#Australia sheep-export ban helps #Somalia win $1 billion of sales
Somalia’s livestock exports are receiving a boost from fading Australian and Sudanese competition, which could help drive its shipments above $1 billion this year.
The Horn of Africa nation has seen its earnings from livestock exports climb from $523 million in 2021 to $974 million last year, according to government data, and that trend is expected to continue.
“This increase can be attributed to two main factors — first, Sudan, once a major livestock-exporting country, is currently facing conflict. Secondly, Australia, another key supplier to Gulf countries, has reduced exports,” said Qaasim Abdi Moallim, director of animal health at Somalia’s livestock ministry. “This allowed Somalia to take advantage of the situation and accelerate its livestock exports.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-17/somalia-s-1-billion-livestock-trade-gains-from-australia-sudan
Somalia’s livestock exports are receiving a boost from fading Australian and Sudanese competition, which could help drive its shipments above $1 billion this year.
The Horn of Africa nation has seen its earnings from livestock exports climb from $523 million in 2021 to $974 million last year, according to government data, and that trend is expected to continue.
“This increase can be attributed to two main factors — first, Sudan, once a major livestock-exporting country, is currently facing conflict. Secondly, Australia, another key supplier to Gulf countries, has reduced exports,” said Qaasim Abdi Moallim, director of animal health at Somalia’s livestock ministry. “This allowed Somalia to take advantage of the situation and accelerate its livestock exports.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-17/somalia-s-1-billion-livestock-trade-gains-from-australia-sudan
❤3
News: Fitch affirms #Ethiopia’s foreign-currency rating at ‘Restricted Default’
Global rating agency #Fitch has affirmed Ethiopia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘Restricted Default’ (RD), citing the country’s continued default on its Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external debt.
The agency said it typically does not assign outlooks to sovereigns rated ‘CCC+’ or below.
In a statement issued on 17 October 2025, Fitch said the rating reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing default on its single Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external obligations after the government failed to pay a USD 33 million Eurobond coupon due on 11 December 2023.
Ethiopia is seeking to restructure about USD 15 billion of external debt, including arrears as of end-June 2024, under the G20 Common Framework, for which it applied in 2021.
Fitch forecasts general government debt to peak at 40.4% of GDP in FY25 and gradually decline to 36.6% by FY27.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52952
Global rating agency #Fitch has affirmed Ethiopia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘Restricted Default’ (RD), citing the country’s continued default on its Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external debt.
The agency said it typically does not assign outlooks to sovereigns rated ‘CCC+’ or below.
In a statement issued on 17 October 2025, Fitch said the rating reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing default on its single Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external obligations after the government failed to pay a USD 33 million Eurobond coupon due on 11 December 2023.
Ethiopia is seeking to restructure about USD 15 billion of external debt, including arrears as of end-June 2024, under the G20 Common Framework, for which it applied in 2021.
Fitch forecasts general government debt to peak at 40.4% of GDP in FY25 and gradually decline to 36.6% by FY27.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52952
❤1
#Ethiopia, #China central bank governors discuss debt restructuring, financial cooperation
Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), Eyob Tekalign (PhD), held talks with Governor of the People’s Bank of China (#PBC), Pan Gongsheng, on the sidelines of the World Bank and #IMF Annual Meetings.
According to local media reports, the discussions focused on strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on debt restructuring and enhancing cross-border trade relations.
The two governors agreed on the need for central banks and financial institutions in both countries to deepen collaboration aimed at boosting trade and investment flows.
Eyob reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with China, including in the financial sector, in line with the country’s ongoing economic reform program.......
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid026Na3AWhzURVVtHipbXyirmSEz1rxGu16DsoSRqyQZfDzd4KLZc3wYNw4WkoTvw93l
Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), Eyob Tekalign (PhD), held talks with Governor of the People’s Bank of China (#PBC), Pan Gongsheng, on the sidelines of the World Bank and #IMF Annual Meetings.
According to local media reports, the discussions focused on strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on debt restructuring and enhancing cross-border trade relations.
The two governors agreed on the need for central banks and financial institutions in both countries to deepen collaboration aimed at boosting trade and investment flows.
Eyob reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with China, including in the financial sector, in line with the country’s ongoing economic reform program.......
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid026Na3AWhzURVVtHipbXyirmSEz1rxGu16DsoSRqyQZfDzd4KLZc3wYNw4WkoTvw93l
❤2
Heavy security after deadly violence in #Kenya as thousands turn out to mourn former PM #Odinga
Heavy security has been deployed to Kenya’s western city of #Kisumu ahead of the final public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after five people died in the last two public funeral events.
Military officers, regular police and air surveillance teams were present Saturday at the soccer stadium where thousands of mourners stayed overnight awaiting the opportunity to view Odinga’s body.
Odinga was a respected and significant figure in Kenya and beyond, a veteran politician lauded by many, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, for his fight for democracy.
He died Wednesday in India at the age of 80 and is expected to be buried Sunday at his rural home in Bondo in western Kenya.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/raila-odinga-kenya-barack-obama-police-india-b2847741.html?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website
Heavy security has been deployed to Kenya’s western city of #Kisumu ahead of the final public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after five people died in the last two public funeral events.
Military officers, regular police and air surveillance teams were present Saturday at the soccer stadium where thousands of mourners stayed overnight awaiting the opportunity to view Odinga’s body.
Odinga was a respected and significant figure in Kenya and beyond, a veteran politician lauded by many, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, for his fight for democracy.
He died Wednesday in India at the age of 80 and is expected to be buried Sunday at his rural home in Bondo in western Kenya.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/raila-odinga-kenya-barack-obama-police-india-b2847741.html?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website
❤1👍1
News: Fano forces reportedly seize several areas following renewed clashes in #Amhara region
Fano forces have reportedly taken control of multiple areas across the Amhara region following renewed clashes with government troops, according to reports by ‘Deutsche Welle (DW)’.
Citing residents and Fano leaders, DW reported that the group had “taken control of several areas” after intensified fighting in various parts of the region. A resident of #Checheho town, situated at the junction of South Gondar and North Wollo zones, said Fano fighters now control “Checheho, #Zebit, #Geregera, and #Aflakit, including the surrounding areas.”
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) on its official social media page announced that its army corps in the Amhara region has launched operations against what it described as an “extremist group” accused of disturbing public peace and engaging in looting in #Mersa town and surrounding areas of the #North_Wollo Zone.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52958
Fano forces have reportedly taken control of multiple areas across the Amhara region following renewed clashes with government troops, according to reports by ‘Deutsche Welle (DW)’.
Citing residents and Fano leaders, DW reported that the group had “taken control of several areas” after intensified fighting in various parts of the region. A resident of #Checheho town, situated at the junction of South Gondar and North Wollo zones, said Fano fighters now control “Checheho, #Zebit, #Geregera, and #Aflakit, including the surrounding areas.”
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) on its official social media page announced that its army corps in the Amhara region has launched operations against what it described as an “extremist group” accused of disturbing public peace and engaging in looting in #Mersa town and surrounding areas of the #North_Wollo Zone.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52958
❤2👎1
New report uncovers “genocidal sexual violence” affecting over 280,000 women and girls in #Tigray
A new report by the “Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG)” has documented what it describes as “war-induced genocidal sexual and gender-based violence” committed against hundreds of thousands of women and girls across Tigray during the two-year Tigray war.
The report, released on Thursday, paints a harrowing picture of the systematic use of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of gender-based violence as weapons of war.
According to the report, out of 481,201 women and girls surveyed, 286,250 suffered at least one form of gender-based violence.
Commissioner Yemane told Addis Standard that the findings were based on a door-to-door survey conducted using the ODK application and guided by the IASC GBV principles. “As the war-induced sexual violence was widespread throughout Tigray, universal screening was employed,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52965
A new report by the “Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG)” has documented what it describes as “war-induced genocidal sexual and gender-based violence” committed against hundreds of thousands of women and girls across Tigray during the two-year Tigray war.
The report, released on Thursday, paints a harrowing picture of the systematic use of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of gender-based violence as weapons of war.
According to the report, out of 481,201 women and girls surveyed, 286,250 suffered at least one form of gender-based violence.
Commissioner Yemane told Addis Standard that the findings were based on a door-to-door survey conducted using the ODK application and guided by the IASC GBV principles. “As the war-induced sexual violence was widespread throughout Tigray, universal screening was employed,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52965
❤6😭6
#Ethiopia: Former President of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, passes away
Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), has passed away following a short illness for which he had been receiving medical treatment, the Council announced late this evening.
In its statement, the EIASC described the late Mufti as “a great figure and a father to all in our country,” adding that his passing “is a sorrow shared by the entire people of our nation.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mufti.
“We will always remember his efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds and to ensure that the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council gained legal recognition “ PM Abiy said. He extended his condolences to the Mufti’s family and to all Ethiopian Muslims.
Read more:https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979964664965365790?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), has passed away following a short illness for which he had been receiving medical treatment, the Council announced late this evening.
In its statement, the EIASC described the late Mufti as “a great figure and a father to all in our country,” adding that his passing “is a sorrow shared by the entire people of our nation.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mufti.
“We will always remember his efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds and to ensure that the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council gained legal recognition “ PM Abiy said. He extended his condolences to the Mufti’s family and to all Ethiopian Muslims.
Read more:https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979964664965365790?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
❤5😭5
#Somalia sets #November date for one-person, one-vote elections
Somalia is preparing to hold its first one-person, one-vote local council elections in over half a century, with Mogadishu residents urged to get ready for the landmark event this November.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced on Tuesday that voting in the Banadir region (Mogadishu municipality) is scheduled for November 30, 2025, despite opposition politicians rejecting the plan. The Commission emphasised that this marks a major step towards universal suffrage—last practised in Somalia 56 years ago.
“On November 30, everyone residing in Mogadishu should prepare to vote in the one-person, one-vote local council election,” Hassan said, adding that voter registration concluded on September 30.
Hassan also noted that nearly one million people had registered in the Banadir region. Banadir, which includes Mogadishu’s 17 districts, is the most populous administrative region in Somalia, estimated to host some four million people, even though there has been no actual census conducted in Somalia in recent years.
Mogadishu-based opposition group National Salvation Forum (The Forum) has repeatedly issued statements calling the process “illegal.”
Led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside prominent politicians including former prime ministers, ministers, and dissenting lawmakers, The Forum accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the process through a unilaterally drafted electoral law and handpicked commission members, all based on a revised constitution.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/somalia-sets-november-date-for-one-person-one-vote-elections-5235510
Somalia is preparing to hold its first one-person, one-vote local council elections in over half a century, with Mogadishu residents urged to get ready for the landmark event this November.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced on Tuesday that voting in the Banadir region (Mogadishu municipality) is scheduled for November 30, 2025, despite opposition politicians rejecting the plan. The Commission emphasised that this marks a major step towards universal suffrage—last practised in Somalia 56 years ago.
“On November 30, everyone residing in Mogadishu should prepare to vote in the one-person, one-vote local council election,” Hassan said, adding that voter registration concluded on September 30.
Hassan also noted that nearly one million people had registered in the Banadir region. Banadir, which includes Mogadishu’s 17 districts, is the most populous administrative region in Somalia, estimated to host some four million people, even though there has been no actual census conducted in Somalia in recent years.
Mogadishu-based opposition group National Salvation Forum (The Forum) has repeatedly issued statements calling the process “illegal.”
Led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside prominent politicians including former prime ministers, ministers, and dissenting lawmakers, The Forum accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the process through a unilaterally drafted electoral law and handpicked commission members, all based on a revised constitution.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/somalia-sets-november-date-for-one-person-one-vote-elections-5235510
The EastAfrican
Somalia sets November date for one-person, one-vote elections
Political tensions rise, with opposition alliances threatening to boycott the polls unless broader consensus is reached
❤3
#Uganda halts registration of new asylum seekers, including #Ethiopians, amid declining aid
Uganda has suspended the registration of new asylum seekers from countries including Ethiopia, #Somalia, and #Eritrea as it struggles to cope with declining donor support and a growing refugee population, The Monitor reported.
According to the report, the suspension applies to countries that are not currently experiencing active conflict.
Geoffrey Mugabe, Senior Settlement Commandant in the Department of Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), said the decision was driven by financial constraints, reductions in World Food Programme (WFP) rations, and a continuous influx of refugees
“We intend to narrow support to only vulnerable refugees. Registration from countries not in conflict — notably Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea — has been closed,” Mr. Mugabe said.....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0jWQzcTQejF5nQQHPZWRbd2XZMmUvc8Ucz9s6NEu6GLW9EQjukG3aj8ZDgCxCVVZul
Uganda has suspended the registration of new asylum seekers from countries including Ethiopia, #Somalia, and #Eritrea as it struggles to cope with declining donor support and a growing refugee population, The Monitor reported.
According to the report, the suspension applies to countries that are not currently experiencing active conflict.
Geoffrey Mugabe, Senior Settlement Commandant in the Department of Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), said the decision was driven by financial constraints, reductions in World Food Programme (WFP) rations, and a continuous influx of refugees
“We intend to narrow support to only vulnerable refugees. Registration from countries not in conflict — notably Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea — has been closed,” Mr. Mugabe said.....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0jWQzcTQejF5nQQHPZWRbd2XZMmUvc8Ucz9s6NEu6GLW9EQjukG3aj8ZDgCxCVVZul
👍1
#Ethiopia: Patriarch Abune Mathias extends condolences on the passing of Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris
Addis Abeba – His Holiness Abune Mathias I, the sixth and current Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC), has extended his condolences following the passing of Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (#EIASC).
In a statement of condolences issued this morning, Patriarch Abune Mathias described the late Grand Mufti as “a great elder, a possessor of a discerning mind, a patriot who loved his country, respected his people, a friend to the afflicted, and a father to his generation.”
“Ethiopia has lost one of its few elders and honey-tongued counselors, a contemporary ornament who was destined to be loved,” the Patriarch said, adding that while the passing of the Grand Mufti “is a release from the world of toil and a rest for him, it is a great loss for the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1980181831019376836
Addis Abeba – His Holiness Abune Mathias I, the sixth and current Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC), has extended his condolences following the passing of Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (#EIASC).
In a statement of condolences issued this morning, Patriarch Abune Mathias described the late Grand Mufti as “a great elder, a possessor of a discerning mind, a patriot who loved his country, respected his people, a friend to the afflicted, and a father to his generation.”
“Ethiopia has lost one of its few elders and honey-tongued counselors, a contemporary ornament who was destined to be loved,” the Patriarch said, adding that while the passing of the Grand Mufti “is a release from the world of toil and a rest for him, it is a great loss for the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1980181831019376836
❤2
Concerned #Ethiopians convene in #Amsterdam, urge for transitional framework rooted in peace, stability to address Ethiopia’s ‘worsening political, security, and economic crises’
A group of concerned Ethiopians representing various political organizations, armed and civil society groups, scholars, and activists convened in Amsterdam on October 18 to discuss what they described as Ethiopia’s “worsening political, security, and economic crises.”
In a statement sent to Addis Standard, the representatives said the gathering, which follows a similar meeting held in August 2025 in the United States, was organized to deliberate on “the importance of political transitioning, the principles and process of political settlement, mechanisms for transition to peace, and the management of external actors’ influence.”
The statement asserted that after seven years in power, “Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s unchecked power, war-mongering, and governance failures have plunged Ethiopia into...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52980
A group of concerned Ethiopians representing various political organizations, armed and civil society groups, scholars, and activists convened in Amsterdam on October 18 to discuss what they described as Ethiopia’s “worsening political, security, and economic crises.”
In a statement sent to Addis Standard, the representatives said the gathering, which follows a similar meeting held in August 2025 in the United States, was organized to deliberate on “the importance of political transitioning, the principles and process of political settlement, mechanisms for transition to peace, and the management of external actors’ influence.”
The statement asserted that after seven years in power, “Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s unchecked power, war-mongering, and governance failures have plunged Ethiopia into...
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52980
#Eritrea yet to release six Sri Lankan sea marshals despite ongoing diplomatic efforts
Diplomatic attempts to secure the release of six #Sri_Lankan Sea Marshals detained in Eritrea since November 2024 have so far failed, The Island reported, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
The Sri Lankans, employed by Azerbaijani company Caspian Marine Service B.V., were among 24 crew members aboard three Azerbaijan-flagged tugboats intercepted in Eritrean waters on 7 November 2024. The vessels were reportedly diverted into Eritrean territory due to adverse weather conditions. While Eritrea released and repatriated the 18 Azerbaijani crew members in late March, the six Sri Lankan Sea Marshals remain in custody.
The detained men were deployed through Seagull Maritime PMSC, with Freightplan (Pvt.) Ltd. serving as the local agent. Their exact whereabouts remain unknown.
https://island.lk/govt-seeks-release-of-six-sl-sea-marshals-in-eritrean-captivity/
Diplomatic attempts to secure the release of six #Sri_Lankan Sea Marshals detained in Eritrea since November 2024 have so far failed, The Island reported, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
The Sri Lankans, employed by Azerbaijani company Caspian Marine Service B.V., were among 24 crew members aboard three Azerbaijan-flagged tugboats intercepted in Eritrean waters on 7 November 2024. The vessels were reportedly diverted into Eritrean territory due to adverse weather conditions. While Eritrea released and repatriated the 18 Azerbaijani crew members in late March, the six Sri Lankan Sea Marshals remain in custody.
The detained men were deployed through Seagull Maritime PMSC, with Freightplan (Pvt.) Ltd. serving as the local agent. Their exact whereabouts remain unknown.
https://island.lk/govt-seeks-release-of-six-sl-sea-marshals-in-eritrean-captivity/
❤4
#Op_ed: #Ethiopia’s education crisis, birth of lost generation
In this op-ed, Mulugeta Gebregziabher draws on John Dewey’s warning that “If education does not teach you to resist injustice, it has failed,” calling it “a moral indictment of the current state of Ethiopia’s education sector.” He notes that “since 1990, Ethiopia has experienced a remarkable expansion of educational access,” yet the system has entered “a period of alarming decline” after 2019.
The author explains that university enrollment has stagnated, graduation rates have fallen, and “over 91% of students failed the 2025 national exam.” Furthermore, conflicts in #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Oromia have destroyed schools and displaced millions, while “at least 13 million children are currently out of school.”
“What is happening in Ethiopia is not mere neglect; it is a slow, painful self-destruction,” Mulugeta writes, urging officials to depoliticize education, invest significantly, and restore academic freedom.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52973
In this op-ed, Mulugeta Gebregziabher draws on John Dewey’s warning that “If education does not teach you to resist injustice, it has failed,” calling it “a moral indictment of the current state of Ethiopia’s education sector.” He notes that “since 1990, Ethiopia has experienced a remarkable expansion of educational access,” yet the system has entered “a period of alarming decline” after 2019.
The author explains that university enrollment has stagnated, graduation rates have fallen, and “over 91% of students failed the 2025 national exam.” Furthermore, conflicts in #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Oromia have destroyed schools and displaced millions, while “at least 13 million children are currently out of school.”
“What is happening in Ethiopia is not mere neglect; it is a slow, painful self-destruction,” Mulugeta writes, urging officials to depoliticize education, invest significantly, and restore academic freedom.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52973
❤1
#UN risks bankruptcy as resources shrink, SG Guterres warns
The United Nations faces a “race to bankruptcy” unless Member States pay their dues in full and on time, Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday, presenting a sharply reduced $3.238 billion regular budget for 2026.
The revised proposal marks a significant drop from his original ask for next year of $3.715 billion and is 15.1 per cent below the 2025 approved appropriation.
Speaking to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly – which handles UN finances and administration – Mr. Guterres described a deeply precarious outlook, with high arrears, delayed contributions and the “return of credits” threatening to wipe out liquidity and undermine core operations.
https://www.citizen.digital/article/un-risks-bankruptcy-as-resources-shrink-sg-guterres-warns-n371657
The United Nations faces a “race to bankruptcy” unless Member States pay their dues in full and on time, Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday, presenting a sharply reduced $3.238 billion regular budget for 2026.
The revised proposal marks a significant drop from his original ask for next year of $3.715 billion and is 15.1 per cent below the 2025 approved appropriation.
Speaking to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly – which handles UN finances and administration – Mr. Guterres described a deeply precarious outlook, with high arrears, delayed contributions and the “return of credits” threatening to wipe out liquidity and undermine core operations.
https://www.citizen.digital/article/un-risks-bankruptcy-as-resources-shrink-sg-guterres-warns-n371657
Citizen Digital
UN risks bankruptcy as resources shrink, SG Guterres warns
The United Nations faces a “race to bankruptcy” unless Member States pay their dues in full and on time, Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday, presenting a sharply reduced $3.238 billion regular budget for 2026.
❤2
#ENDF says 48 Fano fighters killed, 40 wounded as clashes intensify in #Amhara region
The #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said it has killed 48 and wounded 40 armed fighters, including several #Fano leaders, during coordinated counterinsurgency operations carried out on Saturday, 18 October 2025, across parts of the #West_Gojjam, #North_Gojjam, and Awi zones in the Amhara Regional State.
In a statement issued on 19 October 2025, the ENDF said the operations were conducted as part of a “law enforcement campaign” targeting what it described as “extremist elements” destabilizing the region.
According to the statement, in the W.Gojjam Zone’s Wonberma District, under the coordination of the Eastern Command, 8 fighters were killed & 13 wounded. Similar operations in #Awi Zone’s Banja District, resulted in the killing of 23 fighters and 19 others wounded, the statement said.
The statement comes amid reports of renewed fighting across several parts of the region,
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52988
The #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) said it has killed 48 and wounded 40 armed fighters, including several #Fano leaders, during coordinated counterinsurgency operations carried out on Saturday, 18 October 2025, across parts of the #West_Gojjam, #North_Gojjam, and Awi zones in the Amhara Regional State.
In a statement issued on 19 October 2025, the ENDF said the operations were conducted as part of a “law enforcement campaign” targeting what it described as “extremist elements” destabilizing the region.
According to the statement, in the W.Gojjam Zone’s Wonberma District, under the coordination of the Eastern Command, 8 fighters were killed & 13 wounded. Similar operations in #Awi Zone’s Banja District, resulted in the killing of 23 fighters and 19 others wounded, the statement said.
The statement comes amid reports of renewed fighting across several parts of the region,
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52988
❤3
Governance of #Red_Sea an exclusive responsibility of coastal states: #Egypt FM
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of its coastal countries, stressing their leading role in protecting its security, stability, and natural resources in ways that strengthen regional cooperation and shared interests.
FM Abdelatty made the remarks during a high-level session at the fifth Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development on Sunday.
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the session, titled “Connecting Continents and Building the Future through the Red Sea: Opportunities for Arab-African Economic Integration,” was attended by #Somali Foreign Minister Abdi Salem Ali, #Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohy Eldin Salem, #Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, #EU Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber, and World Bank representative Gary Milante.
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/555228.aspx
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of its coastal countries, stressing their leading role in protecting its security, stability, and natural resources in ways that strengthen regional cooperation and shared interests.
FM Abdelatty made the remarks during a high-level session at the fifth Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development on Sunday.
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the session, titled “Connecting Continents and Building the Future through the Red Sea: Opportunities for Arab-African Economic Integration,” was attended by #Somali Foreign Minister Abdi Salem Ali, #Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohy Eldin Salem, #Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, #EU Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber, and World Bank representative Gary Milante.
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/555228.aspx
❤1
Former President of #Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Umer Idris, laid to rest
The funeral of Grand Mufti Haji Umer Idris, former president of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, was held today in Addis Abeba in the presence of religious leaders, senior government officials, scholars, preachers, teachers, relatives, & friends.
Mufti Haji Umer was widely known for his lifelong commitment to Islamic education, having taught the Holy Qur’an with interpretation over 300 times.
Grand Mufti Haji Umer Idris, who spent more than 50 years in Addis Abeba, was among the founding members of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council when it was established in 1975, serving both as a member of the council & as chairperson of the Ulama Council.
Between March 2018 and May 2022, Mufti Haji Umer served as president of the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council & as chair of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, contributing significantly to interfaith dialogue & national unity efforts
The funeral of Grand Mufti Haji Umer Idris, former president of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, was held today in Addis Abeba in the presence of religious leaders, senior government officials, scholars, preachers, teachers, relatives, & friends.
Mufti Haji Umer was widely known for his lifelong commitment to Islamic education, having taught the Holy Qur’an with interpretation over 300 times.
Grand Mufti Haji Umer Idris, who spent more than 50 years in Addis Abeba, was among the founding members of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council when it was established in 1975, serving both as a member of the council & as chairperson of the Ulama Council.
Between March 2018 and May 2022, Mufti Haji Umer served as president of the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council & as chair of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, contributing significantly to interfaith dialogue & national unity efforts
👍5
#Sudan to reopen #Khartoum airport on Wednesday after 30-month closure
Airport to resume domestic flights, marking 1st reopening since fighting erupted between army and RSF in April 2023.
Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority said Monday it will reopen Khartoum International Airport for domestic flights starting Wednesday, following a 30-month closure caused by the country’s ongoing conflict.
“The Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice announcing the resumption of domestic flights at Khartoum International Airport beginning Wednesday, Oct. 22, in accordance with approved operational procedures,” the official news agency SUNA said.
The decision confirms the airport’s readiness to gradually receive flights after completing technical and operational arrangements, the agency added.
This marks the first time Khartoum International Airport has resumed operations in more than two and a half years amid the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The army and RSF have been fighting a war since April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.
On March 27, the Sudanese army said its forces had cleared the last RSF strongholds in Khartoum province after regaining control of the airport, several security and military facilities, and neighborhoods in the capital’s east and south for the first time since April 2023.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-to-reopen-khartoum-airport-on-wednesday-after-30-month-closure/3722169
Airport to resume domestic flights, marking 1st reopening since fighting erupted between army and RSF in April 2023.
Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority said Monday it will reopen Khartoum International Airport for domestic flights starting Wednesday, following a 30-month closure caused by the country’s ongoing conflict.
“The Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice announcing the resumption of domestic flights at Khartoum International Airport beginning Wednesday, Oct. 22, in accordance with approved operational procedures,” the official news agency SUNA said.
The decision confirms the airport’s readiness to gradually receive flights after completing technical and operational arrangements, the agency added.
This marks the first time Khartoum International Airport has resumed operations in more than two and a half years amid the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The army and RSF have been fighting a war since April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.
On March 27, the Sudanese army said its forces had cleared the last RSF strongholds in Khartoum province after regaining control of the airport, several security and military facilities, and neighborhoods in the capital’s east and south for the first time since April 2023.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-to-reopen-khartoum-airport-on-wednesday-after-30-month-closure/3722169
Anadolu Agency
Sudan to reopen Khartoum airport on Wednesday after 30-month closure
Airport to resume domestic flights, marking 1st reopening since fighting erupted between army and RSF in April 2023
❤2