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/

#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/

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

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

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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

News Analysis: #Ethiopia’s investment climate remains fraught despite reform push, U.S. report warns

Ethiopia’s economic reforms have yet to convince foreign investors, according to the 2025 Ethiopia Investment Climate Statement released over the weekend by the U.S. Department of State. Despite floating the birr, opening new sectors, and relaunching the Securities Exchange, persistent instability, weak property rights, and heavy state dominance continue to undermine confidence.

The report highlights Ethiopia’s potential with “a large and youthful population, low-cost labor, Africa’s largest airline, and growing consumer markets.” But it concludes: “The government insists it is eager to attract FDI but has mostly failed to address the many shortcomings that deter foreign interest,” the report cautioned.

The 2024 currency float saw the birr lose over 100 percent of its value, narrowing the parallel market gap before it reopened months later.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52671

News: #TPLF vows crackdown on media it says ‘fuels division’ in #Tigray, journalists warn of press freedom threat

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has announced a “zero tolerance” stance against media outlets it accuses of fueling division and advancing what it described as the “enemies’ agenda,” sparking concern among journalists and media owners in the region.

The warning was delivered last week by Fetlewerk Gebregziabher, head of the TPLF Office, during a meeting with journalists in Mekelle. Without naming specific outlets or presenting evidence, Fetlewerk accused unnamed media of “calling for violence” and serving as the “mouthpiece of a group that betrayed.” She claimed that both the party and the army had agreed to enforce the crackdown.

Private media leaders say the rhetoric amounts to an assault on press freedom. “The phrase ‘zero tolerance’ signifies an alarming assault on press freedom. It reflects a commitment to stifling journalism......

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52673

Study finds Levantine ivory came from #Ethiopia not #Egypt

A new study has found that much of the ivory traded in the southern Levant between 1600 and 600 BCE came from #African elephants in regions linked to Ethiopia and #Sudan, rather than from Egypt as long believed.

The research, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science by Dr. Harel Shochat of the University of #Haifa, analyzed 624 ivory artifacts and confirmed that 85% were sourced from African elephants near the 6th cataract of the Nile, south of #Khartoum.

While Egypt previously was seen as the main hub of the ivory trade, the findings suggest that Nubian and Ethiopian-connected suppliers played a central role in maintaining exchange networks, even during periods of political upheaval.

The study highlights Ethiopia’s overlooked role in ancient global trade and calls for further research into how luxury goods from the Horn of Africa shaped economies across the Mediterranean
https://phys.org/news/2025-09-levantine-ivory-ethiopia-egypt.html

News: Meseret Hadush wins #Bremen Solidarity Award for work with survivors of wartime sexual violence in #Tigray

Mekelle – Meseret Hadush, founder and executive director of Hiwyet Tigray, has received the 2025 Bremen Solidarity Award in recognition of her work supporting women and girls who endured sexual violence during the war in Tigray. The award was presented in Germany on 29 September.

In its citation, the Bremen Senate commended Meseret for adopting a survivor-centered approach that “places the dignity and safety of those affected at its core and aims to foster long-term empowerment and reintegration into society.” Through Hiwyet Tigray, she has established safe spaces, provided counseling, legal assistance, and skills training to help women rebuild their lives.

The Bremen Solidarity Award presented every two years and intended to be an encouragement “to persons and groups that devote special efforts to overcoming injustice in the North-South relationship and ....

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52677

#Somalia, #Egypt discuss military ties as #Cairo set to deploy troops for #AU mission

Egyptian Defense Minister Abdul Majeed Saqr and his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, discussed ways to strengthen military cooperation and support stability across Africa during a meeting in Cairo on Monday.

The ministers explored “ways to enhance military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries and support security and stability efforts within the African continent,” the Egyptian military said in a statement.

The Somali defense minister, for his part, praised Egypt’s “sincere efforts to promote security and peace for all African peoples,” the statement said, noting the two countries share “common views on key regional issues.”

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that the ministers discussed strengthening military collaboration and supporting peace and stability efforts in the region.

https://horseedmedia.net/somalia-egypt-discuss-military-ties-as-cairo-set-to-deploy-troops-for-au-mission/414443/

#Djibouti to deploy additional troops to support #Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab

Djibouti has pledged to send more troops to Somalia to help counter the persistent threat of al-Shabaab on Tuesday, reaffirming its long-standing role in regional peace and security.

Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mohamed Siad Doualeh, announced the commitment in his address to the UN General Assembly. He said his country welcomes Somalia’s progress in state-building and security but warned that significant challenges remain.

As part of the effort, Djibouti and Somalia have signed a new bilateral agreement allowing for the deployment of additional Djiboutian troops.

The forces will bolster ongoing operations against al-Shabaab and support stabilization efforts under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

https://hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Oct/203137/djibouti_to_deploy_additional_troops_to_support_somalia_s_fight_against_al_shabaab.aspx

#Ethiopia’s forex reform journey

In July 2024, Ethiopia switched from a crawling peg to a market-based foreign currency regime to ease dollar shortages and narrow the gap between official and parallel (black) market rates. Initially, the premium between the two markets dropped from over 100% to just 4%. However, this optimism was short-lived: by May 2025, the gap had widened back to 17%.

In response, the government launched crackdowns—including freezing bank accounts—to target illicit transactions and suppress the black market.

A recent commentary published by Addis Standard argues these actions contradict market principles. The article notes, “Ethiopia has yet to embrace a true market-based exchange rate system,” and instead continues to operate under “a managed framework where distortions and restrictions foster the very parallel markets the government is attempting to suppress.”

To read the full commentary, please follow the link below.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52629

News: #Ethiopia supplies 83% of #Kenya’s power imports, saves country $10 million annually and averts blackouts

Ethiopia has emerged as Kenya’s primary source of imported electricity, supplying 83 percent of the country’s total power imports in the year to June 2025, underscoring Addis Abeba’s growing role in regional energy security.

According to Kenya’s Capital FM, Ethiopian imports are more cost-effective than domestic thermal generation, saving Kenya an estimated $10 million annually. The imports have also strengthened grid stability, helping the country avert power rationing and blackouts during periods of high demand.

Kenyan outlet Business Daily Africa described Ethiopia’s supply as critical in averting a potential energy crisis. “Ethiopia saved Kenya from power rationing and blackouts,” the paper reported, adding that “the share of electricity imports has for the first time crossed the 10 percent mark as Kenya deepens its reliance on neighboring countries.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52683

#Op_ed: Torch Passed, Headwinds Ahead: Eyob Tekalign takes helm of #NBE at critical juncture

In September 2025, Eyob Tekalign (PhD) was appointed Governor of the National Bank of #Ethiopia (NBE), succeeding Mamo Mihretu. In this op-ed, Abreham Tesfaye reflects on the “daunting” task facing the new central bank chief, emphasizing that Eyob assumes leadership “at a critical juncture,” inheriting an economy of over 120 million people grappling with high inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and deep-seated financial vulnerabilities. He notes, “The decisions he makes in the months and years ahead will be pivotal in determining whether Ethiopia can stabilize its economy, restore investor confidence, and chart a sustainable path toward long-term growth.”

The author argues that the new governor’s foremost mandate must be price stability, given that “inflation is more than a mere economic statistic—it functions as a hidden tax on the poor.” To achieve this, he calls for a tighter monetary policy, including higher interest rates and slowing the expansion of credit. While acknowledging that such measures will inevitably impose “near-term hardships” upon both businesses and households, Abreham contends that these costs must be carefully weighed against “the far graver consequences of unchecked inflation.”

Furthermore, the article states that monetary policy, in isolation, is insufficient; it necessitates complementary supply-side reforms in key sectors such as agriculture and logistics. For this overarching strategy to prove successful, Abreham underscores that the NBE must adhere to three fundamental pillars: clarity of purpose through the establishment of explicit inflation targets; transparency and proactive communication to effectively manage public and market expectations; and close coordination with fiscal policy to ensure government expenditure does not undermine efforts to tighten monetary conditions.

The author emphasizes that Eyob’s professional background, which integrates rigorous economic training with extensive high-level policymaking experience, “uniquely equips him to navigate these complex challenges.” Yet Abreham cautions, “His success will be measured not merely in economic indicators, but in the trust he cultivates and the opportunities he creates for millions of Ethiopians.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52680

News: KEFI’s #Tulu_Kapi Gold Project to launch full development in October 2025

KEFI Gold and Copper has announced that its Tulu Kapi Gold Project in western #Oromia, #Ethiopia, is on track to begin full-scale development in October 2025, with site preparations nearing completion and key infrastructure and community programs already underway.

The project, 95% beneficially owned by KEFI through its UK subsidiary KME, is advancing with a phased approach designed to meet international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while maintaining strong engagement with local communities and authorities.

According to KEFI, a new all-weather road to the site is nearing completion, with construction of an additional access road for heavy loads scheduled within the next two months. Procurement for the electricity connection has been finalized, and construction mobilization has already commenced.

The Tulu Kapi project was temporarily halted in 2021 ....

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52686