News: PSI calls for immediate release of Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, detained #Ethiopian health workers

Public Services International (PSI), a global federation representing over 30 million public sector workers, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Daniel Fentaneh and other detained Ethiopian health professionals, denouncing the arrests as a violation of fundamental labor and human rights.

In a statement issued on Monday, PSI voiced its full support for the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement, which has been advocating for decent pay, improved working conditions, and meaningful social dialogue. The organization described the detention of Dr. Daniel and numerous others over recent weeks as a direct attack on the right of workers to organize, speak out, and demand their rights.

PSI urged the Ethiopian government to end what it described as a crackdown on organized labor and instead honor its commitments under the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions it has ratified.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51513

#Commentary: #Ethiopia’s perennial political settlement trials

In this commentary originally published in The Addis Standard Quarterly Journal (ASQJ), Issue #2, Mebratu Kelecha writes, “Ethiopia’s historical journey has been a continuous struggle to establish lasting political settlements, but all of which have ultimately ended in failure.” He argues that the country's political trajectory has been shaped by “repeated power centralization, exclusion, and cycles of reform and repression,” tracing these patterns from Emperor Menelik II’s territorial expansion and consolidation of power to Haile Selassie’s autocratic rule. According to the author, the 1974 revolution, which brought in the #Derg regime, was characterized by "repression." While the #EPRDF’s rise to power in 1991 introduced federalism and a framework for power-sharing, Mebratu emphasizes that “exclusionary politics persisted.”

He further explains that following the death of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in 2012, political dissent intensified, culminating in widespread protests and the resignation of his successor, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Mebratu recalls that “Abiy Ahmed’s 2018 rise brought hope,” marked by the release of political prisoners and the normalization of relations with #Eritrea. However, he notes that this period of optimism was short-lived, as it was quickly followed by a “resurgence of communal tensions and internal conflicts,” ultimately culminating in the devastating two-year war in #Tigray, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

The article highlights that despite the Pretoria peace agreement, significant challenges persist in its execution, while tensions remain elevated in the #Amhara and #Oromia regions. As hostilities with the #Fano militia intensify in Amhara and peace negotiations with the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) remain stagnant, Mebratu emphasizes that reconciliation “remains elusive."

The author argues that breaking this deep-rooted cycle of instability necessitates a fundamental recalibration of state-society relations to build “inclusive governance.” This endeavor, he states, requires a balanced approach of "integration and accommodation," underscoring that success will depend on “learning from past failures” and ensuring all groups have “a meaningful stake in governance.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51507

#Somalia: #Puntland reveals reasons behind confiscation of the Sea World Vessel

Puntland authorities confiscated the Sea World vessel after navigating off Bareeda for two days without official notification, Puntland said, noting that the actions violated international maritime law under UNCLOS Articles 19(2) (b)(g).

The ship, Puntland said in a statement, entered a conflict zone where ISIS operations are ongoing, posing a direct threat to regional security and stability. The Puntland administration is pursuing ISIS militants within the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

With the formal investigations now going on, the authorities have narrowed it down to the ship's ownership, intent, and cargo. Any party found complicit in this breach will be held accountable under international law, Puntland said.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-puntland-reveals-reasons-behind-confiscation-of-the-sea-world-vessel

#Kenyan pro-democracy activist charged with alleged possession of ammunition

The prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was on Monday charged with unlawful possession of ammunition in a case stemming from his alleged role in street protests against the government.

Opposition leaders and Mwangi's followers had feared he would be charged with the more serious offense of terrorism.

He was freed on bond immediately after his appearance in court on Monday.

The charge sheet said the suspect possessed three canisters of tear gas without lawful authorization. His attorney, Njanja Maina, told reporters on Sunday that Mwangi never possessed such items.

Mwangi's wife Njeri, in a post on the social media platform X, said on Saturday that security personnel raided their home and took the activist and his electronic gadgets while “talking of terrorism and arson.” Police said after his arrest on Friday that Mwangi was linked to the facilitation of violent activities in recent street protests. Detectives searched his home and his office.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kenyan-pro-democracy-activist-boniface-mwangi-charged-alleged-123918543

#Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki dismisses what he described as “Ethiopian rhetoric” as “childish threats”

In a two-hour interview aired on Eritrean State Television on Saturday, 19 July, President Isaias Afwerki sharply criticized what he called recent rhetoric from Ethiopian officials, dismissing it as “childish threats.”

Responding to remarks about Ethiopia’s population size, drone capabilities, and missile range, Isaias questioned the motivation behind such statements. “We are 130 million; why say that? Who are you trying to threaten?” he asked, ridiculing what he described as repetitive and exaggerated claims. “Saying this over and over only exposes the absurdity of the discourse,” he added, without attributing the said discourse to anyone.

The president also condemned open discussions about military actions, including suggestions of port seizures and cross-border strikes. “We have missiles, drones, tanks… strike this, hit that; they say all of it in public,” he said.

#NEBE says preparations underway to hold seventh national election in all regions, including #Tigray

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that preparations are underway to conduct the upcoming seventh national elections across all regions of the country, including the Tigray region.

Melatework Hailu, Chairperson of NEBE, briefed reporters today on the revised “Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration, and Electoral Code of Conduct Proclamation,” recently approved by the House of People’s Representatives.

During the briefing, Melatework confirmed that preparations are well underway nationwide. “We have an office in Tigray, and just like in other regions, we are preparing for the election,” she said.

Addressing the five-year suspensions of political parties, she explained that parties previously faced deregistration if they failed to address suspension reasons. The new law allows suspensions for up to five years to preserve party existence. Addressing this, Melatework clarified, “The suspension period can be less than five years,” emphasizing the aim is to protect parties from being permanently deregistered.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51516

EXCLUSIVE: Mining Saga - #Oromia Mining Authority seeks license revocation; Hong Kong Xingxu denies sale to #Askari as Australian firm remains silent

The Oromia Mineral Development
Authority (OMDA) has asked Ethiopia's federal Ministry of Mines to revoke three mining licenses granted to Hong Kong Xingxu Mining in West Wellega, citing serious violations of mining laws and accusing the federal ministry of renewing the licenses without legal consultation. At the center of the controversy is the Nejo Gold Project, which Askari Metals, an Australian company, claims to have acquired from Xingxu. However, Xingxu denies any sale, saying the arrangement was a share swap joint venture, not a full acquisition.

OMDA also says it was not informed of the deal and has vowed not to support Xingxu or its partners. The authority further criticizes the federal government for a three-year license renewal it calls illegal and warns the situation could damage investor confidence and weaken local governance. The Ministry of Mines has not responded, while Askari has remained silent.

The dispute raises concerns about transparency, regional authority, and foreign investment in Ethiopia’s mining sector, drawing parallels with the 2018 protests over the MIDROC gold mine.

Read Addis Standard’s exclusive report…

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51493

Askari Metals appoints technical consultant to advance #Ethiopian exploration strategy

Askari Metals Ltd has welcomed experienced geologist Lachlan Reynolds as technical consultant to support the company’s African-focused exploration activities, particularly at the recently acquired Nejo Gold Project in Ethiopia.

The appointment comes as Askari advances compilation and digitization of historical exploration data at Nejo and prepares to mobilize its in-country team for a maiden exploration campaign. Previous exploration at Nejo identified significant high-grade gold and copper mineralization, yet the area remains largely untested using modern exploration techniques.

Reynolds brings more than 30 years of experience in Australian and international mineral exploration, including a 12-year tenure with WMC Resources Ltd. His senior leadership roles have included general manager of African Energy Resources Limited, managing director of Energy Ventures Ltd, and CEO of East African Copper Ltd.
He has worked extensively across Africa, including in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Kenya, and brings expertise across the full project lifecycle from greenfield through to feasibility and development.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/1075147/askari-metals-appoints-technical-consultant-to-advance-ethiopian-exploration-strategy-1075147.html

#Ethiopia: #GERD Coordination Office refutes Trump’s claim on funding; calls on government to respond

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Coordination Project Office dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the dam was funded by the United States.

At a press briefing, Deputy CEO Fikrte Tamiru said the project was built “with the support of both the government and the people,” emphasizing that “not a single cent” came from foreign loans or aid over the past 14 years.

“The coordinators of popular participation have always said the dam was built with our sweat, labor, and even blood,” she added.

Fikrte urged the Ethiopian government to address the repeated U.S. claims through “farsighted and carefully considered diplomatic procedures.” AS

News: Two #Ethiopian intelligence officers among 14 charged in 7.7 billion birr Commercial Bank embezzlement scandal

Two agents from Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) are among 14 people facing charges in the 7.7 billion birr Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) embezzlement scandal.

The suspects, which include CBE employees, city administration officials, and private individuals, are accused of illegally diverting billions from internal bank accounts using system access credentials obtained from the bank’s Horro branch in Shambu, Oromia.

According to the charge documents reviewed by Addis Standard, the fraudulent transactions show 4 billion birr (split into two deposits of 2 billion birr each) funneled into an account under Israel Degefa Sime. Another 1 billion birr was deposited into an account under Getachew Tegegn Abadama, while 2 billion birr went into an account under Molla Shiferaw Ejigu, the only individual among the 14 charged.

All suspects are in police custody except for NISS officer Negussie Emiru Gurino, who remains at large.

Federal prosecutors say the charges are the result of a high-level investigation led by the Federal Police Crime Investigation Bureau.

This comes despite CBE’s earlier statement in May dismissing reports of theft and claiming the suspicious transactions were “detected early and thwarted.”

Prosecutors now allege a coordinated and large-scale embezzlement scheme that implicates both Ethiopia’s financial and intelligence institutions.

Read details of the charge here:

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51518

#Op_ed: A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age

The world stands at the threshold of a new energy era—one driven by clean, renewable power—writes António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in this op-ed. He underscores that “the sun is rising on a clean energy age,” as solar and wind energy now surpass fossil fuels in both affordability and growth. In 2023 alone, nearly all new power capacity was derived from renewable sources, with global clean energy investment reaching $2 trillion—“$800 billion more than fossil fuels.” Despite this progress, Guterres notes that fossil fuels continue to receive greater subsidies, hindering the pace of transition.

He explains that clean energy not only fosters job creation and economic growth but also enhances national security. In contrast to fossil fuels—which are susceptible to price shocks and geopolitical instability—“there are no price spikes for sunlight, no embargoes on wind.” Guterres adds that renewable energy offers a path to affordable electricity for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who still lack access to power.

However, he stresses that the global energy transition remains too slow and unequal. Developing countries are being left behind, and emissions continue to rise. To address these challenges, Guterres calls for urgent action across six key areas: firm government commitments, modern energy infrastructure, renewable-driven energy demand, a just transition for communities, fairer trade policies, and increased financing for the Global South. He concludes by stressing that "A new energy era is within reach"—an era characterized by economic opportunity, energy sovereignty, and universal access to power—and urges, "Let’s seize it."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51520

Analysis: ‘All we want is peace’: #Tigrayans brace for uncertainty as hostile political rhetoric escalate

Tensions have been rising once again in Tigray as hostile political rhetoric escalates between the federal government, the TPLF, and other regional actors. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s warning that “things will deteriorate” if war resumes has sparked alarm across the region.

The TPLF accused the federal government of ongoing aggression and failure to honor the Pretoria Agreement. Meanwhile, the former interim president of Tigray warned of a dangerous “unholy alliance” fueling potential conflict.

From Mekelle to Axum, residents told Addis Standard their message is clear: they want peace, not another war. Suzan Tsegay, 18, said, “The wounds from the past war haven’t healed… All I want now is peace.” Others echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration at political leaders on all sides. “It’s the poor who suffer while politicians play games,” said Henok Tesfamariam, a shoe repairman in Mekelle. “If peace matters, they should live here with us for a week.”

These fears come amid painful memories of the two-year brutal war described as the world’s deadliest wars in 2022. Upwards 600,000 people may have died, and nearly a million remain displaced in Tigray.

Gender-based violence, including widespread rape and abuse, left more than 100 thousand women reeling from the deep scars. The region’s infrastructure remains devastated.

“We’ve lost too much already,” said Suzan. “We don’t want to lose more.” As political divisions sharpen, the people of Tigray continue to plead for peace, and a future free of war.

Read more:
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-all-we-want-is-peace-tigrayans-brace-for-uncertainty-as-hostile-political-rhetoric-escalate

Secretary Rubio underscores ‘need for dialogue, regional stability’ in phone call with PM Abiy

In a phone call with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the importance of “dialogue and regional stability”.

 “The Secretary and Prime Minister [Abiy] discussed their shared goals for stability and economic growth in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa,” according to a readout by State Department.

While commending Ethiopia’s economic reforms for creating opportunities for increased U.S. trade and investment, Secretary Rubio “underscored the need for dialogue and regional stability.”

#Sudan civilian group backs new international push to end war

Sudan’s main civilian political coalition said on Tuesday it had urged the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt to coordinate efforts to end the country’s war, backing a new diplomatic push by the four countries.

The group, known as the Civil Democratic Alliance Domoud, and led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, sent letters to the foreign ministers of the four countries as they prepare for consultations in Washington later this month.

The talks aim to find a solution to the conflict that erupted between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April
2024. There are reports that Britain and Qatar may also join the discussions.

https://sudantribune.com/article303143/

#Ethiopia among #African countries with the highest IMF debt

Just in July alone, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reported to be looking into the disbursements of loans to Egypt and Ethiopia, raising new worries about Africa's growing reliance on IMF financing.

While these financial aids are frequently portrayed as lifelines for weak countries, the long-term consequences of high IMF debt are raising concerns across the continent.

Ethiopia received $262 million following a successful third program review, although its financial situation remains fragile.

The government is discussing a $8.4 billion restructuring with official creditors under the G20's Common Framework while also preparing to repay a $1 billion Eurobond.

The combined burden of IMF loans and commercial debt is straining national budgets and impeding growth projects.

https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/top-10-african-countries-with-the-highest-imf-debt-in-july-2025/r0x0jc3

#Tigray supreme #court temporarily freezes interim admin’s bank account over #teachers’ unpaid salaries

The Tigray Regional State Supreme Court has temporarily frozen bank accounts belonging to the region’s interim administration following a lawsuit by the Tigray Teachers’ Association over 17 months of unpaid salaries. A new hearing is scheduled for next week.

Lawyers representing over 50,000 affected teachers argued that the interim administration failed to comply with previous court directives and demanded the arrest of key officials, including Interim President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede and Regional Finance Bureau Head Dr. Mehret Beyene.

They also requested that frozen funds be used for salary payments and that government housing assets be transferred to the plaintiffs. The administration’s lawyers countered that the funds were used for recent salary payments and were not moved unlawfully.

The salary crisis has been a key grievance in post-war Tigray. Despite the Pretoria peace agreement, teachers have not received payments dating back to 2021. Protests in December 2023 saw 33 teachers halt classes in Mekelle. Regional officials say stagnant federal allocations and halted internal revenues have widened the funding gap.

The court’s latest ruling marks a significant step in the teachers’ legal and public pressure campaign for justice.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51540