#Somali forces kill senior Al-Shabaab commander Magaalabeen in Bakool region

Somali National Armed Forces have killed senior Al-Shabaab commander Hussein Moallim Hassan, known as Magaalabeen, during a military operation in Southwest state on Sunday.

The operation took place near Buurdhuuxunle, about 17 km north of Waajid in Bakool region, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.

Magaalabeen, one of Al-Shabaab’s most wanted leaders, had been with the group for more than 15 years and was a central figure in planning and executing attacks across multiple regions, including Hiiraan, Middle and Lower Shabelle, Mudug, Galgaduud, Bay, Bakool, and Gedo.

During his time in the group, he held several senior positions, including operational commander in Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions, head of taxation in Bakool, chief of intelligence in the Shabelle regions and Hiiraan, and deputy to Fu’ad Mohamed Shangole, Al-Shabaab’s propaganda and indoctrination chief.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Aug/202592/somali_forces_kill_senior_al_shabaab_commander_magaalabeen_in_bakool_region.aspx?utm_source=hiiraan&utm_medium=SomaliNewsUpdateFront

Commercial Bank of #Ethiopia disburses over $1 billion in #foreign exchange since July

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) announced that it has disbursed more than $1 billion in foreign exchange since the beginning of the current fiscal year on 1 July 2025, amid mounting government pressure to curb the use of informal currency markets.

According to the bank, on 16 August alone it approved all foreign currency requests submitted by its customers, disbursing $420.4 million for various purposes. Combined with approvals made over the past two weeks, beginning 29 July, the total reached $541.4 million to 1,140 customers.


Earlier this month, the central bank issued a warning to businesses and members of the diaspora to refrain from engaging in parallel market transactions, threatening asset confiscation and coordinated international action against foreign-based money transmitters.

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1957380555097403438

#Commentary: Rising Taxes, Shrinking Wallets: How #Ethiopia’s fiscal reforms strain low-income households amid high inflation, stagnant wages

Since 2023, the Ethiopian government has introduced sweeping tax reforms and increased public service fees to finance its growing budget and secure loans from international lenders such as the #IMF and #World_Bank. These measures include new taxes on utilities, digital services, property, and consumer goods. While they have boosted state revenue, Samson Hailu, the author of this commentary, argues that these measures are disproportionately affecting low-income households, who are already grappling with high inflation and stagnant wages. He emphasizes that "for many, this has led to difficult choices, with families skipping meals, moving to smaller or more remote dwellings, and abandoning essential transportation in order to survive."

While officials often cite Ethiopia’s low tax-to-GDP ratio of 6.8%—significantly below the IMF’s 15% benchmark—as justification for the reforms, the author notes that the country’s high inflation has “distorted” economic figures, “pushing taxpayers into higher brackets without real income gains” and creating a “misleading impression of increased tax potential when, in reality, the change is merely a byproduct of inflation.” Citing a newly released study, he further contends that "inflated GDP estimates may exaggerate Ethiopia’s revenue shortfall," adding that “tax revenues may not be underperforming as sharply as headline numbers suggest.”

The article also cautions against using #Kenya’s tax-to-GDP ratio of 14% as a benchmark, highlighting "this comparison ignores Ethiopia's harsh reality," where inflation has eroded purchasing power by more than 200% in five years, while the average annual income remains just $622. By contrast, Kenya has kept inflation below 8% over the same period, with average incomes at roughly $4,000, which is six times higher than Ethiopia’s. Under these conditions, the author states that "raising taxes to Kenyan levels would impose an unsustainable burden on households already struggling to meet basic needs."

While the government’s revenue drive may be fiscally necessary, Samson emphasizes that “Without measures to protect the vulnerable and raise real incomes, fiscal reform risks deepening hardship rather than fostering stability.” He warns that "a strategy that only focuses on meeting budget targets or satisfying external lenders will not succeed if it ignores the lived realities of citizens."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51914

#Somaliland President Visits #Berbera, Highlights Electricity Reforms Ahead of U.S. Talks

Somaliland President Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Sunday led a senior government delegation to Berbera, using his first official working visit to the port city since taking office to spotlight economic reforms, security priorities and regional development.

Irro, who was elected in November 2024, was greeted by citizens along the Hargeisa–Berbera route, where crowds turned out to welcome his convoy.

During the trip, Irro toured the international port of Berbera, a strategic hub on the Gulf of Aden, and reviewed ongoing modernization efforts seen as vital to the country’s economic future. The visit came just days after Berbera drew renewed international attention over its potential role as a future U.S. naval base, following Somaliland’s recent offer to Washington as part of its decades-long push for international recognition.

Diplomatic sources say negotiations between Hargeisa and Washington are edging closer to a recognition deal, with President Irro expected to visit the United States in the coming weeks to advance discussions.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/somaliland-president-visits-berbera-highlights-electricity-reforms-ahead-of-u-s-talks/

#Ethiopia raises #civil servants’ salaries; degree-holder entry pay set at 11,500 birr from September

The Federal Civil Service Commission has announced a major salary adjustment for civil servants, effective September 2025. Under the revised pay scale, the entry-level salary for bachelor’s degree holders will increase from 6,940 (≈ US$ 49. 34) birr to 11,500 birr (≈ US$ 82) per month.

In a statement released today, the commission said the adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing effort to ease the burden of rising living costs “within the country’s financial capacity.” It noted that civil servants have continued to deliver essential services despite economic pressures, a factor that prompted the latest revision.

The new scheme also raises the minimum salary for government employees from 4,760(≈$35) birr to 6,000(≈$44) birr, while the maximum salary will nearly double, rising from 21,492(≈$158) birr to 39,000(≈$286) birr. Salaries in sectors outside the civil service will also be revised, the commission added.

According to official figures, the adjustment will require an additional 160 billion birr, raising the government’s total annual salary expenditure to 560 billion birr.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51918

#EZEMA, media association demand disclosure of whereabouts of two disappeared journalists amid #Ethiopia’s shrinking press freedom

EZEMA and the Ethiopian Media Professionals Association (#EMPA) have demanded the government disclose the whereabouts of journalists Abdulsemed Mohammed and Yonas Amare, who they say were taken in an “extra-legal manner.” Abdulsemed, host of Kidame Gebeya on Ahadu Radio, went missing on 12 August, while Yonas, a reporter for Reporter newspaper, was taken from his home two days later. Their families say police have denied holding them.

“Even if the journalists were suspected of a crime, they should have been taken into custody legally and brought before a court within 48 hours. The fact that their whereabouts are unknown is of great concern to us,” EMPA said.

Describing the disappearances as a “dangerous practice that is unacceptable in any way,” the Association warned that such actions “seriously erode the freedom of the media landscape, and the relevant bodies must collectively prevent it.”

The case comes amid growing concern over Ethiopia’s shrinking press freedom space. The 2025 World Press Freedom Index ranked Ethiopia 145th globally, placing it for the first time in the “very serious” category.

EMPA warned: “The disappearance of journalists and not bringing them to court in an extra-legal manner is a dangerous practice that is unacceptable in any way.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51921

#Ethiopia: Armed attack by ‘unidentified’ assailants near Addis Abeba leaves three bank employees, 11 security forces dead

An attack by yet “unidentified” armed individuals in Sululta woreda, North Shewa zone of Oromia region, some 31 kms north of the capital Addis Abeba, on Friday, 16 August, left three employees of the Cooperative Bank of Oromia and 11 security forces dead, according to Tolera Shula, head of the bank’s marketing and public relations department.

Tolera told Addis Standard that the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. near the town of Chancho, as bank employees were transporting cash by car from the Mulo branch to Addis Abeba. “Four people survived the attack and are currently receiving medical assistance,” he said.

The victims included two drivers and a courier assigned to transport the money.

In a statement of condolence issued on Saturday, the bank’s Board of Directors and management expressed “profound sadness” over the deaths of Kasahun Hinkosa, Gemechu Tilahun, and Mesay Abera, extending their “deepest condolences” to families, friends, and colleagues.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51926

#Ethiopia moves to tax #digital businesses, #online content creators

The Ministry of Revenues has announced plans to bring digital businesses and online content creators into the tax framework under a new proclamation.

Birhanu Sisay, Director of Tax Affairs Education at the Ministry, said the law applies to resident entities in Ethiopia engaged in digital commerce, including those who develop, use, sell, or exchange software for profit.

He explained that the scope also covers businesses using applications that provide accounting services for multiple clients, as well as individuals earning income through advertisements on platforms such as #YouTube and #TikTok.

“Content creators producing and distributing educational videos with large audiences are similarly required to comply,” Birhanu added.

According to him, the measure aims to ensure that digital enterprises are integrated into the commercial system and contribute to national revenue.

#Sudan PM urges UN to act now on ‘moral test’ of El Fasher siege

Sudan’s prime minister on Monday urged the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action to lift the months-long siege on the city of El Fasher in Darfur, calling the escalating humanitarian crisis a “moral test” for the international community.

In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council, Prime Minister Kamil Idris said hundreds of thousands of trapped civilians can no longer wait for “procedural discussions or delayed resolutions.”

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have besieged El Fasher, the last army stronghold in the Darfur region, since April 2024, blocking the entry of aid, food, and medicine.

“This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a moral test for the United Nations,” Idris wrote. “International law prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon of war.”

https://sudantribune.com/article304082/

#Ethiopia: Nearly 50,000 people at risk, over 9,000 livestock perish as #drought worsens in #Tselemti district, #Tigray

Nearly 50,000 people in Tselemti district, northwestern Tigray, are at risk of hunger and displacement as a severe drought continues to devastate the area, while more than 9,000 livestock have already perished, according to local officials.

Farmers have already begun leaving the area in search of food. So far, 807 cattle, 8,351 sheep and goats, 108 donkeys, and two camels have died from hunger. "Farmers are being displaced in an effort to save their remaining livestock,” said Nega Adugna, administrator of Laelay Tselemti district. Nega appealed for urgent assistance, calling on the federal government and international NGOs to intervene “to prevent further loss of life and displacement.”

Gebrehiwet Gebregzabher, head of the Tigray Regional Disaster Risk Management Bureau, confirmed the impact of the drought to Addis Standard but said, the bureau is “conducting a region-wide study on the drought. It has not been finalized yet.”

The crisis in Tselemti follows earlier reports from Kola Tembien, Central Tigray, where at least 22 people and more than 27,000 livestock died.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51931

#Ethiopia: Latest killing of humanitarian worker in #Amhara region draws #ERCS condemnation, renewed plea for safety

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has condemned the killing of its staff member, Honelegn Fantahun, in Amhara region, the latest in a pattern of deadly attacks on humanitarian workers. Honelegn, who was serving in #North_Gondar Zone, was abducted on 14 August while carrying out operations near Cheneqe, 15 km from #Debark town, and killed a day later.

“Despite surviving cruel beatings and harassment, his life was brutally taken on August 15, 2025,” ERCS said.

The Society urged all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions. “Humanitarian workers must be protected and allowed to deliver assistance safely and impartially.”

This latest killing follows repeated attacks against Red Cross personnel and assets, including a “horrific” assault on two ambulances in Oromia and Amhara in January, the killing of ambulance driver Weldu Aregawi in Tigray, and the burning of a Red Cross ambulance in West Wollega.

The UN is commemorating World Humanitarian Day today in Ethiopia and across the globe. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Ethiopia said the day honors “the courage and commitment of humanitarian workers across Ethiopia,” noting that they “risk their lives to deliver aid to those who need it most.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51939

Seized arms ship bound for #Somalia diverts to #Djibouti after #Puntland release

The recently seized Sea World vessel headed to the neighboring Djibouti against the initial destination of Mogadishu, following a temporary seizure at Puntland, the northern state of Somalia, which suspected its intent given the weapons it was carrying.

The cargo ship was coming from Izmir, Turkey, before it was detained by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), and reports indicate that it was headed to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Somalia had its arms embargo lifted a few months ago.

Further reports indicate that the cargo was meant for military teams training in Somalia, famously known as TURKSOM, the largest overseas training facility in the country, the home to Gorgor troops who are critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

But multiple sources have hinted that the vessel made a U-turn, heading towards Djibouti instead of Mogadishu under unclear reasons. Neither Mogadishu nor Ankara have stated with regard to the current situation.

Puntland authorities decided to release the Sea World ship following a visit by the Turkish ambassador to Somalia, who presented evidence confirming that the arms shipment aboard the vessel belongs to the Turkish government, according to a statement from Puntland authorities.

The PMPF seized the general cargo vessel Sea World, sailing under the Comoros flag, which was carrying a consignment of Turkish military equipment destined for the Somali military (SNA). The ship was brought to Bosaso Port.
https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/seized-arms-ship-bound-for-somalia-diverts-to-djibouti-after-puntland-release

#Op_ed: Honoring sacrifice and local response on World Humanitarian Day

In this op-ed commemorating #World_Humanitarian_Day, celebrated today, 19 August, 2025, the co-chairs of the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group, representing the Embassies of the #UK and #Germany, reflected on the bravery and sacrifice of aid workers in #Ethiopia and worldwide. They draw attention to the tragedy that struck Ethiopia’s humanitarian community last week when three Ethiopian Red Cross Society (#ERCS) staff were kidnapped in North #Gondar. One of them, Honelign Fentaw, a father of three and a disaster risk management expert, later died from injuries sustained during his captivity. His two years of service were a stark reminder that "the vast majority of humanitarian workers killed in the line of duty are host country nationals."

The authors note that World Humanitarian Day, established in 2004 to honor the 22 aid workers killed in #Baghdad, "is both a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and a call to action for the global community." They pointed out the grim reality that "the past year was the deadliest ever recorded for aid workers, and tragically 2025 is on track to surpass this grim milestone."

On World Humanitarian Day, the authors deliver a clear message: “Empathy and global solidarity must remain at the heart of humanitarianism.” They emphasized that honoring fallen heroes like Honelign demands more than just remembrance—it requires a commitment to building a future humanitarian system, "one that is locally led, globally supported, and unwavering in its dedication to those who need it most."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51933

#Ethiopia: #Labor_Confederation urges private sector to follow govt’s lead on salary increases for #workers

Kassahun Follo, President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), urged the private sector to follow the government’s lead in revising salaries to ease the rising cost of living. He called the government’s decision “a commendable response” to the economic hardships facing workers.

“The salary increase will provide relative relief for low-wage employees, and the private sector should demonstrate the same commitment,” Kassahun said, while also pressing authorities to accelerate the establishment of a national minimum wage floor.

The salary raise comes at a time when Ethiopia’s fixed income earners are grappling with persistent inflation, which many people fear will be exacerbated following the raise.

The latest revision also comes after the 2025 income tax reform, which raised the tax-free threshold for monthly employment income from 600 birr (≈US$4.6) to 2,000 birr (≈US$14.7) was approved by parliament despite CETU’s recommendations to exempt workers earning up to 8,300 birr (≈US$62) per month from income tax.

In a move to ease speculative price hikes, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) has warned that it will “take action” against traders who unjustifiably raise the prices of goods.

Minister Kassahun Gofe admitted that “money-obsessed traders” have previously exploited such measures by inflating prices, describing it as “a disgraceful act from the standpoint of business ethics” and warned the trade structure at all levels will work in coordination with justice and security bodies to take corrective measures against non-compliant traders.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51943

Senior #US diplomat joins calls for #Somaliland recognition

Momentum is building in Washington for the United States to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, as influential former U.S. diplomat Herman J. Cohen joined Senator Ted Cruz in urging the White House to act.

Cohen, who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs between 1989 and 1993, said recognition would serve American national interests in the Horn of Africa and counter Beijing’s influence. “I recommend the State Department proceed with its policy review and formally accept the Republic of Somaliland as a nation,” Cohen wrote on X, quoting a Semafor report.

His remarks follow a letter last week by Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, who pressed President Donald Trump to extend formal recognition. Cruz described Somaliland as “a critical security and diplomatic partner for the United States, helping America advance our national security interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond.”

Cruz warned that China was “using economic and diplomatic coercion to punish Somaliland for its support for Taiwan,” and said recognition would help shield the territory from Beijing’s pressure.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/senior-u-s-diplomat-joins-calls-for-somaliland-recognition/