#Ethiopia: Mount #Ziquala monastery attack sparks conflicting claims as #OLA denies involvement, blames gov’t strategy to rekindle tensions

Monks at the historic Zequala Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus Monastery in East Shewa Zone, Oromia, have accused members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), referred to by the government as “Shene,” of carrying out a deadly attack that killed a senior monk and intensified fear among the clergy.

According to a department head at the monastery, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “fighters affiliated with OLA Shene” killed Father Haile Michael on 20 June around 5 a.m. The monk, who had spent more than ten years in religious seclusion in the monastery’s sacred “Holy City,” was reportedly “physically assaulted, shot, and his body thrown from a cliff.” His body was retrieved and buried on 24 June with assistance from Oromia Special Forces.

In response, a senior OLA official who took part in both rounds of peace talks with the federal government denied the allegations and claimed that OLA fighters were “nowhere near the monastery.” He described the accusation as part of a “coordinated effort to reverse the growing understanding between armed groups,” which he said are “beginning to transcend ethnic divisions.” The official further accused the government of using such incidents as a strategy “to reignite intercommunal conflict” and “trigger communal violence.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51058

#Editorial - From admission to legal impunity: A call for accountability and independent review of #Ethiopia’s new law

When Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stood before Parliament in 2018 and admitted that the very state he led had tortured its own citizens under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, it was seen as a rare reckoning and a promise of change.

Today, that promise lies shattered, betrayed by a new law that not only revives but entrenches the systematic tools of repression, signaling that the window for change is all but closed.

On 17 June 2025, Parliament passed the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Proclamation – a law that not only revives but expands the very machinery of state-repression the Prime Minister denounced.

Cloaked in technocratic language and framed as a “national security” necessity, the proclamation grants sweeping powers to security forces while stripping away meaningful judicial safeguards.

In this editorial, Addis Standard rejects the dangerous premise that the new proclamation is either inevitable or beyond challenge. It calls for an immediate independent review to bring the law into alignment with the Ethiopian Constitution and international human rights standards. Torture admitted is not justice. Torture legalized is not reform.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51065

#Ethiopia: Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, active figure in Ethiopia’s health professionals’ movement, detained in #Bahir_Dar

Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, an active figure in the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement and a gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University, was detained on Wednesday in Bahir Dar city, Amhara region, sources told Addis Standard.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Dr. Daniel was apprehended “around 1:30 p.m.” by security forces and is “currently under custody at the 13th Police Station in Bahir Dar.” The source added, “as people there told us, they could take him to Addis [Abeba] anytime.”

Dr. Daniel is widely known among healthcare professionals and the public through the Facebook page Dr Debol, where he played a central role in the nationwide strike by healthcare professionals that began on 13 May. The strike, organized under the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement, demands improved pay, better working conditions, and protection of their rights, and has been marked by arrests and allegations of intimidation.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51076

#Kenya: Sixteen killed, hundreds injured, in antigovernment Kenyan protests

At least 16 people have been killed in nationwide rallies against police brutality and government corruption in Kenya, according to Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Another 400 people were injured on Wednesday, including protesters, police and journalists. The casualties included people hit by live fire and others who were wounded by rubber bullets, or were beaten, and were primarily in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Demonstrators had clashed with police, who hurled tear gas canisters and wielded batons. The protests mark one year since people stormed parliament at the peak of antigovernment demonstrations.

Thousands took to the streets to commemorate last year’s youth-led demonstrations against tax rises, during which at least 60 people were killed by security forces, according to rights groups.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/25/thousands-rally-in-kenya-to-mark-anniversary-of-antitax-demonstrations

#Ethiopia: #WFP to close #Shire office, home to largest IDP population in #Tigray; cites budget, operational restructuring

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is set to close its field office in Shire, northwestern Tigray, by the end of June. The town, which hosts the largest population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region, has been a key hub for humanitarian operations. The closure, WFP says, comes amid budget constraints and what it described as an “operational restructuring.”

Levan Tchatchua, Head of WFP’s Area Office for Tigray, told Addis Standard that “we are closing the Shire office,” but added that “we will continue managing our operations in the northwest zone from Mekelle.” He said responsibilities for food distribution in the area are being transferred to the Joint Emergency Operation (JEOP), a U.S.-funded consortium of NGOs, while WFP will remain engaged in “nutrition, school feeding, and resilience projects.”

Claire Nevill, Spokesperson for WFP Ethiopia, said the decision is part of a phased transition “launched in late 2024, in agreement with the Ethiopian Government and donors,” to hand back food relief operations in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar to JEOP. She noted that “before [war] hit Northern Ethiopia in 2020, JEOP… were the main food operator,” and said WFP took over in 2021 due to its “logistical capacity and emergency expertise.” The handover, she added, “will be completed by June 2025.”

She further stated that the Shire office closure is “a necessary step to align our workforce with the current size and scope of our operations,” while emphasizing that “these decisions are taken with the utmost consideration for maintaining the quality of our humanitarian assistance.” She said WFP “continues its operations in Tigray, supporting over 280,000 children, mothers and smallholder farmers,” and that “ongoing operations in Tigray will be managed from our Mekelle office, which will remain open.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51083

#Opinion: Beyond Algorithm: Why deepest human needs remain unfulfilled by #AI

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) composes poetry and engages in conversations with remarkable human-like fidelity, a fundamental question arises: Can it fulfill the deepest needs of the human soul? According to Geabral Ashenafi Mulugeta, author of this opinion piece, the answer is a firm no. He asserts that “As impressive as AI may be, it cannot fulfill the deepest longings of the human soul.”

The author traces the evolution of AI from its origins at the 1956 Dartmouth Summer Research Project to today’s advanced models, such as OpenAI’s GPT, DeepMind’s Gemini, and China’s DeepSeek. He underscores the intensifying global race for AI supremacy, led by the #US and #China, while noting that nations like #Ethiopia are beginning to leverage AI’s potential—integrating it into daily life “often without even realizing it.”

However, Geabral advises against perceiving AI as a solution for all human challenges. He stresses that “It's important to recognize—and remember—that AI learns from us. It learns what we want, not necessarily what we need. Its responses are affirmations of what it is that we want, strengthening our assumptions. AI is thus a mirror, not a window.” He further warns, “When we surround ourselves with devices that affirm without qualification, we cultivate self-appreciation at the cost of losing our capacity for self-reflection.”

The author concludes with a personal reflection: "Beneath every search for facts lies a deeper yearning: to be known, to be loved, and to live as our true selves," reiterating that “while AI can support, educate, and even imitate us, it will never satisfy our most profound emotional and existential needs."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51072

#Ethiopia: Expert warns heavy rainfall may cause flooding in Eastern Ethiopia

The National Meteorological Institute has announced that severe rainfall conditions, capable of causing significant damage, are expected in the coming months of the rainy season in the eastern regions of Ethiopia.

The institute has forecast the possibility of flood disasters similar to those experienced in previous years in Dire Dawa and other flood-prone areas, emphasizing the need for urgent precautionary and preparatory measures.

“This year’s rainy season is expected to resemble the conditions of 2008 and 2018, which were marked by heavy rainfall and severe flooding,” said Ashenafi Muluneh, Head of the Meteorological Forecast and Early Warning Desk for the Somali Region and surrounding areas, in an interview with Deutsche Welle.


https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1938202072085627187?t=r7-OcOxXztCfLYt-WL1VyA&s=19

#HRW urges reinstatement of #Ethiopian Health Professionals Association; denounces ‘repressive tactics’, arrests of health workers

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Ethiopian authorities to “immediately rescind” the suspension of the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) and to “meaningfully address public healthcare workers’ outstanding grievances,” following what it described as a government response marked by “repressive tactics” against striking health workers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at HRW, said that “since May, the Ethiopian authorities have resorted to repressive tactics instead of addressing healthcare workers’ concerns about their livelihoods and safety.” She urged the government to “immediately lift the suspension of the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association and stop harassing healthcare workers.”


https://addisstandard.com/?p=51094

#Iran's Ayatollah says Iran secured 'victory' over #Israel as Hegseth prepares 'major' update

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, will speak within the next few minutes in a video message, marking his first message since the US announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

the ayatollah has posted on X to congratulate the Iranian people for the "victory" over Israel.”

The message comes hours before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is due to hold a news conference, where he'll give an update on the impact of US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend.

US President Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, says the "major" update will be delivered from the Pentagon at 08:00 EST (13:00 BST), when Hegseth will be joined by military representatives.
"The News Conference will prove both interesting and
irrefutable," Trump adds.

Source: BBC

#Ethiopia: #NBE issues final directive for foreign bank entry; opens application window

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has announced the issuance of a new directive enabling foreign participation in the country’s banking sector, describing it as the “final regulatory milestone” in opening the financial sector to foreign investors.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 25 June, the central bank said the new directive, formally noscriptd “Requirements for Licensing and Renewal of Banking Business and Representative Office Directive No. SBB/94/2025”, permits for the first time “the participation of foreign investors – including banks or other strategic investors – in the Ethiopian banking system.”


https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1938239067801432456

Big news from Team Addis Standard! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share the news that Addis Standard is one of the top three finalists at this year’s One World Media’s most coveted category of “Press Freedom Award.”

At a ceremony held in London on 25 June, our tri-lingual publication, published in English, Afaan Oromoo, and Amharic, was recognized for its resilience and fearless journalism.

Addis Standard was celebrated as “the most hard-hitting press outlet covering Ethiopia for local and international audiences,” despite years of harassment, arrests of our staff, and closure and suspension through its 15 years presence as independent media in Ethiopia.

This recognition is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Thank you to our readers, supporters, and every member of JAKENN Publishing PLC, the publisher of Addis Standard publications.

Our work continues stronger, and bolder than ever!

Team Addis Standard!

#Eritrea seeks to end mandate of #UN expert investigating abuses, document shows

Eritrea has submitted a proposal to the U.N. Human Rights Council seeking to terminate the mandate of the Special Rapporteur investigating alleged rights violations in the country, according to a document seen by Reuters. Diplomats described the effort as “unprecedented” and expressed concern it may set a precedent for other states aiming to “escape scrutiny.”

The Special Rapporteur, currently Sudanese human rights lawyer Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, described the situation in Eritrea as “critical” in a May report, citing “arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances,” and prolonged national and military service as key factors forcing “thousands to flee.” The mandate, established in 2012, has been renewed annually, most recently under the leadership of the European Union.

This year, however, Eritrea presented a counterproposal to discontinue the mandate. “While states subject to U.N. investigations often lobby against them,” rights experts told Reuters, “there has never before been a proposal to end a mandate put before the council” in its two-decade history. The move has gained support from states including Russia, Iran, and Sudan, while facing opposition from the EU and the UK, diplomats said.

In response, the EU stated that “the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in a state's internal affairs do not free states from their obligations under international human rights law,” adding that Eritrea’s lack of consent “should not be used to escape international scrutiny.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/eritrea-seeks-end-mandate-un-expert-investigating-abuses-document-shows-2025-06-25/

#Ethiopian Investment Holdings signs deal with #US private equity fund for five-star hotel in #Addis_Abeba

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) has signed a major deal with a U.S. private equity fund to develop a luxury five-star hotel in Addis Abeba.

This partnership is set to boost Ethiopia’s hospitality sector and attract more foreign investment as the country prepares to begin #AfCFTA trading on July 1, 2025.

CNBC Africa’s Nasstasia Arendse spoke to CEO Brook Taye for more insights at the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola.

https://www.cnbcafrica.com/media/7750845943286/ethiopian-investment-holdings-signs-deal-with-us-private-equity-fund-for-five-star-hotel-in-addis-ababa/

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia's Red Sea Gambit: Why #Somaliland remains prime option

In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, aiming to “pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea.” The MoU immediately sparked a wave of diplomatic backlash across the Horn of Africa and beyond. Zerihun Hailu, the author of this op-ed, argues that Somaliland still remains the most "viable path forward," emphasizing that “it is relatively stable, governed by democratic institutions, and shows public support for closer ties with Ethiopia.” With over 120 million people and no coastline, he contends that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access “is not a luxury but a necessity,” which he says is “central to safeguarding its national interests.”

The author maintains that Somaliland “appears more reliable than #Somalia, where large areas remain under the control of Al-Shabaab.” He also notes that Ethiopia's traditional maritime partner, #Djibouti, is now adopting a "harder stance," having rejected Ethiopia’s requests for special port access while aligning more closely with #Egypt and #Eritrea. This shift, combined with Eritrea's "risk-laden" and “increasingly confrontational posture” toward Ethiopia, further strengthens the case for Somaliland. He adds that the international community—including the #US, #Israel, and the #UAE—is showing "rising international interest" in Somaliland’s #Berbera Port, recognizing its strategic importance for #Red_Sea security.

Emphasizing that the regional landscape is rapidly changing, Zerihun argues, “What was initially perceived as a provocative miscalculation—Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland—may now be seen as a visionary recalibration.” He concludes that "With Djibouti taking a firmer nationalist line, Somalia leaning toward Ethiopia’s regional rivals, and Eritrea growing more confrontational, Somaliland presents Ethiopia with the least confrontational, most constructive pathway to the Red Sea."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51097

'Pulsing, like a heartbeat': A rhythmic mantle plume rising beneath #Ethiopia is creating a new ocean

Scientists have detected rhythmic pulses of molten rock rising beneath eastern Africa, threatening to pull the continent apart.

Rhythmic pulses of molten rock are rising beneath eastern Africa, according to a new study.

The pulsing plume of hot mantle beneath Ethiopia, driven by plate tectonics, is slowly pulling the region apart and forming a new ocean near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, researchers reported June 25 in the journal Nature Geoscience.

"We have found that the evolution of deep mantle upwellings is intimately tied to the motion of the plates above," Derek Keir, an Earth scientist at the University of Southampton and the University of Florence, said in a statement. "This has profound implications for how we interpret surface volcanism, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup."

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/pulsing-like-a-heartbeat-rhythmic-mantle-plume-rising-beneath-ethiopia-is-creating-a-new-ocean

#Eritrea accuses #Ethiopia of using diplomatic communications to ‘rationalize and ignite conflict’

Eritrea has accused the Ethiopian government of using diplomatic communications to “rationalize and ignite conflict.” In a statement issued on 26 June, Eritrea’s Ministry of Information said Ethiopia had sent letters to the UN Secretary-General and “several Heads of State and Government,” alleging “repeated provocations” and violations of its sovereignty. Eritrea called the effort a “transparent ploy” intended to “hoodwink the international community” in pursuit of what it described as “a long-brewing war agenda.”

The statement accused the ruling Prosperity Party of engaging in “uncalled-for pronouncements” and “provocative saber-rattling” over the past two years, citing attempts to acquire Eritrean ports “legally if possible and militarily if necessary.” Eritrea said these efforts were accompanied by “a weapons purchasing spree” and “myriad acts of subversion,” but claimed it had responded with “maximum restraint” despite “grave threats” to its sovereignty and regional stability.

The accusation followed the circulation of an unverified document, allegedly from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which appeared widely on social media. Dated 20 June, the letter accuses the “Eritrean regime” of “repeated provocations,” “territorial occupation,” and “support to various armed groups.” It said Eritrea’s actions “constitute a flagrant violation of international law” and “further exacerbate” the Horn’s fragile peace. The letter calls on the international community to pressure Eritrea to “cease and desist its use of proxies,” while asserting that Ethiopia remains committed to “dialogue and peaceful engagement.” Addis Standard could not independently verify the document.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51100

#Ethiopian families, women locked out of public shelter during #Iran’s attacks

Some Ethiopian families and women were left without a shelter during #Iran’s attacks on Jerusalem after an extremist haredi faction took over a public shelter and declared it “men’s only,” Ynet reported on Monday.

Members of the extremist group reportedly spat on the families when they attempted to enter the shelter.

While police were reportedly called to the scene, the support they provided was short-lived, according to the report. The extremist group allegedly continued their assaults after the police left.

Police, under the guidance of the State Comptroller's Office, reportedly spoke with local rabbis and synagogue leaders about the issue, hoping they could dissuade their followers from the aforementioned behaviors.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-859045

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim President set to hold talks with PM Abiy; says focus will be on “restoring territorial integrity,” return of displaced

Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, said his administration is set to hold discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, where the focus will be on the “return of displaced persons” and the “restoration of areas occupied by invading forces.” His office stated that these concerns will be presented as “priority agendas,” though it did not specify when the meeting is expected to take place.

“We are requesting political dialogue with the federal government,” Lt. Gen. Tadesse said during a meeting held on 26 June with a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation led by Turhan Saleh, Deputy Director of UNDP’s Crisis Bureau. The aim, he said, is to “permanently resolve the recurring problems facing the region.” While emphasizing that “there is no reason that would force us to go back to war,” he stressed that it is “necessary to work closely with the federal government” to “enable displaced persons to return to their homes” and “preserve the territorial integrity of the region.”

In a previous meeting held on 28 April with Jens Hanefeld, German Ambassador to Ethiopia, Lt. Gen. Tadesse said that “forty percent of the Tigray regional state’s territory is under the control of invaders,” and asserted that “above all else, the interim administration’s mission is to ensure the region’s territorial boundaries as enshrined in the constitution and to return displaced people to their homes.” He also stated that “the federal government should remove non-ENDF force armed individuals present in these areas,” and described the “major concern in Tigray today” as the return of displaced persons and the “full confirmation of the region’s constitutional territories.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51109

Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent?

#Kenya has been hit by a recent wave of repression, tarnishing its reputation as a beacon of democracy in East Africa.

Critics fear that it is sliding down the path of her neighbors #Uganda and #Tanzania , both of which are notorious for cracking down on dissent. Kenya's laws are widely regarded as being more progressive, particularly in protecting fundamental freedoms like the right to protest.

Tanzanian political analyst Nicodemus Minde said there had long been an "appreciation" among Tanzanians of the ability of Kenyans to "speak truth to power." It was a view shared by Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who told the BBC last year that "we have not pressed hard enough for democratic reform."

"What Kenya did to build its democratic space is something we need to do," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gk7435xl0o