#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
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
Bbc
Kenyan man on death row in Saudi Arabia freed
Stephen Munyakho's mother tells local media she "rolled on the floor" on hearing her son had been released.
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#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
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
Garowe Online
Fighting Between Somali Federal Troops and Jubaland Forces Kills 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
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
Addis Standard
Fano armed group denies involvement in recent civilian killings in West Shewa, confirms its presence in parts of Oromia, including…
Fano armed group denies involvement in recent civilian killings in West Shewa, confirms its presence in parts of Oromia, including West Shewa Addis Standard News -
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#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
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
Addis Standard
Tigray Interim Administration announces leadership changes in Southern Zone; key appointee rejects post - Addis Standard
Tigray Interim Administration announces leadership changes in Southern Zone; key appointee rejects post Addis Standard News -
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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
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
Miami Herald
Iconic horned species from Ethiopia may not survive this ‘time of lawlessness’
The country’s only known population, which draws thousands of tourists to the Simien Mountains each year, is down to 306 individuals.
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#Türkiye becomes #Ethiopia’s ‘second-largest’ foreign investor
Türkiye is now Ethiopia’s “second-largest” foreign investor, with total investments nearing USD 2.5 billion across sectors including textiles, agribusiness, and digital infrastructure, state daily reported citing Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum in Addis Abeba on Tuesday, Zeleke said over 260 Turkish companies are currently operating in Ethiopia.
The commissioner highlighted that beyond long lasting Ethio-Turkish diplomatic relations, the collaboration between the two countries now extends “to include trade, technology, health, education, and culture.”
Türkiye’s Commercial Counsellor in Addis Abeba, Taha Alperen Salar, said Ethiopia is Türkiye’s “strategic partner in East Africa” with its potential as a regional trade hub.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948270637413265705?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Türkiye is now Ethiopia’s “second-largest” foreign investor, with total investments nearing USD 2.5 billion across sectors including textiles, agribusiness, and digital infrastructure, state daily reported citing Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum in Addis Abeba on Tuesday, Zeleke said over 260 Turkish companies are currently operating in Ethiopia.
The commissioner highlighted that beyond long lasting Ethio-Turkish diplomatic relations, the collaboration between the two countries now extends “to include trade, technology, health, education, and culture.”
Türkiye’s Commercial Counsellor in Addis Abeba, Taha Alperen Salar, said Ethiopia is Türkiye’s “strategic partner in East Africa” with its potential as a regional trade hub.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948270637413265705?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#Ethiopia: Provocative Facebook post forces #Afar police to disown page, blame ‘rogue ex-employee’ who fled region
A provocative Facebook post accusing Ethiopia’s ruling party of collusion and betrayal has prompted the Afar Regional Police Commission to disown its official page, attributing the post to a “rogue ex-employee.”
In a statement issued via the Ethiopian Federal Police, the commission claimed that Haji Jamii Adam Ahmed, a former communications officer “missing for four years, reopened the page using personal credentials” and posted the statement while allegedly defecting to an “enemy.”
The Facebook post, published on 23 July and still visible at the time of reporting, accused the Prosperity Party (PP) of “unscrupulously exploiting public resources” and “orchestrating conflicts between ethnic groups.” It further claimed the ruling party had “agreed to hand over the sovereign territory of the Afar people to the Isa terrorists,” referring to them as “historical enemies of the Afar.” It also alleged that strategic locations within Afar territory were being provided to a splinter group led by Getachew Reda, Tigray region former interim president, for military purposes.
The commission declared that the post did not reflect its official position and urged the public to disregard any content from the compromised page. It also announced that legal and technical measures were being taken to regain control.
addisstandard.com/?p=51547
A provocative Facebook post accusing Ethiopia’s ruling party of collusion and betrayal has prompted the Afar Regional Police Commission to disown its official page, attributing the post to a “rogue ex-employee.”
In a statement issued via the Ethiopian Federal Police, the commission claimed that Haji Jamii Adam Ahmed, a former communications officer “missing for four years, reopened the page using personal credentials” and posted the statement while allegedly defecting to an “enemy.”
The Facebook post, published on 23 July and still visible at the time of reporting, accused the Prosperity Party (PP) of “unscrupulously exploiting public resources” and “orchestrating conflicts between ethnic groups.” It further claimed the ruling party had “agreed to hand over the sovereign territory of the Afar people to the Isa terrorists,” referring to them as “historical enemies of the Afar.” It also alleged that strategic locations within Afar territory were being provided to a splinter group led by Getachew Reda, Tigray region former interim president, for military purposes.
The commission declared that the post did not reflect its official position and urged the public to disregard any content from the compromised page. It also announced that legal and technical measures were being taken to regain control.
addisstandard.com/?p=51547
Addis Standard
Provocative Facebook post forces Afar police to disown page, blame ‘rogue ex-employee’ who fled region - Addis Standard
Provocative Facebook post forces Afar police to disown page, blame ‘rogue ex-employee’ who fled region Addis Standard News -
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Debris of plane with 49 people on board found in #Russia’s far east: Report
A Russian passenger plane with 49 people on board has crashed in the country’s far east, leaving no survivors, according to preliminary information, local news agencies reported.
The Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief said on Thursday that the An-24 plane, operated by Siberia-based airline Angara, dropped off radar screens while approaching its destination, Tynda, a town in the Amur region bordering China.
Russian rescuers found the fuselage of the plane in flames, the Emergencies Ministry said, and debris from the plane was located in Amur, Interfax news agency reported with all aboard feared dead.
“An Mi-8 helicopter operated by Rosaviatsiya [Russia’s civil aviation authority] has spotted the burning fuselage of the aircraft,” the ministry said on Telegram.
According to TASS news agency, an error by the plane’s crew while landing amid poor visibility is one of the possible reasons for the crash.
aje.io/gkec9v
A Russian passenger plane with 49 people on board has crashed in the country’s far east, leaving no survivors, according to preliminary information, local news agencies reported.
The Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief said on Thursday that the An-24 plane, operated by Siberia-based airline Angara, dropped off radar screens while approaching its destination, Tynda, a town in the Amur region bordering China.
Russian rescuers found the fuselage of the plane in flames, the Emergencies Ministry said, and debris from the plane was located in Amur, Interfax news agency reported with all aboard feared dead.
“An Mi-8 helicopter operated by Rosaviatsiya [Russia’s civil aviation authority] has spotted the burning fuselage of the aircraft,” the ministry said on Telegram.
According to TASS news agency, an error by the plane’s crew while landing amid poor visibility is one of the possible reasons for the crash.
aje.io/gkec9v
Al Jazeera
Debris of plane with 49 people aboard found in Russia’s far east: Interfax
Local emergencies ministry says the plane dropped off radar near the Amur region, bordering China.
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#Somaliland, #Taiwan sign maritime security pact as visiting FM meets Taiwanese president, counterpart in first cabinet-level visit to Taipei
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met on Thursday with a senior delegation from Somaliland led by Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam, as the two partners signed a new maritime security agreement and reaffirmed their growing diplomatic partnership.
The coast guard cooperation agreement, signed in Taipei by Somaliland Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung, aims to strengthen collaboration in maritime security, training, and joint exercises.
President Lai wrote on X: “With today’s coast guard agreement and expansion into areas like maritime security and blue economy, our nations are writing a new chapter in our partnership and showing the resilience of democratic alliances.”
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/07/taiwan-somaliland-sign-maritime-security-pact-amid-growing-ties/
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met on Thursday with a senior delegation from Somaliland led by Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam, as the two partners signed a new maritime security agreement and reaffirmed their growing diplomatic partnership.
The coast guard cooperation agreement, signed in Taipei by Somaliland Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung, aims to strengthen collaboration in maritime security, training, and joint exercises.
President Lai wrote on X: “With today’s coast guard agreement and expansion into areas like maritime security and blue economy, our nations are writing a new chapter in our partnership and showing the resilience of democratic alliances.”
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/07/taiwan-somaliland-sign-maritime-security-pact-amid-growing-ties/
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#Tigray political parties oppose leadership reshuffle in Southern zone; dozen of #civil society groups voice concern over security forces’ involvement
Political parties and civil society groups in Tigray are pushing back against recent sweeping leadership changes in the region’s Southern zone, accusing the Interim Administration of consolidating power within a single faction. In a joint statement, opposition coalition Covenant of Tigray for National Salvation said, “This administration, which operates from the TPLF office, is driving Tigray toward further destruction and division,” calling for a transitional government formed through inclusive dialogue.
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, President of the Interim Administration, announced a new leadership committee on Wednesday. He confirmed to Addis Standard that he reappointed Asmelash Reda to head it, but Asmelash rejected the post. “I neither knew nor believed in the appointment,” he told Addis Standard.
Outgoing Zonal Chief Haftu Kiros, who was reassigned to head the Bureau of Social Affairs, also declined the role, saying, “I cannot accept a responsibility that lacks proper consultation, disregards legitimate public concerns, and fails to address pressing public demands.”
The Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT), representing 124 groups, condemned the involvement of security forces in the reshuffle. It warned that recent operations under the guise of “ensuring security” have caused community distress and undermined peace. Tensions have been growing since March, with protests erupting in Maichew in May following remarks by TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael signaling “leadership adjustments.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51552
Political parties and civil society groups in Tigray are pushing back against recent sweeping leadership changes in the region’s Southern zone, accusing the Interim Administration of consolidating power within a single faction. In a joint statement, opposition coalition Covenant of Tigray for National Salvation said, “This administration, which operates from the TPLF office, is driving Tigray toward further destruction and division,” calling for a transitional government formed through inclusive dialogue.
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, President of the Interim Administration, announced a new leadership committee on Wednesday. He confirmed to Addis Standard that he reappointed Asmelash Reda to head it, but Asmelash rejected the post. “I neither knew nor believed in the appointment,” he told Addis Standard.
Outgoing Zonal Chief Haftu Kiros, who was reassigned to head the Bureau of Social Affairs, also declined the role, saying, “I cannot accept a responsibility that lacks proper consultation, disregards legitimate public concerns, and fails to address pressing public demands.”
The Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT), representing 124 groups, condemned the involvement of security forces in the reshuffle. It warned that recent operations under the guise of “ensuring security” have caused community distress and undermined peace. Tensions have been growing since March, with protests erupting in Maichew in May following remarks by TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael signaling “leadership adjustments.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51552
Addis Standard
Tigray political parties oppose leadership reshuffle in Southern zone; dozen of civil society groups voice concern over security…
Tigray political parties oppose leadership reshuffle in Southern zone; dozen of civil society groups voice concern over security forces’ involvement Addis Standard News -
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Macron says #France will recognise #Palestinian state in September
President Emmanuel Macron says France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
France will recognise Palestine as a state, President Emmanuel Macron has said.
Macron said in a post on X on Thursday that he will formalise the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“In keeping with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote.
At least 142 countries out of the 193 members of the UN currently recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, but several powerful Western countries have refused to do so. They include the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/macron-says-france-will-recognise-palestinian-state-in-september
President Emmanuel Macron says France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
France will recognise Palestine as a state, President Emmanuel Macron has said.
Macron said in a post on X on Thursday that he will formalise the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“In keeping with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote.
At least 142 countries out of the 193 members of the UN currently recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, but several powerful Western countries have refused to do so. They include the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/macron-says-france-will-recognise-palestinian-state-in-september
Al Jazeera
Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state in September
President Emmanuel Macron says France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
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DR #Congo, #Rwanda, UNHCR agree to accelerate voluntary refugee returns in tripartite talks in #Ethiopia
Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, Rwandan Ambassador Charles Karamba, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou sign joint communique on voluntary repatriation of refugees
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) held a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting in Ethiopia on Thursday to discuss the voluntary return of refugees, according to a joint statement.
The parties adopted the 2025-2026 Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map on Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration, outlining key milestones, responsibilities, and timelines, following preparatory work from the group’s meeting in Addis Abeba on July 22-23.
The three parties pledged to expedite the repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees in Goma, strengthen community consultation, explore engagement to resume returns under the July 2025 Doha Declaration, and commit to inclusive reintegration plans.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/dr-congo-rwanda-unhcr-agree-to-accelerate-voluntary-refugee-returns-in-tripartite-talks-in-ethiopia/3641086#
Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, Rwandan Ambassador Charles Karamba, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou sign joint communique on voluntary repatriation of refugees
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) held a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting in Ethiopia on Thursday to discuss the voluntary return of refugees, according to a joint statement.
The parties adopted the 2025-2026 Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map on Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration, outlining key milestones, responsibilities, and timelines, following preparatory work from the group’s meeting in Addis Abeba on July 22-23.
The three parties pledged to expedite the repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees in Goma, strengthen community consultation, explore engagement to resume returns under the July 2025 Doha Declaration, and commit to inclusive reintegration plans.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/dr-congo-rwanda-unhcr-agree-to-accelerate-voluntary-refugee-returns-in-tripartite-talks-in-ethiopia/3641086#
Anadolu Agency
DR Congo, Rwanda, UNHCR agree to accelerate voluntary refugee returns in tripartite talks in Ethiopia
Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, Rwandan Ambassador Charles Karamba, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou sign joint communique on voluntary repatriation of refugees
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#Federal Police to launch crackdown on ‘destabilizing’ social media posts, vows to conduct sweeping citywide checks
The #Ethiopian Federal Police has announced sweeping operations targeting individuals and groups it accused of using social media to incite unrest and “turn the country into a center of chaos and disorder”, and vowed to intensify efforts to bring alleged “anti-peace forces” to justice, both inside Ethiopia and abroad.
As part of the operation, the federal police also said searches and inspections will be conducted in Addis Abeba and surrounding areas, including at all entry and exit checkpoints.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner General Demelash G/Michael, where senior security and intelligence officials discussed a joint security plan to safeguard major international, continental, and national events scheduled from July to September 2025.
Read more at:
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948656458335146110
The #Ethiopian Federal Police has announced sweeping operations targeting individuals and groups it accused of using social media to incite unrest and “turn the country into a center of chaos and disorder”, and vowed to intensify efforts to bring alleged “anti-peace forces” to justice, both inside Ethiopia and abroad.
As part of the operation, the federal police also said searches and inspections will be conducted in Addis Abeba and surrounding areas, including at all entry and exit checkpoints.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner General Demelash G/Michael, where senior security and intelligence officials discussed a joint security plan to safeguard major international, continental, and national events scheduled from July to September 2025.
Read more at:
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948656458335146110
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#Somalia: Al-Shabaab seizes key villages in Hiiraan days after capturing areas near the capital
The militant group Al-Shabaab has captured multiple strategic locations in central and southern Somalia, including Birta Mudan village in Hiiraan and Sabiid and Anoole near Mogadishu, raising alarms over growing insecurity and the apparent absence of a federal response.
On Wednesday morning, Al-Shabaab fighters overran Birta Mudan, located approximately 26 kilometers from Maxaas town in the Hiiraan region.
Residents who fled the area confirmed to Kaab TV that heavily armed militants entered the village on foot. Local Macawisley militia fighters, who had been present in the area, reportedly withdrew before the group advanced.
Dozens of displaced civilians, fearing reprisals from the group, have since arrived in Maxaas. There are mounting fears that Maxaas itself could soon be targeted, as it remains one of the few towns in Hiiraan not yet under Al-Shabaab control.
https://horseedmedia.net/somalia-al-shabaab-seizes-key-villages-in-hiiraan-days-after-capturing-areas-near-the-capital/409543/
The militant group Al-Shabaab has captured multiple strategic locations in central and southern Somalia, including Birta Mudan village in Hiiraan and Sabiid and Anoole near Mogadishu, raising alarms over growing insecurity and the apparent absence of a federal response.
On Wednesday morning, Al-Shabaab fighters overran Birta Mudan, located approximately 26 kilometers from Maxaas town in the Hiiraan region.
Residents who fled the area confirmed to Kaab TV that heavily armed militants entered the village on foot. Local Macawisley militia fighters, who had been present in the area, reportedly withdrew before the group advanced.
Dozens of displaced civilians, fearing reprisals from the group, have since arrived in Maxaas. There are mounting fears that Maxaas itself could soon be targeted, as it remains one of the few towns in Hiiraan not yet under Al-Shabaab control.
https://horseedmedia.net/somalia-al-shabaab-seizes-key-villages-in-hiiraan-days-after-capturing-areas-near-the-capital/409543/
Horseed Media - Latest Somali News & Analysis
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Seizes Key Villages in Hiiraan Days After Capturing Areas Near the Capital | Horseed Media
The militant group Al-Shabaab has captured multiple strategic locations in central and southern Somalia, including Birta Mudan village in Hiiraan and Sabiid and Anoole near Mogadishu, raising alarms over growing insecurity and the apparent absence of a federal…
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#Addis Abeba identifies 247 flood-prone sites as city grapples with seasonal #flood risks
City authorities have identified 247 locations at high risk of flooding as seasonal rains continue to disrupt life in the capital. The disclosure comes amid heightened efforts by the Addis Abeba City Administration to address the growing impact of recurrent urban flooding.
Wendimu Seta, Chief Executive Officer of Addis Ababa City with the rank of Deputy Mayor, told local media that “moderate flooding” is expected in parts of the city this week, according to meteorological forecasts.
He cited the recent flooding in Giyon Hotel area near the Meskel Square as having revealed “major shortcomings in the city’s flood control infrastructure,” while noting that newly constructed drainage in Bethel was blocked by ice, causing overflow. Emergency crews were deployed and managed to clear the blockage and restore water flow, he said.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948684102460150214
City authorities have identified 247 locations at high risk of flooding as seasonal rains continue to disrupt life in the capital. The disclosure comes amid heightened efforts by the Addis Abeba City Administration to address the growing impact of recurrent urban flooding.
Wendimu Seta, Chief Executive Officer of Addis Ababa City with the rank of Deputy Mayor, told local media that “moderate flooding” is expected in parts of the city this week, according to meteorological forecasts.
He cited the recent flooding in Giyon Hotel area near the Meskel Square as having revealed “major shortcomings in the city’s flood control infrastructure,” while noting that newly constructed drainage in Bethel was blocked by ice, causing overflow. Emergency crews were deployed and managed to clear the blockage and restore water flow, he said.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1948684102460150214