#Ethiopia confirms Mpox case in 27-day-old infant in #Moyale, #Oromia

A confirmed case of Mpox has been detected in Moyale town, Oromia region, involving a 27-day-old infant, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (#EPHI). The laboratory-confirmed case was identified through tests on samples collected from individuals suspected of infection. The statement noted that the infant’s mother had also been “exposed to the virus” and both are currently under “appropriate medical care and monitoring” in an isolation facility, with “no serious health complications” reported as of now.

The statement added that the infant’s father had recently traveled to a neighboring country, and that an investigation has been launched to “identify the areas he visited as well as individuals who had close contact” with him. It also noted that preventive measures have been ongoing since the onset of the outbreak in parts of the continent, including the activation of an Emergency Coordination Center and preparation of treatment facilities. In collaboration with Africa CDC and the World Health Organization, the statement said efforts to “prevent and control the disease” are being strengthened, while urging those showing symptoms such as “rash, cough, fever, headache, fatigue, or back pain” to “immediately visit a health facility.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50416

#Kenya's government to sell more of its stake in #Safaricom, finance minister says

Kenya's government plans to sell more of its shareholding in telecom operator Safaricom (SCOM.NR), opens new tab, Finance Minister John Mbadi was cited as saying in Kenyan newspaper Business Daily on Monday.

The government aims to raise 149 billion shillings ($1.16 billion) in the 2025/26 financial year through the sale of stakes in companies it has share in, including selling more of its ownership of Safaricom, Mbadi told the Business Daily in an interview.

At present, the government owns a 35% stake in the operator after it sold a 25% stake in it via an initial public offering in 2008.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyas-government-sell-more-its-stake-safaricom-finance-minister-says-2025-05-26/

#Commentary: Why I believe #Ethiopia will soon be drained of its physicians

In a 2023 commentary, Dr. Ephrem Alemayehu Kirub, a general practitioner and former clinical governance lead at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH), argued that Ethiopia could soon face a severe physician shortage if current trends continue. Citing 2018 World Bank data, he stated that Ethiopia had only “0.0769 physicians per 1,000 people,” far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000. He attributed this gap not only to limited annual medical graduates but also to a persistent “exodus of physicians.” Dr. Ephrem referenced a 2011 World Bank report that found “26% of Ethiopian physicians are practicing abroad,” and added from personal observation that “more than 50 colleagues and senior physicians” had left the country within just two years.

In the commentary, Dr. Ephrem argued that physicians are leaving due to "one of the lowest" salary scales in the world. He stated that “a family physician makes $250 per month, while a specialist physician makes $300,” a figure he contrasted with doctors in neighboring countries such as Kenya, who he claimed earn around $1,500. He also criticized the lack of benefits, saying other sectors like “Banks, Telecommunication, Airlines, and other government sectors” offer double the pay, as well as housing, insurance, and loan access—benefits unavailable to physicians. With rising inflation, he added, physicians “are barely making ends meet.”

Beyond pay, Dr. Ephrem described working conditions as “not worth the sacrifice,” citing long years of training only to be posted to facilities that are “under-equipped and understaffed.” He claimed that physicians are often forced into “a guessing game” due to lack of diagnostic tools or medications, leading to low job satisfaction and patient harm. He further accused the government of failing to protect physicians from “unfounded malpractice accusations” spread through the media, which he said have led to physical attacks against doctors.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=32330

#Ethiopia: The Reporter says its journalists barred from Parliament without formal explanation

The Reporter, a private media outlet that has covered Ethiopia’s Parliament for the past 30 years, says its journalists have been denied entry to the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) since April 14, 2025, without receiving a formal explanation.

According to the outlet, its reporters were informed by security personnel stationed at the Parliament gate that “Reporter has been told not to enter.” The outlet stated that the restriction was imposed “without any reason or official announcement by Parliament,” and that its repeated requests for clarification have not received a response.

The Reporter noted that when it asked security officers why its journalists were being denied entry, they replied, “We were told verbally not to let them enter,” but did not provide any documentation.

Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1926966111309910374

#Ethiopia: Over five killed in bus attack in #Gambella; residents attribute assault to Murle militants from #South_Sudan

At least five people were killed and several others injured in a bus attack in Gambella Region on Sunday, 25 May. Residents told Addis Standard that the incident, which occurred as the vehicle was traveling from Dimma to Pinyudo in Gog district, was a cross-border assault by suspected “Murle fighters” from South Sudan.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers opened fire on the passenger bus, resulting in the immediate death of five individuals, including the driver. “Children and women were among the victims,” the source said, describing the attack as “horrific.” Another resident claimed the gunfire began even “before the bus left Dimma district,” adding that “a total of seven people” were killed and that the injured were taken to Gambella General Hospital for treatment.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50420

#Somaliland President begins working visit to #Kenya

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed for Nairobi on Monday for a multi-day working visit aimed at strengthening ties with Kenya and engaging international stakeholders, according to a statement from the Somaliland Presidency.

The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Planning, Minister of Communications and Technology, Director of the National Intelligence Service, and the Chief of Staff.

The presidency said the delegation “will hold meetings with the government of Kenya led by President William Ruto,” to discuss what it called “key issues of particular importance to the Republic of Somaliland,” including trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation.


The visit will also include engagements with international organizations and diplomatic missions, as well as the inauguration of a new building for the Somaliland Representative Office in Kenya.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/May/201641/somaliland_president_begins_working_visit_to_kenya.aspx

#Ethiopia: Searching for a better life, young Ethiopians risk all to reach #Saudi_Arabia

Yasin Omar is a tall, slim man on the cusp of middle age. His face is gaunt, his forehead grooved with injury, his voice quiet and slightly hoarse.

The cause of Yasin’s suffering is neither mysterious nor uncommon. He is one of the hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian migrants who in the past few years have made the perilous journey across the Red Sea in search of a better life in Saudi Arabia.

Like many of his compatriots, Yasin braved the trip because he felt he had no choice. A native of a small village near Dire Dawa, a city in eastern Ethiopia, he struggled for years to support his wife and three children, working intermittently for meagre, uncertain wages as a day-labourer in the countryside.

“It’s hard to live if you don’t even have work,” Yasin explained. “People lose hope. Then you think, whether I die or not, it's better I try my chance [at migrating].”

Last year, nearly 235,000 people left Ethiopia and headed towards the Red Sea coastline, according to the International Organization for Migration, the UN’s migration agency. The country is Africa’s second largest by population, but it has been wracked in recent years by successive crises, including various ethnic armed conflicts and related economic instability.

Much of this Ethiopian exodus has been directed along the so-called “Eastern migration route”, which crosses the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden into Yemen, and ultimately Saudi Arabia. There, and in the other oil-rich economies of the Gulf, migrants like Yasin hope to find work and send money back to their families.

Yet most discover only further suffering. The journey takes them into a dark, transnational economy fuelled by human suffering. Along the route, people smugglers and violent militias prey on their desperation for profit. Many die along the way. And for those lucky enough to reach Saudi Arabia itself, further dangers lurk – including, as Yasin discovered, the terrors of the country’s prison system.
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2025/05/26/searching-better-life-young-ethiopians-risk-all-reach-saudi-arabia-south-south-migration

#Open_Letter: To #Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on His 34th Independence Day Keynote Address

In this open letter to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Dr. Mebratu Kelecha—an #Ethiopian and independent scholar based in the United States — offers both congratulations on Eritrea’s 34th Independence Day and candid reflections on the president’s keynote address. While commending the resilience of the Eritrean people, Dr. Mebratu voices concern over the tone and framing of the speech, which he finds “deeply unsettling” for its interpretation of the region’s complex realities through “a narrow, grievance-focused lens,” rather than “offering a constructive vision for the future.”

The letter contests the portrayal of Eritrea as a besieged fortress, suggesting that "the greatest siege is the one that imprisons from within." It questions the value of "inexorable progress" if it means "the subordination of individual conscience and the denial of political plurality." The author also asks, "What role has Eritrea itself played in weaving the very chains of poverty, dependence, and stagnation you so acutely lament?"

The writer challenges President Isaias’s depiction of Eritrea solely as a victim of foreign interference, pointing instead to Eritrea’s role in fueling regional instability—particularly its involvement in the war in #Tigray. “These were not defensive acts but co-authorship in atrocity,” Dr. Mebratu asserts, adding, “If sovereignty means anything, it must mean accountability for one’s actions.”

He also rejects the president’s dismissal of Ethiopia’s complex democratic struggles as merely a foreign-directed performance. “You cannot claim neutrality while simultaneously invoking—and weaponizing—sensitive identity markers,” he writes, stressing that “Ethiopia’s internal challenges—governance failures and contested identities—are our burden to carry, not yours to weaponize.”

Dr. Mebratu further defends Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, rejecting the framing of its pursuit of Red Sea access as brinkmanship and describing it instead as a legitimate strategic necessity. “What man, locked in his house with no door to the world, would not seek a key?” he asks, calling for regional collaboration over suspicion.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50429

#Ethiopia: Social media platforms “failed to adequately moderate genocidal content” during Tigray war, study finds

A recent study by the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) examining moderation practices on social media platforms during the 2020–2022 war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region found that these platforms “failed to adequately moderate genocidal content,” enabling the widespread circulation of hate speech, incitement, and atrocity denial. According to the report, platforms “prioritized superficial cultural awareness and language skills of dominant languages,” while overlooking “in-depth familiarity with dialects, cultural practices, and broader social contexts.”

The study, conducted by journalists, activists, data archivists, and former content moderators—including DAIR founder Timnit Gebru—focused on moderation failures during the conflict. It cited internal documents disclosed by whistleblower Frances Haugen to show that while Ethiopia has “a population of 128 million people speaking an estimated 100 languages,” Facebook “only supported two of those languages for integrity systems.” The report also emphasized that dialectical understanding was crucial. “We found that dialectical knowledge, including slang terms, was crucial in identifying harmful posts,” the authors wrote, based on a four-month annotation study involving 340 posts in Amharic, Tigrinya, Arabic, and English.

One example involved a post with the hashtag “#FakeAxumMassacre,” which researchers categorized under “Violent Event Denial.” The study stated that although “the event was recounted by survivors and investigated and corroborated by the likes of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Associated Press,” the post “claims that the massacre is ‘fake.’” In another instance, a post translating to “Clean the cockroaches” was not flagged by all annotators; the study noted that recognizing its genocidal nature “require[d] knowledge that the Ethiopian government and its allies regularly described Tigrayans as cockroaches.”

https://addisstandard.com/social-media-platforms-failed-to-adequately-moderate-genocidal-content-during-tigray-war-study-finds/

#Ethiopia: #WHO deploys Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System in Western #Oromia region

The Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS)—a World Health Organization (WHO)-led initiative—addresses this critical gap by providing dynamic, real-time information on the availability and functionality of health services and infrastructure. Designed for flexibility, HeRAMS is well-suited to operate in low-resource, rapidly evolving contexts, supporting both emergency response and long-term health system strengthening.

Following successful implementations in Ethiopia’s Tigray and Afar regions, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the Oromia Regional Health Bureau, and WHO, initiated the rollout of HeRAMS in the Oromia Region. The most recent deployment focused on the Western Cluster, specifically targeting the zones of East Wellega, Horo Gudru Wellega, West Wellega, Kellem Wellega, and the towns of Nekemte and Nadjo.

The objectives of the HeRAMS initiative in Oromia were twofold: to establish a comprehensive, real-time mapping of health facilities and service availability and to enable more accurate and timelier, data-driven prioritization of health interventions. The initiative also aimed to strengthen preparedness and response capacities in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ethiopia/news/monitoring-health-system-availability-fragile-settings-herams-deployment-western-oromia-ethiopia

#Ethiopia Health Cluster reports rise in Cholera, Malaria, and Measles cases

Between January and April 2025, Ethiopia reported 4,056 cholera cases and 42 deaths, with active outbreaks in 32 districts and five refugee camps, primarily in the #Amhara and #Gambella regions. Notably, 89.9% of the cases in Amhara originated from just four woredas.

Malaria cases also surged, reaching 1.97 million with 77 deaths. In April alone, 1,147 woredas reported cases, with Gambella recording the highest incidence rate at 462 cases per 100,000 population.

Measles outbreaks remain ongoing, with 3,908 cases and 22 deaths reported. Eight regions, including Amhara, Oromia, and #Tigray, are currently affected. In late April, 96 new cases were recorded in Deder district, Oromia.

https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-health-cluster-bulletin-april-2025

#Trump administration orders #US embassies to stop student #visa interviews

*Directive could severely delay visa processing and hurt universities that rely on foreign students for revenue.

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide to immediately stop scheduling visa interviews for foreign students as it prepares to implement comprehensive social media screening for all international applicants.

A Tuesday state department cable instructs consular sections to pause adding “any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued” within days.

The directive, first reported by Politico and now confirmed by the Guardian, could severely delay visa processing and hurt universities – many of which Donald Trump accuses of having far-left ideologies – that rely heavily on foreign students for revenue.

“The department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants,” the cable reads. Officials plan to issue guidance on “expanded social media vetting for all such applicants”.

The freeze is further escalation from current screening measures, which have primarily targeted students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests. Since March, consular officers have been required to conduct mandatory social media reviews looking for evidence of support for “terrorist activity or a terrorist organization” which could be as broad as showing support for the Palestinian cause, according to a cable obtained by the Guardian at the time. That directive required officers to take screenshots of “potentially derogatory” content for permanent records, even if posts were later deleted.

The new expansion would apply social media vetting to all student visa applicants, not just those flagged for activism. Under the screening process, consular officers would examine applicants’ posts, shares, and comments across platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok for content they deem to be threatening to national security, which has since been tied in to the Trump administration’s stance on combating antisemitism.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/27/international-student-visa-trump

#Sudan reports over 170 deaths from cholera in 1 week

Sudan’s Health Ministry has reported that 172 people died from cholera in the past week alone, as infections surge in areas affected by ongoing armed clashes. The ministry said 2,700 people contracted the disease in just one week, with #Khartoum State accounting for 90% of the cholera cases.

The ministry said access to energy and water supplies has been disrupted, particularly in Khartoum, due to recent fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). The capital’s three cities — Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman — along with the East Nile area, are among the hardest hit.

According to the ministry’s figures, the cumulative number of cholera infections across the country has reached 60,993, with 1,632 deaths. Authorities declared cholera a national epidemic in August 2024, amid what the UN has described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-reports-over-170-deaths-from-cholera-in-1-week/3581118

#US–#Ethiopia: Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended “congratulations to Ethiopia” on the 34th anniversary of May 28, conveying Washington’s readiness to work on “areas of mutual interest.”

In a brief statement issued on 27 May, Rubio said the U.S. values “more than a century of diplomatic relations” with Ethiopia and expressed hope for “many more years of cooperation and friendship.”

He stated that the U.S. is prepared to engage in joint efforts “to promote trade and investment for economic growth” and to “advance peace through dialogue.”

Rubio also conveyed his “best wishes” to “Ethiopia and all its people” on the occasion of the National Day.

May 28, 1991 marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s history as a coalition of armed forces under the umbrella of the #EPRDF ended the 17 years brutal dictatorship of the #Derg and paved ways for the birth of the current Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (#FDRE).

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1927635580713583011

3 cases of cholera identified in #Israel; cases linked to travel to #Ethiopia

Israel’s Health Ministry has confirmed
three cases of cholera — the first in several years — with all infections reportedly linked to travel to Ethiopia, according to public broadcaster Kan.

Two of the individuals are said to have contracted the disease while in Ethiopia, while the third case involves a person who drank water brought from an Ethiopian well by one of the infected individuals, Kan reported.

The ministry advised travelers to Ethiopia to avoid drinking tap water and consuming street food. It also recommended regular handwashing and maintaining good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/3-cases-of-cholera-identified-in-israel-cases-linked-to-travel-to-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia, #Somaliland discuss cross-border trade and economic cooperation

Somaliland’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Abdirahman Hassan Nour, met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe during an official visit to Ethiopia aimed at enhancing bilateral trade relations.

In discussions with Minister Kasaahun, both sides focused on strengthening economic ties, boosting bilateral trade, and reinforcing historical relations between the two neighbors. They reviewed preparations for upcoming agreements on trade and goods transit, expected to be signed soon.

Simplifying cross-border trade emerged as a key priority, aimed at facilitating grassroots economic activity and enhancing integration between border communities. Both ministers also agreed to tackle trade barriers and improve commercial exchanges.

Minister Abdirahman also paid a visit to Ethiopia’s Quality Control Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.

During his visit to the Agency, the minister, who was received by the Deputy Director General, Wendmagegn Assefa, toured various departments, including the quality training institute and registration and quality management units.

This visit is seen part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation on quality assurance and trade facilitation between Somaliland and Ethiopia.

Minister Abdirahman was accompanied by the Director of the Minister’s Office, Ridwan Abdirashid Sheikh Mohamed, and the Somaliland Trade Attaché in Ethiopia.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/05/somaliland-ethiopia-discuss-cross-border-trade-and-economic-cooperation/