Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 333

The systemic cheating of our global order

0

In recent years, the world has witnessed a troubling trend: the normalization of systemic cheating as a core principle of governance and economic operation. This insidious vice has seeped into the very fabric of society, particularly in powerful states, where it is often cloaked in bureaucratic processes and manipulation. What we are witnessing is not merely a failure of integrity but a deliberate institutionalization of deceit that has become a coveted asset for those entrenched in crony capitalism.

At its heart, this decay reflects a broader reality: the established economic order shapes our values, norms, and societal mores. Cheating is no longer just an individual failing; it has become an accepted practice among the ruling elite, celebrated even by those who benefit from it. The current nation-states appear to rely on this systemic dishonesty to maintain their power both domestically and internationally. To perpetuate this culture of deceit, lying has become a necessary tool.

This hidden power structure, often referred to as the “deep state,” encompasses a vast network that includes military, intelligence, banking, and media institutions. The media, in particular, plays a pivotal role in this complex, acting as the primary vehicle for disseminating lies that keep the populace complacent—what can only be described as a zombification of the global citizenry. The entertainment industry further amplifies this deception, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in ways that serve the interests of the status quo.

Electoral democracy, ironically touted as the pinnacle of democratic governance, has become one of the most effective platforms for institutionalizing systemic cheating. While it ostensibly empowers citizens, it often delivers untold benefits to the cronies who manipulate its mechanisms. The global status quo enshrines this model as democracy itself while masking its inherent flaws and failures.

The economic underpinnings of our global system are equally troubling. At its core lies massive fraud perpetuated by practices like Fractional Reserve Banking (FRB). This system is predicated on a fundamental lie: that banks lend money from deposits when, in reality, they create money out of thin air. This fabricated currency generates interest and financial rents that exacerbate inflation and create wealth disparities. It is this “fake money” that fuels the rise of millionaires and billionaires—often at the expense of everyday people—while propping up oligarchs even in poorer nations.

To maintain this elaborate facade, a culture of systemic lying has been established across various institutions—from schools to universities—indoctrinating individuals into accepting these blatant deceptions as truth. This pervasive misinformation serves to legitimize the polarizing forces of globalization that continue to divide societies.

Geopolitics represents another arena where lies are weaponized to obscure underlying criminality. The mainstream media has largely become a mouthpiece for the establishment, offering narratives that distort reality rather than illuminate it. Historical examples abound: Libya was destroyed under the pretense of promoting democracy; Iraq was invaded based on fabricated claims about weapons of mass destruction; Syria and Ukraine have faced similar fates justified by misleading rhetoric.

In each case, these fabrications were crafted to mask the true motivations behind military interventions and geopolitical maneuvers—motivations rooted in maintaining control over resources and power rather than promoting freedom or democracy.

It is imperative for individuals to recognize these patterns and demand accountability from those in power. Only through collective awareness and action can we hope to dismantle this entrenched system of dishonesty and work towards a more equitable and truthful global order. The signs of decay are evident; it is time for us to confront them head-on before they become irreversible.

Mahmoud Ahmed’s Farewell Concert: A Disappointing Tribute to a Legend

0

The farewell concert for legendary Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed, held on January 11, 2025, at Millennium Hall, aimed to celebrate his illustrious 60-year career. Unfortunately, the event fell short of the heartfelt tribute fans had anticipated, leaving many attendees feeling disillusioned and dissatisfied due to poor organization and a lack of respect for the artist’s legacy.

Despite the attendance of notable figures, including former President Sahle-Work Zewde, the concert quickly descended into chaos. The event started late, frustrating many fans who had eagerly awaited the celebration of one of Ethiopia’s most beloved artists. While Mahmoud Ahmed is celebrated for his profound contributions to Ethiopian music, the execution of the event failed to honor his impact adequately.

Many attendees noted that the sound system was subpar, detracting from the performances and making it difficult to appreciate the music. Furthermore, Mahmoud Ahmed was reportedly made to perform while he was unwell, forcing him to stay awake until the early hours of the morning. Had the organizers been better prepared, they could have avoided putting him in such a difficult position.

The concert featured performances by other Ethiopian musicians. However, instead of complementing Mahmoud’s performance, some artists appeared to prioritize showcasing their talents at the expense of the main event. Many fans expressed disappointment that there was only one artist who played Mahmoud’s songs during the night. Given that there are numerous singers capable of honoring his legacy, it felt like a missed opportunity not to have a more Mahmud-themed night. The DJ could have easily played more of Mahmoud’s music to celebrate his career.

The performance by a singer named Danny was particularly criticized; many attendees found it embarrassing and out of place. Additionally, the MC’s performance left much to be desired, further contributing to the overall dissatisfaction with the event.

VIP ticket holders were particularly disappointed. Promised an inclusive dinner experience, they were met with exorbitant prices for drinks and mixers, with no beer options available. Many felt misled by the organizers, who seemed more focused on profit than on providing a memorable experience for fans eager to celebrate Mahmoud’s legacy.

Mahmoud Ahmed’s significant contributions to music over the past six decades—culminating in his historic performance at Carnegie Hall in 2016—there is hope that future celebrations will better honor his legacy. For now, however, the farewell concert serves as a reminder of how poor organization can overshadow even the most significant moments in an artist’s career.

Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week set to showcase African Creativity and Innovation

0

The highly anticipated Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW) is returning for its 14th edition, scheduled to take place from January 22nd to 26th, 2025. This year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of African fashion, featuring an exciting lineup of runway shows, exhibitions, panel discussions, and innovative experiences that highlight the continent’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.

A key highlight of HAFW 2025 will be the “Techstiched” project, powered by the British Council and delivered by GUZO Technologies. This groundbreaking initiative will feature an AI-generated fashion show that seamlessly blends Ethiopian heritage and landmarks with cutting-edge technology. Attendees can look forward to a mesmerizing display of digital creativity, enhanced by VRX experiences that showcase Ethiopia’s advancements in technology.

The event will also host a three-day fashion exhibition at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, providing a platform for talented African designers to present their collections to a global audience. Alongside the exhibition, a series of insightful panel discussions will delve into crucial topics such as growing African textile and clothing exports, leveraging technology to enhance the fashion industry, and engaging in round-table talks with industry experts.

The fashion showcases at HAFW 2025 will culminate in a two-day fashion show on January 23rd and 24th at the iconic Millennium Hall, where renowned designers from across Africa will grace the runway with their latest creations. The final two days, January 25th and 26th, will feature a shopping experience at a pop-up marketplace at Hyatt Regency from 10 AM to 6 PM.

HAFW 2025 is made possible through the collaboration of esteemed partners including Clairvoyant Marketing Agency as the organizer, Jorka as co-organizer, BGI – Sinq Malt as title sponsor, and Hyatt Regency as hotel partner. Strategic partnerships with the British Council, Alliance Ethio-Francaise, and FA254 further enhance the event’s reach and impact.

Bunna Bank Reports Significant Growth Amid Economic Challenges

0

Bunna Bank has announced a remarkable milestone, with its total assets surpassing 54.53 billion birr, reflecting an increase of 8.14 billion birr in the current fiscal year. This achievement comes as the bank held its 15th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, where it also reported a pre-tax profit of 930.1 million birr for the year.

Founded 15 years ago, Bunna Bank has grown to serve over 14,000 shareholders and employs more than 4,100 permanent staff across its 474 branches nationwide. The bank’s paid-up capital also saw a significant rise, growing by 549.2 million birr to reach a total of 4.83 billion birr.

During the meeting, Ambassador Alemayehu Sewagen, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, presented the bank’s annual report and highlighted the various challenges facing Ethiopia’s banking sector. High inflation rates, foreign exchange shortages, and overlapping regulatory guidelines have posed significant obstacles to financial institutions. Despite these issues affecting loan distribution and deposit collection, Bunna Bank has managed to maintain its profitability and competitive edge.

The bank mobilized a total of 43.87 billion birr in deposits during the fiscal year, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. The breakdown of deposits included 2.79 billion birr from savings accounts, 1.55 billion birr from demand deposits, and 2.62 billion birr from time deposits.

In terms of service expansion, Bunna Bank reported that it installed 200 cash payment machines at various locations including branches, hotels, and commercial service points during the fiscal year. The number of card banking users increased to 413,892, with transactions totaling 1.39 billion birr processed through these machines.

Ambassador Alemayehu emphasized the bank’s commitment to enhancing digital banking services and resource mobilization as part of its strategic focus moving forward. The bank provided loans amounting to 4.1 billion birr across various sectors of the economy, increasing its total lending volume by 11.8% to reach 38.87 billion birr.

However, Bunna Bank faced challenges in foreign exchange earnings due to a decline in exports and remittances from abroad, which totaled $167.6 million for the year ending June 30, 2024.

The bank’s leadership is also implementing a comprehensive risk management program in line with the National Bank of Ethiopia’s standards and has approved a five-year corporate strategic plan for 2023-2027 aimed at further strengthening its operations.