#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
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
Hiiraan
Jubbaland accuses federal government of abandoning key agendas, backs opposition forum
Kismayo (HOL) — 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.
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#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
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
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#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
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
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#Op_ed: From Survivors to Leaders: #Ethiopian women returnees redefining migration narrative
In early August 2025, a tragic event unfolded off the coast of #Yemen when a boat carrying migrants capsized. Of the 154 passengers, 68 were killed, all of whom were reportedly Ethiopian nationals. Halifet Ayemohammed Yusuf, the author of this op-ed, notes that this incident highlights the immense desperation fueling irregular migration, particularly among Ethiopian women, who now account for nearly half of those traveling the Eastern Route. However, she emphasizes that a movement of resilience is emerging, as many female migrants who have returned to Ethiopia are now leading survivor-led organizations.
The author explains that, despite widespread exploitation, many returnee women are channeling their experiences into advocacy. Their survivor-led organizations “actively challenge stigma and create sustainable alternatives to irregular migration by educating prospective migrants, facilitating the reintegration of returnees, and fostering community-driven development and support systems.” Halifet points to organizations such as Yehiwot Menged Lewut, Biruh Addis, and Egna Legna Besidet, which “challenge stigma, promote safe migration, and help returnees rebuild lives with dignity.”
The article highlights persisting challenges: returnees often face stigma, broken family ties, or misuse of their earnings. Furthermore, reintegration policies rarely account for gender-specific trauma. In this gap, survivor-led associations provide “recognition, solidarity, and practical support that formal programs overlook.”
While the Ethiopian government has adopted policies to improve migrant safety, the author argues that “success of these measures depends on grassroots efforts.” She contends that the work of survivor-led groups, which "address what many formal reintegration programs and policies often overlook in reality: the social and emotional impacts of migration," is essential. Halifet calls for official recognition of migrants’ contributions, more inclusive policymaking, and financial mechanisms that channel remittances into productive investments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52225
In early August 2025, a tragic event unfolded off the coast of #Yemen when a boat carrying migrants capsized. Of the 154 passengers, 68 were killed, all of whom were reportedly Ethiopian nationals. Halifet Ayemohammed Yusuf, the author of this op-ed, notes that this incident highlights the immense desperation fueling irregular migration, particularly among Ethiopian women, who now account for nearly half of those traveling the Eastern Route. However, she emphasizes that a movement of resilience is emerging, as many female migrants who have returned to Ethiopia are now leading survivor-led organizations.
The author explains that, despite widespread exploitation, many returnee women are channeling their experiences into advocacy. Their survivor-led organizations “actively challenge stigma and create sustainable alternatives to irregular migration by educating prospective migrants, facilitating the reintegration of returnees, and fostering community-driven development and support systems.” Halifet points to organizations such as Yehiwot Menged Lewut, Biruh Addis, and Egna Legna Besidet, which “challenge stigma, promote safe migration, and help returnees rebuild lives with dignity.”
The article highlights persisting challenges: returnees often face stigma, broken family ties, or misuse of their earnings. Furthermore, reintegration policies rarely account for gender-specific trauma. In this gap, survivor-led associations provide “recognition, solidarity, and practical support that formal programs overlook.”
While the Ethiopian government has adopted policies to improve migrant safety, the author argues that “success of these measures depends on grassroots efforts.” She contends that the work of survivor-led groups, which "address what many formal reintegration programs and policies often overlook in reality: the social and emotional impacts of migration," is essential. Halifet calls for official recognition of migrants’ contributions, more inclusive policymaking, and financial mechanisms that channel remittances into productive investments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52225
Addis Standard
From Survivors to Leaders: Ethiopian women returnees redefining migration narrative - Addis Standard
From Survivors to Leaders: Ethiopian women returnees redefining migration narrative Addis Standard Op/Ed -
#Kenya to offer 10 oil exploration blocks in first licensing round in six years
Kenya will open bidding for 10 oil exploration blocks this month, marking its first licensing round since enacting new petroleum legislation six years ago.
The country holds 50 blocks across four sedimentary basins, with 10 now ready for marketing, said Mohamed Liban, principal secretary for petroleum.
According to Petroleum Commissioner Joseph Otieno, the blocks on offer are located in the Anza and Lamu basins.
The 10 blocks were chosen based on geoscientific data to ensure a transparent allocation process, with the government providing detailed seismic surveys, geological reports, and well data.
The offering follows a restructuring of Kenya’s petroleum exploration blocks to meet global standards, featuring flexible Production Sharing Contract terms and a package of tax incentives.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/kenya-to-offer-10-oil-exploration-blocks-in-first-licensing-round-in-six-years/7ggpf4b
Kenya will open bidding for 10 oil exploration blocks this month, marking its first licensing round since enacting new petroleum legislation six years ago.
The country holds 50 blocks across four sedimentary basins, with 10 now ready for marketing, said Mohamed Liban, principal secretary for petroleum.
According to Petroleum Commissioner Joseph Otieno, the blocks on offer are located in the Anza and Lamu basins.
The 10 blocks were chosen based on geoscientific data to ensure a transparent allocation process, with the government providing detailed seismic surveys, geological reports, and well data.
The offering follows a restructuring of Kenya’s petroleum exploration blocks to meet global standards, featuring flexible Production Sharing Contract terms and a package of tax incentives.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/kenya-to-offer-10-oil-exploration-blocks-in-first-licensing-round-in-six-years/7ggpf4b
Business Insider Africa
Kenya to offer 10 oil exploration blocks in first licensing round in six years
Kenya will open bidding for 10 oil exploration blocks this month, marking its first licensing round since enacting new petroleum legislation six years ago
#Ethiopia tightens grip on media ahead of 2026 vote
Ethiopia’s record of detaining journalists and restricting media freedoms has raised concern as the country heads toward a high-stakes general election scheduled for June 2026, according to a report by DW. Rights groups warn that recent gains in press freedom risk being reversed as authorities seek to control the public narrative.
“Dissenting voices are still tracked, and surveillance is also carried out on journalists entering Ethiopia. That trend will not be stopped,” said Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He described the situation for journalists and those connected to them as “quite awful and problematic.” Arbitrary arrests and holding journalists incommunicado, he said, “Show how far Ethiopian authorities might go in the repression against journalists.”
The government has taken steps in recent years to ease restrictions, including simplifying the process for acquiring broadcasting licenses, decriminalizing defamation, and introducing measures to protect journalistic sources. Privately owned media outlets were also granted greater space to operate.
However, DW’s report highlighted that government pressure has extended beyond Ethiopia’s borders. Media personalities based abroad have been targeted, with authorities reportedly lobbying #European Union member states to assist in the extradition of Ethiopian journalists accused of being critical of the government. Similar attempts were also reported in South #Africa, #Kenya, and #Uganda.
https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-tightens-grip-on-media-ahead-of-2026-vote/a-73780742
Ethiopia’s record of detaining journalists and restricting media freedoms has raised concern as the country heads toward a high-stakes general election scheduled for June 2026, according to a report by DW. Rights groups warn that recent gains in press freedom risk being reversed as authorities seek to control the public narrative.
“Dissenting voices are still tracked, and surveillance is also carried out on journalists entering Ethiopia. That trend will not be stopped,” said Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He described the situation for journalists and those connected to them as “quite awful and problematic.” Arbitrary arrests and holding journalists incommunicado, he said, “Show how far Ethiopian authorities might go in the repression against journalists.”
The government has taken steps in recent years to ease restrictions, including simplifying the process for acquiring broadcasting licenses, decriminalizing defamation, and introducing measures to protect journalistic sources. Privately owned media outlets were also granted greater space to operate.
However, DW’s report highlighted that government pressure has extended beyond Ethiopia’s borders. Media personalities based abroad have been targeted, with authorities reportedly lobbying #European Union member states to assist in the extradition of Ethiopian journalists accused of being critical of the government. Similar attempts were also reported in South #Africa, #Kenya, and #Uganda.
https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-tightens-grip-on-media-ahead-of-2026-vote/a-73780742
DW
Ethiopia tightens grip on media ahead of 2026 vote
Ethiopia's record of detaining journalists and attempts to control the media has caused concern as the country prepares for high-stakes election in 2026. Rights groups warn of a growing crackdown.
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#Just_In - #Ethiopia: President appoints Legesse Tulu as Ambassador
President Taye Atske-Selassie has appointed Dr. Legesse Tulu, Minister of Government Communication Service, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, the Office of the President announced via state media on Tuesday.
Earlier the same morning, Legesse was addressing state media journalists in his ministerial capacity, unveiling the government’s five-day program for the Month of Puwagume, Ethiopia’s “13th month.”
The announcement did not disclose the country or mission to which he has been assigned.
President Taye Atske-Selassie has appointed Dr. Legesse Tulu, Minister of Government Communication Service, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, the Office of the President announced via state media on Tuesday.
Earlier the same morning, Legesse was addressing state media journalists in his ministerial capacity, unveiling the government’s five-day program for the Month of Puwagume, Ethiopia’s “13th month.”
The announcement did not disclose the country or mission to which he has been assigned.
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Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
PM Abiy: Completion of #GERD ends #Ethiopia’s ‘thousand-year’ challenge
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared the completion and full operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as the end of Ethiopia’s “greatest historical challenge.”
In a televised statement, Abiy described the Abay River [Blue Nile] as the “mother of all problems” Ethiopia had faced for centuries, arguing that its harnessing through the GERD marks the end of a "thousand-year struggle."
He contrasted the achievement with other challenges Ethiopia is facing, including lack of access to the #Red_Sea, which he said will be “corrected tomorrow", poverty, and resource scarcity, which are minor compared to the challenges Ethiopia faced to complete the GERD.
Watch
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared the completion and full operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as the end of Ethiopia’s “greatest historical challenge.”
In a televised statement, Abiy described the Abay River [Blue Nile] as the “mother of all problems” Ethiopia had faced for centuries, arguing that its harnessing through the GERD marks the end of a "thousand-year struggle."
He contrasted the achievement with other challenges Ethiopia is facing, including lack of access to the #Red_Sea, which he said will be “corrected tomorrow", poverty, and resource scarcity, which are minor compared to the challenges Ethiopia faced to complete the GERD.
Watch
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‘I felt helpless’: #Ethiopian doctors held, harassed for seeking better pay
Among the lowest-paid medics in East Africa, Ethiopia’s doctors face state crackdown in strike for better working conditions.
In a hospital in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, in mid-May, Tewodros* was at work treating patients when two police officers barged into the emergency room. Earlier that same month, the doctor had participated in a public sector health workers’ strike, protesting poor working conditions and low pay.
The emergency room where Tewodros was working was one of the places where that played out.
The officers said they were taking him in for questioning but gave no reason, Tewodros says. They grabbed him and pulled him out of the ward. His colleagues tried to intervene, but the police ignored them and took him to a nearby station, where he was held for more than three weeks.
“That was the moment I felt helpless. That was the moment I was ashamed of my country,” Tewodros told Al Jazeera, recounting the incident.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/9/2/i-felt-helpless-ethiopian-doctors-held-harassed-for-seeking-better-pay
Among the lowest-paid medics in East Africa, Ethiopia’s doctors face state crackdown in strike for better working conditions.
In a hospital in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, in mid-May, Tewodros* was at work treating patients when two police officers barged into the emergency room. Earlier that same month, the doctor had participated in a public sector health workers’ strike, protesting poor working conditions and low pay.
The emergency room where Tewodros was working was one of the places where that played out.
The officers said they were taking him in for questioning but gave no reason, Tewodros says. They grabbed him and pulled him out of the ward. His colleagues tried to intervene, but the police ignored them and took him to a nearby station, where he was held for more than three weeks.
“That was the moment I felt helpless. That was the moment I was ashamed of my country,” Tewodros told Al Jazeera, recounting the incident.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/9/2/i-felt-helpless-ethiopian-doctors-held-harassed-for-seeking-better-pay
Al Jazeera
‘I felt helpless’: Ethiopian doctors held, harassed for seeking better pay
Among lowest-paid medics in East Africa, Ethiopia’s doctors face state crackdown in strike for better working conditions
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#World_Bank says urban development program in #Ethiopia created over one million jobs
The World Bank (WB) has reported that Ethiopia’s Urban Institutional and Infrastructure Development Program (UIIDP) created 1.15 million jobs between 2018 and 2024, including 915,000 temporary and 237,000 permanent positions.
In its latest report, the bank noted that Ethiopia’s urban population is projected to nearly triple, from 15 million in 2012 to over 42 million, posing challenges for infrastructure, services, and employment (WB). The UIIDP was implemented in 117 urban local governments across the country to strengthen institutions and promote job creation through infrastructure development.
According to WB, the program focused on building the institutional capacities of urban local governments.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/09/02/ethiopia-urban-institutional-and-infrastructure-development-program
The World Bank (WB) has reported that Ethiopia’s Urban Institutional and Infrastructure Development Program (UIIDP) created 1.15 million jobs between 2018 and 2024, including 915,000 temporary and 237,000 permanent positions.
In its latest report, the bank noted that Ethiopia’s urban population is projected to nearly triple, from 15 million in 2012 to over 42 million, posing challenges for infrastructure, services, and employment (WB). The UIIDP was implemented in 117 urban local governments across the country to strengthen institutions and promote job creation through infrastructure development.
According to WB, the program focused on building the institutional capacities of urban local governments.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/09/02/ethiopia-urban-institutional-and-infrastructure-development-program
Crash victims' families prepare to make what could be their final plea for #Boeing's prosecution
Families that lost loved ones in two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jetliners may be getting their last chance to demand the American aerospace company’s criminal prosecution.
Families who lost loved ones in two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jetliners may get their last chance to demand the company face criminal prosecution Wednesday. That's when a federal judge in Texas is set to hear arguments on a U.S. government motion to dismiss a felony charge against Boeing.
U.S. prosecutors charged Boeing with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with the crashes that killed 346 people off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia.
Photo: AFP
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/crash-victims-families-prepare-make-final-plea-boeings-125175003
Families that lost loved ones in two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jetliners may be getting their last chance to demand the American aerospace company’s criminal prosecution.
Families who lost loved ones in two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jetliners may get their last chance to demand the company face criminal prosecution Wednesday. That's when a federal judge in Texas is set to hear arguments on a U.S. government motion to dismiss a felony charge against Boeing.
U.S. prosecutors charged Boeing with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with the crashes that killed 346 people off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia.
Photo: AFP
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/crash-victims-families-prepare-make-final-plea-boeings-125175003
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#China: #Xi_Jinping, flanked by #Putin and #Kim, hosts China's largest-ever military parade
The big picture: President Trump in D.C. suggested the trio may be conspiring against the U.S. during the event marking 80 years since Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II.
#Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian was also expected to join the trio and 22 other leaders at the massive display that's notable for its absence of Western leaders.
The four allies have in recent months sought to forge a military, economic and political cooperation in an alliance foreign policy analysts are calling the "axis of upheaval."
State of play: The event marking 80 years since Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II features a "new generation" of military weapons, Chinese officials say.
Xi told the huge crowd that the world is "faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation," but China is "unstoppable," as per APT translation.
https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/china-military-parade-xi-putin-kim-photos
The big picture: President Trump in D.C. suggested the trio may be conspiring against the U.S. during the event marking 80 years since Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II.
#Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian was also expected to join the trio and 22 other leaders at the massive display that's notable for its absence of Western leaders.
The four allies have in recent months sought to forge a military, economic and political cooperation in an alliance foreign policy analysts are calling the "axis of upheaval."
State of play: The event marking 80 years since Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II features a "new generation" of military weapons, Chinese officials say.
Xi told the huge crowd that the world is "faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation," but China is "unstoppable," as per APT translation.
https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/china-military-parade-xi-putin-kim-photos
#Somali, #Serbian officials discuss security and defense cooperation in #Belgrade
Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met Tuesday with senior Serbian officials in Belgrade to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defense.
Fiqi held talks with Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić and the Director of the Security and Information Agency, Vladimir Orlić. The meetings focused on enhancing collaboration in internal affairs, security, and the exchange of expertise, according to officials.
The Somali minister also met with Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening ties and building a strategic partnership.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/202763/somali_serbian_officials_discuss_security_and_defense_cooperation_in_belgrade.aspx
Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met Tuesday with senior Serbian officials in Belgrade to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defense.
Fiqi held talks with Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić and the Director of the Security and Information Agency, Vladimir Orlić. The meetings focused on enhancing collaboration in internal affairs, security, and the exchange of expertise, according to officials.
The Somali minister also met with Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening ties and building a strategic partnership.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/202763/somali_serbian_officials_discuss_security_and_defense_cooperation_in_belgrade.aspx
Hiiraan
Somali, Serbian officials discuss security and defense cooperation in Belgrade
Belgrade (HOL) — Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met Tuesday with senior Serbian officials in Belgrade to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defense.
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#Commentary: Building Resilience or Tightening Control: Critical analysis of #Ethiopia’s new disaster law, implications for #CSOs
In June 2025, the parliament approved the Disaster Risk Management (#DRM) Proclamation, a new law intended to shift the nation's focus "beyond emergency response to prevention, preparedness, mitigation, timely response, and rehabilitation." While the proclamation establishes an integrated DRM system that recognizes civil society organizations (CSOs) as key partners, Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, argues that it also "imposes strict compliance requirements and significant penalties for violations."
He highlights several strengths of the proclamation, noting that it “aligns with international best practices” and establishes a comprehensive disaster management cycle spanning from prevention to recovery. The author further highlights that the law elevates disaster management to a constitutional duty and introduces standardized terminology to improve coordination across institutions. A particularly notable development is its multi-sectoral approach: “CSOs and other non-state actors are institutionalized within the Disaster Risk Management Council,” thereby granting them a formal role in policy formulation.
Despite these strengths, the article raises several issues regarding centralized authority, vague oversight mechanisms, and severe penalties. "The Commission is directly accountable to the Prime Minister and holds sweeping powers," which could lead to politicization. The proclamation also presents substantial risks to CSOs due to its broad definitions of "prohibited acts" and the severe sanctions, including fines and up to 25 years in prison, for offenses such as aid diversion or misinformation. According to the author, these provisions, combined with high compliance burdens, "could discourage smaller, grassroots organizations and expose legitimate operations to criminal liability."
To navigate this new legal landscape, the author advises CSOs to proactively align their operations with national DRM strategies, reinforce their accountability systems, advocate for direct access to local funding, and promote inclusive governance structures. He emphasizes that if these measures are properly implemented, "the Proclamation can serve as a platform for CSOs to co-lead disaster risk reduction efforts—if safeguards are implemented to protect their independence and operational flexibility."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52246
In June 2025, the parliament approved the Disaster Risk Management (#DRM) Proclamation, a new law intended to shift the nation's focus "beyond emergency response to prevention, preparedness, mitigation, timely response, and rehabilitation." While the proclamation establishes an integrated DRM system that recognizes civil society organizations (CSOs) as key partners, Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, argues that it also "imposes strict compliance requirements and significant penalties for violations."
He highlights several strengths of the proclamation, noting that it “aligns with international best practices” and establishes a comprehensive disaster management cycle spanning from prevention to recovery. The author further highlights that the law elevates disaster management to a constitutional duty and introduces standardized terminology to improve coordination across institutions. A particularly notable development is its multi-sectoral approach: “CSOs and other non-state actors are institutionalized within the Disaster Risk Management Council,” thereby granting them a formal role in policy formulation.
Despite these strengths, the article raises several issues regarding centralized authority, vague oversight mechanisms, and severe penalties. "The Commission is directly accountable to the Prime Minister and holds sweeping powers," which could lead to politicization. The proclamation also presents substantial risks to CSOs due to its broad definitions of "prohibited acts" and the severe sanctions, including fines and up to 25 years in prison, for offenses such as aid diversion or misinformation. According to the author, these provisions, combined with high compliance burdens, "could discourage smaller, grassroots organizations and expose legitimate operations to criminal liability."
To navigate this new legal landscape, the author advises CSOs to proactively align their operations with national DRM strategies, reinforce their accountability systems, advocate for direct access to local funding, and promote inclusive governance structures. He emphasizes that if these measures are properly implemented, "the Proclamation can serve as a platform for CSOs to co-lead disaster risk reduction efforts—if safeguards are implemented to protect their independence and operational flexibility."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52246
Addis Standard
Building Resilience or Tightening Control: Critical analysis of Ethiopia’s new disaster law, implications for CSOs - Addis Standard
Building Resilience or Tightening Control: Critical analysis of Ethiopia’s new disaster law, implications for CSOs Addis Standard Commentary -
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#Israeli military pushes further into #Gaza City, forcing more displacement
The Israeli military moved deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday, with soldiers and tanks pushing into Sheikh Radwan, one of the urban centre's largest and most crowded neighbourhoods.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have advanced through Gaza City's outer suburbs and are now just a few kilometres from the city centre despite international calls to halt the offensive.
Gaza City residents said the military had destroyed homes and tent encampments that had housed Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war. At least 24 Palestinians, some of them children, were killed by the military across Gaza on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City, according to local health officials.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-pushes-further-into-gaza-city-forcing-more-displacement-2025-09-03/
The Israeli military moved deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday, with soldiers and tanks pushing into Sheikh Radwan, one of the urban centre's largest and most crowded neighbourhoods.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have advanced through Gaza City's outer suburbs and are now just a few kilometres from the city centre despite international calls to halt the offensive.
Gaza City residents said the military had destroyed homes and tent encampments that had housed Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war. At least 24 Palestinians, some of them children, were killed by the military across Gaza on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City, according to local health officials.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-pushes-further-into-gaza-city-forcing-more-displacement-2025-09-03/
Reuters
Israeli military pushes further into Gaza City, forcing more displacement
Soldiers and tanks pushed into Sheikh Radwan, one of the urban centre's largest and most crowded neighbourhoods.
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#Ethiopia: Over 25 killed in armed attack in Horo Guduru Wollega Zone; residents, MP accuse #Fano militants
Residents of Abe Dongoro district in Horo Guduru Wollega zone, Oromia region, told Addis Standard that more than 25 people were killed and 21 others remain missing in an armed attack by 'Fano militants' on Friday, 29 August 2025. Geremu Huluka (PhD), the MP representing the district, said the assault was carried out by 'armed Fano' elements “committing crimes against civilians.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52250
Residents of Abe Dongoro district in Horo Guduru Wollega zone, Oromia region, told Addis Standard that more than 25 people were killed and 21 others remain missing in an armed attack by 'Fano militants' on Friday, 29 August 2025. Geremu Huluka (PhD), the MP representing the district, said the assault was carried out by 'armed Fano' elements “committing crimes against civilians.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52250
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#News_Alert: #Ethiopia Central Bank Governor announces unexpected departure amid forex market reforms
Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), made a surprise announcement of his departure after seven years of service in various high-profile economic roles.
His departure comes at a pivotal moment for Ethiopia’s economy, as the country grapples with a major IMF-led transition to a market-based exchange rate system.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=52255
Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), made a surprise announcement of his departure after seven years of service in various high-profile economic roles.
His departure comes at a pivotal moment for Ethiopia’s economy, as the country grapples with a major IMF-led transition to a market-based exchange rate system.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=52255
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#IAEA Chief, PM Abiy hold talks as follow up of Rays of Hope Forum in #Ethiopia
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held a phone call today with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as follow up of the Rays of Hope Forum held last June-July in Addis Abeba.
Grossi said of the phone call that under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, Ethiopia’s Black Lion Hospital will receive a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine to strengthen cancer treatment. He also expressed readiness to “support Ethiopia’s plans to introduce nuclear power.”
PM Abiy met with IAEA Chief in June this year (pictured) during which the two discussed IAEA’s support to Ethiopia including for cancer care, veterinary health, tsetse eradication, nuclear engineering, and regulatory frameworks. “Our discussion focused on ongoing assistance and opportunities for future collaboration,” he said at the time.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1963262218570445000
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held a phone call today with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as follow up of the Rays of Hope Forum held last June-July in Addis Abeba.
Grossi said of the phone call that under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, Ethiopia’s Black Lion Hospital will receive a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine to strengthen cancer treatment. He also expressed readiness to “support Ethiopia’s plans to introduce nuclear power.”
PM Abiy met with IAEA Chief in June this year (pictured) during which the two discussed IAEA’s support to Ethiopia including for cancer care, veterinary health, tsetse eradication, nuclear engineering, and regulatory frameworks. “Our discussion focused on ongoing assistance and opportunities for future collaboration,” he said at the time.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1963262218570445000
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