#Eritrea dismisses #Ethiopia’s war allegation as “provocative sabre-rattling”

Eritrea dismissed Ethiopia’s accusation that it is preparing to launch a war as “provocative sabre-rattling,” amid growing tensions between the two Horn of Africa neighbors, AFP reported today Thursday 9 October 2025

“The intense propaganda campaign aimed at whipping up irredentist ambitions has been accompanied by provocative sabre-rattling,” Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel told AFP. He denounced Addis Ababa’s letter to the United Nations as a “deceitful charade.”

Earlier this month, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accusing Asmara of colluding with a hardline faction of the TPLF to “wage war.” The letter, signed by the foreign minister, alleged that Eritrea and the TPLF were “funding, mobilising and directing armed groups” in the Amhara region, where federal forces have fought rebels for several years.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52828

AI-generated propaganda fuels #Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions

Global voices reports that Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly being used to amplify nationalist sentiment and political messaging amid growing tensions between Ethiopia and #Eritrea, according to analyses of social media activity following the inauguration of the #GERD on 9 September 2025.

Alongside celebratory posts about the dam, AI-generated videos and images circulated online promoting the idea that Ethiopia should reclaim access to Eritrea’s #Assab port. One viral video, shared on TikTok and X and endorsed by former State Minister Birhanu M. Lenjiso, featured a fictional concert at the GERD with a voiceover declaring, “From the Nile to Assab, one people, one heart.”

Experts warn these AI-generated materials amount to “synthetic propaganda” aimed at normalizing expansionist rhetoric.

https://globalvoices.org/2025/10/09/escaping-the-geographic-prison-ai-and-visual-propaganda-in-ethiopias-red-sea-discourse/

#Tigray Interim President ‘plotted, organized’ army ‘coup d'état’ against Getachew’s admin; time to ‘recall him now’ - Lt. Gen. Tsadikan

Lt. Gen. Tsadikan Gebretensae, former deputy president of Tigray’s interim administration, has accused the region’s current interim president, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, of “plotting and organizing” an army “coup d’état” against the previous leadership led by Getachew Reda.

Tsadikan, who says he is now working to “change Tigray’s politics,” alleged that Tadesse ‘sabotaged” the Pretoria Agreement–mandated interim government under Getachew’s leadership, and “squandered an undeserved opportunity” since he has come to the regional presidency.

Tsadikan further claimed that Tadesse not only failed to deliver on the 8-points mandate given to him by the federal government, but ignored violation related to alleged contact by members of his administration with Eritrean forces, a claim led by the federal government.


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#Sudanese prime minister visits #Eritrea to discuss cooperation, regional stability

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris arrived in the Eritrean capital on Thursday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional security.

This is the fourth foreign trip for Idris since he took office on May 19. Upon arrival, he and his delegation, which includes the foreign and information ministers, were greeted by Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh.

Idris met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Thursday evening, SUNA reported. The state news agency said the leaders discussed joint cooperation and committed to strengthening ties to serve the interests of both nations and ensure regional stability.

Idris thanked Afwerki for Eritrea’s support for Sudan amid its current challenges. Afwerki, in turn, reiterated his country’s firm support for Sudan’s stability and unity, SUNA said.

https://sudantribune.com/article/305864

#UNICEF reports over 100,000 children treated for severe wasting across #Ethiopia in two months

More than 100,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were admitted for treatment across Ethiopia between July and August 2025, UNICEF said in its latest Humanitarian Situation Report.

According to the report, a total of 104,891 children with severe wasting received therapeutic feeding during the two-month period.

The program recorded a 94% cure rate, a 2% default rate, and a mortality rate of 0.2%, highlighting what UNICEF described as “strong results and high-quality interventions” amid growing humanitarian needs.

The #Oromia Region recorded the highest regional caseload, with 39,284 children under five treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) through outpatient and stabilization centers.

In the #Amhara Region, 16,423 children were admitted for SAM treatment. While the overall cure rate reached 88.6%, UNICEF noted that 548 children...........

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52833

#Tesfalem_Waldyes named among seven recipients of 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero Award

The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) have named #Ethiopian journalist Tesfalem Waldyes among seven distinguished recipients of the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero award, recognizing his exceptional courage and resilience in defending media freedom.

Tesfalem, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Ethiopia Insider, was honored for his unwavering commitment to independent journalism, despite facing repeated harassment and imprisonment.

According to the IPI His career has been marked by multiple arbitrary arrests and detentions, including more than a year in custody in connection with the “Zone 9 bloggers” case. After years in exile, Tesfalem returned to Ethiopia to continue his work amid an increasingly restrictive environment for free media.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02mSTVF7Ywtc98QWMHVfxVh6arhnzNjNECPUYp4uTz6pGGmbefN2p2hTMCN9eucxDBl

#IMF visit to #Kenya discussed reforms that could lead to a new programme

The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that a staff visit to Kenya took stock of the latest macroeconomic developments and discussed reforms that could pave the way for a new programme.

The IMF said in a statement that policy priorities included "measures to enhance fiscal policy credibility, ensure sustainability of public finances and debt, and minimize fiscal, financial, and external sector risks".

Discussions with Kenyan authorities would continue during the upcoming IMF Annual Meetings, it added.

The East African nation's $3.6 billion programme with the IMF expired earlier this year, and some officials have expressed interest in getting a new one that will include a lending component.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/imf-visit-kenya-discussed-reforms-that-could-lead-new-programme-2025-10-10/

#Opinion: #Somaliland’s Youth: Leading recognition struggle, securing democratic future

For more than three decades, Somaliland has exemplified “a state that fulfills nearly all the requirements of sovereignty—peace, stability, democratic governance, and functioning institutions,” writes Abdifataah H. Osman, the author of this opinion piece. He notes that central to this achievement is the nation’s youth, who constitute more than 70% of the population and are leading the call for Somaliland’s “re-recognition,” not recognition.

The author explains that Somaliland’s historical claim originates from its brief period of independence in 1960, before it voluntarily united with Italian #Somalia. However, Osman underscores that the subsequent decades of marginalization, dictatorship, and atrocities—including “the #Hargeisa Holocaust”—“cemented in the minds of Somaliland’s people that their aspirations for justice and self-rule could not be fulfilled under a unitary Somali state.”

The author argues that for Somaliland’s youth, “re-recognition” is not an abstract political goal; it is “about safeguarding the democratic experiment they have helped sustain.” He emphasizes, “Young Somalilanders are not asking for a favor but demanding re-recognition as a right.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52841

News: #WFP warns of rising hunger among refugees in #Ethiopia as funding shortages force ration cuts

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that refugees in Ethiopia face worsening hunger as severe funding shortages have forced the agency to cut food rations.

In a statement shared with Addis Standard, the WFP said it was forced to reduce rations for 780,000 refugees in 27 camps across Ethiopia from a 60 percent ration to just 40 percent. “Only 70,000 newly arrived refugees who fled conflict in neighboring Sudan and South Sudan will continue to receive full rations for the next six months. “Hunger and malnutrition rates are very high among the new refugees,” the statement read.

"This isn't a future risk—it's happening right now. Every ration cut is a child left hungrier, a mother forced to skip meals, a family pushed closer to the edge," said Milisic.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52846

#Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wins #Nobel_Peace_Prize

Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition leader in Venezuela, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 for her struggle to promote democratic rights in her country.

Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer who lives in hiding in Venezuela, was blocked by its courts from running for president against President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 elections.

“She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela, and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said the Norwegian Nobel Committee, awarding the prize on Friday at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo.

Hailing Machado as one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America, it added that Machado had been a “key unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government”.

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2025/10/10/nobel-peace-prize-2025-maria-corina-machado

#Eritrea’s current stance makes peaceful, diplomatic sea access for #Ethiopia “highly doubtful” – Lt. Gen. Tsadikan

Lt. Gen. Tsadikan Gebretensae, former deputy president of #Tigray’s interim administration, has expressed skepticism about Ethiopia’s chances of securing sea access through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Tsadikan pointed to Eritrea’s firm position under President Isaias Afwerki, saying #Asmara has “framed this as a matter of their very existence.” Eritrea’s apparent offer, he noted, is limited to trade arrangements, which “does not fulfill Ethiopia’s interest.”

He added that only strong international diplomatic pressure could alter the situation. Otherwise, Tsadikan warned, “they could also head towards conflict,” emphasizing that “war is always a policy option for governments — it is a question of when you choose to exercise it.”

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News: Displaced people from West #Oromia sheltering in #Wag_Hemra zone report dire conditions

Displaced people from #East_Wollega Zone, Oromia region, who have sought refuge near Sekota town in the Wag Hemra Nationality Administration of #Amhara region, said they are facing severe hardships, including food shortages.

One displaced man, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Addis Standard that he fled Alem Seye Kebele, Gudu Soyo Woreda, East Wollega Zone, after inter-communal violence erupted on 20 October 2021. “I owned about three hectares of farmland and ten cattle. I left everything behind. After taking our property, they burned our house. It happened on a Friday — we fled to the mountains and watched our home burn from afar,” he said.

Currently living in a makeshift settlement in a place called “Mai Gulit,” near #Sekota, he described his situation as moving “from hardship to misery.” “We haven’t received adequate assistance......

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52814

Recent escalation in fighting leaves scores killed, wounded in #Amhara region’s North Wollo Zone: ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross (#ICRC) said it has recorded a large number of casualties following renewed clashes between government forces and the Amhara Fano armed group in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, particularly in the #North_Wollo zone.

The ICRC said the humanitarian situation deteriorated sharply at the end of September after “a sudden escalation of hostilities” in the area, resulting in “large numbers of casualties, captured fighters and other severe humanitarian consequences.”

“Many people have been killed or wounded in North Wollo in recent days,” said Martin Thalmann, ICRC’s team leader in #Lalibela, after returning from the hard-hit areas of Kulmesk and Muja. “Staff at local health centers cared for wounded combatants and civilians with limited resources. Sixteen critically injured detainees needed urgent evacuation for surgical treatment

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52854

#Sudan, #Eritrea agree on security cooperation, new economic projects

Sudan and Eritrea have agreed to significantly boost cooperation in security, intelligence, and the economy following a two-day visit to Asmara by Sudan’s prime minister, the premier announced on Friday 10 October 2025.

Speaking to reporters in #Port_Sudan upon his return, Prime Minister Kamil Idris hailed the visit as “historic” and fruitful, detailing a series of agreements reached with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

The agreements include activating a joint political committee and establishing a new economic body to oversee bilateral projects. “We extended our thanks and appreciation to the state of Eritrea… for the great support they have provided to Sudan in these exceptional circumstances,” Idris said.

Idris also revealed plans for new joint economic ventures, including large-scale marine fisheries in the Red Sea, gold and oil refineries, and other investments in the minerals sector.

https://sudantribune.com/article/305890

Over 288,000 people reportedly displaced following renewed conflict along the #Oromia–#Somali region border: #UNOCHA

Over 288,000 people have been displaced since July 2025 following renewed inter-communal violence between Oromo and Somali communities along the Oromia–Somali regional border, disrupting a period of relative calm that had held since 2018, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Somali & Oromia zonal authorities reported the figure to humanitarian assessment teams, noting that the conflict stems from long-standing tensions, unresolved territorial disputes dating back to a 2004 referendum, and recurring competition over scarce resources. Conflicts have previously caused mass displacements, with over 1 million people uprooted by mid-2018—many of whom remain in protracted displacement.

Tensions and violence flared again in mid-July 2025, resulting in widespread displacement, fatalities, and damage to infrastructure,

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52849

Ongoing #Houthi support of #Somali terror groups threatens regional stability

Growing ties between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Somali terror groups threaten to fuel greater insecurity in Somalia and further disrupt shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Aries D. Russell of Aries Intelligence said there is “credible evidence” that Iranian and Houthi-linked networks are using Somali ports and smuggling routes to move arms into East Africa and there are indications they also offer consultation and training.

“What we’re seeing is more of an influence and logistical presence, rather than a direct Houthi ground deployment into Africa,” Russell told ADF.

Analysts warn that expanded supply routes of both Iranian and Chinese ammunition and weaponry could increase the reach of terror groups who could attack targets in #Djibouti, #Ethiopia and #Kenya.

https://adf-magazine.com/2025/10/ongoing-houthi-support-of-somali-terror-groups-threatens-regional-stability/

#Ethiopia grants duty-free import for natural gas vehicles to promote cleaner energy use

The Ministry of Finance has announced tax exemptions on all types of dry and liquid cargo vehicles, as well as public transport vehicles powered entirely by natural gas, as part of efforts to encourage the use of the country’s natural gas resources.

In a circular sent to various government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry stated that vehicles operating entirely on natural gas are permitted to be imported into the country duty-free from customs tax.

The circular added that, based on a decision by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, strict control must be exercised to prevent the importation of cargo and public transport vehicles operating on petrol and diesel—except for those approved for import before the date of the directive and arriving within six months

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02AVxMMeL4uUJgA88KnKM3Bi61JcD4WSgeRgAC66cgfQpG4T3qv3fMAobVZFjqq3gXl