#Amnesty calls for “immediate pause” to #Ethiopia’s Corridor Development Project; cites forced evictions, lack of compensation

Amnesty International has called on the Ethiopian government to “immediately pause” the Corridor Development Project (#CDP), citing “widespread forced evictions” and what it described as a lack of legal protections, adequate consultation, and compensation. In a report released on 14 April, the rights group said at least 872 people — including 254 homeowners and 618 tenants — were forcibly removed from Bole and Lemi Kura sub-cities in #Addis_Abeba in November 2024 without prior notice or redress. Amnesty stated that the evictions, which it defined as “the removal of people against their will… without legal protections,” affected children, elderly individuals, and entire households, many of whom reported losing not only their homes but also access to essential services and social networks.

The organization warned that the “scale of forced evictions… is unprecedented in Ethiopia” and noted that “millions of residents” in areas where the CDP is being implemented now live in fear of similar displacements. Amnesty’s satellite analysis reportedly confirmed structural clearing of at least 29 hectares of built-up areas in Bole and Lemi Kura, aligning with testimonies that homes were demolished within three days of an oral notice. Despite a government statement in January indicating a decision to halt demolitions, Amnesty said “recurrent human rights violations” persist. It urged authorities to suspend the project until an independent investigation is conducted and safeguards are put in place to align evictions with international legal obligations.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49764

#Ethiopia military chief visits #Rwanda to strengthen cooperation

Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF), is in Rwanda as part of a four-day working visit that began on Sunday, April 13. The visit follows ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen military ties and comes a month after the signing of a defence cooperation agreement during a visit by Rwanda's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, to Ethiopia.

On Monday, Field Marshal Birhanu held talks with Gen Muganga at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura, and also paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda. The RDF, in a statement, said the visit presents “a key opportunity” to deepen what it described as “longstanding bilateral cooperation,” with discussions focusing on “new areas of collaboration in defence and other related sectors.”

Field Marshal Birhanu is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. During Gen Muganga’s visit to Ethiopia in March, his delegation toured the Ethiopian Air Force base in Bishoftu, where they were received by Lt Gen Yilma Merdasa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.


https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/25673/news/security/ethiopia-military-chief-visits-rwanda-to-strengthen-cooperation

#Ethiopia: #TPLF Chairman urges #AU Panel to convene urgent talks over “concerning situation” in #Pretoria agreement implementation

Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), Chairperson of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has called on the African Union High-Level Panel overseeing the Pretoria Peace Agreement to hold urgent discussions on what he described as a “concerning situation” regarding the implementation of the deal. His remarks came during a meeting on April 14 in Mekelle with Major General Samad Alade, newly appointed to lead the AU’s Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU MVCM). Debretsion highlighted that “armed groups outside the Ethiopian National Defense Forces remain in Tigray,” adding that “displaced residents have not returned to their homes,” and that “sovereign Tigrayan territories remain under occupation.”

Debretsion also raised concerns that “political dialogue has not yet begun” and that “the TPLF, despite being a signatory to the agreement, has not had its legal status reinstated.” He urged Major General Samad to “clearly identify the reality on the ground” and submit his findings to the AU. He emphasized that internally displaced persons “are facing severe dangers following the suspension of humanitarian aid” and called for efforts to ensure their return to their homes “with adequate guarantees, as required by the agreement.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49776

#Commentary: Minds for Sale: Social media, human cost of attention economy

In this commentary, Ahmed Ugas Guntane, a researcher, writer, and climate change expert based in #Jigjiga, reflects on the growing psychological and social toll of the attention economy in the #Somali Regional State. The author observes that the region’s rapidly rising internet access—“from just under 5% in 2010 to more than 35% by 2024”—has created a new digital environment, particularly affecting youth in urban centers such as Jigjiga, Degahbur, and Gode. Drawing from educator accounts and limited regional data, the piece explores how platforms built on “persuasive design” are shaping young people’s behaviors, habits, and mental health.

The commentary highlights how platforms use behavioral techniques—such as infinite scroll, variable rewards, and social validation loops—to “not just capture attention—they reshape behavior.” The writer emphasizes that this process shifts users from participants to commodities, with algorithms “tracking every move, predicting preferences, and manipulating the digital environment in real time.” The author further notes that the system incentivizes misinformation and emotional content, especially during sensitive times like elections and local conflict. “Truth, nuance, and civility become collateral damage,” the author writes, citing the spread of unverified information during the 2021 election and the recent #Dawaale clashes.

The piece also draws attention to the mental health implications. Citing figures from a 2022 regional study, the author notes that 42% of students in public schools reported feeling ‘mentally exhausted’ due to social media use. The commentary urges both policy and community responses—from school-level “device-free hours” to campaigns on digital literacy. While acknowledging that systemic shifts are needed, the writer suggests individual action still matters: “In an age of engineered distraction, paying attention is not just a personal choice—it’s a form of resistance.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49771

#Sudan talks in #London to find way to end brutal conflict

Senior diplomats and aid officials from over a dozen countries are meeting in London on Tuesday to discuss ways to address what several participants describe as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” as Sudan’s war enters its third year. The one-day conference is hosted by the UK, Germany, France, the EU, and the African Union. No representatives from Sudan’s warring sides are attending.

“The brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions — and yet much of the world continues to look away,” says British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who visited Sudanese refugees near the Chad border in January. Lammy announces £120 million in new assistance, adding, “We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledges €125 million ($142 million) in humanitarian aid to support urgent food and medical supplies. She describes the war as “the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time.” The African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Bankole Adeoye, says “achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan.”

The war, which began on 15 April 2023, stems from a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). At least 20,000 people are estimated to have been killed, with aid groups warning the toll is likely higher. The conflict has displaced over 13 million people, and nearly 25 million are facing acute hunger.

https://amp.dw.com/en/sudan-talks-in-london-to-find-way-to-end-brutal-conflict/a-72246642

#Ethiopia’s bold #EV ambitions hit bumps in rural areas

After becoming the world’s first country to ban imports of fossil fuel vehicles last year, a patchy power grid and high EV purchase costs are slowing Ethiopia’s green transport revolution in the countryside.

As Ethiopia’s rising fuel prices eat into his daily earnings, motorcycle taxi rider Teshale Natnael says an electric scooter would be the “perfect solution”. But there’s a hitch.

“We don’t have electricity in our village,” Teshale, 25, said as he sipped from a steaming cup during his coffee break in Dubancho village near Yirba, a small town in the Sidama region about 350 km (220 miles) south of Addis Abeba.

Ethiopia became the world’s first country to ban imports of non-electric vehicles last year, putting it at the forefront of African countries’ bold ambitions to foster the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

Since the ban, more than 100,000 EVs have been imported, according to the transport ministry, which wants to reach 500,000 by the end of the decade. The government has also been offering tax breaks and other financial incentives to encourage local assemblers to enter the market, which is mostly dominated by foreign imports and companies at present.

But while rows of shiny EV charging points and dozens of electric buses can now be seen in the streets of the capital, it is a different story in rural areas.

Despite rapid progress to increase electricity access over the last decade – only about half of Ethiopia’s 120 million people are connected to the national grid and other off-grid decentralized systems. Those still without access mainly live in rural areas, according to the World Bank.

https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/04/14/ethiopia-bold-ev-ambitions-hit-bumps-in-rural-areas/

#Ethiopians, other Africans attempt escape from #Myanmar detention; fear return to scam compounds

More than 270 people, mostly Ethiopians and other African nationals, attempted to flee a detention site in southeastern Myanmar on Sunday, fearing they could be returned to scam compounds where they had previously faced forced labor and abuse. The group had been rescued in February as part of a cross-border operation by Myanmar, Thailand, and China, but remains under the custody of the Democratic Kayin Buddhist Army (DKBA), an ethnic militia. “We will kill ourselves instead of going back to them,” said one Ethiopian woman who has been waiting over two months for repatriation.

The escape attempt followed a visit by individuals believed to be linked to the compounds, after which DKBA soldiers told the detainees, “Whoever wants to go back to work can go back easily,” adding that “there will not be punishment” and “there will be a salary,” according to one man. Concerned that they were being pressured to return, the group packed their belongings and moved toward the exit. “We are tired and we want to go,” said another. “There’s no proper food. We are sleeping on the floor.” Though they managed to leave the compound, they were stopped on the street by armed soldiers and later agreed to return after being told discussions could take place.

Humanitarian groups say the conditions in these militia-run facilities remain largely unchanged from the scam centers. “The delay in assistance has caused severe physical and psychological suffering,” said Jay Kritiya, coordinator of the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the group’s names are being added to the official repatriation list. Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director at Acts of Mercy International, said her organization had raised funds for their return in partnership with an airline and local groups. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, said 130 citizens had already been repatriated and additional returns would begin “in the next 10 days.”

https://apnews.com/article/thailand-myanmar-scam-center-forced-labor-escape-ethiopia-d44c9f74d3b40ee88dd7e3a33eced8a3

#Ethiopia: Series of 'retaliation' attacks in Oromia's Haro Limu district claims 29 lives; residents link deaths to recent killing of #OLA figure by gov't forces

At least 29 civilians were killed in a series of attacks between 07 and 12 April in Haro Limu district, East #Wollega Zone of the Oromia region, which residents say were carried out by armed fighters affiliated with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The attacks followed the killing of Shode, described by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) as “a close associate” of OLA leader Kumsa Diriba, a.k.a. Jaal Marroo, during a military operation on 04 April.

Relatives of the victims told Addis Standard the killings were acts of “retaliation” by “OLA fighters” targeting individuals accused of “involvement” in Shode’s death. One resident from Gorba Guddina kebele said the fighters abducted and killed five members of “one family known in the area as Hirpo,” including a 12-year-old boy, after alleging the family was linked to “a suspected defector from OLA.” A second round of killings on 12 April reportedly claimed the lives of five more relatives, including three children under the age of 11. “The surviving members of the Hirpo family have fled the area due to fear of further attacks by the armed group,” a source said.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49785

#Eritrea among six African countries listed in #US diplomatic downsizing plan

The Trump administration is weighing a proposal to shut down ten U.S. embassies — including one in Eritrea — and seventeen consulates, as part of a broader plan to scale back American diplomatic missions worldwide, according to an internal State Department memo obtained by The New York Times.

The undated memo outlines a plan that would reduce U.S. diplomatic presence on nearly every continent, expanding earlier efforts to close a dozen foreign missions and cut local staff. The document cites President Donald Trump’s broader push to reduce federal expenditures and notes a separate proposal under consideration to cut nearly 50 percent of the State Department’s spending.

Six of the embassies marked for closure are located in Africa — the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and #South_Sudan. The memo recommends that their operations be transferred to embassies in nearby countries. Two small embassies in Europe — Luxembourg and Malta — as well as missions in Grenada and the Maldives, are also included in the list of recommended closures.

In #Somalia, the memo suggests either "significantly downsizing" or eliminating the U.S. embassy presence in Mogadishu. If enacted, the proposed changes would result in the United States having fewer diplomatic posts than China in several regions. The memo notes that the U.S. risks “ceding vital diplomatic space” to Beijing, including in areas where Washington currently has broader representation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/politics/state-dept-expands-plans-for-closing-embassies-and-consulates.html

#Ethiopia: #ONLF faction accuses #Somali region authorities of obstructing "lawful meeting"; says move "politically motivated"

A faction of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) chaired by Abdirahman Mahdi accused authorities in the Somali Region of preventing it from holding what it called “lawful meetings” and detaining two of its members. In a statement issued on 15 April, the faction claimed that “a formal directive was issued” by the Somali Region President instructing security forces to “intimidate members” and “target its offices,” which led to an incident in Garba district where the local police commissioner allegedly detained and physically assaulted two members “within a government compound.”

The statement comes amid an internal split within the ONLF. Last week, another faction announced the removal of Abdirahman Mahdi as chairman, citing actions that allegedly “endangered the unity of the front,” and named Abdikarim Sheikh Muse as acting chair. In response, Abdirahman’s faction dismissed the announcement as “an illegal and fraudulent event” allegedly “orchestrated by the ruling Prosperity Party” and facilitated by the Somali regional administration, warning that it represented a “grave breach” of the 2018 peace agreement.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49790

Al Shabaab attacks strategic #Somalia town as it presses offensive

Al Shabaab fighters on Wednesday attacked Adan Yabaal, a strategic town in central Somalia used by government forces as a staging area for operations against the group, according to local residents. The assault comes amid what residents described as a renewed offensive by the armed group, which has “been gaining ground in recent weeks,” including briefly capturing villages within 50 kilometres of Mogadishu last month.

While government troops reportedly recaptured those villages, soldiers told Reuters that al Shabaab “continued to advance in the countryside,” prompting the federal government to deploy additional forces, including police and prison guards, to support the army. The town of Adan Yabaal, located about 245 kilometres north of Mogadishu, has been used as a launch point for military raids, and was visited last month by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who met with commanders “about reinforcing” the forces stationed there.

Residents described heavy fighting during Wednesday’s attack. “After early morning prayers, we heard a deafening explosion, then gunfire,” said Fatuma Nur, a mother of four. “Al Shabaab attacked us from two directions... fighting is still going on.” Government and militant sources offered differing accounts of the situation. Military officer Captain Hussein Olow claimed that troops had “pushed back the militants,” while al Shabaab, in a statement, said it had “overrun 10 military installations” and seized control of the town.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/al-shabaab-attacks-strategic-somalia-town-it-presses-offensive-2025-04-16/

#Ethiopia: Addis Standard named among 10 global finalists for the 2025 Press Freedom Award by ‘One World Media’

In a country where press freedom comes under constant threat, Addis Standard has remained unwavering in its mission to report truth with courage and integrity. From exposing corruption and human rights abuses to enduring shutdowns and arrests, this independent tri-lingual outlet has become a beacon of resilience in Ethiopia’s media landscape.

Today, that courage is being recognized globally: Addis Standard, published by JAKENN Publishing PLC, has been named one of ten international finalists for the 2025 One World Media Press Freedom Award.

With a dedicated team publishing in English, Amharic, and Afaan Oromo, this recognition is a testament to the entire team’s continued courage to inform, inspire, and hold power to account - no matter the cost.

Team Addis Standard is deeply grateful to the media, human rights organizations, and fellow journalists who stood by us through every challenge.

Renewed fighting in #South_Sudan leaves 180 people dead, #UN says

More than 180 people have been killed and over 125,000 displaced due to renewed fighting in South Sudan since March, according to the United Nations. In a statement released following a visit to the affected areas, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) expressed "deep concern" over what it described as "rapidly escalating violence" in the East African nation.

Clashes and aerial bombardments in #Nasir and Ulang counties, located in the northeast, have also left more than 250 people injured, the UN said. The violence has "claimed the lives of four humanitarian workers" and forced the closure of six health facilities "due to looting and destruction," it added.

The country has faced ongoing instability since its independence from Sudan in 2011, and efforts to implement a 2018 power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have struggled. Elections originally scheduled for October have been postponed to 2026.

Tensions have intensified following the house arrest of Vice President Machar last month, with authorities accusing him of "plotting a rebellion" against Kiir. Fighting between government troops and a militia aligned with Machar, known as the White Army, has also resulted in the detention of several members of Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-16/renewed-fighting-in-south-sudan-leaves-180-people-dead-un-says

#Somaliland suspends talks with #Somalia citing PM’s recent visit to Las Anod as provocative

The government of Somaliland has officially announced the termination of all dialogue with Somalia, following what it described as a blatant violation of its sovereignty by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The move comes after Barre’s unannounced visit to Las Anod in the contested Sool region on April 12 — a visit the Somaliland government condemned as a “direct breach of international law and Somaliland’s territorial integrity.”

In a statement issued following a cabinet meeting chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi “Irro,” Somaliland called the visit a deliberate provocation intended to destabilize the already fragile security situation in the region. The government emphasized that it will no longer engage in talks with Somalia, reiterating that its independence and sovereignty are not up for negotiation.

The communiqué released after the meeting outlined several key positions. First, the Somaliland government categorically denied holding any negotiations with Somalia regarding the transfer of detainees. It described Mogadishu’s claims as political deflection and stated that the prisoners brought to Somalia by Prime Minister Barre are not prisoners of war. Rather, it views the move as an attempt to distract from the internal political turmoil currently facing the Somali government.

The communiqué also highlighted Somaliland’s ongoing cooperation with international and diplomatic partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the statement, these engagements are focused on resolving detainee issues through internationally recognized procedures and frameworks.

In a direct appeal to the international community, the Somaliland government called for urgent attention to what it described as violations committed by Somalia in the eastern Sool region. The government warned that continued provocations from Mogadishu could embolden extremist groups and pose a serious threat to regional peace and security. It urged the international community to support its efforts to restore calm and stability in the area.

The most consequential announcement in the communiqué was Somaliland’s formal and immediate withdrawal from all dialogue with Somalia. The government reaffirmed that the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland are final and non-negotiable.

This development marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two sides and raises concerns about renewed conflict in the region. It also places added pressure on international actors to mediate and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/04/somaliland-suspends-talks-with-somalia-following-pms-provocative-visit-to-las-anod/

#Ethiopia: #Bahir_Dar residents slam city land plan for ‘excluding’ private workers, longtime savers

Residents of Bahir Dar are criticizing the city administration’s new residential land provision plan, describing it as “non-inclusive” and accusing officials of “excluding” private sector workers and individuals who have been saving through housing cooperatives for the past three years. Several residents told Addis Standard that despite making monthly payments through cooperatives with the expectation of receiving land, the plan now prioritizes government employees, leaving long-term savers without access to residential plots.

The concerns follow remarks by Goshu Endalemaw, First Mayor of Bahir Dar city, who said land would first be distributed to government employees and pensioners in a three-phase plan aimed at addressing housing shortages. While Goshu explained that “regular residents” would be served in the third phase due to challenges with “fake IDs” among applicants, affected residents argue that the city’s decision disregards their years of savings and contributions. “We could have invested our money, time, and hope in something else,” one resident said, adding that “because we are not government employees, this opportunity has passed us by.” Attempts by Addis Standard to obtain further clarification from the city administration were unsuccessful.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49807

Federal Police Raid on #AddisStandard: Implications for #Cryptocurrency trading in #Ethiopia

The Decentralized News Network (DNN) token saw a sharp decline of 7.5% within the first hour following the news

The raid's impact extended to the cryptocurrency market, particularly affecting tokens associated with free speech and digital rights

On April 17, 2025, a significant event unfolded with the federal police conducting a coordinated raid on Addis Standard, a prominent Ethiopian news outlet. The raid, which targeted both the private residence of a senior staff member and the offices of Addis Standard, led to the mass confiscation of electronic devices. (Addis Standard, April 18, 2025).

This event occurred at 09:00 AM local time and was widely reported, drawing attention to potential implications for press freedom and digital security in the region. The raid's impact extended to the cryptocurrency market, particularly affecting tokens associated with free speech and digital rights.

For instance, the Decentralized News Network (DNN) token saw a sharp decline of 7.5% within the first hour following the news, dropping from $0.12 to $0.11 at 10:00 AM UTC (CoinMarketCap, April 17, 2025). Concurrently, trading volumes for DNN surged by 150%, reaching 2.5 million tokens traded in the same hour (CoinGecko, April 17, 2025).

This incident also affected the broader crypto market, with Bitcoin experiencing a slight dip of 0.5% to $67,000 at 11:00 AM UTC, reflecting broader market sentiment (TradingView, April 17, 2025). The raid's timing and nature also sparked discussions about the role of cryptocurrencies in protecting digital rights and privacy, leading to increased interest in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), which saw a trading volume increase of 30% to 10,000 XMR traded at 12:00 PM UTC (CryptoCompare, April 17, 2025). The event's ripple effect on the crypto market highlighted the interconnectedness of global events and digital assets. https://blockchain.news/flashnews/federal-police-raid-on-addis-standard-implications-for-cryptocurrency-trading-in-ethiopia

#Breaking: #Pope_Francis has died on Easter Monday at age of 88

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.

Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html

#Ethiopia, #Kenya sign free-trade agreement

Ethiopia and Kenya have come to bilateral agreement to collaborate on the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area.

The two parties represented by senior government officials of the respective governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to fast-track the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area between Kenya and Ethiopia on a simplified trade regime.

Speaking in Mombasa the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said that the government wants to fast-track the trade at the border following continued challenges within the border communities living in Moyale, Kenya.

Kinyanjui said there have been significant challenges, thus the need for the agreement, hoping to ensure that communities living within the border can do trade freely.

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kenya-signs-free-trade-agreement-with-ethiopia/

#Ethiopia Parliament approves controversial media law amendment

The amendment significantly reshapes the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) by repealing Article 9(5)(a) of the media law, which had mandated specific representation from civil society and media sectors on the EMA Board. The new provision replaces this with a more general requirement for representatives from “bodies relevant to the media,” raising concerns about transparency and sectoral balance. Additionally, the amendment transfers key regulatory powers - including licensing, suspension, and fines - from the Board to the Authority itself.

EMA officials defend the changes as necessary for streamlining governance and improving operational efficiency, aligning the institution’s role with its statutory mandate while keeping it under parliamentary oversight.

Despite these justifications, the amendment has sparked strong opposition from journalists, civil society, and international watchdogs. A coalition of 14 Ethiopian media and civil society organizations and international media freedom defenders criticized the changes for being developed without an independent review or inclusive consultations. They warn the reforms risk placing EMA under executive influence. The International Press Institute (IPI) has also condemned the proposal, urging lawmakers to reject it due to concerns it could undermine the independence of Ethiopia’s media regulator and threaten press freedom. https://addisstandard.com/ethiopia-parliament-approves-controversial-media-law-amendment/