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

#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

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

#Belarus, #Ethiopia discuss military cooperation

To advance interstate and military ties with Ethiopia, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin held a working meeting with Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force Yilma Merdasa Gnapa, with Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich also part of the meeting, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Defense Ministry.

During the meeting, Viktor Khrenin noted that, according to the head of state, Ethiopia is one of the most important states in East Africa for Belarus and that Belarus wants to establish a mutually beneficial presence there. “This also applies to the military and military-technical cooperation. Therefore, we, the representatives of the armed forces of Belarus and Ethiopia, must clearly follow the lead of our heads of state. I am convinced that effective and fruitful cooperation in various areas and frequent engagement will allow us to successfully implement joint plans,” the Belarusian defense minister said.

Yilma Merdasa Gnapa expressed confidence in the deepening of bilateral relations.

The parties noted the similarity of Belarus’ and Ethiopia’s approaches to assessing the most pressing problems of international security and the friendly nature of bilateral relations at the highest level, which creates favorable conditions for building further interaction. In addition, the meeting outlined issues of bilateral military cooperation of mutual interest, with an emphasis on specific practical measures.

https://eng.belta.by/society/view/belarus-ethiopia-discuss-military-cooperation-172051-2025/

#Puntland accuses #Somali president of abandoning democratic principles amid ongoing political rift

Puntland’s regional administration has renewed its sharp criticism of Somalia’s Federal Government, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of straying from the path of democratic governance and breaching foundational agreements that underpin the federal system.

In a press briefing held in the regional capital Garowe, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, said the time had come for honesty about the growing political tensions between the two levels of government.

He accused the federal leadership of disregarding inclusive governance and acting unilaterally.

“It is no longer a time for sugarcoating. The Federal Government has continued down a path far removed from consultation and consensus,” said Dirir. “You cannot claim to build a government while actively undermining it. The President is clearly pursuing personal ambitions and has veered off the road of democracy and cooperation.”

https://shabellemedia.com/puntland-accuses-somali-president-of-abandoning-democratic-principles-amid-ongoing-political-rif/

News: #US pledges support for $10bn airport project in #Ethiopia, considered Trump’s first major Horn of Africa initiative

The United States has pledged support for the construction of a $10 billion international airport in Ethiopia, in what marks President Donald Trump’s first major business initiative in the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, announced the commitment during a recent visit to Ethiopia ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. He confirmed that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is involved in the project and working in collaboration with Boeing on initiatives linked to Ethiopian Airlines and other ventures across Africa.

Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest and most expensive airport project on the continent, surpassing #Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport in scale and handling capacity.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52710

#Sudan announces review of GERD deal with #Ethiopia and #Egypt

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris has announced his country’s intention to conduct a “detailed review” of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) with Ethiopia and Egypt, in a move he said was aimed at “avoiding future disasters.”

Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan on Wednesday 1 0ctober 2025 after returning from the United Nations General Assembly, Idris confirmed that the GERD review would form part of renewed engagement with Ethiopia and Egypt.

Alongside the GERD discussions, Idris revealed that he had presented a portfolio of 100 partnership projects valued at $100 billion to Saudi Arabia, largely focused on Red Sea resources and investment opportunities.

https://sudantribune.com/article/305610

#Commentary: Transform or Fade: #Ethiopian #CSOs navigating external pressure, internal weakness

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are central to Ethiopia’s humanitarian and development landscape, serving as “vital bridges between citizens, communities, and government” while promoting accountability and participation. Yet, Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, contends that the sector faces a dual crisis: restrictive laws and political pressures compounded by internal weaknesses in governance, leadership, and accountability. He writes, “Founder capture, weak oversight, corruption, and financial fragility coexist alongside mounting regulatory and political pressures,” underscoring the tangible costs of inaction.

The author explains that the government’s draft amendments to the 2019 Proclamation threaten to grant sweeping authority over CSOs’ operations, governance, and funding, raising fears of a contraction of civic space beyond the repressive 2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation. At the same time, the 2024 revocation of more than 1,500 CSO licenses for failing to submit reports highlights both the sector’s fragility and the necessity of compliance. “Accountability is not optional,” Nigussie argues, adding that “even if inactive or unfunded, CSOs should demonstrate transparency and visibility.”

The article highlights that many CSOs suffer from “founders’ syndrome,” in which a single individual maintains control for decades, stifling innovation and new talent. Boards, legally mandated to provide oversight, often function as mere “ceremonial signatories,” failing to hold leadership accountable. Heavy reliance on foreign donors further exacerbates fragility, as CSOs operate more as project implementers than as institutions rooted in their communities.

The author emphasizes that “Ethiopian CSOs stand at a decisive crossroads… either embrace internal reform or risk irrelevance, further closures, and externally imposed changes.” He notes that the future of civil society in Ethiopia depends on CSOs’ “willingness to embrace internal reform” to survive and remain relevant.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52699

News: #Ethiopia’s exports to US surge 95% amid global trade disruptions

Ethiopia has emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of shifting global trade flows, with exports to the #United_States soaring by 95 percent between April and July 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to new data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (#UNECA).

The surge follows sweeping US tariffs imposed in April under the “Liberation Day” package, which levied duties of up to 30 percent on major Asian exporters. While Ethiopia and #Kenya were subject to lower tariffs of around 10 percent, China faced the steepest hikes, leading to a sharp 35.6 percent fall in its exports to the US.

Beyond the US market, Ethiopia is also reinforcing its regional trade ties. The upgrade of the Moyale One-Stop Border Post and expansion of industrial parks are part of Addis Abeba’s strategy to deepen integration under the AfCFTA.

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1973727488552448306

News: Six arrested over harassment of women wearing trousers in #Wondo_Genet town, Sidama region

Authorities in Wondo Genet town, #Sidama region, said six individuals have been taken into custody after a widely circulated video showed women wearing trousers being harassed in the town.

The footage, which surfaced earlier this week on social media, depicted groups of children and youths attempting to forcibly undress women in the street, claiming that “elders had decided women should not wear trousers.” The images sparked widespread outrage.

In a statement issued yesterday, 1 October 2025, the Wondo Genet town administration accused “elements opposed to changes in our city” of orchestrating the incident. It alleged that the perpetrators mobilized daily laborers to stage unrest aimed at restricting women’s right “to move freely with the attire of their choice.”

This development comes at a time when women and girls are facing increasing sexual harassment .......

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52720

News: #Tigray Interim Administration reiterates appeal to armed groups in #Afar “to return home and commit to dialogue”

The Interim Administration of Tigray has renewed its call on armed groups operating in Afar Regional State to lay down their weapons and commit to dialogue, stressing that “Tigray’s problem must be solved by Tigrayans within Tigray.”

In a statement issued following recent clashes with an armed group identified as Hara Meret (“Free Land”), the administration said attempts to escalate tensions undermine efforts to maintain stability between the peoples of Tigray and Afar.

According to the statement, the group tried to advance through the Berahle route toward Konaba to attack Tigray, but Afar residents opposed the move. The administration further alleges the situation escalated when the group opened fire on civilians, causing unrest.

The Interim Admin condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and praised Afar residents, especially in Berahle and Konaba...

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52723

WHO recognizes #Ethiopia among only nine African nations with stable medicines regulatory system

The World Health Organization (#WHO) has recognized Ethiopia for achieving Maturity Level 3 (ML3) in medicines regulation, placing the country among just nine African nations with what WHO describes as a “stable, well-functioning, and integrated” regulatory system.

According to WHO, the milestone follows a comprehensive assessment completed in September 2025 using its Global Benchmarking Tool, which evaluates national regulatory authorities against more than 250 indicators.

WHO defines Maturity Level 3 as the stage at which a regulatory authority has a stable and integrated system capable of authorizing medical products, conducting market surveillance, and monitoring safety events effectively. The highest designation, Maturity Level 4, is reserved for “advanced” systems ........

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02iZoFJFnkxuaUboRPre65AYdqPmEPWY1XzZKpUMtpqfwbfEbWbpjVPXyVjvSLCh7Gl

PM #Abiy inaugurates first phase of Ogaden LNG project, lays foundation for fertilizer and refinery plants in #Somali Region

- “All mega projects inaugurated in the Somali Region today, collectively valued at #USD 10 billion”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) today announced the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Calub, Somali Regional State, with an annual production capacity of 111 million liters.

“At the same time, we launch the second phase, which will add a capacity of 1.33 billion liters per year,” the Prime Minister stated on his official social media accounts.

According to Abiy, the LNG facility goes beyond gas production. “This facility also contributes significantly to energy generation, with a production capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Importantly, the plant is not just a gas facility.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid024HSvw3uv84DEz45f8NVEtDT7f6EC4SoU4qXuf8xBcjGxfB3q6k8z1qJzFRrnoReVl