Ethiopia, a founding member of the Confederation of African Football, play in the Cup of Nations for the first time in 31 years. Reuters
Ethiopia, a founding member of the Confederation of African Football, play in the Cup of Nations for the first time in 31 years. Reuters
Ethiopia, a founding member of the Confederation of African Football, play in the Cup of Nations for the first time in 31 years. Reuters
Ethiopia, a founding member of the Confederation of African Football, play in the Cup of Nations for the first time in 31 years. Reuters

Can Afcon 2021 help Ethiopia heal the wounds of civil war?


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When Ethiopia qualified for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in March 2021, its capital, Addis Ababa, exploded with joy.

Droves of flag-waving youths took to the streets in celebration, bringing what would have otherwise been bustling traffic in some areas to a standstill.

Drivers didn’t seem to care as the blaring of their horns filled the air.

“I remember boarding a taxi minibus and getting a ride home free of charge,” recalls Wondimu Temesgen, an Ethiopian football fan.

“A lot of public transportation drivers drove people free of charge that day!”

Our team is composed of players with different backgrounds and truly represents Ethiopia and its nations and nationalities
Ebawak Tesfaye,
sports journalist

The success of the national team, nicknamed the Walias after the mountain goat endemic to northern Ethiopia, was a bright spark in an otherwise dark year.

Once listed as a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa region and among the fastest-growing economies in Africa, a tragic reversal of fortunes plunged the country into a devastating civil war last year. Tens of thousands have died; famine and displacement have harmed millions more.

In the lead up to the final round of qualifying fixtures, members of Ethiopia’s national team have expressed a desire to not only win their country its first Afcon berth since 2013, but to foster unity in the process.

  • An Ethiopia fan enjoys the atmosphere during the 2013 African Cup of Nations match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia from Mbombela Stadium on January 25, 2013, in Mbombela, formerly called Nelspruit, in South Africa. All photos by Getty
    An Ethiopia fan enjoys the atmosphere during the 2013 African Cup of Nations match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia from Mbombela Stadium on January 25, 2013, in Mbombela, formerly called Nelspruit, in South Africa. All photos by Getty
  • Ethiopia fans enjoy the atmosphere during the game.
    Ethiopia fans enjoy the atmosphere during the game.
  • An Ethiopia fan.
    An Ethiopia fan.
  • Fans during the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifier match between South Africa and Ethiopia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 3, 2012, in Rustenburg, South Africa.
    Fans during the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifier match between South Africa and Ethiopia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 3, 2012, in Rustenburg, South Africa.
  • Ethiopia fans enjoy the atmosphere during the 2013 African Cup of Nations match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa.
    Ethiopia fans enjoy the atmosphere during the 2013 African Cup of Nations match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa.
  • Ethiopia fans wearing the team’s colours celebrate during the 2013 African Cup of Nations Group C match between Ethiopia and Nigeria at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa.
    Ethiopia fans wearing the team’s colours celebrate during the 2013 African Cup of Nations Group C match between Ethiopia and Nigeria at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa.
  • An Ethiopia fan in a distinctive hat watches his team’s 2013 African Cup of Nations Group C match against Nigeria, in Rustenburg, South Africa.
    An Ethiopia fan in a distinctive hat watches his team’s 2013 African Cup of Nations Group C match against Nigeria, in Rustenburg, South Africa.

As the Walias prepare to face Cape Verde in the first round of the competition on Sunday, those calls for unity may not have reached Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. Tigray is home to about 5 per cent of Ethiopia’s 115 million-strong population, as well as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which governs the region and has been at war with federal government forces since November 2020.

War in Tigray leaks out of restive region

Years of worsening tension between Addis Ababa and the TPLF eventually gave way to violence when Tigray forces launched late-night ambushes against federal army bases on November 3. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded by declaring all-out war, deploying the full might of the Ethiopian army, backed by soldiers from allied neighbouring Eritrea.

As territory changed hands repeatedly during a year of conflict, Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers were accused of ethnic cleansing, weaponised rape and civilian massacres. Tigrayans taking new territory were also accused of killing indiscriminately and looting.

Eventually, rebuffed by a strong Ethiopian recruitment drive and an arsenal of newly purchased drones, Tigrayan forces withdrew to their frontier, resulting in the current bloody stalemate.

  • Captive Ethiopian soldiers arrive at the Mekele Rehabilitation Centre in Tigray, Ethiopia, after a four-day journey from Abdi Eshir. All photos: AFP
    Captive Ethiopian soldiers arrive at the Mekele Rehabilitation Centre in Tigray, Ethiopia, after a four-day journey from Abdi Eshir. All photos: AFP
  • Women welcome Tigray People's Liberation Front fighters as they return to Mekele after seizing control of the city in June 2021.
    Women welcome Tigray People's Liberation Front fighters as they return to Mekele after seizing control of the city in June 2021.
  • Ethiopians who fled the Tigray conflict wait to charge their phones at Um Raquba refugee camp in Gedaref, Sudan.
    Ethiopians who fled the Tigray conflict wait to charge their phones at Um Raquba refugee camp in Gedaref, Sudan.
  • A member of the Afar Special Forces stands in front of the debris of a house on the outskirts of the village of Bisober in Tigray.
    A member of the Afar Special Forces stands in front of the debris of a house on the outskirts of the village of Bisober in Tigray.
  • People hold candles and Ethiopian flags at a memorial service for the victims of the Tigray conflict in Addis Ababa.
    People hold candles and Ethiopian flags at a memorial service for the victims of the Tigray conflict in Addis Ababa.
  • An Ethiopian refugee who fled fighting in Tigray waits behind a fence in a camp in Sudan.
    An Ethiopian refugee who fled fighting in Tigray waits behind a fence in a camp in Sudan.
  • Refugees living in a camp in Sudan after fleeing violence in Tigray.
    Refugees living in a camp in Sudan after fleeing violence in Tigray.
  • A woman walks among the remains of a destroyed factory in Ataye, Ethiopia, where more than 100 civilians died in a recent flare-up of violence.
    A woman walks among the remains of a destroyed factory in Ataye, Ethiopia, where more than 100 civilians died in a recent flare-up of violence.
  • Two members of the Amhara militia ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Amharas and Tigrayans were uneasy neighbours before the current fighting, with tension over land sparking violent clashes.
    Two members of the Amhara militia ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Amharas and Tigrayans were uneasy neighbours before the current fighting, with tension over land sparking violent clashes.
  • Militias from the Amhara region have been involved in the fighting in Tigray.
    Militias from the Amhara region have been involved in the fighting in Tigray.
  • Tens of thousands of Ethiopians gather at a rally organised by the mayor of Addis Ababa to show support for the military's efforts in Tigray.
    Tens of thousands of Ethiopians gather at a rally organised by the mayor of Addis Ababa to show support for the military's efforts in Tigray.
  • Zeleke Alabachew, farmer and militia fighter, tends to his land near the village of Tekeldengy, Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation.
    Zeleke Alabachew, farmer and militia fighter, tends to his land near the village of Tekeldengy, Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation.
  • People celebrate the liberation of opposition leaders in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia.
    People celebrate the liberation of opposition leaders in the city of Alamata, Ethiopia.
  • A family fleeing violence sit in a former classroom at May Weyni secondary school, now hosting 10,500 displaced people, in Mekele, capital of Tigray.
    A family fleeing violence sit in a former classroom at May Weyni secondary school, now hosting 10,500 displaced people, in Mekele, capital of Tigray.
  • Ethiopian refugees travel to Sudan to escape violence in Tigray.
    Ethiopian refugees travel to Sudan to escape violence in Tigray.
  • Ethiopian refugees gather to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Tigray People's Liberation Front at Um Raquba refugee camp in Gedaref, Sudan. The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics before being ousted from their regional stronghold last year.
    Ethiopian refugees gather to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Tigray People's Liberation Front at Um Raquba refugee camp in Gedaref, Sudan. The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics before being ousted from their regional stronghold last year.
  • An Ethiopian refugee sets up a tent in a camp in the town of Gedaref, Sudan, after being transported from the border reception centre.
    An Ethiopian refugee sets up a tent in a camp in the town of Gedaref, Sudan, after being transported from the border reception centre.
  • Pro-Tigrayan demonstrators display placards during a protest in front of the chancellery in Berlin.
    Pro-Tigrayan demonstrators display placards during a protest in front of the chancellery in Berlin.
  • The aftermath of heavy shelling in Wukro, a city north of Mekele, in Ethiopia.
    The aftermath of heavy shelling in Wukro, a city north of Mekele, in Ethiopia.

In Tigray, a federal government-enacted blockade has left millions without food and hospitals running out of medicine. The war has effectively torn the social fabric that had bound Tigrayans to the rest of Ethiopia. For Tigrayans who are increasingly contemplating separation from Ethiopia, the footballers’ exploits mean little.

“I don’t think there is a single Tigrayan who cares about sport right now, let alone the national team,” said 32-year-old Abraha, an ethnic Tigrayan who lives in Amsterdam.

Abraha, who asked to be identified only by his first name, says he was formerly a fan of the Walias, and recalls with bitter fondness now, memories of the last time Ethiopia qualified for Africa’s most prestigious sporting competition. On that day in October 2012, Ethiopia defeated Sudan 2-0 at Addis Ababa stadium, a result that led the Walias to a major international tournament for the first time since 1982.

Abraha was in Axum, Tigray, at the time.

“I watched the game on television with friends and neighbours. When the game ended, we ran into the streets where so many were already out with their faces painted in green, yellow and red colours,” he said.

“I know several who were celebrating that day who died in the massacre.”

He was referring to the killing of hundreds of men and boys in Axum by Eritrean soldiers in late 2020.

“They don’t see us as Ethiopians anyway. I won’t watch the games.”

Ethiopia’s successful qualification for the 2013 Afcon was a mini footballing renaissance of sorts and the team nearly qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

In the years that followed, new stadiums were built in an effort to maintain the momentum.

Ethiopia coach Wubetu Abate is hoping for success at Afcon 2021. Reuters
Ethiopia coach Wubetu Abate is hoping for success at Afcon 2021. Reuters

One of them was the Woldia stadium. About 500 kilometres north of Addis Ababa, it was built at a cost of $22 million and was largely paid for by Ethiopian-Saudi billionaire and Woldia native Mohammed Al Amoudi to cater to the city’s growing football potential.

Woldia was recently freed from rebel control after Tigrayan troops withdrew, ending their six-month stint in control of the town. Residents spoke to The National of shortages of food, water and electricity as the rebels looted homes and businesses, murdering those who stood in their way.

Images of the looted Woldia stadium’s café and recreation centre have made the rounds on social media. The surrounding area was heavily shelled by TPLF forces when they entered the town in August.

Mobile internet and phone services were only recently restored to the town. When asked about Ethiopia’s prospects of putting on a good showing at the Afcon, one resident broke into ironic laughter.

“There’s no power here. How would we be able to watch the games?” the young man said. “Soldiers were delivering water door to door just last week. We need our basic needs met.”

First to arrive at Afcon 2021

The Walias were the first team to set up camp in Cameroon, buoyed by a desire to provide some respite for their fans and facing no pressure to perform.

Headed to the tournament as minnows, the second-lowest-ranked side will mark their eight-year wait to return to major international football by a baptism of fire, including a January 13 match with host nation Cameroon.

At least one member of the country’s sports press corps hopes the team will inspire others with more than their feted short passing game.

“Our team is composed of players with different backgrounds and truly represents Ethiopia and its nations and nationalities,” sportswriter Ebawak Tesfaye told The National.

“During this period of turmoil and chaos, they are a symbol of unity. I am personally excited to see this team back where it belongs.”

Ethiopia will seek to emulate Iraq’s Asia Cup winning team of 2007, Libya’s African Nations Championship winning side of 2014 and, more recently, the Yemeni team that clinched the U-15 West Asian title last month, as war-torn countries that tasted footballing glory.

Juvenile arthritis

Along with doctors, families and teachers can help pick up cases of arthritis in children.
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.
Dr Betina Rogalski said "The younger the child the more difficult it into pick up the symptoms. If the child is small, it may just be a bit grumpy or pull its leg a way or not feel like walking,” she said.
According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in US, the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap.
Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee, excessive clumsiness, having a high fever and skin rash are other symptoms. Children may also have swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems and can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.
In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.

The specs

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Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

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On sale: now

India squads

Test squad against Afghanistan: Rahane (c), Dhawan, Vijay, Rahul, Pujara, Karun, Saha, Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Umesh, Shami, Pandya, Ishant, Thakur.

T20 squad against Ireland and England: Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Raina, Pandey, Dhoni, Karthik, Chahal, Kuldeep, Sundar, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Pandya, Kaul, Umesh.

ODI squad against England: Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Shreyas, Rayudu, Dhoni, Karthik, Chahal, Kuldeep, Sundar, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Pandya, Kaul, Umesh

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Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

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Score

New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs 

New Zealand win by 47 runs

New Zealand lead three-match ODI series 1-0

Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday

MATCH DETAILS

Manchester United 3

Greenwood (21), Martial (33), Rashford (49)

Partizan Belgrade 0

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TOUCH RULES

Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.

Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.

Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.

A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.

After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.

At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.

A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.

Secret Nation: The Hidden Armenians of Turkey
Avedis Hadjian, (IB Tauris)
 

UAE central contracts

Full time contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid

Part time contracts

Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

FIXTURES

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Friday
Sevilla v Levante (midnight)

Saturday
Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad (7.15pm)
Eibar v Valencia (9.30pm)
Atletico Madrid v Alaves (11.45pm)

Sunday
Girona v Getafe (3pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7.15pm)
Las Palmas v Espanyol (9.30pm)
Barcelona v Deportivo la Coruna (11.45pm)

Monday
Malaga v Real Betis (midnight)

The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Updated: January 10, 2022, 4:39 PM