Postponement Notice!
Unfortunately due to escalating developments surrounding the Ethiopian Election the installment of 'The Tale of the Screaming Paint' is postponed till the next blog. This is to bring you an update on latest developments in this developing country. The Election is set for Sunday 23rd of May and although VSO have said they do not forsee any problems several measures have been put in place. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) have decreed that all ferengis cannot travel without a travel permit; that means an official letter with all your details, reason for travelling, liscence plate of car you will be travelling in and people you are travelling with, all sealed with the usual Purple Stamp. VSO are requesting: 2 mobile numbers (not sure why as I have only one phone), that we identify a 'safe house' in our area (I nominated Colin's house as he has a landline but more importantly a fridge in which to keep the beer and a bbq set), that we get in enough tinned food and water to last four days, that we do not travel anywhere between Thursday 20th - Wednesday 26th May, that we avoid any public demonstrations, avoid public transport and stay away from any polling station. The quote on their last weekly update said: Did you know: 'Demonstrations and Protests lead to violence and unrest'!!! But still no need to panic.
Thought you'd like to know, makes you thankful for the 'democracy' of our own elections. It is actually amazing that opposition parties can at least pretend to be working together for the next five years. Here two oppostion leaders 'died' one of natural causes, the other in a bar brawl. And tonnes of people are being arrested for simply taking down an election poster - 6 months in jail!!!! The posters are hideous as the party symbol is a giant bee which looks like some mutant killer bee from a 70s Sci-Fi B Movie. But despite all these restrictions everything seems calm. Can't help feeling it is a little media frenzy at work. Though interestingly the EU Observers are here to ensure things go smoothly. I was a little perturbed when having coffee in a cafe an Ethiopian came up and asked if we were EU Observers, not sure what the locals think of them being here. But we saw some the other day and they were wearing blue body warmers with EU on the back including the EU stars in a cricle in bright yellow - looks like a target!!! Glad I am not one of them.
Well folks hope you are all well. I am really well on this, unusually, bright sunny day in Addis. I'll keep you posted on any updates.
Love to you all
Joanne x
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