#AU warns of ‘negative impact’ from #US travel ban; urges ‘balanced,’ ‘consultative’ approach

The African Union (AU) Commission has voiced concern over the United States’ renewed travel restrictions, warning of the “potential negative impact” the measures could have on long-standing ties between the U.S. and Africa. It urged Washington to implement the directive in a way that is “balanced, evidence-based, and reflective” of its historical engagement with the continent.

In a statement released on 5 June, the AU Commission said it had “taken note” of the directive issued by the U.S. government, which imposes entry restrictions on several countries, including #Eritrea, #Somalia, and #Sudan. While acknowledging “the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens,” the AU appealed to the U.S. to “exercise this right in a manner” that aligns with the spirit of its partnership with Africa.

The AU warned that the restrictions risk undermining “people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations” developed over decades. It emphasized that “Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” and called on the U.S. to “adopt a more consultative approach,” including “transparent communication” and, “where necessary, collaborative efforts” to address any underlying issues.

https://addisstandard.com/au-warns-of-negative-impact-from-us-travel-ban-urges-balanced-consultative-approach/?amp=1

#Boeing reaches $1.1bn deal over #Ethiopia, #Indonesia crashes; family lawyer calls it ‘morally repugnant’

Boeing has agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) to avoid prosecution over two fatal 737 Max crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed 346 people. A lawyer representing 16 families of the victims described the deal as “morally repugnant,” saying it allows the company to evade full accountability.

The agreement, which includes $444.5 million in compensation to victims’ families and $445 million for improving compliance, safety, and quality systems, was detailed in a U.S. court filing last week. The company has already paid $243 million from a previous 2021 settlement with the DoJ.

Sanjiv Singh, counsel for family members of some of the victims from the 2018 Indonesia crash, told the BBC that Boeing was allowed to “sidestep true criminal accountability” under the deal, which he called “morally repugnant.”

If approved by a U.S. federal judge, the agreement would result in the dismissal of a criminal fraud charge against Boeing. Families of those killed in the Lion Air crash off Indonesia and the Ethiopian Airlines crash near Addis Abeba have long pushed for a public trial and for former company officials to be held criminally responsible.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/05/us-boeing-deal-over-737-max-crashes-morally-repugnant-says-lawyer-for-victims-families

#Ethiopia: Parliament removes salary deduction clause from disaster risk bill citing ‘overlapping burden on workers’; approves proclamation unanimously

The House of Peoples’ Representatives (#HoPR) on Thursday unanimously approved the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Proclamation after removing a clause that would have mandated salary deductions from government and private sector workers, state media reported. The Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, which presented the report, said the provision was withdrawn following “discussion and consensus,” stating that the measure would “cause overlapping expenditure burden on workers.”

The proclamation, passed as Proclamation No. 1386/2017, aims to establish the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission as an autonomous federal agency. The commission is tasked with overseeing a “comprehensive legal framework” for disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery. The original bill, introduced in March, included a now-removed article requiring monthly contributions from employees’ net salaries to a national Disaster Risk Response Fund, alongside other revenue sources such as fees from banks, insurance companies, airlines, telecom operators, and the sale of goods like tobacco and alcohol.

The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (#CETU) had earlier warned against introducing salary-based contributions, urging the government to “reconsider additional deductions” that would “further burden their livelihoods.” CETU stressed that workers were already “struggling to support themselves and their families” in the face of persistent inflation and stagnant wages.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50736

#KEFI nears $320 mln funding close for flagship #Ethiopian gold mine; production targeted by 2027

KEFI Gold and Copper PLC said it is close to securing a $320 million financing package for its Tulu Kapi gold project in Ethiopia, enabling construction to begin and full production to start by 2027. The company described the timing as “an opportune moment” following years of groundwork and a more favourable investment climate. The funding syndicate, which includes two African development banks, contractors and local investors, is now at the final approval stage, KEFI said.

The project would become “the first internationally project-financed mine in Ethiopia,” KEFI noted, calling it a milestone for the country’s mining sector. The mine is expected to produce around 164,000 ounces of gold annually, with potential net cash flow to shareholders of up to $1.6 billion over its life.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1072530/kefi-nears-funding-close-for-flagship-ethiopian-gold-mine-1072530.html

#Opinion: Unfitting Praise: Abraham Verghese’s Eulogy for Meles Zenawi at #Harvard Commencement

On 28 May, 2025, Dr. Abraham Verghese—an #Ethiopian-born, Malayali-American physician—delivered the commencement address at Harvard University. In his speech, he urged graduates to value truth and intellectual rigor, commending Harvard for “defending institutional integrity” amid political pressures, particularly during the Trump administration. Verghese also included a eulogy for his former medical school classmate and “friend,” the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He described Meles as “a student as brilliant as I’ve ever met,” highlighting his transformation from medical student to rebel leader and eventually to prime minister. Echoing former President Clinton, he called Meles “a new generation of African leader.”

Despite these glowing remarks, Dr. Shimels Hussien Mohammed, the author of this opinion piece, argues that “it was inappropriate to honor Meles with a eulogy from a platform devoted to celebrating academic freedom.” He notes that “Meles was widely known for undermining institutional norms and curtailing academic freedom in Ethiopia.”

Shimels points out a contradiction: “While Abraham Verghese lauded Harvard’s resistance to Trump’s policies and defense of academic freedom, he overlooked that the administration of Meles was notorious for suppressing dissent, targeting intellectuals, and restricting institutions.” He goes on to say, "Under Meles, a university similar to Harvard could have faced closures and its leaders could have been jailed." To illustrate this, he references the expulsion of 42 professors from Addis Ababa University in 1993.

The author concludes that while Dr. Verghese’s address was likely well-intentioned, it “misses a critical opportunity to engage with Meles Zenawi’s complex legacy,” ultimately leaving graduates “with a partial view of history, one that Harvard’s community deserves to see balanced with the full weight of truth.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50743

Eight deportees, #US ICE officers stranded in #Djibouti after #South_Sudan flight blocked

Eight deportees removed from the United States and 13 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers remain stranded at a US naval base in Djibouti, after a deportation flight to South Sudan was halted by a US federal court in late May. The group is being held in a converted shipping container, and according to US officials, both the detainees and the ICE staff have begun to “feel ill.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the ICE officers began showing symptoms “within 72 hours of landing” and continue to suffer from suspected “bacterial upper respiratory infections.” In a court declaration, Mellissa Harper, a senior DHS and ICE official, said the officers are “sharing very limited sleeping quarters,” with only six beds available for 13 people, while the deportees are housed in a container that had been used as a conference room.

Harper stated that the outside temperature in Djibouti “frequently exceeds 100F (38C)” and that nearby burn pits have caused “throat irritation” among the officers. She also noted the risk of malaria, as ICE staff “did not take anti-malaria medication before arriving.” According to Harper, on arrival ICE personnel were warned by the US Department of Defense of the “imminent danger of rocket attacks from terrorist groups in Yemen,” but lacked “body armor or other gear that would be appropriate in the case of an attack.”

The eight men are from Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Mexico and South Sudan. The Trump administration attempted to deport them to South Sudan after their home countries declined to accept them. However, US District Judge Brian Murphy ruled in May that the administration had “unquestionably” violated an earlier court order, issued in April, which said individuals facing deportation to third countries had the right to challenge the removal.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/06/migrants-djibouti-ice

#Ethiopia: Over 11,000 displaced by armed violence in Oromia–Benishangul border areas; humanitarian agencies warn of escalating tensions


More than 11,000 people have been displaced in recent days due to armed violence in the border areas of Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, according to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and its partners.

In its latest situation report, DG ECHO stated that the displacement was triggered by armed conflict “fuelled by political and ethnic divisions,” which it said is continuing to escalate along the regional border.

According to DG ECHO, an estimated 5,500 people were displaced from Harowata kebele, located in Sasiga district of the Oromia region. The agency noted that the affected civilians are “now sheltering in government buildings.”

https://addisstandard.com/over-11000-displaced-by-armed-violence-in-oromia-benishangul-border-areas-humanitarian-agencies-warn-of-escalating-tensions/

#Turkana leaders demand action after killings by #Ethiopian militia

Turkana leaders have condemned the recent killings of four locals by suspected Ethiopian militia, urging the national government to take urgent action to protect Kenyan citizens along the porous border.

This incident has reignited grievances over the government's failure to secure border communities. Senator James Lomenen, Turkana North MP Paul Nabuin, and former Cabinet Secretary John Munyes spoke out during the burial of two brothers killed in the attack in Natira village.

Their deaths have sparked anger and frustration across Turkana County, a region struggling with insecurity.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/north-eastern/article/2001521133/turkana-leaders-demand-action-after-killings-by-ethiopian-militia

#Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines Marks 50 Years of Service to Kigali

Ethiopian Airlines has celebrated the 50th anniversary of its inaugural flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Launched in 1975, the Addis Abeba–Kigali route has been instrumental in forging stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural links between the two nations, according to the statement issued marking the anniversary.

Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, noted that the milestone reflects half a century of steadfast commitment. “We are excited to reach such a milestone. Over 50 years of service to Kigali, we have expanded both our passenger and cargo operations, with increased frequencies for the benefit of our customers. This marks another demonstration of Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to serving the people of Africa,” he said.

The airline said that it operates 21 weekly passenger flights and three dedicated cargo services to Kigali, offering seamless connections to its extensive global network of over 145 destinations across 5 continents.

#Op_ed: Silencing Dissent: Criminalization of freedom of speech in #Ethiopia’s #Somali region

Recently, four journalists and activists—Abdi Mohamed Barud, Mohamed Aden Hassan, Ahmed Abdi Omar, and Ibrahim Abduqadir—were arrested in the Somali Regional State. In May 2025, the Fafen Zone High Court in Jigjiga sentenced three of them to prison terms ranging from 18 months to three years. While regional authorities claim the men were sentenced for "inciting public unrest" and "provoking social disorder," Hirsi Abdulkadir Mohamed, the author of this op-ed, argues that these charges are merely a pretext to silence and suppress dissent. He writes, “These four young men committed no crime but refused to conform to the sterile silence expected of citizens. Their ‘weapon’ was a Facebook post. Their ‘threat’ was the truth.”


The author states, “When Mustafe Muhumed Omar rose to power, many hailed him as a reformer—an antidote to the scars of authoritarian rule. That hopeful language has now become hollow ritual. Journalists are harassed, human rights defenders are threatened, and youth activists are imprisoned for daring to dream differently.”

According to him, the imprisonment of these journalists is not an isolated case: “It is the loudest yet in a symphony of silence imposed by the administration allergic to scrutiny.” Hirsi calls for the immediate reversal of the sentences and a return to democratic principles, emphasizing that “Freedom of expression is not an optional principle—it is the lifeblood of a resilient society.”


The author emphasizes that the Somali Regional State is at a pivotal historical juncture, where "one path leads towards inclusivity, transparency, and justice," while the other "leads to fear, despotism, and decay." He concludes with a message: "History will not be kind to those who criminalize conscience. But it may still be generous to those who correct courses before it’s too late.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=50754

#Egypt, #Saudi_Arabia to construct $4 billion worth bridge connecting #Africa, #Asia across #Red_Sea

In a landmark development that promises to redefine intercontinental connectivity, the governments of Saudi Arabia and Egypt have finalized plans for the construction of a monumental bridge that will connect Africa and Asia across the Red Sea. With an estimated cost of $4 billion, the project, unofficially dubbed the “Moses Bridge,” is set to become a cornerstone of regional development, strategic infrastructure, and diplomatic cooperation.

First proposed in 1988 and publicly revived by King Salman of Saudi Arabia in 2016, the bridge will span the Strait of Tiran, connecting Ras Hamid on the Saudi Arabian coast to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

https://www.xtrafrica.com/news/egypt-and-saudi-arabia-to-construct-bridge-from-africa-to-asia

News: PM Abiy accuses ‘some media’ outlets of prioritizing self-interest over ‘national interest’

In a nationally broadcast interview, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused “some” Ethiopian media outlets, accusing them of “working to serve their own interests than putting national interest first.”

“Media is like fire - it can either destroy or build,” he said, adding that “there is no such thing as an independent media in the world.” He warned that certain outlets are “misleading the public by spreading false information and fabricated news.”

These talking points were revisited during a panel discussion held on 7 June where officials from the Government Communication Service accused commercial media, which constitutes independent media, of sidelining national agendas. State Minister Tesfahun Gobezay said, “Some media do not report on national matters with sufficient depth or accuracy,” adding that a fear of losing audience share was leading to underreporting of positive developments. He acknowledged government gaps in access to information but blamed “unbalanced” reporting for fueling institutional reluctance to share data.

These developments come amid growing international concern over Ethiopia’s media climate. Ethiopia now ranks 145th out of 180 countries on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index - its lowest ever. Earlier this year, 14 diplomatic missions based in the capital expressed concerns over “significant pressure” on freedom of expression and called for greater protections for journalists.

A recent legal amendment to the media law has shifted the power to nominate Ethiopia’s media regulator from Parliament to the Prime Minister, prompting warnings from civil society about increased executive control.


https://addisstandard.com/pm-abiy-accuses-some-media-outlets-of-prioritizing-self-interest-over-national-interest/?amp=1

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Journalists Association calls for release of "TBS Television" cameramen detained in #Axum

The Tigray Journalists Association has called for the immediate release of two Tigray Broadcasting Service (TBS) television cameramen who were on a trip to Axum to film.

In a statement issued yesterday, the association said that "journalists have the right to freedom of movement and information and that the arrest of the cameramen violates that right."

According to the statement, the two cameramen from the Tigrinya-language television station had traveled to Aksum to report on issues related to good governance in the area, and upon their arrival, they were detained by local authorities.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CLMXwV6se/

#Kenya, #Ethiopia agree to build cross-border infrastructure

Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to work on cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.

At a meeting in Addis Abeba on June 5 as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP), the two countries agreed on transformative programs to improve the movement of goods, people, and digital services across the Ethiopian-Kenyan border.

Ethiopia and Kenya agreed to support the construction of two bridges across the River Dawa (Rhamu and Suftu), as a passage of hope that will not only carry vehicles but also convey the aspiration of underserved communities to access healthcare, education, and markets. “The main objectives are to enhance infrastructural connectivity, socio-economic development, trade facilitation, and cross-border development between Ethiopia and Kenya,” says the joint communique.

These measures are seen as a demonstration of Igad’s commitment to operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement through strengthening seamless trade between Ethiopia and Kenya by reducing border-crossing times, reducing transport costs and making regional goods more competitive in international markets.

Subsequently, Kenya and Ethiopia will finalize the draft bilateral agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance on Customs matters and other enabling legal frameworks at the earliest opportunity.

The two agreed on the location for a one-stop border post at Rhamu, a trade facilitation center at Suftu, access roads and bridges at Rhamu and Suftu, and optic fiber “meet me” points.
https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/kenya-ethiopia-agree-to-build-cross-border-infrastructure-cikshyvu

#Ethiopia: #OLF regains access to its #Finfinne HQ after four-year forced closure

The #Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has regained access to its headquarters in Finfinne (Addis Abeba) after more than four years of forced closure.

The handover was conducted in the presence of representatives from the Addis Abeba Branch of the Joint Council of Political Parties. OLF thanked the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Joint Council for facilitating the return, calling it “a significant step forward.”

The party had been locked out of its headquarters since August 2020, following a police raid and the controversial removal of its leadership. This came amid a broader crackdown on OLF leaders, including the house arrest of Chairman Dawud Ibssa after the assassination of prominent Oromo artist Hachalu Hundessa. Several senior members of the party were also detained in defiance of court orders, leaving the party politically paralyzed at the time of their release last year.

OLF Public Relations Officer Lemmi Gemmechu to Addis Standard that while the office had been inaccessible, the party never relinquished its claim. Although the party regained access to its HQ, more than 200 of its offices nationwide remained closed.

“The reopening of our offices is tied to a fundamental democratic right, the right to assembly,” Lemmi said.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=50777

#Ethiopia refused to negotiate with Mubarak’s regime over water, believing no one could stop its projects on the #Nile – British Documents

#Ethiopia refused to negotiate with Hosni Mubarak’s regime over the Nile water issue, believing that no one could stop it from pursuing its projects on the river’s source, according to declassified British documents.

Documents obtained by MEMO from the National Archives show that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) believed that, despite improvements in #Egypt-Ethiopia relations at the time, Egypt “had not been able to convince the Ethiopians to engage in dialogue” over Nile water issues.

During a meeting with Anthony Gregory Shapland, head of the FCO’s Middle East Research Department, experts from MacDonald & Partners Company explained that Ethiopian officials often claimed a lack of expertise to defend their interests. However, water and politics expert Terry Evans dismissed this claim, asserting that Ethiopia had access to capable and honest expertise. His dealings with Ethiopian counterparts led him to conclude that “they were too clever to be deceived.” According to Evans, Ethiopia saw no reason to engage in talks, believing that “there was nothing anyone could do to damage their hydrological interests or to prevent them from doing what they wanted on the Blue Nile”, the source of over 85 percent of the Nile’s water flow to Egypt.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250609-ethiopia-refused-to-negotiate-with-mubaraks-regime-over-water-believing-no-one-could-stop-its-projects-on-the-nile-british-documents/

#Etihad and #Ethiopian Airlines activate codeshare agreement

Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines have activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between #Africa and #Asia, #Australia, and the Middle East.

The bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to book now. Ethiopian will start services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi (AUH) on 15 July, and Etihad Airways introducing daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 8 October.

This is the first step ahead of implementation of the groundbreaking Joint Venture agreed between Etihad and Ethiopian in March 2025 unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks.

The codeshare lets guests simplify their journeys by making a single booking with one check-in process at the start and the added convenience of having their baggage transferred to their final destination.

https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/etihad-and-ethiopian-airlines-activate-codeshare-agreement