#Ethiopia’s Health Minister says healthcare services “continuing” across the country “uninterrupted”

Addis Abeba- Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Dhaba told state tv tonight that healthcare services are “continuing without interruption” across the country, despite reports over healthcare workers’ strikes and disruptions in various hospitals.

Speaking to EBC tonight, Dr. Mekdes stated that health professionals at hospitals and health centers across the country are serving patients, including both inpatients and outpatients, “without halting operations.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to all the healthcare workers who continue to serve the public diligently,” the Minister said.

She acknowledged, however, that “limited service interruptions” had occurred in a “few teaching” hospitals. These, she noted, were “swiftly addressed” through coordinated efforts involving senior physicians and nurses.

Dr. Mekdes also warned against individuals or groups “attempting to disrupt” healthcare delivery through “intimidation or disorder”adding that such actions are “unacceptable” and will be met with “appropriate legal and professional disciplinary measures.”

The Minister further said the government’s commitment to “resolving quality” and “workforce” issues in the health sector.

“We are working to provide lasting solutions through constructive dialogue,” she said, adding that discussions with stakeholders are “ongoing at various administrative levels and will continue in the coming weeks.” AS

Photo: EBC

#Sudan’s army leader al-Burhan appoints former #UN official as prime minister

Sudan’s army chief and de facto head of state, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has appointed former United Nations official Kamil Idris as prime minister as part of changes to his sovereign council as the nation’s civil war grinds on into its third year.

“The chairman of the sovereignty council issued a constitutional decree appointing Kamil El-Tayeb Idris Abdelhafiz as prime minister,” a statement from Sudan’s ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council read on Monday.

Idris, a career diplomat, spent decades at the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organisation and was its director general from 1997 to 2008.

He also held various roles in Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and used to serve in the country’s permanent mission to the UN.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/19/sudans-army-leader-al-burhan-appoints-former-un-official-as-prime-minister

#Ethiopia, Czech Republic discuss defense ties through high-level talks

Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, held bilateral talks in Prague with her Czech counterpart, Jana Černochová, to advance cooperation on strategic defense matters, according to the Ministry of Defense.

The discussions built on issues raised during earlier high-level engagements, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit to Prague in November 2023. During that visit, PM Abiy toured a leading Czech institution specializing in military aircraft upgrades, maintenance, and defense research. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said at that time the two counties had reached “an understanding on enhanced experience sharing and capacity building” in the defense sector.

According to Brno Daily, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and PM Abiy also explored broader cooperation areas, including defense and security.

Minister Aisha’s latest visit aimed to formalize those understandings and elevate bilateral defense cooperation. Talks focused on deepening military collaboration and resulted in mutual agreements on key priorities, including technology transfer, defense industry development, aeromedical support and maintenance, and capacity-building initiatives.

According to the Ministry, both sides “reaffirmed their commitment” to strengthening their partnership and expanding the scope of cooperation to deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

Photo: ENDF

#Sudan: UN Expert Urges Immediate Halt to Drone Strikes Targeting Civilian Infrastructure in #Port_Sudan

Repeated drone strikes over the past two weeks in #Port_Sudan have damaged key infrastructure across the crucial #Sudanese aid hub, disrupted humanitarian operations, and placed civilians in danger, a UN-appointed human rights expert has warned.

“These ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure are putting lives at risk, worsening the humanitarian crisis, and violating basic human rights,” said Radhouane Nouicer, the designated expert on the human rights situation in Sudan, appointed by UN rights office OHCHR.

Targeted sites include the city’s main #electricity #substation and #fuel and #gas storage facilities, leading to widespread power cuts and restricted access to food, water and healthcare. Some strikes have hit densely populated areas, displacing residents.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1163446

News: #China sends largest-ever army medical team to #Ethiopia for year-long mission

China has sent its largest-ever military medical aid team to Ethiopia, according to the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China. The 11th batch of the Chinese PLA medical team is comprising of 14 doctors from the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA Army Medical University.

“This is the largest military medical expert team we have ever sent to Ethiopia,” the Ministry said, noting that the team brings expertise in clinical medicine, medical technology, hospital management, and logistical support.

The team underwent specialized training in emotion management, critical illness treatment, and infectious disease control before departure, enhancing their readiness for overseas deployment. While in Ethiopia, they will support the general hospital of the Ethiopian armed forces and assist in developing a new specialized referral hospital. “They will also contribute to the development of local medical and health services,” the Ministry added.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50306

#WHO adopts historic #Pandemic Agreement

Member States of the World Health Organization (#WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world's first #Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly held in Brussels. The agreement culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the #COVID19Pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from—and more equitable in response to—future pandemics.

“The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our Member States to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during COVID-19.”

Governments adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement today in a plenary session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s peak decision-making body. The adoption followed yesterday’s approval of the agreement by vote in committee by member state delegations.

.https://www.who.int/news/item/20-05-2025-world-health-assembly-adopts-historic-pandemic-agreement-to-make-the-world-more-equitable-and-safer-from-future-pandemics

Commentary: From #Anchor to Adrift: #Ethiopia’s foreign policy loses influence amid internal turmoil, regional tensions

Once a pillar of regional stability in the #Horn_of_Africa, #Ethiopia now finds itself navigating one of its most difficult diplomatic crises in decades, writes Negera Gudeta, the author of this commentary. He argues that the country is caught in the crossfire of domestic unrest and strained regional relations, both of which have severely weakened its influence and international standing.

He recalls that after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, #Ethiopia was seen as a regional peacemaker restoring ties with #Eritrea and mediating in #Sudan and #South_Sudan. But, as he notes, “those early successes soon faded,” pointing to “the war in Tigray, internal insurgencies, and controversial regional alliances” as factors that eroded Addis_Abeba’s credibility and influence globally.

“Even though the rise of Prime Minister Abiy to the helm of power met with international optimism and applause, the subsequent years witnessed the concentration and centralization of foreign policy around the PM, where the key foreign policy decisions reflect his personal ambitions and political calculations,” Negera states.

Domestically, he elaborates, “Frequent reshuffles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as "the appointment of loyalist military and political figures to ambassadorial positions” have damaged institutional credibility. Regionally, Negera says Ethiopia’s foreign policy has become “increasingly personalized,” with major decisions, such as the “controversial” MoU with #Somaliland, being made with “minimal institutional input and sidelining seasoned diplomats,” sparking fresh tensions in the region.

To move forward, Negera urges the #Ethiopian government to address internal divisions through “real national dialogue and reconciliation,” as well as to “rebuild its foreign policy institutions, re-engage with neighboring countries, and rebuild trust globally.”

https://addisstandard.com/from-anchor-to-adrift-ethiopias-foreign-policy-loses-influence-amid-internal-turmoil-regional-tensions/

#Sudan: #AU Chairperson Welcomes Appointment of #Civilian Prime Minister in #Sudan

The Chairperson of the African Union (#AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Kamil al-Tayeb Idris as Prime Minister of the Republic of #Sudan, according to a statement released today.

Youssouf commended the move, describing it as "a step toward inclusive governance," and expressed hope that it will contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to restore constitutional order and democratic governance in #Sudan.

He called on all stakeholders to commit to a peaceful, civilian-led, and inclusive transition that reflects the aspiraetions of the #Sudanese people.

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1924799412598911330

#Ethiopia: Ethiopia's #Digital ID Users Reach 15 Million

The number of citizens registered under #Ethiopia's #Digital #ID, Fayda, has reached 15 million, according to Yodahe Zemichael, Executive Director of the National ID Program.

He made the announcement during an opening speech at the #ID4Africa 2025 Annual Meeting currently taking place in #Addis_Abeba. He stated that the successful implementation of Fayda is not just about the numbers but also marks a critical milestone in building #Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, which is essential for the country’s digital transformation journey.


https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dq1F3xUH5/

#Oromia, #Tigray regions Health Associations urge swift response to health workers’ demands amid ongoing strike

As the strike launched by health professionals enters its second week, health associations in the #Tigray and #Oromia regions have called for an immediate response to the demands raised by medical workers.

In a letter dated 18 May, 2025, the #Tigray Medical Association informed the Ministry of Health that while health professionals have long endured “numerous challenges,” the situation has now “exceeded their capacity to cope,” prompting them to raise their concerns at the national level.

The association criticized the government for failing to give appropriate attention and timely responses to the demands and rights of health professionals. Instead, it stated, “authorities in some parts of the country have responded with unjustified measures and pressure against those voicing concerns.”

Similarly, the #Oromia Physician Association, in a statement released on 19 May 2025, stressed the importance of “depoliticizing” the healthcare system, urging that it be organized based on inclusivity, professionalism, and modern standards. It also condemned the growing “political influence” over healthcare delivery.

The association’s statement warned that while the country’s economy may be struggling to meet all financial demands, it must at least guarantee healthcare professionals “a decent standard of living, ensuring they are not underfed, homeless, or deprived of medical care themselves.”

https://addisstandard.com/oromia-tigray-regions-health-associations-urge-swift-response-to-health-workers-demands-amid-ongoing-strike/

#US judge indicates deportations to #South_Sudan likely violated court order

A U.S. federal judge has said that reported deportations to South Sudan carried out by the Trump administration “may be contempt” of an existing court order that barred such removals. The comment came during a virtual hearing on Tuesday in Boston, where U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy asked government lawyers to account for migrants reportedly placed on a flight to South Sudan.

“Based on what I have been told, this seems like it may be contempt,” Murphy told Elianis Perez, a lawyer representing the U.S. Department of Justice. The judge indicated he could order the flight to return, pending confirmation of the migrants’ whereabouts.

Murphy had issued a preliminary injunction on April 18 prohibiting the deportation of migrants to countries that are not their own, including South Sudan. He said the migrants should have been given “an opportunity to explain why such a deportation will likely result in their persecution, torture, and/or death,” referencing their right to due process under the Fifth Amendment.

The emergency motion, filed by lawyers representing the deported individuals, alleged that a migrant from Myanmar—identified only as N.M.—was abruptly removed and put on a flight to South Sudan without access to translation or legal counsel.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/20/us-judge-indicates-deportations-to-south-sudan-likely-violated-court-order

#Somaliland and #Ethiopia hold high-level border security talks in Gabiley

Somaliland and Ethiopia held a high-level bilateral security meeting in the border city of Gabiley, aimed at strengthening regional stability, deepening cooperation, and enhancing joint security efforts along their shared frontier.

The meeting was led by senior officials from both sides. Representing Somaliland were Brigadier General Nimcaan Yusuf Gaaxnuug, Commander of the Somaliland National Army, and Brigadier General Abdirahman Abdillahi Hassan, Chief of the Somaliland Police Force, alongside senior military and police officers.

The Ethiopian delegation included Major General Tesfaye Ayelaw, the head of deployment for Ethiopia's national defense forces; General Abdi Ali Siyad, Commander of the Somali Regional State Police (DDS); Brigadier General Fiqadhu Sagaye..

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/05/somaliland-and-ethiopia-hold-high-level-border-security-talks-in-gabiley/

#Ethiopia: #AU rights body hears case accusing Ethiopian gov’t of ‘widespread’ rights violations during, after #Tigray war

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on 14 May held a public hearing in a case brought by Legal Action Worldwide (#LAW) and partners, accusing the Ethiopian government of committing what they described as “widespread human rights violations” during the war in Tigray. LAW and its partners further claimed that these violations “have persisted” despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#COHA) in November 2022.

In a statement issued after the hearing, LAW said the session marked “growing international recognition” of alleged grave abuses, including “mass killings and sexual violence,” along with forced displacement, famine, and a prolonged communication blackout. The organization said the hearing provided a platform where “survivors’ voices were finally heard on an international stage.”

The case follows a 2022 submission led by LAW, together with the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, representing survivors of the war that began in November 2020. The statement recalled that the ACHPR had issued provisional measures in October 2022, urging the Ethiopian government to “cease extrajudicial killing, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and targeting of humanitarian aid workers,” but claimed “Ethiopia has so far failed to comply,” with abuses reportedly continuing “even after the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA).”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50312

#Sudan rebels entirely pushed out of #Khartoum state, army says

Sudan’s army said it has “completely” expelled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) from Khartoum state, marking what it described as a significant military gain in the nearly two-year war. In a statement carried by the state-run Sudan News Agency, the military claimed “Khartoum State is completely free of rebels.” The announcement follows the army's earlier recapture of Khartoum city, including the presidential palace.

Despite the military's claim, fighting was reported Tuesday in Omdurman, a major city within Khartoum state, raising questions about the extent of army control. On Monday, the military said it had launched a “large-scale offensive” in Omdurman, according to AFP. The RSF has not responded publicly to the army’s latest claims.

The conflict has displaced Sudan’s political centre, with military leadership relocating to Port Sudan after the RSF seized much of the capital. Though previously considered relatively secure, Port Sudan came under drone attack earlier this month, which the army blamed on the RSF.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwynn0vy3n4o

#Ethiopia: State Minister warns striking health professionals; says holding license may be “difficult” if they fail to return to work

Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, issued a warning on national television on Tuesday to health professionals engaged in an ongoing nationwide strike, cautioning that “it will be difficult for them to continue holding their professional licenses” unless they return to work.

Dereje said health services should not be interrupted “even for a second,” and cited international standards, national laws, and professional ethics. He said the Ministry had received reports that, in some facilities, professionals had “left patients in emergency departments” and “abandoned mothers in labor,” calling it “a mistake that should never happen.”

He noted that “some professionals have returned” after consultations, but said “many, especially residents and those in training,” remain absent.

Watch!

News: #Ethiopia Rights Commission cautions responses to healthcare workers’ trikes ‘must not lead to rights violations’, urges dialogue

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) cautioned that that responses to the ongoing nationwide walkouts, launched after the government failed to respond to a 12-point demand submitted on 11 April, “must not lead to human rights violations” and urged dialogue to resolve the situation.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo underscored the dual challenge posed by the strike: “Strikes in the health sector can negatively impact the community’s right to health and life. However, any administrative or legal action taken in response must comply with human rights standards.”

The situation highlights the urgent need for a prompt and appropriate resolution, the Commission said adding that it is currently monitoring the actions taken by both the government and healthcare professionals following the expiration of the 30-day deadline set by medical professionals.

Since then, a widespread strike has unfolded. Government responses to the healthcare workers have varied, ranging from arrests and intimidation to forced evictions from university dormitories in multiple locations, according to reports by Addis Standard.

Despite these mounting evidence however, government messaging has been either dismissive or threatening. On Monday, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba claimed that healthcare services were “continuing without interruption,” while on Tuesday, State Minister Dereje Duguma threatened the striking professionals with “license revocation.”

At key hospitals like Black Lion and Menelik II in the capital Addis Abeba, services remain severely affected, with ICU patients lacking adequate care. Medical associations in Tigray and Oromia have condemned the government’s stance, calling for the immediate release of detained colleagues, protection of the right to protest, and systemic reform.

The EHRC is now urging dialogue and accountability, warning that repression is not a viable substitute for engagement.

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopia-rights-commission-confirms-reports-of-intimidation-arrests-after-healthcare-workers-stage-widespread-strikes-urges-dialogue/

#Ethiopia: Dr. Mahlet, eight others charged with “inciting riot and unrest” amid ongoing nationwide health workers’ strike

Authorities have charged nine individuals, including anatomic pathologist Dr. Mahlet Gush, with “inciting riot and unrest” and “collaborating with anti-peace forces,” in connection with the ongoing nationwide strike by health professionals. Dr. Mahlet was taken from her residence in Addis Abeba by individuals identified by her family as “one in Addis Abeba Police uniform and four in civilian clothes” without a court summons on Monday, 19 May.

A family member who spoke to Addis Standard on condition of anonymity said “only the housemaid was at home” when security personnel entered the Bashawelde Condominium unit around 11:00 a.m. The individual stated that “they took her two mobile phones immediately,” and that her “whereabouts remained unknown for several hours.” The family eventually located her at the Addis Abeba Police Commission, where officers reportedly requested “food and warm clothing.” A subsequent search of her home resulted in the seizure of “two of her personal laptops.”

Dr. Mahlet appeared before the Federal High Court, Arada Division, on Wednesday, 21 May, alongside eight co-defendants. Prosecutors filed charges that included “inciting riot and unrest” and causing patient deaths due to a “work stoppage strike.” However, her family rejected the allegation, stating that “Dr. Mahlet has not been working at Vision, the private clinic where she was previously employed, for one year and eight months,” and since giving birth “she has not been engaged in clinical activities.”

Dr. Mahlet’s arrest followed her interview with BBC Focus on Africa, in which she commented on the challenges facing Ethiopia’s healthcare system and the context behind the ongoing strike. She said, “There is an insufficient resource health system in our country.” She also noted that health workers are struggling to meet basic needs, citing difficulties with “housing rental payment and transportation.” She described the strike as “a spontaneous occurrence” and said salaries had not kept up with rising costs, making it difficult to “afford to live like this anymore.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50324