#Arab_League contemplates forming joint military force

The Arab League of Nations is mulling forming a joint military force due to growing concerns over security within the Middle East and the Horn of Africa as it seeks to assert authority by pushing for trade and investment.

Egypt first tabled the proposal, a senior member of the union, which suggested a move to establish a joint Arab military force, comprising land, sea, air, and special forces with a central command, similar to the US Africa Command.

Funding and equipment would be contributed by all Arab League member states, aiming for rapid defense and strike capabilities amid global conflicts, according to a report by UAE-based The National, a move that could enhance the member states' response to disasters in the region.

https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/world/arab-league-contemplate-forming-joint-military-force

#Ethiopia: EHRC reports female students subjected to harassment, intimidation and sexual abuse in schools by teachers and peers

Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has reported that female students in schools are subjected to threats, intimidation, and sexual harassment, with perpetrators identified as both teachers and fellow students.

In its latest monitoring, the commission confirmed these violations, particularly in the #Amhara and #Oromia regions. It also noted that some schools impose punishments causing physical and psychological harm, while ongoing conflicts between armed groups and government forces have further endangered students in these regions.

The findings stem from EHRC’s monitoring of public and private schools in the Addis Abeba, #Afar, Amhara, #Gambella, Oromia, and Southern Ethiopia regions. The assessment examined “the conduciveness of schools for students and the state of student human rights protection.” On 2 September 2025.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52418

Grade 12 exam participation sees yearly decline

Despite an increase in the number of #students passing the national exam, the total number of students taking the exam has sharply declined over the years.

In the 2025 Grade 12 exam, 581,905 students sat for the examination, of whom 48,929, or 8.4 percent, passed. This figure is significantly lower than in previous years. In 2022, 896,520 students took the exam, highlighting a continuing downward trend that is not limited to 12th-grade education.

According to a #UNICEF report, more than nine million children nationwide are out of school due to conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. The report also noted that over 6,000 schools remain closed, while more than 10,000 have been damaged or destroyed.

The report further highlights that the highest numbers of out-of-school children are in the #Amhara (4.4 million), #Oromia (3.2 million), and #Tigray (1.2 million) regions.

#Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre rules out Presidential bid, reaffirms loyalty to President Mohamud

Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has affirmed that he will not run for president of Somalia, making clear that he will never compete against #President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who appointed him.

“I will not compete with the president who appointed me. I tell everyone, and that is obvious. If he does not run for president, I will look into it,” Prime Minister Hamse said during a question-and-answer program on Monday night, marking three years since his appointment.

The Prime Minister noted that he and President Mohamud have been close friends for more than 20 years, emphasizing that their bond goes beyond politics. He said their cooperation over the past three years has been built on mutual respect and trust.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/202939/somali_prime_minister_hamse_abdi_barre_rules_out_presidential_bid_reaffirms_loyalty_to_president_mohamud.aspx

#Amhara Regional Security Council says it has set direction to transition from ‘relative to comprehensive peace’

The Amhara Regional Security Council has announced that a strategic direction has been set to transition the region’s "relative peace into comprehensive & lasting peace"

According to the Amhara Regional Police, the announcement followed an evaluation of the region’s security situation. Mengesha Fentahun (PhD), head of the Amhara Regional Communication Bureau, said the region’s security challenges are gradually improving. “Militants who were previously in hiding have accepted the peace process, are undergoing training, and are reintegrating into their communities,” Mengesha said.

He added that the Security Council reviewed rehabilitation efforts for militants who opted for the peace process and confirmed that these efforts would be strengthened. Mengesha noted that special focus will be placed on enhancing education & development initiatives across the region.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52422

Op-ed: The Unfinished #GERD: Meles and value creation

The author of this must-read op-ed argues that #GERD was #Meles_Zenawi’s bold vision for Ethiopia: a shift from the Ethiopian state’s long history of predation, where “power was synonyms with plunder that often ended in ruin, and “to rule meant to extract tribute, labor and life from the peasantry that continued to survive on the edge of life”, to a politics of value creation.

“I have a dream… to turn the waters of all our rivers into oil - an inexhaustible source of clean energy, powerful enough to fuel industries, to bring light to every home, and to give hope to every young generation…” Meles told Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild.

Yet, upon completion, GERD’s meaning has become a scarcity to scramble over, it is being absorbed into the logic of predation, its essence betrayed and reduced to “a trophy and spectacle of incumbency.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52421

#Ethiopia to reshape universities with new specialization reform

Prof. Berhanu Nega, Minister of Education, said the government is reforming higher education to address long-standing shortcomings caused by politicization and lack of focus in universities.

Speaking on the legacy of the Civil Service University, Prof. Berhanu noted that institutions meant to produce capable public servants were hindered by "political influence and a system that prioritized quantity over quality."

He emphasized that the country’s 47 public universities have traditionally offered all fields of study without adequate capacity, resulting in weak outcomes. The new reform directs universities to specialize based on their location and strengths, with the aim of producing highly skilled graduates in critical areas of national development.

Watch!

#South_Sudan’s leaders engage in ‘systematic looting’ in poor nation: #UN

United Nations investigators have accused South Sudanese authorities of plundering one of the world’s youngest and most impoverished nations’ wealth of billions of dollars in public funds stolen as the majority of the country deals with a deepening food crisis.

In a report made public on Tuesday, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan says authorities allegedly used several schemes to divert significant amounts of money from public revenue since the country’s independence in 2011.

“The country has been captured by a predatory elite that has institutionalised the systematic looting of the nation’s wealth for private gain,” said the commission, according to the Reuters news agency.

“While a small group of powerful actors pillage and loot the country’s wealth and resources, enriching themselves, the state has effectively abdicated its sovereign responsibilities to its population, outsourcing critical services — such as the provision of food, health care, and education to international donors,” the report says.

“Corruption is killing South Sudanese,” it adds.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/16/south-sudans-leaders-engage-in-systematic-looting-in-poor-nation-un

News: One killed, more than 2,000 cattle looted in #Dasenech district attack allegedly carried out by "attackers from Kenya’s Turkana”

Residents of Herum locality, in the Dasenech district of the South #Omo Zone, Southern #Ethiopia Regional State, told Addis Standard that one person was killed and more than 2,000 cattle were looted in an attack allegedly carried out by “attackers from #Kenya’s Turkana.”

A local resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the attack occurred on Saturday, 13 September, 2025. The resident explained that herders had taken their cattle to graze in an area called “Irom” when, around 1:00 p.m., "armed individuals from Turkana" attacked, killing one person and taking away more than 2,000 cattle.
The same sources noted that the attackers had also attempted a similar raid last Monday but were repelled by local security forces.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52433

News: #Amhara education bureau says only 21% of expected high school students registered

The Amhara Regional Education Bureau has announced that only 21% of the expected high school students have registered so far, despite the official start of student registration on 25 August 2025.

The region aimed to enroll a total of 7.4 million students for the new academic year. However, officials confirmed that by 12 September fewer than three million students had registered.

Mulunesh Desie (PhD), head of the Amhara Regional Education Bureau, stated, “Our registration plan is to enroll around 7.4 million students to make up for the learning losses from last year and the year before. As of September 12, close to 2.9 million students have been registered.”

She noted that the low turnout is especially evident among high school students. “It’s a trend that high school students do not register early. Only 21% have registered so far,” she told the regional broadcaster.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52441

#Commentary: Emergent Diplomacy in Horn of Africa: #Ethiopia, #Somaliland, and contest for sovereignty in multipolar order

The Horn of #Africa presents a paradox, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan, the author of this commentary, argues: it's simultaneously “one of the world’s most fragile regions and one of its most strategically indispensable.” Despite facing chronic instability, famine, and weak governance, its location along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it crucial for global trade and energy security. With nearly one-tenth of global maritime commerce passing through its waters, the author emphasizes that the Horn has become "a focal point of multipolar rivalry."

Idaan underscores that the region has become a stage where Western powers, #China, #Russia, Gulf states, and #Turkey compete for influence, with #Djibouti emerging as the world’s most militarized state. Within this landscape, he highlights three interconnected developments that are reshaping the regional order: “Somaliland’s campaign for recognition, Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).”

The article explains that Somaliland has reframed the pursuit of recognition from an issue of self-determination to one of international security, gaining traction in #US politics through the Somaliland Partnership Act and subsequent legislative efforts. The author argues that, “Whether or not recognition ultimately materializes, the very possibility ensures Somaliland’s continued centrality in regional diplomacy.” At the same time, the MoU Ethiopia signed with Somaliland represents a bold move to turn "geographic dependency into bargaining power." Furthermore, the GERD has become both a symbol of Ethiopian nationalism and a challenge to #Egypt’s historic control of the #Nile. By linking upstream control of the river with downstream maritime access, Ethiopia is advancing what Idaan describes as a “two waters” strategy, designed to turn structural vulnerabilities into sovereign leverage.

The author states that the Horn now operates as a “laboratory of 21st-century diplomacy,” where sovereignty, recognition, and resources intersect with global rivalries. Its fragile waters, he adds, are “shaping not just regional futures but the multipolar order itself.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52437

#Ethiopia: “If there is any Ethiopian who believes that Ethiopia will forever remain a geographic prisoner, that person is a dead one,” PM Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated his government’s position that Ethiopia “must be relieved from the shuttered doors and the isolation” that he believes has contributed to its poverty. He made the remarks at the inauguration of his latest book, Medemer, on Tuesday night.

“It is not wise to assume that a country as large as Ethiopia should be handed to our children while encapsulated,” Abiy said while ruling out the prospects of “conflict and war.”

However, he said that Ethiopians should not believe in the notion that Ethiopia will remain "a geographic prisoner."

Watch.

#UN envoy says working to influence countries with a role in #Sudan crisis

The UN’s personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, said on Tuesday he is working to influence the positions of countries involved in the nation’s crisis.

The statement comes as Sudan’s army accuses the United Arab Emirates of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while the army reportedly receives support from Iran and Egypt.

“We are working to influence the international positions that have a role in the ordeal of the Sudanese people,” Lamamra told journalists after meeting with the Forces for Freedom and Change-Democratic Bloc (FFC-DB), a key ally of the army.

He said he discussed with the bloc the UN’s efforts to protect civilians and speed up a resolution to the conflict.

“We must exert more effort so that the third year of the war’s outbreak does not become normalised,” Lamamra added. “We must bring about a qualitative leap on the ground to put an end to the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

https://sudantribune.com/article305100/

#Cuban Friendship Institute delegation paid tribute to Cubans who died in #Ethiopia

A delegation led by Fernando González, president of the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP), has paid tribute to 163 Cuban combatants who died defending Ethiopia’s sovereignty during the Ogaden conflict.

ICAP's Africa director, Yahimi Rodriguez, members of Cuba's diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa, and representatives of solidarity associations accompanied González. The delegation laid floral wreaths before two murals displaying portraits of the fallen, inscribed on bronze plaques.

The ceremony, held at the Ethiopia–Cuba Friendship Park, took place in an atmosphere of solemnity and respect. It commemorated the Cubans who lost their lives on 5 March 1978 in the Ogaden Desert, an event described as having cemented the bond of solidarity between Ethiopia and Cuba, according to Prensa Latina.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0BcV9aMSuyZoPn8f1cf1Z7Qf4CLedJYNMVPWAU28woNqhX5M2C2RHRF2jkv96AXQ6l

#Ethiopia records over 76,000 arrivals fleeing #Sudan conflict, UNHCR

Ethiopia has continued to receive thousands of people fleeing the conflict in Sudan, according to the UN Refugee Agency (#UNHCR). The arrivals include Sudanese nationals, Ethiopian refugee returnees, and other groups seeking international protection.

The UNHCR, in its latest report noscriptd Population Movement from Sudan to Ethiopia released on 16 September 2025, stated that as of 31 August 2025, a total of 76,052 people in need of international protection had entered Ethiopia since the outbreak of fighting in Sudan on 15 April 2023.

The arrivals in 2025 alone reached 8,268, the report said. The nationality breakdown includes 45,118 Sudanese, 20,226 Ethiopian refugee returnees, 8,284 #Eritreans, and 2,424 individuals of other nationalities.

The Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), in collaboration with UNHCR, continues to screen and register new arrivals at multiple border entry points between Sudan and Ethiopia.

News: Jailed opposition MP Christian Tadelle’s health deteriorating: Defense lawyer

Addis Abeba – The health of #Christian Taddele, a member of the House of Peoples’ Representatives detained at Kilinto Prison, is worsening, his lawyer Solomon Gezahegn told Addis Standard.

Solomon said that during his most recent visit two days ago, Christian reported his condition had significantly deteriorated. Six months earlier, both Christian and fellow detainee Yohannes Boyalew were treated at Mekrez Hospital before being returned to prison.

According to Solomon, Christian was previously prescribed liquid nourishment by doctors, which his family had been providing. However, prison authorities have recently restricted the entry of such food. “He is now in a difficult situation,” the lawyer said.

Christian had suffered intestinal bleeding that has since stopped, but swelling has developed,,,,,,

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0NXMkvp8sspjUj1kh4Vihi6FyJxtpWctL1rsGh1pSDLZd1b1WiBNmN976XctWuRkwl

#Ethiopia-#US advisor for #Africa meets PM Abiy, discusses Ethiopia’s ‘engagement with its neighbors’, role in 'fostering peace, regional stability’

Addis Abeba – Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State, met today with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and held discussions with emphasize on “the importance of Ethiopia’s engagement with its neighbors and its role in fostering peace and regional stability, a key priority of President Trump.”

Boulos added that the talks also covered “a range of commercial opportunities that advance mutual prosperity for the United States and Ethiopia.”

Prime Minister Abiy, in a short post on social media, confirmed that he met Boulos at his office, where they held discussions on “a range of issues.”

#Kenya: Fraud #scandal robs millions of health care, #pensions

Kenya's pension and health insurance systems were meant to bring people dignity in old age. But fraud, delays and broken promises have left retirees and patients paying with their savings — and even their lives.

For decades, Kenya's public pension and health insurance systems have promised workers security in retirement and protection during illness.

But for many citizens, these promises have now turned into frustration and betrayal as the money they faithfully contributed has ended up in the pockets of fraudsters within the system.

In 2024, a report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed more than 260,000 cases of fraudulent activities targeting pension schemes in Kenya.

Between 2013 and 2020, over 67 billion Kenyan shillings ($515 million, €442 million) were lost through fake pension scheme payments.

Meanwhile, legitimate retirees have been left empty-handed, and older people are passing away while still waiting to receive the pensions they worked so hard for.

https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-fraud-scandal-robs-millions-of-health-care-pensions/a-73857794

#Somaliland deepens financial and diplomatic ties with #Taiwan

Somaliland is deepening its financial and diplomatic partnership with Taiwan, officials said on Tuesday, signaling expanded economic engagement in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Abdinasir A. Hersi, Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, met with Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung François and senior officials to explore modernization of Somaliland’s financial sector. The talks focused on capacity building, technology development, and integration into international payment systems.

“Since launching our partnership in 202o, Somaliland and Taiwan have built a relationship based on trust and shared aspirations,” Hersi said. “Expanding cooperation in finance and technology is critical for the prosperity of both nations.”

Discussions included the Central Bank of Taiwan, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and the Central Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Officials agreed to formalize cooperation through Memoranda of Understanding, starting with the establishment of a Somaliland Deposit Protection Fund.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/09/somaliland-deepens-financial-and-diplomatic-ties-with-taiwan/

The Nile water ‘war’ is over. #Ethiopia won

If Egypt’s hands are tied, Sudan’s are broken.

For more than a decade, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was billed as the flashpoint for what many believed would be the biggest water war in modern history.

The narrative was compelling and simple: a rising upstream power, Ethiopia, was building a colossal dam that would choke the lifeblood of the historic downstream hegemon, #Egypt, leading inevitably to conflict. That story is now officially history, terminated on September 9, as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the completed $5 billion dam, hailing it as the “greatest achievement in the history of the Black race.”

The old levers of influence, once firmly in Egyptian hands, have rusted and broken. The downstream alliance has crumbled, international mediation has evaporated, and a new, more complex game is now being played across the Nile Valley.....

https://thearabweekly.com/nile-water-war-over-ethiopia-won

News: #Tigray police thwart trafficking attempt of 34 individuals

The Tigray Police Commission has announced that regional security forces intercepted an attempted human trafficking operation involving 34 individuals, including 10 women.

According to the Commission, the group was being transported in a minibus when the vehicle was stopped at the Ashegoda checkpoint on Wednesday afternoon. The driver and his assistant were apprehended and transferred to police custody in Enderta district, where the incident occurred.

Police said an investigation has been launched to identify and bring to justice the brokers believed to be behind the scheme.

This marks the second reported case of attempted human trafficking in the region in just over two weeks. Last week, police in the Southeast Tigray Zone intercepted a similar attempt and arrested suspects accused of trying to traffic 37 people....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02BPbewDVLzha7Kn3aN5wpTUr8JXiyxdoqBwHGYxSDajkdjSYjyDUQ9Z4VmXH6LrD9l