#Ethiopia: Trade Ministry to enforce new mandatory standards starting June

The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) announced that newly approved mandatory national standards will be enforced starting 08 June 2025. Kassahun Goffe (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, stated that the standards, approved by the Ethiopian Standards Council, cover various aluminum and aluminum alloy products for construction, paint products, motorcycle helmets, and vehicle inspection standards, among others.

The ministry disclosed that a four-month grace period has been granted for products purchased under Franco Valuta or with existing bank permits and currently in transit. It urged Franco Valuta importers to ensure their products comply with the new mandatory standards before the enforcement date. The government banned Franco Valuta imports in November 2025, calling the system “unsustainable.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48460

Bill to deport #Eritrean migrants backing regime passes preliminary reading in #Israeli Knesset

A bill that seeks to deport Eritrean migrants who support their home country’s government passed a preliminary reading in the Israeli Knesset with a 51-0 vote, passing to a standing committee for further review. The legislation, if enacted, would empower the interior minister to expel regime-supporting Eritreans on the grounds that they “are not in danger in their country and can be returned to their homeland,” according to Yulia Malinovsky, a Yisrael Beytenu MK and one of the bill’s sponsors.

The proposed law comes amid ongoing tensions within the Eritrean migrant community in Israel, which numbers approximately 20,000 people. Various Israeli governments have previously introduced measures to encourage the departure of asylum seekers, many of whom fled “war and oppression” in Eritrea, though some efforts were blocked by courts.

https://tinyurl.com/4294jm2k

#Ethiopia: #Afar Sultanate condemns #Djibouti’s drone strike as ‘indiscriminate’, urges ‘immediate international action’

The Sultanate of Afar has condemned the 30 January drone strike by Djibouti’s security forces, calling it a “heinous and indiscriminate” attack on civilians. In a statement, it expressed “unequivocal condemnation,” alleging that the strike killed “women, children, and the elderly” in a remote village already suffering from “malnutrition and starvation.” The Sultanate accused Djibouti of engaging in “systematic persecution, state-sponsored violence, and deliberate neglect” against the Afar people.

Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense previously confirmed the strike but stated it was conducted “within its territory” and targeted a “logistical and operational base” after “a week of surveillance.” It acknowledged “collateral damage” and said an investigation was underway. The Sultanate dismissed Djibouti’s justification as a “desperate and transparent lie” and urged “immediate international action” to hold those responsible accountable.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48463

Key Islamic State planner killed in #US airstrike, #Somalia officials say

Ahmed Maeleninine, described as an Omani-born leader of Islamic State, was killed in U.S. airstrikes in Somalia’s Puntland region earlier this month, #Puntland officials said Wednesday. He was "the main target" of the Feb. 1 operation, which was conducted against IS hideouts in the semi-autonomous region.

Puntland’s state minister for presidency, Abdifitah Mohamed Abdinur, told VOA Somali that Maeleninine was "wanted for international crimes" and had been under surveillance "for at least the last two years" while hiding in the region’s mountains. "He was a thorn removed from the flesh of Somalis and the world population," Abdinur said.

The U.S. Africa Command (#AFRICOM) confirmed late Tuesday that Maeleninine and 13 other IS operatives were killed in the operation, which it said was carried out "in coordination with the Somali government." AFRICOM described him as a "recruiter, financier, and external operations leader" responsible for sending jihadists to the U.S. and Europe.

Officials said assessing the operation’s impact was delayed due to the terrain, a cave complex in Puntland's Golis Mountains. Residents of Qandala, a nearby town, told VOA they "heard at least seven explosions" and saw smoke rising from the area.

https://www.voanews.com/a/key-islamic-state-planner-killed-in-airstrike-us-and-somali-officials-say/7972276.html

#Ethiopia: #NEBE suspends #TPLF for three months over 'missed' general assembly, warns of registration cancellation

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has suspended the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from political activities for three months, citing “failure to hold a general assembly” within the legally mandated period. NEBE warned that if the party “fails to take corrective measures” during the suspension, its registration “will be canceled without following a special procedure,” referencing Proclamation No. 1332/2016.

In a statement on February 13, 2025, NEBE said the TPLF was required to hold its general assembly within six months of its special registration on August 9, 2024, but “has not held a general assembly, approved its bylaws, or elected its leadership,” labeling the inaction a “serious violation” of the law. NEBE added that the suspension “will be lifted” if the party “addresses the violations” and formally notifies the Board of its preparations for the assembly.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48467

#Ethiopia: Over 200 Tana Beles Sugar Factory workers protest demotion, reassignment to manual labor amid restructuring

More than 200 workers at Tana Beles Sugar Factory are protesting their reassignment to manual labor and daily wage roles following a new organizational structure introduced last month. A worker with 13 years of service said, “The company told us it was in danger and that if we, the lower-level employees, wanted to save it, we had to step down and continue working as day laborers.” He noted that his salary, previously 5,000 birr per month, could be cut by half, stating, “The maximum I could earn per month might only be 2,500 birr.”

Ayene Kassa (name changed for safety reasons), another worker, said employees below Level 7, “had their permanent contracts terminated and were reassigned to manual labor,” while those above Level 7 were transferred to other factories. Ayene, who previously earned 6,698 birr monthly, said the new pay system is based on output: “If you are cutting cane, you are paid 36 cents per meter,” adding, “Since it’s now daily work, even if you work hard, you might only earn 1,000 birr a month.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48475

#AU moves to establish African credit rating agency, aims for independent assessment

The African Union (AU) plans to establish a credit rating agency in the second half of 2025, aiming to address concerns about “arbitrary” ratings from major international agencies, according to a report by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Many African leaders argue that the three dominant rating agencies—Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P—apply a “negative bias” when assessing African economies, making it more difficult for the continent to secure financing.

APRM, responsible for governance assessments across AU member states, described the upcoming agency as a “game changer” that would provide Africa with a stronger voice in global finance. The agency is expected to operate independently, with leadership from the private sector. “The agency’s niche will primarily derive from its context-sensitivity,” the report stated, adding that it would leverage African-based experts and “better access to data” to generate more accurate credit insights.

The AU’s move follows years of criticism against the “Big Three” rating agencies, which have been accused of overestimating risk in African economies. Senegal’s former president Macky Sall, who chaired the AU in 2022, previously called for a system to “end the injustices” in global credit ratings. He noted that during the COVID-19 crisis, 56% of African countries rated by major agencies faced downgrades—compared to a global average of 31%—and argued that rating criteria often include “subjective cultural or linguistic factors” rather than economic fundamentals.

https://www.ecofinagency.com/public-management/1302-46423-au-plans-to-launch-its-own-credit-rating-agency-in-h2-2025

#Sudan says plan for first #Russian naval base in #Africa will go ahead

A plan for Russia to establish its first naval base in Africa will go ahead, Sudan’s foreign minister has confirmed, after years of delays over the #Red_Sea military port.

If the agreement is implemented, Russia would join the US and China in the region; they have bases to the south in Djibouti.

The announcement came during a visit by the foreign minister, Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif, to Moscow where he met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. After their meeting, Sharif said the two countries were in “complete agreement” on establishing a Russian base “and there are no obstacles”.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, connecting the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean. About 12% of global trade passes through it.

Sudan first floated the idea of allowing Russia to have a naval facility on its coast in 2017 during a trip to Sochi by Omar al-Bashir, the then president, who was ousted in a 2019 coup. A deal was eventually signed in 2020 that reportedly permitted Russia to keep up to four navy ships, including nuclear-powered ones, in Sudan for a period of 25 years.


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/13/sudan-first-russian-naval-base-in-africa-go-ahead

#Ethiopia: Drone strike kills three civilians, including pregnant woman and child, in North Shewa Zone, #Amhara region

A drone strike on a residential house in Zenbo Kebele, Efrata Gidim district, North Shewa Zone, killed three civilians, including a pregnant woman and her six-year-old daughter, a family member told Addis Standard. A relative of the victims, who requested anonymity, said the attack occurred at midnight on 7 February and killed “my pregnant relative, her six-year-old daughter, and a young man who lived next door.” He added that the woman’s husband “survived because he was away for work at the time,” while “a 10-year-old boy was severely injured” and is receiving treatment.

Another eyewitness, speaking anonymously, described the aftermath: “We heard a heavy blast. When we arrived, the house was destroyed, and we saw bodies on the ground.” He said that by morning, it became clear that “it was a drone attack based on the nature of the destruction.” Residents say fear has grown in the area, with “between 20 to 30 households” leaving their homes at night.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48483

#Kenyan khat farmers halt exports to #Somalia, demand higher prices

Kenyan khat farmers have halted exports to Somalia over a pricing dispute, leaving Mogadishu's khat markets closed for nearly a week. The farmers, who describe the current pricing as "exploitative," demand an additional 300 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) per kilogram and a minimum payment of Ksh 200,000 per bag for the premium "Grid" variety.

The boycott threatens to disrupt Somalia's khat supply chain. While khat sells for up to Ksh 5,700 per kilogram in Mogadishu, farmers say they receive only Ksh 300—a disparity they argue benefits "intermediaries and transporters" at their expense. "We cannot sustain farming under these conditions," said Karuiru, chairman of the Kenyan Khat Farmers Association, adding that transport costs exceed Ksh 3,000 per kilogram.

Traders in Somalia blame government policies for favouring "select importers" while local sellers struggle with rising costs. In mid-January, female traders in Mogadishu staged protests against "high taxation" on Kenyan khat, saying it was reducing their earnings. Meanwhile, Kenya's Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has acknowledged the farmers' concerns, with its Khat Pricing Committee considering a "revised pricing framework" that could set minimum prices at Ksh 700 per kilogram in the dry season and Ksh 500 per kilogram in the rainy season.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Feb/200238/kenyan_khat_farmers_halt_exports_to_somalia_demand_higher_prices.aspx

#Ethiopia considers easing visa restrictions for investors, minister says

Ethiopia is moving towards "opening visas for investors" as part of its broader economic reforms, Kassahun Gofe (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, told state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation, following the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Accelerating Visa-Free Movement for Africa's Transformation on February 12. The event brought together AU officials, policymakers, and business leaders.

“We are leaning towards opening visas for investors to come and work with us,” Kassahun said, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to facilitating trade and investment. He also noted that Ethiopia was an early signatory of the "free trade zone agreement."

Furthermore, he highlighted that visa liberalization aligns with the requirements of the World Trade Organization, as member countries are expected to "reduce trade barriers."

#Ethiopia: Religious leaders announce #TPLF leaders sign code of conduct for dialogue, peaceful resolution

Religious leaders in #Tigray announced that leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have signed a code of conduct to facilitate dialogue and resolve internal differences. The announcement, made on February 14, 2025, in #Mekelle, follows months of mediation efforts by religious figures.

According to Tigray Television, both parties have agreed on a framework to “advance the agreement moving forward,” though specific details were not disclosed. Abune Merha Kristos, Archbishop of the Orthodox Church’s Eastern Zone Diocese in Tigray, stated that religious leaders had made “repeated efforts” to bring the factions together and that TPLF leaders have now committed to addressing their disputes “through discussion.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48488

#Ethiopia’s envoy discusses security cooperation with #Somaliland Army Chief

Ethiopia’s top envoy to Somaliland, Ambassador Teshome Shunde, met with and discussed security cooperations with Commander of Somaliland's National Army, Brigadier General Niman Yusuf Osman.

The discussion took place on Thursday 13 February at the office of Brigadier General Niman in the capital Hargeisa.

During their meeting, they discussed on ways of strengthening security cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland and enhancing collaboration on mutual security interests.

Ethiopian military attachés in Somaliland were also present at the meeting.

It is to be recalled that during his address at the World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), earlier this week, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi highlighted Somaliland’s commitment to regional cooperation, especially with with Ethiopia, with whom Irro revealed of plans to finalize a crucial trade and transit agreement by the end of this year.

Stay informed with Addis Standard English on #Telegram for quick and easy access to our latest news, in-depth analyses, and real-time updates on current affairs in #Ethiopia and beyond - right at your fingertips.

Join now: https://t.me/AddisstandardEng

#AddisStandard #News #Analysis #Editorial #In_Depth #OPED #Commentary

#Op_ed: World Governments Summit 2025: #Somaliland’s defining moment on global stage

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, discusses Somaliland’s participation in the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. The author argues that the summit provided a platform for Somaliland to deepen diplomatic engagement, attract investment, and assert its role in regional security and economic development.

According to the op-ed, Somaliland has maintained “political stability, democratic governance, and economic potential” despite lacking formal recognition. The author describes its participation in the summit as a “strategic diplomatic milestone,” allowing Somaliland to engage with #UAE and Gulf leaders, explore bilateral agreements, and challenge what he calls Somalia’s efforts to “restrict its international engagement.” He contends that Somaliland’s presence demonstrated its “functional sovereignty” and growing global relevance.

The piece highlights Somaliland’s economic potential, particularly in trade and energy. The author notes that Somaliland’s strategic location on the Gulf of Aden positions it as a “key trade hub between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.” He emphasizes DP World’s investment in Berbera Port as a crucial step toward integrating Somaliland into global commerce and suggests that “adopting Dubai’s logistics expertise” could further enhance its economic prospects. Additionally, he points to renewable energy as a sector where Somaliland could leverage UAE partnerships to “advance its clean energy initiatives and economic self-sufficiency.”

On security, the op-ed underscores Somaliland’s role in regional stability. The author argues that its geographical position makes it a “critical partner in maritime security” amid ongoing threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He also references the January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, stating that the agreement has the potential to “reshape regional trade dynamics” and strengthen Somaliland’s geopolitical standing.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48480

#Ethiopia: Drone strike in #Amhara’s #Ambasel district kills three children, aunt amid escalating clashes

A drone strike in Jibgodo, Kebele 022 of Ambasel district, South Wollo Zone, Amhara region, killed four people, including three children, on Thursday, 13 February 2025. Residents told Addis Standard that the attack also destroyed multiple homes, while intense fighting was ongoing in nearby mountainous areas.

A resident, who requested anonymity, said drone strikes have been "happening repeatedly in Jibgodo," which is a residential area. The source confirmed that "three children and their aunt" were killed inside one house, bringing the total casualties to four. Another resident reported that "heavy fighting" involving artillery had been ongoing for three days, adding that the attack might have targeted the area "under the assumption that members of the Fano militia were present."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48495

#Ethiopia: #TPLF rejects #NEBE’s suspension, calls decision ‘legally insignificant’

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has rejected the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s (NEBE) decision to suspend its political activities for three months, stating that the ruling “has no legal significance” and does not impact its status. The party argued that its legal identity is based on the Pretoria Agreement and claimed it never sought new registration but rather the restoration of its previous recognition.

NEBE announced the suspension on February 13, citing TPLF’s failure to hold a general assembly within six months of its special registration on August 9, 2024. The Board warned that “if the party fails to take corrective measures” within the suspension period, its registration would be revoked. However, TPLF dismissed this, asserting that its activities resumed “from the moment the Pretoria Agreement was signed” and criticizing the Board’s intervention as neither necessary nor aligned with “customary legal procedures.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48500

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes near #Metehara, #Oromia; no significant damage reported

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Metehara town, Oromia region, on Friday, February 14, at 11:28 p.m., Volcano Discovery reported. The tremor’s epicenter was about 6.5 km north-northeast of the town at a depth of 10 km.

The report indicated that the shallow depth made the quake more strongly felt in surrounding areas. However, it noted that "no significant damage or impact is expected" and that no alert had been issued. Authorities have not yet provided an official statement.

The earthquake comes amid ongoing seismic activity affecting Ethiopia’s #Afar, #Amhara, and #Oromia regions. WHO Ethiopia reported that recent tremors have impacted 90,000 people, with two injuries recorded.

Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1890690441223262244

#Ethiopia: Malaria cases surge in #Amhara region, institute reports high mortality rate

The Amhara Regional Public Health Institute reported that 83 people have died from malaria in the past six months, marking a 68% increase in the mortality rate compared to the same period last year.

The institute stated that 82% of the region’s population is exposed to malaria, with over 1.45 million infections recorded—an increase of 559.8% from the previous year.

According to the report, malaria transmission affects 99.4% of districts in the region, with 40 districts accounting for 69% of cases. Additionally, 82.5% of kebeles are classified as malaria-prone, while 80% of the land area is said to have conditions favorable for transmission.

Breaking: #Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected New #AUC Chairperson

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after securing 33 votes in the final round, clinching victory in a closely contested race at the ongoing AU’s 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Abeba.

The election saw a tight battle between Kenya and Djibouti. In the first round, Kenya’s Raila Odinga led with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf with 18 votes, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato with 10 votes.

In the second round, Youssouf surged ahead with 25 votes, while Odinga secured 21. Two countries abstained.

By the third round, Odinga was eliminated after maintaining 21 votes, while Youssouf increased his tally to 26 votes. With no other candidates remaining, Youssouf needed 33 votes to win outright, or the election would have been delayed for one year.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1890782043644060091?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA

'This is life and death': Trump's #USAID shakeup threatens millions in #Sudan

President Donald Trump's decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, relief organizations say. With the country already devastated by nearly two years of civil war, the abrupt halt in aid has deepened food shortages, leaving millions at risk of starvation.

"We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper," Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to lead a cost-cutting initiative, said last week. Calling the agency a "radical-left political psy-op" and "a criminal organization," he declared it was "time for it to die." The move has led to the closure of over 80 percent of community kitchens, which previously provided meals for millions of displaced Sudanese.

"This is a matter of life and death for hundreds of thousands," said Avril Benoît, executive director of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) USA. Aid workers warn that famine is being weaponized, as both the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) are accused of using starvation as a tool of war. "If we don't act now, entire communities will be devastated before the world even takes notice," Benoît added.

Security analysts caution that the collapse of aid could worsen instability, pushing more people toward armed groups. "By cutting off aid, the U.S. is effectively pushing more young men into the arms of militant groups," said Sudan expert Eric Reeves. With the Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates reportedly eyeing the crisis as an opportunity, observers fear the situation could escalate beyond a humanitarian disaster into a broader regional security threat.

https://www.newsweek.com/usaid-sudan-famine-doctors-without-borders-trump-2031620