#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

#Ethiopia: Over 24 hectares of forest burned in Eastern #Tigray; officials report no federal intervention despite appeal

A forest fire that crossed into Eastern Tigray from the #Afar region has burned more than 24 hectares of forest land, with local officials warning that the blaze “is still ongoing” and could spread further into the ecologically critical Desa’a forest if not contained in time.

Speaking to Tigrai Television, Hailay Gebramariam, Deputy Administrator of the Eastern Tigray Zone, said the fire had already “damaged over 24 hectares of forest” in Kala’amin Kebele of Atsbi district after crossing from Bermiti Kebele in Berahle district, Afar region. “The fire is still burning,” he said, warning that it “threatens to burn additional areas of the Desa’a forest.”

The Tigray Regional Disaster Risk Management Commission, in a letter addressed to the Federal Disaster Risk Management Commission, stated that “uncontrolled forest fires have occurred” and warned that “due to strong winds, the fire is rapidly spreading to other areas.” The Commission noted that “community mobilization and fire truck positioning” were “absolutely unsuitable and impossible,” and requested urgent coordination with federal ministries to support “helicopter spraying” efforts to bring the fire “under control.”

Despite this formal appeal, Gebru Kahsay, Deputy Head of the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau, told Addis Standard that “there has been no response” from the federal government. “Currently, the public is trying to control the fire through cooperation,” he said. “There are hopes that the federal government will be able to help. So far, there has been no practical action.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51117

#UN peacekeeping chief warns that conflict in #Sudan is spilling into Central #African Republic

The conflict in Sudan is spilling across its southwestern border into Central African Republic, a country already battered by its own conflict with rebels, the United Nations peacekeeping chief warned Thursday.

Undersecretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the U.N. Security Council that the attack that killed a U.N. peacekeeper near the country's border with Sudan last Friday was carried out by “armed Sudanese elements.” His comments were the first identifying Sudanese armed fighters as responsible for the attack on the peacekeepers.


https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/peacekeeping-chief-warns-conflict-sudan-spilling-central-african-123261260

#Ethiopia: Drivers report worsening fuel shortage, long queues across regions as fuel subsidy removal sparks concerns

Drivers across multiple regions of Ethiopia have told Addis Standard that they are facing “severe diesel shortages,” with long queues and limited supply reported in cities across the #Amhara, #Oromia, and #Tigray regions.

In Bahir Dar, a driver who requested anonymity said his work has been interrupted by the fuel shortage. “I have been waiting in a long queue since morning to get diesel,” he said, adding that “the queue hasn’t decreased, not even slightly.” He further stated, “fuel is being sold on the black market at double the price,” and noted that shortages “have been widespread in the city for the past two years.”

In Adama, Oromia region, a driver named Jibril Ahmed told Addis Standard that “there is practically no gasoline” in the city. While diesel is available, he said, it comes with “similarly long queues.” He added, “today I went out to fill up with gasoline, waited in a long queue, and when my turn came, I was told there was none.” Jibril said the shortages have worsened recently, stating, “the past two weeks have been particularly difficult.”

Meanwhile in Tigray, the region’s Interim Administration Education Bureau warned of serious disruptions to student transport for the national 12th-grade examination. In a letter sent on June 26, the bureau said that “fuel shortages in the region are creating serious challenges,” particularly for “transporting students to examination centers and returning them to their families.” It cautioned that the shortage is “approaching complete unavailability,” and called on federal bodies “to coordinate” and ensure students are able to sit for the exam.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51131

#Somaliland’s President lands in #Doha, #Qatar for high-level security, investment talks

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) has arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a historic official visit, the first of its kind by a Somaliland head of state.

Invited by the Qatari government, President Cirro is accompanied by a high-level delegation including key ministers and advisers. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with a focus on strategic talks covering regional security in the #Red_Sea and #Gulf_of_Aden, as well as economic cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and development.

The trip marks a major milestone in Somaliland’s broader foreign policy ambitions, as it seeks deeper diplomatic and economic engagement in the Gulf region, according to Somaliland's national broadcaster.

Meetings with senior Qatari officials are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in both security and humanitarian sectors.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51141

#Ethiopia: Dr. Daniel Fentaneh charged with “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing” health workers’ strike; court grants five-day remand for investigation

Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, a gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University and an active participant in Ethiopia’s health professionals’ movement, appeared in court on Friday, 27 June, where police filed charges accusing him of “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing” a strike by healthcare workers that, according to court filings, resulted in the “loss of human life.”

A source close to the matter told Addis Standard that during the session, Dr. Daniel requested to be transferred from the 13th Police Station in Bahir Dar, where he had been held since his arrest, to Sebatamit Detention Center, reportedly stating that he was being detained “in a narrow room with 16 people.” The source added that during the same session, police asked the court for additional time to carry out their investigation. The court granted a five-day remand, the source said, allowing investigators to continue holding Dr. Daniel in custody.

Dr. Daniel, better known by his social media handle “Dr. Debol,” was arrested on Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. in Bahir Dar city by security forces. He was an active participant in the Ethiopian Health Professionals’ Movement through the Facebook platform “Dr. Debol,” which gained traction among health professionals and the public during the health workers’ strike that began on 13 May, demanding improved pay, better working conditions, and protection of professional rights.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51138

#Ethiopian Airlines flight makes emergency landing in #Mumbai; 7 passengers fall ill, one hospitalised

A Mumbai-bound Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa made an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 1:42 am on Friday after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a mid-air cabin depressurization.

The incident occurred aboard flight ET640, operated by aircraft ET-AXS, while cruising at 33,000 feet over the Arabian Sea. The aircraft underwent a rapid descent after the depressurization warning was triggered, according to data from Flightradar24.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/ethiopian-airlines-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-mumbai-7-passengers-fall-ill-one-hospitalised/cid/2110379

#Op_ed: Breaking the cycle: Plea for peace, unity, and inclusive dialogue in #Tigray

Tigray stands at a perilous crossroads—threatened not by an external adversary, but by a deepening rift within its own leadership, writes Guanshe Hadgu in this op-ed, authored in collaboration with Human Rights First and the Solidarity of Tigreans for Independence and Liberty. The article traces the origin of the current crisis to internal divisions within the #TPLF that emerged in mid-2024. While tensions have somewhat eased following the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede as interim president in April 2025, replacing Getachew Reda, the author stresses that the political discord has now fractured the very security forces that once fought side by side, being inflamed by “external actors.”

“The most dangerous threat now is the widening rift within Tigray’s leadership and the fragmentation of its security forces,” he writes, warning that “this internal discord is a looming crisis. Should it escalate, it won’t be a fight for freedom—it will be a fratricidal war, inflicting total, irreversible devastation.”

Guanshe stresses that the people of Tigray are unable to bear the weight of further violence. Beyond the political turmoil, he highlights the mounting social toll: soaring prices, collapsing public services, and hundreds of thousands of #IDPs living in uncertainty. In addition, school enrollment has plummeted to just 40% of eligible students, and women continue to endure grave injustices, including sexual violence and economic exploitation.

“This is not just political—it’s a profound moral crisis,” he writes. The path forward, the author argues, lies in unity and collective responsibility: “Every citizen has a role. We must reject propaganda, question calls to violence, and educate our youth: civil war means devastation, not glory.” He concludes with a sense of urgency and hope: “Let this moment be remembered in history as the point when Tigray said, ‘Enough.’”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51155