Addis Standard
19.1K subscribers
4.95K photos
321 videos
4 files
17.1K links
An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
Download Telegram
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
3💯2
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
👍3
#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
1
#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
1
#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
2
#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
1👎1
#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
1👍1
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
4👍2
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
👍3👎1
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
5👍1👎1
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
6
#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/
👍21
#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
1
#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
👏1
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
5😭2
#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
1
#Ethiopia: Fatal accident at Church construction site in #Amhara region claims over 30 lives; more casualties feared

More than 30 people have been confirmed dead following a fatal accident this morning at a #church construction site in Minjar Shenkora district, North Shewa Zone of the Amhara region.
Authorities have warned that the death toll is expected to rise further.

The #Minjar Shenkora District Police Office earlier today said the accident occurred at the Arerti Mariam Church construction site when a wooden scaffolding platform, heavily crowded with people, collapsed.

He cautioned that the number of fatalities could increase as some of the injured remain in critical condition.

The Government Communication Service (GCS) has issued a message of condolence over the casualties and underscored the need to prioritize safety in all construction projects. It stressed that safeguarding the well-being of workers and communities around building sites must remain paramount.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52689
😭1
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Getachew Reda hints #Ethiopia won’t be first to recognize #Somaliland

#Getachew Reda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on East African Affairs, suggested Ethiopia would not be the first country to recognize Somaliland but hinted it may not be far behind.

Speaking to journalist Jim Steinman on Global Power Shift, he recalled late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s remark that Ethiopia “won’t be the first, but it won’t be the third either.”Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an MoU in January 2024, which Addis Abeba said included provisions for assessing Somaliland’s recognition bid.

Getachew noted U.S. recognition could trigger a domino effect, while underscoring the inevitability of Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access for its 130 million citizens. Warning against rising tensions with Eritrea, he urged pragmatic “give and take” to prevent what he called a potential “descent into all-out war.”

Watch
News: Drone strike on health post in #North_Wollo kills four civilians, including pregnant woman, over ten injured

A drone strike on #Sanka health post in Gubalafto Woreda, North Wollo Zone of the #Amhara Regional State, on 27 September 2025, killed four civilians, including a pregnant woman, and left more than ten others injured, eyewitnesses and health professionals told the BBC Amharic.

The attack occurred around 12:00 AM local time and targeted the Sanka Health Post, a cluster town located 20 kilometers from #Woldia, the zonal and woreda capital. Local residents and four eyewitnesses confirmed the strike.

Residents said there were no clashes between government forces and Fano fighters inside Sanka town at the time of the strike. However, heavy fighting was reported in areas surrounding Woldia, particularly near Tikur Wuha. Addis Standard previously reported on 26 September that movement in areas around Woldia city had been disrupted by exchanges of heavy weapon fire.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52693
😭41