#Ethiopia: Muslim students in #Axum report missing online national exam registration, blame schools for barring them over hijab

Muslim grade 12 students in Axum, #Tigray Region, reported that they were unable to meet the deadline for the national exam's online registration today, January 10, citing a requirement by schools to remove their hijabs for enrollment. The students alleged that they were barred from completing their registration unless they removed the hijab, a demand they say contradicts their religious beliefs.

Speaking anonymously to Addis Standard, one student stated, “We cannot remove our hijabs to register for the national exam, as our religion forbids it. We would rather forgo our education than violate our religious obligation.” A teacher from Axum confirmed that in-person registration for regular students ended last week but noted that online registration officially closed at 4:00 p.m. today, with a separate deadline for extension students.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47883

#Ethiopia: Land acquisition challenges threaten #Ethio_Telecom’s expansion plans

Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio telecom, said land acquisition challenges, particularly in Addis Ababa, are the "primary obstacle" to the company’s infrastructure expansion plans. Speaking to the parliamentary committee on Public Enterprises and Institutions Affairs, Frehiwot described Addis Ababa as the “most challenging city for tower installation” due to "exorbitant compensation demands and bureaucratic delays."

Frehiwot outlined additional challenges, including financial constraints, vandalism, and limited access to electricity and roads. She noted that "land acquisition and compensation demands" remain the most significant hurdles in urban areas, adding that rural areas face fewer challenges. She urged lawmakers to implement "practical land policies" to support infrastructure development.

Balcha Reba, director-general of the Ethiopian Communication Authority, supported Frehiwot’s remarks, calling for "streamlined land allocation processes" to facilitate expansion. Balcha said legislation is being drafted to address infrastructure needs and asked lawmakers to support affordable land acquisition.

https://techafricanews.com/2025/01/10/land-acquisition-challenges-threaten-ethio-telecoms-expansion-plans/

#Ethiopia, #Somalia to discuss sea access; Ambassador dismisses sovereignty concerns

Ethiopia and Somalia are preparing to discuss the technical aspects of Ethiopia's access to the sea, according to Ambassador Dina Mufti. Speaking to state-affiliated media, Dina stated that Somalia has expressed an understanding of Ethiopia's request, and the planned discussions will focus on defining conditions and implementation mechanisms.

The ambassador also addressed what he described as "propaganda" aimed at misrepresenting Ethiopia's request as an attempt to undermine Somalia's sovereignty. Dina characterized these claims as "unfounded" and noted they were promptly clarified.

According to Dina, some countries now recognize Ethiopia's legal right to sea access, emphasizing the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to build broader support and awareness.

#Ethiopia: #EHRC urges immediate end to forced detentions of individuals from streets, cites rights violations

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called for an immediate halt to the detention of individuals removed from the streets, describing the practice as an infringement on “freedom and other fundamental human rights.” In a statement released on January 10, 2025, the commission said, “Many people removed from streets are being held in a large warehouse in the Kaliti area near the drivers’ training center in Addis Abeba.”

The EHRC added that detainees are “made to choose between staying at the center or working in agriculture,” with those opting for agricultural work sent to farming stations. Acting Chief Commissioner Rakeb Messele stressed, “The practice of forcefully detaining people living on streets or moving them to other areas without their consent must stop immediately.” She also urged that rehabilitation centers for voluntary entrants must be “adequately equipped, safe, and hygienic to avoid health and security risks.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47892

#Op_ed: A Veil of Injustice: Hijab bans in #Ethiopian schools breach religious, women’s rights

In this op-ed, Kamil Abdu Oumer (PhD), assistant professor of business law at Wollo University, highlights ongoing incidents of hijab bans in Ethiopian schools and their adverse effects on Muslim girls' education. The author draws attention to a case in #Axum, where 159 Muslim girls have been prevented from taking the Grade 12 National Examination due to wearing the hijab. The op-ed describes similar cases across the country, including expulsions of students from universities such as #Dire_Dawa and #Bahir_Dar, as well as allegations of psychological abuse in elementary and secondary schools.

The piece argues that such practices violate constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of religion, which protects religious attire. It criticizes the use of hijab bans as a deliberate attempt to distract Muslim girls from their education, citing instances of harassment and obstruction during critical academic moments. The author further notes that these restrictions lack legal basis, as limitations on religious practices must be justified, proportional, and sanctioned by law—criteria that these bans fail to meet.

According to the op-ed, these acts amount to gender-based violence under international and regional legal frameworks. Despite this, the author points to a lack of response from women's rights organizations, human rights groups, and government institutions. The piece calls for collective action from these stakeholders to address the issue, protect young girls from discrimination, and uphold their educational opportunities.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47887

#Just_In; #Somalia President due in Ethiopia in landmark visit after year-long diplomatic tensions

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is set to arrive in Addis Abeba later today in what his office said was following “invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.”

Villa Somalia said the high-level visit aims “to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities.”

The visit “builds on the recent agreement reached in Ankara”, Villa Somalia said, adding that the “renewed cooperation underscores a new era of collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia.”

President Mohamud’s visit comes on the heels of the Ankara Agreement, a pivotal accord recently reached between Ethiopia and Somalia in the Turkish capital.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1878033282132005113?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA

#Ethiopia, #Somalia agree to restore full diplomatic ties, enhance regional security cooperation

The governments of Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to “restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals” following discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during the latter’s working visit to Ethiopia.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in #Addis_Abeba earlier today, marking the end of a year-long diplomatic hiatus between the two countries. The joint communiqué emphasized that “the stability of the region requires strong cooperation between the two countries” and noted agreements to “bolster cooperation in promoting peace and stability” while intensifying efforts to “expand infrastructure linkages to facilitate trade and shared prosperity.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47895

Three men to appear in #Johannesburg court for alleged trafficking of #Ethiopian nationals

Three men are set to appear in the Johannesburg magistrate's court today following their arrest in connection with the rescue of 26 Ethiopian nationals from a house in Sandringham, Johannesburg. The operation was conducted by the Hawks, supported by local authorities, home affairs, social development, and an Ethiopian interpreter.

Hawks spokesperson Col. Philani Nkwalase said, “Officers discovered 15 individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, held captive inside the house. Another 11 victims, who had escaped and were found nearby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.” He added that a preliminary investigation revealed the victims had broken through a window and burglar bars to escape, with some still unaccounted for. One of the individuals was linked to a kidnapping case reported in Benoni last November.

The suspects face charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and immigration violations. “The investigation continues, and additional charges will be determined once all interviews are completed with the help of interpreters from the Ethiopian Embassy,” Nkwalase stated. Maj-Gen Ebrahim Kadwa of the Hawks described the operation as “a strong example of teamwork in tackling trafficking and related crimes.”

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-01-12-three-men-to-appear-in-court-for-human-trafficking-after-26-ethiopians-rescued-from-joburg-home/

#Ethiopia: Persistent earthquakes leave two seriously injured; over 2,250 displaced households in #Afar remain without aid

Continued seismic activity in parts of the #Afar and #Oromia regions has caused widespread displacement and infrastructure damage, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) confirming two serious injuries. OCHA reports that homes, schools, health centers, and roads have been extensively damaged. Over 58,000 individuals, including 4,000 workers from the Kesem Sugar Factory, have sought refuge in temporary shelters.

OCHA, working with government-led Zonal Incident Command Posts in Awash and Metehara, noted that “significant gaps remain” in assistance. While 6,780 households in Afar have received food aid, 2,250 remain without support despite efforts by the Disaster Risk Management Commission and its partners.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47902

#Egypt, #Eritrea stress ‘no unilateral interference’ in #Somalia, pledge ‘all possible support’

Egypt and Eritrea reaffirmed their stance against “any unilateral interference” in Somalia’s internal affairs during a joint press conference held in Cairo on Saturday. The event involved Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed, and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.

“Egypt and Eritrea will provide all possible support for Somalia to regain control of its entire territory,” Abdelatty stated. The ministers discussed plans to enhance Somalia’s military capabilities, with a focus on combating terrorism and preserving national unity.

On the issue of #Red_Sea security, Abdelatty highlighted, “Security in the Red Sea should remain the responsibility of the bordering countries,” adding, “We do not accept any foreign military presence in the region.”


https://english.news.cn/africa/20250112/d31312f78ab9495085bfb0dd1066c7cc/c.html

#Ethiopia: Dual Faces of #Addis_Abeba’s Corridor Project: Tales of transformation, displacement

Addis Abeba’s ambitious Corridor Development Project, now in its second phase, is transforming the capital’s infrastructure and public spaces. Covering 132 kilometers and 2,817 hectares, the project aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance aesthetics, but it has also drawn criticism for its impact on residents and businesses.

At Koye Square, one of the transformed areas, residents praised visible changes such as “streetlights, benches, and a zigzagging fountain display,” which has become a major attraction. Filimon Yohannes, a resident of the Koye Fechie Sub-city, noted, “Traffic congestion, which used to take hours to navigate, has eased considerably, though rush hours remain challenging.” He added, “If you adjust your departure time, you won’t face much trouble now.”

However, the project has faced criticism from displaced residents and business owners. A bar and restaurant owner from Yerer Sefer, whose property was demolished, described the impact: “About five businesses, including a clinic, were removed, and I was given just three days to pack.” He explained that his replacement land measures only 150 square meters, significantly less than the original 221 square meters. “Authorities assessed compensation, but I have not received any payments yet,” he said, expressing concern over transparency in the process.

The Addis Abeba City Administration has promised measures to address displacement, including the construction of over 4,000 homes and rent payments for affected residents. “A budget of five billion birr has been allocated for compensation,” said Mayor Adanech Abiebie, adding that relocation housing has been arranged for those living in government-owned rental units. Despite these assurances, a resident emphasized, “No one is against development, but a well-planned project from the start would have been better.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47899

#Sudan's military recaptures strategic city of Wad Medani

Sudan's military announced it had retaken the strategic city of Wad Medani, capital of Gezira province, from the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) on Saturday. The city, which lies 60 miles southeast of Khartoum, had been under RSF control for more than a year. Culture and Information Minister Kahlid Aleiser said the military and its allies had "liberated" the city, calling it a victory for security and stability.

In a statement, the military said its forces entered the city early on Saturday and were working to "clear the rebel remnants inside the city." It praised the armed forces and their supporters for helping "reclaim dignity, security, and stability." The RSF has not yet issued a response.

The war, which began in April 2023 after tensions between the military and RSF leadership escalated, has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, according to the United Nations. The conflict has been marked by allegations of "gross atrocities," including ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence, with the International Criminal Court investigating possible war crimes.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/sudans-military-recaptures-strategic-city-wad-medani

#Ethiopia: #Tigray IDPs rally for return to homeland amid mounting hardships; three-day protest demands immediate action

Internally Displaced Persons (#IDPs) in Tigray launched a three-day peaceful demonstration in #Mekelle, rallying for their immediate return to their homes after years of displacement. Organized by the Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society, the protest, noscriptd Yak’el (“Enough is Enough”), aims to spotlight the severe challenges faced by IDPs, including hunger, lack of medical care, and inadequate humanitarian aid.

Protesters, gathered at Romanat Square, expressed their frustrations with slogans such as “Return us to our homes” and “Living in tents is enough.” Leaders of the movement, like Tsegay Tetemke, emphasized that despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement's promises, the suffering continues unabated. “People are dying from hunger and the absence of aid. We urge leaders to end political games and fully implement the agreement,” he said. Many participants, like Kidan Girmay, shared personal stories of loss and hardship, urging both the Ethiopian government and international actors to act decisively to facilitate their return.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47914

#Ethiopia: Commission launches rehabilitation Program for former combatants in #Oromia, #Amhara regions

The National Rehabilitation Commission (#NRC) has launched rehabilitation and reintegration programs for former combatants in the Oromia and Amhara regions, according to state media. The initiative in Amhara began on January 13, 2025, at the Burqa Demobilization Center, with the NRC stating it aims to “verify, register, and rehabilitate former combatants” and help them “contribute positively to their communities.”

In Oromia, rehabilitation training started at the Awash Bishola Demobilization Center. NRC Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun highlighted the program’s focus on “verifying participants’ status,” providing psychosocial and civic training, and issuing digital IDs to support reintegration.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47915

#Ethiopia: Killing of 14-year-old sparks protests in #Borana zone, #Moyale town; residents blame police for death

The killing of a 14-year-old in Moyale town, Borana Zone, #Oromia Region, has ignited widespread protests. Local accounts allege that the teenager was fatally shot on 11 January 2025 by “bullets fired by police forces” in Shewa Ber kebele. Residents took to the streets the following day, demanding justice, with claims that police “opened fire to disperse” the demonstrations, injuring several people.

In a statement, the Moyale town Communication Office confirmed the teenager’s death, referring to it as “the loss of a teenage child’s life” and condemning the killing, stating, “No human life should be lost in any circumstance.” The office assured the public that an investigation is underway to “identify and bring to justice any individual involved in or responsible for the act.” However, it also criticized actions during the protests, such as vandalism and arson, labeling them as “inappropriate” and allegedly driven by individuals with “political and hidden agendas.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47935

#Somalia seeks #Ethiopia’s inclusion in #AUSSOM troop quota after diplomatic breakthrough

Somalia is working to include Ethiopia in the troop quota for the African Union's new mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Balcad announced. He emphasized that while some progress had been made, challenges remain in ensuring Ethiopia’s participation due to already allocated quotas.

"The main hurdle preventing Ethiopia's involvement in AUSSOM was related to the MOU agreement. That issue has been resolved," Balcad stated. However, he noted, "The challenge now lies in the fact that most of the troop quotas have already been assigned, and there is little left to distribute. We are actively working to find a solution."

This development follows a recent meeting in #Addis_Abeba between Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, where both leaders agreed to restore full diplomatic ties. Relations had been strained by Ethiopia's 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with #Somaliland, which aims to grant Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for the recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia opposes.

A delegation from Somalia is set to visit Ethiopia to finalize technical details, including troop numbers and ensuring alignment with Somalia's national interests. Additionally, Balcad confirmed that Ethiopia is expected to appoint its ambassador to Somalia, while Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia will soon assume official duties, signaling a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Jan/199796/somalia_seeks_ethiopia_s_inclusion_in_aussom_troop_quota_after_diplomatic_breakthrough.aspx

#Ethiopia-#Djibouti Railway achieves first profit milestone since launch, says CEO

Takele Uma, CEO of Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway S.C., announced that the railway achieved profitability for the first time in the last quarter of 2024. “This achievement sets the stage for our upcoming three-year strategic plan aimed at transforming the company into a profitable venture,” Takele said, adding that the milestone provides a "solid foundation" for further successes.

This marks significant progress for the 750-kilometer railway connecting #Addis_Abeba to Djibouti's port. In August 2024, Takele disclosed operational challenges, noting that only 15 of 32 freight locomotives were functional, limiting annual freight capacity to 2.4 million tons, "just 38% of its full potential." Five months ago, he pledged to address these challenges through a three-year strategy and organizational restructuring.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47942

#US sanctioned #RSF cancels #Nairobi press conference, unease over presence cited

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a US-sanctioned paramilitary group, abruptly cancelled a scheduled press briefing in Nairobi on Monday, reportedly due to pressure from #Kenyan authorities. The event, which was to take place at the Radisson Blu hotel, was called off minutes after RSF officials were summoned to a private meeting with Kenyan officials, sources indicated.

Omar Hamdam Ahmed, head of the RSF delegation, described the cancellation as reflective of “the problem of Africa, the dictatorship” but offered no clarification. It was later revealed that Kenyan authorities feared backlash from the US, which had sanctioned RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo ‘Hemedti’ for alleged atrocities in Darfur.

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/north-africa/sanctioned-rsf-cancels-nairobi-briefing-amid-unease--4887960

#AU mission hails #Ethiopia-#Somalia agreement to restore diplomatic ties after year-long hiatus

The African Union Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) has welcomed the decision by Ethiopia and Somalia to fully restore diplomatic ties after a year-long hiatus. The agreement, reached during discussions in Addis Abeba on January 11, 2025, between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, was described by Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef as “an important milestone in bilateral relations” and a reaffirmation of commitments under the #Ankara Declaration.

Ambassador Souef highlighted the importance of “enhancing diplomatic ties” as well as “strengthening security cooperation and promoting economic integration,” calling these steps essential for achieving “regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.” He also stated that AUSSOM “remains committed to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts and regional partnerships.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47945

#Ethiopia: Parliament approves Property Tax bill amid concerns over its impact on fixed-income citizens

The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved the draft Property Tax Proclamation, introducing a new levy on urban land, land improvements, and buildings. The taxable amount is set at 25% of either the market or replacement value, with tax rates ranging from 0.2% to 1% for land usage rights and 0.1% to 1% for land improvements.

Desalegn Wedaje, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Planning, Budget, and Finance Affairs, argued that the tax addresses a “significant gap” in revenue generation caused by inadequate taxation of rising urban property values. However, MPs expressed concerns over its fairness, with Bartuma Fikadu warning that it “favors the tax collector” and risks overburdening low-income earners and civil servants.

Read more below.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47947

#Ethiopia: Samson Mekonnen takes helm of Broadcasting Authority after legislators’ endorsement

Samson Mekonnen (PhD), a 32-year-old communications expert and former Vice President for Strategic Communication and Internationalization at Addis Ababa University, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority (#EBA) following lawmakers' approval earlier today. His appointment makes him the youngest individual to lead the Authority, succeeding Mohammed Idris, who now serves as Minister of Peace.

Samson's appointment comes amid deliberations on controversial amendments to the Media Proclamation. The draft amendments, currently under review by the Standing Committee on Democracy Affairs, propose shifting the authority to appoint the EBA Director General from parliament to the Prime Minister’s office. A coalition of 14 civil society organizations warned in November 2024 that the changes could place the media authority “under the influence of the executive” and remove provisions mandating “transparency in the nomination and approval of board members.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47957