News: #UN Security Council extends AU support mission in #Somalia until end of 2026 amid funding concerns
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted Resolution 2809 (2025), extending the mandate of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) until 31 December 2026, while highlighting persistent funding shortfalls and the continued threat posed by #Al_Shabaab.
Under the resolution, the Council authorized African Union member states to maintain the deployment of up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers, to support stabilization and security efforts in Somalia.
The Council emphasized that sustained international support for AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces remains critical to advancing gains against Al Shabaab and improving security in Somalia and the wider region. It also urged traditional and new donors to provide adequate and predictable funding to the mission....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54258
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted Resolution 2809 (2025), extending the mandate of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) until 31 December 2026, while highlighting persistent funding shortfalls and the continued threat posed by #Al_Shabaab.
Under the resolution, the Council authorized African Union member states to maintain the deployment of up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers, to support stabilization and security efforts in Somalia.
The Council emphasized that sustained international support for AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces remains critical to advancing gains against Al Shabaab and improving security in Somalia and the wider region. It also urged traditional and new donors to provide adequate and predictable funding to the mission....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54258
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News: Abiy–Ruto talks yield backing for #Safaricom–Ethio Telecom joint investments across Horn of Africa
Talks between Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed and Kenyan President #William_Ruto in Addis Abeba have resulted in political backing for joint investment initiatives between Safaricom and #Ethio_Telecom, signaling a renewed push for cross-border digital and infrastructure cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
According to statements released following the meeting, the two leaders agreed to support strategic partnerships and investments between the two telecommunications firms as part of broader efforts to deepen economic integration and expand regional connectivity.
Both leaders emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in driving trade, innovation, and inclusive growth, while reaffirming their commitment to #African-led approaches to development, peace, and regional stability.
In a statement shared on social media, President Ruto said the discussions....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54262
Talks between Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed and Kenyan President #William_Ruto in Addis Abeba have resulted in political backing for joint investment initiatives between Safaricom and #Ethio_Telecom, signaling a renewed push for cross-border digital and infrastructure cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
According to statements released following the meeting, the two leaders agreed to support strategic partnerships and investments between the two telecommunications firms as part of broader efforts to deepen economic integration and expand regional connectivity.
Both leaders emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in driving trade, innovation, and inclusive growth, while reaffirming their commitment to #African-led approaches to development, peace, and regional stability.
In a statement shared on social media, President Ruto said the discussions....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54262
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#Ethiopia: Oromia says 10,000 former militants complete rehabilitation training amid ongoing security concerns
The #Oromia Security and Administration Bureau announced that approximately 10,000 former militants have been reintegrated into their communities after completing four rounds of rehabilitation training conducted across the region.
Commissioner General Ararsa Mardasa, head of the bureau, told state media that the training included capacity-building programs designed to prepare participants for civilian life. Many have since taken up roles in government offices, the education sector, micro- and small-scale enterprises, and salaried positions within public institutions and development projects.
Ararsa also acknowledged ongoing security concerns, noting that “in some specific areas, there are still groups moving around with the intent of obstructing development activities.” He said the government plans to continue providing land & financial support to...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54268
The #Oromia Security and Administration Bureau announced that approximately 10,000 former militants have been reintegrated into their communities after completing four rounds of rehabilitation training conducted across the region.
Commissioner General Ararsa Mardasa, head of the bureau, told state media that the training included capacity-building programs designed to prepare participants for civilian life. Many have since taken up roles in government offices, the education sector, micro- and small-scale enterprises, and salaried positions within public institutions and development projects.
Ararsa also acknowledged ongoing security concerns, noting that “in some specific areas, there are still groups moving around with the intent of obstructing development activities.” He said the government plans to continue providing land & financial support to...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54268
#Op_ed: Lost Generation: Destruction of education in #Tigray, impact on girls
In this op-ed written on behalf of GEM Tigray, Batseba Seifu examines how the Tigray war, which began in November 2020, has devastated education in the region, disproportionately affecting girls. She notes, “The interruption of learning has created a ‘lost generation’ whose educational foundation, particularly among adolescent girls, has been severely weakened.”
The war destroyed schools, looted materials, displaced teachers, and made learning spaces unsafe. Citing the Tigray Education Bureau, Batseba highlights that nearly half of the region’s children remain out of school, with girls at higher risk of permanent dropout due to domestic responsibilities, economic hardship, insecurity, and systematic sexual violence.
Despite the ongoing rebuilding efforts and psychosocial support, she cautions that “millions of girls still lack safe access to education.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54252
In this op-ed written on behalf of GEM Tigray, Batseba Seifu examines how the Tigray war, which began in November 2020, has devastated education in the region, disproportionately affecting girls. She notes, “The interruption of learning has created a ‘lost generation’ whose educational foundation, particularly among adolescent girls, has been severely weakened.”
The war destroyed schools, looted materials, displaced teachers, and made learning spaces unsafe. Citing the Tigray Education Bureau, Batseba highlights that nearly half of the region’s children remain out of school, with girls at higher risk of permanent dropout due to domestic responsibilities, economic hardship, insecurity, and systematic sexual violence.
Despite the ongoing rebuilding efforts and psychosocial support, she cautions that “millions of girls still lack safe access to education.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54252
#Ethiopia: Tigray interim president says public solidarity reflects revival of weakened social fabric amid #IDP crisis
President of the #Tigray Interim Administration (TIA), Lt. Gen. Tadesse Woreda, said the public support shown to internally displaced people (IDPs) across Ethiopia, especially among the youth, reflects a revival of the country’s weakened social fabric, as hundreds of thousands continue to endure dire humanitarian conditions in displacement camps in Tigray.
Briefing the media on the current situation late Tuesday, President Tadesse expressed appreciation to Ethiopians and Eritreans at home and abroad for their support to displaced communities, saying the solidarity shown particularly by youth groups and volunteers demonstrates the resilience of shared values strained by years of war.
Statement came after local media reported over than 1,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from western Tigray sheltering at the #Hitsats IDP center in northwestern ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54271
President of the #Tigray Interim Administration (TIA), Lt. Gen. Tadesse Woreda, said the public support shown to internally displaced people (IDPs) across Ethiopia, especially among the youth, reflects a revival of the country’s weakened social fabric, as hundreds of thousands continue to endure dire humanitarian conditions in displacement camps in Tigray.
Briefing the media on the current situation late Tuesday, President Tadesse expressed appreciation to Ethiopians and Eritreans at home and abroad for their support to displaced communities, saying the solidarity shown particularly by youth groups and volunteers demonstrates the resilience of shared values strained by years of war.
Statement came after local media reported over than 1,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from western Tigray sheltering at the #Hitsats IDP center in northwestern ...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54271
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Begin Your Front-Row Journey Through Ethiopia’s 7th General Election
Addis Standard is excited to unveil its Election Coverage Dashboard, a dynamic new platform designed to keep you informed as Ethiopia heads toward its 7th General Election. From key political players and nationwide candidate listings to real-time updates from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, everything you need is now in one place.
Go beyond breaking news with exclusive interviews, sharp analysis, expert commentary, and compelling op-eds that bring clarity to the election story as it unfolds.
Whether you’re a voter, journalist, researcher, or simply following the road to the polls, this is your go-to destination for trusted election coverage.
🔗 Explore now: addisstandard.com/eth-election2026
Addis Standard is excited to unveil its Election Coverage Dashboard, a dynamic new platform designed to keep you informed as Ethiopia heads toward its 7th General Election. From key political players and nationwide candidate listings to real-time updates from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, everything you need is now in one place.
Go beyond breaking news with exclusive interviews, sharp analysis, expert commentary, and compelling op-eds that bring clarity to the election story as it unfolds.
Whether you’re a voter, journalist, researcher, or simply following the road to the polls, this is your go-to destination for trusted election coverage.
🔗 Explore now: addisstandard.com/eth-election2026
News: #Electoral Board urges end to violations of citizens’ rights to organize and form political parties in Central #Ethiopia
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) has called for an immediate end to what it described as violations of citizens’ democratic rights to organize and establish political parties in the Central Ethiopia Regional State.
In a statement issued on 24 December 2025, the Board said the founders of the #Konto People’s Democratic Party had fulfilled all legal requirements and formally notified NEBE of their intention to hold a founding general assembly on 9 November 2025 in #Butajira city.
Following the notification, NEBE said it sent official letters to the regional administration, the regional police commission, the #East_Gurage Zone administration, the Butajira city administration, the #Mareko Special Woreda Command Post, and the Butajira City Peace and Security Office, requesting security cooperation as required by law.....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54277
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) has called for an immediate end to what it described as violations of citizens’ democratic rights to organize and establish political parties in the Central Ethiopia Regional State.
In a statement issued on 24 December 2025, the Board said the founders of the #Konto People’s Democratic Party had fulfilled all legal requirements and formally notified NEBE of their intention to hold a founding general assembly on 9 November 2025 in #Butajira city.
Following the notification, NEBE said it sent official letters to the regional administration, the regional police commission, the #East_Gurage Zone administration, the Butajira city administration, the #Mareko Special Woreda Command Post, and the Butajira City Peace and Security Office, requesting security cooperation as required by law.....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54277
#Ethiopia: Commission rejects aid disruption claims at #Hitsas IDP camp amid reports of deaths, critical malnutrition
The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (#EDRMC) has rejected claims circulating on social media that internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Hitsas temporary shelter camp in #Asgede Woreda, North West Zone of the #Tigray Region, have been denied humanitarian assistance, saying food aid has been delivered “completely and without interruption” in recent months.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said the federal government has been prioritizing IDPs living in temporary shelters, including those at Hitsas, and described reports alleging a lack of assistance as “incorrect” and not reflective of conditions at the camp.
According to the Commission, displaced persons at Hitsas have received regular humanitarian food assistance throughout the year, with records showing uninterrupted distributions between September ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54283
The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (#EDRMC) has rejected claims circulating on social media that internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Hitsas temporary shelter camp in #Asgede Woreda, North West Zone of the #Tigray Region, have been denied humanitarian assistance, saying food aid has been delivered “completely and without interruption” in recent months.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said the federal government has been prioritizing IDPs living in temporary shelters, including those at Hitsas, and described reports alleging a lack of assistance as “incorrect” and not reflective of conditions at the camp.
According to the Commission, displaced persons at Hitsas have received regular humanitarian food assistance throughout the year, with records showing uninterrupted distributions between September ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54283
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#Eritrean man accused of people-smuggling is extradited to the #Netherlands
An Eritrean man alleged to be a people-smuggling kingpin was extradited Wednesday to the Netherlands by the #UAE, paving the way for trial in a Dutch court.
The 41-year-old Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam had been on an international wanted list since 2021 after fleeing while on trial in Ethiopia, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service said in a statement. He was flown to Amsterdam accompanied by Dutch military police.
He is wanted in the Netherlands for crimes including participating in a criminal organization involved in migrant-smuggling, hostage-taking, extortion and violence, including sexual violence.
His case is linked to that of another Eritrean man, Tewelde Goitom, whose trial opened in a Dutch court last month. Prosecutors have sought a 20-year sentence.
Goitom’s defense lawyers want to interview Habtemariam...
https://apnews.com/article/netherlands-smuggling-kidane-uae-eritrea-extradition-b432204fc9438225f15e7827162bbfc1
An Eritrean man alleged to be a people-smuggling kingpin was extradited Wednesday to the Netherlands by the #UAE, paving the way for trial in a Dutch court.
The 41-year-old Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam had been on an international wanted list since 2021 after fleeing while on trial in Ethiopia, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service said in a statement. He was flown to Amsterdam accompanied by Dutch military police.
He is wanted in the Netherlands for crimes including participating in a criminal organization involved in migrant-smuggling, hostage-taking, extortion and violence, including sexual violence.
His case is linked to that of another Eritrean man, Tewelde Goitom, whose trial opened in a Dutch court last month. Prosecutors have sought a 20-year sentence.
Goitom’s defense lawyers want to interview Habtemariam...
https://apnews.com/article/netherlands-smuggling-kidane-uae-eritrea-extradition-b432204fc9438225f15e7827162bbfc1
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#Ethiopia: At least 47 killed in a single day, sources say; MSF treats over 100 weapon-wounded as #Gambella imposes new curfew
At least 47 people were reportedly killed in a single day of violence in Ethiopia’s Gambella Region, while Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) said it treated more than 100 weapon-wounded patients on the same day, as regional authorities imposed a new, indefinite nightly curfew amid escalating insecurity.
Local sources told Addis Standard that at least 47 people were killed during an attack in Tharpam sub-city of Itang Special District on 24 December 2025. A health professional, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the figure was based on preliminary information and may not reflect the full toll.
In a statement issued on 24 December, MSF said violence in Gambella had intensified since the morning hours of that day, with the organization receiving more than 100 weapon-wounded patients in a single day. MSF warned that additional....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54297
At least 47 people were reportedly killed in a single day of violence in Ethiopia’s Gambella Region, while Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) said it treated more than 100 weapon-wounded patients on the same day, as regional authorities imposed a new, indefinite nightly curfew amid escalating insecurity.
Local sources told Addis Standard that at least 47 people were killed during an attack in Tharpam sub-city of Itang Special District on 24 December 2025. A health professional, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the figure was based on preliminary information and may not reflect the full toll.
In a statement issued on 24 December, MSF said violence in Gambella had intensified since the morning hours of that day, with the organization receiving more than 100 weapon-wounded patients in a single day. MSF warned that additional....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54297
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News: #Egypt has agreed to develop #Assab and #Doraleh, considered as pressure on Ethiopia
Egypt has agreed to develop strategic seaports in #Eritrea and #Djibouti, a move widely seen as increasing pressure on landlocked Ethiopia amid the ongoing Nile water dispute, Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National reported, citing sources in Cairo.
Under discreet agreements signed without fanfare, Egypt will upgrade the Red Sea port of Assab in Eritrea and the Gulf of Aden port of Doraleh in Djibouti, expanding their capacity and creating berths for warships, as well as facilities to host small but elite military contingents.
Ethiopia, which borders both Eritrea and Djibouti, is heavily reliant on Doraleh for the transit of goods & has long opposed efforts by neighboring countries to establish a territorial or military presence on the Red Sea, its main maritime link.
Both agreements include infrastructure upgrades to allow Egyptian warships — including destroyers,...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54302
Egypt has agreed to develop strategic seaports in #Eritrea and #Djibouti, a move widely seen as increasing pressure on landlocked Ethiopia amid the ongoing Nile water dispute, Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National reported, citing sources in Cairo.
Under discreet agreements signed without fanfare, Egypt will upgrade the Red Sea port of Assab in Eritrea and the Gulf of Aden port of Doraleh in Djibouti, expanding their capacity and creating berths for warships, as well as facilities to host small but elite military contingents.
Ethiopia, which borders both Eritrea and Djibouti, is heavily reliant on Doraleh for the transit of goods & has long opposed efforts by neighboring countries to establish a territorial or military presence on the Red Sea, its main maritime link.
Both agreements include infrastructure upgrades to allow Egyptian warships — including destroyers,...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54302
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Begin Your Front-Row Journey Through Ethiopia’s 7th General #Election
#Addis_Standard is excited to unveil its Election Coverage Dashboard, a dynamic new platform designed to keep you informed as #Ethiopia heads toward its 7th General Election. From key political players and nationwide candidate listings to real-time updates from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, everything you need is now in one place.
Go beyond breaking news with exclusive interviews, sharp analysis, expert commentary, and compelling op-eds that bring clarity to the election story as it unfolds.
Whether you’re a voter, journalist, researcher, or simply following the road to the polls, this is your go-to destination for trusted election coverage.
🔗 Explore now: addisstandard.com/eth-election2026
#Addis_Standard is excited to unveil its Election Coverage Dashboard, a dynamic new platform designed to keep you informed as #Ethiopia heads toward its 7th General Election. From key political players and nationwide candidate listings to real-time updates from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, everything you need is now in one place.
Go beyond breaking news with exclusive interviews, sharp analysis, expert commentary, and compelling op-eds that bring clarity to the election story as it unfolds.
Whether you’re a voter, journalist, researcher, or simply following the road to the polls, this is your go-to destination for trusted election coverage.
🔗 Explore now: addisstandard.com/eth-election2026