News: #Ethiopia intelligence chief visits #Mogadishu amid regional tensions, delivers message from PM Abiy to Somali president
Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (#NISS) Director General Redwan Hussein paid an unannounced visit to Mogadishu on Tuesday, where he delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, amid heightened diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa.
According to a report by Garowe Online, Redwan met President Mohamud at the presidential palace, Villa Somalia, shortly after arriving in the Somali capital. The contents of the message were not disclosed, and neither the Ethiopian nor Somali governments have issued official statements on the outcome of the meeting.
During the visit, Redwan also held talks with Mahad Salad, Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA),....
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Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (#NISS) Director General Redwan Hussein paid an unannounced visit to Mogadishu on Tuesday, where he delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, amid heightened diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa.
According to a report by Garowe Online, Redwan met President Mohamud at the presidential palace, Villa Somalia, shortly after arriving in the Somali capital. The contents of the message were not disclosed, and neither the Ethiopian nor Somali governments have issued official statements on the outcome of the meeting.
During the visit, Redwan also held talks with Mahad Salad, Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA),....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Am5bcKZNkxtiRcj5srKd2QLnUYs8BVxGQmvrFKKxcgLdm6rTJV9B9Mm6zku4xtUTl
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#Op_ed: Self-Determination for Some, Denied for Others: #Somaliland and politics of selective recognition
In this op-ed, Dagnachew Ayenew argues that #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in late 2025 has laid bare profound hypocrisies in global diplomacy, demonstrating that self-determination operates “less as a legal norm and more as a political instrument.” He points to the swift backlash from a bloc of 21 states—including #Somalia and #Eritrea—as evidence of what he describes as “a selective application of international law.”
Dagnachew further contends that “self-determination is celebrated in rhetoric, constrained in practice, and granted only when power allows.”
He emphasizes that, until the international community prioritizes intellectual honesty over geopolitical convenience, populations in contested territories will remain in a “waiting room with no clear rules for entry.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54498
In this op-ed, Dagnachew Ayenew argues that #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in late 2025 has laid bare profound hypocrisies in global diplomacy, demonstrating that self-determination operates “less as a legal norm and more as a political instrument.” He points to the swift backlash from a bloc of 21 states—including #Somalia and #Eritrea—as evidence of what he describes as “a selective application of international law.”
Dagnachew further contends that “self-determination is celebrated in rhetoric, constrained in practice, and granted only when power allows.”
He emphasizes that, until the international community prioritizes intellectual honesty over geopolitical convenience, populations in contested territories will remain in a “waiting room with no clear rules for entry.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54498
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News: #Ethiopian Red Cross Society activated second drought early action trigger as crop losses exceed 50% in parts of #Oromia
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (#ERCS) activated the second trigger of its Drought Early Action Protocol (#EAP) for the Bega (October–December) season on 21 November 2025 with early action timeframe of three Months, citing severe crop losses, deteriorating pasture conditions, and below-average rainfall in parts of Oromia Region.
Analysis of the Livelihoods, Early Assessment and Protection (#LEAP) index indicates that more than 50% crop yield reduction was recorded in October 2025 in drought-forecasted areas of Oromia, particularly in #East_Bale Zone’s Rayitu and Seweyna woredas. These areas are among the high-risk locations identified under the EAP framework, meeting the criteria for activating the second trigger.
The OND season is critical for Ethiopia’s southern, eastern, and southeastern pastoralist and agro-pastoralist ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54514
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (#ERCS) activated the second trigger of its Drought Early Action Protocol (#EAP) for the Bega (October–December) season on 21 November 2025 with early action timeframe of three Months, citing severe crop losses, deteriorating pasture conditions, and below-average rainfall in parts of Oromia Region.
Analysis of the Livelihoods, Early Assessment and Protection (#LEAP) index indicates that more than 50% crop yield reduction was recorded in October 2025 in drought-forecasted areas of Oromia, particularly in #East_Bale Zone’s Rayitu and Seweyna woredas. These areas are among the high-risk locations identified under the EAP framework, meeting the criteria for activating the second trigger.
The OND season is critical for Ethiopia’s southern, eastern, and southeastern pastoralist and agro-pastoralist ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54514
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News: Following months of mutual accusations, #Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accuses #Ethiopia of declaring war, dismisses Red Sea narrative
Eritrean President #Isaias Afwerki on Monday accused Ethiopia of declaring war on Eritrea and rejected narratives framing the tensions as a dispute over #Red_Sea access, in comments aired on Eritrean state television.
Following an extended discussion on United States foreign policy, President Isaias turned to his deteriorating relations with Ethiopia’s ruling party.
He rejected claims that tensions between the two countries are linked to access to the Red Sea, insisting that Eritrea harbors no such ambition. “For us, it is not directly about the Red Sea,” he said.
The Eritrean leader accused Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party of advancing a broader militarized agenda, claiming that armed conflicts have persisted across the country despite the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement.
Isaias further alleged that ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54519
Eritrean President #Isaias Afwerki on Monday accused Ethiopia of declaring war on Eritrea and rejected narratives framing the tensions as a dispute over #Red_Sea access, in comments aired on Eritrean state television.
Following an extended discussion on United States foreign policy, President Isaias turned to his deteriorating relations with Ethiopia’s ruling party.
He rejected claims that tensions between the two countries are linked to access to the Red Sea, insisting that Eritrea harbors no such ambition. “For us, it is not directly about the Red Sea,” he said.
The Eritrean leader accused Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party of advancing a broader militarized agenda, claiming that armed conflicts have persisted across the country despite the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement.
Isaias further alleged that ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54519
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News: Drought heightens tensions along #Kenya–#Ethiopia border, peace actors warn
Worsening drought conditions are fueling fears of renewed conflict along the Kokuro–Todonyang border corridor linking Kenya and Ethiopia, as pastoralist communities are pushed into contested grazing areas in search of water and pasture, according to a report by Kenya’s Standard Media.
Local peace actors have warned of escalating tensions between the #Turkana and #Dassanech communities, saying competition over shrinking natural resources risks triggering fresh violence unless urgent interventions are undertaken.
Achegei Adan, a peace officer with the Turkana County Directorate of Peace Building, told Standard Media that the situation remains fragile, noting that drought has begun displacing Turkana pastoralists into historically volatile areas near the border.
“Unless immediate measures are taken by...
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Worsening drought conditions are fueling fears of renewed conflict along the Kokuro–Todonyang border corridor linking Kenya and Ethiopia, as pastoralist communities are pushed into contested grazing areas in search of water and pasture, according to a report by Kenya’s Standard Media.
Local peace actors have warned of escalating tensions between the #Turkana and #Dassanech communities, saying competition over shrinking natural resources risks triggering fresh violence unless urgent interventions are undertaken.
Achegei Adan, a peace officer with the Turkana County Directorate of Peace Building, told Standard Media that the situation remains fragile, noting that drought has begun displacing Turkana pastoralists into historically volatile areas near the border.
“Unless immediate measures are taken by...
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#Dubai's #DP World says operations at #Somaliland's #Berbera port unaffected by #UAE-#Somalia dispute
Dubai-owned ports and logistics company DP World said on Tuesday its operations at Berbera port in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland were continuing under existing agreements, amid regional tensions following an escalation in nearby Yemen.
Somalia's government said on Monday it was annulling all agreements with the UAE, including port deals and defense and security cooperation, accusing the Gulf country of undermining its national sovereignty.
The move followed an investigation that Mogadishu launched last week after a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, where tensions between global oil heavyweights Saudi Arabia & the UAE have been running high, said the UAE had spirited a separatist leader out of Yemen via Somalia.
A crisis erupted last month in Yemen when the separatists swept...
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Dubai-owned ports and logistics company DP World said on Tuesday its operations at Berbera port in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland were continuing under existing agreements, amid regional tensions following an escalation in nearby Yemen.
Somalia's government said on Monday it was annulling all agreements with the UAE, including port deals and defense and security cooperation, accusing the Gulf country of undermining its national sovereignty.
The move followed an investigation that Mogadishu launched last week after a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, where tensions between global oil heavyweights Saudi Arabia & the UAE have been running high, said the UAE had spirited a separatist leader out of Yemen via Somalia.
A crisis erupted last month in Yemen when the separatists swept...
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News: #Salsay_Weyane rejects claims of #Tigray’s participation in national dialogue as seven parties insist consultations must proceed
Salsay Weyane Tigray (#SAWET) has rejected what it described as “deceptive” claims that Tigray is participating in #Ethiopia’s national dialogue process, arguing that the region lacks constitutional representation, remains partially occupied, and continues to face unresolved political and humanitarian challenges.
The position contrasts with that of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (#ENDC) and seven Tigrayan political parties, which maintain that consultations are necessary and should not be delayed.
In a statement issued on Monday, SAWET said federal government assertions that Tigray is taking part in the national dialogue disregard the region’s “actual situation” and seek to obscure what it called fundamental & unresolved questions.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, however, said it remains committed ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54516
Salsay Weyane Tigray (#SAWET) has rejected what it described as “deceptive” claims that Tigray is participating in #Ethiopia’s national dialogue process, arguing that the region lacks constitutional representation, remains partially occupied, and continues to face unresolved political and humanitarian challenges.
The position contrasts with that of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (#ENDC) and seven Tigrayan political parties, which maintain that consultations are necessary and should not be delayed.
In a statement issued on Monday, SAWET said federal government assertions that Tigray is taking part in the national dialogue disregard the region’s “actual situation” and seek to obscure what it called fundamental & unresolved questions.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, however, said it remains committed ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54516
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News: As #Israel expands in the Horn, #Afar leaders look to #Tel_Aviv for protection amid regional threats — Israel media
Leaders of the Afar community in the Horn of Africa are reportedly looking to Israel for support amid growing security concerns and repression in the region, according to Israeli media outlet Ynet News.
The Afar, a Sunni Muslim tribe spread across #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, and #Djibouti, have faced heightened threats from Iranian-linked actors, including #Houthi recruitment networks and regional arms shipments.
According to Ynet News, an Afar conference held in Ethiopia from 28 to 30 December 2025 brought together political figures, youth and women’s representatives, religious leaders, journalists, and human rights advocates from across Ethiopia, Eritrea, & Djibouti.
The Afar source cited by Ynet News framed the crisis not only as a humanitarian issue but also as a strategic concern, noting that Iranian influence and regional instability,,,
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54534
Leaders of the Afar community in the Horn of Africa are reportedly looking to Israel for support amid growing security concerns and repression in the region, according to Israeli media outlet Ynet News.
The Afar, a Sunni Muslim tribe spread across #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, and #Djibouti, have faced heightened threats from Iranian-linked actors, including #Houthi recruitment networks and regional arms shipments.
According to Ynet News, an Afar conference held in Ethiopia from 28 to 30 December 2025 brought together political figures, youth and women’s representatives, religious leaders, journalists, and human rights advocates from across Ethiopia, Eritrea, & Djibouti.
The Afar source cited by Ynet News framed the crisis not only as a humanitarian issue but also as a strategic concern, noting that Iranian influence and regional instability,,,
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54534
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#Sudan police unveil Khartoum security plan as government returns
Sudan’s police on Tuesday outlined a sweeping security plan to protect the seven localities of #Khartoum state, hours before the cabinet and most federal ministries complete their relocation from the wartime seat of Port Sudan.
Brigadier-General Fath al-Rahman Mohamed al-Tom told Sudan Tribune the force will deploy additional officers, reactivate criminal-investigation units and relaunch the “999” emergency call centre to handle civilian complaints.
“Public facilities, bridges and river crossings are priority targets for protection,” al-Tom said, adding that patrols, fixed checkpoints and daily raids had already “dismantled a major cell in East Nile” and delivered “a measurable drop in crime”.
He said the police command had introduced “modern technology” to monitor deployments and pledged “immediate disciplinary action” against any officer found in violation of regulations....
https://sudantribune.com/article/309333
Sudan’s police on Tuesday outlined a sweeping security plan to protect the seven localities of #Khartoum state, hours before the cabinet and most federal ministries complete their relocation from the wartime seat of Port Sudan.
Brigadier-General Fath al-Rahman Mohamed al-Tom told Sudan Tribune the force will deploy additional officers, reactivate criminal-investigation units and relaunch the “999” emergency call centre to handle civilian complaints.
“Public facilities, bridges and river crossings are priority targets for protection,” al-Tom said, adding that patrols, fixed checkpoints and daily raids had already “dismantled a major cell in East Nile” and delivered “a measurable drop in crime”.
He said the police command had introduced “modern technology” to monitor deployments and pledged “immediate disciplinary action” against any officer found in violation of regulations....
https://sudantribune.com/article/309333
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#Uganda cuts internet days before presidential election
Ugandan authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout days before presidential elections in which President Yoweri #Museveni is expected to prolong his 40-year rule.
A government regulatory body instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access starting at 6pm (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Internet monitor NetBlocks later confirmed a “nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity”.
The network outage has heightened concerns about repression in the run-up to the January 15 vote, in which 81-year-old Museveni, Africa’s third-longest-serving leader, is being challenged by pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine.
Musevni’s re-election ‘all but locked down’
Ugandan security personnel have rounded up hundreds of opposition supporters in advance of the vote and repeatedly fired live bullets and tear gas at pro-Wine campaign rallies. ...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/13/uganda-cuts-internet-days-before-presidential-election
Ugandan authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout days before presidential elections in which President Yoweri #Museveni is expected to prolong his 40-year rule.
A government regulatory body instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access starting at 6pm (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Internet monitor NetBlocks later confirmed a “nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity”.
The network outage has heightened concerns about repression in the run-up to the January 15 vote, in which 81-year-old Museveni, Africa’s third-longest-serving leader, is being challenged by pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine.
Musevni’s re-election ‘all but locked down’
Ugandan security personnel have rounded up hundreds of opposition supporters in advance of the vote and repeatedly fired live bullets and tear gas at pro-Wine campaign rallies. ...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/13/uganda-cuts-internet-days-before-presidential-election
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News: Leading #Turkish natural stone and mining businessman among tourists killed in #Ethiopia
A leading figure in Turkey’s natural stone and mining industry was among two Turkish tourists and an Ethiopian driver killed in an armed attack in #South_West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, regional authorities said.
In a statement released by the Regional Communication Bureau, the regional government said the attack occurred on 12 January 2026 at around 8:00 a.m. in #Suri Woreda, #West_Omo Zone, and was carried out by what it described as “unidentified pastoralist bandits.” The victims were reportedly targeted while traveling in the area, with robbery cited as the motive.
Condemning the incident as a “barbaric” act, the regional government said the attack claimed the lives of “three innocent people” and confirmed that a large-scale law enforcement operation has been launched,....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02wopfECDbKYzBSrQDhdeJbwc2Uu2UWUwicwDRj2Yc7SADjpudNvwDRrmcWPSYuKKgl
A leading figure in Turkey’s natural stone and mining industry was among two Turkish tourists and an Ethiopian driver killed in an armed attack in #South_West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, regional authorities said.
In a statement released by the Regional Communication Bureau, the regional government said the attack occurred on 12 January 2026 at around 8:00 a.m. in #Suri Woreda, #West_Omo Zone, and was carried out by what it described as “unidentified pastoralist bandits.” The victims were reportedly targeted while traveling in the area, with robbery cited as the motive.
Condemning the incident as a “barbaric” act, the regional government said the attack claimed the lives of “three innocent people” and confirmed that a large-scale law enforcement operation has been launched,....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02wopfECDbKYzBSrQDhdeJbwc2Uu2UWUwicwDRj2Yc7SADjpudNvwDRrmcWPSYuKKgl
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News: #Ethiopia, #Japan discuss investment and WTO accession as UN confirms $10.5m Japanese support for aid and development
Ethiopian officials held a series of high-level talks with a Japanese public-private delegation on investment, trade, and World Trade Organization (#WTO) accession, as the United Nations confirmed a $10.5 million contribution from Japan to support humanitarian and development programs in Ethiopia.
The Japanese delegation, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu (PhD), is currently on an official visit to Ethiopia and has held discussions with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, according to government statements.
During talks with Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Ethiopian officials briefed the delegation—comprising representatives of about 40 Japanese...
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Ethiopian officials held a series of high-level talks with a Japanese public-private delegation on investment, trade, and World Trade Organization (#WTO) accession, as the United Nations confirmed a $10.5 million contribution from Japan to support humanitarian and development programs in Ethiopia.
The Japanese delegation, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu (PhD), is currently on an official visit to Ethiopia and has held discussions with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, according to government statements.
During talks with Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Ethiopian officials briefed the delegation—comprising representatives of about 40 Japanese...
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#Ethiopia, World Bank sign $250 million deal to boost urban livelihoods and youth employment
Ethiopia and the #World_Bank have signed an additional $250 million financing agreement to support the Urban Productive Safety Net and Jobs Project, the Ministry of Finance announced on 14 January 2026.
The funding aims to improve incomes for urban poor households and enhance labor market inclusion for youth and women, the ministry said. Key initiatives under the project include labor-intensive public work opportunities, livelihood grants for vulnerable urban households, and youth employment programs aligned with the national job creation plan. The project will also extend support to refugees and host communities in selected areas.
In addition, the project seeks to strengthen social assistance systems through targeted cash transfers & reintegration services, supporting both social & economic...
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Ethiopia and the #World_Bank have signed an additional $250 million financing agreement to support the Urban Productive Safety Net and Jobs Project, the Ministry of Finance announced on 14 January 2026.
The funding aims to improve incomes for urban poor households and enhance labor market inclusion for youth and women, the ministry said. Key initiatives under the project include labor-intensive public work opportunities, livelihood grants for vulnerable urban households, and youth employment programs aligned with the national job creation plan. The project will also extend support to refugees and host communities in selected areas.
In addition, the project seeks to strengthen social assistance systems through targeted cash transfers & reintegration services, supporting both social & economic...
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#Commentary: Politics of Performance: #Ethiopia’s education crisis, PM Abiy’s ‘intellectual’ puzzle
In this commentary, Seife Tadelle analyzes Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s lecture delivered on 02 January 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University (#AAU). While acknowledging its “ambitious scope and engaging tone,” he argues that “Who Is an Intellectual?” exposed “a notable methodological limitation.”
Seife notes, “Over the hour-long presentation, no sources, theoretical frameworks, or empirical references were cited,” a gap that weakens its academic credibility, “particularly within a university setting where scholarly rigor is foundational.”
More troubling, the author contends, was the marginalization of Ethiopia’s own intellectual heritage. “The omission of figures such as Zera Yacob, Gebrehiwot Baykedagn, Saint Yared, and Kebede Mikael risks erasing historical continuity,” thereby weakening the cumulative nature of scholarship.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54522
In this commentary, Seife Tadelle analyzes Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s lecture delivered on 02 January 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University (#AAU). While acknowledging its “ambitious scope and engaging tone,” he argues that “Who Is an Intellectual?” exposed “a notable methodological limitation.”
Seife notes, “Over the hour-long presentation, no sources, theoretical frameworks, or empirical references were cited,” a gap that weakens its academic credibility, “particularly within a university setting where scholarly rigor is foundational.”
More troubling, the author contends, was the marginalization of Ethiopia’s own intellectual heritage. “The omission of figures such as Zera Yacob, Gebrehiwot Baykedagn, Saint Yared, and Kebede Mikael risks erasing historical continuity,” thereby weakening the cumulative nature of scholarship.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54522
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News: #Cairo expands military presence in #Somalia over fears breakaway Somaliland could enable #Israeli-#Ethiopian axis – The national
#Egypt has broadened its military mission in Somalia, prioritizing the protection of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government amid concerns that the breakaway region of #Somaliland could facilitate an Israeli-Ethiopian axis in the Horn of Africa, Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National, citing its sources, reported.
The report said Cairo’s expansion reflects fears that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month may give it a strategic foothold, potentially allowing coordination with Ethiopia, with which Egypt has long-standing disputes over #Nile waters.
While some analysts downplay the risk of escalation, sources told The National that Egypt views Israeli and Ethiopian engagement in the Horn of Africa as a serious national security threat, particularly regarding the Nile and strategic maritime routes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54540
#Egypt has broadened its military mission in Somalia, prioritizing the protection of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government amid concerns that the breakaway region of #Somaliland could facilitate an Israeli-Ethiopian axis in the Horn of Africa, Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National, citing its sources, reported.
The report said Cairo’s expansion reflects fears that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month may give it a strategic foothold, potentially allowing coordination with Ethiopia, with which Egypt has long-standing disputes over #Nile waters.
While some analysts downplay the risk of escalation, sources told The National that Egypt views Israeli and Ethiopian engagement in the Horn of Africa as a serious national security threat, particularly regarding the Nile and strategic maritime routes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54540
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News: #US House extends #AGOA for three years, #Ethiopia’s potential inclusion still unclear
The United States House of Representatives has approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (#AGOA), keeping the program in place until 31 December 2028, though Ethiopia’s potential participation remains uncertain.
The extension, enacted through H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act, aims to provide stability for U.S. companies sourcing products from sub-Saharan #Africa and gives Congress time to consider long-term reforms for the trade program.
According to the statement, AGOA has the most stringent eligibility criteria of any preference program, requiring annual reviews to ensure countries meet standards related to rule of law, political pluralism, anti-corruption, intellectual property, human rights, and market access, while also safeguarding U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s bid to rejoin AGOA...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54546
The United States House of Representatives has approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (#AGOA), keeping the program in place until 31 December 2028, though Ethiopia’s potential participation remains uncertain.
The extension, enacted through H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act, aims to provide stability for U.S. companies sourcing products from sub-Saharan #Africa and gives Congress time to consider long-term reforms for the trade program.
According to the statement, AGOA has the most stringent eligibility criteria of any preference program, requiring annual reviews to ensure countries meet standards related to rule of law, political pluralism, anti-corruption, intellectual property, human rights, and market access, while also safeguarding U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s bid to rejoin AGOA...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54546
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News: #Sudanese army says RSF vehicles destroyed in Blue Nile Region near #Ethiopian border
Mekelle - The Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) said on Monday that their troops had destroyed several Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) vehicles in the #Blue_Nile sector, a region neighboring Ethiopia, during military operations carried out over the past 72 hours, as fighting continues across multiple fronts in the country.
In a statement issued by the SAF General Command, the army said four military vehicles belonging to the RSF were destroyed in the Blue Nile area, with dozens of RSF fighters killed or wounded during the operations.
The sector lies along Sudan’s southeastern corridor, near the Ethiopian border.
According to the SAF, operations in the Kordofan sector resulted in the destruction of 56 military vehicles and significant casualties among RSF fighters, while a further 47 vehicles were destroyed in the Darfur sector.....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54548
Mekelle - The Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) said on Monday that their troops had destroyed several Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) vehicles in the #Blue_Nile sector, a region neighboring Ethiopia, during military operations carried out over the past 72 hours, as fighting continues across multiple fronts in the country.
In a statement issued by the SAF General Command, the army said four military vehicles belonging to the RSF were destroyed in the Blue Nile area, with dozens of RSF fighters killed or wounded during the operations.
The sector lies along Sudan’s southeastern corridor, near the Ethiopian border.
According to the SAF, operations in the Kordofan sector resulted in the destruction of 56 military vehicles and significant casualties among RSF fighters, while a further 47 vehicles were destroyed in the Darfur sector.....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54548
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News: #Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs and Water Ministers visit #Juba amid intensified regional diplomacy
Days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to #Djibouti and the unannounced trip of Ethiopia’s intelligence chief to #Mogadishu, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (Phd), accompanied by Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa Geleta (Phd) and senior officials, arrived in Juba for high-level talks with South Sudanese counterparts on regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
According to statements from the foreign ministries of both countries, the Ethiopian delegation met on 13 January 2026 with Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting was also attended by James Mawich Makuach, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, alongside senior officials from both sides.....
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Days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to #Djibouti and the unannounced trip of Ethiopia’s intelligence chief to #Mogadishu, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (Phd), accompanied by Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa Geleta (Phd) and senior officials, arrived in Juba for high-level talks with South Sudanese counterparts on regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
According to statements from the foreign ministries of both countries, the Ethiopian delegation met on 13 January 2026 with Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting was also attended by James Mawich Makuach, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, alongside senior officials from both sides.....
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#Ethiopia, #Eritrea, #Somalia, #Sudan, and South Sudan among 75 countries affected by US visa processing freeze
The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, as part of a move by the State Department to reassess screening and vetting procedures, according to an internal memo.
The internal State Department memo, first reported by Fox News, instructs US consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department conducts a review aimed at cracking down on applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.”According to the memo, the pause will take effect on 21 January and will continue indefinitely until the reassessment of immigrant visa processing is completed.
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The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, as part of a move by the State Department to reassess screening and vetting procedures, according to an internal memo.
The internal State Department memo, first reported by Fox News, instructs US consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department conducts a review aimed at cracking down on applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.”According to the memo, the pause will take effect on 21 January and will continue indefinitely until the reassessment of immigrant visa processing is completed.
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