#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/

Fossils of human ancestors #Lucy and #Selam arrive in #Prague from #Ethiopia

A special Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa brought Lucy, the famous 3.2 million-year-old fossil of the Australopithecus afarensis species, to Prague's Václav Havel Airport. She was joined by Selam, a fossil of a small child of the same species, which is 100,000 years older. Both will be the main attractions of the National Museum in Prague's exhibition ennoscriptd People and their Ancestors.

https://english.radio.cz/fossils-human-ancestors-lucy-and-selam-arrive-prague-ethiopia-8860144

#Amnesty urges #Ethiopia to drop proposed #CSO law amendments, warns of ‘total closure’ of #civic_space

Amnesty International has called on Ethiopian authorities to immediately withdraw proposed amendments to the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Proclamation, warning that the changes would reverse hard-won legal reforms and mark a “total closure of civic space” in the country.

In a statement issued on 18 August, Amnesty accused the Ministry of Justice of leading the amendment process in “strict secrecy,” with limited consultation restricted to government-aligned groups. The rights body warned that the proposals represent “a sharp rise in authoritarian practices” and urged Ethiopia’s development partners to press the government to halt the changes.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51970

#Commentary: Beyond Celebrating World Humanitarian Day: Protecting aid workers amid escalating attacks, mounting risks

On 19 August 2025, #World_Humanitarian_Day honors the dedication of aid workers, yet this year’s commemoration underscores a sobering reality: “Humanitarian work is becoming more dangerous than ever, with escalating attacks, deliberate targeting, and persistent gaps in protection,” writes Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary. He notes that despite robust legal frameworks, including International Humanitarian Law and #UN Security Council resolutions, aid personnel increasingly face physical violence, cyber harassment, and operational threats.

The author explains that 2024 marked the deadliest year on record, with 344 aid workers killed across 20 countries, up from 280 in 2023. Violence continued into 2025, including 134 killed and 73 kidnapped. Certain conflict zones, such as #Gaza, proved particularly lethal, while #Ethiopia and #Sudan experienced multiple fatalities among both international and national staff. Nigussie emphasizes that despite strong legal frameworks, "implementation and enforcement of humanitarian protection remain inadequate," leaving aid workers, especially "national staff and community volunteers," vulnerable.

The article identifies key challenges, including a lack of detailed data on attacks, insufficient digital security, and weak accountability mechanisms. Although operational tools are available, they are "unevenly applied across contexts." The article points to lessons from Ethiopia, where local conflict dynamics and governance issues intensify these risks, despite existing reporting tools.

The author contends that World Humanitarian Day 2025 must go beyond ceremonial tributes. He argues that "recognition without protection fails the very people we celebrate" and urges the international community to "translate recognition into action" by strengthening the enforcement of international norms, creating more robust accountability pathways, and prioritizing the safety of local responders.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51966

#Ethiopian government vows strict action against unjustified price #hikes following civil service #salary adjustment

The Ethiopian government has warned that it will take strict action against businesses that unjustifiably raise prices following the recent civil servant salary adjustment announcement.

Mekuria Haile (PhD), Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, emphasized that, since the adjusted salaries will not be paid until October, any premature price increases are unwarranted and will be closely monitored.

He added that a government directive has been issued to the Ministry of Trade to take punitive action against offenders. “A directive has been issued… to take measures against those who unreasonably increase prices, to serve as a lesson for the future,” Mekuria said.