News: Family of detained #Tigrayan General demands disclosure of whereabouts, access to counsel, as court grants prosecutors more time
The family of Brigadier General #Guesh Gebre, former commander of #Army 15 of the Tigrayan forces, has demanded that authorities disclose his place of detention and allow him access to legal counsel and family members, saying he has been denied his constitutional rights since his arrest.
The demand follows the Tigray Bureau of #Peace and #Security’s announcement of the arrest of the senior commander, which it said was part of efforts to enforce discipline, accountability, and the rule of law within the Tigrayan forces.
In a statement issued 17 January 2026, the bureau said no individual is above the law and that internal reforms are under way to safeguard the army’s unity and operational readiness.
It accused some military leaders of violating regulations, undermining internal cohesion, obstructing training and ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54664
The family of Brigadier General #Guesh Gebre, former commander of #Army 15 of the Tigrayan forces, has demanded that authorities disclose his place of detention and allow him access to legal counsel and family members, saying he has been denied his constitutional rights since his arrest.
The demand follows the Tigray Bureau of #Peace and #Security’s announcement of the arrest of the senior commander, which it said was part of efforts to enforce discipline, accountability, and the rule of law within the Tigrayan forces.
In a statement issued 17 January 2026, the bureau said no individual is above the law and that internal reforms are under way to safeguard the army’s unity and operational readiness.
It accused some military leaders of violating regulations, undermining internal cohesion, obstructing training and ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54664
❤1
#ICC finds evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in #Sudan’s El Fasher
The International Criminal Court (ICC)’s assessment of the situation in Sudan shows evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
The report covering the period between July and December last year says that the same crimes were also committed in October last year, when the city was under siege.
“Following the takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on and around October 26 and 27, 2025, the Office has received and analysed numerous reports of allegations of the commission of systematic and widespread crimes. These reports have included the submission to the Office of a number of graphic videos and images depicting a similar pattern of crimes previously seen being allegedly committed by the RSF in other areas of Darfur, including detention, mistreatment, and killings of persons from non-Arab tribes,” the report that was tabled before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday states.
It adds that further analysis indicates acts of celebrating direct executions of persons of non-Arab ethnicity and the desecration of their bodies afterwards.
“In addition, information reviewed, as provided by partner organisations and open-source collections, corroborates this reality. This includes satellite imagery indicating mass killing events and attempts to conceal crimes through the establishment of mass graves,” says the document.
While briefing the UNSC on the ICC’s activities related to the situation in Darfur, ICC’s Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said the atrocities are used as a deliberate tool to assert control over the civilian population.
https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/sudan/275131/icc-finds-evidence-of-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-in-sudans-el-fasher?amp=1
The International Criminal Court (ICC)’s assessment of the situation in Sudan shows evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
The report covering the period between July and December last year says that the same crimes were also committed in October last year, when the city was under siege.
“Following the takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on and around October 26 and 27, 2025, the Office has received and analysed numerous reports of allegations of the commission of systematic and widespread crimes. These reports have included the submission to the Office of a number of graphic videos and images depicting a similar pattern of crimes previously seen being allegedly committed by the RSF in other areas of Darfur, including detention, mistreatment, and killings of persons from non-Arab tribes,” the report that was tabled before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday states.
It adds that further analysis indicates acts of celebrating direct executions of persons of non-Arab ethnicity and the desecration of their bodies afterwards.
“In addition, information reviewed, as provided by partner organisations and open-source collections, corroborates this reality. This includes satellite imagery indicating mass killing events and attempts to conceal crimes through the establishment of mass graves,” says the document.
While briefing the UNSC on the ICC’s activities related to the situation in Darfur, ICC’s Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said the atrocities are used as a deliberate tool to assert control over the civilian population.
https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/sudan/275131/icc-finds-evidence-of-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-in-sudans-el-fasher?amp=1
The Eastleigh Voice News
ICC finds evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s El Fasher
While briefing the UNSC on the ICC’s activities related to the situation in Darfur, ICC’s Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said the atrocities are used as...
❤3
#Op_ed: Map Catches Up to Reality: Why #Israel chose #Somaliland’s sovereignty over #Somalia’s dependency
In his op-ed, Hamse A. Khaire argues Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a shift from diplomatic convention to geopolitical realism, exposing the paradox: “Somalia enjoys recognition without sovereignty, while Somaliland exercises sovereignty without recognition.”
He explains that while Somalia has become a #Turkish client state, where sovereignty is hollow “when a foreign power controls your air and sea gateways,” Somaliland has governed independently since 1991, maintaining security, institutions, and elections.
Khaire emphasizes that Somaliland represents everything Somalia is not: “functioning institutions, genuine security, and independence from Turkish tutelage.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54646
In his op-ed, Hamse A. Khaire argues Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a shift from diplomatic convention to geopolitical realism, exposing the paradox: “Somalia enjoys recognition without sovereignty, while Somaliland exercises sovereignty without recognition.”
He explains that while Somalia has become a #Turkish client state, where sovereignty is hollow “when a foreign power controls your air and sea gateways,” Somaliland has governed independently since 1991, maintaining security, institutions, and elections.
Khaire emphasizes that Somaliland represents everything Somalia is not: “functioning institutions, genuine security, and independence from Turkish tutelage.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54646
❤2
News: #Somalia, #South_Africa discuss security, regional stability
Somali President #Hassan_Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril #Ramaphosa, during which the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation on peace and security, trade and investment, and regional stability.
According to Somalia’s state news agency SONNA, the talks also covered key regional and continental developments, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to #African solidarity and shared prosperity.
Recently reports indicate that Somalia intensifies diplomatic relations with different countries. Yesterday SONNA reported.that Somalia has signed a defence cooperation agreement with #Qatar, days after formally terminating all existing security and defence arrangements with the United Arab Emirates (#UAE).
The agreement was...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0APngK9nL83rpkiaz2ADgk3Fhm1cZKE3Utxx6mMTkWx8RgG7w4yTYz191C3C5g6uAl
Somali President #Hassan_Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril #Ramaphosa, during which the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation on peace and security, trade and investment, and regional stability.
According to Somalia’s state news agency SONNA, the talks also covered key regional and continental developments, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to #African solidarity and shared prosperity.
Recently reports indicate that Somalia intensifies diplomatic relations with different countries. Yesterday SONNA reported.that Somalia has signed a defence cooperation agreement with #Qatar, days after formally terminating all existing security and defence arrangements with the United Arab Emirates (#UAE).
The agreement was...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0APngK9nL83rpkiaz2ADgk3Fhm1cZKE3Utxx6mMTkWx8RgG7w4yTYz191C3C5g6uAl
❤1
News: #Ethiopian Airlines confirms the purchase of nine #Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, partners with Bridgestone on airport safety
Ethiopian Airlines Group has confirmed the purchase of nine Boeing 787-9 #Dreamliner aircraft while launching a collaboration with #Bridgestone Corporation to enhance airport safety at Addis Ababa #Bole International Airport.
The airline said the newly ordered Boeing 787-9 jets, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2033, will support network expansion and strengthen international connectivity. This order follows
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO #Mesfin_Tasew said the order demonstrates the carrier’s strategy to modernize its fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft while improving customer service.
Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, #Anbessie_Yitbarek, described the 787 Dreamliner family as a “game-changer” for connecting Africa with global markets.
In parallel with its fleet expansion,...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54671
Ethiopian Airlines Group has confirmed the purchase of nine Boeing 787-9 #Dreamliner aircraft while launching a collaboration with #Bridgestone Corporation to enhance airport safety at Addis Ababa #Bole International Airport.
The airline said the newly ordered Boeing 787-9 jets, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2033, will support network expansion and strengthen international connectivity. This order follows
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO #Mesfin_Tasew said the order demonstrates the carrier’s strategy to modernize its fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft while improving customer service.
Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, #Anbessie_Yitbarek, described the 787 Dreamliner family as a “game-changer” for connecting Africa with global markets.
In parallel with its fleet expansion,...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54671
❤1
News: #CBE launches digital wallet for inward foreign currency transfers
The Commercial Bank of #Ethiopia (CBE), in partnership with local company StarPay Financial Services, has launched a digital wallet application, “CBE Connect,” to facilitate the transfer of foreign currency into the country.
Ephrem Mekuria, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, attended the launch ceremony yesterday, alongside ambassadors and senior bank officials.
Ephrem encouraged customers to use legal channels instead of informal foreign exchange markets during his speech at the event. He added that CBE Connect allows users to send money easily using international payment cards such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as through licensed foreign remittance agents.
The bank noted that the digital wallet aims to support international customers, boost foreign currency inflows, and provide the Ethiopian diaspora with a simple, cost-free platform to send and receive remittances.
The Commercial Bank of #Ethiopia (CBE), in partnership with local company StarPay Financial Services, has launched a digital wallet application, “CBE Connect,” to facilitate the transfer of foreign currency into the country.
Ephrem Mekuria, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, attended the launch ceremony yesterday, alongside ambassadors and senior bank officials.
Ephrem encouraged customers to use legal channels instead of informal foreign exchange markets during his speech at the event. He added that CBE Connect allows users to send money easily using international payment cards such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as through licensed foreign remittance agents.
The bank noted that the digital wallet aims to support international customers, boost foreign currency inflows, and provide the Ethiopian diaspora with a simple, cost-free platform to send and receive remittances.
❤5
#Op_ed: Silence of Scholars, Absence of Intellectual Freedom: Hypocrisy, moral vacuum in PM Abiy’s #AAU lecture
A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a lecture titled “Who Is an Intellectual?” at Addis Ababa University’s 75th anniversary. Jawar Mohammed argues the lecture must be assessed against #Ethiopia’s stark realities: “seven years of devastating conflict, eroded academic freedom, and a public discourse reshaped by war.”
He notes that “Intellectual life has been increasingly subordinated to the imperatives of conflict,” with dissenting scholars facing harassment, exile, or silence, while regime-aligned voices dominate media, framing war as “purification” or “historical destiny.”
The author emphasizes that “Absent a candid reckoning with the damage inflicted by years of conflict, appeals to intellectual responsibility, however eloquent, will remain symbolically significant yet substantively inadequate.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54676
A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a lecture titled “Who Is an Intellectual?” at Addis Ababa University’s 75th anniversary. Jawar Mohammed argues the lecture must be assessed against #Ethiopia’s stark realities: “seven years of devastating conflict, eroded academic freedom, and a public discourse reshaped by war.”
He notes that “Intellectual life has been increasingly subordinated to the imperatives of conflict,” with dissenting scholars facing harassment, exile, or silence, while regime-aligned voices dominate media, framing war as “purification” or “historical destiny.”
The author emphasizes that “Absent a candid reckoning with the damage inflicted by years of conflict, appeals to intellectual responsibility, however eloquent, will remain symbolically significant yet substantively inadequate.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54676
❤4👎1🥴1😭1
News: #Ethiopian Army kills around 40 allies in #Amhara drone strike
Ethiopian forces killed approximately 40 fighters on their own side in a drone strike in the insurgency-hit Amhara region on 15 January, a nurse and a local official told AFP on Tuesday.
Amhara, Ethiopia’s second most populous region with about 23 million residents, has been gripped by an insurgency since April 2023, after the federal government attempted to disarm the local ethnic militia, #Fano.
The army regularly carries out drone strikes, but the attack on 15 January in #Waghemira hit a pro-government camp, the local official told AFP by phone on condition of anonymity. He said army officials later admitted it had been a “mistake,” although the drone had reportedly been hovering over the camp for some time before the strike.
“I immediately saw smoke and fire… I rushed to the scene… I saw body parts of the dead as well as the injured agonising in pain,” the official said, adding that....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54674
Ethiopian forces killed approximately 40 fighters on their own side in a drone strike in the insurgency-hit Amhara region on 15 January, a nurse and a local official told AFP on Tuesday.
Amhara, Ethiopia’s second most populous region with about 23 million residents, has been gripped by an insurgency since April 2023, after the federal government attempted to disarm the local ethnic militia, #Fano.
The army regularly carries out drone strikes, but the attack on 15 January in #Waghemira hit a pro-government camp, the local official told AFP by phone on condition of anonymity. He said army officials later admitted it had been a “mistake,” although the drone had reportedly been hovering over the camp for some time before the strike.
“I immediately saw smoke and fire… I rushed to the scene… I saw body parts of the dead as well as the injured agonising in pain,” the official said, adding that....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54674
❤2
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Days after letter to #Egypt’s President El-Sisi, #Trump vows to resolve 'GERD dispute'
Speaking at a #White_House press briefing yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had intervened to avert a potential conflict between #Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), claiming the two countries “were going to fight over a dam.”
Trump described GERD as “the biggest dam in the world,” alleged it restricts Nile water flow to Egypt, and reiterated his claim that the United States financed the project.
In July, the GERD Coordination Project Office rejected the claim, with Deputy CEO Fikrte Tamiru saying the dam was built through public and government support, without “a single cent” from foreign loans or aid, and calling it the product of Ethiopians’ “sweat, labor, and even blood.”
Trump said the issue remains unresolved.
Watch
Speaking at a #White_House press briefing yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had intervened to avert a potential conflict between #Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), claiming the two countries “were going to fight over a dam.”
Trump described GERD as “the biggest dam in the world,” alleged it restricts Nile water flow to Egypt, and reiterated his claim that the United States financed the project.
In July, the GERD Coordination Project Office rejected the claim, with Deputy CEO Fikrte Tamiru saying the dam was built through public and government support, without “a single cent” from foreign loans or aid, and calling it the product of Ethiopians’ “sweat, labor, and even blood.”
Trump said the issue remains unresolved.
Watch
❤4
News: Report tracks #UAE-linked cargo flights to #Ethiopian military base amid regional power struggle
A cargo aircraft previously linked to the supply of weapons to armed groups in #Sudan has conducted multiple flights to Ethiopia in recent weeks, according to an exclusive investigation by the UK-based outlet Middle East Eye (MEE), raising questions about Ethiopia’s role in intensifying regional rivalries tied to the war in Sudan.
MEE reported that an Antonov An-124 cargo plane operated by UAE-based Maximus Air, and allegedly linked to Emirati military logistics, made repeated flights between #Abu_Dhabi and #Harar_Meda airbase, the main base of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by the outlet shows at least four trips to Harar Meda between 3 and 17 January, including one flight that later continued to Addis Abeba’s #Bole International Airport before departing for #Europe and #Asia.
While the purpose of the flights remains unclear...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54681
A cargo aircraft previously linked to the supply of weapons to armed groups in #Sudan has conducted multiple flights to Ethiopia in recent weeks, according to an exclusive investigation by the UK-based outlet Middle East Eye (MEE), raising questions about Ethiopia’s role in intensifying regional rivalries tied to the war in Sudan.
MEE reported that an Antonov An-124 cargo plane operated by UAE-based Maximus Air, and allegedly linked to Emirati military logistics, made repeated flights between #Abu_Dhabi and #Harar_Meda airbase, the main base of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by the outlet shows at least four trips to Harar Meda between 3 and 17 January, including one flight that later continued to Addis Abeba’s #Bole International Airport before departing for #Europe and #Asia.
While the purpose of the flights remains unclear...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54681
❤4👎1
#Sudan army studying new #US-#Saudi truce proposal: govt source
Sudan's army has received and is considering a new proposal from the United States and Saudi Arabia for a truce with its rival paramilitary, a government source told AFP on Wednesday.
The Security and Defence Council -- a high-level body that includes officials from the army and the allied government -- "is holding a meeting today to discuss the US-Saudi initiative for a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire", the source said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media.
Since April 2023, the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left tens of thousands dead and around 11 million displaced.
Truce efforts have repeatedly failed to produce a sustained ceasefire.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17xztwYyKa/
Sudan's army has received and is considering a new proposal from the United States and Saudi Arabia for a truce with its rival paramilitary, a government source told AFP on Wednesday.
The Security and Defence Council -- a high-level body that includes officials from the army and the allied government -- "is holding a meeting today to discuss the US-Saudi initiative for a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire", the source said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media.
Since April 2023, the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left tens of thousands dead and around 11 million displaced.
Truce efforts have repeatedly failed to produce a sustained ceasefire.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17xztwYyKa/
❤2
#Opinion: The #Somaliland Paradox: Why the world can no longer afford to ignore #Africa’s most successful state
For over three decades, Somaliland has met every criterion of statehood—defined borders, functioning institutions, a civically engaged population, and foreign relations—yet remained largely unrecognized. Adam Daud Ahmed argues this reflects an international system where “strategic inertia, rigid diplomatic conventions, and the sensitivities of authoritarian regimes” outweigh effective governance.
He explains that, legally, Somaliland is not a secessionist entity but a previously independent state reasserting sovereignty suspended in 1960. After #Somalia’s 1991 collapse, it restored independence through local reconciliation, a hybrid political system, and peaceful elections.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54685
For over three decades, Somaliland has met every criterion of statehood—defined borders, functioning institutions, a civically engaged population, and foreign relations—yet remained largely unrecognized. Adam Daud Ahmed argues this reflects an international system where “strategic inertia, rigid diplomatic conventions, and the sensitivities of authoritarian regimes” outweigh effective governance.
He explains that, legally, Somaliland is not a secessionist entity but a previously independent state reasserting sovereignty suspended in 1960. After #Somalia’s 1991 collapse, it restored independence through local reconciliation, a hybrid political system, and peaceful elections.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54685
❤3
#Ethiopian charged with #sexual assault of staff member at #migrant hotel
An Ethiopian man has been charged with the sexual assault of a staff member at a hotel used to house asylum seekers.
Melaku Gebresembet, 23, allegedly groped the hotel worker on her left breast “out of nowhere”.
Gebresembet, who was placed at the hotel by the Home Office, appeared before Southampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with sexual assault and was remanded in custody.
The alleged sex attack happened at the Highfield House Hotel in Southampton, Hants..
The court heard he had been touching staff inappropriately by touching their faces for a week before the “escalation”.
Prosecutor Graham Heath told the court: “The defendant is a resident at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton. That appears to be a placement by the Home Office.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/21/ethiopian-charged-sexual-assault-staff-member-migrant-hotel/
An Ethiopian man has been charged with the sexual assault of a staff member at a hotel used to house asylum seekers.
Melaku Gebresembet, 23, allegedly groped the hotel worker on her left breast “out of nowhere”.
Gebresembet, who was placed at the hotel by the Home Office, appeared before Southampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with sexual assault and was remanded in custody.
The alleged sex attack happened at the Highfield House Hotel in Southampton, Hants..
The court heard he had been touching staff inappropriately by touching their faces for a week before the “escalation”.
Prosecutor Graham Heath told the court: “The defendant is a resident at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton. That appears to be a placement by the Home Office.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/21/ethiopian-charged-sexual-assault-staff-member-migrant-hotel/
❤3
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Trump says he will try to bring #Egyptian, #Ethiopian leaders together over GERD
US President Donald Trump said he would try to bring the leaders of Egypt and Ethiopia together to revive negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing the project as a “dangerous issue.”
Speaking during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump described the GERD as one of the largest dams in the world and claimed it “basically blocks the Nile River.” He said negotiations were close to a deal toward the end of his previous term but stalled afterward.
Trump said he would try to put talks “back on track,” adding that both countries have “strong leaders” and expressing confidence that a deal could be reached.
US President Donald Trump said he would try to bring the leaders of Egypt and Ethiopia together to revive negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing the project as a “dangerous issue.”
Speaking during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump described the GERD as one of the largest dams in the world and claimed it “basically blocks the Nile River.” He said negotiations were close to a deal toward the end of his previous term but stalled afterward.
Trump said he would try to put talks “back on track,” adding that both countries have “strong leaders” and expressing confidence that a deal could be reached.
❤3👎3
Family disputes reports of #court appearance as detained #General seen after four days
Four days after his arrest, the family of Brigadier General Guesh Gebre say they were allowed a brief visit with the detained commander but rejected reports that he had been brought before a court, stating that he has neither appeared before a judge nor consulted a lawyer since his detention.
Speaking to Addis Standard on Wednesday, the general’s brother, Yibrah Gebre, said Guesh told family members that he had not been formally presented to a court. “Two individuals came to the detention facility, introduced themselves as a judge and a prosecutor, and then left,” Yibrah said, adding that no court hearing took place.
https://addisstandard.com/family-disputes-reports-of-court-appearance-as-detained-general-seen-after-four-days/?amp=1
Four days after his arrest, the family of Brigadier General Guesh Gebre say they were allowed a brief visit with the detained commander but rejected reports that he had been brought before a court, stating that he has neither appeared before a judge nor consulted a lawyer since his detention.
Speaking to Addis Standard on Wednesday, the general’s brother, Yibrah Gebre, said Guesh told family members that he had not been formally presented to a court. “Two individuals came to the detention facility, introduced themselves as a judge and a prosecutor, and then left,” Yibrah said, adding that no court hearing took place.
https://addisstandard.com/family-disputes-reports-of-court-appearance-as-detained-general-seen-after-four-days/?amp=1
❤2
#HRW urges #UN child rights body to press #Ethiopia to suspend Lega Dembi gold mine over #child health risks
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to urge Ethiopia to suspend operations at the Lega Dembi gold mine in Oromia, citing long-standing pollution and serious health impacts on children living nearby.
In a statement ahead of the committee’s upcoming review of Ethiopia’s child rights record, HRW said communities around the country’s largest gold mine have for years reported grave health problems, including children born with long-term conditions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Several studies have found elevated levels of toxic substances, including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, linked to the mine.
The Ethiopian government suspended Lega Dembi between 2018 and 2021 following public protests over pollution and pledged to reopen it only after environmental concerns were addressed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54692
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to urge Ethiopia to suspend operations at the Lega Dembi gold mine in Oromia, citing long-standing pollution and serious health impacts on children living nearby.
In a statement ahead of the committee’s upcoming review of Ethiopia’s child rights record, HRW said communities around the country’s largest gold mine have for years reported grave health problems, including children born with long-term conditions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Several studies have found elevated levels of toxic substances, including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, linked to the mine.
The Ethiopian government suspended Lega Dembi between 2018 and 2021 following public protests over pollution and pledged to reopen it only after environmental concerns were addressed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54692
❤4👎1
#Opinion: From Allies to Adversaries: How #Saudi-#UAE rivalry reshapes Horn of Africa, opens window for #Tigray’s consolidation
In early 2026, #Saudi_Arabia accused the UAE of undermining its national security, signaling a growing Gulf rivalry. Desta Gebremedhin argues that Riyadh’s assertive pushback, especially in Yemen, marks the end of Abu Dhabi’s unchallenged influence in the Horn of #Africa.
He notes that while the UAE remains a key player, it “can no longer attempt to unilaterally determine the fates of political actors.” This stasis gives Tigray “a rare transient window” to “reassess failures and build a unified political platform.”
Gebremedhin cautions that “a stalled #Ethiopia-#Eritrea conflict” could shift federal focus to “domestic dissident actors,” urging Tigray to establish “collective strategic leadership” to protect its long-term interests.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54694
In early 2026, #Saudi_Arabia accused the UAE of undermining its national security, signaling a growing Gulf rivalry. Desta Gebremedhin argues that Riyadh’s assertive pushback, especially in Yemen, marks the end of Abu Dhabi’s unchallenged influence in the Horn of #Africa.
He notes that while the UAE remains a key player, it “can no longer attempt to unilaterally determine the fates of political actors.” This stasis gives Tigray “a rare transient window” to “reassess failures and build a unified political platform.”
Gebremedhin cautions that “a stalled #Ethiopia-#Eritrea conflict” could shift federal focus to “domestic dissident actors,” urging Tigray to establish “collective strategic leadership” to protect its long-term interests.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54694
❤3
News: Horn of Africa #elections in 2026 to test stability, credibility
Several countries in the Horn of Africa, including #Ethiopia, #Djibouti, #South_Sudan, and #Somaliland, are expected to hold key elections in 2026, with outcomes likely to shape domestic politics and regional dynamics, according to a report by Deutsche Welle (DW).
In Ethiopia, national elections are scheduled for 1 June 2026, marking the first polls since the end of the war in Tigray in late 2022. DW notes that the vote will take place in a fragile political and security environment, with ongoing conflict and tensions in parts of Amhara & Oromia regions raising concerns over whether the elections can be inclusive and credible.
Djibouti is expected to hold presidential elections by April 2026, with incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, 78, seeking a sixth term in office. According to DW, little political change....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0UNkBXs97tfJJgS6XoNJfU9TT6rF8DAjg3j8tspJuCFpsYRUsLpctTBWUpVpv2wQTl
Several countries in the Horn of Africa, including #Ethiopia, #Djibouti, #South_Sudan, and #Somaliland, are expected to hold key elections in 2026, with outcomes likely to shape domestic politics and regional dynamics, according to a report by Deutsche Welle (DW).
In Ethiopia, national elections are scheduled for 1 June 2026, marking the first polls since the end of the war in Tigray in late 2022. DW notes that the vote will take place in a fragile political and security environment, with ongoing conflict and tensions in parts of Amhara & Oromia regions raising concerns over whether the elections can be inclusive and credible.
Djibouti is expected to hold presidential elections by April 2026, with incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, 78, seeking a sixth term in office. According to DW, little political change....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0UNkBXs97tfJJgS6XoNJfU9TT6rF8DAjg3j8tspJuCFpsYRUsLpctTBWUpVpv2wQTl
❤1
News: #German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrives in #Ethiopia for bilateral talks
German Foreign Minister Johann #Wadephul arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday for talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations, Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed said.
In a social media post on 22 January 2026, Prime Minister Abiy said he welcomed Wadephul for “meaningful discussions on further strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and Germany.”
The visit follows Wadephul’s trip to #Kenya on 21 January, where he held talks focused on trade, investment, and regional issues. According to the Kenya News Agency, Germany reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Africa during the visit, recognizing Kenya’s role in regional mediation and global security efforts.
Speaking in #Nairobi, Foreign Minister Wadephul commended Kenya’s contributions to peace initiatives in #Sudan #South_Sudan...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0644RpUQ1ujvNhh5mcpfPM4QSrYdTfZ5SqsXujXEroYc4ByBq8fJLLTZsTHvF67R3l
German Foreign Minister Johann #Wadephul arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday for talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations, Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed said.
In a social media post on 22 January 2026, Prime Minister Abiy said he welcomed Wadephul for “meaningful discussions on further strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and Germany.”
The visit follows Wadephul’s trip to #Kenya on 21 January, where he held talks focused on trade, investment, and regional issues. According to the Kenya News Agency, Germany reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Africa during the visit, recognizing Kenya’s role in regional mediation and global security efforts.
Speaking in #Nairobi, Foreign Minister Wadephul commended Kenya’s contributions to peace initiatives in #Sudan #South_Sudan...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0644RpUQ1ujvNhh5mcpfPM4QSrYdTfZ5SqsXujXEroYc4ByBq8fJLLTZsTHvF67R3l
❤2