Addis Standard
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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie urges Africa debt relief & UN reform at #UNGA

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie has called for urgent reforms of the global financial system, stressing the critical need to address #Africa’s growing debt crisis. Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, he urged that trade restrictions and coercive measures targeting African nations be lifted immediately.

“The current global financial framework limits Africa’s development aspirations, punishing nations with heavy debts while wealthy countries enjoy favorable terms,” President Taye said. He also reiterated Africa’s demand for fair representation in the UN Security Council and called for stronger support to regional peace missions, including the African Union Mission in Somalia.

He concluded by defending Palestinian rights and urging the international community to act decisively for justice and equality in Africa.

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#South_African president appeals for renewal of #AGOA

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its expiry at the end of September, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the United States to renew the pact, warning that its lapse would carry serious consequences for South Africa.

"its expiry would not only undermine those gains, but also remove the link to the Generalized System of Preferences, which has been so critical to many of our exporters," Ramaphosa said.

Speaking at the South Africa-U.S. Trade and Investment Dialogue on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday night, Ramaphosa said industries such as agriculture and automotive manufacturing have significantly benefited from AGOA.

https://english.news.cn/africa/20250926/909678dbedc243bda931cac33b387e15/c.html
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#ENDF seeks peaceful solutions, remains ready to counter ‘Security Dilemma’ threats

Lieutenant General Hachalu Sheleme, head of the ENDF Human Resource Department, said the defense force has developed into a reliable institution with strong armament, leadership, organizational capacity, and experience. He noted that tens of thousands of young #Ethiopians continue to join its ranks, reflecting the trust placed in the ENDF and ensuring the institution remains on a secure and sustainable path.

Brigadier General Getnet Adane, spokesperson for the ENDF, said the government has put in place extensive plans to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests. He emphasized that the country seeks to resolve issues peacefully but cautioned that a “security dilemma” may arise if others misinterpret Ethiopia’s intentions. In such circumstances, he said, the army must remain fully prepared to respond while prioritizing peaceful solutions.

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In photo: Crowds gather at #Mesqel Square in Addis Abeba to celebrate #Demera, the annual bonfire ceremony marking the eve of Mesqel, a #UNESCO-registered Intangible heritage.

The celebration, held on 26 September, featured prayers, hymns, and the lighting of the central bonfire in the presence of church leaders, government officials, and thousands of faithful. Mesqel commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Elene (Helena) in the 4th century.
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#Police break up ring trafficking #Kenyans to fight for #Russia in #Ukraine

More than 20 people have been rescued in Kenya from a suspected human trafficking ring that lured them with job offers in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine, police said.

It follows an intelligence-led raid on a residential apartment on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, where officers seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and job offer letters.

One suspect, accused of coordinating the victims' travel to Russia in September and October, has been arrested.

He was taken to court, which allowed him to be detained for 10 days while the police complete their investigations.

There have been growing concerns over the rising number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqjqjln1ko
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News: #Malaysia officially reopens its embassy in Addis Abeba after 43 years

Malaysia has officially reopened its embassy in #Addis_Abeba after 43 years.

In a statement released on 29 September 2025, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the embassy resumed operations effective 23 September 2025.

A senior official at #Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Addis Standard that Malaysia had closed its embassy in 1982 due to strained diplomatic relations with the then Derg regime.

“The reopening of the Embassy underscores Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthening the warm and close bilateral relations with Ethiopia. It serves as a catalyst for exploring new opportunities for cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people relations,” the ministry said.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02A4wRjUG4sepgfpCkS2VYt98pGN1gPmLoEBJ5ShWn2rewdCH9p9Zikpx4hMuqFotxl
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Ruto dismisses claims of #Kenya’s meddling in #Sudan conflict

President William #Ruto has dismissed allegations that Kenya is meddling in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, stressing that Nairobi’s role has been limited to offering a platform for dialogue between the warring parties.

Speaking during an interview with France 24, Ruto said claims of Kenya backing one side were based on “rumours and propaganda.” “The reason Kenya is being accused is that we offered a dialogue platform for the parties involved—nothing more. Not a single coin or support in any direction,” the President said.

Ruto maintained that Kenya’s position has been consistent: that the two rival generals, Sudan Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, are “cut from the same cloth” and equally responsible for atrocities.

https://www.kbc.co.ke/ruto-dismisses-claims-of-kenyas-meddling-in-sudan-conflict/
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#Commentary: Tight Grip, Loose Market: #Ethiopia’s forex reform paradox

It has been over a year since Ethiopia replaced its long-standing crawling peg with a “market-based” foreign exchange regime, a reform intended to alleviate chronic dollar shortages and narrow the gap between official and black market rates. Initially, the reform appeared promising, as the premium between the two markets fell from over 100% to just 4%. However, that optimism proved short-lived. By May 2025, the gap had widened again to 17%. In response, the government launched a sweeping crackdown, freezing the accounts of individuals and entities allegedly engaged in illegal foreign currency transactions.

In this commentary, Samson Hailu argues that these crackdowns contradict the very principle of a market-based system, which is meant to rely on supply and demand rather than heavy government intervention. “In reality,” he contends, “Ethiopia has yet to embrace a true market-based exchange rate system,” adding that “instead, it continues to operate under a managed framework where distortions and restrictions foster the very parallel markets the government is attempting to suppress.” The author notes that the promised shift to a market-driven system has effectively produced a “managed float,” in which the central bank continues to intervene in the pricing and allocation of foreign exchange.

The article identifies several structural bottlenecks contributing to the persistence of the parallel market: chronic forex shortages, eroded trust in the formal system, bureaucratic delays, inflation that has eroded purchasing power by more than 200% over five years, and restrictions on convertibility. As Samson states, “The black market does not exist in a vacuum; it exists precisely because the official system is failing to operate as it should.”

The author underscores that Ethiopia’s transition to a market-based exchange rate “remains incomplete,” noting that the parallel market endures due to unmet demand and systemic inefficiencies. He cautions, “Crackdowns alone cannot ensure stability,” emphasizing that lasting reform requires deeper structural changes that cultivate trust, efficiency, and a genuinely functioning foreign exchange system.

https://addisstandard.com/tight-grip-loose-market-ethiopias-forex-reform-paradox/
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News: Hailstorms, floods devastate farmlands in #Tigray and #Amhara

Severe hail mixed with heavy rain in Tigray and a series of floods and landslides in Amhara have destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, leaving tens of thousands of farming households facing hardship.

In Degua #Tembien Woreda of Southeast Tigray Zone, a hailstorm struck on 26 September 2025 and damaged 143 hectares of cultivated land, completely wiping out standing crops, left 284 farming households in distress.

In the Amhara region, flooding, hail, and landslides during the rainy season have also caused widespread destruction. In #Meket Woreda of N. Wollo Zone alone, the Agriculture Office reported the loss of 6,000 hectares of farmland, affecting more than 45,000 families.

Amhara Regional Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Diakon Tesfaye Batable acknowledged that natural disasters occurred this year across South Wollo, North Wollo, E.Gojjam, Waghimra Zone Administration, and Central Gondar.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52632
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News: #ENDF says denying #Red_Sea and #Assab Port claim amounts to “banditry”

The #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said that any attempt to deny Ethiopia’s claim over the Red Sea and the Port of Assab “cannot have a water-tight rationale other than banditry.”

In a statement released on its official Facebook page on 27 September 2025, the army described the Red Sea and Assab Port issue as “the pain of our Ethiopia for over three decades,” which, it said, has “diminished the honor of [Ethiopia’s] nationhood and obstructed its geopolitical national interest.”

The ENDF further stated that the official raising of the Red Sea question at the international level “has filled Ethiopian soldiers, who would not hesitate for a second to pay any sacrifice for the realization of our Ethiopia’s national interest, with immense joy.”

The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Ethiopia and #Eritrea regarding Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and its claim over Assab...

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52652
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News: #Ethiopia’s fuel-powered vehicles ‘destined’ for electric replacement, Transport Ministry says

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced that fuel-powered vehicles currently in use in Ethiopia will be replaced to electric. Ber’o Hassan, State Minister of Transport and Logistics, said a standard has been approved and a directive is being prepared to guide the replacement.

Speaking to local media, Ber’o noted that while electric vehicles are expanding globally, Ethiopia has already introduced over 100,000 such vehicles into its domestic market. He added that the government aims for “95 percent of the vehicles imported into the country in the next 10 years [to be] electric.”

The Ministry plans to accelerate electric vehicle production, reduce fuel costs, and promote a greener environment, targeting over 500,000 electric vehicles in operation within the next decade.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02VBe5xxL5gYmW1owzyBR9WhaJZNwVKU5fMHJ5MSBewHAHRBTepkPtqF9zwcqSXd3bl
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#Ethiopia claims its dam helped reduce #Sudan's #floods as speculation it caused the deluge rises

Ethiopia claimed Monday that its recently inaugurated dam has helped lessen floods that have hit Sudan , as speculation rose over whether it has actually caused the deluges.

Sudan on Saturday issued a flood alert citing rising water levels along the Nile River’s two main tributaries, the Blue and White Nile. Sudanese authorities maintained the alert on Monday.

The Sudanese irrigation ministry said late Sunday that the water level has been high for four consecutive days as dams in the area discharged excess water.


Ethiopia’s Water Minister Habtamu Itefa Geleta said Monday: “The flood in Sudan could be from White Nile. If GERD was not there, the magnitude could have been devastating. GERD played a significant role in reducing the catastrophic effect.”


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/29/sudan-ethiopia-dam-water-nile-river/9a513416-9d2b-11f0-af12-ae28224a8694_story.html
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#Ethiopia and #Italy Sign €4.1 Million Agreement to Strengthen Shire and Gondar Hospitals

Ethiopia and Italy have signed a €4.1 million agreement to strengthen healthcare services in #Shire and #Gondar hospitals, the project expected to restore essential care for more than 15 million people.

The agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and the Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese 29 September 2025 the ministry announced.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ahmed underscored the significance of the project for the Tigray and Amhara regions, which have been heavily affected by conflict, displacement, and the disruption of public services.

“With an investment of €4.1 million, this project will restore essential healthcare for more than 15 million people, ensuring mothers give birth safely, children receive lifesaving care, .......

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0PstS8J2Sov98vo65LMGx35oaRDFhACBejmELpDzxoYkb4d1BH2v7fpkDzu6cNcoZl
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#Ethiopia, bondholders begin restricted talks to rework debt

A group of international creditors began restricted talks with Ethiopia, as the two sides work to restructure a $1 billion defaulted bond, according to people familiar with the matter.

A group of bondholders under a creditor committee have entered into non-disclosure agreements with Ethiopia, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential. Government officials and representatives from the group are set to kick off talks this week in Paris, they said.

A representative from the group didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment, while Ethiopian central bank Governor Eyob Tekalign Tolina — who is part of his government’s negotiating team — didn’t also respond.

The term “restricted” in the context of such negotiations refers to talks covered by non-disclosure requirements .....

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-29/ethiopia-bondholders-begin-restricted-talks-to-restructure-debt
#Israeli PM Netanyahu apologises to #Qatar over Doha attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologised to Qatar for the killing of a Qatari citizen during an unprecedented Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha this month, which drew global condemnation.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received the apology on Monday in a joint call from United States President Donald Trump and Netanyahu during their meeting at the White House.

“As a first step, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep regret that Israel’s missile strike against Hamas targets in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman,” a White House statement said.

“He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/29/israeli-pm-netanyahu-apologises-to-qatar-over-doha-attack
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#TPLF accuses guarantors of #Pretoria Agreement of inaction, warns of ‘silent genocide’ in Tigray

The #Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused the guarantors of the Pretoria Peace Agreement—the #United_States, the #European_Union, the #African_Union, the #United_Nations —of failing to act on their commitments, alleging that a “silent genocide” continues in Tigray nearly 3 years after the accord was signed.

In a statement issued on 29 September 2025, the party urged the international community to intervene to halt what it described as the ongoing destruction of the region. “We appeal to the international community: act now. Do not allow Tigray’s destruction to continue in silence. Honor your commitment to peace, protect the innocent, and prevent another unheeded tragedy,”it said.

TPLF cited worsening humanitarian conditions, referencing the recent death of one-year-and-four-month-old Naod Hailesselassie, killed by a hyena inside an IDP shelter in Mekelle.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52667
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#Op_ed: #GERD Milestone, Energy Reality: Why #Ethiopia must look beyond generation for real growth

In September 2025, Ethiopia marked two major milestones: the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the second Africa Climate Summit. While officials presented the GERD as an African-led solution to the climate crisis, Meron Tesfaye, the author of this op-ed, emphasizes that for Ethiopians the reality remains “severe outages, rising fuel and electricity costs, and unreliable power quality that damages devices and constrains daily life.”

Although GERD possesses an installed capacity exceeding 5,000 MW and the potential to generate 15,700 GWh annually, the author contends that the nation might struggle to deliver the reliable, affordable power essential for sustained economic growth. Meron highlights that, despite possessing some of the region’s lowest tariffs, “large-scale users experience an average of 39 interruptions per month,” and power outages effectively cost industrial customers nearly triple their standard electricity bills. She further notes that “At least 25% of installed capacity sits idle” owing to maintenance issues and critical shortages of foreign currency.

The author argues that “the metric must shift from megawatts added to income generated, jobs created, and living standards improved through reliable, affordable electricity.” She emphasizes that Ethiopians “must keep their eyes on the prize,” noting “energy is only valuable when it drives growth.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52655
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