Trump says #US will 'run' #Venezuela until 'safe transition can take place'
Key takeaways:
President Trump says the US is going to "run" Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition".
US oil companies will fix Venezuela's "broken infrastructure" and "start making money for the country", he adds.
He says no US servicemen were killed in the operation and the US is "ready" to stage a second "and much larger" attack on the country if needed
Trump, a sharp critic of the US invasion of Iraq, now seems to be in the business of nation-building.
Trump earlier shared a photo he said was of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. The image shows him blindfolded and wearing ear defenders.
Maduro has been indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges.
Maduro has previously denied being the leader of drug cartel.
Venezuela has declared a national emergency, denouncing "extremely serious military aggression"
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c5yqygxe41pt
Key takeaways:
President Trump says the US is going to "run" Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition".
US oil companies will fix Venezuela's "broken infrastructure" and "start making money for the country", he adds.
He says no US servicemen were killed in the operation and the US is "ready" to stage a second "and much larger" attack on the country if needed
Trump, a sharp critic of the US invasion of Iraq, now seems to be in the business of nation-building.
Trump earlier shared a photo he said was of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. The image shows him blindfolded and wearing ear defenders.
Maduro has been indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges.
Maduro has previously denied being the leader of drug cartel.
Venezuela has declared a national emergency, denouncing "extremely serious military aggression"
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c5yqygxe41pt
❤6👎1😡1
Isaias Afwerki discusses #Red_Sea stability with #Sudanese ministers
#Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held talks with Sudanese Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim and Information Minister Khalid Aleisir on Sunday to discuss coordination on Red Sea stability and regional security.
The meeting, held in the rural Adi Halo region, focused on the importance of continued political coordination to serve the interests of both nations and bolster stability in the Horn of Africa, the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported.
The discussions covered bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors, alongside consultations on regional and international developments.
Afwerki has been seeking to strengthen ties with Red Sea coastal states, including recent visits to #Saudi_Arabia and #Egypt, as neighbouring #Ethiopia continues to seek maritime access.
The Eritrean leader said his country is committed to its historical ties with Sudan and supports...
https://sudantribune.com/article/309001
#Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held talks with Sudanese Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim and Information Minister Khalid Aleisir on Sunday to discuss coordination on Red Sea stability and regional security.
The meeting, held in the rural Adi Halo region, focused on the importance of continued political coordination to serve the interests of both nations and bolster stability in the Horn of Africa, the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported.
The discussions covered bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors, alongside consultations on regional and international developments.
Afwerki has been seeking to strengthen ties with Red Sea coastal states, including recent visits to #Saudi_Arabia and #Egypt, as neighbouring #Ethiopia continues to seek maritime access.
The Eritrean leader said his country is committed to its historical ties with Sudan and supports...
https://sudantribune.com/article/309001
❤4👎1
#Somaliland voices support for U.S. action on #Venezuela
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland said it supports the #United_States position in favor of what it described as calibrated international action aimed at restoring constitutional order, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued on 04 January 2026, the ministry said Somaliland aligns itself with U.S.-led efforts that are conducted in coordination with regional and multilateral partners, arguing that such engagement could help address Venezuela’s protracted political and humanitarian crisis.
According to the statement, the Somaliland government believes coordinated international action could contribute to alleviating humanitarian suffering, countering transnational criminal networks, and supporting a peaceful, Venezuelan-led....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid021SbQHk5aRvxn3hkWrNVzfwDhzcHamuE8LR3XiTzFLKT2cmUwNDnPH5VphZpM2YVCl
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland said it supports the #United_States position in favor of what it described as calibrated international action aimed at restoring constitutional order, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued on 04 January 2026, the ministry said Somaliland aligns itself with U.S.-led efforts that are conducted in coordination with regional and multilateral partners, arguing that such engagement could help address Venezuela’s protracted political and humanitarian crisis.
According to the statement, the Somaliland government believes coordinated international action could contribute to alleviating humanitarian suffering, countering transnational criminal networks, and supporting a peaceful, Venezuelan-led....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid021SbQHk5aRvxn3hkWrNVzfwDhzcHamuE8LR3XiTzFLKT2cmUwNDnPH5VphZpM2YVCl
❤1👎1😭1
#Türkiye 'closely' following developments in Yemen, Somalia, President Erdogan tells #Saudi crown prince
Türkiye is "closely" following developments in #Yemen and #Somalia, said President Recep Tayyip #Erdogan on Sunday in a phone call with the Saudi crown prince, stressing the importance of stability of protecting both countries' territorial integrity.
During the call, Erdogan and Mohammed bin Salman discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues, according to the Turkish Communications Directorate.
Erdogan expressed Türkiye's readiness to contribute to efforts to bring together the parties that are at odds in Yemen.
He also said Ankara aims to enhance cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia by taking additional steps in the days to come.
Warning that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse with the onset of winter, Erdogan added that Türkiye continues to work for a lasting ceasefire and reconstruction in the war-battered enclave.
Türkiye is "closely" following developments in #Yemen and #Somalia, said President Recep Tayyip #Erdogan on Sunday in a phone call with the Saudi crown prince, stressing the importance of stability of protecting both countries' territorial integrity.
During the call, Erdogan and Mohammed bin Salman discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues, according to the Turkish Communications Directorate.
Erdogan expressed Türkiye's readiness to contribute to efforts to bring together the parties that are at odds in Yemen.
He also said Ankara aims to enhance cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia by taking additional steps in the days to come.
Warning that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse with the onset of winter, Erdogan added that Türkiye continues to work for a lasting ceasefire and reconstruction in the war-battered enclave.
❤2
4.5 Magnitude earthquake hit #Mekelle, #Adigrat, #Aksum and parts of #Afar
Mekelle - An earthquake was felt across several towns in #Tigray and neighboring parts of the Afar region on Sunday at around 11:05 p.m., residents reported.
According our reporter on the ground, residents in Mekelle felt tremors in the city at approximately 5:05 p.m. Similar reports were received from other towns across Tigray, including Adigrat, Aksum, #Shire, #Maychew, #Wukro, #Adi_Gudem, #Edagahamus, and #Adwa.
Volcano Discovery reported that the earthquake measured 4.5 on the Richter scale. The website said the quake originated 60km northeast of Mekelle.
The tremors were felt strongly in several areas of both Tigray and Afar.
This is not the first time northern Ethiopia has experienced significant seismic activity in recent months. In October last year, a series of strong earthquakes struck parts of ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Y1qeMgcMoGg1AXhwTE9REuWKoZELAY3GjqAg3zSTUKVx3DJQwcsz6t6eFWTYQvr4l
Mekelle - An earthquake was felt across several towns in #Tigray and neighboring parts of the Afar region on Sunday at around 11:05 p.m., residents reported.
According our reporter on the ground, residents in Mekelle felt tremors in the city at approximately 5:05 p.m. Similar reports were received from other towns across Tigray, including Adigrat, Aksum, #Shire, #Maychew, #Wukro, #Adi_Gudem, #Edagahamus, and #Adwa.
Volcano Discovery reported that the earthquake measured 4.5 on the Richter scale. The website said the quake originated 60km northeast of Mekelle.
The tremors were felt strongly in several areas of both Tigray and Afar.
This is not the first time northern Ethiopia has experienced significant seismic activity in recent months. In October last year, a series of strong earthquakes struck parts of ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Y1qeMgcMoGg1AXhwTE9REuWKoZELAY3GjqAg3zSTUKVx3DJQwcsz6t6eFWTYQvr4l
❤3👍1😭1
#Op_ed: No Peace Without Truth: How denial corrodes #Ethiopia’s path to transitional justice
In the aftermath of the war in #Tigray, which formally ended in late 2022, Ethiopia faces a pivotal choice: “whether it will confront atrocity with truth or bury it beneath denial,” writes Batseba Seifu. She notes, “Denial is a continuation of harm—a deliberate obstruction of truth, justice, and reparations, and an extension of violence against survivors whose suffering is rendered invisible.”
The author explains that independent investigations have confirmed that Ethiopian and #Eritrean forces and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and war crimes. Yet authorities continue to dismiss these findings, “shielding perpetrators” and “undermining accountability.”
Batseba contends, “Transitional justice cannot coexist with negationism,” and calls for official acknowledgment, independent investigations, and survivor protection.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54426
In the aftermath of the war in #Tigray, which formally ended in late 2022, Ethiopia faces a pivotal choice: “whether it will confront atrocity with truth or bury it beneath denial,” writes Batseba Seifu. She notes, “Denial is a continuation of harm—a deliberate obstruction of truth, justice, and reparations, and an extension of violence against survivors whose suffering is rendered invisible.”
The author explains that independent investigations have confirmed that Ethiopian and #Eritrean forces and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and war crimes. Yet authorities continue to dismiss these findings, “shielding perpetrators” and “undermining accountability.”
Batseba contends, “Transitional justice cannot coexist with negationism,” and calls for official acknowledgment, independent investigations, and survivor protection.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54426
News: #Trump cites high welfare use among #Somali- and #Ethiopian-Born households in U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 04 January 2026, shared figures claiming that 71.9 percent of Somali-born households and 47.6 percent of Ethiopian-born households in the #United_States receive public assistance.
The data were presented in a chart titled “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin,” which Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. The chart lists approximately 120 countries and territories and measures the proportion of households receiving government assistance based on the immigrant’s country of birth.
According to the chart, Somalia ranked third among the listed countries, with a reported welfare recipient rate of 71.9 percent, following #Bhutan at 81.4 percent and #Yemen at 75.2 percent. #Afghanistan & the #Dominican Republic were each listed at 68.1 percent...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0PRd4ZssQjp7xVBZA8CkQDeeyYtXpg6QcNKsVdkq6y21teEykF6cQAsTEZTok9Fhal
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 04 January 2026, shared figures claiming that 71.9 percent of Somali-born households and 47.6 percent of Ethiopian-born households in the #United_States receive public assistance.
The data were presented in a chart titled “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin,” which Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. The chart lists approximately 120 countries and territories and measures the proportion of households receiving government assistance based on the immigrant’s country of birth.
According to the chart, Somalia ranked third among the listed countries, with a reported welfare recipient rate of 71.9 percent, following #Bhutan at 81.4 percent and #Yemen at 75.2 percent. #Afghanistan & the #Dominican Republic were each listed at 68.1 percent...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0PRd4ZssQjp7xVBZA8CkQDeeyYtXpg6QcNKsVdkq6y21teEykF6cQAsTEZTok9Fhal
❤1🥴1
#Ethiopia: Relative calm returns to #Gambella City, but refugee camps remain cut off as displaced residents shelter in schools
Relative calm has returned to Gambella city, with residents resuming limited movement and shops reopening after days of violence. However, refugee camps in surrounding districts remain cut off from food and water, while displaced residents continue to shelter in schools, regional authorities told Addis Standard.
A source familiar with developments in the region said Ogula Ujulu, commissioner of the Gambella Regional Police Commission, has been arrested. When contacted for confirmation, the Gambella Regional Communication Office declined to verify the claim, stating that the information is “classified due to an ongoing operation.” A communication official said no further details could be shared at this stage, citing security concerns.
The regional communication office confirmed that government offices have resumed regular operations ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54435
Relative calm has returned to Gambella city, with residents resuming limited movement and shops reopening after days of violence. However, refugee camps in surrounding districts remain cut off from food and water, while displaced residents continue to shelter in schools, regional authorities told Addis Standard.
A source familiar with developments in the region said Ogula Ujulu, commissioner of the Gambella Regional Police Commission, has been arrested. When contacted for confirmation, the Gambella Regional Communication Office declined to verify the claim, stating that the information is “classified due to an ongoing operation.” A communication official said no further details could be shared at this stage, citing security concerns.
The regional communication office confirmed that government offices have resumed regular operations ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54435
❤3
#Saudi_Arabia’s dispute with the #UAE exposes a deeper regional power struggle
Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates – a fellow Gulf Arab state and former partner in the #Yemen war – of undermining its national security, an unusually blunt charge that exposes a rift long kept behind closed doors.
The language is among the sharpest Riyadh has used against its ally and reflects growing Saudi unease with the UAE’s increasingly independent foreign policy, tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen.
CNN has learned that Riyadh is particularly concerned about the UAE’s role in Yemen, which shares a long border with Saudi Arabia, & in #Sudan, which lies across the #Red_Sea from the kingdom’s west coast. Saudi officials worry that instability or state collapse in either country could have grave consequences for its own national ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0gKnPEpcgrajqTZmguNgXLzyiuv2Vb63XAq72BeEQ7c2k24kMbjJyViypsSj8HccMl
Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates – a fellow Gulf Arab state and former partner in the #Yemen war – of undermining its national security, an unusually blunt charge that exposes a rift long kept behind closed doors.
The language is among the sharpest Riyadh has used against its ally and reflects growing Saudi unease with the UAE’s increasingly independent foreign policy, tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen.
CNN has learned that Riyadh is particularly concerned about the UAE’s role in Yemen, which shares a long border with Saudi Arabia, & in #Sudan, which lies across the #Red_Sea from the kingdom’s west coast. Saudi officials worry that instability or state collapse in either country could have grave consequences for its own national ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0gKnPEpcgrajqTZmguNgXLzyiuv2Vb63XAq72BeEQ7c2k24kMbjJyViypsSj8HccMl
❤2
#Ethiopia: TPLF accuses federal government of concealing suffering in #Tigray, obstructing Pretoria agreement
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) has accused the Ethiopian federal government of attempting to conceal what it described as widespread death and humanitarian suffering in Tigray, while alleging continued obstruction of the #Pretoria peace agreement.
In its weekly press statement, the party said large numbers of people displaced by what it described as “invasions” remain confined to refugee and displacement camps, where it claims deaths from hunger and disease are ongoing.
The TPLF accused the federal government of “intensifying genocide against the Tigrayan people by strangling the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement,” alleging that civilian and military officials are working to downplay the scale of the humanitarian crisis. It said such efforts amount to an attempt to obscure civilian suffering.
“It is a crime try to cover up the ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54438
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) has accused the Ethiopian federal government of attempting to conceal what it described as widespread death and humanitarian suffering in Tigray, while alleging continued obstruction of the #Pretoria peace agreement.
In its weekly press statement, the party said large numbers of people displaced by what it described as “invasions” remain confined to refugee and displacement camps, where it claims deaths from hunger and disease are ongoing.
The TPLF accused the federal government of “intensifying genocide against the Tigrayan people by strangling the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement,” alleging that civilian and military officials are working to downplay the scale of the humanitarian crisis. It said such efforts amount to an attempt to obscure civilian suffering.
“It is a crime try to cover up the ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54438
❤5👎4🥴1
#Ethiopia: Election board launches digital voter and candidate registration system
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) has launched a digital system for #voter and #candidate registration, marking a significant shift from paper-based electoral processes to digital operations.
Speaking at the launch event, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said the development and rollout of the system took more than one year and six months. She said the digital platform is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance data accuracy and inclusivity, reduce costs, and strengthen the Board’s institutional capacity.
President of the Federal Supreme Court, Tewodros Mihret, described the system as a major milestone in the modernization of Ethiopia’s electoral administration.
He underscored the importance of the independence of electoral institutions in building a democratic system, adding that the new digital registration platform would contribute to the ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54440
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) has launched a digital system for #voter and #candidate registration, marking a significant shift from paper-based electoral processes to digital operations.
Speaking at the launch event, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said the development and rollout of the system took more than one year and six months. She said the digital platform is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance data accuracy and inclusivity, reduce costs, and strengthen the Board’s institutional capacity.
President of the Federal Supreme Court, Tewodros Mihret, described the system as a major milestone in the modernization of Ethiopia’s electoral administration.
He underscored the importance of the independence of electoral institutions in building a democratic system, adding that the new digital registration platform would contribute to the ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54440
👎2❤1💯1
#Maduro says ‘I was captured’ as he pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges
A defiant Nicolás Maduro declared himself “the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the #Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela.
“I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom interpreter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.”
Maduro’s court appearance in #Manhattan, his first since he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized from their #Caracas home Saturday in a stunning middle-of-the-night military operation, kicked off the U.S. government’s most consequential prosecution in decades of a foreign head of state. She also pleaded not guilty.....
https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328
A defiant Nicolás Maduro declared himself “the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the #Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela.
“I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom interpreter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.”
Maduro’s court appearance in #Manhattan, his first since he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized from their #Caracas home Saturday in a stunning middle-of-the-night military operation, kicked off the U.S. government’s most consequential prosecution in decades of a foreign head of state. She also pleaded not guilty.....
https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328
❤1
#Erdogan, #UAE President discuss Gaza crisis, #Somalia and #Yemen in phone call
#Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan & United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed #bin_Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the humanitarian crisis in #Gaza and the territorial integrity of Somalia & Yemen during a phone conversation on Monday, according to Turkey’s Communications Directorate.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional & global developments, with Erdogan reaffirming Türkiye’s support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen and Somalia.
He also expressed Ankara’s readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in both countries, the directorate said.
During the call, Erdogan stressed the urgency of ending what he described as the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for immediate steps to begin reconstruction efforts.
The discussion comes amid improving relations between Türkiye and the UAE, following years of strained ties. (AA)
#Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan & United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed #bin_Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the humanitarian crisis in #Gaza and the territorial integrity of Somalia & Yemen during a phone conversation on Monday, according to Turkey’s Communications Directorate.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional & global developments, with Erdogan reaffirming Türkiye’s support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen and Somalia.
He also expressed Ankara’s readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in both countries, the directorate said.
During the call, Erdogan stressed the urgency of ending what he described as the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for immediate steps to begin reconstruction efforts.
The discussion comes amid improving relations between Türkiye and the UAE, following years of strained ties. (AA)
❤3👍1
News: #Ethiopia bond gains as government agrees on debt restructuring
Ethiopia’s sole #Eurobond rose sharply after the government reached an agreement in principle with bondholders on a restructuring plan that would impose a 15% haircut on the defaulted debt, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The $1 billion bond, which Ethiopia defaulted on two years ago, gained nearly three cents on the dollar, adding 2.61 cents to trade at 110.09 as of 4:26 p.m. #London time.
The rally reflected investor reaction to the relatively modest haircut, as well as the structure of the proposed new bond, which carries a comparatively high coupon and front-loaded principal repayments.
Under the proposed terms, Ethiopia plans to issue a new $850 million bond after applying the 15% discount to the original 2024 note, according to a statement dated 2 January from White & Case LLP, which represents the borrower.
The new bond, maturing in 2029, would carry a 6.125% coupon, with....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54443
Ethiopia’s sole #Eurobond rose sharply after the government reached an agreement in principle with bondholders on a restructuring plan that would impose a 15% haircut on the defaulted debt, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The $1 billion bond, which Ethiopia defaulted on two years ago, gained nearly three cents on the dollar, adding 2.61 cents to trade at 110.09 as of 4:26 p.m. #London time.
The rally reflected investor reaction to the relatively modest haircut, as well as the structure of the proposed new bond, which carries a comparatively high coupon and front-loaded principal repayments.
Under the proposed terms, Ethiopia plans to issue a new $850 million bond after applying the 15% discount to the original 2024 note, according to a statement dated 2 January from White & Case LLP, which represents the borrower.
The new bond, maturing in 2029, would carry a 6.125% coupon, with....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54443
❤1
#Ethiopia: House approves Haymanot Zeleke as Director General of Ethiopian #Media_Authority
The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved the appointment of Haymanot Zeleke as Director General of the Ethiopian Media Authority.
The approval came during the House’s 8th regular session of its 5th working year held on Tuesday, following deliberation on a nomination submitted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). The nomination was presented in a letter dated 1 January 2026. After reviewing the proposal, lawmakers unanimously endorsed Haymanot’s appointment.
Haymanot most recently served as head of the communication sector at the #Addis_Abeba City Administration Manager’s Office, holding the rank of deputy bureau head. Her previous professional experience includes serving as a director at the Government Communication Service, as well as roles at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0RxwvqkHaniczE6Rcwqq1QJ9CzpwJGjpuB4FunHnM6HBaCYV8gwueXoqHqJUh4eLal
The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved the appointment of Haymanot Zeleke as Director General of the Ethiopian Media Authority.
The approval came during the House’s 8th regular session of its 5th working year held on Tuesday, following deliberation on a nomination submitted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). The nomination was presented in a letter dated 1 January 2026. After reviewing the proposal, lawmakers unanimously endorsed Haymanot’s appointment.
Haymanot most recently served as head of the communication sector at the #Addis_Abeba City Administration Manager’s Office, holding the rank of deputy bureau head. Her previous professional experience includes serving as a director at the Government Communication Service, as well as roles at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0RxwvqkHaniczE6Rcwqq1QJ9CzpwJGjpuB4FunHnM6HBaCYV8gwueXoqHqJUh4eLal
🥴3
News: #AU Peace and Security Council to hold emergency session on #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland today
Today 6 January 2026, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council will hold a ministerial session on Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland as an independent state.
The session, not initially envisaged in the Provisional Program of Work of the PSC for January 2026, is convened following a request.
Since its proclamation of independence from Somalia in May 1991, Somaliland, the territory of the northern region of #Somalia, has remained without any de jure recognition from any state in the world.
This changed at the very end of 2025 with Israel becoming the first state to officially recognise the independence of Somaliland.
Despite the enthusiastic reception in Somaliland of Israel’s official recognition as a historic development, Somalia, as the state with de jure authority over Somaliland, released a strong statement rejecting Israel’s .....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54446
Today 6 January 2026, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council will hold a ministerial session on Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland as an independent state.
The session, not initially envisaged in the Provisional Program of Work of the PSC for January 2026, is convened following a request.
Since its proclamation of independence from Somalia in May 1991, Somaliland, the territory of the northern region of #Somalia, has remained without any de jure recognition from any state in the world.
This changed at the very end of 2025 with Israel becoming the first state to officially recognise the independence of Somaliland.
Despite the enthusiastic reception in Somaliland of Israel’s official recognition as a historic development, Somalia, as the state with de jure authority over Somaliland, released a strong statement rejecting Israel’s .....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54446
❤3
#Israeli FM Sa'ar arrives in #Somaliland on first official visit
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived this morning in #Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on the first official visit since Israel recognized Somaliland’s sovereignty, a Somaliland diplomatic source told i24NEWS.
During his visit, Sa’ar is expected to meet with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The two are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at the presidential palace later today, the source added.
The diplomatic source said the visit aims to advance meaningful political and strategic cooperation between Israel and Somaliland. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not issued any comment on the trip.
This visit marks the first high-level Israeli delegation to Somaliland since the recognition of its independence and signals an effort to strengthen bilateral relations. Details of the ....
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-israeli-foreign-minister-arrives-in-somaliland-on-first-official-visit
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived this morning in #Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on the first official visit since Israel recognized Somaliland’s sovereignty, a Somaliland diplomatic source told i24NEWS.
During his visit, Sa’ar is expected to meet with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The two are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at the presidential palace later today, the source added.
The diplomatic source said the visit aims to advance meaningful political and strategic cooperation between Israel and Somaliland. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not issued any comment on the trip.
This visit marks the first high-level Israeli delegation to Somaliland since the recognition of its independence and signals an effort to strengthen bilateral relations. Details of the ....
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-israeli-foreign-minister-arrives-in-somaliland-on-first-official-visit
❤1
#Opinion: From Ambiguity to Reality: How #Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland redefines Horn of #Africa politics
For more than three decades, Somaliland governed itself in diplomatic limbo while the international community looked away. In this opinion piece, Mohamud A. Ahmed argues that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland shatters this “carefully managed ambiguity,” replacing polite euphemism with strategic reality.
He explains that Israel’s move goes beyond “professional recognition,” a term used to enable cooperation without commitment. Instead, “it speaks the language of sovereignty and statehood,” and cannot be dismissed as bureaucratic nuance.
Ahmed further contends that the decision forces a reckoning for the African Union (#AU) and regional actors such as #Ethiopia and #Djibouti, who can no longer hide behind “strategic procrastination.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54432
For more than three decades, Somaliland governed itself in diplomatic limbo while the international community looked away. In this opinion piece, Mohamud A. Ahmed argues that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland shatters this “carefully managed ambiguity,” replacing polite euphemism with strategic reality.
He explains that Israel’s move goes beyond “professional recognition,” a term used to enable cooperation without commitment. Instead, “it speaks the language of sovereignty and statehood,” and cannot be dismissed as bureaucratic nuance.
Ahmed further contends that the decision forces a reckoning for the African Union (#AU) and regional actors such as #Ethiopia and #Djibouti, who can no longer hide behind “strategic procrastination.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54432
❤2
News: #Ethiopia reports no new #Marburg virus cases in past 21 days, urges continued vigilance
The Ministry of Health announced that no new cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) have been detected in Ethiopia over the past 21 days, signaling progress in containing the outbreak, though authorities warned that the outbreak will only be officially declared over after 42 consecutive days without new infections.
In a statement released on 5 January 2026, the Ministry said that since the outbreak was confirmed in the South Ethiopia Region on 14 November 2025, laboratory tests have been conducted for 3,800 people. Among these, 14 tested positive for the virus, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba highlighted the rapid and coordinated response that helped contain the outbreak, including ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02zcefCnVTHLegy9UrsGbbSm7BBpsGX5637qrKY6Vr8hsUUJidqzF1gR77icL5JMBrl
The Ministry of Health announced that no new cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) have been detected in Ethiopia over the past 21 days, signaling progress in containing the outbreak, though authorities warned that the outbreak will only be officially declared over after 42 consecutive days without new infections.
In a statement released on 5 January 2026, the Ministry said that since the outbreak was confirmed in the South Ethiopia Region on 14 November 2025, laboratory tests have been conducted for 3,800 people. Among these, 14 tested positive for the virus, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba highlighted the rapid and coordinated response that helped contain the outbreak, including ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02zcefCnVTHLegy9UrsGbbSm7BBpsGX5637qrKY6Vr8hsUUJidqzF1gR77icL5JMBrl
❤2
#Egypt says it shares ‘identical’ views with #Saudi_Arabia on Yemen, Sudan
Egypt says it’s aligned with Saudi Arabia on the conflicts in #Yemen and #Sudan at a time of heightened regional instability and a growing rivalry with the United Arab Emirates (#UAE).
During talks in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stressed on Monday their countries’ “identical” positions on “reaching peaceful solutions to the region’s crises”, an Egyptian presidency statement said.
Solutions must “preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states”, it said, singling out Sudan, Yemen, #Somalia, and the Gaza Strip.
The meeting comes against a backdrop of widening differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once close partners in regional politics.
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have long supported rival factions within....
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/5/egypt-says-it-shares-identical-views-with-saudi-arabia-on-yemen-sudan
Egypt says it’s aligned with Saudi Arabia on the conflicts in #Yemen and #Sudan at a time of heightened regional instability and a growing rivalry with the United Arab Emirates (#UAE).
During talks in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stressed on Monday their countries’ “identical” positions on “reaching peaceful solutions to the region’s crises”, an Egyptian presidency statement said.
Solutions must “preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states”, it said, singling out Sudan, Yemen, #Somalia, and the Gaza Strip.
The meeting comes against a backdrop of widening differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once close partners in regional politics.
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have long supported rival factions within....
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/5/egypt-says-it-shares-identical-views-with-saudi-arabia-on-yemen-sudan
👎2❤1👍1