#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

#Ethiopian Birr ranked among the weakest African currencies

The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) has been ranked among the weakest currencies in Africa in 2025, reflecting persistent economic pressures linked to inflation, political instability, and foreign exchange shortages.

In comparison with global currencies this year, the Ethiopian Birr is one of the four weakest African currencies—performing better only than the #Sierra_Leonean Leone (SLE), #Guinean Franc (GNF), and #Sudanese Pound (SDG), according to a report published by the financial analysis platform XS.com on 7 October 2025.

The report places the Birr 18th among the 21 weakest African currencies by nominal value against the U.S. dollar. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to approximately 145 Birr, or 0.0068 U.S. dollars per Birr, as of early October.

XS.com attributes the Birr’s weakness to structural challenges, including inflationary....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02qyKu6AqaKGVgz3iew3o2kXHp5GzMe2veJymimnc6GaFZDUfvWherw5KykzhEfMHCl

Widespread road closures, abductions & curfews severely restrict freedom of movement across regions in #Ethiopia: EHRC warns

#EHRC has warned that freedom of movement is rapidly deteriorating across several regions of Ethiopia, including #Amhara, #BenishangulGumuz, #Gambella, and #Oromia. In a report covering April to September this year,EHRC documented widespread incidents of abductions, killings, looting, and road closures that have made travel unsafe and disrupted economic and social life.

“The right to freedom of movement is being jeopardized in the areas where monitoring and investigation were conducted,” the EHRC stated, pointing to curfews, checkpoints, road closures, and attacks on travelers. EHRC said these measures have “resulted in violations of the rights to life, bodily integrity, and property security” and have severely affected “the social and economic activities of the community by disrupting daily routines and limiting access to social services.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52859

New OP/ED video out now!

Managing Scarcity, Dreaming Abundance — a reflective short by Eyob Yohannes, exploring Ethiopia’s daily realities and the endurance of imagination.

Produced by Addis Standard Media

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/ZRc6aDaXO8I?si=DzuGOlfcc-0g24Ij


#AddisStandard #Ethiopia #OPED #EyobYohannes #Economy #Documentary

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck northern #Ethiopia this evening, shaking parts of #Tigray and #Mekelle, reports USGS & GFZ

Repeated earthquakes struck parts of northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, on the evening of Saturday, 11 October 2025, at around 7:18 p.m. local time, according to multiple geological monitoring agencies.

The U.S. Geological Survey (#USGS) reported that a tremor with its epicenter in #Afar, about 45 kilometers from Mekelle, measured 5.6 on the Richter scale. Another quake, about 58 kilometers from the city, measured 5.3. The shocks were reportedly felt across various parts of Tigray, including Mekelle.

Reuters, citing the German Research Centre for Geosciences (#GFZ), said the earthquake that struck Ethiopia registered a magnitude of 5.7 at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

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#Ethiopia: Managing Scarcity, Dreaming Abundance” an OP/ED podcast adaptation by #Addis_Standard.

Inflation, food insecurity, conflict, and unemployment define daily life for millions of Ethiopians.

🎙️ Written by Eyob Yohannes, a writer and data analyst based in Ethiopia, this reflective essay explores the tension between survival and aspiration — between what is, and what could be.
—
✍️ Author: Eyob Yohannes
📩 Contact: eyob.yo1862@gmail.com
🎥 Produced by Addis Standard Media

🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more original Addis Standard analyses and opinion features.
#AddisStandard #costofliving #OPED #Documentary #Economy

https://youtu.be/ZRc6aDaXO8I

17 #children reportedly killed in attack on #Sudan displacement camp


The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, has received reports that the attack occurred in a facility hosting families displaced by the ongoing conflict in the region. A further 21 children were reportedly injured.

According to media reporting, up to 60 people were killed on Saturday’s assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting Sudanese army since April 2023. The conflict has created a humanitarian catastrophe, with tens of millions living in conditions of acute hunger.

“This devastating attack on children and families who were already displaced and seeking safety is an outrage,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “Killing and injuring children are grave violations of their rights, and attacks on civilians in places meant to offer safety and refuge are unconscionable.”

El Fasher has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with severe restrictions on movement, access to food, water, and medical care. Civilians, including large numbers of children, have faced repeated bombardment and deteriorating living conditions.

Several areas in North Darfur have been experiencing famine for months, and the food security and child nutrition situation in the state has reached catastrophic levels. Families are surviving on minimal rations, and severe acute malnutrition among children is rising sharply. Health facilities report that preventable child deaths linked to hunger and disease are increasing. The disruption of supply routes, looting of aid convoys, and denial of humanitarian access have made sustained relief efforts almost impossible.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/10/1166083

World Bank says #Ethiopia’s poverty rate expected to climb to 43% in 2025, reversing years of progress

The #World_Bank’s latest assessment on poverty and equity in Ethiopia forecasts that poverty will increase to 43% by 2025, up from 33% in 2016 (measured at $3 per day, 2021 PPP).

After making significant strides in reducing poverty for over two decades, Ethiopia has in recent years encountered internal and external challenges that impacted living standards, the World Bank says. These challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigray conflict, severe droughts, a slowdown in GDP growth, and soaring inflation.

As a result, poverty levels rose sharply from 33 percent in 2016 to 39 percent by 2021 (measured at $3 per day, 2021 PPP), with expectations of further increases in subsequent years, according to the World Bank.

Inflation hit urban households hardest, while most rural families did not benefit from higher food prices due to limited market engagement.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52877

Op-ed: The Northeastern State of #Somalia: A gateway to enhance the federal model or a step to exacerbate existing tensions?

This op-ed- argues that the declaration of the Northeastern State of Somalia, or #Khatumo, “marks an important juncture in the history of this region.”

Announced in July 2025 in Laascaanood, the new state covers the disputed regions of Sool, Sanaag and Ayn. While #Mogadishu says it reflects “the aspirations of marginalized communities,” #Puntland and #Somaliland condemn it as a violation of their sovereignty.

Mogadishu’s backing of Khatumo aims “to recalibrate the federal balance of power in favor of the central government.” Recognized as Somalia’s sixth federal state, Khatumo also serves to “undermine Somaliland’s secessionist agenda” and “curtail Puntland’s influence.” Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s April 2025 visit to Laascaanood - the first in five decades - symbolized this assertive shift.

Somaliland and Puntland have denounced the move as a “direct threat to territorial integrity.” Hargeisa accuses Mogadishu of “inciting internal conflict through tribal affiliations,” while Garowe warns that “the federal government is attempting to divide the nation.”

The op-ed notes that this crisis could push the two rivals toward “collaboration in confronting the central government” or renewed armed confrontation.

Despite federal support, however, Khatumo’s future “hinges on its ability to gain legitimacy and recognition.” Deep clan divisions, weak governance, and limited control still plague the new state. “Without sufficient acceptance,” the op-ed warns, “the administration risks remaining a symbolic entity.”

Whether it strengthens Somalia’s federal model or fuels new tensions remains uncertain.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52880