#Ethiopia accuses #Eritrea, #TPLF faction, and armed groups of plotting rainy season ‘major offensive’, decries ‘territorial occupation’
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, a faction of the TPLF, and allied armed groups of plotting a “major offensive” during the upcoming rainy season. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos condemned Eritrea’s “territorial occupation,” “repeated provocations,” and support for subversive groups, calling these actions a clear violation of international law.
Gedion warned that Eritrea’s alleged destabilizing activities threaten to unravel the fragile peace in the Horn of Africa, despite Ethiopia’s restraint and continued diplomatic outreach.
Gedion’s letter discusses about “Ethiopia’s efforts” at normalization following the 2018 peace declaration and its commitment to peace after the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the brutal war in Tigray. However, the Foreign Minister accused Eritrea of reversing course - blocking flights, freezing assets, and backing armed proxies.
Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian forces in the war in Tigray and stand accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. A newly released report also presented detailed evidence indicating that Eritrea’s leaders actively planned and prepared for the war well before hostilities erupted.
With diplomatic relations already cooling off in post-Pretoria, Ethiopia is now directly accusing Eritrea of using the war as “an opportunity to weaken Ethiopia,” and that it “began to adopt an increasingly hostile posture,” following the signing of the Pretoria agreement.
Last week Eritrea dismissed the allegations as a “transparent ploy” and accused Ethiopia of saber-rattling and seeking access to Eritrean ports by force.
Despite these accusations, on Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed to lawmakers Ethiopia’s peaceful pursuit of sea access while rejecting claims of imminent war with Eritrean
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51271
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, a faction of the TPLF, and allied armed groups of plotting a “major offensive” during the upcoming rainy season. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos condemned Eritrea’s “territorial occupation,” “repeated provocations,” and support for subversive groups, calling these actions a clear violation of international law.
Gedion warned that Eritrea’s alleged destabilizing activities threaten to unravel the fragile peace in the Horn of Africa, despite Ethiopia’s restraint and continued diplomatic outreach.
Gedion’s letter discusses about “Ethiopia’s efforts” at normalization following the 2018 peace declaration and its commitment to peace after the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the brutal war in Tigray. However, the Foreign Minister accused Eritrea of reversing course - blocking flights, freezing assets, and backing armed proxies.
Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian forces in the war in Tigray and stand accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. A newly released report also presented detailed evidence indicating that Eritrea’s leaders actively planned and prepared for the war well before hostilities erupted.
With diplomatic relations already cooling off in post-Pretoria, Ethiopia is now directly accusing Eritrea of using the war as “an opportunity to weaken Ethiopia,” and that it “began to adopt an increasingly hostile posture,” following the signing of the Pretoria agreement.
Last week Eritrea dismissed the allegations as a “transparent ploy” and accused Ethiopia of saber-rattling and seeking access to Eritrean ports by force.
Despite these accusations, on Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed to lawmakers Ethiopia’s peaceful pursuit of sea access while rejecting claims of imminent war with Eritrean
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51271
Addis Standard
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, TPLF faction, and armed groups of plotting rainy season ‘major offensive’, decries ‘territorial occupation’…
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, TPLF faction, and armed groups of plotting rainy season ‘major offensive’, decries ‘territorial occupation’ Addis Standard News -
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#AS_Editorial: No exit through war - #Ethiopia and #Eritrea must step back from the brink
Seven years ago, this publication warned against romanticized quick fixes to the Ethiopia–Eritrea stalemate. We cautioned that gestures lacking concrete implementation, transparency, and restraint would fail to end the two-decade “no-war, no-peace” deadlock.
In a stark warning, we repeat the message, and urge Ethiopia and Eritrea to step back from the brink of renewed conflict. There is no exit through war.
We argue that the wounds of the war in Tigray remain raw and that marching toward another one while these wounds continue to fester is both morally indefensible and strategically reckless.
The path forward is a step backward. There is a need for urgent and full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, including verifiable withdrawal of Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray, disarmament, and transparent AU-led monitoring.
Moreover, the 2018 détente between Ethiopia and Eritrea must be fully declassified. Any undisclosed annexes or implementation frameworks, particularly those related to port usage, military cooperation, or Ethiopia’s acceptance of the 2002 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission ruling, must be made public. Only transparency can build the trust essential to avoiding further escalation.
At the same time, Ethiopia must exhaust all peaceful means to settle internal armed conflicts. It must resolve its crises with the OLA, Fano, and other armed actors, and avoid diverting national attention to external confrontation.
To the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, we say: war over access to the Red Sea, or the intransigence claims of its sovereignty, will not make your respective countries freer, safer, prosperous, or stronger. It will make both poorer, weaker, and more isolated.
History will not forgive leaders who drag their nations into yet another devastating war. Nor will their people. The time to step back is now.
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-no-exit-through-war-ethiopia-and-eritrea-must-step-back-from-the-brink/
Seven years ago, this publication warned against romanticized quick fixes to the Ethiopia–Eritrea stalemate. We cautioned that gestures lacking concrete implementation, transparency, and restraint would fail to end the two-decade “no-war, no-peace” deadlock.
In a stark warning, we repeat the message, and urge Ethiopia and Eritrea to step back from the brink of renewed conflict. There is no exit through war.
We argue that the wounds of the war in Tigray remain raw and that marching toward another one while these wounds continue to fester is both morally indefensible and strategically reckless.
The path forward is a step backward. There is a need for urgent and full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, including verifiable withdrawal of Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray, disarmament, and transparent AU-led monitoring.
Moreover, the 2018 détente between Ethiopia and Eritrea must be fully declassified. Any undisclosed annexes or implementation frameworks, particularly those related to port usage, military cooperation, or Ethiopia’s acceptance of the 2002 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission ruling, must be made public. Only transparency can build the trust essential to avoiding further escalation.
At the same time, Ethiopia must exhaust all peaceful means to settle internal armed conflicts. It must resolve its crises with the OLA, Fano, and other armed actors, and avoid diverting national attention to external confrontation.
To the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, we say: war over access to the Red Sea, or the intransigence claims of its sovereignty, will not make your respective countries freer, safer, prosperous, or stronger. It will make both poorer, weaker, and more isolated.
History will not forgive leaders who drag their nations into yet another devastating war. Nor will their people. The time to step back is now.
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-no-exit-through-war-ethiopia-and-eritrea-must-step-back-from-the-brink/
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#Opinion: Beyond the Applause: Binary framing of dark past, renewed present overshadows real reform in #Somali region
The Somali Regional State in #Ethiopia has made strides in political stability, particularly following the 2018 peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (#ONLF). However, Hussien Mohamed Yusuf, the author of this opinion piece, argues that regional leaders often frame this progress under the slogan “after the change,” presenting a stark dichotomy between “a dark past and a supposedly reformed present.” This binary framing, according to him, risks oversimplifying a complex political transition and deflects attention from the pressing realities of governance today.
While acknowledging the validity of highlighting past abuses, such as those epitomized by “Jeel Ogaden,” the author contends that instead of focusing on the cessation of such practices, the administration ought to demonstrate "what is being built in its place." This, he writes, entails “proving expanded civic freedoms, effective checks and balances, and improved public services, justice, and inclusive development.”
The author points out that recent arrests of journalists and activists raise concerns regarding the “contraction of civic space.” He states, “If the region is indeed moving ‘after the change,’ then the hallmarks of such change must include respect for dissent, the protection of free expression, and an embrace of participatory governance.” Yusuf further elaborates, “Constructive criticism is not an attack—it is a cornerstone of democratic governance."
He asserts that the region needs "transformation, not triumphalism." The author concludes with the message that “Leadership must evolve from reactive posturing to proactive planning,” adding that “This requires embracing constructive accountability—an approach that acknowledges past injustices without exploiting them, that celebrates achievements without exaggeration, and that responds to current challenges with humility and resolve.”
https://addisstandard.com/beyond-the-applause-binary-framing-of-dark-past-renewed-present-overshadows-real-reform-in-somali-region/
The Somali Regional State in #Ethiopia has made strides in political stability, particularly following the 2018 peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (#ONLF). However, Hussien Mohamed Yusuf, the author of this opinion piece, argues that regional leaders often frame this progress under the slogan “after the change,” presenting a stark dichotomy between “a dark past and a supposedly reformed present.” This binary framing, according to him, risks oversimplifying a complex political transition and deflects attention from the pressing realities of governance today.
While acknowledging the validity of highlighting past abuses, such as those epitomized by “Jeel Ogaden,” the author contends that instead of focusing on the cessation of such practices, the administration ought to demonstrate "what is being built in its place." This, he writes, entails “proving expanded civic freedoms, effective checks and balances, and improved public services, justice, and inclusive development.”
The author points out that recent arrests of journalists and activists raise concerns regarding the “contraction of civic space.” He states, “If the region is indeed moving ‘after the change,’ then the hallmarks of such change must include respect for dissent, the protection of free expression, and an embrace of participatory governance.” Yusuf further elaborates, “Constructive criticism is not an attack—it is a cornerstone of democratic governance."
He asserts that the region needs "transformation, not triumphalism." The author concludes with the message that “Leadership must evolve from reactive posturing to proactive planning,” adding that “This requires embracing constructive accountability—an approach that acknowledges past injustices without exploiting them, that celebrates achievements without exaggeration, and that responds to current challenges with humility and resolve.”
https://addisstandard.com/beyond-the-applause-binary-framing-of-dark-past-renewed-present-overshadows-real-reform-in-somali-region/
Addis Standard
Beyond the Applause: Binary framing of dark past, renewed present overshadows real reform in Somali region - Addis Standard
Beyond the Applause: Binary framing of dark past, renewed present overshadows real reform in Somali region Addis Standard Opinion -
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News: #UN rejects #Eritrea’s attempt to end Special Rapporteur; #Ethiopia among countries to vote in favor
The UN Human Rights Council has on Friday voted to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea, rejecting Eritrea’s push to terminate international scrutiny.
Ethiopia was among 25 countries that voted to renew the mandate, dealing a blow to Asmara’s claim that rights abuses are not systemic. Rights groups, including HRW, welcomed the decision, warning that Eritrea’s persistent deflection and denial only underscore the urgency for continued monitoring.
The renewed mandate comes amid fresh evidence of widespread abuses. In his June report, the Special Rapporteur detailed arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and indefinite military connoscription, practices widely described as “systematic and widespread.”
The report also highlighted that Eritrean forces continue to operate in parts of Tigray, committing violations with impunity nearly two years after the Pretoria Agreement was signed to end the war.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51286
The UN Human Rights Council has on Friday voted to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea, rejecting Eritrea’s push to terminate international scrutiny.
Ethiopia was among 25 countries that voted to renew the mandate, dealing a blow to Asmara’s claim that rights abuses are not systemic. Rights groups, including HRW, welcomed the decision, warning that Eritrea’s persistent deflection and denial only underscore the urgency for continued monitoring.
The renewed mandate comes amid fresh evidence of widespread abuses. In his June report, the Special Rapporteur detailed arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and indefinite military connoscription, practices widely described as “systematic and widespread.”
The report also highlighted that Eritrean forces continue to operate in parts of Tigray, committing violations with impunity nearly two years after the Pretoria Agreement was signed to end the war.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51286
Addis Standard
UN rejects Eritrea’s attempt to end Special Rapporteur; Ethiopia among countries to vote in favor - Addis Standard
UN rejects Eritrea’s attempt to end Special Rapporteur; Ethiopia among countries to vote in favor Addis Standard News -
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#Ethiopia: #Bahir_Dar high court grants extended remand, investigation period in case of Dr. Daniel Fentahun
The Bahir Dar High Court in the #Amhara region has granted an additional 5-day remand and investigation period in the case of Dr. Daniel Fentahun, a prominent gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University accused of leading a strike by healthcare workers.
Dr. Daniel, widely known as “Dr. Debol,” was detained on 25 June and has since been charged with “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing” a protest that authorities allege caused “loss of life.”
At his latest court appearance on 3 July, police requested more time, citing “pending matters requiring clarification.” The court adjourned the case to 10 July. Family members told Addis Standard they are “confused” by the charges, describing Dr. Daniel as a “hopeful” and “dedicated” professional who had long been working to support Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
Dr. Daniel is a key voice in the #HealthWorkersMatter movement, which began in May demanding better pay and working conditions.
His arrest came days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused unnamed actors of hijacking the health workers’ strike, stating that the movement had been “overtaken by political opportunists.” Other health professionals have also been detained in connection with the strike. Some have since been released.
Amnesty International has called his arrest “arbitrary” and part of a “disturbing trend” of repression.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51290
The Bahir Dar High Court in the #Amhara region has granted an additional 5-day remand and investigation period in the case of Dr. Daniel Fentahun, a prominent gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University accused of leading a strike by healthcare workers.
Dr. Daniel, widely known as “Dr. Debol,” was detained on 25 June and has since been charged with “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing” a protest that authorities allege caused “loss of life.”
At his latest court appearance on 3 July, police requested more time, citing “pending matters requiring clarification.” The court adjourned the case to 10 July. Family members told Addis Standard they are “confused” by the charges, describing Dr. Daniel as a “hopeful” and “dedicated” professional who had long been working to support Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
Dr. Daniel is a key voice in the #HealthWorkersMatter movement, which began in May demanding better pay and working conditions.
His arrest came days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused unnamed actors of hijacking the health workers’ strike, stating that the movement had been “overtaken by political opportunists.” Other health professionals have also been detained in connection with the strike. Some have since been released.
Amnesty International has called his arrest “arbitrary” and part of a “disturbing trend” of repression.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51290
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From #Germany, 'war influencers' incite violence in #Somalia
Somali influencers used social media to spread radical content, urge violence, raise cash for arms and glorify war in Somalia - all from Germany, a joint investigation by DW and German public broadcaster ARD found.
Ayub Abdirizak - or "Kabtan Ayub," as he is known to his social media followers - can easily reach hundreds of thousands of people with his posts on TikTok and Facebook. His messages often carry a blend of hatred for rival clans in Somalia and incitement to violence against them.
And he built his social media career in Germany, where he arrived in 2017 and remained for about seven years, operating under the radar of authorities while encouraging bloodshed back home.
"Take the guns and fight," Ayub urges his followers in a video he posted in late 2022. Offering what he calls practical advice from personal experience, he tells fighters to climb tall buildings to spot enemies at a distance. "Shoot any person on the highway once you see they are wearing a military uniform," he says. And it's not just the military who is the enemy in this scenario, Ayub tells his audience: People who refuse to let them enter buildings to take their rooftop positions should be "shot on the forehead" and left with a "bullet mark on his face."
As now uncovered by DW's investigative team in collaboration with the German public broadcaster ARD, German authorities eventually took notice of Ayub's efforts at incitement. We set out to trace his path - and study the destructive influence he wields. The investigation also examined the reach of another war influencer who continues to use Germany as a haven to call for violence back in Somalia.
https://www.dw.com/en/somalia-germany-war-influencers-violence-social-media-facebook-tiktok/a-73137140
Somali influencers used social media to spread radical content, urge violence, raise cash for arms and glorify war in Somalia - all from Germany, a joint investigation by DW and German public broadcaster ARD found.
Ayub Abdirizak - or "Kabtan Ayub," as he is known to his social media followers - can easily reach hundreds of thousands of people with his posts on TikTok and Facebook. His messages often carry a blend of hatred for rival clans in Somalia and incitement to violence against them.
And he built his social media career in Germany, where he arrived in 2017 and remained for about seven years, operating under the radar of authorities while encouraging bloodshed back home.
"Take the guns and fight," Ayub urges his followers in a video he posted in late 2022. Offering what he calls practical advice from personal experience, he tells fighters to climb tall buildings to spot enemies at a distance. "Shoot any person on the highway once you see they are wearing a military uniform," he says. And it's not just the military who is the enemy in this scenario, Ayub tells his audience: People who refuse to let them enter buildings to take their rooftop positions should be "shot on the forehead" and left with a "bullet mark on his face."
As now uncovered by DW's investigative team in collaboration with the German public broadcaster ARD, German authorities eventually took notice of Ayub's efforts at incitement. We set out to trace his path - and study the destructive influence he wields. The investigation also examined the reach of another war influencer who continues to use Germany as a haven to call for violence back in Somalia.
https://www.dw.com/en/somalia-germany-war-influencers-violence-social-media-facebook-tiktok/a-73137140
DW
From Germany, 'war influencers' incite violence in Somalia
Somali influencers used social media to spread radical content, urge violence, raise cash for arms and glorify war in Somalia — all from Germany, a joint investigation by DW and German public broadcaster ARD found.
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#Sudanese official accuses #Ethiopian militias of making new border incursions
Ethiopian militias backed by their country’s army have made new incursions into fertile Sudanese farmland, blocking local farmers from their fields and exploiting a security vacuum caused by Sudan’s internal war, a senior Sudanese official said.
“There is a new incursion by Ethiopian militias into the same lands that were previously recovered by the army,” Mubarak Al-Nour, VP of the Eastern Sudan Coordination Committee, told the local Sudan Tribune news outlet. He called on Sudan’s Sovereign Council and military to take “necessary measures” to protect the border and re-establish state control, according to the report.
Al-Nour said Ethiopian farmers were actively clearing land under the protection of the Ethiopian army after expelling their Sudanese counterparts. He warned the moves coincide with the start of the rainy season and could jeopardize the area’s agricultural output.
https://sudantribune.com/article302566/
Ethiopian militias backed by their country’s army have made new incursions into fertile Sudanese farmland, blocking local farmers from their fields and exploiting a security vacuum caused by Sudan’s internal war, a senior Sudanese official said.
“There is a new incursion by Ethiopian militias into the same lands that were previously recovered by the army,” Mubarak Al-Nour, VP of the Eastern Sudan Coordination Committee, told the local Sudan Tribune news outlet. He called on Sudan’s Sovereign Council and military to take “necessary measures” to protect the border and re-establish state control, according to the report.
Al-Nour said Ethiopian farmers were actively clearing land under the protection of the Ethiopian army after expelling their Sudanese counterparts. He warned the moves coincide with the start of the rainy season and could jeopardize the area’s agricultural output.
https://sudantribune.com/article302566/
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‘‘#China ready to promote flagship Belt and Road project, boost trade, investment with #Ethiopia ’’ Premier Li
#China stands ready to work with #Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand bilateral trade and investment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.
China will, as always, support Ethiopia in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, work with Ethiopia to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, and intensify exchanges in tourism, youth, education and other fields, Li said.
https://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2025-07/06/content_117964598.shtml
#China stands ready to work with #Ethiopia to promote the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a flagship project of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand bilateral trade and investment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.
China will, as always, support Ethiopia in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, work with Ethiopia to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green industries, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, and intensify exchanges in tourism, youth, education and other fields, Li said.
https://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2025-07/06/content_117964598.shtml
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#Somalia president in #Egypt ahead of high-level talks with Sisi
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia arrived on Sunday in the Egyptian coastal city of El Alamein, where he was officially received by Egyptian authorities. The visit follows an invitation from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
According to Villa Somalia, “the two leaders will hold bilateral talks to strengthen the strategic cooperation and historical relations between the two brotherly nations.” President Mohamud is accompanied by a high-level delegation and is expected to discuss with his Egyptian counterpart cooperation in key sectors including security, trade, education, and regional stability.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1942128204489089208
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia arrived on Sunday in the Egyptian coastal city of El Alamein, where he was officially received by Egyptian authorities. The visit follows an invitation from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
According to Villa Somalia, “the two leaders will hold bilateral talks to strengthen the strategic cooperation and historical relations between the two brotherly nations.” President Mohamud is accompanied by a high-level delegation and is expected to discuss with his Egyptian counterpart cooperation in key sectors including security, trade, education, and regional stability.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1942128204489089208
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#Ethiopia: Heart Attack Ethiopia Cardiac team begins fourth round life-saving mission at Tikur Anbessa Hospital
Heart Attack Ethiopia, a volunteer-based international cardiac team, began its fourth mission Sunday at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The team, made up of over 33 specialists from the U.S., Canada, and India, is led by co-founders Dr. Tesfaye Telila and Dr. Obsinet Merid, Ethiopian-American physicians based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Over the next two weeks, the team will treat more than 140 patients across three hospitals: Tikur Anbessa, Ethiopian Heart Center, and St. Peter’s. For the first time, advanced non-surgical procedures like Transit-OT-catheter with video assistance will be introduced, alongside surgeries to unblock vessels and repair valves. The group brought over $2 million in medical supplies for the mission.
This comes as the Ethiopian Children's Heart Fund Center reported last week that over 7,500 heart patients, including 2,000 children with congenital heart disease, remain on its waiting list. The center is calling for urgent support through donations via 6710 or by sponsoring patients and supplying equipment.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51304
Heart Attack Ethiopia, a volunteer-based international cardiac team, began its fourth mission Sunday at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The team, made up of over 33 specialists from the U.S., Canada, and India, is led by co-founders Dr. Tesfaye Telila and Dr. Obsinet Merid, Ethiopian-American physicians based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Over the next two weeks, the team will treat more than 140 patients across three hospitals: Tikur Anbessa, Ethiopian Heart Center, and St. Peter’s. For the first time, advanced non-surgical procedures like Transit-OT-catheter with video assistance will be introduced, alongside surgeries to unblock vessels and repair valves. The group brought over $2 million in medical supplies for the mission.
This comes as the Ethiopian Children's Heart Fund Center reported last week that over 7,500 heart patients, including 2,000 children with congenital heart disease, remain on its waiting list. The center is calling for urgent support through donations via 6710 or by sponsoring patients and supplying equipment.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51304
Addis Standard
Heart Attack Ethiopia Cardiac team begins fourth round life-saving mission at Tikur Anbessa Hospital - Addis Standard
Heart Attack Ethiopia Cardiac team begins fourth round life-saving mission at Tikur Anbessa Hospital Addis Standard News -
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#Op_ed: Tipping Point: #Ethiopia edges toward crisis as renewed tensions loom over Tigray; conflict spreads in Amhara, Oromia
Ethiopia, once lauded for its rapid economic growth and rising regional influence, is now facing a deepening crisis: ongoing armed conflicts, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, and persistent political instability, writes Adam Daud Ahmed, the author of this op-ed. He asserts, “The government’s continued reliance on military responses to long-standing political grievances has turned Ethiopia into a volatile landscape of conflict.”
The author points to the 2022 Pretoria Agreement—which formally ended the devastating war in #Tigray—as being “inconsistent and incomplete,” noting that “Eritrean forces are still present,” with “credible reports of continued human rights abuses.” Despite the agreement, he warns of rising tensions in Tigray, referencing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent appeal to religious leaders: “Immediately start your work now to prevent Tigray from entering conflict....” Ahmed also draws attention to Ethiopia’s recent diplomatic accusation against Eritrea, citing “unrelenting cooperation and coordination between a faction of the #TPLF" and "other armed groups under their tutelage to undertake major offensive operations during the upcoming rainy season.”
The op-ed further highlights the intensifying violence in the #Amhara and #Oromia regions. In Amhara, there have been “widespread mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, and media blackouts,” with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reporting “extensive extrajudicial killings, including those of pregnant women and children.” In Oromia, ongoing conflict involving government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) continues to result in civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the closure of thousands of schools.
Ahmed contends that “the international community’s inaction” and “failure to hold perpetrators accountable” have significantly exacerbated the crisis. Nevertheless, he maintains that hope persists, contingent upon “inclusive negotiations, immediate ceasefires, and robust accountability mechanisms.” The author emphasizes that the path forward is unequivocal: "Either accept continued failure and suffering or seize this opportunity for peace and recovery."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51298
Ethiopia, once lauded for its rapid economic growth and rising regional influence, is now facing a deepening crisis: ongoing armed conflicts, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, and persistent political instability, writes Adam Daud Ahmed, the author of this op-ed. He asserts, “The government’s continued reliance on military responses to long-standing political grievances has turned Ethiopia into a volatile landscape of conflict.”
The author points to the 2022 Pretoria Agreement—which formally ended the devastating war in #Tigray—as being “inconsistent and incomplete,” noting that “Eritrean forces are still present,” with “credible reports of continued human rights abuses.” Despite the agreement, he warns of rising tensions in Tigray, referencing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent appeal to religious leaders: “Immediately start your work now to prevent Tigray from entering conflict....” Ahmed also draws attention to Ethiopia’s recent diplomatic accusation against Eritrea, citing “unrelenting cooperation and coordination between a faction of the #TPLF" and "other armed groups under their tutelage to undertake major offensive operations during the upcoming rainy season.”
The op-ed further highlights the intensifying violence in the #Amhara and #Oromia regions. In Amhara, there have been “widespread mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, and media blackouts,” with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reporting “extensive extrajudicial killings, including those of pregnant women and children.” In Oromia, ongoing conflict involving government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) continues to result in civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the closure of thousands of schools.
Ahmed contends that “the international community’s inaction” and “failure to hold perpetrators accountable” have significantly exacerbated the crisis. Nevertheless, he maintains that hope persists, contingent upon “inclusive negotiations, immediate ceasefires, and robust accountability mechanisms.” The author emphasizes that the path forward is unequivocal: "Either accept continued failure and suffering or seize this opportunity for peace and recovery."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51298
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#Ethiopia: Parliament scraps undercover agent immunity clause in money laundering law
Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has repealed a controversial clause from the newly passed anti-money laundering and terrorism financing law that granted undercover agents the immunity from prosecution for any criminal act committed in the line of duty - except for committing murder.
The clause, found in Article 26(4) of the proclamation, had sparked widespread criticism from human rights advocates and opposition politicians who feared it could be used to justify abuses. An editorial concern raised by Addis Standard argued the implementation of the clause could lead to torture and inhumane treatment, under the guise of covert investigations.
The repeal was announced during a special session today, where the Standing Committee on Legal and Justice Affairs reversed its previous stance. Deputy Chairperson Essa Boru stated the provision led to overly broad interpretations and risked undermining the law’s effective implementation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51308
Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has repealed a controversial clause from the newly passed anti-money laundering and terrorism financing law that granted undercover agents the immunity from prosecution for any criminal act committed in the line of duty - except for committing murder.
The clause, found in Article 26(4) of the proclamation, had sparked widespread criticism from human rights advocates and opposition politicians who feared it could be used to justify abuses. An editorial concern raised by Addis Standard argued the implementation of the clause could lead to torture and inhumane treatment, under the guise of covert investigations.
The repeal was announced during a special session today, where the Standing Committee on Legal and Justice Affairs reversed its previous stance. Deputy Chairperson Essa Boru stated the provision led to overly broad interpretations and risked undermining the law’s effective implementation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51308
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#Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on #BRICS as leaders meet in #Brazil
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a summit in Brazil on Sunday.
With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the U.S. president, the BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.
In a joint statement from the opening of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro released on Sunday afternoon, the group warned the rise in tariffs threatened global trade, continuing its veiled criticism of Trump's tariff policies.
Hours later, Trump warned he would punish countries seeking to join with the grouping.
"Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/leaders-growing-brics-group-gather-rio-summit-2025-07-06/
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a summit in Brazil on Sunday.
With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the U.S. president, the BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.
In a joint statement from the opening of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro released on Sunday afternoon, the group warned the rise in tariffs threatened global trade, continuing its veiled criticism of Trump's tariff policies.
Hours later, Trump warned he would punish countries seeking to join with the grouping.
"Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/leaders-growing-brics-group-gather-rio-summit-2025-07-06/
Reuters
Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on BRICS as leaders meet in Brazil
Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on any countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group of developing nations, whose leaders kicked off a summit in Brazil.
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#Somalia: Heavy fighting and car bombs as Al-Shabaab captures Key Somali town
Heavy fighting broke out in Somalia's central Hiiraan region on Monday after Al-Shabaab militants launched multi-front attacks on the town of Moqokori and surrounding areas, residents and sources said.
The militant group claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated assaults, including a suicide car bombing that targeted military facilities in Moqokori town, and ongoing clashes in the nearby Gumarre area, where fighting has been reported since Sunday.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab said it had seized control of Moqokori and killed at least 40 soldiers during the attacks. The group released images showing its fighters inside what it claimed to be government compounds in the town, which had been under government control since 2022.
https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/heavy-fighting-and-car-bombs-as-al-shabaab-captures-key-somali-town
Heavy fighting broke out in Somalia's central Hiiraan region on Monday after Al-Shabaab militants launched multi-front attacks on the town of Moqokori and surrounding areas, residents and sources said.
The militant group claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated assaults, including a suicide car bombing that targeted military facilities in Moqokori town, and ongoing clashes in the nearby Gumarre area, where fighting has been reported since Sunday.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab said it had seized control of Moqokori and killed at least 40 soldiers during the attacks. The group released images showing its fighters inside what it claimed to be government compounds in the town, which had been under government control since 2022.
https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/heavy-fighting-and-car-bombs-as-al-shabaab-captures-key-somali-town
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#Tigray women’s groups urge action to prevent renewed conflict, seek justice for wartime brutal violence
A coalition of women-led civil society organizations in Tigray has issued a joint statement warning of renewed instability in the region and calling for accountability for atrocities committed during the two-year war. The groups, including Yikhono, Gorzo, Nolawi, Umbrella for the Needy, and Hiwet Charity Organization, urged full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and justice for survivors, particularly women and girls, who continue to suffer the long-term impacts of the two-year devastating war in the region.
The statement expressed alarm over rising tensions between the TPLF and the federal government, as well as internal divisions within the Tigray Army, warning that these dynamics risk plunging the region into further destabilization.
Citing ongoing impunity for conflict-related sexual violence and mass displacement, the organizations rejected any peace process that excludes accountability. “We also assert, unequivocally, that there can be no process of peace or reconciliation that exonerates the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), the Eritrean army, or FANO militants for the grave atrocities committed against women and girls during the genocidal war in Tigray,” the statement reads, underscoring that justice is essential for lasting peace and societal healing.
Between 40% and 50% of Tigrayan women and girls experienced gender-based violence during the war, with over 80% of victims reporting rape. Nearly 70% of those were subjected to gang rape, and more than 120,000 women were estimated to have been sexually abused between 2020 and 2022.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51312
A coalition of women-led civil society organizations in Tigray has issued a joint statement warning of renewed instability in the region and calling for accountability for atrocities committed during the two-year war. The groups, including Yikhono, Gorzo, Nolawi, Umbrella for the Needy, and Hiwet Charity Organization, urged full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and justice for survivors, particularly women and girls, who continue to suffer the long-term impacts of the two-year devastating war in the region.
The statement expressed alarm over rising tensions between the TPLF and the federal government, as well as internal divisions within the Tigray Army, warning that these dynamics risk plunging the region into further destabilization.
Citing ongoing impunity for conflict-related sexual violence and mass displacement, the organizations rejected any peace process that excludes accountability. “We also assert, unequivocally, that there can be no process of peace or reconciliation that exonerates the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), the Eritrean army, or FANO militants for the grave atrocities committed against women and girls during the genocidal war in Tigray,” the statement reads, underscoring that justice is essential for lasting peace and societal healing.
Between 40% and 50% of Tigrayan women and girls experienced gender-based violence during the war, with over 80% of victims reporting rape. Nearly 70% of those were subjected to gang rape, and more than 120,000 women were estimated to have been sexually abused between 2020 and 2022.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51312
Addis Standard
Tigray women’s groups urge action to prevent renewed conflict, seek justice for wartime brutal violence - Addis Standard
Tigray women’s groups urge action to prevent renewed conflict, seek justice for wartime brutal violence Addis Standard News -
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News: State department takes over bilateral aid, core #USAID programs in #Ethiopia
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba announced that, as of 01 July 2025, the U.S. Department of State has taken over key functions of USAID in Ethiopia, including oversight of bilateral assistance agreements with the Ethiopian government. Core programs - such as humanitarian aid, global health, and food security- will now operate under restructured frameworks within the State Department.
Last month, Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga said the change reflects a policy shift aimed at streamlining aid delivery and focusing on core life-saving initiatives and U.S. strategic interests.
The Ambassador said that 89% of previously programmed humanitarian aid will resume, while 77% of total development and humanitarian assistance funds remain available.
The suspension of USAID operations had triggered warnings from humanitarian groups, citing rising malnutrition - especially among children and lactating women - and widespread NGO layoffs.
The ambassador also indicated a strategic pivot toward supporting Ethiopia’s private sector as the main engine of long-term growth, mirroring U.S. economic policy priorities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51317
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba announced that, as of 01 July 2025, the U.S. Department of State has taken over key functions of USAID in Ethiopia, including oversight of bilateral assistance agreements with the Ethiopian government. Core programs - such as humanitarian aid, global health, and food security- will now operate under restructured frameworks within the State Department.
Last month, Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga said the change reflects a policy shift aimed at streamlining aid delivery and focusing on core life-saving initiatives and U.S. strategic interests.
The Ambassador said that 89% of previously programmed humanitarian aid will resume, while 77% of total development and humanitarian assistance funds remain available.
The suspension of USAID operations had triggered warnings from humanitarian groups, citing rising malnutrition - especially among children and lactating women - and widespread NGO layoffs.
The ambassador also indicated a strategic pivot toward supporting Ethiopia’s private sector as the main engine of long-term growth, mirroring U.S. economic policy priorities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51317
Addis Standard
State department takes over bilateral aid, core USAID programs in Ethiopia - Addis Standard
State department takes over bilateral aid, core USAID programs in Ethiopia Addis Standard News -
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#China approves #Ethiopian soymeal imports to diversify supply
China has approved the import of soybean meal from Ethiopia, a Chinese customs statement showed, as part of efforts to broaden its protein sources amid a trade war between Beijing and Washington.
Effective July 3, Ethiopian soymeal that meets China's phytosanitary standards and is free of pests will be allowed into the country, the statement said.
"This is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on imported soybeans. The volume is not expected to be large," said Rosa Wang, an analyst at Shanghai-based agro-consultancy JCI.
The approval follows Chinese feedmakers securing the first soymeal shipment from Argentina since imports were approved in 2019, an effort to mitigate potential disruptions from the U.S.-China trade war.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/china-approves-ethiopian-soymeal-imports-diversify-supply-2025-07-07/
China has approved the import of soybean meal from Ethiopia, a Chinese customs statement showed, as part of efforts to broaden its protein sources amid a trade war between Beijing and Washington.
Effective July 3, Ethiopian soymeal that meets China's phytosanitary standards and is free of pests will be allowed into the country, the statement said.
"This is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on imported soybeans. The volume is not expected to be large," said Rosa Wang, an analyst at Shanghai-based agro-consultancy JCI.
The approval follows Chinese feedmakers securing the first soymeal shipment from Argentina since imports were approved in 2019, an effort to mitigate potential disruptions from the U.S.-China trade war.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/china-approves-ethiopian-soymeal-imports-diversify-supply-2025-07-07/
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#Sudan: #UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in #Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate
UN humanitarians on Monday sounded the alarm over the worsening conditions in Sudan, as violence continues, and food and water remain at critically low levels.
The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, which has witnessed some of the worst episodes of the ongoing conflict between rival militaries.
Those remaining in El Fasher are facing “extreme shortages” of food and clean water, with markets repeatedly disrupted, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.
Across the city, nearly 40 per cent of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 11 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.
Most of the surrounding water infrastructure has also been destroyed or rendered non-functional due to minimal maintenance and fuel shortages, Mr. Dujarric added.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165340
UN humanitarians on Monday sounded the alarm over the worsening conditions in Sudan, as violence continues, and food and water remain at critically low levels.
The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, which has witnessed some of the worst episodes of the ongoing conflict between rival militaries.
Those remaining in El Fasher are facing “extreme shortages” of food and clean water, with markets repeatedly disrupted, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.
Across the city, nearly 40 per cent of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 11 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.
Most of the surrounding water infrastructure has also been destroyed or rendered non-functional due to minimal maintenance and fuel shortages, Mr. Dujarric added.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165340
UN News
UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate
UN humanitarians on Monday sounded the alarm over the worsening conditions in Sudan, as violence continues, and food and water remain at critically low levels.
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#Commentary: Language vs. Identity: Why introducing Ge’ez in #Amhara schools undermines diversity; Afaan Oromoo offers broader inclusivity
In recent years, there has been a growing push to introduce and expand the teaching of #Ge’ez as a language subject in primary schools throughout the Amhara Regional State. While the official rationale for this move is framed as an effort to “preserve and foster Amhara heritage and identity” and to promote “indigenous knowledge,” the author of this commentary, Shimels Hussien Mohammed, questions the underlying reasoning and broader implications of the policy. He describes the initiative as “misguided and rooted in nostalgia” and argues that it reflects “deeper political motives to impose a single religious identity on a culturally diverse region.”
The author traces the origins of the language, emphasizing that “there is no conclusive evidence supporting the sole attribution of Ge'ez to the Amhara people.” He further contends, “If linguistic ownership were to be assigned, it would more logically extend to the #Tigray region or #Eritrea, or more broadly, to the Orthodox Church.” Shimels also highlights that the Amhara region is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups whose histories are frequently excluded or marginalized in Ge’ez literature. The introduction and expansion of Ge’ez in Amhara schools, he warns, risks “deepening divisions rather than promoting unity.”
The commentary further recalls how past imperial policies enforced linguistic and religious assimilation in the Amhara region, eroding indigenous languages and identities. In light of this history, the author finds it “perplexing” that current efforts seek to “rebirth” Ge’ez, a defunct language with limited practical relevance today. Instead, Shimels advocates for the introduction of #Afaan_Oromoo into the curriculum, arguing that it “better reflects reality,” given that many in the Amhara region have Oromo roots and that Afaan Oromoo is a major federal language. He emphasizes that embracing Afaan Oromoo represents a “wise and pragmatic approach” for the region’s future, enhancing “social integration and mobility,” particularly as a significant number of Amharas reside in the #Oromia region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51326
In recent years, there has been a growing push to introduce and expand the teaching of #Ge’ez as a language subject in primary schools throughout the Amhara Regional State. While the official rationale for this move is framed as an effort to “preserve and foster Amhara heritage and identity” and to promote “indigenous knowledge,” the author of this commentary, Shimels Hussien Mohammed, questions the underlying reasoning and broader implications of the policy. He describes the initiative as “misguided and rooted in nostalgia” and argues that it reflects “deeper political motives to impose a single religious identity on a culturally diverse region.”
The author traces the origins of the language, emphasizing that “there is no conclusive evidence supporting the sole attribution of Ge'ez to the Amhara people.” He further contends, “If linguistic ownership were to be assigned, it would more logically extend to the #Tigray region or #Eritrea, or more broadly, to the Orthodox Church.” Shimels also highlights that the Amhara region is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups whose histories are frequently excluded or marginalized in Ge’ez literature. The introduction and expansion of Ge’ez in Amhara schools, he warns, risks “deepening divisions rather than promoting unity.”
The commentary further recalls how past imperial policies enforced linguistic and religious assimilation in the Amhara region, eroding indigenous languages and identities. In light of this history, the author finds it “perplexing” that current efforts seek to “rebirth” Ge’ez, a defunct language with limited practical relevance today. Instead, Shimels advocates for the introduction of #Afaan_Oromoo into the curriculum, arguing that it “better reflects reality,” given that many in the Amhara region have Oromo roots and that Afaan Oromoo is a major federal language. He emphasizes that embracing Afaan Oromoo represents a “wise and pragmatic approach” for the region’s future, enhancing “social integration and mobility,” particularly as a significant number of Amharas reside in the #Oromia region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51326
Addis Standard
Language vs. Identity: Why introducing Ge’ez in Amhara schools undermines diversity; Afaan Oromoo offers broader inclusivity -…
Language vs. Identity: Why introducing Ge’ez in Amhara schools undermines diversity; Afaan Oromoo offers broader inclusivity Addis Standard Commentary -
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#Kenya: At least 11 killed, dozens injured during Kenya's 'Saba Saba Day' protests
Police in Kenya clashed with demonstrators Monday during the latest anti-government protests, killing 10 people, according to the state-funded human rights commission. Authorities blocked major roads leading into the capital, Nairobi, and most businesses closed amid the strictest measures yet to contain the unrest.
Protesters lit bonfires and threw stones at police. Police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring demonstrators. Young men carried another man, his shirt drenched in blood, saying he had been shot.
More than 500 people were arrested during the protests, the national police service (NPS) said.
Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said that during the demonstrations "certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts", including looting and attacks on officers, with the force announcing a total of 567 arrests.
He did not provide further details, but added that each reported incident would be subjected to "further investigation".
The protests were reported in 17 of 47 counties.
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250707-at-least-10-killed-dozens-injured-during-kenya-s-saba-saba-day-protests
Police in Kenya clashed with demonstrators Monday during the latest anti-government protests, killing 10 people, according to the state-funded human rights commission. Authorities blocked major roads leading into the capital, Nairobi, and most businesses closed amid the strictest measures yet to contain the unrest.
Protesters lit bonfires and threw stones at police. Police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring demonstrators. Young men carried another man, his shirt drenched in blood, saying he had been shot.
More than 500 people were arrested during the protests, the national police service (NPS) said.
Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said that during the demonstrations "certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts", including looting and attacks on officers, with the force announcing a total of 567 arrests.
He did not provide further details, but added that each reported incident would be subjected to "further investigation".
The protests were reported in 17 of 47 counties.
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250707-at-least-10-killed-dozens-injured-during-kenya-s-saba-saba-day-protests
France 24
At least 11 killed, dozens injured during Kenya's 'Saba Saba Day' protests
Police in Kenya clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests on July 7, known as "Saba Saba Day", resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people. More than 500 people were arrested, according…
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