#Ethiopia, #South_Sudan military officials pledge joint efforts against ‘illegal elements’ in border areas

Senior military officials from Ethiopia and South Sudan have reiterated their commitment to joint security efforts along their shared border, targeting what they described as “illegal elements,” including contraband networks. The agreement was reached during a bilateral consultation forum held in Pagak, a border area between Ethiopia’s Gambella region and South Sudan.

Lieutenant General Zewdu Belay, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) Central Command, was quoted by state media as saying that joint measures are being taken to “strengthen peace and security” in the border zone, with a particular focus on “preventing contraband activities” and promoting “community cooperation.” He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to “ensure lasting peace” and maintain “the long-standing brotherhood” between the two nations.

Brigadier General Wal Ding of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Pagak Command stated that the security relationship between the two countries “spans many years,” and stressed that their defense forces would “work in cooperation” to preserve what he called “joint peace.” Forum participants also reportedly underscored the need to “jointly prevent illegal elements” and “hold lawbreakers legally accountable.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50355

#Op_ed: Gender Equality on Trial: How #Ethiopia’s law schools stumble over inclusion as recent moot court misstep exposes systemic fault lines

Female students’ academic achievement shouldn’t spark resentment or fear—it’s a testament to resilience in the face of real challenges, writes Halifet Ayemohammed Yusuf in this op-ed. Yet, she notes, “Society seems more comfortable with the idea of women’s empowerment, so long as they do not surpass men.” To make her point, she references a recent incident at the 9th National Moot Court Competition, held from 16–18 May, 2025, at Mizan Tepi University. There, the team from Dire Dawa University was penalized—not for poor performance, but for “fielding an all-female team.”

The punishment? A two-year ban for the university, their coach, and the students involved. What makes this even more concerning, as Halifet points out, is the team had already passed the initial round, and the organizers knew they were all-female from the start. She argues that "penalizing the team at a late stage, without prior warning, undermines fairness," stressing that "the issue should have been addressed at registration or an earlier stage, giving the team a chance to comply with the rules."

The author brings up another contradiction: all-female teams have competed—and won—in the previous competitions. Teams from Jimma, #Hawassa, and even #Dire_Dawa itself have taken home trophies with women-led squads. So now, she asks, “It is unclear if the current shift to exclude and penalize an all-female team stems from the fear that they might win, as they have consistently proven their competence by achieving victories, despite being underrepresented in competitions.”

Halifet also pushes back against a misconception—that affirmative action is a “privilege” for women rather than a necessary step toward equity. “This misperception becomes painfully evident,” she writes, “when qualified women succeed and their achievements are frequently undermined, attributed not to merit but to supposed special treatment.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50360

News: #Tigray Interim Admin vows to crackdown against threats to judicial independence

In response to threats to judicial independence, the Interim Administration of the Tigray region has vowed to restore law and order following a disruption at the Mekelle City Central Court on 16 May.

The courtroom riot, which interrupted the high-profile murder trial of Zewdu Haftu, killed in August 2023, prompted all courts in the city’s eight zones to suspend operations citing security concerns. Condemning the incident as “a direct attack on the judicial and justice system in Tigray,” the administration pledged to investigate those responsible and “make the results public.

The incident in Mekelle occurred amid rising concerns over threats to the safety of judges, especially those presiding over cases of sexual violence and murder against women.

In April 2025 Addis Standard reported about mounting interference in judicial proceedings. “These pressures must stop immediately,” the Tigray Judges Association said at the time, highlighting threats from both internal institutions and public influence.

The Association specifically criticized the regional Women’s Bureau for undermining a court decision in the Lydia Alem murder case, warning that such interference “prevents judges from working independently and impartially.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50367

Research shows #Ethiopian educators, health workers face shrinking incomes, eye career exit

A new study by ActionAid, “The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa,” indicates that a significant number of Ethiopian teachers and health workers are experiencing reduced earnings, constrained working conditions, and limited access to professional development, with many expressing an intention to leave their fields.

According to the study, school budgets in Ethiopia have been reduced by 50% over the past five years. All surveyed teachers reported shortages of essential learning materials, including school furniture and textbooks, and over 80% said they routinely share limited resources with colleagues.

The report also notes that 91% of teachers cited worsening working conditions, while 96% said they had not received professional training in the past three to five years.

Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1925543905509925342

#Australia-based #Askari paves way to secure gold-rich foothold in #Ethiopia

Askari Metals has wrapped up due diligence and is moving forward to buy 460 square kilometres of prime exploration ground near multi-million-ounce gold mines in Ethiopia’s famed Adola greenstone belt.

When the deal is sealed, Askari will walk away with a prime piece of gold real estate by unlocking a strategic foothold in the southern Arabian-Nubian Shield - a geological hot spot hosting some of the world’s largest undeveloped gold and copper deposits.

Under the terms of the acquisition, the company has agreed to take over 100 per cent of Rift Valley Metals, the current owners of the exploration grounds in exchange for $200,000 in cash and $200,000 in Askari shares, issued at the share price on the day of completion. Those shares will be held in voluntary escrow for 12 months

Two further milestone payments totalling $200,000 in cash and shares will be doled out based on the company picking up multiple rock chip samples of at least 3 grams per tonne (g/t) and 10 samples of more than 10g/t, together with a trench result of 10m grading 3g/t or more. A final payment of $150,000 in cash will be handed over 12 months after completion.

What makes this deal shine is its proximity to tier-1 gold mines. Askari’s five freshly acquired tenements - Sakaro, Sakaro West, Lega Dembi South, Megado and Wayu Boda - are parked right next door to Ethiopia’s only two operating gold mines, Lega Dembi and Sakaro, which have already coughed up multi-million ounces between them.

The Lega Dembi mine has produced 2.5 million ounces and still holds a current resource of 2.5M ounces, while Sakaro has more than 600,000 ounces at a blistering grade above 14g/t gold. The company’s Megado tenement, which sits a little further to the south, is only 30 kilometres north of the 17.7M-ounce Dawa-Okote gold project.

https://thewest.com.au/business/bulls-n-bears/askari-paves-way-to-secure-gold-rich-foothold-in-ethiopia-c-18778730

#US sanctions #Sudan after ruling #chemical_weapons used during civil war

The United States will impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that the country’s military used chemical weapons last year while fighting against paramilitary forces.

“The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations” under the Chemical Weapons Convention, US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Thursday.

Bruce said the US Congress has been notified of the State Department’s decision, and sanctions will be imposed around June 6.

They will include restrictions on US exports to Sudan and a block on access to US government lines of credit. Bruce’s statement did not include further details about when and where the chemical weapons were used by Sudanese government forces.

The New York Times reported in January that government forces had used chemical weapons on at least two occasions in remote parts of Sudan against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The report cited unnamed US officials who said the weapon may have been chlorine gas, which can lead to severe respiratory pain and death.

Sudan’s army and the RSF have been locked in a civil war since April 2023 following a power struggle between the two sides.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/23/us-sanctions-sudan-after-ruling-chemical-weapons-used-during-civil-war

#Assela Wind Farm starts feeding #Ethiopia’s grid with first turbine, full 100 MW capacity expected by end of 2025

The Assela Wind Farm has begun supplying electricity to Ethiopia’s national grid after its first turbine became operational, according to a statement issued on 22 May by the Royal Danish Embassy in Addis Abeba. The 100 MW project, located in the #Oromia region, is owned by Ethiopian Electric Power (#EEP) and fully financed through a grant from Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) and a loan from Danske Bank.

The Danish Embassy described the development as “a significant milestone,” noting that by the end of 2025, when all 29 turbines are operational, the facility will produce “over 300 GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually,” sufficient to meet the electricity needs of “more than 140,000 Ethiopian households.” Constructed by Siemens Gamesa, the Spanish-German wind technology firm, the project is also cited as part of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy to create “smart, clean and secure energy connections worldwide” through “public and private Team Europe partners.”

During a visit to the site, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, Semereta Sewasew, said the project “represents a major step in Ethiopia’s shift toward a resilient and diversified energy system,” adding that it reflects the country’s capacity to implement “technically advanced alternative energy solutions” through “blended finance, strong institutional coordination, and lasting partnerships.” Danish Ambassador Sune Krogstrup said the Assela project highlights “the robust partnership between Denmark and Ethiopia” and contributes to “enhancing Ethiopia’s energy system” by drawing on Denmark’s “extensive experience in wind energy and sustainable practices.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50375

#Ethiopia - ‘It is time to put people first’, #US Ambassador Ervin Massinga

The United States calls on the Ethiopian “federal government to immediately seize the use of drone strikes against its own people and facilitate resolutions.”

In a statement issued this mroning, the U.S. also called on groups involved in Ethiopia’s ongoing armed conflicts, specifically addressing the #Fano militia in the #Amhara region, and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) in the #Oromia region, to pursue peace and stability.

Addressing the Fano, the US calls on the groups “to come forward with realistic and peaceful objectives,” while it calls on OLA “to advance negotiations” to end the six-years long conflict in the region.

In a message highlighting the importance of prioritizing the needs of civilians, the U.S. said: “It is time to put people first by implementing lasting solutions to Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, enabling internally displaced persons to return home, ensuring children can attend school and access healthcare, and ending lawlessness that masquerades as part of armed struggle.”

“It is time to pursue peace and stability.”

#Ethiopia: Federal Police detain 47 health workers accusing them of 'coordinating illegal strikes’, 'endangering patients’ lives' as nationwide strike enters second week

The Ethiopian Federal Police announced the arrest of 47 healthcare professionals whom it accused of exploiting recent “salary and benefits” demands in the health sector as a “cover” to coordinate what it described as “illegal strikes” and acts that “endanger patients’ lives.” The announcement comes as a nationwide strike by health professionals, now in its second week, continues over long-standing grievances related to pay, working conditions, and workplace protections.

In a statement issued on Friday, the police alleged the detainees were involved in “conducting illegal strikes,” and “inciting others to stop working,” while “endangering patients’ lives by exposing them to death and danger.” It further claimed that the suspects “used the legitimate demands raised by healthcare professionals” to align themselves with “forces working to create chaos in the country.” Authorities also accused the group of establishing “strike networks” in health facilities and of bringing “non-health professionals” into hospitals, who allegedly “wore white coats” and “created disturbances.”

The statement went on to say that “false rumors” had been spread during the walkouts, disrupting “the peaceful conduct of medical work,” including at government teaching hospitals. It accused the detainees of “intimidating” and “threatening” colleagues who opted not to join the strike and warned that “halting healthcare services in a manner that endangers citizens’ lives” constitutes “criminal behavior.” While asserting it would “continue legal measures” against individuals it labeled as “elements working to spread chaos,” the police also said it would “provide necessary protection” to those continuing to work.

https://addisstandard.com/federal-police-detain-47-health-workers-accused-of-coordinating-illegal-strikes-endangering-patients-lives-as-nationwide-strike-enters-second-week/

#Ethiopia: #IMF says board on track to weigh third review of Ethiopia deal in time

The International Monetary Fund expects its board to consider the third review of Ethiopia's $3.4 billion programme "within the set out timeline," a spokesperson said, a key step for the country to advance its programme and receive cash from the fund.

"We anticipate that the IMF Executive Board will consider the third review this summer, consistent with original review schedule," IMF Spokesperson Julie Kozack told Reuters. She did not comment on the status of the staff level agreement.

Staff from the IMF visited the country in mid-April for an assessment, and Ethiopia's government said it expected a staff-level agreement to be announced "within days," but that announcement has not yet been issued.

The projected approval by the board in June will trigger the release of a 191.70 SDR loan tranche (about $265 million) to the government, to support the East African nation's sprawling macroeconomic reforms programme. The reforms were a prerequisite for the IMF programme, which was secured at the end of last July, allowing Ethiopia to proceed with its external debt restructuring under the G20'S Common Framework initiative.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/imf-says-board-track-weigh-third-review-ethiopia-deal-time-2025-05-23/

#Somalia: President Mohamud’s new party could centralize power, critics warn

Somalia President Mohamud’s new Justice and Solidarity Party (#JSP) sparks criticism, with fears it could destabilize upcoming elections.

The backlash was swift after Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched his new Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) at a meeting with opposition leaders.
Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’, the leader of #Jubbaland, told journalists: “The JSP closely resembles the political party of former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, who ruled Somalia for 21 years through the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party [SRSP].”

His remarks echo wider concerns among Somali political figures. Former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, along with former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire, have urged President Mohamud to reconsider his decision.

Khaire said the president was expected to convene a national forum to unite federal and regional governments, alongside opposition politicians, against terrorism. According to him, the goal was to resolve political conflicts - not to create political controversy.

“The country is in a challenging situation and faces serious obstacles,” Khaire tells The Africa Report.
In contrast to Khaire’s concerns, President Mohamud emphasized that the party intends to finalize the provisional constitution to build a complete government structure backed by a strong judiciary.
https://www.theafricareport.com/384358/somalia-president-mohamuds-new-party-could-centralise-power-critics-warn/

#Ethiopia: #Amnesty urges talks with striking health professionals; warns ongoing work stoppage “severely restricted ” healthcare access

Amnesty International has urged Ethiopian authorities to “urgently engage in negotiations” with healthcare professionals participating in a nationwide strike and to “unconditionally release those detained,” cautioning that the ongoing work stoppage has “severely restricted patients’ right to access healthcare” across the country.

In a statement released Friday, the rights group said the strike—now in its second week—has led to “massive disruption to the provision of much-needed healthcare services.” Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said both parties “must engage collectively and constructively in negotiations,” warning that the government “must not further prolong the crisis.”

Amnesty reported that 212 healthcare professionals have been arrested since the strike began, citing accounts from family members and lawyers who said detainees were taken without explanation and their homes searched “without presenting a search warrant,” ostensibly in a “search for weapons and explosives,” though only electronic devices were seized. The group also called for an “end [to] harassment and intimidation against the medics,” and restated its demand for the “unconditional release” of those detained in connection with the strike.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50387