#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

#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

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

#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

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

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https://youtu.be/SMbrA7fGN1s?si=7-G-lihSNwczt37F

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

#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

#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

#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 ...

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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

#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.

#PM_Abiy receives #China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi as Beijing launches annual Africa tour in Addis Abeba

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today received China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, at the National Palace, on the occasion of the Chinese foreign minister’s two-day official visit to Ethiopia.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the meeting focused on #Ethiopia–China bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Wang Yi’s visit to Ethiopia is part of a broader weeklong tour of African countries, which also includes #Somalia, #Tanzania, and #Lesotho, running from January 7 to 12, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his stay in Addis Abeba, the Chinese foreign minister is also expected to attend the launching ceremony of the China–Africa “Year of People-to-People Exchanges” at the ...

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#Op_ed: Aid with Strings Attached: How new health pact with U.S. challenges #Ethiopia’s autonomy

In this op-ed, Yirgalem Addisu argues that Ethiopia’s five-year, $1.46 billion health cooperation MoU with the #United_States should be seen not only as humanitarian support but as “a strategic arrangement” with lasting political implications.

Although framed around “saving lives,” the agreement is anchored in #Washington’s “America First Global Health Strategy,” which prioritizes U.S. interests. He notes, “The MoU commits Ethiopia to extensive data sharing…while granting the United States significant leverage over the continuation of funding.”

The author emphasizes that Ethiopia’s current political and economic strains risk turning “partnership” into conditional compliance. The central question, he contends, is not whether cooperation is necessary—but “on whose terms, with what safeguards, and at what cost.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=54451

#Ethiopia: Banks must be licensed and provide forex services to operate in Special Economic Zones, National Bank rules

The National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) has issued a directive outlining licensing and operational requirements for banks seeking to operate in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Under the new rules, banks may not operate in an SEZ without an NBE-approved branch and are required to provide foreign exchange services within the zone. All banking services must be made available to individuals and businesses operating inside the SEZ, the directive states.

To qualify, banks must meet minimum prudential and market requirements, including holding at least one percent of total banking sector assets, maintaining a capital adequacy ratio two percentage points above the regulatory minimum, meeting liquidity standards, and keeping non-performing loans within regulatory ...

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#Ethiopia: Afar police detain nearly 8,000 people linked to illegal trafficking in six months

The #Afar Regional Police Commission said it has detained nearly 8,000 people over the past six months as part of intensified operations against illegal human trafficking routes passing through the region.

In a statement, Police Commissioner Bile Ahmed said more than 7,900 citizens who had been deceived by illegal brokers while attempting to travel through various trafficking corridors were taken into custody during the period.

He noted that, in addition to routine security duties, the police deployed large numbers of personnel to conduct continuous monitoring at checkpoints and along key transit routes.

The returnees were sent back to areas including #Kombolcha, #Alamata, #Mekelle, #Kemise, #Adama, and parts of #Hararghe, where they were reintegrated into their communities.

The commissioner also condemned what he described as false allegations circulating on...

Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54457

#Somalia’s fight against extremist militants shows signs of success on the streets of #Mogadishu

Mogadishu’s first line of defense against the next militant attack on Somalia ’s capital ranges from machine gunners in pick-up trucks to young men in plainclothes manning checkpoints.

One of the leaders is Abdikani Ali Mohamed, a teenage-faced colonel whose authority has grown in the city as Somalia’s government tries to dismantle al-Shabab networks.

Mohamed’s operatives are so suspicious that even an armored vehicle — the ultimate status symbol beloved by important people — triggers alarm if it has not passed through a checkpoint for days.

“What we have clearly understood is these people ( al-Shabab ) are always evolving,” Mohamed said. “The strategy is always evolving in terms of attack mechanisms and the complexity they are utilizing.”

After his election in 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ...

https://apnews.com/article/somalia-intelligence-alshabab-militants-64cfbc1e76f2eb6bf9556332fae7f6f7

Just 53 Miles: #Ethiopian Airlines launches #Europe's shortest Airbus A350 Flights

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier, although there is not much competition for that title. On January 6, the Star Alliance member announced its latest European city: #Lyon. It'll fly there via #Geneva. Ethiopian has many existing one-stop European routes.

The Geneva-Lyon leg will cover just 53 nautical miles (98 km) each way. It will, unsurprisingly, become Europe's new shortest Airbus A350 operation and shortest scheduled widebody service. But there's a downside. Fifth freedom traffic rights do not seem to be available.

Ethiopian has served #France for decades. For most of the time, this necessarily meant Paris CDG. Things have changed in recent years, coinciding with its aggressive expansion and its critical role in connecting Africa to the world. In 2019, the carrier began Marseille ...

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Today’s top stories from Addis Standard:

https://youtu.be/hRuKGd8t58U?si=Jx1C558VpQkmSBVz

The Standard Signal | Episodes 1–8 Recap: War, Power, Peace & Ethiopia’s Unfinished Crisis

From war narratives and Red Sea rhetoric to broken peace talks, targeted violence, and the collapse of democratic transition—The Standard Signal has been tracking Ethiopia’s unfolding crises in real time.

This recap brings together key moments from Episodes 1–8 of The Standard Signal, a podcast by Addis Standard, hosted by Tsedale Lemma, featuring leading scholars, political figures, and activists.
Across these episodes, the conversations examine:

• How war narratives are manufactured and normalized
• The dangers of nationalist rhetoric and propaganda
• Ethiopia’s shifting foreign policy doctrine toward Eritrea
• The systematic targeting of Karrayyu Gadaa leaders
• The deepening crisis in the Amhara region
• Broken peace promises with ONLF and resource politics in the Somali region
• Moral collapse, cultivated silence, and collective responsibility
• Why repeated peace talks with OLF/OLA have failed to end the war in Oromia

Together, these episodes expose the structures of power, impunity, and political failure shaping Ethiopia’s present—and its uncertain future.

📌 Watch the full episodes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg0BzUe3g4CxZ_eNWV2_N2o7AOrsQoaHV

📌 Subscribe for in-depth analysis, not soundbites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuFmjW7GtIE

#Somalia denies #US allegation that it destroyed food aid warehouse

Somalia’s government on Thursday denied an allegation by the U.S. government that authorities in Mogadishu destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized food aid earmarked for impoverished civilians.

The U.S. State Department said Wednesday that it has suspended all assistance from Washington to Somalia’s federal government over the allegations, saying the #Trump administration has “a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft and diversion of life-saving assistance.”

A senior U.S. State Department official said authorities at the Mogadishu port demolished the warehouse of the World Food Program, a Rome-based U.N. agency, at the direction of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud “with no prior notification or coordination with international donor countries, including the United States.” The ...

https://apnews.com/article/somalia-united-states-world-food-program-warehouse-ad0befb6d102a18365ad91bfee9845a9