43 children among 79 civilians killed in paramilitary# RSF drone attack in #Sudan's South Kordofan
At least 79 civilians, including 43 children, were killed and 38 others injured in a drone strike carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan, Sudanese authorities said.
In a statement, the South Kordofan state government said four women were among the victims in Thursday’s attack on the city of Kalogi in western Sudan.
It said the drone fired four missiles into a kindergarten, a hospital and densely populated residential areas, describing the incident as a "heinous crime" committed by the RSF-allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
Authorities had initially reported eight fatalities, including six children and a teacher, before the death toll climbed to 79.
https://www.trtworld.com/article/e33c41bc9b7d
At least 79 civilians, including 43 children, were killed and 38 others injured in a drone strike carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan, Sudanese authorities said.
In a statement, the South Kordofan state government said four women were among the victims in Thursday’s attack on the city of Kalogi in western Sudan.
It said the drone fired four missiles into a kindergarten, a hospital and densely populated residential areas, describing the incident as a "heinous crime" committed by the RSF-allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
Authorities had initially reported eight fatalities, including six children and a teacher, before the death toll climbed to 79.
https://www.trtworld.com/article/e33c41bc9b7d
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In #Ethiopia, an unfinished peace risks betraying the people of #Tigray and the broader region
The Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) signed the Pretoria Agreement three years ago, at least silencing the guns in the Tigray Region following two years of brutal war.
It remains on record as one of the world’s deadliest conflicts of the 21st century, with an estimated 600,000 civilians killed in a region occupied by only 6 million people.
But a confluence of factors threatens to reignite the conflict and potentially destabilize the wider region: the Ethiopian government’s failure to fully implement the agreement, a lack of justice and accountability, and a split within Tigray’s leadership, one faction backing the government in Addis Ababa and the other siding with leaders in neighboring Eritrea who had supported Addis during the war.
To prevent further deterioration, regional and international...
https://www.justsecurity.org/125778/ethiopia-unfinished-peace-tigray-region/
The Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) signed the Pretoria Agreement three years ago, at least silencing the guns in the Tigray Region following two years of brutal war.
It remains on record as one of the world’s deadliest conflicts of the 21st century, with an estimated 600,000 civilians killed in a region occupied by only 6 million people.
But a confluence of factors threatens to reignite the conflict and potentially destabilize the wider region: the Ethiopian government’s failure to fully implement the agreement, a lack of justice and accountability, and a split within Tigray’s leadership, one faction backing the government in Addis Ababa and the other siding with leaders in neighboring Eritrea who had supported Addis during the war.
To prevent further deterioration, regional and international...
https://www.justsecurity.org/125778/ethiopia-unfinished-peace-tigray-region/
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#Ethiopia, #China discuss expanding Chinese language education in Ethiopian schools
Ethiopia and China have held talks on expanding Chinese language education within Ethiopia’s schooling system, the Ministry of Education said.
Ethiopian Minister of Education, Professor #Berhanu_Nega, met a Chinese delegation led by Yu Yunfeng, Director General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (#CLEC) under China’s Ministry of Education, at his office on 5 December.
The discussion focused on strengthening educational cooperation between the two #BRICS member states.
Yu highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, describing Ethiopia as “China’s strategic partner,” according to the Ministry. He said China seeks to expand Chinese language teaching beyond the limited programs currently offered in select universities.
“This would not only enable citizens to learn multiple languages but would also significantly contribute to ....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997213512213401660?s=20
Ethiopia and China have held talks on expanding Chinese language education within Ethiopia’s schooling system, the Ministry of Education said.
Ethiopian Minister of Education, Professor #Berhanu_Nega, met a Chinese delegation led by Yu Yunfeng, Director General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (#CLEC) under China’s Ministry of Education, at his office on 5 December.
The discussion focused on strengthening educational cooperation between the two #BRICS member states.
Yu highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, describing Ethiopia as “China’s strategic partner,” according to the Ministry. He said China seeks to expand Chinese language teaching beyond the limited programs currently offered in select universities.
“This would not only enable citizens to learn multiple languages but would also significantly contribute to ....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997213512213401660?s=20
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News: #Ethiopia to begin Marburg vaccination next week as 2,500 U.S.-backed doses arrive
Ethiopia will begin administering an experimental Marburg virus vaccine on 8 December after receiving 2,500 doses supported by the #US government, the Ministry of Health announced.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia #Ervin_Massinga formally handed over the vaccines to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service.
Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said the doses will be used following a rapid Phase 2 clinical trial led by the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, which will collaborate with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority for monitoring and oversight.
Dr. Mekdes added that frontline health professionals and highly exposed communities will be prioritized during the initial rollout.
Meanwhile, the #South_Ethiopia Regional Health Bureau said it is conducting house-to-house activities in outbreak-affected areas and reported progress in mitigating ...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997225593046184395?s=20
Ethiopia will begin administering an experimental Marburg virus vaccine on 8 December after receiving 2,500 doses supported by the #US government, the Ministry of Health announced.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia #Ervin_Massinga formally handed over the vaccines to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service.
Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba said the doses will be used following a rapid Phase 2 clinical trial led by the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, which will collaborate with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority for monitoring and oversight.
Dr. Mekdes added that frontline health professionals and highly exposed communities will be prioritized during the initial rollout.
Meanwhile, the #South_Ethiopia Regional Health Bureau said it is conducting house-to-house activities in outbreak-affected areas and reported progress in mitigating ...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997225593046184395?s=20
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#Olympian and other #Eritreans freed after 18 years without trial, relatives tell the BBC
Thirteen people held for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military prison, relatives of the detainees have told the BBC.
Among those freed were several prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many of the inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa told the BBC the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on Col Simon Gebredingil, a senior internal security officer in President Isaias Afwerki's government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, according to the source. Some have been released over the years, but about 20 remained in custody.
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 ...
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2500jkd41o
Thirteen people held for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military prison, relatives of the detainees have told the BBC.
Among those freed were several prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many of the inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa told the BBC the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on Col Simon Gebredingil, a senior internal security officer in President Isaias Afwerki's government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, according to the source. Some have been released over the years, but about 20 remained in custody.
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 ...
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2500jkd41o
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#Benin government says it has ‘foiled’ #coup attempt, arrests dozens of soldiers
Benin's government said the government had thwarted an attempted coup, just hours after a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had ousted President Patrice Talon.
Military and security sources said on Sunday that around a dozen soldiers had been arrested, including those behind the coup bid.
The west Africa region has experienced a number of coups in recent years, including in Benin's northern neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau.
Talon is due to hand over power in April next year after 10 years in office marked by solid economic growth but also a surge in militant violence.
Early on Sunday, soldiers calling themselves the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), announced on state television that they had met and decided that "Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic".
Shortly after the announcement however, a source close to Talon told AFP the president was safe and condemned the coup plotters as "a small group of people who only control the television".
"The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure," said the source.
Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the soldiers' announcement as "a mutiny" aimed at "destabilising the country and its institutions".
"Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt," he added.
https://www.trtworld.com/article/b707149d9098
Benin's government said the government had thwarted an attempted coup, just hours after a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had ousted President Patrice Talon.
Military and security sources said on Sunday that around a dozen soldiers had been arrested, including those behind the coup bid.
The west Africa region has experienced a number of coups in recent years, including in Benin's northern neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau.
Talon is due to hand over power in April next year after 10 years in office marked by solid economic growth but also a surge in militant violence.
Early on Sunday, soldiers calling themselves the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), announced on state television that they had met and decided that "Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic".
Shortly after the announcement however, a source close to Talon told AFP the president was safe and condemned the coup plotters as "a small group of people who only control the television".
"The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure," said the source.
Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the soldiers' announcement as "a mutiny" aimed at "destabilising the country and its institutions".
"Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt," he added.
https://www.trtworld.com/article/b707149d9098
Trtworld
Benin government says it has ‘foiled’ coup attempt, arrests dozens of soldiers
Interior Ministry describes the soldiers' announcement as "a mutiny" aimed at "destabilising the country and its institutions".
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#Somaliland denies #Somalia talks, accuses Mogadishu of interference
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports suggesting renewed dialogue with Somalia, saying the negotiation track remains fully suspended and no discussions are underway.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said “there are no ongoing talks with Somalia”, adding that the government had formally halted the dialogue earlier this year following what it described as “Somalia’s blatant interference in Somaliland’s internal affairs.”
Somaliland government said it has “never been part of the federal system created in Somalia after 2012” and continues to operate with its own soverei
The ministry stressed that the previous dialogue initiative, launched more than a decade ago, had been permanently stopped. “The dialogue process has formally ceased. No official has the authority to distort this fact ...
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/12/somaliland-denies-somalia-talks-accuses-mogadishu-of-interference/
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports suggesting renewed dialogue with Somalia, saying the negotiation track remains fully suspended and no discussions are underway.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said “there are no ongoing talks with Somalia”, adding that the government had formally halted the dialogue earlier this year following what it described as “Somalia’s blatant interference in Somaliland’s internal affairs.”
Somaliland government said it has “never been part of the federal system created in Somalia after 2012” and continues to operate with its own soverei
The ministry stressed that the previous dialogue initiative, launched more than a decade ago, had been permanently stopped. “The dialogue process has formally ceased. No official has the authority to distort this fact ...
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/12/somaliland-denies-somalia-talks-accuses-mogadishu-of-interference/
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In Pictures—Ethiopia marks 20th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day under theme ‘Democratic Consensus for Shared National Unity’
The 20th edition of Ethiopia’s Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day celebration is underway today in Hosaena city of the Central Ethiopia Region, where thousands of attendees have gathered at Abuye Ersam Memorial Stadium for the national closing ceremony, observed this year as “Ethiopians’ Day.”
This year’s celebration has been underway since 4 December 2025, featuring a series of cultural and political events staged under various themes. The festivities culminate today with the central motto, “Democratic Consensus for Shared National Unity.”
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day is observed annually on 8 December, marking the day the FDRE Constitution was ratified.
The 20th edition of Ethiopia’s Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day celebration is underway today in Hosaena city of the Central Ethiopia Region, where thousands of attendees have gathered at Abuye Ersam Memorial Stadium for the national closing ceremony, observed this year as “Ethiopians’ Day.”
This year’s celebration has been underway since 4 December 2025, featuring a series of cultural and political events staged under various themes. The festivities culminate today with the central motto, “Democratic Consensus for Shared National Unity.”
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day is observed annually on 8 December, marking the day the FDRE Constitution was ratified.
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A #heart_surgeon saved his life as a teen. Now they perform surgeries together
An #Ethiopian boy who once lay on an operating table fighting for his life has returned to the surgical theatre — this time helping save others — in what he calls “a second life”, The Washington Post reports.
Born in rural Ethiopia in 1985, Mesfin Yana Dollar fell gravely ill with rheumatic heart disease as a child. With no cardiac surgery available in Ethiopia at the time, he was sent to the United States through the support of #American doctor Rick Hodes and international donors.
A successful operation in #Atlanta saved his life — but complications later forced a second surgery and lifelong treatment.
It was this second rescue that changed everything. “I was blessed with a second life,” Mesfin recalled. Unable to return to rural Ethiopia where follow-up care was unavailable, he was taken in by cardiologist Allen Dollar’s family, eventually taking their surname...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997954649328939443?s=20
An #Ethiopian boy who once lay on an operating table fighting for his life has returned to the surgical theatre — this time helping save others — in what he calls “a second life”, The Washington Post reports.
Born in rural Ethiopia in 1985, Mesfin Yana Dollar fell gravely ill with rheumatic heart disease as a child. With no cardiac surgery available in Ethiopia at the time, he was sent to the United States through the support of #American doctor Rick Hodes and international donors.
A successful operation in #Atlanta saved his life — but complications later forced a second surgery and lifelong treatment.
It was this second rescue that changed everything. “I was blessed with a second life,” Mesfin recalled. Unable to return to rural Ethiopia where follow-up care was unavailable, he was taken in by cardiologist Allen Dollar’s family, eventually taking their surname...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1997954649328939443?s=20
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#Ethiopian Film Festival returns to #Malta
It will feature two films, 'Jebina' and 'Qalat', to be screened on December 10 and 11
The Ethiopian Film Festival is set to return to Malta for its second edition, bringing with it two days of powerful storytelling, cultural celebration and community engagement.
The event, organised by habeshaview, will take place on December 10 and 11 at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.
With two acclaimed films on the programme and growing international interest in Ethiopian cinema, this year’s festival promises an enriching experience for both local audiences and the Ethiopian diaspora in Malta.
The festival opens on December 10 at 7.30pm with a VIP reception followed by the screening of Jebina, an emotionally charged drama inspired by true events.
The film follows Gifti, a young woman from rural Ethiopia whose life is shattered when she is abducted and forced to marry the son of a nobleman....
https://timesofmalta.com/article/ethiopian-film-festival-returns-malta.1120675
It will feature two films, 'Jebina' and 'Qalat', to be screened on December 10 and 11
The Ethiopian Film Festival is set to return to Malta for its second edition, bringing with it two days of powerful storytelling, cultural celebration and community engagement.
The event, organised by habeshaview, will take place on December 10 and 11 at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.
With two acclaimed films on the programme and growing international interest in Ethiopian cinema, this year’s festival promises an enriching experience for both local audiences and the Ethiopian diaspora in Malta.
The festival opens on December 10 at 7.30pm with a VIP reception followed by the screening of Jebina, an emotionally charged drama inspired by true events.
The film follows Gifti, a young woman from rural Ethiopia whose life is shattered when she is abducted and forced to marry the son of a nobleman....
https://timesofmalta.com/article/ethiopian-film-festival-returns-malta.1120675
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#Op_ed: #Washington Strategic Blind Spot: Why U.S. must pay attention to #Somaliland
Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi recently hosted a senior #US military and diplomatic delegation, including #AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson. In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed argues the visit confirmed what Washington acknowledges privately: “The U.S. military recognizes Somaliland’s strategic and governance value.”
The author highlights Somaliland’s pivotal position near the Bab el-Mandeb strait and its standing as one of Africa’s most resilient democracies. He adds that #Berbera Port, expanded by the #UAE, offers the U.S. a vital alternative to #Djibouti, home to #China’s first overseas military base.
The article concludes that three decades of stability make Somaliland an “irreplaceable partner,” adding that continued U.S. hesitation is a “strategic failure.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53952
Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi recently hosted a senior #US military and diplomatic delegation, including #AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson. In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed argues the visit confirmed what Washington acknowledges privately: “The U.S. military recognizes Somaliland’s strategic and governance value.”
The author highlights Somaliland’s pivotal position near the Bab el-Mandeb strait and its standing as one of Africa’s most resilient democracies. He adds that #Berbera Port, expanded by the #UAE, offers the U.S. a vital alternative to #Djibouti, home to #China’s first overseas military base.
The article concludes that three decades of stability make Somaliland an “irreplaceable partner,” adding that continued U.S. hesitation is a “strategic failure.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53952
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News: #US announces investment-focused #Africa policy, prioritizes conflict prevention in Horn of Africa
The United States has unveiled a new National Security Strategy outlining a significant shift in its approach to Africa, prioritizing trade, investment, and targeted diplomatic engagement particularly in the conflict-prone Horn of Africa.
The strategy, released by the White House, contends that past U.S. engagement on the continent was overly shaped by “liberal ideological” aims and a heavy reliance on foreign aid. In its place, Washington signals a move toward partnerships with what it calls “capable, reliable states” committed to opening their markets to U.S. goods and services.
Conflict prevention and resolution constitute a central pillar of the new strategy, with the Horn of Africa identified as a priority region. The document underscores persistent tensions involving #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, and #Somalia, warning that without preventive diplomacy, emerging ....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53982
The United States has unveiled a new National Security Strategy outlining a significant shift in its approach to Africa, prioritizing trade, investment, and targeted diplomatic engagement particularly in the conflict-prone Horn of Africa.
The strategy, released by the White House, contends that past U.S. engagement on the continent was overly shaped by “liberal ideological” aims and a heavy reliance on foreign aid. In its place, Washington signals a move toward partnerships with what it calls “capable, reliable states” committed to opening their markets to U.S. goods and services.
Conflict prevention and resolution constitute a central pillar of the new strategy, with the Horn of Africa identified as a priority region. The document underscores persistent tensions involving #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, and #Somalia, warning that without preventive diplomacy, emerging ....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=53982
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