News Analysis: New report by Commission of Inquiry on #Tigray Genocide reveals mounting protection, security risks facing IDPs in Tigray

A new report by the Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG) reveals mounting insecurity and deprivation facing #IDPs in Tigray, despite the Pretoria peace deal. Based on a survey of 3,380 participants, the study documented 1,748 deaths, 915 enforced disappearances, and 1,656 injuries among displaced populations.

The Commission warned that “killings emerged as the most widespread form of victimization,” while disappearances leave families in “uncertainty and trauma, compounding the humanitarian crisis.” Vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, face heightened risks such as sexual violence, trafficking, and lack of access to aid and medicine.

Prospects for safe return remain blocked, particularly in Western Tigray....

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52128

#Ethiopia, #Dangote Group ink $2.5 billion deal to build fertilizer complex in Gode, #Somali region

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm, and Dangote Group have signed a landmark shareholders’ agreement to develop and operate a $2.5 billion urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Somali Regional State.

According to a statement released today, EIH will hold a 40% equity stake, while Dangote Group will retain 60% ownership. The facility, with a planned capacity of three million metric tons of urea annually, will be among the top five largest urea production complexes globally and the single largest in Ethiopia’s history.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, described the agreement as “a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialize Africa and achieve food security.” He added that Ethiopia’s location and gas reserves make Gode an ideal site for what will become “one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes.”

Brook Taye (PhD), CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, called the deal “a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and agricultural modernization.” He stressed that the utilization of domestic gas reserves would ensure “energy security and cost competitiveness for decades to come.”

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News: #Ethiopian, #Pakistani Air Forces pledge stronger cooperation following talks in Islamabad

The Ethiopian and Pakistani Air Forces have pledged stronger cooperation following talks between Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdassa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), in #Islamabad on 27 August.

Upon his arrival at Air Headquarters, Lt. Gen. Yilma was received with a guard of honor. The two commanders discussed areas of professional interest and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral military ties, according to Pakistan Radio.

Last year, Ethiopia and India agreed to finalize a defense cooperation agreement, pending India’s general elections, aimed at boosting Ethiopia’s military capabilities through training and financial support. The cooperation is “part of India’s broader strategy to expand defense partnerships across Africa,” according to Indian Defense media dispatch.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52135

#Somaliland President Invites #Djibouti Leader Amid #US Recognition Push

Somaliland’s President Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) said on Wednesday he hopes the President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh will become the first sitting head of state to visit Somaliland, highlighting efforts to strengthen ties between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.

Irro received a delegation from Djibouti led by Minister of Trade and Tourism Mohamed Warsame Dirieh at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The leaders discussed boosting cooperation in trade, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and joint development projects.

“I hope that the President of Djibouti will become the first sitting head of state to visit Somaliland,” Cirro said, signaling Somaliland’s growing diplomatic ambitions.

The remarks come as Somaliland has increasingly attracted attention in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, during a press conference with leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia, acknowledged Somaliland’s bid for international recognition. When asked about the matter, Trump said, “Good question, we are looking into it right now, in Somaliland,”signaling that the U.S. is actively considering the proposal.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/somaliland-president-invites-djibouti-leader-amid-u-s-recognition-push/

#Ethiopia reaffirms #GERD as a symbol of ‘#African self-reliance’, calls for ‘#equitable use of shared resources’

Ethiopia has reiterated its position that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) embodies African self-reliance and regional development, as the country prepares to inaugurate the continent’s largest hydropower project.

In a current affairs briefing to the media, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “The completion of the dam is a symbol of African self-reliance and regional development.”

Ambassador Nebiat also underlined Ethiopia’s commitment to the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), describing it as “a landmark legal instrument governing equitable use of the Nile.”

The statement comes amid renewed #Egyptian diplomatic efforts to rally regional support against the project. Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Abdelatty, accompanied by Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Entebbe to convey Egypt’s “existential concerns” over water security.

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“There is no media censorship or intimidation of journalists” – Kedir Mamo

Kedir Mamo, deputy head of the Prosperity Party Office in the #Oromia region, told regional media that media freedom in Ethiopia has increased “significantly” and that there is no censorship or intimidation of journalists.

His remarks contrast with a recent Fojo Media Institute study highlighting persistent challenges for #Ethiopian journalists amid security fears, political pressure, and ethical dilemmas. In August 2025, Abdulsemed Mohammed, host of the Saturday Market program on Ahadu FM, and Yonas Amare, senior editor at Reporter newspaper, were abducted and detained for more than ten days.

The Committee to Protect Journalists later warned of continued pressures. Reporters Without Borders ranks Ethiopia 140th of 180 globally, while 14 diplomatic missions recently voiced concern and urged greater protection.

Scientists identify new mammal species in #Ethiopia weighing just three grams

In the Ethiopian Highlands, scientists have identified a new mammal — Crocidura stanleyi — a shrew weighing just 3 grams.

First collected in 2015 by researcher William T. Stanley during his final fieldwork, the tiny shrew has now been confirmed as a species new to science, according to a study published on Aug. 20 in the Journal of Vertebrate Biology.

Researchers say the discovery highlights Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity and the Highlands’ status as part of the Eastern Afromontane hotspot — home to mammals found nowhere else on Earth.

The shrew is described as a “tiny bicolored” mammal with dark brownish-gray fur above and lighter gray below, a flat head, and a short bristled tail.

Ethiopia continues to be a frontier for unique species — reinforcing calls for conservation of its fragile ecosystems.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/public/latest-news/jydr7d/picture311870767/alternates/FREE_480/Ethiopia%20Shrew.png

#Ethiopia: New fertilizer factory to tap into #Calub and #Hilala natural gas reserves in #Ogaden basin

The $2.5 billion investment agreement signed between Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) and Dangote Group to build a urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Somali Regional State will utilize natural gas from the Ogaden basin, specifically the Calub and Hilala reserves.

EIH CEO Brook Taye (PhD) said the natural gas, a key input for urea fertilizer, will be supplied through a 108–109 kilometer pipeline connecting the reserves to Gode, where the factory will be established.

Beyond fertilizer production, he noted, the project is designed to serve as a gateway to a wider petrochemical industry, with the gas also providing feedstock for future plants.

#Kenya mulls reforms as 'bribery culture' faces scrutiny

A war of words over corruption has rattled Kenya's political class after Kenyan President William Ruto accused MPs of pocketing bribes — a bombshell claim that landed as a fresh survey revealed graft-ridden ministries and reignited public anger.

The 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey paints a grim picture of daily life in Kenya, showing that citizens are still forced to grease palms just to access basic services — a practice so routine that most victims never bother reporting it.

Despite a decline in average bribe amounts, the practice remains entrenched, with most cases going unreported, according to the survey.

At a joint parliamentary group meeting on August 18, President Ruto claimed that lawmakers were among those taking bribes — sparking outrage in Kenya's parliament but also drawing support from citizens weary of unfulfilled promises on graft.


https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-mulls-reforms-as-bribery-culture-faces-scrutiny/a-73799089

#Huawei, #Ethio_Telecom deploy solar-on-tower sites in #Ethiopia

Chinese vendor Huawei has paired with Ethio Telecom to deploy solar panels at some of Ethio's tower sites.

Ethio's installation enabled the site to generate and use its own solar power within just two days.

Based on the first deployment, the solar power supply at the sites can last up to four hours, while diesel generator use is correspondingly reduced from six hours to two hours – a 40 percent reduction in fuel consumption per site, said Huawei.

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/huawei-ethio-telecom-deploy-solar-on-tower-sites-in-ethiopia/

#Somali cabinet approves defense deals with #Jordan, #Qatar and #Pakistan

Somalia’s cabinet has approved a series of defense agreements aimed at strengthening the country’s armed forces through international partnerships, officials said Thursday.

The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed with the Ministries of Defense of Jordan, Qatar and Pakistan, according to a statement from the Council of Ministers following its weekly meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama.

Officials said the agreements will boost Somalia’s defense capabilities through training programs, resource sharing and modernization of the national army, which is engaged in an intensified campaign against al-Shabaab and ISIS-linked fighters.

The cabinet also reviewed the country’s evolving security landscape, underscoring efforts to build a resilient security sector capable of addressing both internal and external threats.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Aug/202708/somali_cabinet_approves_defense_deals_with_jordan_qatar_and_pakistan.aspx

News: Bajaj owners protest #Mekelle downtown ban; municipality defends move as long-term restructuring

Mekelle – Bajaj owners in Mekelle staged protests on 25 and 26 August 2025 against a municipal directive banning the three-wheeled vehicles from the city’s downtown. The restriction, first introduced on the eve of the #Ashenda festival, has remained in place beyond the holiday, prompting outrage among drivers who say their livelihoods are now at risk. “This decision has devastated my livelihood,” said Gidey Hailu, 29.

Protesters marched through central Mekelle before gathering at government and party offices, including the municipality, zone police, the #Tigray president’s office, Dimtsi Weyane media, and TPLF headquarters. Several drivers said police used force and gas to disperse them. “During the war, we kept the city moving when no other transport was functioning. Now we are being discarded,” said Tesfay Abrha, 41, who added that he cannot repay his vehicle loan.

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