#Ethiopian president calls for equal access for all states to #Red_Sea, #Indian_Ocean
Ethiopia will pursue ‘a comprehensive approach’ to ensure equal development, security for all states along Red Sea and Indian Ocean,’ says Taye Atske Selassie.
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie called Thursday for equal access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean for all states, citing the seas as the “common heritage” of humanity.
“The international law maxim that defines the high seas as a common heritage of mankind and guarantees equal right of access and use to all states must be brought to reality in collaboration with other states,” Selassie told the UN General Assembly in New York.
He said no state should be excluded from development opportunities due to geography, echoing remarks in August by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Selassie vowed that the East African country would pursue a “comprehensive approach” to ensure equal development and security for all states along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and continue advancing its “legitimate policy objective through diplomacy and peaceful engagement.”
He said Ethiopia, as Africa’s second most populous country and one facing significant maritime threats, places high importance on the safety and security of navigation in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ethiopian-president-calls-for-equal-access-for-all-states-to-red-sea-indian-ocean/3699488
Ethiopia will pursue ‘a comprehensive approach’ to ensure equal development, security for all states along Red Sea and Indian Ocean,’ says Taye Atske Selassie.
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie called Thursday for equal access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean for all states, citing the seas as the “common heritage” of humanity.
“The international law maxim that defines the high seas as a common heritage of mankind and guarantees equal right of access and use to all states must be brought to reality in collaboration with other states,” Selassie told the UN General Assembly in New York.
He said no state should be excluded from development opportunities due to geography, echoing remarks in August by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Selassie vowed that the East African country would pursue a “comprehensive approach” to ensure equal development and security for all states along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and continue advancing its “legitimate policy objective through diplomacy and peaceful engagement.”
He said Ethiopia, as Africa’s second most populous country and one facing significant maritime threats, places high importance on the safety and security of navigation in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ethiopian-president-calls-for-equal-access-for-all-states-to-red-sea-indian-ocean/3699488
Anadolu Agency
Ethiopian president calls for equal access for all states to Red Sea, Indian Ocean
Ethiopia will pursue ‘a comprehensive approach’ to ensure equal development, security for all states along Red Sea and Indian Ocean,’ says Taye Atske Selassie
❤4
#AU chief warns of #Somalia fragility, calls for $196 million to sustain peace mission
The African Union’s top official warned Thursday that Somalia’s fragile gains risk unraveling unless international partners urgently plug a nearly $200 million funding gap for the continent’s newest peace mission.
Speaking at a high-level pledging conference on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Somalia’s progress — from debt relief to winning a seat on the UN Security Council — but cautioned that al-Shabaab continues to menace the country.
“Somalia cannot shoulder this burden alone,” Youssouf said. “Without urgent, predictable, and sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone.”
He underscored that the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), launched in January to replace ATMIS, will require $196 million in 2025. The AU, he noted, has already doubled its Peace Fund contribution to $20 million, but called on the UN, EU and other partners to match Africa’s commitment.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/203078/au_chief_warns_of_somalia_fragility_calls_for_196_million_to_sustain_peace_mission.aspx
The African Union’s top official warned Thursday that Somalia’s fragile gains risk unraveling unless international partners urgently plug a nearly $200 million funding gap for the continent’s newest peace mission.
Speaking at a high-level pledging conference on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Somalia’s progress — from debt relief to winning a seat on the UN Security Council — but cautioned that al-Shabaab continues to menace the country.
“Somalia cannot shoulder this burden alone,” Youssouf said. “Without urgent, predictable, and sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone.”
He underscored that the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), launched in January to replace ATMIS, will require $196 million in 2025. The AU, he noted, has already doubled its Peace Fund contribution to $20 million, but called on the UN, EU and other partners to match Africa’s commitment.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Sept/203078/au_chief_warns_of_somalia_fragility_calls_for_196_million_to_sustain_peace_mission.aspx
Hiiraan
AU chief warns of Somalia fragility, calls for $196 million to sustain peace mission
New York (HOL) — The African Union’s top official warned Thursday that Somalia’s fragile gains risk unraveling unless international partners urgently plug a nearly $200 million funding gap for the continent’s newest peace mission.
News: #Ethiopia, #Russia sign action plan to advance nuclear power project
Ethiopia and Russia have formalized an action plan to advance the development of a nuclear power project in Ethiopia as part of a wider roadmap for cooperation discussed during Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Moscow.
The agreement was exchanged on Thursday 25 September 2025 between Alexei Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos. It outlines practical steps for cooperation between Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation in building a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia.
In an interview with local media, Ethiopia’s National Nuclear Program Coordinator, Teklemariam Tessema (PhD), outlined the country’s plans to build both research and power-generating nuclear reactors.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52608
Ethiopia and Russia have formalized an action plan to advance the development of a nuclear power project in Ethiopia as part of a wider roadmap for cooperation discussed during Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Moscow.
The agreement was exchanged on Thursday 25 September 2025 between Alexei Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos. It outlines practical steps for cooperation between Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation in building a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia.
In an interview with local media, Ethiopia’s National Nuclear Program Coordinator, Teklemariam Tessema (PhD), outlined the country’s plans to build both research and power-generating nuclear reactors.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52608
😭3❤1👎1
#Ethiopian marathon champion Shewarge Alene dies at 30, four months after winning 2025 Stockholm Marathon
Addis Abeba – Ethiopian long-distance runner Shewarge Alene has died at the age of 30, just four months after her victory at the 2025 #Stockholm Marathon, according to local media and BBC reports.
Shewarge reportedly collapsed during a training session near Addis Abeba and was taken to hospital, where she died. The organizers of the Stockholm Marathon also confirmed her passing.
“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025,” the organizers wrote on Instagram. “Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones”
Shewarge’s victory in Stockholm in May was her last competitive race
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid021dEqVmUEhwc7BFPAp97BSviks9VVfy4Bx6L3TUNHJQ8aDtb6WbPzZGwPRHJtGE3xl
Addis Abeba – Ethiopian long-distance runner Shewarge Alene has died at the age of 30, just four months after her victory at the 2025 #Stockholm Marathon, according to local media and BBC reports.
Shewarge reportedly collapsed during a training session near Addis Abeba and was taken to hospital, where she died. The organizers of the Stockholm Marathon also confirmed her passing.
“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025,” the organizers wrote on Instagram. “Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones”
Shewarge’s victory in Stockholm in May was her last competitive race
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid021dEqVmUEhwc7BFPAp97BSviks9VVfy4Bx6L3TUNHJQ8aDtb6WbPzZGwPRHJtGE3xl
😭5❤2
From 190 internet shutdowns in #Africa since 2016, #Ethiopia alone registered 30 – report
A new study has found that Africa recorded more than 190 internet shutdowns between 2016 and 2024, with Ethiopia alone accounting for 30 cases — the highest on the continent.
The research, published in the book Internet Shutdowns in Africa: Technology, Rights and Power by the African Digital Rights Network and the Institute of Development Studies, shows shutdowns across Africa have more than doubled, rising from 14 in 2016 to 28 in 2024. #Sudan followed Ethiopia with 21 shutdowns, while #Algeria recorded 14.
In Ethiopia, blackouts were heavily imposed during the Tigray conflict, cutting off millions from communication and essential services. Researchers warn shutdowns are increasingly being used to stifle protests, silence dissent, and restrict political participation.
“In Ethiopia, internet shutdowns have become a go-to tactic......
https://www.ids.ac.uk/news/internet-shutdowns-in-africa-double-since-2016/
A new study has found that Africa recorded more than 190 internet shutdowns between 2016 and 2024, with Ethiopia alone accounting for 30 cases — the highest on the continent.
The research, published in the book Internet Shutdowns in Africa: Technology, Rights and Power by the African Digital Rights Network and the Institute of Development Studies, shows shutdowns across Africa have more than doubled, rising from 14 in 2016 to 28 in 2024. #Sudan followed Ethiopia with 21 shutdowns, while #Algeria recorded 14.
In Ethiopia, blackouts were heavily imposed during the Tigray conflict, cutting off millions from communication and essential services. Researchers warn shutdowns are increasingly being used to stifle protests, silence dissent, and restrict political participation.
“In Ethiopia, internet shutdowns have become a go-to tactic......
https://www.ids.ac.uk/news/internet-shutdowns-in-africa-double-since-2016/
#Opinion: Cathedral of Empty Applause: Why #African leaders must abandon #UN General Assembly ritual
In this opinion piece, Mohamud A. Ahmed argues that while this year's United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA) once again brings heads of state to #New_York, it remains a costly, low-return ritual for Africa. He describes the event as "a cathedral of empty applause," where discussions on peace, poverty, and climate change fail to address genuine crises.
The author notes that African leaders attend with extravagant entourages, spending millions on motorcades, luxury accommodations, and allowances, even as "hospitals in rural #Malawi run out of oxygen" and schools in #Kenya lack basic resources. He points out the paradox that "leaders who lament debt at the podium deepen debt by their presence."
The article highlights that decades of speeches have not altered global trade imbalances, halted illicit financial flows, or secured substantial climate reparations. Instead, Africa’s voice is merely "permitted but never prioritized." Ahmed contends that leaders have confused prestige abroad with genuine power at home, yet "prestige cannot irrigate farmland, vaccinate children, or silence guns."
The author urges an end to this "theater," suggesting that Africa must redirect resources toward building robust institutions and tangible progress at home instead of pursuing applause in Manhattan. He concludes, "No foreign podium will save Africa. No applause in New York will silence hunger in African villages."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52605
In this opinion piece, Mohamud A. Ahmed argues that while this year's United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA) once again brings heads of state to #New_York, it remains a costly, low-return ritual for Africa. He describes the event as "a cathedral of empty applause," where discussions on peace, poverty, and climate change fail to address genuine crises.
The author notes that African leaders attend with extravagant entourages, spending millions on motorcades, luxury accommodations, and allowances, even as "hospitals in rural #Malawi run out of oxygen" and schools in #Kenya lack basic resources. He points out the paradox that "leaders who lament debt at the podium deepen debt by their presence."
The article highlights that decades of speeches have not altered global trade imbalances, halted illicit financial flows, or secured substantial climate reparations. Instead, Africa’s voice is merely "permitted but never prioritized." Ahmed contends that leaders have confused prestige abroad with genuine power at home, yet "prestige cannot irrigate farmland, vaccinate children, or silence guns."
The author urges an end to this "theater," suggesting that Africa must redirect resources toward building robust institutions and tangible progress at home instead of pursuing applause in Manhattan. He concludes, "No foreign podium will save Africa. No applause in New York will silence hunger in African villages."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52605
Addis Standard
Cathedral of Empty Applause: Why African leaders must abandon UN General Assembly ritual - Addis Standard
Cathedral of Empty Applause: Why African leaders must abandon UN General Assembly ritual Addis Standard Opinion -
#Ethiopia: Suspects in #Oromia subjected to threats, intimidation and beatings during arrests, interrogations: EHRC
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has reported that suspects in Oromia face threats, intimidation, and beatings during their arrest and interrogation.
The findings come from EHRC’s monitoring of suspects’ human rights treatment in 156 police stations and non-conventional detention centers across Oromia during the 2017 Ethiopian calendar year (from September 2024 to August 2025).
The Commission said it found suspects held in detention for prolonged periods without being brought before a court or charged, often under the pretext of “current affairs.” EHRC further reported that some individuals were detained in police stations without a court order over civil matters, while others faced threats, intimidation, and beatings during arrest and interrogation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52615
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has reported that suspects in Oromia face threats, intimidation, and beatings during their arrest and interrogation.
The findings come from EHRC’s monitoring of suspects’ human rights treatment in 156 police stations and non-conventional detention centers across Oromia during the 2017 Ethiopian calendar year (from September 2024 to August 2025).
The Commission said it found suspects held in detention for prolonged periods without being brought before a court or charged, often under the pretext of “current affairs.” EHRC further reported that some individuals were detained in police stations without a court order over civil matters, while others faced threats, intimidation, and beatings during arrest and interrogation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52615
❤2
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie urges Africa debt relief & UN reform at #UNGA
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie has called for urgent reforms of the global financial system, stressing the critical need to address #Africa’s growing debt crisis. Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, he urged that trade restrictions and coercive measures targeting African nations be lifted immediately.
“The current global financial framework limits Africa’s development aspirations, punishing nations with heavy debts while wealthy countries enjoy favorable terms,” President Taye said. He also reiterated Africa’s demand for fair representation in the UN Security Council and called for stronger support to regional peace missions, including the African Union Mission in Somalia.
He concluded by defending Palestinian rights and urging the international community to act decisively for justice and equality in Africa.
Watch
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie has called for urgent reforms of the global financial system, stressing the critical need to address #Africa’s growing debt crisis. Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, he urged that trade restrictions and coercive measures targeting African nations be lifted immediately.
“The current global financial framework limits Africa’s development aspirations, punishing nations with heavy debts while wealthy countries enjoy favorable terms,” President Taye said. He also reiterated Africa’s demand for fair representation in the UN Security Council and called for stronger support to regional peace missions, including the African Union Mission in Somalia.
He concluded by defending Palestinian rights and urging the international community to act decisively for justice and equality in Africa.
Watch
❤1👍1👎1
#South_African president appeals for renewal of #AGOA
As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its expiry at the end of September, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the United States to renew the pact, warning that its lapse would carry serious consequences for South Africa.
"its expiry would not only undermine those gains, but also remove the link to the Generalized System of Preferences, which has been so critical to many of our exporters," Ramaphosa said.
Speaking at the South Africa-U.S. Trade and Investment Dialogue on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday night, Ramaphosa said industries such as agriculture and automotive manufacturing have significantly benefited from AGOA.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250926/909678dbedc243bda931cac33b387e15/c.html
As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its expiry at the end of September, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the United States to renew the pact, warning that its lapse would carry serious consequences for South Africa.
"its expiry would not only undermine those gains, but also remove the link to the Generalized System of Preferences, which has been so critical to many of our exporters," Ramaphosa said.
Speaking at the South Africa-U.S. Trade and Investment Dialogue on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday night, Ramaphosa said industries such as agriculture and automotive manufacturing have significantly benefited from AGOA.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250926/909678dbedc243bda931cac33b387e15/c.html
❤2
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#ENDF seeks peaceful solutions, remains ready to counter ‘Security Dilemma’ threats
Lieutenant General Hachalu Sheleme, head of the ENDF Human Resource Department, said the defense force has developed into a reliable institution with strong armament, leadership, organizational capacity, and experience. He noted that tens of thousands of young #Ethiopians continue to join its ranks, reflecting the trust placed in the ENDF and ensuring the institution remains on a secure and sustainable path.
Brigadier General Getnet Adane, spokesperson for the ENDF, said the government has put in place extensive plans to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests. He emphasized that the country seeks to resolve issues peacefully but cautioned that a “security dilemma” may arise if others misinterpret Ethiopia’s intentions. In such circumstances, he said, the army must remain fully prepared to respond while prioritizing peaceful solutions.
Watch
Lieutenant General Hachalu Sheleme, head of the ENDF Human Resource Department, said the defense force has developed into a reliable institution with strong armament, leadership, organizational capacity, and experience. He noted that tens of thousands of young #Ethiopians continue to join its ranks, reflecting the trust placed in the ENDF and ensuring the institution remains on a secure and sustainable path.
Brigadier General Getnet Adane, spokesperson for the ENDF, said the government has put in place extensive plans to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests. He emphasized that the country seeks to resolve issues peacefully but cautioned that a “security dilemma” may arise if others misinterpret Ethiopia’s intentions. In such circumstances, he said, the army must remain fully prepared to respond while prioritizing peaceful solutions.
Watch
❤2
In photo: Crowds gather at #Mesqel Square in Addis Abeba to celebrate #Demera, the annual bonfire ceremony marking the eve of Mesqel, a #UNESCO-registered Intangible heritage.
The celebration, held on 26 September, featured prayers, hymns, and the lighting of the central bonfire in the presence of church leaders, government officials, and thousands of faithful. Mesqel commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Elene (Helena) in the 4th century.
The celebration, held on 26 September, featured prayers, hymns, and the lighting of the central bonfire in the presence of church leaders, government officials, and thousands of faithful. Mesqel commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Elene (Helena) in the 4th century.
❤6
#Police break up ring trafficking #Kenyans to fight for #Russia in #Ukraine
More than 20 people have been rescued in Kenya from a suspected human trafficking ring that lured them with job offers in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine, police said.
It follows an intelligence-led raid on a residential apartment on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, where officers seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters.
One suspect, accused of coordinating the victims' travel to Russia in September and October, has been arrested.
He was taken to court, which allowed him to be detained for 10 days while the police complete their investigations.
There have been growing concerns over the rising number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqjqjln1ko
More than 20 people have been rescued in Kenya from a suspected human trafficking ring that lured them with job offers in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine, police said.
It follows an intelligence-led raid on a residential apartment on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, where officers seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters.
One suspect, accused of coordinating the victims' travel to Russia in September and October, has been arrested.
He was taken to court, which allowed him to be detained for 10 days while the police complete their investigations.
There have been growing concerns over the rising number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqjqjln1ko
Bbc
Police break up ring trafficking Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine
Recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters were seized during the raid.
❤6
News: #Malaysia officially reopens its embassy in Addis Abeba after 43 years
Malaysia has officially reopened its embassy in #Addis_Abeba after 43 years.
In a statement released on 29 September 2025, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the embassy resumed operations effective 23 September 2025.
A senior official at #Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Addis Standard that Malaysia had closed its embassy in 1982 due to strained diplomatic relations with the then Derg regime.
“The reopening of the Embassy underscores Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthening the warm and close bilateral relations with Ethiopia. It serves as a catalyst for exploring new opportunities for cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people relations,” the ministry said.
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02A4wRjUG4sepgfpCkS2VYt98pGN1gPmLoEBJ5ShWn2rewdCH9p9Zikpx4hMuqFotxl
Malaysia has officially reopened its embassy in #Addis_Abeba after 43 years.
In a statement released on 29 September 2025, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the embassy resumed operations effective 23 September 2025.
A senior official at #Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Addis Standard that Malaysia had closed its embassy in 1982 due to strained diplomatic relations with the then Derg regime.
“The reopening of the Embassy underscores Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthening the warm and close bilateral relations with Ethiopia. It serves as a catalyst for exploring new opportunities for cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people relations,” the ministry said.
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02A4wRjUG4sepgfpCkS2VYt98pGN1gPmLoEBJ5ShWn2rewdCH9p9Zikpx4hMuqFotxl
❤2
Ruto dismisses claims of #Kenya’s meddling in #Sudan conflict
President William #Ruto has dismissed allegations that Kenya is meddling in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, stressing that Nairobi’s role has been limited to offering a platform for dialogue between the warring parties.
Speaking during an interview with France 24, Ruto said claims of Kenya backing one side were based on “rumours and propaganda.” “The reason Kenya is being accused is that we offered a dialogue platform for the parties involved—nothing more. Not a single coin or support in any direction,” the President said.
Ruto maintained that Kenya’s position has been consistent: that the two rival generals, Sudan Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, are “cut from the same cloth” and equally responsible for atrocities.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/ruto-dismisses-claims-of-kenyas-meddling-in-sudan-conflict/
President William #Ruto has dismissed allegations that Kenya is meddling in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, stressing that Nairobi’s role has been limited to offering a platform for dialogue between the warring parties.
Speaking during an interview with France 24, Ruto said claims of Kenya backing one side were based on “rumours and propaganda.” “The reason Kenya is being accused is that we offered a dialogue platform for the parties involved—nothing more. Not a single coin or support in any direction,” the President said.
Ruto maintained that Kenya’s position has been consistent: that the two rival generals, Sudan Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, are “cut from the same cloth” and equally responsible for atrocities.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/ruto-dismisses-claims-of-kenyas-meddling-in-sudan-conflict/
❤1
#Commentary: Tight Grip, Loose Market: #Ethiopia’s forex reform paradox
It has been over a year since Ethiopia replaced its long-standing crawling peg with a “market-based” foreign exchange regime, a reform intended to alleviate chronic dollar shortages and narrow the gap between official and black market rates. Initially, the reform appeared promising, as the premium between the two markets fell from over 100% to just 4%. However, that optimism proved short-lived. By May 2025, the gap had widened again to 17%. In response, the government launched a sweeping crackdown, freezing the accounts of individuals and entities allegedly engaged in illegal foreign currency transactions.
In this commentary, Samson Hailu argues that these crackdowns contradict the very principle of a market-based system, which is meant to rely on supply and demand rather than heavy government intervention. “In reality,” he contends, “Ethiopia has yet to embrace a true market-based exchange rate system,” adding that “instead, it continues to operate under a managed framework where distortions and restrictions foster the very parallel markets the government is attempting to suppress.” The author notes that the promised shift to a market-driven system has effectively produced a “managed float,” in which the central bank continues to intervene in the pricing and allocation of foreign exchange.
The article identifies several structural bottlenecks contributing to the persistence of the parallel market: chronic forex shortages, eroded trust in the formal system, bureaucratic delays, inflation that has eroded purchasing power by more than 200% over five years, and restrictions on convertibility. As Samson states, “The black market does not exist in a vacuum; it exists precisely because the official system is failing to operate as it should.”
The author underscores that Ethiopia’s transition to a market-based exchange rate “remains incomplete,” noting that the parallel market endures due to unmet demand and systemic inefficiencies. He cautions, “Crackdowns alone cannot ensure stability,” emphasizing that lasting reform requires deeper structural changes that cultivate trust, efficiency, and a genuinely functioning foreign exchange system.
https://addisstandard.com/tight-grip-loose-market-ethiopias-forex-reform-paradox/
It has been over a year since Ethiopia replaced its long-standing crawling peg with a “market-based” foreign exchange regime, a reform intended to alleviate chronic dollar shortages and narrow the gap between official and black market rates. Initially, the reform appeared promising, as the premium between the two markets fell from over 100% to just 4%. However, that optimism proved short-lived. By May 2025, the gap had widened again to 17%. In response, the government launched a sweeping crackdown, freezing the accounts of individuals and entities allegedly engaged in illegal foreign currency transactions.
In this commentary, Samson Hailu argues that these crackdowns contradict the very principle of a market-based system, which is meant to rely on supply and demand rather than heavy government intervention. “In reality,” he contends, “Ethiopia has yet to embrace a true market-based exchange rate system,” adding that “instead, it continues to operate under a managed framework where distortions and restrictions foster the very parallel markets the government is attempting to suppress.” The author notes that the promised shift to a market-driven system has effectively produced a “managed float,” in which the central bank continues to intervene in the pricing and allocation of foreign exchange.
The article identifies several structural bottlenecks contributing to the persistence of the parallel market: chronic forex shortages, eroded trust in the formal system, bureaucratic delays, inflation that has eroded purchasing power by more than 200% over five years, and restrictions on convertibility. As Samson states, “The black market does not exist in a vacuum; it exists precisely because the official system is failing to operate as it should.”
The author underscores that Ethiopia’s transition to a market-based exchange rate “remains incomplete,” noting that the parallel market endures due to unmet demand and systemic inefficiencies. He cautions, “Crackdowns alone cannot ensure stability,” emphasizing that lasting reform requires deeper structural changes that cultivate trust, efficiency, and a genuinely functioning foreign exchange system.
https://addisstandard.com/tight-grip-loose-market-ethiopias-forex-reform-paradox/
Addis Standard
Tight Grip, Loose Market: Ethiopia’s forex reform paradox - Addis Standard
Tight Grip, Loose Market: Ethiopia’s forex reform paradox Addis Standard Commentary -
❤1
News: Hailstorms, floods devastate farmlands in #Tigray and #Amhara
Severe hail mixed with heavy rain in Tigray and a series of floods and landslides in Amhara have destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, leaving tens of thousands of farming households facing hardship.
In Degua #Tembien Woreda of Southeast Tigray Zone, a hailstorm struck on 26 September 2025 and damaged 143 hectares of cultivated land, completely wiping out standing crops, left 284 farming households in distress.
In the Amhara region, flooding, hail, and landslides during the rainy season have also caused widespread destruction. In #Meket Woreda of N. Wollo Zone alone, the Agriculture Office reported the loss of 6,000 hectares of farmland, affecting more than 45,000 families.
Amhara Regional Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Diakon Tesfaye Batable acknowledged that natural disasters occurred this year across South Wollo, North Wollo, E.Gojjam, Waghimra Zone Administration, and Central Gondar.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52632
Severe hail mixed with heavy rain in Tigray and a series of floods and landslides in Amhara have destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, leaving tens of thousands of farming households facing hardship.
In Degua #Tembien Woreda of Southeast Tigray Zone, a hailstorm struck on 26 September 2025 and damaged 143 hectares of cultivated land, completely wiping out standing crops, left 284 farming households in distress.
In the Amhara region, flooding, hail, and landslides during the rainy season have also caused widespread destruction. In #Meket Woreda of N. Wollo Zone alone, the Agriculture Office reported the loss of 6,000 hectares of farmland, affecting more than 45,000 families.
Amhara Regional Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Diakon Tesfaye Batable acknowledged that natural disasters occurred this year across South Wollo, North Wollo, E.Gojjam, Waghimra Zone Administration, and Central Gondar.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52632
❤1
News: #ENDF says denying #Red_Sea and #Assab Port claim amounts to “banditry”
The #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said that any attempt to deny Ethiopia’s claim over the Red Sea and the Port of Assab “cannot have a water-tight rationale other than banditry.”
In a statement released on its official Facebook page on 27 September 2025, the army described the Red Sea and Assab Port issue as “the pain of our Ethiopia for over three decades,” which, it said, has “diminished the honor of [Ethiopia’s] nationhood and obstructed its geopolitical national interest.”
The ENDF further stated that the official raising of the Red Sea question at the international level “has filled Ethiopian soldiers, who would not hesitate for a second to pay any sacrifice for the realization of our Ethiopia’s national interest, with immense joy.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Ethiopia and #Eritrea regarding Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and its claim over Assab...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52652
The #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said that any attempt to deny Ethiopia’s claim over the Red Sea and the Port of Assab “cannot have a water-tight rationale other than banditry.”
In a statement released on its official Facebook page on 27 September 2025, the army described the Red Sea and Assab Port issue as “the pain of our Ethiopia for over three decades,” which, it said, has “diminished the honor of [Ethiopia’s] nationhood and obstructed its geopolitical national interest.”
The ENDF further stated that the official raising of the Red Sea question at the international level “has filled Ethiopian soldiers, who would not hesitate for a second to pay any sacrifice for the realization of our Ethiopia’s national interest, with immense joy.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Ethiopia and #Eritrea regarding Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and its claim over Assab...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52652
❤3💯2