#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
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
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#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
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
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
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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
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
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#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
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
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#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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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#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
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
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#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
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
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#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
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
Trtworld
UN warns famine emerging in Sudan's Kordofan region as civilians 'face growing dangers'
Humanitarian agencies warn of worsening hunger, restricted movement and escalating violence.
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#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/
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/
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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
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
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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
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
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News Analysis: Claims of ‘peace agreement’ between #Amhara region and dismissed Fano member face scrutiny as #AU, #IGAD statements lend credence to signing
A cascade of contradictory statements and political responses followed the announcement on 4 December 2025 of a “peace agreement” said to have been signed between the Amhara Regional Government and Masresha Setie, who emerged as a dismissed members of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization (#AFPO).
On 4 December, state media reported that “a peace agreement” had been signed between the Amhara Regional Government and the Amhara Fano People’s Organization. Officials said the deal was part of “the region’s broader push to end armed confrontation” & establish “continued peaceful relief for the public.”
Hours later, AFPO issued another statement categorically rejecting the reported agreement. The group said it “has not signed an agreement with the regime it is defeating militarily,” calling the announcement...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=53961
A cascade of contradictory statements and political responses followed the announcement on 4 December 2025 of a “peace agreement” said to have been signed between the Amhara Regional Government and Masresha Setie, who emerged as a dismissed members of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization (#AFPO).
On 4 December, state media reported that “a peace agreement” had been signed between the Amhara Regional Government and the Amhara Fano People’s Organization. Officials said the deal was part of “the region’s broader push to end armed confrontation” & establish “continued peaceful relief for the public.”
Hours later, AFPO issued another statement categorically rejecting the reported agreement. The group said it “has not signed an agreement with the regime it is defeating militarily,” calling the announcement...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=53961
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#Kenya signs landmark health deal with #US despite data fears
Kenya has signed a historic five-year health agreement with the US, the first such pact since Donald Trump's administration overhauled its foreign aid program.
The $2.5bn (£1.9bn) deal is aimed at combating infectious diseases in Kenya, with similar agreements expected to be rolled out in other African countries aligned with Trump's broader foreign policy goals.
The government-to-government deal aims to boost transparency and accountability but has raised fears it could give the US real-time access to critical health databases, including sensitive patient information.
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale sought to allay such fears, saying "only de-identified, aggregated data" would be shared.
On his first day in office in January, Trump announced a freeze on foreign aid as part of a government spending review, dismantled the #USAID and cut billions in aid to poorer countries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r9vq5vv4no
Kenya has signed a historic five-year health agreement with the US, the first such pact since Donald Trump's administration overhauled its foreign aid program.
The $2.5bn (£1.9bn) deal is aimed at combating infectious diseases in Kenya, with similar agreements expected to be rolled out in other African countries aligned with Trump's broader foreign policy goals.
The government-to-government deal aims to boost transparency and accountability but has raised fears it could give the US real-time access to critical health databases, including sensitive patient information.
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale sought to allay such fears, saying "only de-identified, aggregated data" would be shared.
On his first day in office in January, Trump announced a freeze on foreign aid as part of a government spending review, dismantled the #USAID and cut billions in aid to poorer countries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r9vq5vv4no
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#Ethiopia: Fed. Court sentences former State Minister Taye Dendea to seven years; defense says trial proceeded without key witnesses #PM_Abiy, Mayor Adanech
The #Lideta Federal High Court today sentenced former Deputy Minister of Peace Taye Dendea to seven years and two months in prison, along with a five-thousand-birr fine, his lawyer told Addis Standard.
According to Abera Nigus, Taye’s attorney, the sentence was handed down on 05 December, 2025, after the court found him guilty on 12 November, 2025, of the charge of “possessing an unlicensed firearm.”
Abera told Addis Standard that the defense submitted 13 mitigation points to reduce the sentence, of which the court accepted 12. He added that today’s sentencing decision took those mitigating arguments into consideration. The prosecutor’s request to increase the sentence was rejected by the court.
Abera also said they plan to appeal the ruling. He argued that the sentence was delivered “without hearing all the ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53966
The #Lideta Federal High Court today sentenced former Deputy Minister of Peace Taye Dendea to seven years and two months in prison, along with a five-thousand-birr fine, his lawyer told Addis Standard.
According to Abera Nigus, Taye’s attorney, the sentence was handed down on 05 December, 2025, after the court found him guilty on 12 November, 2025, of the charge of “possessing an unlicensed firearm.”
Abera told Addis Standard that the defense submitted 13 mitigation points to reduce the sentence, of which the court accepted 12. He added that today’s sentencing decision took those mitigating arguments into consideration. The prosecutor’s request to increase the sentence was rejected by the court.
Abera also said they plan to appeal the ruling. He argued that the sentence was delivered “without hearing all the ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53966
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#Ethiopia: EFFORT urges federal government to lift mass freezing of member companies’ bank accounts
The Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of #Tigray (#EFFORT) has urged the federal government to immediately reverse a directive that led to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to all companies under the conglomerate, warning that the measure risks deepening Tigray’s already fragile economic recovery.
In a statement issued on Thursday, EFFORT’s Board of Directors said banks were instructed to suspend the accounts of its member companies effective 03 December, noting that the action was carried out “in bulk” & without prior financial investigation. The Board described the suspension as illegal and cautioned that it could derail ongoing post-war reconstruction efforts.
“This action will undermine efforts to recover from the damage caused by the war,” the statement said.
EFFORT warned that the measure could force tens of thousands of employees out of work, creating....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53970
The Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of #Tigray (#EFFORT) has urged the federal government to immediately reverse a directive that led to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to all companies under the conglomerate, warning that the measure risks deepening Tigray’s already fragile economic recovery.
In a statement issued on Thursday, EFFORT’s Board of Directors said banks were instructed to suspend the accounts of its member companies effective 03 December, noting that the action was carried out “in bulk” & without prior financial investigation. The Board described the suspension as illegal and cautioned that it could derail ongoing post-war reconstruction efforts.
“This action will undermine efforts to recover from the damage caused by the war,” the statement said.
EFFORT warned that the measure could force tens of thousands of employees out of work, creating....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53970
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News: M-PESA #Ethiopia says users registered with 09 numbers blocked from app access, unable to move funds
M-#PESA Ethiopia has disclosed that customers who registered for its newly launched “M-PESA for All” (M-PESA LeHulum) service using phone numbers beginning with the 09 prefix have been blocked from accessing the platform, preventing them from logging into the application or moving their money.
In a statement issued today, the company said: “customers who voluntarily registered with their 09 numbers to use the application are blocked from accessing the service using #Ethio_Telecom data, and are unable to log into the application or move their money.”
The company did not specify when the disruption began but said the issue exclusively affects users connecting to the service through Ethio Telecom’s mobile data network.
M-PESA Ethiopia noted that it holds a Payment Instrument Issuer License from the National Bank of Ethiopia and the required authorization from the ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53973
M-#PESA Ethiopia has disclosed that customers who registered for its newly launched “M-PESA for All” (M-PESA LeHulum) service using phone numbers beginning with the 09 prefix have been blocked from accessing the platform, preventing them from logging into the application or moving their money.
In a statement issued today, the company said: “customers who voluntarily registered with their 09 numbers to use the application are blocked from accessing the service using #Ethio_Telecom data, and are unable to log into the application or move their money.”
The company did not specify when the disruption began but said the issue exclusively affects users connecting to the service through Ethio Telecom’s mobile data network.
M-PESA Ethiopia noted that it holds a Payment Instrument Issuer License from the National Bank of Ethiopia and the required authorization from the ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53973
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#Ethiopia suspends licenses of 22 sports-betting firms amid 100 billion birr embezzlement probe
The Ethiopian Lottery Service has suspended the licenses of 22 sports-betting companies as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged large-scale embezzlement, tax evasion, and illicit financial schemes under review by national security authorities.
In a statement issued on 04 December, the Ethiopian Lottery said the suspension followed information received from the National Intelligence and Security Service (#NISS).
It noted that the action was taken in line with the relevant proclamation, which allows authorities to revoke or suspend a license if it is used to commit criminal acts that undermine public peace or national security, or involve fraud, as well as under provisions of the Sports Betting License Directive.
The suspended licenses will remain inactive until the ongoing criminal investigation concludes, the agency said, .....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1996957401275134248?s=20
The Ethiopian Lottery Service has suspended the licenses of 22 sports-betting companies as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged large-scale embezzlement, tax evasion, and illicit financial schemes under review by national security authorities.
In a statement issued on 04 December, the Ethiopian Lottery said the suspension followed information received from the National Intelligence and Security Service (#NISS).
It noted that the action was taken in line with the relevant proclamation, which allows authorities to revoke or suspend a license if it is used to commit criminal acts that undermine public peace or national security, or involve fraud, as well as under provisions of the Sports Betting License Directive.
The suspended licenses will remain inactive until the ongoing criminal investigation concludes, the agency said, .....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1996957401275134248?s=20
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