Hopper bands in Israel for the first time in 50 years; adult groups in interior of Saudi Arabia

As a result of egg-laying in mid-March and low temperatures, hatching occurred from mid-April onwards in the western Negev Desert of Israel and in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt where hoppers are now forming groups and bands in both areas.

Agordat, 9 May 2013 – The inhabitants of 12 Administrative areas in Agordat sub-zone are reportedly engaged in soil and water conservation undertakings with a view to restoring erosion-hit areas.

Mr. Eyasu Haile, head of economic development in the sub-zone, disclosed that the community venture is aimed at raising plant production output through the preparation of a total of 2,000 hectares, in the process of which farmlands of families of martyrs have been prioritized. He further called on farmers to finalize their preparations to this end before the onset of the rainy season.

JERUSALEM, May 8 2013 (IPS) - Since Israel secretly deported over 1,000 Sudanese refugees several months ago, sending them back to Sudan and threatening to deport hundreds more Sub-Saharan African refugees, Israeli authorities have suspended this practise in the face of international outrage and condemnation by the United Nations.

Yet refugees, even legal ones, nevertheless continue to leave in fear of deportation as well as abuse amid a climate of racism and frequent attacks against African refugees in Israel.

This document provides an overview of developments in the Mediterranean Basin and other regions of interest from 16 – 29 April 2013, with hyperlinks to source material highlighted and underlined in the text. For more information on the topics below or other issues pertaining to the region, please contact the members of the Med Basin Team, or visit our website at www.cimicweb.org.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

In Focus 1
North Africa 2
Northeast Africa 4
Horn of Africa 5

Washington DC, 30 April 2013 — Mai Aini refugee camp in northern Ethiopia is home to more than 13,500 refugees from neighbouring Eritrea. The Jesuit Refugee Service provides counseling and recreational services to the camp residents, and provides a library and study space to help the refugees cope.

NEW YORK, 26 April 2013 – In a week when education advocates shine a light on the importance of teachers, a UNICEF expert said today that teachers are keys to reaching education goals for all children, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Ethiopia continues to face recurrent drought due to climate change. Short-term interventions must be combined with medium- to long-term actions to boost the resilience of those affected.

This document provides an overview of developments in the Mediterranean Basin and other regions of interest from 02 – 15 April 2013, with hyperlinks to source material highlighted and underlined in the text. For more information on the topics below or other issues pertaining to the region, please contact the members of the Med Basin Team, or visit our website at www.cimicweb.org.

Inside this issue

In Focus 1

North Africa 2

Northeast Africa 4

Horn of Africa 5

Dirko, 16 April 2013 – Reports indicated that the potable water supply facility in both Adi-Shelemun and Adi-Yaqne Administrative areas, Emni-Haili sub-zone, has been renovated.

Mr. Birhane Tekeste, Administrator of Adi-Yaqne Administrative area, explained that accessing potable water has been a demanding task following the malfunctioning of the facility, the overhaul of which has given rise to a relief on the part of the local inhabitants.