#Ethiopia urges stronger AU–UN coordination at 12th peace and security seminar in #Algeria

Ethiopia has called for deeper coordination between the African Union Peace and Security Council (#AUPSC) and African members of the #United_Nations Security Council (A3+) during the 12th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, also known as the Oran Process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (#UNECA). The seminar was held in Algiers, Algeria, from 1–2 December 2025.

According to the ministry, keynote addresses opened the seminar by stressing the need for Africa to chart its future amid weakening multilateralism; strengthen the AU’s capacity to balance external funding with domestic resource mobilisation for peace and security priorities; and devise strategies to counter...

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1996216738074050565?s=20

News: #Ethiopia rejects #Egypt’s ‘colonial-era mentality’ on GERD, pursuit of ‘pliant, weak and fragmented client states’ Horn of Africa

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (#MoFA) issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday accusing senior Egyptian officials of escalating hostile rhetoric and “categorically rejecting dialogue” over the Nile waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).

MoFA said recent comments from #Cairo are “manifestations of the failure of the Egyptian government to come to terms with the realities of the 21st century,” adding that some officials remain “steeped in colonial era mentality” and believe they “have a monopoly over the waters of the Nile.”

MoFA criticized Egypt’s repeated invocation of colonial-era treaties, saying Addis Abeba “has no room to accommodate the vestiges of colonialism that Cairo is finding difficult to eschew.”

The Ministry also accused Egypt of long-running efforts to destabilize the Horn of Africa, ...

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53931

Coming up on the Standard Signal Ep. 04: Targeted Heritage: The #Karrayyu_Gada Leaders and the politics of state violence and coercion

Four years ago on 02 December 2021, 14 Karrayyu Gadaa leaders were extrajudicially executed by #Koree_Nageenyaa, a clandestine state-sponsored assassination unit.

Since then, a chilling pattern of state interference in one of Ethiopia’s oldest indigenous institutions emerged.
14 Gadaa leaders executed…
A survivor killed…
A secret state unit exposed…
20 elders disappeared…


The pattern is impossible to ignore. Soreti Kadir joins Tsedale Lemma on The Standard Signal to discuss the Karrayyu community’s struggle at the intersection of state power, impunity, and cultural survival

Watch the full episode Premiers at: 7:30 PM EAT

https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard

#Karrayyu #GadaaSystem #Oromia #EthiopiaCrisis #HumanRightsEthiopia #StateImpunity #IndigenousGovernance #AddisStandardSignal #OromoIssues #JusticeForKarrayyu #PressFreedom #EastAfricaPolitics

Today on Addis Standard Daily News:

• OFC registers only 10 candidates, calling it a symbolic move as the party says conditions for a free and fair election are lacking.
• EIASC donates over 200 million Birr in medicines and supplies to public health facilities.
• NEBE extends its deadline after parties submit only preliminary candidate data; security assessments across constituencies continue.
• Ethiopian Airlines boosts Asia expansion, leveraging new ties with Singapore and key routes through Bangkok, Seoul, and Shanghai.
• Ethiopia and China enhance cyber security cooperation, with INSA and China’s National Data Administration discussing deeper collaboration in digital governance and data systems.

https://youtu.be/8yCgKSpUcQkV

#Premiering_now: The Standard Signal Ep. 04: Targeted Heritage: The #Karrayyu_Gada leaders and the politics of state violence and coercion

This episode not only commemorates the slain Karrayyu Gadaa leaders, but examines what this means for accountability, cultural autonomy, and the future of peace in Oromia.

Soreti Kadir joins Tsedale Lemma on The Standard Signal to discuss the Karrayyu community’s struggle at the intersection of state power, impunity, and cultural survival

Click here to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFfTFxcLzc

#Karrayyu #GadaaSystem #Oromia #EthiopiaCrisis #HumanRightsEthiopia #StateImpunity #IndigenousGovernance #AddisStandardSignal #OromoIssues #JusticeForKarrayyu #PressFreedom #EastAfricaPolitics

Rare #US call with PM Abiy avoids #Ethiopia’s domestic affairs as #Washington zeroes in on regional security

Addis Abeba - In an unusually narrow diplomatic exchange, Secretary of State #Marco_Rubio spoke with Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed on Wednesday without raising any aspect of Ethiopia’s domestic affairs, a rare omission given Ethiopia’s ongoing political, security, and humanitarian crises.

According to #State_Department readout, Secretary Rubio and PM Abiy discussed only the United States and Ethiopia’s “shared commitment to regional stability and to building a foundation for peace in the Horn of Africa.” The absence of any reference to internal governance, rights concerns, or political tensions marks a rare departure from typical U.S.–Ethiopia official call readouts.

As of publication, Prime Minister Abiy’s office has not issued an official statement.

The call comes on the heels of a significant visit by the newly confirmed commander of ..

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1996450116815725004?s=20

#Germany officially recognizes #Somali diplomatic passport

The Federal Government of Germany has officially recognized the Somali Diplomatic Passport for entry and residence, marking another significant step forward for Somalia’s travel document credibility.

The decision was published in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) on 1 December 2025, representing a major milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Under the new directive, holders of the Somali Diplomatic Passport can now enter and reside in Germany with full official recognition. This replaces the previous practice, in which the document was only accepted upon departure from Germany.

The move is widely viewed as a strong endorsement of the Somali Government’s efforts to modernize its migration and identification services, enhance the quality of national passports, and improve mobility between Somalia and its ...

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Dec/203807/germany_officially_recognizes_somali_diplomatic_passport.aspx

#Ethiopian Airlines eyes Asian growth through enhanced #Singapore ties

Ethiopian Airlines is aiming to deepen its #Asia–#Africa connectivity and expand its presence in the region as interest in travel to Africa increases.

The push follows a state visit by Singapore’s prime minister to Ethiopia and Singapore’s announcement that it will open an embassy in #Addis_Abeba.

Telila Deressa Gutema, Ethiopian Airlines’ regional manager for Singapore, #Australia and #New_Zealand (ANZ), told Aviation Week that traffic between Singapore and Ethiopia has grown significantly, driven by business travel, stronger trade flows and a rising number of leisure travelers from Singapore.

“As the embassy opens and ties deepen, we anticipate an even stronger flow of business and leisure travelers between Singapore and Africa, further solidifying Singapore’s role as a crucial gateway to the continent,” Gutema...

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LeQmGs1qCmER47WjniFFW2fuyrwTyH9sHijgr8fqdMAs8XkUg8PFvBztjbWT1a1Bl

#Somaliland welcome #Qatar to open offices as president Irro hosts #Doha envoy

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro” held extended talks on Wednesday with Qatar’s ambassador to Somalia, Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi, in #Hargeisa, focusing on expanding diplomatic and development cooperation amid rising geopolitical interest in the Red Sea corridor.

Officials said the discussions at the Presidential Palace covered political ties, economic cooperation and ongoing humanitarian support. Qatar has provided drought relief and community-development assistance in Somaliland in recent years, particularly during severe dry spells that have strained livelihoods across the eastern regions.

Somaliland, which has cultivated a reputation for relative stability in a volatile neighbourhood, is seeking to diversify its partnerships as Gulf states step up their economic and security....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02q44aBHoU5pzfnP4MKTpp6oxd7dndnigsUmRt1cQVLHbM8U5kpvujK6Hsa88ZDxNLl

News: Global Center warns #Ethiopia faces heightened mass atrocity risks amid escalating conflict

The Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect (#GCR2P) has warned that escalating insecurity in Ethiopia and across the Horn of Africa is placing vulnerable populations at heightened risk of mass atrocity crimes.

In its latest weekly Atrocity Alert, noscriptd “Tensions in the Horn of Africa Escalate Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ethiopia,” the center said the overall security and human rights situation in the region has sharply deteriorated amid recurrent and intensifying conflicts.

According to the alert, these risks are particularly evident in the #Amhara region, where clashes between #Fano, an ethnic Amhara militia, and federal forces have intensified since April 2023, alongside reports of grave abuses.

The alert also highlighted reports of extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate drone and air strikes on populated areas, destruction of civilian property ...

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53941

#Op_ed: Prioritizing Procedure, Ignoring Political Foundations: Fatal disconnect undermining #Ethiopia’s 7th election

Ethiopia’s march toward its 7th general election is marked by a “profound disconnect” between the National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) and opposition parties, argues Sultan Kassim.

He contends that the NEBE prioritizes “procedural propriety,” assuming that “following clear rules will lead to a legitimate outcome.” Opposition groups disagree, arguing elections require “peace, security, and a level playing field,” insisting that “meaningful participation is impossible” amid conflict, detentions, and shuttered party offices. Sultan highlights the #OFC’s decision to boycott most races while participating symbolically in #Addis_Abeba as evidence of this impasse. “

The window is closing,” the author cautions, urging the NEBE to “pause the clock” and ensure “credible conditions, not just a credible timetable.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53934

#IMF deputy managing director meets senior #Ethiopian officials

The Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigel Clarke, has begun an official visit to Ethiopia, holding talks with senior government officials on the country’s reform agenda and future cooperation.

Clarke arrived in Addis Abeba yesterday. Earlier today, he and his delegation met Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide; National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign; and Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa, among other officials.

According to information disclosed by the Ministry of Finance, discussions focused on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, IMF support for the reform programme, and prospects for continued collaboration.

During the meeting, Minister Ahmed Shide outlined recent progress under Ethiopia’s economic reform initiatives and reiterated the government’s ...

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02m6HSksqensN1tHZCxHEUtLfj4kg3vmVEK79QvQNhZMSFwbgRehapjGEGMzSU3BvZl

News: Elements of #Tigrayan forces remain at #Mekelle interim President’s office despite deputy’s intervention

Elements of the Tigrayan forces briefly besieged the Tigray Interim Administration President’s Office in Mekelle on Thursday morning, obstructing movement and transport around the compound.

Addis Standard has learned that the forces surrounded the office and blocked roads leading to it, preventing civil servants from the President’s Office and the Bureau of Civil Service from entering, and forcing them to wait outside.

Sources indicated that roughly 70 soldiers affiliated with Army Unit 31 were involved in the incident.

A reporter on the ground confirmed that while the forces later withdrew from the surrounding roads, allowing traffic and normal movement to resume, they remained stationed at the gate of the President’s Office....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02fJ2V6s1aLmpP6aga15ZSWHkCD72pTzURerQcxTPScjWp8C21JaEC8sDJa98CaZQal

News: #Ethiopian lawmakers approve amendment lifting signature obligation for #Election candidates ahead of seventh general Election

Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives (#HoPR) has unanimously approved an amendment suspending the candidate support-signature obligation for political parties ahead of the Seventh General Election.

The measure, adopted as Proclamation No. 1397/2025 during the Third Regular Session of the Sixth HoPR on 4 December 2025, removes the requirement in Article 32(2) and the newly added Sub-Article 8 of Proclamation No. 1162/2019 — the Electoral, Political Parties Registration, and Electoral Ethics Proclamation — which previously obliged parties to collect signatures for each candidate running for national or regional councils.

The Speaker of the House recalled that the support-signature requirement was also waived for the Sixth General Election under Proclamation No. 1235/2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53946

#Somalia prime minister declines to respond to #Trump, says ‘We are not the only country that Trump insults’

Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, said Wednesday it was “better not to respond” to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Somali immigrants “garbage” during a White House cabinet meeting on Tuesday, The New York Times reported.

Barre made the comment at an innovation summit in Mogadishu in response to a question about Trump’s statement, a video published by Shabelle TV shows. “We are not the only country that Trump insults. Sometimes it’s better not to respond,” he said.

Trump told his cabinet he did not want Somali immigrants in the United States, saying the country “stinks” and that accepting Somali immigrants would take the nation “the wrong way.”

Some Somalis criticized their government’s muted response. Abdullahi Omar, a trader in ...

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02bqqwrcDnUtXf4zVD8y2nZHpSyhHSgkrKzKDT76TNGapksGZqDifUUK74ta2jtg3al

#Ethiopia: #Amhara region signs ‘peace agreement’ with Capitaine Masresha Setie

A “peace agreement” has been signed between the Amhara Regional Government and the Amhara Fano People’s Organization, in a deal regional officials say forms part of “the region’s broader push to end armed confrontation” and create conditions for “continued peaceful relief for the public.”

According to state media the agreement was signed in the “presence of mediators from the African Union (#AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD).”

The pact was signed between #Arega_Kebede, President the Amhara Regional State, and Captain #Masresha_Setie, representing the Amhara Fano People’s Organization.

According to ruling party affiliate media, negotiations had been ongoing for “several months with the facilitation of the AU and IGAD. The regional government said the outcome reflects its stated option for peaceful resolution.

During the signing ceremony, President Arega ...

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53949

Today’s top stories from Addis Standard:

https://youtu.be/mMakFpK3aGA?si=Xao4eVqi7w8ZPrAb

#UN warns #famine emerging in #Sudan's Kordofan region as civilians 'face growing dangers'

The United Nations has warned that civilians across Sudan’s Kordofan region are facing rapidly worsening conditions as violence intensifies, with humanitarian agencies reporting famine conditions, ongoing sieges and mounting attacks on civilians and aid workers.

"Our humanitarian colleagues are warning yet again that civilians across the Kordofan region face growing dangers as violence intensifies," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

He said Sudan’s operational humanitarian country team earlier issued a statement "condemning in the strongest terms the escalating violence across Kordofan and the ongoing sieges that have cut off multiple cities."

People remain trapped in Dilling and Kadugli, facing "extreme hardship, severe restrictions on movement, and limited access to essential services and protection," he said.

Dujarric confirmed that "famine conditions have been identified in Kadugli," adding that sustained attacks have also been reported in Babanusa in West Kordofan in recent days.

Humanitarian organisations have voiced deep alarm over continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

https://www.trtworld.com/article/de96b2c46939

#US Embassy in #Ethiopia restricts travel to Sidama after #Marburg case confirmed in #Hawassa

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba has restricted official and personal travel for its personnel to Sidama Regional State following the confirmation of a new Marburg case in Hawassa on 27 November.

In a health alert issued on 04 December, the Embassy said the decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution.” It noted that the restriction is in addition to an earlier measure limiting official and personal travel to the South Ethiopia Regional State.

The Ministry of Health announced that the new case was contracted in Hawassa, the capital of Sidama Regional State. During a briefing on the current status of the outbreak, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said an individual who had returned from Jinka City was confirmed to be infected with Marburg in Hawassa.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5GGeZi21/

News: ‘Only a miracle can end this nightmare’: #Eritreans fear new #Ethiopia war

Tewolde has fought multiple times for Eritrea, one of the most closed societies on Earth, and is now praying another war is not about to break out with neighboring Ethiopia.

“If the war starts, many people will go to the front and, as before, many children will lose their fathers, mothers will lose their husbands, parents will lose their children,” said Tewolde, who is in his 40s and lives in the Eritrean capital #Asmara.

He fought first in the late 1990s during Eritrea’s horrific border war with Ethiopia, and more recently during clashes against rebels in the Ethiopian region of #Tigray.

Now the fractious Horn of Africa rivals have begun trading barbs and accusations of war-mongering once more.

“We’ve already experienced this (before) and we know the losses are severe,” said Tewolde, who gave a false name to protect his identity in a country regularly described by rights groups ....

https://addisstandard.com/?p=53958

National Dialogue Commission urges renewed efforts to bring #Tigray actors, armed groups into process

The #Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has renewed calls for the participation of political actors and armed groups in the Tigray region, warning that their continued absence poses a significant challenge to the national dialogue process.

In a consultative meeting held on 02 December with representatives of religious institutions and civic organizations in Addis Abeba, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya underscored the “unique credibility and influence” these institutions hold within communities. He said their involvement is critical in addressing existing obstacles, particularly the reluctance of key stakeholders in Tigray to join the dialogue.

Professor Mesfin urged civic and religious institutions to use their outreach to encourage political actors and armed groups that have yet to participate, stressing that inclusion of their ...

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1996862876942770438?s=20