Today’s top stories from Addis Standard:



https://youtu.be/imAC-UDOlKk?si=gJvKma6uI39BrTb3

Rubio says immediate #US goal on #Sudan is cessation of hostilities into new year

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said Washington's immediate goal on Sudan is a cessation of hostilities going into the new year that allows humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance.

Rubio, speaking to reporters at a news conference, said countries are providing weaponry and equipment to the parties, including trans-shipment of weapons particularly to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, adding that Washington was engaging with the parties involved.

"We've had the right and appropriate conversations with all sides of this conflict, because that is their leverage. Without their support, neither side can continue. So that's why we need to engage, and that's why we've engaged the parties involved in all of this," Rubio said.

"We think that outside actors have the leverage and the influence over the players on the ground to bring about this humanitarian truce, and we are very focused on it. I had a conversation on it yesterday. We have spoken to the UAE, we've spoken to Saudi, we've spoken to Egypt," he added.

US President Donald Trump said last week he would intervene to stop the conflict between the army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023 out of a power struggle and has triggered famine, ethnic killings and mass displacement in Sudan.

https://www.newarab.com/news/rubio-says-immediate-us-goal-sudan-cessation-hostilities

News: #Ethiopia’s refugee response at risk of collapse as funding gaps threaten 1.1 million people, agencies warn

Ethiopia’s refugee response is at risk of collapse, with essential services for more than 1.1 million refugees expected to halt within weeks unless urgent funding is secured, the government and United Nations agencies warned.


In a joint statement sent to Addis Standard on 19 December 2025, the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (WFP) said funding shortfalls have pushed the refugee response “to the breaking point.”

The agencies said Ethiopia, Africa’s second-largest refugee-hosting country, has seen increased arrivals driven by conflict in Sudan and South Sudan and drought in Somalia, while funding levels have sharply declined.

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopias-refugee-response-at-risk-of-collapse-as-funding-gaps-threaten-1-1-million-people-agencies-warn/

“Ethiopia’s Beautiful Laws Exist Only on Paper” – Dr. Abdirahman Mahadi

From The Standard Signal EP. 06, Dr. Abdirahman Mahadi reflects on Ethiopia’s long-standing constitutional crisis, stating: “We had constitution. We have beautiful laws in Ethiopia for the last 50, 40 years. And the problem is they all on paper but they never implemented.”

He argues that when power is captured by a narrow group, “they only apply the oppressive part of those constitutional, those laws,” while ignoring the democratic principles meant to protect citizens.

Click here to watch the full video:  https://youtu.be/dYvRj4wLmw4?si=eyPT9-wWMrj4v839



#StandardSignal #EthiopiaPolitics #ONLF #Ogaden #PeaceAgreement #PoliticalRepression #ShrinkingCivicSpace #ResourcePolitics #OilAndGas #Federalism #DemocracyInEthiopia #HornOfAfrica #Accountability #PoliticalDialogue

#Ethiopia, #Kenya sign simplified cross-border trade agreement

Ethiopia and Kenya have signed a simplified cross-border trade agreement aimed at easing small-scale trade and reducing barriers for informal traders, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced.

In a statement issued on 19 December 2025, the ministry reported that Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe (PhD) and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui formalized the agreement during a meeting in Addis Abeba.

According to the ministry, the agreement seeks to support small-scale cross-border trade by reducing trade barriers and establishing what it described as a clearer and more predictable framework for informal traders, who the ministry noted make up the majority of cross-border trade participants. The ministry added that the framework places particular emphasis on women and youth.

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2002313790835339708?s=20

#Rubio asks #Ethiopia to contribute troops to proposed Gaza force amid US recruitment challenges

#US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked Ethiopian Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed Ali to consider contributing troops to a proposed International Security Force for #Gaza, according to a report by The Times of Israel, which cited Western diplomatic sources.

The reported request was made earlier this week as #Washington seeks to assemble an international force envisioned under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

The plan calls for an international security presence to oversee a transitional period focused on reconstruction and economic recovery in the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by more than two years of war.

The report said the United States has faced difficulties in securing commitments for the force, as many countries remain wary of participating,...

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02uzK25f2yp2ZddSFYFgRnqCMiEWVQFifTZfbR9axSAMrisfi1mdJYJcY9w78hZPeBl

#World_Court to hear #Myanmar #genocide case in January

The International Court of Justice will hear a landmark case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its minority Muslim group, the Rohingya, on January 12-29, the #United_Nations' top court said on Friday.

The proceedings are expected to set precedents that could affect #South_Africa’s case against #Israel over the war in Gaza, as this will be the first genocide case the #ICJ has heard on its merits in more than a decade.

In the first week of the hearings, #Gambia -- a predominantly Muslim West African country -- will outline its case from January 12 to 15. Backed by the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, Gambia filed the case at the ICJ in 2019, accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya.

Since the 1948 Genocide Convention, the ICJ has only confirmed one episode of genocide, the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys by Bosnian Serb troops during the 1990s war that tore apart the former Yugoslavia.

The findings of the ICJ in this case could become important in any future genocide case, specifically as Gambia and a number of intervening states in the case including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have argued that genocide is not limited to only mass killings.

The intervening countries said in written filings that the court should not only focus on the number of dead to establish genocidal intent, but also look at forced displacement, crimes against children and sexual and gender-based crimes.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/world-court-hear-myanmar-genocide-case-january-2025-12-19/

Missed the week’s biggest stories?

Here’s Addis Standard’s weekly recap — all in one place.



https://youtu.be/YWz7SPUuXIM

#Tigray Interim Administration, #CBE discuss support for investment, construction sectors

A delegation led by Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, the president of the Tigray Interim Administration, held talks with senior officials of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on cooperation aimed at revitalizing economic activity in the region, the bank said.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, CBE said the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration with the Interim Administration, with particular emphasis on support for the investment and construction sectors in Tigray.

During the meeting, President Tadesse called on the bank to expand its financial support to the two sectors, describing them as critical to economic recovery and job creation in the post-war region.


https://addisstandard.com/tigray-interim-administration-cbe-hold-talks-on-support-for-investment-construction-sectors/

#Ethiopian Airlines suspends some domestic flights, citing adverse weather conditions

Addis Abeba — Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to “some” domestic destinations, citing unfavorable weather conditions affecting parts of the country.

In a statement published on its Amharic-language social media page on 20 December 2025, the national carrier said fog and weather conditions “unsuitable for flight operations” have been observed in several areas. Citing information from meteorological authorities, the airline said the conditions are expected to persist “for a few days.”

The airline said it was “forced to suspend” flights to certain destinations until weather conditions improve and normal operations resume. It called on passengers to “be patient” and advised those with urgent travel needs to consider “alternative travel options.”

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0T7tEvosDQX7BS21bFt4xgodt7bv9xhFtmEndVyw9HCdBhpA7b7HkNUpkYrVQDM8dl

#Yemen reports arrival of 180 irregular #Ethiopian migrants on #Shabwa coast

Yemen's Interior Ministry said on Sunday that 180 Ethiopian migrants have arrived on the country's southeastern coast of Shabwa, amid a continued surge in irregular migration to Yemen.

In a statement issued by the ministry's Security Media Center, local police in Shabwa said all 180 migrants are #Ethiopian nationals who departed from the Horn of Africa aboard a smuggling vessel operated by four Somali sailors.

Shabwa's local security authorities said they are taking necessary measures to curb the influx of migrants and prevent illegal infiltration, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, latest data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) showed that 17,659 migrants entered Yemen in November. The number was 17,685 in October.

https://english.news.cn/20251221/bc4a0801809c4eef82b6ef1f86e594d1/c.html

#Chilean cherries land in #China via #Ethiopia in cold-chain milestone

Ethiopian Cargo has launched its 2025–2026 cherry season with a long-haul charter from Chile to China, marking a significant shift in how perishables move between Latin America and Asia. The carrier’s ability to complete the inaugural cherry shipment with full cold-chain integrity underscores its ambition to compete in high-value fresh produce logistics across intercontinental distances.

By successfully moving high-value cherries from Santiago to Ezhou via Lagos and Addis Abeba, the airline is signalling more than operational capability—it’s laying a claim to a role in reshaping fresh-produce corridors between Latin America and Asia.


https://aircargoweek.com/chilean-cherries-land-in-china-via-ethiopia-in-cold-chain-milestone/

#Ethiopian civilians 'caught in the crossfire' of #Amhara conflict

A few months ago, farmer Belete Melke was sheltering from a heavy downpour in a remote village in Ethiopia's Amhara region when suddenly gunfire erupted around him.

"We were caught in the crossfire," he told AFP after being struck by a stray bullet. After Belete was wounded, he travelled to the capital, Addis Abeba, for treatment.

"In Addis, they told me that my vein had been cut and (my leg) would no longer function," he told AFP.

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopian-civilians-caught-in-the-crossfire-of-amhara-conflict/

El Sisi denies issuing threats over #GERD, renews call for binding agreement

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Egypt “has not issued threats” despite its differences with Ethiopia, reiterating Cairo’s demand for a legally binding agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), following recent aggressive rhetoric from senior Egyptian officials.

According to Egypt Today, El Sisi made the comments during a meeting with ministers and heads of African delegations, representatives of the African Union Commission, and regional economic communities attending the second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, hosted by Egypt on Saturday.

Read more at:
https://addisstandard.com/el-sisi-denies-issuing-threats-over-gerd-renews-call-for-binding-agreement/

#Commentary: Five Years in Limbo: #Ethiopia’s debt restructuring stalemate, #IMF-backed G20 Common Framework failure

February 2026 will mark five years since Ethiopia requested debt restructuring under the #G20 Common Framework, seeking $3.5 billion in relief, part of a potential $4.9 billion reduction. Yet, as Samson Hailu notes, “negotiations under the #Common_Framework remain unresolved nearly five years after Ethiopia’s initial application.”

He explains that the Framework was designed to coordinate debt relief among all creditors—including Paris Club members, #China, and private lenders—guided by IMF assessments. However, progress has been slow: of the four African countries, including Ethiopia, that have applied, none have completed full restructuring.

Follow the link below to read the full commentary, which explores how creditor disagreements, non-compellable private lenders, and IMF sequencing rules have delayed Ethiopia’s debt restructuring.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=54190

Salsay Woyane #Tigray calls for delaying elections until #IDPs return, #territorial integrity restored

Salsay Woyane Tigray (SaWeT) has called for the postponement of elections in Tigray, citing the lack of minimum political and security conditions required for credible polls.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, SaWeT Chairman Kinfe Hadush said the election period in the region should be extended until internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to their homes and territorial integrity is restored.

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), on its part, maintains that preparations are underway to conduct the upcoming seventh national elections across all regions of the country, including the Tigray region.

https://addisstandard.com/salsay-woyane-tigray-calls-for-delaying-elections-until-idps-return-territorial-integrity-restored/

#Ethiopian officials tour #Somaliland’s #Berbera port, eye expanded trade links

A high-level Ethiopian delegation on Monday visited Somaliland’s Berbera Port and the adjacent Berbera Economic Free Zone as part of efforts to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two sides, officials said.

The delegation, comprising senior federal and regional officials from Ethiopia, was led by Keninsa Lemi, secretary-general of Ethiopia’s Federal Chamber of Commerce. It included deputy ministers responsible for investment, transport and trade from Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, as well as presidents of chambers of commerce from the Somali, Tigray, Oromia, Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.

The officials arrived in Somaliland on Sunday and began the second day of their working visit on Monday in the strategic port city of Berbera, where they toured port facilities, customs operations and key transport and logistics infrastructure.

Somaliland’s Director-General at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mohamed Hasan Saleban, accompanied the delegation and briefed them on recent reforms aimed at improving port services, customs clearance and trade facilitation. He highlighted the role of Berbera Port and the free zone in supporting economic growth and expanding regional trade.

At the port and free zone, the delegation was received by senior officials from the Berbera Free Zone Authority, the Somaliland Ports Authority, customs officials at Berbera Port and representatives of DP World, which operates and is expanding the port.

http://horndiplomat.com/ethiopian-officials-tour-somalilands-berbera-port-eye-expanded-trade-links/

#EHRC calls for #security deployment amid deadly violence in #Gambella

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called for the immediate deployment of adequate security forces and decisive action by federal and Gambella regional authorities to halt worsening insecurity and human rights violations in the Gambella Region.

In a statement issued on 21 December, 2025, the Commission said renewed violence erupted in Gambella City and surrounding areas following the killing of Gambella City Police Commander, Chief Inspector Umed Ujulu, triggering armed clashes and exchanges of gunfire.

One victim of the attacks and a medical professional who spoke to Addis Standard, under condition of anonymity, said the conflict has exposed divisions within local security structures. Sources said the renewed violence was exacerbated by ethnic identity and power struggles, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.


https://addisstandard.com/ehrc-calls-for-security-deployment-amid-deadly-violence-in-gambella/

Over 1,700 IDPs at #Hitsats center in #Tigray in #critical condition amid severe #hunger, lack of medical care

More than 1,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering at the Hitsats IDP center in Tigray are facing a worsening hunger crisis, with reports indicating repeated fatalities and growing numbers of people in critical condition due to severe food shortages and limited access to medical care.

According to a report by the local broadcaster, at least 50 IDPs have reportedly died amid acute food shortages since July 2025, while approximately 1,700 others remain at risk. Elderly people, women, and children are among those most affected, with residents reporting incidents of people collapsing after going days without adequate food.

Simret, Salsay Weyane Tigray , TPLF and Tigray Interim Administration President issued statement regarding the issue.

Read more at:
https://addisstandard.com/over-1700-idps-at-hitsats-center-in-tigray-in-critical-condition-amid-severe-hunger-lack-of-medical-care/