#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

#Commentary: One Year Into Macroeconomic Reform: Unpacking drivers behind #Ethiopia’s export boom

Following the #macroeconomic_reforms introduced a year ago, Ethiopia’s overall foreign exchange earnings reached $32 billion, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, the Balance of Payments recorded a surplus of $2.6 billion, ending a prolonged period of deficits. Another notable achievement was the doubling of export revenues in the last fiscal year, which exceeded $8 billion—up significantly from $3.8 billion in the preceding year. However, Samson Hailu, the author of this commentary, contends that while the reforms contributed to the export boom, another major driver of the surge was the "record-high" international prices for both coffee and gold—Ethiopia’s principal export commodities, which together constituted 77.5% of total export revenue last fiscal year.

He elaborates that earnings from coffee increased dramatically by 147%, partly driven by historically unprecedented global prices exhibited between August 2024 and July 2025. Notably, Arabica coffee reached a record $9.7 per kilogram in February 2025. Similarly, gold export revenues rose substantially to $3.5 billion. This coincided with an "unprecedented peak” of $3,500 per ounce in April 2025. The author argues this confluence of high prices—fueled by global supply constraints, rising demand, and geopolitical tensions—constituted a "perfect storm" that played a role “arguably as significant as the birr's depreciation” in boosting export earnings.”

By analyzing the impact of previous devaluations on export performance, the article also underscores that while rapid currency depreciation can offer a short-term boost to exports, “the benefits tend to be temporary,” with longer-term sustainability remaining a challenge. The author emphasizes that “devaluation achieves its greatest efficacy when coupled with a diversified, flexible, and value-added export base.”

Looking ahead, Samson urges policymakers to move beyond reliance on one-time gains, stressing that “For Ethiopia, sustained success requires focusing on the deeper issues, rather than relying mainly on volatile global commodity prices.” He concludes that long-term progress depends on “building resilience, adapting to shifting global realities, and growing in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable”—not just riding temporary waves.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51536

#Kenyan man on death row in #Saudi Arabia freed

A Kenyan man on death row in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade has been released after a lengthy campaign to save him from execution, a Kenyan foreign affairs ministry official has said.

Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho was released under a "judicial decree", Korir Sing'oei posted on X, without giving further details.

His mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, told local media that she "rolled on the floor" when she heard of his release.

Munyakho was working in Saudi Arabia when he was convicted of murdering a Yemeni colleague in 2011. The crime carries the death penalty, but after protracted negotiations, the victim's family agreed to accept blood money.

Kenyan media reported that the family had received $1m (£742,000) earlier this year in a payment made by the government and a charity, the Muslim World League.

Munyakho's execution was postponed multiple times, following interventions by Kenyan officials.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q8kq3z3glo

#Somalia: Fighting between Somali federal troops and #Jubaland forces kills at least ten near #Kenya border

Clashes between Jubaland regional forces and the federal government troops left at least 10 people dead, Tuesday, with Mogadishu accused of trying to exert control over Gedo region in Jubaland state of Somalia.

At Beled-Hawo township near the Kenya- Somalia border, the two rival groups engaged in a fierce gunfight, which came a few months following clashes between the same federal troops and the regional forces within the same state.

The government of Somalia had deployed troops to Ras Kamboni and El-Wak within Jubaland after disagreeing with the outcome of the Jubaland polls, where Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe was re- elected as the leader for the third time.

This is the latest round of enmity resulting from the political differences between the federal government and Jubaland leadership. At the national level, Madobe is a chief critic of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

So severe is the animosity between the two leaders, leading to the recent appointment of Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubbaland interior minister, who was installed as the intelligence officer in charge of Gedo region.

Gedo region remains strategic for the federal government, which is using the divide-and-rule tactic to continue destabilising Jubaland. Previously, such an approach had put Janan in trouble when he was working with Jubaland.

Madobe, just like his Puntland counterpart, Said Abdullahi Deni, accuses President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of working clandestinely to change the constitutional order by removing the current parliamentary system and replacing it with a presidential system.

Hassan Sheikh is also working to dismantle the federal system and has been put on the spot for supporting direct polls in place of indirect polls. This idea has been contested, with critics arguing that the country is not ready for the monumental constitutional changes.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/fighting-between-somali-federal-troops-and-jubaland-forces-kill-at-least-10-near-kenya-border

#Fano armed group denies involvement in recent civilian killings in West #Shewa, confirms its presence in parts of #Oromia, including West Shewa

Fano, the collective of armed group fighting against federal and regional forces in the #Amhara region for the last two years, denied involvement in the 11 July attack in Nono district, West Shewa zone, Oromia region, that left over 16 civilians dead, including a six-month-old infant.

Residents and officials blamed the attack on Fano militants allegedly crossing from the Gurage zone. While confirming its presence in parts of Oromia, including West Shewa, Fano leadership told Addis Standard, “We are a disciplined force… those responsible do not belong to our structure,” and emphasized that it does not target civilians.

The group acknowledged its armed units are active in multiple zones of Oromia, claiming their mission is to defend Amhara communities from what they described as “state-sponsored looting” and persecution. “The persecution of civilians… has continued unabated since 2020,” a Fano leader said, accusing regional security forces and groups posing as OLA of enabling attacks on Amhara residents. The group insists it only targets “the system and its enforcers,” not civilians.

Despite these denials, Fano has been repeatedly accused of attacks across western and central Oromia. In March, local authorities in Abe Dongoro, Horo Guduru Wollega, said more than 20 people were killed by Fano-linked militants. Additional incidents in Jardega Jarte, Darra, and East Shewa have been tied to armed groups identifying as Fano.

Addis Standard’s repeated requests for comment from Oromia’s regional authorities have gone unanswered.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51542

#Tigray Interim Administration announces leadership changes in Southern Zone; key appointee rejects post

The Tigray Interim Administration has announced major leadership changes in the Southern Zone, appointing a new committee to oversee the region. Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, president of the administration, said the reshuffle is aimed at addressing security risks and ensuring stability. However, one of the key appointees, Asmelash Reda, has rejected the post, saying he was neither consulted nor in agreement with the decision, and denied claims of prior collaboration.

Haftu Kiros, the outgoing administrator of the zone, also confirmed his removal and strongly opposed the move, accusing a faction within the TPLF of orchestrating the reshuffle to serve Eritrean interests. He described the midnight arrival of security forces in Maichew and Mokhoni as an act of aggression that violates the zone’s right to self-administration. Lt. Gen. Tadesse, however, defended the decision as a necessary government measure, insisting the reshuffle was peaceful and legal.

Tensions in Southern Tigray have been escalating since March, when the interim government accused military elements of undermining local structures. The situation further deteriorated in May, when residents protested remarks by TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, who hinted at leadership changes in the zone. The latest developments mark a deepening of political rifts within Tigray’s transitional leadership.

https://addisstandard.com/tigray-interim-administration-announces-leadership-changes-in-southern-zone-key-appointee-rejects-post

Iconic horned species from #Ethiopia may not survive this ‘time of lawlessness’

The walia ibex, with its distinctive large curved horns, is regarded as a national symbol in Ethiopia. It is also “one of the most threatened mammals” on the brink of extinction, experts said.

The species came close to extinction in 1966. Officials established the Simien Mountains National Park to protect the last 200 walia ibexes on Earth, where for decades, their population grew.

Now, recent surveys show their numbers are approaching critical levels again, according to a study published July 21 in the journal Oryx.

“The war opened the door for poaching during this time of lawlessness,” a local resident told researchers. In 2015, researchers counted 865 walia ibexes in Simien Mountains National Park. In 2024, just 306 were documented, 194 of which were adults, the study said.

According to the study, more than 70% of people “attributed the drop in walia ibex numbers to poaching, both for food and medicinal purposes,” citing COVID-19 and the 2021–2022 Tigray war just north of the park as “fundamental” causes.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article311229375.html#storylink=cpy