#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/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Admin says #Mekelle courts to resume operations after security concerns ‘partially resolved'

The Tigray Interim Regional Administration announced that courts in Mekelle will resume services starting May 29, following a “joint agreement” reached with judicial officials after what it described as “security concerns” were “partially resolved through dialogue with relevant authorities.” The decision comes more than a week after all courts in the city suspended operations, citing safety threats to judicial personnel and institutions.

According to a statement released by the Presidential Office on May 27, the decision was the result of “extensive discussions” held on May 26 between Interim Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede and justice sector leaders, including the Regional High Courts President Mengistu Teklay and Regional Justice Bureau Head Hadush Tesfu. The statement said the talks identified “security problems affecting judicial bodies” and outlined both “short-term and long-term” responses. Lt. Gen. Tadesse was quoted as saying the administration “fully recognizes the problems” faced by the judiciary and committed to “work with high attention” to “secure the safety” of legal professionals and institutions.

The courts had halted their work following a May 16 incident at Mekelle Central Court during a hearing on the murder case of Zewedu Haftu, a 32-year-old woman killed in August 2023.

https://addisstandard.com/tigray-interim-admin-says-mekelle-courts-to-resume-operations-after-security-concerns-partially-resolved/?amp=1

#Canada-based #AJN_Resources makes a move on #Ethiopian gold venture

AJN Resources’ share price jump by 11%, closing at $0.10 on the Canadian Securities Exchange, came after announcing plans to venture into Ethiopia.

The company signed a provisional agreement with Godu General Trading to acquire up to 70% of the Okote Gold Project, located about 100 kilometers from Ethiopia’s Lega Dembi Gold Mine. This deal requires AJN to showcase the agreement and their exploration strategy to the Oromia state, where officials have shown verbal support. With a 90-day due diligence period, AJN is set to invest $2 million in initial exploration efforts.

Further commitments include $5 million after a resource estimate and another $5 million upon a mining agreement, ultimately eyeing potential multimillion-ounce discoveries. Throughout this period, AJN will bear all exploration costs and maintain vital permits.

https://finimize.com/content/ajn-resources-makes-a-move-on-ethiopian-gold-venture

#Ethiopia: Inflation remains in double digits despite macroeconomic reforms

Ethiopia’s inflation stayed in double digits from August 2024 to April 2025, despite the government’s implementation of macroeconomic reform measures. During this nine-month period, overall inflation ranged between 16.1% and 17.5%.

Food inflation consistently outpaced the general rate, peaking at 19.6% in September 2024 and remaining elevated through April 2025. In contrast, non-food inflation showed greater fluctuation, falling to 11.6% in October before climbing to 14.4% by December.

These figures reflect ongoing monthly shifts in consumer prices across food, non-food, and general categories, offering a snapshot of inflation trends amid Ethiopia’s economic restructuring efforts.

#Ethiopia: Senior doctors report mounting pressure as health workers’ strike enters third week; warn patient care at risk under current conditions

Senior physicians in multiple hospitals have raised alarm over what they described as “severe work pressure” caused by the ongoing nationwide health workers’ strike, now in its third week. The doctors, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Addis Standard that “patients are not receiving the necessary services” and warned the situation “cannot continue” without resolution for more than a week.

A senior physician at Black Lion Specialized Hospital said he is managing a growing number of emergency cases with no support. “I just finished my night shift,” he said, explaining that he had worked “the previous night at a private hospital” and returned to duty the next morning. He described being the only doctor on shift, saying he “watched patients suffer—patients who could have recovered if they had received timely attention.” He warned, “If it continues, we will reach a point where we cannot carry on.”

At #Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Hospital, another senior doctor said emergency care remains partially operational, but warned that “medicine is collaborative work—it cannot be done alone.” The doctor, who also teaches at the university, said they are forced to “schedule appointments” for patients needing surgery or intensive care due to a lack of capacity. “This situation is extremely difficult,” he said. “All health professionals want to return—but only once their demands are addressed.”

At the University of #Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, another physician said most services have been halted, stating the hospital “is open just to avoid being called closed.” Emergency care is limited to triaging patients, while basic examinations are no longer conducted. “Previously, we would record patients’ vital signs and medical history,” he said, “now even that is not happening.” He described the current state as one of total strain, adding that “our strength is being depleted.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50472

White House asks supreme court to block challenges to deportations to #South_Sudan

The Trump administration has asked the #US Supreme Court to halt a lower court order that allows individuals to challenge their deportations to South Sudan, a request filed hours after the presiding judge accused the administration of “manufacturing” chaos and expressed hope that “reason can get the better of rhetoric.”

US District Judge Brian Murphy, who sits in Massachusetts, found that the White House had violated a prior court order by placing individuals—some from countries including Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam—on a deportation flight to South Sudan. The administration stated those individuals had been convicted of crimes in the US. Murphy ruled that they “must get a real chance to raise any fears that being sent there could put them in danger.” In his 17-page order, he wrote that “from the course of conduct, it is hard to come to any conclusion other than that defendants invite a lack of clarity as a means of evasion.”

In an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, US Solicitor General John Sauer argued that the judge’s decision obstructs the government’s ability to deport individuals who cannot be returned to their home countries. Sauer described deportation arrangements with third countries as a “delicate diplomatic endeavor,” and said the court’s order had created a “major setback” to enforcement efforts. The Trump administration has increasingly relied on agreements with countries such as Panama and El Salvador to accept individuals when their countries of origin refuse to do so.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/28/south-sudan-flights-trump-supreme-court

War in #Tigray traumatically violates women's dignity

An award-winning exhibition in #Rome captures how amid the often-forgotten, but dramatic war in the Tigray region, women are facing grave violations of human dignity, especially from sexual violence being used as a weapon of war.

Women's human dignity continues to be violated amid the ongoing war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, with sexual violence employed as a weapon of war.

As documented in a recent report written by L'Osservatore Romano's Greta Giglio, Cinzia Canneri, winner of the World Press Photo International Photojournalism Award in the Africa – Long-Term Projects category, for her photo reportage “Women’s Bodies as Battlefields,” captured, or at least provided a glimpse of, the daily horrors these voiceless women are faced to endure.

Ms. Canneri's exhibition is open in central Rome's Palazzo delle Esposizioni until 8 June and documents the harrowing experiences of Eritrean and Tigrayan women subjected to sexual violence in conflict zones.

The war, which began in Tigray in northern Ethiopia in late 2020 between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, triggered famine, and devastated local infrastructure.

Ms. Canneri’s exhibition reminds the world of the tragic consequences on women from the war, countless numbers of whom bear on their skin the marks of violence that have turned their bodies into battlefields.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-05/women-facing-continued-sorrow-in-the-tigray.html

#WFP warns of pipeline break in #Ethiopia by June; further ration cuts reported amid funding gaps

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says “further cuts may be necessary” as it is “anticipating a pipeline break in June 2025,” warning that ongoing funding shortfalls are constraining its ability to sustain food assistance in Ethiopia.

In its April country brief, WFP stated it was “compelled to reduce ration size back to 65 percent of the standard ration from 80 percent in February,” following a temporary increase. The current ration consists of “9 kg of cereals, 1 kg of pulses and 1.1 kg of oil.”

Ration reductions have also been applied to refugee operations. WFP said it “will reduce the ration size from 60 percent of the standard food basket in April to 50 percent in May” due to funding constraints.


Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1928011176845139971

#Ethiopia: #CBE denies media report of 7 billion birr theft, says attempted fraud “thwarted within minutes”

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has denied a media report claiming that over 7 billion birr was stolen from its internal account, calling it an “attempted theft of a large amount of money” that was “thwarted within minutes.” In a statement issued following a broadcast by Ethiopian Media Service (EMS), the bank said it was “compelled to provide a brief statement” after the report “falsely claimed” that funds were stolen, suspects were not apprehended, and that the case was “covered up” by the bank. CBE insisted that “no money was actually stolen” and that the suspicious transaction was “detected early.”

According to the statement, the suspects “attempted to gain illegitimate benefits” but the act “was not carried out by breaching our system.” The bank said it reported the case to “the relevant legal authorities” after “protecting the money,” and confirmed that the suspects are “currently in police custody” under “intensive investigation.” It added that the case remains under “strict legal monitoring” and pledged to release “detailed information once the legal process is concluded.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50490