#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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)
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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
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#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
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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
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#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
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#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
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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
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#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
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News: #UN warns of rising civilian risks as #Ethiopia aid cuts deepen and violence escalates in Sudan
The United Nations has warned that civilians are facing growing risks across multiple crisis zones, with funding shortages pushing Ethiopia’s refugee response to the brink, while renewed violence in #Sudan and continued attacks in #Ukraine exacerbate global humanitarian concerns.
In a briefing on 5 January 2026, the UN echoed a joint warning issued on 19 December by Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service (#RRS), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (#WFP).
The agencies cautioned that without urgent international support, life-saving services for more than 1.1 million refugees—including food, water, and healthcare—could collapse within weeks.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in Gambella, where recent clashes have cut off humanitarian access to several refugee camps, leaving thousands without food and ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54449
The United Nations has warned that civilians are facing growing risks across multiple crisis zones, with funding shortages pushing Ethiopia’s refugee response to the brink, while renewed violence in #Sudan and continued attacks in #Ukraine exacerbate global humanitarian concerns.
In a briefing on 5 January 2026, the UN echoed a joint warning issued on 19 December by Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service (#RRS), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (#WFP).
The agencies cautioned that without urgent international support, life-saving services for more than 1.1 million refugees—including food, water, and healthcare—could collapse within weeks.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in Gambella, where recent clashes have cut off humanitarian access to several refugee camps, leaving thousands without food and ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54449
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Update: #AU Peace and Security Council ‘strongly condemns’ #Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland, calls for ‘immediate revocation’
Addis Abeba - The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has “strongly” condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling for the move to be immediately revoked and reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued following its 1324th Ministerial Meeting held on 06 January, the Council said it “strongly condemns…the unilateral recognition of the so-called ‘Republic of Somaliland’ by Israel and calls for its immediate revocation.”
The Council also said it reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” grounding its position in the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, and the UN Charter.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2008840494684483926?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Addis Abeba - The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has “strongly” condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling for the move to be immediately revoked and reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued following its 1324th Ministerial Meeting held on 06 January, the Council said it “strongly condemns…the unilateral recognition of the so-called ‘Republic of Somaliland’ by Israel and calls for its immediate revocation.”
The Council also said it reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” grounding its position in the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, and the UN Charter.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2008840494684483926?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#US Congressman Chris Smith welcomes #Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland, urges others to follow
U.S. Representative Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee and co-chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, welcomed Israel’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, calling on other countries, including the United States, to take similar steps.
“I welcome Israel’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign State, and hope that others, including the United States, follow,” Smith said in a statement released following Israel’s announcement.
Smith highlighted Somaliland’s democratic credentials, describing it as a functioning democracy that has demonstrated political maturity through a peaceful transfer of power after elections more than a year ago.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/u-s-congressman-chris-smith-welcomes-israels-recognition-of-somaliland-urges-others-to-follow
U.S. Representative Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee and co-chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, welcomed Israel’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, calling on other countries, including the United States, to take similar steps.
“I welcome Israel’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign State, and hope that others, including the United States, follow,” Smith said in a statement released following Israel’s announcement.
Smith highlighted Somaliland’s democratic credentials, describing it as a functioning democracy that has demonstrated political maturity through a peaceful transfer of power after elections more than a year ago.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/u-s-congressman-chris-smith-welcomes-israels-recognition-of-somaliland-urges-others-to-follow
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#US suspends assistance to #Somalia’s federal government, alleging it seized food aid
The State Department said Wednesday that it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians.
“The #Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the department said in a statement.
“The State Department has paused all ongoing U.S. assistance programs which benefit the Somali Federal Government,” it said. “Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government, taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps.”
The suspension comes as the Trump administration has ratcheted up criticism of...
https://apnews.com/article/trump-somalia-food-assistance-suspension-a34b91e229c195a723ce2c8f9e6bb158
The State Department said Wednesday that it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians.
“The #Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the department said in a statement.
“The State Department has paused all ongoing U.S. assistance programs which benefit the Somali Federal Government,” it said. “Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government, taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps.”
The suspension comes as the Trump administration has ratcheted up criticism of...
https://apnews.com/article/trump-somalia-food-assistance-suspension-a34b91e229c195a723ce2c8f9e6bb158
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#US denies visas to 14 #Ethiopian athletes ahead of World Cross Country Championships
Ethiopia will be unable to field full under-20 teams at the 2026 World #Athletics Cross Country Championships in the United States after the US Embassy in Addis Abeba denied visas to at least 14 Ethiopian athletes, according to a report by letsrun.com.
The visa rejections mean Ethiopia’s long-standing medal streaks in junior events at the World Cross Country Championships will come to an end. The country has medalled in the U20 men’s race at every edition since 1982 and in the U20 women’s race since 1990.
Amensisa Kebede, general secretary of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (#EAF), told letsrun.com that six U20 men, four U20 women, and four senior athletes had their visa applications rejected. As a result, Ethiopia will send only one male U20 athlete and three female U20 athletes to the ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02xtivopBsWGu1toE5ALc9jJ3ha7dS9bA1fCuXqx94W3EL1z6NG7i1cVsaVndnDxG4l
Ethiopia will be unable to field full under-20 teams at the 2026 World #Athletics Cross Country Championships in the United States after the US Embassy in Addis Abeba denied visas to at least 14 Ethiopian athletes, according to a report by letsrun.com.
The visa rejections mean Ethiopia’s long-standing medal streaks in junior events at the World Cross Country Championships will come to an end. The country has medalled in the U20 men’s race at every edition since 1982 and in the U20 women’s race since 1990.
Amensisa Kebede, general secretary of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (#EAF), told letsrun.com that six U20 men, four U20 women, and four senior athletes had their visa applications rejected. As a result, Ethiopia will send only one male U20 athlete and three female U20 athletes to the ...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02xtivopBsWGu1toE5ALc9jJ3ha7dS9bA1fCuXqx94W3EL1z6NG7i1cVsaVndnDxG4l
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News: #Ethiopia, #UAE reaffirm strategic partnership amid shifting Horn of Africa dynamics
Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their “comprehensive and strategic partnership” focused on promoting and defending each other’s peace, security, territorial integrity, and economic interests, following high-level talks in Addis Abeba on 6 January 2026.
The discussions between Ethiopian officials and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, highlighted the depth of the bilateral relationship, rooted in mutual respect and decades of cooperation.
In a joint ministerial statement, both sides emphasized their commitment to regional stability, condemning attacks on civilians in Sudan and calling for immediate humanitarian access and an inclusive transition toward a civilian-led government.
This reaffirmation comes amid an increasingly complex regional landscape. Recent reports indicate that Riyadh is wary of the UAE’s ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54454
Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their “comprehensive and strategic partnership” focused on promoting and defending each other’s peace, security, territorial integrity, and economic interests, following high-level talks in Addis Abeba on 6 January 2026.
The discussions between Ethiopian officials and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, highlighted the depth of the bilateral relationship, rooted in mutual respect and decades of cooperation.
In a joint ministerial statement, both sides emphasized their commitment to regional stability, condemning attacks on civilians in Sudan and calling for immediate humanitarian access and an inclusive transition toward a civilian-led government.
This reaffirmation comes amid an increasingly complex regional landscape. Recent reports indicate that Riyadh is wary of the UAE’s ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54454
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#Saudi-led coalition says STC’s al-Zubaidi fled to #UAE via #Somaliland
Secessionist leader took a boat to Berbera and then boarded a plane that flew to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu, coalition says.
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition in #Yemen has announced that the leader of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (#STC) has fled to the United Arab Emirates via Somaliland after skipping planned peace talks in Riyadh.
In a statement on Thursday, the coalition said Aidarous al-Zubaidi “escaped in the dead of night” on Wednesday on board a vessel that departed Aden in Yemen for the port of #Berbera in Somaliland.
Al-Zubaidi then boarded a plane along with UAE officers and flew to Somalia’s capital, #Mogadishu. “The plane turned off its identification systems over the Gulf of Oman, then turned it back on 10 minutes prior to arrival at Al Reef military airport in Abu Dhabi,” the statement said...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/8/saudi-led-coalition-says-stcs-al-zubaidi-fled-to-uae-via-somaliland.
Secessionist leader took a boat to Berbera and then boarded a plane that flew to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu, coalition says.
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition in #Yemen has announced that the leader of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (#STC) has fled to the United Arab Emirates via Somaliland after skipping planned peace talks in Riyadh.
In a statement on Thursday, the coalition said Aidarous al-Zubaidi “escaped in the dead of night” on Wednesday on board a vessel that departed Aden in Yemen for the port of #Berbera in Somaliland.
Al-Zubaidi then boarded a plane along with UAE officers and flew to Somalia’s capital, #Mogadishu. “The plane turned off its identification systems over the Gulf of Oman, then turned it back on 10 minutes prior to arrival at Al Reef military airport in Abu Dhabi,” the statement said...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/8/saudi-led-coalition-says-stcs-al-zubaidi-fled-to-uae-via-somaliland.
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