#Ethiopia: PM Abiy holds talks with opposition political parties; major #Oromo opposition groups absent
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he held discussions with opposition political parties on Wednesday as part of a series of stakeholder consultations; however, key Oromo opposition parties—the Oromo Liberation Front (#OLF) and the Oromo Federalist Congress (#OFC)—were not in attendance.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister stated that “opening up the political space was a pivotal decision” taken in 2018, and added that his government has since worked to “foster a democratic environment—shifting from a long-standing posture of viewing parties as opposition to embracing them as legitimate competitors.” He described the effort as one aimed at cultivating “a culture of peaceful political contestation” essential to the country’s future.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1935356301187448852
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he held discussions with opposition political parties on Wednesday as part of a series of stakeholder consultations; however, key Oromo opposition parties—the Oromo Liberation Front (#OLF) and the Oromo Federalist Congress (#OFC)—were not in attendance.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister stated that “opening up the political space was a pivotal decision” taken in 2018, and added that his government has since worked to “foster a democratic environment—shifting from a long-standing posture of viewing parties as opposition to embracing them as legitimate competitors.” He described the effort as one aimed at cultivating “a culture of peaceful political contestation” essential to the country’s future.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1935356301187448852
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#Israel says hospital directly hit by #Iranian missile as area near reactor in central Iran evacuated
Summary
Israel's foreign ministry says a hospital in Beersheba has been directly hit after Iran fired a wave of missiles.
In Iran, Israel has warned people to evacuate from areas near the Arak heavy water reactor, warning it would target "military infrastructure".
Sirens sounded in Israel overnight and people have since been told they can leave where they were told to take cover.
The strikes come as Donald Trump has approved plans to attack Iran, but has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country, reports the BBC's US partner CBS.
Earlier, Trump said "I may do it, I may not do it", when asked whether the US would join Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran's supreme leader warned Trump of "irreparable harm" if the US intervenes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c994v4gm9jmt
Summary
Israel's foreign ministry says a hospital in Beersheba has been directly hit after Iran fired a wave of missiles.
In Iran, Israel has warned people to evacuate from areas near the Arak heavy water reactor, warning it would target "military infrastructure".
Sirens sounded in Israel overnight and people have since been told they can leave where they were told to take cover.
The strikes come as Donald Trump has approved plans to attack Iran, but has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country, reports the BBC's US partner CBS.
Earlier, Trump said "I may do it, I may not do it", when asked whether the US would join Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran's supreme leader warned Trump of "irreparable harm" if the US intervenes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c994v4gm9jmt
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News: #Ethiopia Court jails man to seven years for “defaming gov’t, disseminating pro-Fano messages”
The Federal High Court has sentenced Wondimagegn Bergena to seven years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him of “defaming the government” and “disseminating pro-Fano messages” on WhatsApp and TikTok.
The prosecution accused the defendant of “posting content that included photos of armed individuals and Fano leaders”, as well as messages “inciting the youth to join the group’s armed activities.”
Some of these posts were reportedly viewed by at least ten people on TikTok.
Evidence presented in court also included alleged messages by the accused to a known social media influencer claiming “government forces were demolishing homes in Arba Minch”, information the prosecution argued was “intended to inflame anti-government sentiment.”
The court concluded Wondimagegn had “failed to disprove” the charges under Ethiopia’s Criminal Code despite his not guilty plea.
The sentencing comes just weeks after PM Abiy Ahmed claimed “no one” is jailed by his government for expressing opinions. It also coincides with a deepening press crackdown and shrinking civic space; Ethiopia now ranks 145th on the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index, marking its first inclusion in the “very serious” threat category.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50959
The Federal High Court has sentenced Wondimagegn Bergena to seven years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him of “defaming the government” and “disseminating pro-Fano messages” on WhatsApp and TikTok.
The prosecution accused the defendant of “posting content that included photos of armed individuals and Fano leaders”, as well as messages “inciting the youth to join the group’s armed activities.”
Some of these posts were reportedly viewed by at least ten people on TikTok.
Evidence presented in court also included alleged messages by the accused to a known social media influencer claiming “government forces were demolishing homes in Arba Minch”, information the prosecution argued was “intended to inflame anti-government sentiment.”
The court concluded Wondimagegn had “failed to disprove” the charges under Ethiopia’s Criminal Code despite his not guilty plea.
The sentencing comes just weeks after PM Abiy Ahmed claimed “no one” is jailed by his government for expressing opinions. It also coincides with a deepening press crackdown and shrinking civic space; Ethiopia now ranks 145th on the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index, marking its first inclusion in the “very serious” threat category.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50959
Addis Standard
Ethiopia Court jails man to seven years for “defaming gov’t, disseminating pro-Fano messages” - Addis Standard
Ethiopia Court jails man to seven years for “defaming gov’t, disseminating pro-Fano messages” Addis Standard News -
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“We may be from two countries but are one family”: #Ethiopian peacekeepers hand over medical supplies in Bor, #South_Sudan
Dr. Bol Chaw, medical director at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei, South Sudan, received a large shipment of vital supplies for the hospital—broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-malarials, painkillers, drugs to tackle chronic illnesses such as hypertension, and surgical materials from #Ethiopia, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
His concerns are shared by many across this country, where people living in remote areas often go without basic healthcare. “It’s increasingly difficult for us to provide essential medication to patients, whether in hospitals or smaller clinics,” reveals Dr. Chaw.
“Since we patrol consistently among communities, we are aware of the challenges they face, particularly with the ongoing economic crisis and consequent shortage of medical supplies. We felt that we must support them. We may be from two countries but are one family, and families share,” explains Lieutenant-Colonel Desalegn Sahile Gulilat, commanding officer of the Ethiopian troops.
https://unmiss.unmissions.org/%E2%80%9Cwe-may-be-two-countries-are-one-family%E2%80%9D-ethiopian-peacekeepers-hand-over-medical-supplies-bor
Dr. Bol Chaw, medical director at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei, South Sudan, received a large shipment of vital supplies for the hospital—broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-malarials, painkillers, drugs to tackle chronic illnesses such as hypertension, and surgical materials from #Ethiopia, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
His concerns are shared by many across this country, where people living in remote areas often go without basic healthcare. “It’s increasingly difficult for us to provide essential medication to patients, whether in hospitals or smaller clinics,” reveals Dr. Chaw.
“Since we patrol consistently among communities, we are aware of the challenges they face, particularly with the ongoing economic crisis and consequent shortage of medical supplies. We felt that we must support them. We may be from two countries but are one family, and families share,” explains Lieutenant-Colonel Desalegn Sahile Gulilat, commanding officer of the Ethiopian troops.
https://unmiss.unmissions.org/%E2%80%9Cwe-may-be-two-countries-are-one-family%E2%80%9D-ethiopian-peacekeepers-hand-over-medical-supplies-bor
UNMISS
“We may be from two countries but are one family”: Ethiopian peacekeepers hand over medical supplies in Bor
JONGLEI – “It’s increasingly difficult for us to provide essential medication to patients, whether in hospitals or smaller clinics,” reveals Dr. Bol Chaw. Dr. Chaw is the medical director at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei, South Sudan. His concerns are shared…
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#Ethiopian Health Professionals’ Association suspended; president links move to support for health workers’ strike
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) was suspended by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) on June 12, with the association’s president linking the decision to EHPA’s public support for the ongoing nationwide strike by health workers.
Speaking to Addis Standard, EHPA president Yonatan Dagnaw said the authority’s letter cited claims that the association “did not hold a general assembly” and “did not submit financial reports.”
Yonatan stated, “We operated according to the guidelines and the laws of the country. We did nothing beyond that,” adding that EHPA believes “the suspension is primarily connected to the health professionals’ movement.”
https://addisstandard.com/ethiopian-health-professionals-association-suspended-president-links-move-to-support-for-health-workers-strike/
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) was suspended by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) on June 12, with the association’s president linking the decision to EHPA’s public support for the ongoing nationwide strike by health workers.
Speaking to Addis Standard, EHPA president Yonatan Dagnaw said the authority’s letter cited claims that the association “did not hold a general assembly” and “did not submit financial reports.”
Yonatan stated, “We operated according to the guidelines and the laws of the country. We did nothing beyond that,” adding that EHPA believes “the suspension is primarily connected to the health professionals’ movement.”
https://addisstandard.com/ethiopian-health-professionals-association-suspended-president-links-move-to-support-for-health-workers-strike/
Addis Standard
Ethiopian Health Professionals’ Association suspended; president links move to support for health workers’ strike - Addis Standard
Ethiopian Health Professionals’ Association suspended; president links move to support for health workers’ strike Addis Standard News -
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#US moves military assets, limits access to its largest base in #Middle_East
The US military has moved some aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East that may be vulnerable to any potential Iranian attack, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
The moves come as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing whether the United States would join Israel's bombardment of Iran's nuclear and missile sites, as residents fled its capital on the sixth day of the air assault.
Separately, the US embassy in Qatar issued an alert on Thursday temporarily restricting its personnel from accessing the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, which is located in the desert outside Doha.
The embassy told personnel and US citizens in Qatar to step up vigilance in "an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities".
The two US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the move of aircraft and ships was a part of plans to protect US forces, but declined to say how many had been moved and where to.
One of the officials said aircraft that were not in hardened shelters had been moved from Al Udeid base and naval vessels had been moved from a port in Bahrain, where the military's 5th fleet is located.
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/us-moves-military-assets-limits-access-to-its-largest-base-in-middle-east-125061900350_1.html
The US military has moved some aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East that may be vulnerable to any potential Iranian attack, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
The moves come as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing whether the United States would join Israel's bombardment of Iran's nuclear and missile sites, as residents fled its capital on the sixth day of the air assault.
Separately, the US embassy in Qatar issued an alert on Thursday temporarily restricting its personnel from accessing the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, which is located in the desert outside Doha.
The embassy told personnel and US citizens in Qatar to step up vigilance in "an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities".
The two US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the move of aircraft and ships was a part of plans to protect US forces, but declined to say how many had been moved and where to.
One of the officials said aircraft that were not in hardened shelters had been moved from Al Udeid base and naval vessels had been moved from a port in Bahrain, where the military's 5th fleet is located.
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/us-moves-military-assets-limits-access-to-its-largest-base-in-middle-east-125061900350_1.html
Business-Standard
US moves military assets, limits access to its largest base in Middle East
The moves come as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing whether the United States would join Israel's bombardment of Iran's nuclear and missile sites
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#IDPs in #Tigray launch three-day protest in Mekelle demanding return home before rainy season
Internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Tigray region held a peaceful demonstration in Mekelle on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, calling for an urgent return to their places of origin and urging authorities to ensure they are not forced to spend another rainy season in tents.
Protesters marched under the slogan “Let’s not spend the fifth rainy season in tents,” expressing frustration over prolonged displacement. Banners displayed during the demonstration carried messages such as “We will not live a fifth rainy season in tent shelters” and “Signatories and implementers of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, return us to our homes peacefully.”
According to regional media reports, the demonstration was organized by Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society, a group working on displacement-related issues in the region. The organization said the protest aimed to “draw attention to the continued displacement of residents affected by the conflict” and to urge “the federal government and the international community, as primary implementers of the peace deal, to ensure the unconditional return of displaced persons.”
https://addisstandard.com/idps-in-tigray-launch-three-day-protest-in-mekelle-demanding-return-home-before-rainy-season/
Internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Tigray region held a peaceful demonstration in Mekelle on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, calling for an urgent return to their places of origin and urging authorities to ensure they are not forced to spend another rainy season in tents.
Protesters marched under the slogan “Let’s not spend the fifth rainy season in tents,” expressing frustration over prolonged displacement. Banners displayed during the demonstration carried messages such as “We will not live a fifth rainy season in tent shelters” and “Signatories and implementers of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, return us to our homes peacefully.”
According to regional media reports, the demonstration was organized by Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society, a group working on displacement-related issues in the region. The organization said the protest aimed to “draw attention to the continued displacement of residents affected by the conflict” and to urge “the federal government and the international community, as primary implementers of the peace deal, to ensure the unconditional return of displaced persons.”
https://addisstandard.com/idps-in-tigray-launch-three-day-protest-in-mekelle-demanding-return-home-before-rainy-season/
Addis Standard
IDPs in Tigray launch three-day protest in Mekelle demanding return home before rainy season - Addis Standard
IDPs in Tigray launch three-day protest in Mekelle demanding return home before rainy season Addis Standard News -
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#Op_ed: From #Red_Sea to #Indian Ocean: Why recognizing #Somaliland could be India’s hidden ace for maritime dominance, promoting democratic values
In this op-ed, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan advocates for India’s formal recognition of Somaliland. He notes that Somaliland has achieved remarkable stability in a volatile region, boasting a “functioning democracy, regular elections, and judicial independence." The author underscores that its strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait “lends Somaliland considerable maritime and geopolitical significance.” For India, he argues, the situation presents a unique opportunity to advance its Indo-Pacific strategy and counter China’s regional influence through “the formal recognition of Somaliland.”
Idaan posits that establishing formal relations would bring India closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint for 10% of global trade. Such a move, he contends, "offers India a rare diplomatic opportunity to counterbalance China and deepen its Indo-Pacific strategy." Central to this is the port of Berbera. The author emphasizes that "access to Berbera provides India a crucial maritime advantage close to China's base in Djibouti," which he says is essential for “securing the sea lanes that carry 90% of India’s trade.”
The op-ed also highlights diplomatic alignment. It states that “Somaliland's bold diplomatic engagement with Taiwan since 2020 challenges Chinese orthodoxy.” Given India's own border tensions with Beijing, Idaan suggests that it could adopt a "strategic hedging" approach, proposing that “a decentralized axis involving India, Somaliland, and Taiwan” could represent a form of “unofficial diplomacy” grounded in shared democratic values.
The author situates this potential move within India’s history of supporting independence movements, such as those in Namibia and Bangladesh. He draws a contrast with other global powers, stating that unlike China and Russia, "India places greater emphasis on democratic legitimacy rather than the preservation of regimes." He concludes that “Recognizing Somaliland would reaffirm India’s post-colonial ideals” while simultaneously opening “new avenues for trade, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50953
In this op-ed, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan advocates for India’s formal recognition of Somaliland. He notes that Somaliland has achieved remarkable stability in a volatile region, boasting a “functioning democracy, regular elections, and judicial independence." The author underscores that its strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait “lends Somaliland considerable maritime and geopolitical significance.” For India, he argues, the situation presents a unique opportunity to advance its Indo-Pacific strategy and counter China’s regional influence through “the formal recognition of Somaliland.”
Idaan posits that establishing formal relations would bring India closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint for 10% of global trade. Such a move, he contends, "offers India a rare diplomatic opportunity to counterbalance China and deepen its Indo-Pacific strategy." Central to this is the port of Berbera. The author emphasizes that "access to Berbera provides India a crucial maritime advantage close to China's base in Djibouti," which he says is essential for “securing the sea lanes that carry 90% of India’s trade.”
The op-ed also highlights diplomatic alignment. It states that “Somaliland's bold diplomatic engagement with Taiwan since 2020 challenges Chinese orthodoxy.” Given India's own border tensions with Beijing, Idaan suggests that it could adopt a "strategic hedging" approach, proposing that “a decentralized axis involving India, Somaliland, and Taiwan” could represent a form of “unofficial diplomacy” grounded in shared democratic values.
The author situates this potential move within India’s history of supporting independence movements, such as those in Namibia and Bangladesh. He draws a contrast with other global powers, stating that unlike China and Russia, "India places greater emphasis on democratic legitimacy rather than the preservation of regimes." He concludes that “Recognizing Somaliland would reaffirm India’s post-colonial ideals” while simultaneously opening “new avenues for trade, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50953
Addis Standard
From Red Sea to Indian Ocean: Why recognizing Somaliland could be India’s hidden ace for maritime dominance, promoting democratic…
From Red Sea to Indian Ocean: Why recognizing Somaliland could be India’s hidden ace for maritime dominance, promoting democratic values Addis Standard Op/Ed -
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#Ethiopia is Africa’s most expensive country to live in – Report
Ethiopia has been ranked 53rd in the world with cost of living index, becoming Africa’s most expensive country to live in.
The world’s largest cost of living database in its latest report said people in Ethiopia now spend more money on basic things like food, transportation, and dining compared to other African countries.
The report noscriptd “Cost of Living Index by Country 2025” shows that Ethiopia is ranked 53rd in the world with cost of living index 46.5, higher than any other African country listed.
The high cost of groceries is one of the main reasons for Ethiopia’s top ranking. This shows that it is becoming harder for people to afford their weekly shopping, especially for families living on fixed or low incomes.
https://apanews.net/ethiopia-is-africas-most-expensive-country-to-live-in-report/
Ethiopia has been ranked 53rd in the world with cost of living index, becoming Africa’s most expensive country to live in.
The world’s largest cost of living database in its latest report said people in Ethiopia now spend more money on basic things like food, transportation, and dining compared to other African countries.
The report noscriptd “Cost of Living Index by Country 2025” shows that Ethiopia is ranked 53rd in the world with cost of living index 46.5, higher than any other African country listed.
The high cost of groceries is one of the main reasons for Ethiopia’s top ranking. This shows that it is becoming harder for people to afford their weekly shopping, especially for families living on fixed or low incomes.
https://apanews.net/ethiopia-is-africas-most-expensive-country-to-live-in-report/
APAnews - African Press Agency
Ethiopia is Africa's most expensive country to live in - Report
The East African nation is 53rd in the world with cost of living index 46.5, higher than any other African country listed.
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#Kenya: Opposition to file #ICC case against Ruto over police killings, link to #Sudan militia
The United Opposition has accused President William Ruto’s administration of overseeing extrajudicial killings, deploying rogue police units, and forming illegal alliances with militia gangs, which they say mirror Haiti-style death squads.
The opposition bloc now says it is compiling evidence for submission to the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeking to have President Ruto held accountable for alleged crimes against humanity.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, the opposition condemned what it termed as “brazen shooting of unarmed citizens” during Tuesday’s peaceful protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), blaming the National Police Service (NPS) for carrying out what it described as “rampant and senseless extrajudicial killings.”
The opposition political faction painted a grim picture of what it claims is a coordinated crackdown on dissent, accusing the police of acting as “judge, jury, and executioner” under a “paranoid and repressive regime.”
They further allege that police officers are working in collaboration with militia groups, described as similar in nature to Haiti’s armed gangs, to violently suppress public protests.
“What is now clear is the Kenya-led Haiti Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission was not a peacekeeping mission, but a benchmarking trip by Ruto on the use of militia to terrorize a nation on taxpayers' money,” read the statement signed by Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Mukhisa Kituyi and Saitoti Torome.
https://www.citizen.digital/news/opposition-to-file-icc-case-against-ruto-over-police-killings-link-to-sudan-militia-n364852
The United Opposition has accused President William Ruto’s administration of overseeing extrajudicial killings, deploying rogue police units, and forming illegal alliances with militia gangs, which they say mirror Haiti-style death squads.
The opposition bloc now says it is compiling evidence for submission to the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeking to have President Ruto held accountable for alleged crimes against humanity.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, the opposition condemned what it termed as “brazen shooting of unarmed citizens” during Tuesday’s peaceful protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), blaming the National Police Service (NPS) for carrying out what it described as “rampant and senseless extrajudicial killings.”
The opposition political faction painted a grim picture of what it claims is a coordinated crackdown on dissent, accusing the police of acting as “judge, jury, and executioner” under a “paranoid and repressive regime.”
They further allege that police officers are working in collaboration with militia groups, described as similar in nature to Haiti’s armed gangs, to violently suppress public protests.
“What is now clear is the Kenya-led Haiti Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission was not a peacekeeping mission, but a benchmarking trip by Ruto on the use of militia to terrorize a nation on taxpayers' money,” read the statement signed by Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Mukhisa Kituyi and Saitoti Torome.
https://www.citizen.digital/news/opposition-to-file-icc-case-against-ruto-over-police-killings-link-to-sudan-militia-n364852
Citizen Digital
Opposition to file ICC case against Ruto over police killings, link to Sudan militia
The United Opposition has accused President William Ruto’s administration of overseeing extrajudicial killings, deploying rogue police units, and forming illegal alliances with militia gangs, which they say mirror Haiti-style death squads.
#CETU proposes #tax exemption for workers earning up to 8,320 birr; renews call for minimum #wage board
The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has recommended that workers earning monthly salaries of up to 8,320 birr be fully exempted from income tax, citing international wage benchmarks and the worsening cost of living for low-income earners.
Kasahun Folo, president of CETU, told Addis Standard that the recommendation was made during a stakeholder forum organized by the Ministry of Finance, where a baseline tax study was presented. “We have recommended to the ministry that workers earning within this income bracket should be exempt from tax,” he said, arguing that these workers are “within the poverty line.”
“Even though they are workers, they are below the poverty line,” he continued. “This means they cannot survive. Therefore, we said they should not pay tax.”
https://addisstandard.com/cetu-proposes-tax-exemption-for-workers-earning-up-to-8320-birr-renews-call-for-minimum-wage-board/
The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has recommended that workers earning monthly salaries of up to 8,320 birr be fully exempted from income tax, citing international wage benchmarks and the worsening cost of living for low-income earners.
Kasahun Folo, president of CETU, told Addis Standard that the recommendation was made during a stakeholder forum organized by the Ministry of Finance, where a baseline tax study was presented. “We have recommended to the ministry that workers earning within this income bracket should be exempt from tax,” he said, arguing that these workers are “within the poverty line.”
“Even though they are workers, they are below the poverty line,” he continued. “This means they cannot survive. Therefore, we said they should not pay tax.”
https://addisstandard.com/cetu-proposes-tax-exemption-for-workers-earning-up-to-8320-birr-renews-call-for-minimum-wage-board/
Addis Standard
CETU proposes tax exemption for workers earning up to 8,320 birr; renews call for minimum wage board - Addis Standard
CETU proposes tax exemption for workers earning up to 8,320 birr; renews call for minimum wage board Addis Standard News -
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Top #US military, diplomatic officials visit #Somaliland to discuss security cooperation
The Presidency of Somaliland has confirmed the visit of a high-level U.S. delegation led by U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, alongside U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in an official statement issued last night.
According to the press statement from the Somaliland Presidency, the delegation held discussions with President Abdirahman Irro and other senior officials on “shared security, maritime, and defense interests” during its visit.
Ambassador Riley reaffirmed “the United States’ longstanding commitment to support and bolster regional security,” the statement said, emphasizing Washington’s continued interest in strengthening cooperation with Somaliland in key strategic areas.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1935935856759414943?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The Presidency of Somaliland has confirmed the visit of a high-level U.S. delegation led by U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, alongside U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in an official statement issued last night.
According to the press statement from the Somaliland Presidency, the delegation held discussions with President Abdirahman Irro and other senior officials on “shared security, maritime, and defense interests” during its visit.
Ambassador Riley reaffirmed “the United States’ longstanding commitment to support and bolster regional security,” the statement said, emphasizing Washington’s continued interest in strengthening cooperation with Somaliland in key strategic areas.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1935935856759414943?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#Israel welcomes 'all help' in striking #Iran, Trump to decide 'within two weeks'
Israel on Thursday welcomed "all help" in striking Iran's nuclear sites as President Donald Trump dangled the prospect of US involvement in the war, saying he will decide "within the next two weeks".
Israel, claiming Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, launched air strikes against its arch-enemy last week, triggering deadly exchanges.
After an Iranian missile hit an Israeli hospital on Thursday, in an attack that Tehran said targeted a military and intelligence base, Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a threat against Iran's supreme leader, spiking tensions in the week-old war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran would "pay a heavy price" for the strike on Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba that left 40 people injured and the facility in flames.
In a televised interview later on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel is "capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities" but "all help is welcome".
"Trump will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel," Netanyahu told public broadcaster Kan.
Citing "the fact that there's a substantial chance" to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran -- which had been derailed by the Israeli attacks -- Trump said in a statement he will decide "whether or not to go within the next two weeks".
Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had asked to send officials to the White House to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme and end the conflict with Israel.
Iran denied it would do so, but its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is due to attend nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with top diplomats from France, Britain, Germany and the European Union, officials and diplomats said.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Jun/19/israel-welcomes-all-help-in-striking-iran-trump-to-decide-within-two-weeks
Israel on Thursday welcomed "all help" in striking Iran's nuclear sites as President Donald Trump dangled the prospect of US involvement in the war, saying he will decide "within the next two weeks".
Israel, claiming Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, launched air strikes against its arch-enemy last week, triggering deadly exchanges.
After an Iranian missile hit an Israeli hospital on Thursday, in an attack that Tehran said targeted a military and intelligence base, Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a threat against Iran's supreme leader, spiking tensions in the week-old war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran would "pay a heavy price" for the strike on Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba that left 40 people injured and the facility in flames.
In a televised interview later on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel is "capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities" but "all help is welcome".
"Trump will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel," Netanyahu told public broadcaster Kan.
Citing "the fact that there's a substantial chance" to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran -- which had been derailed by the Israeli attacks -- Trump said in a statement he will decide "whether or not to go within the next two weeks".
Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had asked to send officials to the White House to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme and end the conflict with Israel.
Iran denied it would do so, but its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is due to attend nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with top diplomats from France, Britain, Germany and the European Union, officials and diplomats said.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Jun/19/israel-welcomes-all-help-in-striking-iran-trump-to-decide-within-two-weeks
The New Indian Express
Israel welcomes 'all help' in striking Iran, Trump to decide 'within two weeks'
JERUSALEM: Israel on Thursday welcomed "all help" in striking Iran's nuclear sites as President Donald Trump dangled the prospect of US involvement in the war,
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