#Kenya pushes to expand khat exports as #Somalia market faces #Ethiopian challenge

Kenya is intensifying efforts to expand its khat exports, placing the stimulant leaf at the center of President William Ruto’s trade agenda, even as disputes and competition threaten the country’s largest market in Somalia.

Kenyan exports stalled in February when farmers in Meru, the country’s main khat-producing region, suspended shipments over pricing disputes. Growers accused middlemen of paying below-market rates, while others alleged that unauthorized taxes were being imposed on the trade.

The suspension quickly rippled across Somalia, sparking protests in Mogadishu as Somali women traders demonstrated against surging prices that made khat unaffordable for many buyers.

Kenya’s dominance in Somalia is also being challenged by Ethiopia. Reports from 2023 and 2024 stated that large volumes of Ethiopian khat were smuggled into Somalia, undercutting Kenyan suppliers and eroding their market share.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Aug/202746/kenya_pushes_to_expand_khat_exports_as_somalia_market_faces_ethiopian_challenge.aspx

#South_Sudan, #Ethiopian Airlines renew strategic partnership talks

Plans for Ethiopian Airlines to play a key role in expanding South Sudan’s aviation services have been revived under new economic cooperation talks between the two countries.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir met with Ethiopian Finance Minister and Special Envoy Ahmed Shide Mohammed in Juba on August 27, during which Ethiopian Airlines was proposed as a strategic partner to strengthen South Sudan’s aviation sector and boost regional connectivity, according to a statement from Kiir’s office.

"Air transport was also on the agenda, with Ethiopian Airlines proposed as a strategic partner in enhancing South Sudan’s aviation services," the statement said without providing further details.

https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/157770-south-sudan-ethiopian-airlines-renew-strategic-pship-talks

#Egypt delivers medical aid to #Eritrea

A shipment of medical supplies donated by Egypt arrived at #Asmara International Airport on Friday, 29 August 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

The consignment, handed over to Eritrea’s Pharmaceutical Administration, includes supplies for ophthalmology and kidney dialysis. It was provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development.

According to the ministry, the donation is part of Cairo’s efforts to strengthen what it described as “strategic and sisterly relations” with Eritrea.

The delivery follows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit to Asmara in October last year, which both countries said marked a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Administration launches region-wide #dialogue; opposition parties #reject process as illegitimate, symbolic

The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (IRA) has unveiled a region-wide dialogue initiative, portraying it as a step toward reconciliation and inclusive governance. Yet major opposition parties have rejected the move, questioning its legitimacy, inclusiveness, and intent.

Read more at

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52210

#Somaliland, #Ethiopia Central Bank Chiefs Meet to Boost Financial Cooperation

The central banks of Somaliland and Ethiopia on saturday held talks in Addis Ababa aimed at strengthening financial and economic cooperation, including cross-border trade and banking ties, officials said.

Somaliland’s central bank governor, Abdinasir Ahmed Hersi, and Ethiopia’s central bank chief, Mamo E. Mihretu, met at the National Bank of Ethiopia headquarters to discuss collaboration on payments and settlement systems, foreign exchange and trade financing, anti-money laundering measures, FinTech licensing and forex operations.

The two sides agreed to set up a joint technical working group to follow up on the initiatives.

Governor Hersi underscored the importance of Somaliland’s Berbera Port and trade corridor for Ethiopia’s regional commerce, urging swift progress on banking and insurance protocols to accelerate port-use agreements. Governor Mihretu welcomed the initiative, committing to raise the matter with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting also discussed strengthening financial flows, khat trade across the border, and the potential opening of a branch of Ethiopia’s state-owned Commercial Bank in Somaliland.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/somaliland-ethiopia-central-bank-chiefs-meet-to-boost-financial-cooperation/

#Commentary: Backsliding on Reform: #Ethiopia’s draft #CSO law threatens hard-won gains on civic freedom

When Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office in 2018, he pledged to expand Ethiopia’s democratic space. A central step was the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Proclamation of 2019, which lifted the harsh restrictions of a 2009 law that had “silenced advocacy groups by imposing a 10% foreign-funding cap.” Yet, Belete A. Yemata, the author of this commentary, argues, six years later, “that promise is under threat” as proposed amendments to the 2019 law risk reversing those gains.

He explains that the draft amendments would reduce the Authority for Civil Society Organization’s board from 11 to seven members, with six being government appointees, "leaving civil society with only one seat at the table." The amendments would also mandate that CSOs obtain project-by-project approval from government agencies, which "would allow officials to veto or delay programs and pressure CSOs to align with government preferences." Additionally, the proposed changes would grant the government the authority to suspend CSOs based solely on suspicion and prohibit them from receiving foreign funds for activities related to elections. Belete states that if implemented, these changes could "undo hard-won gains, depoliticize Ethiopia’s civic sphere, and return the sector to the fear and isolation that characterized the post-2005 period."

The article highlights that the proposed amendments “threaten the credibility of the 2026 national elections” and could “deepen the financial crisis already confronting many CSOs.” It also adds that in a country navigating conflict and political transition, an independent civil society is essential. Yet the proposed amendments risk “silencing critical voices” and weakening the sector’s capacity to deliver vital services and monitor human rights abuses.

The author emphasizes that Ethiopia “does not need to choose between national security and civic freedom.” Rather than constraining civil society, he argues, “the government should strengthen accountability mechanisms, empower the CSO Council, and treat civic actors as partners in building stability and democracy—not adversaries.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52205

#EU chief von der Leyen's plane hit by suspected #Russian GPS jamming

The navigation system of a plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen was disrupted due to suspected Russian interference, the European Commission said.

A spokesperson said the "GPS jamming" happened while the Commission president was about to arrive in Bulgaria on Sunday, but she still landed safely.

They added: "We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect that this was due to blatant interference by Russia."

The Financial Times, citing unnamed officials, reported that von der Leyen had to land at Plovdiv Airport using paper maps.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d07z1439zo

#Israel committing #genocide in #Gaza, world’s top scholars on the crime say

An overwhelming majority of members of the world’s leading genocide scholars’ association have backed a resolution stating that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of the crime.

Eighty-six per cent of those who voted in the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) supported the motion. The resolution states that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide in article II of the United Nations convention for the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide (1948).”

The three-page resolution passed by the body calls on Israel to “immediately cease all acts that constitute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza, including deliberate attacks against and killing of civilians including children; starvation; deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other items essential to the survival of the population; sexual and reproductive violence; and forced displacement of the population.”


The resolution said the IAGS recognised that “since the horrific Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023, which itself constitutes international crimes”, the government of Israel had engaged in systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, including indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against the civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, homes and commercial buildings, of Gaza.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/01/israel-committing-genocide-in-gaza-worlds-top-scholars-on-the-say

#Egyptian military delegation in #Mogadishu ahead of troop deployment to AUSSOM

A 16-member Egyptian Armed Forces delegation arrived in Mogadishu on Monday for a reconnaissance mission ahead of Cairo’s planned deployment under the African Union Support Mission in #Somalia (AUSSOM).

The delegation, led by Major General Islam Radwan, was received by officers from AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). They later held discussions with AUSSOM leadership, including Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, and attended a security briefing at AUSSOM Force Headquarters.


https://addisstandard.com/?p=52214

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Security Bureau condemns Grenade attack in #Maichew, warns of destabilization attempts

In a statement issued yesterday, the bureau accused forces seeking power through “illegal means” under the guise of regionalism and localism of undermining peace. “These rogue elements, who once claimed to be peacekeepers, have now begun to act on their malicious intentions, exploiting the trust given to them by the people,” it said.

Read more at
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52220

#Ethiopian senior defense official cites ‘history’, ‘national survival’, and ‘security’ to justify need for #Red_Sea presence

Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director-General of International Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, has reiterated Ethiopia’s resolve to secure access to the Red Sea, particularly Assab, describing it as a historical right and a matter of national survival.

He outlined four justifications: Ethiopia’s historic ties to Assab, international law provisions for landlocked states, existential survival needs, and growing security threats. “The Red Sea was once part of us. Assab was part of our territory,” he said, questioning the legitimacy of the transitional government in the early 1990s that allowed Eritrea’s secession.

Citing “security concerns”, Maj. Gen. Teshome warned that Ethiopia’s cities, including Addis Abeba, could face “missile threats” from the sea, making military presence essential to safeguard national interests.

Watch!

#Somaliland President orders protection of #Ethiopians as security forces make arrests

President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro spoke of Somaliland’s long-standing tradition of welcoming foreigners and its deep historical ties with Ethiopia, following the circulation of a video showing locals threatening and harassing an Ethiopian young migrant in #Hargeisa.

“Our relationship with Ethiopia is special and rooted in history. It is absolutely unacceptable for Ethiopians or any foreigners to be targeted with words, actions, or any form of harassment.”

Shortly after the president’s directive, Somaliland security services arrested Abdirisaaq Nuuse Muse, a TikToker accused of organizing recent actions targeting members of the Oromo community living in Hargeisa. Other youths were also detained on Monday on suspicion of harassing Oromo residents.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/09/somaliland-president-orders-protection-of-ethiopians-as-security-forces-make-arrests/

#Sudan: 'Massive' #Sudan landslide kills over 1,000 in #Darfur, says armed group

A rebel group said Monday that a "devastating" landslide had engulfed a village in war-torn Sudan's Darfur region, killing "all village residents"—over one thousand people— except one person, and appealed for the "urgent" intervention of international aid organizations.

A "massive" landslide in Sudan's western Darfur region has flattened an entire mountain village and killed more than 1,000 people, a rebel group that controls the area said late Monday, adding there was just one survivor.

The disaster struck Sunday after days of heavy rain, devastating the village of Tarasin in the Marra mountains, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) said in a statement.

"Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand individuals, with only one survivor," the group said.

https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250902-massive-sudan-landslide-kills-over-1-000-in-darfur-says-armed-group

News: #Tigray Interim Admin opposes Orthodox Synod’s decision on new diocese in Southern Tigray

The Tigray Interim Administration has strongly opposed a decision by the Synod of the #Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) to establish a new self-governing diocese for six districts in Southern Tigray that were previously under the Maichew Diocese.

President of the Interim Administration, Lieutenant General Tadesse Worede, described the Synod’s decision to place the districts under the North Wollo Diocese as a “political decision outside of religious function.” He voiced the administration’s stance while addressing the annual Einwari Festival in Axum on 30 August 2025, where he was a guest of honor.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52228

#Jubbaland accuses federal government of abandoning key agendas, backs opposition forum

Jubbaland’s regional administration has accused #Somalia’s federal government of abandoning core national priorities, including the fight against al-Shabaab and efforts to maintain the country’s unity.

administration has accused Somalia’s federal government of abandoning core national priorities, including the fight against al-Shabaab and efforts to maintain the country’s unity.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Jubbaland said the federal leadership has failed to deliver on security and governance, instead focusing on “short-term political interests” that, it warned, are eroding public trust.

“The salvation of this country lies in national unity and leadership that takes responsibility for Somalia’s future,” the statement read.

The regional government expressed support for the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition figures led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, which concluded a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on Sunday. Jubbaland said it welcomed the Forum’s decisions, describing them as crucial for steering the country away from political turmoil.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/202758/jubbaland_accuses_federal_government_of_abandoning_key_agendas_backs_opposition_forum.aspx

#Ethiopia’s Abay River carried away soil and gold for centuries: PM Abiy

Addis Abeba – Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s Abay River, the Blue Nile, which supplies up to 86% of the Nile’s waters, has for centuries carried away not only the country’s fertile soil but also its gold, leaving Ethiopia unrewarded for its sacrifice.

In a televised address on Monday night, days ahead of the anticipated inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), Abiy disclosed that dredging at the dam had unearthed “traces of gold in the accumulated sediment,” a discovery he framed as symbolic of Ethiopia’s long-exploited wealth carried away by the Blue Nile.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52233

#Ethiopia: Despite rising #death toll, Eastern route sees sharp rise in #migrant movements

According to IOM report between January and June 2025, outgoing movements increased by one-third (+34%), reaching 238,000 compared to 178,300 in the same period in 2024. At least 348 migrants were reported dead or missing during the same period, up from 310 in 2024. The second quarter alone accounted for 78 fatalities and disappearances, most occurring in Djibouti’s Obock desert, where extreme heat and forced disembarkations at sea took a heavy toll. Additional incidents included drownings, shootings by smugglers in Yemen, and robberies in northern Somalia.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52240