#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
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
Addis Standard
Beyond Celebrating World Humanitarian Day: Protecting aid workers amid escalating attacks, mounting risks - Addis Standard
Beyond Celebrating World Humanitarian Day: Protecting aid workers amid escalating attacks, mounting risks Addis Standard Commentary -
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#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.
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.
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#Africa must plug $580B leak to curb debt, AfDB chief says
African governments must end corruption and illicit capital flows that cost the continent more than $580 billion annually if they’re to deal with a debt pile that’s approaching $2 trillion, according to the head of the African Development Bank.
While nations also need access to more concessional financing — and debt-restructuring where necessary — curbing outflows is crucial, Akinwumi Adesina, the lender’s president, said in an interview last week.
“It doesn’t matter how much water you pour into a bucket if the bucket is leaking,” he said in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. “If you’re able to reduce the leakages to illicit capital, also corruption and all of these things, Africa will be able to keep a lot of these resources and meet the amount of infrastructure it needs.”
The AfDB estimated in May that Africa loses about $1.6 billion daily to what it termed “financial leakages.” That figure includes the loss of $90 billion a year to illicit financial flows, with $275 billion “siphoned away” by multinational corporations shifting profits, and $148 billion going astray because of corruption.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-19/africa-must-plug-580-billion-leak-to-curb-debt-afdb-chief-says
African governments must end corruption and illicit capital flows that cost the continent more than $580 billion annually if they’re to deal with a debt pile that’s approaching $2 trillion, according to the head of the African Development Bank.
While nations also need access to more concessional financing — and debt-restructuring where necessary — curbing outflows is crucial, Akinwumi Adesina, the lender’s president, said in an interview last week.
“It doesn’t matter how much water you pour into a bucket if the bucket is leaking,” he said in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. “If you’re able to reduce the leakages to illicit capital, also corruption and all of these things, Africa will be able to keep a lot of these resources and meet the amount of infrastructure it needs.”
The AfDB estimated in May that Africa loses about $1.6 billion daily to what it termed “financial leakages.” That figure includes the loss of $90 billion a year to illicit financial flows, with $275 billion “siphoned away” by multinational corporations shifting profits, and $148 billion going astray because of corruption.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-19/africa-must-plug-580-billion-leak-to-curb-debt-afdb-chief-says
Bloomberg.com
Africa Must Plug $580 Billion Leak to Curb Debt, AfDB Chief Says
African governments must end corruption and illicit capital flows that cost the continent more than $580 billion annually if they’re to deal with a debt pile that’s approaching $2 trillion, according to the head of the African Development Bank.
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#South_Sudan VP Bol Mel secures deals from #UAE’s trip
South Sudan’s Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, jetted to Juba on Sunday after a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he secured deals in oil, agriculture, trade, banking, and finance, as well as infrastructure.
During his visit, VP Bol Mel met with his counterpart, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with a number of other UAE officials.
Addressing journalists upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Sunday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba stated that the visit undertaken under directive of President Salva Kiir aimed to follow up on the outcomes of his last visit to the UAE in June.
“Secondly, to enhance the economic cooperation between the Republic of Sudan and the UAE in different fields, with a main focus on areas such as the oil industry, agriculture, banking and finance, and trade, investment, and infrastructure development, among others,” Kumba said.
https://www.sudanspost.com/south-sudan-vp-bol-mel-secures-deals-from-uaes-trip/
South Sudan’s Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, jetted to Juba on Sunday after a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he secured deals in oil, agriculture, trade, banking, and finance, as well as infrastructure.
During his visit, VP Bol Mel met with his counterpart, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with a number of other UAE officials.
Addressing journalists upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Sunday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba stated that the visit undertaken under directive of President Salva Kiir aimed to follow up on the outcomes of his last visit to the UAE in June.
“Secondly, to enhance the economic cooperation between the Republic of Sudan and the UAE in different fields, with a main focus on areas such as the oil industry, agriculture, banking and finance, and trade, investment, and infrastructure development, among others,” Kumba said.
https://www.sudanspost.com/south-sudan-vp-bol-mel-secures-deals-from-uaes-trip/
Sudans Post
South Sudan VP Bol Mel secures deals from UAE’s trip - Sudans Post
South Sudan’s Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, jetted to Juba on Sunday after a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he secured deals in oil, agriculture, trade, banking, and finance, as well as infrastructure.
Five wounded in #Mekoni, Southern #Tigray, as arrest attempt on local #security official triggers clashes, protests
At least five civilians were injured on Monday after soldiers attempted to arrest the deputy head of the district security office in Mekoni town, Southern Tigray, local officials.
Meselle Ashebir, mayor of Mekoni town, told Addis Standard that the incident occurred in the morning when soldiers attempted to detain Colonel Halefom Mehari, deputy head of the district security office. “When they tried to take him from Mekoni town, the public gathered. It was around 11 a.m., and that’s when the shooting started,” Meselle said.
Mellesse said two of the wounded, one shot in the neck and another in the leg, were transferred to Ayder Hospital in Mekelle, while the other three were treated at Mekoni Hospital.
Dr. Daniel Berhe, a physician at Mekoni Hospital, confirmed the number of victims to Addis Standard. “Five people were admitted to our hospital.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51973
At least five civilians were injured on Monday after soldiers attempted to arrest the deputy head of the district security office in Mekoni town, Southern Tigray, local officials.
Meselle Ashebir, mayor of Mekoni town, told Addis Standard that the incident occurred in the morning when soldiers attempted to detain Colonel Halefom Mehari, deputy head of the district security office. “When they tried to take him from Mekoni town, the public gathered. It was around 11 a.m., and that’s when the shooting started,” Meselle said.
Mellesse said two of the wounded, one shot in the neck and another in the leg, were transferred to Ayder Hospital in Mekelle, while the other three were treated at Mekoni Hospital.
Dr. Daniel Berhe, a physician at Mekoni Hospital, confirmed the number of victims to Addis Standard. “Five people were admitted to our hospital.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51973
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#Landslide kills three in #Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall claimed the lives of three people yesterday afternoon in Kindo Koysha woreda of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia region, local officials confirmed.
According to the zonal administration, the victims were cutting grass near the Finchewa waterfall, located between Borkoshe and Sere Finchewa kebeles, when the landslide struck.
Assistant Professor Samuel Tessema, Chief Administrator of Wolaita Zone, expressed condolences over the incident, describing it as a “sudden tragedy.” He confirmed that the body of one woman has been recovered, while the search continues for the missing mother and her son.
Kindo Koysha and surrounding areas have witnessed similar disasters in recent years. In August last year, two people were killed in a landslide in Kindo Koysha, while another in the neighboring Kawo Koyisha district claimed 11 lives.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958088836975657319
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall claimed the lives of three people yesterday afternoon in Kindo Koysha woreda of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia region, local officials confirmed.
According to the zonal administration, the victims were cutting grass near the Finchewa waterfall, located between Borkoshe and Sere Finchewa kebeles, when the landslide struck.
Assistant Professor Samuel Tessema, Chief Administrator of Wolaita Zone, expressed condolences over the incident, describing it as a “sudden tragedy.” He confirmed that the body of one woman has been recovered, while the search continues for the missing mother and her son.
Kindo Koysha and surrounding areas have witnessed similar disasters in recent years. In August last year, two people were killed in a landslide in Kindo Koysha, while another in the neighboring Kawo Koyisha district claimed 11 lives.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958088836975657319
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#Kenya’s second-largest bank eyes #Ethiopia entry with local bank buy
KCB Group, Kenya’s second-largest lender by market capitalisation, is considering entry into Ethiopia through the acquisition of a local bank, a move that would extend its footprint into one of Africa’s most closely watched financial markets.
During an interview with The African Report on Monday, Paul Russo, CEO of the Nairobi-listed lender, said the bank is weighing an application for exemption from Ethiopia’s foreign ownership rules, which cap overseas stakes at 49%. “Whenever a market like that opens, getting an exemption is not difficult.”
He added that KCB is still seeking a willing partner before approaching the National Bank of Ethiopia. “We have to work it out, and, if it is going for an exemption, there must be a party ready to walk with us,” Russo said, noting that diplomatic backing from Nairobi could be sought if required.
With more than 120 million people, Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation and represents a sizeable untapped market for retail and corporate banking.
The government has long protected the sector from foreign competition, but reforms introduced in December last year opened the door for international players to set up subsidiaries, branches, or minority stakes in local banks.
https://financeinafrica.com/news/kenya-second-largest-bank-ethiopia-entry/
KCB Group, Kenya’s second-largest lender by market capitalisation, is considering entry into Ethiopia through the acquisition of a local bank, a move that would extend its footprint into one of Africa’s most closely watched financial markets.
During an interview with The African Report on Monday, Paul Russo, CEO of the Nairobi-listed lender, said the bank is weighing an application for exemption from Ethiopia’s foreign ownership rules, which cap overseas stakes at 49%. “Whenever a market like that opens, getting an exemption is not difficult.”
He added that KCB is still seeking a willing partner before approaching the National Bank of Ethiopia. “We have to work it out, and, if it is going for an exemption, there must be a party ready to walk with us,” Russo said, noting that diplomatic backing from Nairobi could be sought if required.
With more than 120 million people, Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation and represents a sizeable untapped market for retail and corporate banking.
The government has long protected the sector from foreign competition, but reforms introduced in December last year opened the door for international players to set up subsidiaries, branches, or minority stakes in local banks.
https://financeinafrica.com/news/kenya-second-largest-bank-ethiopia-entry/
Finance in Africa
Kenya's second-largest bank eyes Ethiopia entry with local bank buy - Finance in Africa
KCB Group, Kenya’s second-largest lender by market capitalisation, is considering entry into Ethiopia through the acquisition of a local bank.
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#Ethiopian Embassy in #Kenya issues apology over inaccurate statement on #Somali region's controversial restructuring
The Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi has issued an apology and clarification after publishing, and later deleting, a statement on its official page regarding the establishment of a new administrative structure in the Somali Regional State. The post sparked online controversy among netizens.
In its initial message, the embassy said a welcoming ceremony was held in Nairobi to mark the creation of the Gurra–Dhaamole Zone and Hagar Moqor District. The event was reportedly attended by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Demeke Atnafu, alongside Somali regional diaspora representatives and Kenyan officials. Ambassador Demeke was quoted as describing the restructuring as a symbol of empowerment and inclusive governance, linking it to ongoing political reforms under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51979
The Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi has issued an apology and clarification after publishing, and later deleting, a statement on its official page regarding the establishment of a new administrative structure in the Somali Regional State. The post sparked online controversy among netizens.
In its initial message, the embassy said a welcoming ceremony was held in Nairobi to mark the creation of the Gurra–Dhaamole Zone and Hagar Moqor District. The event was reportedly attended by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Demeke Atnafu, alongside Somali regional diaspora representatives and Kenyan officials. Ambassador Demeke was quoted as describing the restructuring as a symbol of empowerment and inclusive governance, linking it to ongoing political reforms under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51979
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#Eritrea has imprisoned 7 church leaders for decades without charges
In the nearly 21 years since two Orthodox priests were arbitrarily imprisoned in Eritrea, their wives have died.
Neither the Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis nor Dr. Futsum Gebrenegus have been charged with a crime since their arrest on Nov. 19, 2004, nor has a third Orthodox priest seized at that time, the Rev. Tekleab Menghisteab, received due process. All three were active in a renewal movement within the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church that the regime of President Isaias Afwerki, in power since 1993, persecuted — though the Orthodox church is one of four religious bodies legal in Eritrea.
The Orthodox priests based in Medhane Alem Church are three of six Christians imprisoned in horrific conditions since 2004, along with another arrested in 2005 — all without charges, trial or access to an attorney, rights advocates say. The seven Christian leaders are reportedly being held incommunicado at Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Centre, a maximum-security prison in Asmara that the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) describes as one of Eritrea’s “atrocious” prisons.
Gebrenegus’ wife and father died in the years following his incarceration. Pastor Gebregiorgis’ wife, Tsegeweyni Mekonnen Haile, died of cancer in June 2022, leaving behind her husband and three children.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/eritrea-has-imprisoned-church-leaders-for-decades-without-charges.html
In the nearly 21 years since two Orthodox priests were arbitrarily imprisoned in Eritrea, their wives have died.
Neither the Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis nor Dr. Futsum Gebrenegus have been charged with a crime since their arrest on Nov. 19, 2004, nor has a third Orthodox priest seized at that time, the Rev. Tekleab Menghisteab, received due process. All three were active in a renewal movement within the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church that the regime of President Isaias Afwerki, in power since 1993, persecuted — though the Orthodox church is one of four religious bodies legal in Eritrea.
The Orthodox priests based in Medhane Alem Church are three of six Christians imprisoned in horrific conditions since 2004, along with another arrested in 2005 — all without charges, trial or access to an attorney, rights advocates say. The seven Christian leaders are reportedly being held incommunicado at Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Centre, a maximum-security prison in Asmara that the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) describes as one of Eritrea’s “atrocious” prisons.
Gebrenegus’ wife and father died in the years following his incarceration. Pastor Gebregiorgis’ wife, Tsegeweyni Mekonnen Haile, died of cancer in June 2022, leaving behind her husband and three children.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/eritrea-has-imprisoned-church-leaders-for-decades-without-charges.html
Christianpost
Eritrea has imprisoned 7 church leaders for decades without charges
Six Christians remain imprisoned in horrific conditions in Eritrea since 2004, along with another arrested in 2005, all without charges, trial or access to an attorney, rights advocates say
Ruto Talks With #US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Agree on New #UN plan for #Haiti
President William Ruto held talks with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in a phone call hours after the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a travel alert on Kenya.
The talks, according to Ruto, centred around several issues, especially how the U.S. and Kenya can collaborate to support the Haiti peacekeeping mission, which remains unpredictable as of August 2025.
"I had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues," Ruto revealed in his statement.
According to the Head of State, the two agreed on the importance and need of establishing a United Nations support office for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti to aid efforts to help stabilise Haiti.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/115427-ruto-haiti
President William Ruto held talks with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in a phone call hours after the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a travel alert on Kenya.
The talks, according to Ruto, centred around several issues, especially how the U.S. and Kenya can collaborate to support the Haiti peacekeeping mission, which remains unpredictable as of August 2025.
"I had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues," Ruto revealed in his statement.
According to the Head of State, the two agreed on the importance and need of establishing a United Nations support office for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti to aid efforts to help stabilise Haiti.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/115427-ruto-haiti
Kenyans.co.ke
Ruto Talks With U.S. Secretary of State Hours After Travel Advisory
There is tension between the two countries ahead of Ruto's visit to Washington D.C.
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Salsay Weyane #Tigray withdraws from interim advisory council over mandate failures
Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT) has withdrawn from the Interim Advisory Council of Tigray, accusing the body of failing to uphold its mandate and questioning its legitimacy.
In a statement issued on Monday following a two-day leadership meeting, SaWeT said political engagement in Tigray has increasingly relied on coercion, undermining dialogue and democratic competition. The party also cited rising killings, kidnappings, theft, and other unlawful acts as factors behind its decision.
Explaining the withdrawal, Birhane Atsbeha, SaWeT’s communication head, told Addis Standard that the party joined the council only after clarifying its mandate, duties, and duration. “But after Lt. Gen. Tadesse Woreda came to power, the council abandoned its responsibilities, and its institutional existence was put in jeopardy. We found it effectively closed to political struggle,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51983
Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT) has withdrawn from the Interim Advisory Council of Tigray, accusing the body of failing to uphold its mandate and questioning its legitimacy.
In a statement issued on Monday following a two-day leadership meeting, SaWeT said political engagement in Tigray has increasingly relied on coercion, undermining dialogue and democratic competition. The party also cited rising killings, kidnappings, theft, and other unlawful acts as factors behind its decision.
Explaining the withdrawal, Birhane Atsbeha, SaWeT’s communication head, told Addis Standard that the party joined the council only after clarifying its mandate, duties, and duration. “But after Lt. Gen. Tadesse Woreda came to power, the council abandoned its responsibilities, and its institutional existence was put in jeopardy. We found it effectively closed to political struggle,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51983
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#Ethiopia: #Boro_Democratic_Party condemns ‘political’ verdict as council member sentenced to nearly six years rigorous imprisonment
BDP condemned the sentencing of Yohannes Tessema, an elected member of the #Benishangul_Gumuz Regional State Council, to five years and 10 months of rigorous imprisonment and a 15,000 birr fine. The Assosa City High Court’s verdict on 9 August 2025 was based on a five-year-old land lease case that had previously been discontinued, the party told Addis Standard.
Yohannes was arrested on 9 March 2025, shortly after BDP petitioned Ethiopia’s Council of Constitutional Inquiry over amendments to the regional constitution and council seat allocations.
“The police and prosecutor’s office lacked evidence for the terrorism charge, so they decided to reinstate the previously discontinued land lease case against Yohannes,” a BDP official said, calling the verdict “inappropriate” and describing the regional justice system as “politicized.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51987
BDP condemned the sentencing of Yohannes Tessema, an elected member of the #Benishangul_Gumuz Regional State Council, to five years and 10 months of rigorous imprisonment and a 15,000 birr fine. The Assosa City High Court’s verdict on 9 August 2025 was based on a five-year-old land lease case that had previously been discontinued, the party told Addis Standard.
Yohannes was arrested on 9 March 2025, shortly after BDP petitioned Ethiopia’s Council of Constitutional Inquiry over amendments to the regional constitution and council seat allocations.
“The police and prosecutor’s office lacked evidence for the terrorism charge, so they decided to reinstate the previously discontinued land lease case against Yohannes,” a BDP official said, calling the verdict “inappropriate” and describing the regional justice system as “politicized.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51987
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#US-led mediators ‘appalled’ by worsening #humanitarian crisis in #Sudan
A US-led coalition of mediators on Wednesday said it was “appalled by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan” and urged warring parties to take steps to protect civilians and allow aid access.
The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group -- comprising the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union and the UN -- cited “the growing number of people in situations of severe malnutrition and famine, and the wide range of access impediments that are delaying or blocking the response in key areas.”
“Civilians continue to pay the highest price for this war,” it said in a statement, stressing that humanitarian needs have reached “critical levels.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/us-led-mediators-appalled-by-worsening-humanitarian-crisis-in-sudan/3664888
A US-led coalition of mediators on Wednesday said it was “appalled by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan” and urged warring parties to take steps to protect civilians and allow aid access.
The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group -- comprising the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union and the UN -- cited “the growing number of people in situations of severe malnutrition and famine, and the wide range of access impediments that are delaying or blocking the response in key areas.”
“Civilians continue to pay the highest price for this war,” it said in a statement, stressing that humanitarian needs have reached “critical levels.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/us-led-mediators-appalled-by-worsening-humanitarian-crisis-in-sudan/3664888
#Chinese-contracted expressway starts construction in eastern #Ethiopia
The construction of the #Mieso-#Dire_Dawa Expressway, a major infrastructure project within the Ethio-Djibouti Transport Corridor, was launched on Tuesday in Dire Dawa, a city in eastern Ethiopia.
During the launching ceremony, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said building robust road infrastructure is a critical driving force and enabler for the country's socioeconomic development.
"For developing countries like Ethiopia, road infrastructure is essential for improving the living standards of citizens while driving economic growth. Therefore, the launch of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway project today reflects the Ethiopian government's commitment to modernizing transportation," Tiruneh said.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250820/41dd8369facd495fb332d4eee970e335/c.html
The construction of the #Mieso-#Dire_Dawa Expressway, a major infrastructure project within the Ethio-Djibouti Transport Corridor, was launched on Tuesday in Dire Dawa, a city in eastern Ethiopia.
During the launching ceremony, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said building robust road infrastructure is a critical driving force and enabler for the country's socioeconomic development.
"For developing countries like Ethiopia, road infrastructure is essential for improving the living standards of citizens while driving economic growth. Therefore, the launch of the Mieso-Dire Dawa Expressway project today reflects the Ethiopian government's commitment to modernizing transportation," Tiruneh said.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250820/41dd8369facd495fb332d4eee970e335/c.html
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#Ethiopian Meteorological Institute issues new flash #flood warning for last week of #August
The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) announced that favorable conditions for summer rainfall will intensify and become more widespread during the last eleven days of August.
The Institute warned that central, southwestern, western, and northeastern areas may experience heavy downpours strong enough to trigger flash floods. It noted that many of these areas have already received normal to above-normal rainfall in the preceding rainy months.
Earlier this month, the institute cautioned that several parts of the country would face moderate to heavy rainfall, with the potential for hailstorms and flash floods.
Subsequently, flooding caused by the overflow of the Awash River displaced thousands of people across West Shewa and Southwest Shewa zones of the Oromia region, destroying crops and killing livestock.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958435535544107174
The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) announced that favorable conditions for summer rainfall will intensify and become more widespread during the last eleven days of August.
The Institute warned that central, southwestern, western, and northeastern areas may experience heavy downpours strong enough to trigger flash floods. It noted that many of these areas have already received normal to above-normal rainfall in the preceding rainy months.
Earlier this month, the institute cautioned that several parts of the country would face moderate to heavy rainfall, with the potential for hailstorms and flash floods.
Subsequently, flooding caused by the overflow of the Awash River displaced thousands of people across West Shewa and Southwest Shewa zones of the Oromia region, destroying crops and killing livestock.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958435535544107174
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#Japan proposes ‘economic zone’ linking Indian Ocean to #Africa, seeks greater role in the region
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday proposed an economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean to Africa as the country seeks to play a greater role in the African continent while America’s presence there decreases and China’s influence rapidly grows.
Ishiba, kicking off the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), pledged to strengthen business and investment in the region and promote free trade by connecting the Indian Ocean region to the African continent.
“Japan believes in Africa’s future,” Ishiba said. “Japan backs the concept of African Continental Free Trade Area,” which aims to bolster the region’s competitiveness.
This year’s summit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war and drastic cuts in foreign-aid programs have negatively affected development projects in Africa. Meanwhile, China has been expanding its foothold in the area since 2000 through infrastructure building and loan projects.
https://apnews.com/article/japan-africa-summit-aid-us-china-93ea8610e82963ee17e64241d01885b7
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday proposed an economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean to Africa as the country seeks to play a greater role in the African continent while America’s presence there decreases and China’s influence rapidly grows.
Ishiba, kicking off the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), pledged to strengthen business and investment in the region and promote free trade by connecting the Indian Ocean region to the African continent.
“Japan believes in Africa’s future,” Ishiba said. “Japan backs the concept of African Continental Free Trade Area,” which aims to bolster the region’s competitiveness.
This year’s summit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war and drastic cuts in foreign-aid programs have negatively affected development projects in Africa. Meanwhile, China has been expanding its foothold in the area since 2000 through infrastructure building and loan projects.
https://apnews.com/article/japan-africa-summit-aid-us-china-93ea8610e82963ee17e64241d01885b7
AP News
Japan proposes 'economic zone' linking Indian Ocean to Africa, seeks greater role in the region
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has proposed an economic zone linking the Indian Ocean to Africa.
#CPJ alarmed over #abduction, #arbitrary arrest and #incommunicado detention of journalists in #Ethiopia
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed alarm over the abduction of Reporter newspaper editor Yonas Amare, the arbitrary detention of Somali Regional Television journalist Khadar Mohamed Ismael, and the incommunicado detention of radio host Abdulsemed Mohammed.
In a statement released yesterday, the CPJ detailed the circumstances of their arrests. Yonas was abducted on 13 August by masked men in military uniforms from his home in Sheger City, on the outskirts of Addis Abeba, according to colleagues and news reports.
On 5 August, Khadar was arrested in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State and remains in detention without charge.
Abdulsemed, a host on Ahadu Radio and operator of the YouTube channel Salon Tube, went missing in Addis Abeba on 11 August . He was later seen on 14 August accompanying police officers during a search of his office, but his whereabouts are still unknown.
“Ethiopia, a country that already has a stained press freedom record, is increasingly becoming a hostile environment for journalists,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo, urging authorities to investigate Yonas’ disappearance and release Khadar and Abdulsemed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51991
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed alarm over the abduction of Reporter newspaper editor Yonas Amare, the arbitrary detention of Somali Regional Television journalist Khadar Mohamed Ismael, and the incommunicado detention of radio host Abdulsemed Mohammed.
In a statement released yesterday, the CPJ detailed the circumstances of their arrests. Yonas was abducted on 13 August by masked men in military uniforms from his home in Sheger City, on the outskirts of Addis Abeba, according to colleagues and news reports.
On 5 August, Khadar was arrested in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State and remains in detention without charge.
Abdulsemed, a host on Ahadu Radio and operator of the YouTube channel Salon Tube, went missing in Addis Abeba on 11 August . He was later seen on 14 August accompanying police officers during a search of his office, but his whereabouts are still unknown.
“Ethiopia, a country that already has a stained press freedom record, is increasingly becoming a hostile environment for journalists,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo, urging authorities to investigate Yonas’ disappearance and release Khadar and Abdulsemed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51991
Addis Standard
CPJ alarmed over abduction, arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention of journalists in Ethiopia - Addis Standard
CPJ alarmed over abduction, arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention of journalists in Ethiopia Addis Standard News -
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#Tigray Public Diplomacy Forum facilitates ‘conducive environment’ of reconciliation between sanctioned #military commanders, Interim Admin
The Tigray Public Diplomacy Forum announced that it has “created a conducive environment” for three senior military commanders, previously sanctioned by Tigray army leaders, to reconcile with the region’s interim administration and resume cooperation. The commanders, Maj. Gen. Gu’ush Gebre, Gen. Kebede Fikadu, and Col. Gebreyohannes Yohannes, had walked out of a January 2025 meeting in protest against a resolution condemning the interim administration led at the time by Getachew Reda.
The Forum said it had resolved the disagreement by “facilitating an understanding” with Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, President of the interim administration, and creating a platform for the two sides to work together. “On behalf of our peace-loving people, we express our respect and gratitude to all,” the Forum stated, welcoming the reconciliation.
It is recalled that Brigadier General Gebregebreal Beyene, another commander sanctioned in January, has since claimed to have organized his own force of “four divisions” operating along the Afar–Tigray border areas.
The Forum said it is “working to peacefully resolve the comprehensive problems in the Tigray region” and pledged to advance dialogue, peace, and stability.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51995
The Tigray Public Diplomacy Forum announced that it has “created a conducive environment” for three senior military commanders, previously sanctioned by Tigray army leaders, to reconcile with the region’s interim administration and resume cooperation. The commanders, Maj. Gen. Gu’ush Gebre, Gen. Kebede Fikadu, and Col. Gebreyohannes Yohannes, had walked out of a January 2025 meeting in protest against a resolution condemning the interim administration led at the time by Getachew Reda.
The Forum said it had resolved the disagreement by “facilitating an understanding” with Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, President of the interim administration, and creating a platform for the two sides to work together. “On behalf of our peace-loving people, we express our respect and gratitude to all,” the Forum stated, welcoming the reconciliation.
It is recalled that Brigadier General Gebregebreal Beyene, another commander sanctioned in January, has since claimed to have organized his own force of “four divisions” operating along the Afar–Tigray border areas.
The Forum said it is “working to peacefully resolve the comprehensive problems in the Tigray region” and pledged to advance dialogue, peace, and stability.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51995
Addis Standard
Tigray Public Diplomacy Forum facilitates ‘conducive environment’ of reconciliation between sanctioned military commanders, Interim…
Tigray Public Diplomacy Forum facilitates ‘conducive environment’ of reconciliation between sanctioned military commanders, Interim Admin Addis Standard News -
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#Kenya in talks with #China to convert #dollar rail loan into #yuan
Kenya is in talks with China to convert a dollar-denominated railway loan into Chinese yuan, an aide to the Finance Minister John Mbadi told Reuters on Wednesday.
China is Kenya's biggest bilateral lender, and the country took on the debt to construct a $5 billion high-speed railway, one of the country's largest infrastructure projects to date.
Bloomberg News reported the plans to convert the loan earlier on Wednesday, saying it would save money due to lower interest rates in China compared with the United States.
Kenya has been working to reduce its debts, as investors and the International Monetary Fund say it remains at high risk of debt distress.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-talks-with-china-convert-dollar-rail-loan-into-yuan-2025-08-20/
Kenya is in talks with China to convert a dollar-denominated railway loan into Chinese yuan, an aide to the Finance Minister John Mbadi told Reuters on Wednesday.
China is Kenya's biggest bilateral lender, and the country took on the debt to construct a $5 billion high-speed railway, one of the country's largest infrastructure projects to date.
Bloomberg News reported the plans to convert the loan earlier on Wednesday, saying it would save money due to lower interest rates in China compared with the United States.
Kenya has been working to reduce its debts, as investors and the International Monetary Fund say it remains at high risk of debt distress.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-talks-with-china-convert-dollar-rail-loan-into-yuan-2025-08-20/
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#Russia backs #Ethiopia’s WTO accession, pledges technical assistance
Russia has expressed full support for Ethiopia’s plans to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and pledged technical and consultative assistance, Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kasahun Gofe Balami said following a videoconference with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov on Tuesday 19 August 2025.
According to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, during the meeting, Reshetnikov confirmed Russia’s readiness to support Addis Abeba in preparing for WTO membership and highlighted the growing trade between the two countries, which reached $191.2 million in the first half of 2025—more than double the same period last year. The increase is largely driven by Russian imports of Ethiopian coffee.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958511533777973562
Russia has expressed full support for Ethiopia’s plans to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and pledged technical and consultative assistance, Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kasahun Gofe Balami said following a videoconference with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov on Tuesday 19 August 2025.
According to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, during the meeting, Reshetnikov confirmed Russia’s readiness to support Addis Abeba in preparing for WTO membership and highlighted the growing trade between the two countries, which reached $191.2 million in the first half of 2025—more than double the same period last year. The increase is largely driven by Russian imports of Ethiopian coffee.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1958511533777973562