the upcoming 2025 AU Commission elections is the emergence of digital coalitions, particularly youth-led movements empowered by decentralized technologies. These movements are revolutionizing campaign finance, mobilizing support, and advocating for a more inclusive and transparent political process. Central to these movements are demands for increased youth representation, gender equality, and progressive policies that align with the aspirations of a new generation of Africans. The role of the AU Chairperson is no longer confined to traditional diplomacy. It is now about leading a continental technological revolution, where the effective use of data and AI could drive Africa’s transformation into a global hub of innovation. This new vision demands a leader who understands the power of emerging technologies and is capable of integrating them into Africa's political and developmental frameworks. While the rise of digital platforms and decentralized technologies is empowering many, it also highlights a persistent challenge: the digital divide. Deep-rooted inequalities across Africa mean that large swaths of the population, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, lack access to the internet, digital tools, and the information necessary to engage fully in the political process. As Africa moves towards a more tech-driven future, it is critical that the next AU Chairperson addresses these disparities to ensure that technological advancements benefit all Africans. The AU must prioritize policies that bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology and information, and fostering an inclusive digital transformation that empowers all citizens to participate in shaping the continent's future. On December 13, 2024, the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa hosted the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the 2025 election. The debate, streamed live by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, featured three prominent candidates: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya; and Richard Randriamandrato, former Foreign Minister of Madagascar. These candidates presented their visions for Africa’s future, tackling critical issues such as African unity, continental trade, climate change, global representation, and institutional reforms. The debate underscored the urgent need for bold, visionary leadership capable of guiding Africa through a period of profound technological and geopolitical change. The next Chairperson will need to balance Africa’s developmental needs with the shifting dynamics of global power, positioning the continent as a formidable player on the world stage. The new AUC Chairperson will face a complex array of challenges, but also an unprecedented opportunity to reshape Africa's trajectory. Among the most pressing priorities will be accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Free Movement of People. These initiatives are essential to creating a more unified and prosperous Africa by reducing barriers to intra-continental trade and fostering deeper regional integration. Regional security and conflict resolution will also remain vital concerns. Ongoing instability in parts of Africa poses a significant threat to the continent's long-term stability. Strengthening the AU's capacity to manage conflicts and build peace will be central to the new Chairperson’s agenda. Climate change, too, presents a growing challenge for Africa. The continent is already feeling the devastating effects of extreme weather, droughts, and flooding, and the next AUC Chairperson will need to prioritize climate resilience. Addressing the environmental crisis will require Africa to adopt innovative, sustainable practices and leverage international partnerships to mitigate and adapt to climate change. With Africa's youth representing the majority of its population, addressing youth unemployment, expanding access to education, and creating economic opportunities will be critical. Empowering young people, particularly through digital platforms and entrepreneurship, will unlock Africa's potential and help catalyze the continent’s growth. Similarly, gender equality will be a cornerstone of the next AU Chairperson's leadership. Women must be empowered to take on active roles in politics, business, and society. Gender parity in decision-making is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity if Africa is to fully capitalize on its human resources. The AUC Chairperson elections are more than a selection of leadership; they represent a broader vision for Africa’s future. The stakes are high, with decisions made during the election period shaping Africa's role in global affairs, particularly in areas like climate change, global trade, and geopolitical strategy. Therefore, the next AU Chairperson will have to be a strong advocate for Africa’s interests on the world stage, promoting policies that emphasize peace, security, sustainable development, and equitable growth. As Africa continues to navigate the digital age, the next Chairperson must ensure that the continent not only adapts to technological advancements but also uses these innovations to address its most pressing challenges. These elections are not just political contests—they are defining moments that will determine the direction of Africa for generations to come. In the end, the leadership of the African Union is not just about governance; it is about forging a new path for Africa in a rapidly changing world. The next Chairperson therefore must be a visionary, capable of turning Africa’s aspirations into reality and ensuring that the benefits of technological progress and sustainable development are shared by all Africans. It is obvious that the choices made in the 2025 AU Commission elections will have a critical impact on Africa’s future development trajectory and its place in the global order.