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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#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
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#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
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#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
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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
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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
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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 ........

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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
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#UN says at least 91 killed in besieged #Darfur city last month

At least 91 civilians, were killed in Sudan’s besieged city of el-Fasher in attacks by the paramilitary force Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, within 10 days last month, the United Nations said Thursday.

The series of attacks were the latest in the intensified fighting between the army and rival paramilitaries seeking to control the city as civil war rages on.

The war between the RSF and the military began in 2023 when tensions erupted between the two previous allies that were meant to oversee a democratic transition after a 2019 uprising.

The fighting has killed at least 40,000 people, according to the World Health Organization, and displaced as many as 12 million others. Over 24 million people are facing acute food insecurity, according to the World Food Program.

https://apnews.com/article/el-fasher-sudan-darfur-rapid-support-forces-military-hunger-civilians-02d1b1912c9f28c804fe1caee073fb31
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#Jubaland, #Puntland leaders and #Somali opposition form Somali Future Council in #Nairobi

Regional leaders of Jubaland and Puntland, along with prominent opposition figures under the Somali Salvation Forum, convened a meeting in Nairobi on Thursday to discuss Somalia’s political and security situation.

The meeting brought together Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khayre and Saacid Shirdoon, and Member of Parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur.

In a joint resolution, the leaders announced the establishment of the Somali Future Council, uniting the Salvation Forum with the governments of Jubaland and Puntland. They agreed to hold a follow-up conference inside Somalia as soon as possible to finalize the Council’s structure and discuss the country’s political transition.

The leaders also urged Somalis to safeguard national unity, work towards stability, and resist any actions that could harm the country’s cohesion. They expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya for supporting efforts to ensure Somalia’s stability and development.

https://hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Oct/203153/jubaland_puntland_leaders_and_somali_opposition_form_somali_future_council_in_nairobi.aspx
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News: Experts link #Sudan’s record Nile floods to climate change, #GERD water release, and weakened embankments

Sudan is facing some of the worst Nile flooding in years, with experts warning that a combination of intensified rainfall, weak flood defenses, and the growing impact of climate change has created a dangerous new reality for communities along the river.

Experts told Xinhua that the flooding cannot be attributed to a single cause. Environmental expert Abdul Azim Haraka said Sudan’s worsening flood patterns were linked to “intensified rainfall and the growing impact of climate change in recent years.”

“Urgent plans are needed to rebuild embankments with modern engineering and early warning systems,” water resources specialist Sami Abdel Rahim told Xinhua, noting that areas such as Wad Ramli—long known as natural flood pathways of the Nile—will remain exposed without permanent barriers.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52730
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#Ethiopia: The final year of parliamentary session to open Monday; President Taye to present annual work plan

The joint opening ceremony of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (#HPR) and the House of Federation (#HoF) for the fifth year of the sixth parliamentary term—marking its final legislative year—is scheduled for Monday, 6 October 2025.

According to information from the HPR, the ceremony will begin at 8:00 p.m. in the presence of President Taye Atske Selassie. In line with constitutional provisions, the President will formally announce the opening of the annual legislative session of both Houses and present the federal government’s annual work plan for the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year.

#Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders, community elders, opposition party leaders, and other invited guests are expected to attend the joint session.


https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02CbcPT4hziGXEUtnKjbttagKXDQZaLjzX9RqAbj4QPRuSaJC8j7beeLM2zNgySx5nl
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🌿On Saturday and Sunday, the Oromo nation come together to celebrate Irrechaa, the annual celebrations of the Oromo nation.

But its philosophy runs deeper: Namummaa- the essence of being fully human.

👉 Watch our captivating visualization of “Namummaa: Reviving humanity through Oromo wisdom”: https://youtu.be/mwfh3vBiheQ

Team JAKENN and Addis Standard wish the Oromo nation and everyone celebrating this unique heritage a Happy Irrechaa!
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#Ethiopia: PM Abiy announces ban on importing diesel-powered trucks; transport costs projected to drop 50% next year

Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced a nationwide ban on the import of diesel-powered heavy vehicles, effective 2 October 2025, and revealed that about 2,000 buses operating in Addis Ababa and on inter-regional routes will be converted from fuel to gas this year.

“When these two thousand vehicles are converted, transport costs will decrease by at least 50 percent next year compared to the current price,” he said, adding that the measure will “greatly help the livelihoods of low-income citizens who commute for work in the city.”

The decision was unveiled on Thursday during the inauguration of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Kallub, Somali Regional State.

He noted that private investors importing gas-powered trucks will be eligible for government support, including duty-free incentives.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52733
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#Ethiopia: CPJ welcomes release of #Sheger_FM journalists, urges withdrawal of charges

The Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ) has welcomed the release of two Sheger FM radio journalists who spent three weeks in detention after covering protests by healthcare workers over poor working conditions.

“We are relieved by the September 24 release of Sheger FM radio editor Tigist Zerihun and reporter Mintamer Tsegaw, who spent three weeks in detention after covering protests over poor working conditions for healthcare workers in Ethiopia,” CPJ said in a statement.

The organization urged Ethiopian authorities to “withdraw any remaining criminal proceedings against Tigist and Mintamer and to stop using the justice system to punish independent journalism.”

Sheger FM confirmed that the two journalists were freed on 24 September 2025, following a ruling by the Federal Supreme Court.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02nxLezhg81aSq9EtLRSAW3AJ31vhRcWENiEHZ71o9pSppYQtYho8Wb9auMG8dVA2l
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PM Abiy: “We will ensure #Ethiopia’s port ownership”

- “Our desires will be achieved through Diligence, Not Begging”

During the inauguration of Ethiopia’s Calub natural gas project in the #Somali region, Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed declared that the country will ensure its port ownership and achieve all its national ambitions through diligence, not begging.

“As the saying goes, ‘seeing is believing.’ We have completed this project just as promised before Parliament reconvenes,” he said, urging citizens—particularly those he described as “kept in the dark”—to recognize Ethiopia’s progress. With confidence, he added, “No one can stop us.”

Abiy stressed Ethiopia’s determination to secure port ownership, safeguard peace, and achieve development through hard work and unity. “All our desires will be fulfilled through the combined diligence of Ethiopians, not through begging,” he declared, noting that no nation would willingly give Ethiopia its due.

Watch
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#AS_Editorial: End the Drone Doctrine: #Ethiopia cannot bomb its way to peace

On 04 September, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed toured the AeroAbay drone assembly plant and proudly declared that Ethiopia’s “locally produced drones” are “key to defending the nation’s economic gains” and essential to sustaining prosperity.

The Prime Minister framed drones as proof that Ethiopia’s military power is growing in tandem with its economic development……His words were unambiguous: drones are not simply tools of defense, but a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s vision of “sovereignty” and modernization.

Jut weeks later, a drone strike on a health post in North Wollo, Amhara region killed four civilians, including a pregnant woman......

This publication believes the government must be held accountable to immediately halt drone strikes on civilian areas, permit independent investigations into past atrocities, and ensure that perpetrators face justice.

Read the Editorial

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52739
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#Commentary: #Irreecha: What it is and what it isn’t

In this commentary, Irreecha is highlighted as a significant cultural celebration for the #Oromo people, deeply rooted in the Gadaa system. Marking the transition between seasons, it represents thanksgiving and renewal. During this time, Oromos express gratitude to #Waaqa (God) for the blessings of nature and life through rituals that connect them with their environment.

Irreecha also serves as a unifying event for Oromos both in Ethiopia and the diaspora. It allows diverse communities to express their collective identity. For #Generation_Z, particularly those born abroad, Irreecha becomes a vital way to reconnect with their heritage and keep traditions alive in a globalized world.

This celebration is an expression of the Oromo people’s resilience in preserving their culture amid historical challenges. Drawing millions, Irreecha symbolizes unity and pride that transcends generations.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=46161
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In_Photo: Today, 4 October 2025 the celebrated #Irreecha Hora Finfinnee has concluded peacefully.

Our Media 'Addis Standard' covered the atmosphere of the festival by being present at the location and presented it in photos.