News: #Irish Minister begins official visit to #Ethiopia, Uganda to strengthen development and trade ties
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has begun a visit to Ethiopia and #Uganda aimed at strengthening development partnerships, supporting poverty reduction programmes, and expanding economic cooperation across East Africa.
According to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, Minister Richmond’s visit, starting on Monday, 16 February, will include meetings with senior government officials and visits to communities supported by Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme.
His engagements in Ethiopia will highlight Ireland’s contributions to health, gender equality, and services for survivors of sexual and gender based violence.
A key focus will be on projects in the Ethiopian Somali Region, ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0kBaWyFtY6iG2vxeVuSf8ezbizugavzyDr5dV2KLnRQpCKQj4ie2RZg2BKP3UvjC9l
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has begun a visit to Ethiopia and #Uganda aimed at strengthening development partnerships, supporting poverty reduction programmes, and expanding economic cooperation across East Africa.
According to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, Minister Richmond’s visit, starting on Monday, 16 February, will include meetings with senior government officials and visits to communities supported by Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme.
His engagements in Ethiopia will highlight Ireland’s contributions to health, gender equality, and services for survivors of sexual and gender based violence.
A key focus will be on projects in the Ethiopian Somali Region, ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0kBaWyFtY6iG2vxeVuSf8ezbizugavzyDr5dV2KLnRQpCKQj4ie2RZg2BKP3UvjC9l
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News: #UN reports Over 6,000 killed in #Sudan’s El Fasher in three days as RSF took control
At least 6,000 civilians were killed in just three days during an assault on the #Darfur city of #El_Fasher, according to a new report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR).
The report describes a wave of violence that has shocked human rights monitors, highlighting the scale of atrocities committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and allied militias.
According to the report, the killings occurred between October 25 and 27, 2025, as RSF fighters and allied paramilitaries overran El Fasher. On October 26, the RSF, along with their allied Arab militias known as Janjaweed, seized control of el-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last remaining stronghold in Darfur, and launched a violent campaign across the city and its surrounding areas after enduring...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02rce3AMAVyevwjuMvSNrMmeUvRvqwS2SpH8NNMxkUz1sAonPfXdtmqpjpUvJpVtRhl
At least 6,000 civilians were killed in just three days during an assault on the #Darfur city of #El_Fasher, according to a new report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR).
The report describes a wave of violence that has shocked human rights monitors, highlighting the scale of atrocities committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and allied militias.
According to the report, the killings occurred between October 25 and 27, 2025, as RSF fighters and allied paramilitaries overran El Fasher. On October 26, the RSF, along with their allied Arab militias known as Janjaweed, seized control of el-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last remaining stronghold in Darfur, and launched a violent campaign across the city and its surrounding areas after enduring...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02rce3AMAVyevwjuMvSNrMmeUvRvqwS2SpH8NNMxkUz1sAonPfXdtmqpjpUvJpVtRhl
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News: #Ethiopia among fastest-growing global tourism destinations with 15% surge in arrivals, says #UN Tourism
Ethiopia recorded a 15% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025, emerging as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations globally, according to a report by the BBC citing the latest global tourism data and the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer.
The BBC attributed Ethiopia’s tourism rebound partly to improved stability following years of reduced travel linked to the conflict in the #Tigray region. The resumption of flights to northern destinations beginning in 2023 and renewed travel interest in 2024 helped lay the groundwork for recovery.
Ethiopia’s growth contributed to #Africa’s overall 8% increase in international arrivals, making the continent the fastest-growing region globally, according to the Barometer.
The report also noted that authorities & industry stakeholders have taken steps to rebuild traveler confidence, including...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55198
Ethiopia recorded a 15% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025, emerging as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations globally, according to a report by the BBC citing the latest global tourism data and the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer.
The BBC attributed Ethiopia’s tourism rebound partly to improved stability following years of reduced travel linked to the conflict in the #Tigray region. The resumption of flights to northern destinations beginning in 2023 and renewed travel interest in 2024 helped lay the groundwork for recovery.
Ethiopia’s growth contributed to #Africa’s overall 8% increase in international arrivals, making the continent the fastest-growing region globally, according to the Barometer.
The report also noted that authorities & industry stakeholders have taken steps to rebuild traveler confidence, including...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55198
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News: Former #Sudan PM Hamdok says Islamist factions major obstacle to ending war
Abdalla Hamdok, Former Sudanese Prime Minister and head of the Somoud civilian coalition, has said Islamist factions linked to Sudan’s former ruling party are among the main obstacles to ending the country’s nearly three-year civil war, according to a report by Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.
Speaking to the newspaper on the sidelines of the 39th African Union summit in #Addis_Abeba, Hamdok said Islamist groups and the National Congress Party (#NCP) — the political party of ousted president Omar Al Bashir — remains key actors resisting peace initiatives and efforts to reach a broader national consensus.
He also criticized Sudan’s army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah #Al_Burhan, for insisting on a military solution to defeat the rival Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). Al Burhan has publicly ruled out peace....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02qycixQfoRJLo5F9EWtxgsymfNbxMqUa9D4Qquz6X3DjfUBUFxig1b3xTGb3MzEHHl
Abdalla Hamdok, Former Sudanese Prime Minister and head of the Somoud civilian coalition, has said Islamist factions linked to Sudan’s former ruling party are among the main obstacles to ending the country’s nearly three-year civil war, according to a report by Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.
Speaking to the newspaper on the sidelines of the 39th African Union summit in #Addis_Abeba, Hamdok said Islamist groups and the National Congress Party (#NCP) — the political party of ousted president Omar Al Bashir — remains key actors resisting peace initiatives and efforts to reach a broader national consensus.
He also criticized Sudan’s army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah #Al_Burhan, for insisting on a military solution to defeat the rival Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). Al Burhan has publicly ruled out peace....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02qycixQfoRJLo5F9EWtxgsymfNbxMqUa9D4Qquz6X3DjfUBUFxig1b3xTGb3MzEHHl
News: Over 529,000 refugees return to #Sudan in two years, UN says
More than 529,000 refugees have returned to Sudan from neighbouring countries over the past two years, according to the International Organization for Migration (#IOM).
In a report released on Sunday, the agency said it had registered 529,661 people who crossed back into Sudan between January 2024 and December 2025.
Sudan has been gripped by conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the integration of the paramilitary group into the armed forces. The war has triggered what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands reported killed and around 13 million people displaced.
Approximately 4.5 million people fled to neighbouring countries during the conflict and are considered refugees, according to recent UN ....
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260216-over-529000-refugees-return-to-sudan-in-two-years-un-says/
More than 529,000 refugees have returned to Sudan from neighbouring countries over the past two years, according to the International Organization for Migration (#IOM).
In a report released on Sunday, the agency said it had registered 529,661 people who crossed back into Sudan between January 2024 and December 2025.
Sudan has been gripped by conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the integration of the paramilitary group into the armed forces. The war has triggered what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands reported killed and around 13 million people displaced.
Approximately 4.5 million people fled to neighbouring countries during the conflict and are considered refugees, according to recent UN ....
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260216-over-529000-refugees-return-to-sudan-in-two-years-un-says/
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#Commentary: National Security and National Interest in #Ethiopia: A performance-based assessment
This commentary examines a recent social media post by Getachew Reda, who contends that Jawar Mohammed conflates opposition to the Prime Minister with serious analysis of national interest. The author frames this exchange as symptomatic of a deeper structural crisis: in Ethiopia, "national security is treated as a political posture and strategic vocabulary," rather than "measurable protection of the state and the people."
The article emphasizes that "national security must be defined carefully and then tested through outcomes." When measured against these standards, the piece contends, Ethiopia faces significant gaps.
The author notes, "National security is not a slogan," underscoring that it must be judged by reduced conflict, the protection of civilians, and the preservation of strategic autonomy.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55207
This commentary examines a recent social media post by Getachew Reda, who contends that Jawar Mohammed conflates opposition to the Prime Minister with serious analysis of national interest. The author frames this exchange as symptomatic of a deeper structural crisis: in Ethiopia, "national security is treated as a political posture and strategic vocabulary," rather than "measurable protection of the state and the people."
The article emphasizes that "national security must be defined carefully and then tested through outcomes." When measured against these standards, the piece contends, Ethiopia faces significant gaps.
The author notes, "National security is not a slogan," underscoring that it must be judged by reduced conflict, the protection of civilians, and the preservation of strategic autonomy.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55207
#CPJ urges #Ethiopia to restore #Reuters journalists’ accreditation
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Ethiopian authorities to reinstate the accreditation of three journalists from Reuters after their reporting credentials were not renewed following a controversial report on Sudan’s conflict.
Last week, the government of Ethiopia declined to renew accreditation for three Addis Abeba-based journalists from Reuters and withdrew the accreditation to cover the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, days after the news agency published an investigative report alleging Ethiopia is hosting a training facility linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo described the move as part of “a troubling pattern of repressive regulatory action against international and independent press,” urging authorities to restore Reuters’ credentials and avoid treating critical journalism as a threat.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55210
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Ethiopian authorities to reinstate the accreditation of three journalists from Reuters after their reporting credentials were not renewed following a controversial report on Sudan’s conflict.
Last week, the government of Ethiopia declined to renew accreditation for three Addis Abeba-based journalists from Reuters and withdrew the accreditation to cover the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, days after the news agency published an investigative report alleging Ethiopia is hosting a training facility linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo described the move as part of “a troubling pattern of repressive regulatory action against international and independent press,” urging authorities to restore Reuters’ credentials and avoid treating critical journalism as a threat.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55210
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#Op_ed: Policing Water, Neglecting Land: Why naval power alone cannot save #Red_Sea
In this op-ed, Jafar Bedru Geletu argues the Red Sea crisis persists because Western powers misdiagnose a terrestrial threat as a "maritime domain" issue. He contends that non-state actors now "hold the global economy hostage without ever putting a navy to sea."
The current "littoral-only" doctrine is obsolete, failing to address the "terrestrialization" of warfare—specifically the #Houthi-#Al_Shabaab logistical nexus. Attempting to stop this with frigates is "akin to trying to stop a drug cartel solely by arresting street dealers."
Stability requires integrating #Ethiopia, the region's "center of gravity," into the security architecture. Ultimately, the West must “pivot from containment to integration,” recognizing that the Red Sea is no longer a moat but a bridge.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55212
In this op-ed, Jafar Bedru Geletu argues the Red Sea crisis persists because Western powers misdiagnose a terrestrial threat as a "maritime domain" issue. He contends that non-state actors now "hold the global economy hostage without ever putting a navy to sea."
The current "littoral-only" doctrine is obsolete, failing to address the "terrestrialization" of warfare—specifically the #Houthi-#Al_Shabaab logistical nexus. Attempting to stop this with frigates is "akin to trying to stop a drug cartel solely by arresting street dealers."
Stability requires integrating #Ethiopia, the region's "center of gravity," into the security architecture. Ultimately, the West must “pivot from containment to integration,” recognizing that the Red Sea is no longer a moat but a bridge.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55212
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A #strike by workers at #Kenya’s main airport delays flights and strands passengers
A strike delayed flights at Kenya’s main airport Monday as workers demanded better pay and working conditions.
Kenya Airways, the east African country’s main airline, issued a travel advisory, urging customers to check their flight status before heading to the #Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The statement also said air traffic control operation delays were affecting departures and arrivals and flight schedules would have to be adjusted.
“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the airline said.
Thousands of stranded passengers could be seen sitting outside the airport. Some families told The Associated Press their relatives were stuck inside terminals.
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-airport-workers-strike-3249251bc8136a9a85cde2b2e385a616
A strike delayed flights at Kenya’s main airport Monday as workers demanded better pay and working conditions.
Kenya Airways, the east African country’s main airline, issued a travel advisory, urging customers to check their flight status before heading to the #Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The statement also said air traffic control operation delays were affecting departures and arrivals and flight schedules would have to be adjusted.
“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the airline said.
Thousands of stranded passengers could be seen sitting outside the airport. Some families told The Associated Press their relatives were stuck inside terminals.
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-airport-workers-strike-3249251bc8136a9a85cde2b2e385a616
News: #Turkish President #Erdogan arrives in Addis Abeba for first visit in decade
Addis Abeba – Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Addis Abeba on Tuesday for an official visit and talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking his first trip to Ethiopia since January 2015.
The president was received at Bole International Airport ahead of planned bilateral discussions that were expected to include one-on-one talks between the two leaders.
PM Abiy described the visit as reflecting “the strong partnership between our two nations,” adding he anticipated discussions to deepen cooperation.
Relations between Turkey and Ethiopia date back centuries, with formal diplomatic ties established over a century ago. The Ottoman Empire opened a consulate in Harar in 1912, while Turkey established its embassy in Addis Abeba in 1926. Ethiopia opened its embassy in Turkey in 1933, later reopening it in 2006 after closure during the Derg period.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GiaSn5wgv/
Addis Abeba – Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Addis Abeba on Tuesday for an official visit and talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking his first trip to Ethiopia since January 2015.
The president was received at Bole International Airport ahead of planned bilateral discussions that were expected to include one-on-one talks between the two leaders.
PM Abiy described the visit as reflecting “the strong partnership between our two nations,” adding he anticipated discussions to deepen cooperation.
Relations between Turkey and Ethiopia date back centuries, with formal diplomatic ties established over a century ago. The Ottoman Empire opened a consulate in Harar in 1912, while Turkey established its embassy in Addis Abeba in 1926. Ethiopia opened its embassy in Turkey in 1933, later reopening it in 2006 after closure during the Derg period.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GiaSn5wgv/
#Berlin International Film Festival to honor #Ethiopian born Haile Gerima with #Berlinale_Camera at 76th edition
Ethiopian born filmmaker Haile Gerima will be honored with the Berlinale Camera at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
Haile Gerima’s latest work, Black Lions – Roman Wolves, a nearly nine-hour exploration of the history and mythology of Italian colonialism and a commemoration of Ethiopian resistance, is set to celebrate its world premiere in this year’s Berlinale Forum.
The presentation of the Berlinale Camera will take place on 17 February 2026, at 4:00 pm at Delphi Filmpalast, during the screening of the film.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55216
Ethiopian born filmmaker Haile Gerima will be honored with the Berlinale Camera at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
Haile Gerima’s latest work, Black Lions – Roman Wolves, a nearly nine-hour exploration of the history and mythology of Italian colonialism and a commemoration of Ethiopian resistance, is set to celebrate its world premiere in this year’s Berlinale Forum.
The presentation of the Berlinale Camera will take place on 17 February 2026, at 4:00 pm at Delphi Filmpalast, during the screening of the film.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55216
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#Oromo Liberation Front warns of growing #war risks in #Ethiopia, calls for political dialogue
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has warned in a statement that what it described as “gathering clouds of war” continue to hang over Ethiopia, saying persistent conflict over the past decade, including in Oromia and other regions, remains a major source of security, social, and economic challenges.
Addressing the country’s security situation, the OLF said political differences remain unresolved and called on the Oromo people and residents of Oromia, both inside and outside the country, to safeguard their regional boundaries and stand united, describing this as a civic responsibility.
The statement also said ongoing armed conflict in Ethiopia has continued without interruption and claimed that what it characterized as historical looting of Oromo land has not ceased, adding that competition over territorial expansion remains a factor.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55221
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has warned in a statement that what it described as “gathering clouds of war” continue to hang over Ethiopia, saying persistent conflict over the past decade, including in Oromia and other regions, remains a major source of security, social, and economic challenges.
Addressing the country’s security situation, the OLF said political differences remain unresolved and called on the Oromo people and residents of Oromia, both inside and outside the country, to safeguard their regional boundaries and stand united, describing this as a civic responsibility.
The statement also said ongoing armed conflict in Ethiopia has continued without interruption and claimed that what it characterized as historical looting of Oromo land has not ceased, adding that competition over territorial expansion remains a factor.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55221
Addis Standard
Oromo Liberation Front warns of growing war risks in Ethiopia, calls for political dialogue - Addis Standard
Oromo Liberation Front warns of growing war risks in Ethiopia, calls for political dialogue Addis Standard News -
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What's behind #Somalia-#Saudi Arabia #military deal?
Somalia's defense minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, hailed a new chapter in defence cooperation when he announced on X that he and Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Salman had signed a military deal in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Exact details were not released, but the memorandum of understanding "strengthens defense and military cooperation between the two countries, and includes multiple areas of common interest," according to the Somali Ministry of Defence.
Separately, Prince Khalid Bin Salman said on X: "We reviewed topics related to the future of security and defense industry, and recognized the opportunities." His statement came after meeting defense officials from Somalia, Slovakia, Malaysia and South Korea.
Somalia's military agreement with Saudi Arabia comes weeks after Israel announced it would recognize Somaliland, a northern, breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia has firmly rejected Israel's move, saying it interferes with Somalia's domestic affairs.
Last month, the Somali state news agency reported that Somalia has signed a defense pact with Qatar also aimed at "strengthening military ties and security collaboration."
https://www.dw.com/en/whats-behind-somalia-saudi-arabia-military-deal/a-75954838
Somalia's defense minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, hailed a new chapter in defence cooperation when he announced on X that he and Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Salman had signed a military deal in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Exact details were not released, but the memorandum of understanding "strengthens defense and military cooperation between the two countries, and includes multiple areas of common interest," according to the Somali Ministry of Defence.
Separately, Prince Khalid Bin Salman said on X: "We reviewed topics related to the future of security and defense industry, and recognized the opportunities." His statement came after meeting defense officials from Somalia, Slovakia, Malaysia and South Korea.
Somalia's military agreement with Saudi Arabia comes weeks after Israel announced it would recognize Somaliland, a northern, breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia has firmly rejected Israel's move, saying it interferes with Somalia's domestic affairs.
Last month, the Somali state news agency reported that Somalia has signed a defense pact with Qatar also aimed at "strengthening military ties and security collaboration."
https://www.dw.com/en/whats-behind-somalia-saudi-arabia-military-deal/a-75954838
DW
What's behind Somalia-Saudi Arabia military deal?
Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a military cooperation agreement weeks after Israel's recognition of an independent Somaliland. But what's in it for Saudi Arabia?
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Every Kilometre Echoes a Heartbeat: Following Aziza's Path from #Ethiopia to #Yemen and Back
In Hararghe, eastern Ethiopia, Aziza Mohammed once stood at the edge of adulthood, weighing her dreams against her fears. Ten years ago, she was a young woman imagining a future beyond the horizon, one where she could support her parents and change the course of her family’s life. Saudi Arabia represented opportunity, but it was also wrapped in fear. She had heard the stories of deaths along the way, of betrayals, of women harmed during the journey. The fear stayed with her, but it did not stop her from undertaking the journey.
“I left Ethiopia 10 years ago,” she recalls. “I was planning to go to Saudi Arabia… even though I was afraid of the journey.”
Read more at:
https://ethiopia.iom.int/stories/every-kilometre-echoes-heartbeat-following-azizas-path-ethiopia-yemen-and-back
In Hararghe, eastern Ethiopia, Aziza Mohammed once stood at the edge of adulthood, weighing her dreams against her fears. Ten years ago, she was a young woman imagining a future beyond the horizon, one where she could support her parents and change the course of her family’s life. Saudi Arabia represented opportunity, but it was also wrapped in fear. She had heard the stories of deaths along the way, of betrayals, of women harmed during the journey. The fear stayed with her, but it did not stop her from undertaking the journey.
“I left Ethiopia 10 years ago,” she recalls. “I was planning to go to Saudi Arabia… even though I was afraid of the journey.”
Read more at:
https://ethiopia.iom.int/stories/every-kilometre-echoes-heartbeat-following-azizas-path-ethiopia-yemen-and-back
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News: #US senior official meets #Ethiopia’s foreign minister to bolster bilateral cooperation
A senior official from the United States Department of State held talks with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timotheos, this week, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba, Senior Bureau Official Nick Checker met the minister in Addis Abeba to discuss areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional peace and stability.
The embassy said both sides stressed the importance of reinforcing partnership and expanding collaboration on shared priorities. In a social media post, it noted the meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties while addressing economic growth, security challenges, and regional stability.
A senior official from the United States Department of State held talks with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timotheos, this week, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba, Senior Bureau Official Nick Checker met the minister in Addis Abeba to discuss areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional peace and stability.
The embassy said both sides stressed the importance of reinforcing partnership and expanding collaboration on shared priorities. In a social media post, it noted the meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties while addressing economic growth, security challenges, and regional stability.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey would never want to see new conflict in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need for stability and encouraging countries in the region to address challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
Erdoğan emphasized respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, cautioning against external geopolitical competition in the Horn. He reiterated #Ankara’s position that potential recognition of #Somaliland by #Israel would not contribute positively to regional stability.
He also welcomed diplomatic engagement between #Ethiopia and #Somalia, noting Turkey’s mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55223
Erdoğan emphasized respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, cautioning against external geopolitical competition in the Horn. He reiterated #Ankara’s position that potential recognition of #Somaliland by #Israel would not contribute positively to regional stability.
He also welcomed diplomatic engagement between #Ethiopia and #Somalia, noting Turkey’s mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55223
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#Sudan #drone warfare kills thousands as both sides secure advanced technology
Drones have claimed thousands of lives during the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), with their geographical use expanding across various battles and leading to heavy casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
Both parties are intensely competing to acquire various unmanned aerial vehicle (#UAV) technologies to achieve breakthroughs across the country. New types of drones have entered Sudan for the first time during this conflict, including the lethal Chinese-made CH-95 or FH-95 models.
Technically, the use of FPV and Kamikaze suicide drones has spread between both sides, with heavy usage observed in Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, El Fasher, and other regions.
The geographical distribution of victims by most-affected areas shows that North Darfur recorded 577 deaths, followed by West Kordofan with 567, North Kordofan with 548, Khartoum with 403, and South Kordofan with 396. Among the deadliest incidents was the Kaluqi massacre in December 2025, where a drone strike targeted a kindergarten, followed by attacks on first responders and the hospital where victims were being treated in South Kordofan. This incident resulted in 79 deaths, including more than 40 children. In total, the United Nations documented the deaths of 104 civilians in a series of drone strikes targeting the Kordofan region during a single week in December 2025.
https://sudantribune.com/article/310795
Drones have claimed thousands of lives during the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), with their geographical use expanding across various battles and leading to heavy casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
Both parties are intensely competing to acquire various unmanned aerial vehicle (#UAV) technologies to achieve breakthroughs across the country. New types of drones have entered Sudan for the first time during this conflict, including the lethal Chinese-made CH-95 or FH-95 models.
Technically, the use of FPV and Kamikaze suicide drones has spread between both sides, with heavy usage observed in Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, El Fasher, and other regions.
The geographical distribution of victims by most-affected areas shows that North Darfur recorded 577 deaths, followed by West Kordofan with 567, North Kordofan with 548, Khartoum with 403, and South Kordofan with 396. Among the deadliest incidents was the Kaluqi massacre in December 2025, where a drone strike targeted a kindergarten, followed by attacks on first responders and the hospital where victims were being treated in South Kordofan. This incident resulted in 79 deaths, including more than 40 children. In total, the United Nations documented the deaths of 104 civilians in a series of drone strikes targeting the Kordofan region during a single week in December 2025.
https://sudantribune.com/article/310795
Sudan Tribune
Sudan drone warfare kills thousands as both sides secure advanced technology - Sudan Tribune
February 17, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Drones have claimed thousands of lives during the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with their geographical use expanding across various battles and leading to heavy casualties and the…
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#Opinion: From Fragile State to Fractured Faultlines: #Somalia’s multi-front crisis
In this opinion piece, Adam Daud Ahmed argues that Somalia is nearing a structural breaking point as constitutional deadlock, insurgency, and corruption converge. He notes that “the center of gravity is shifting from a weak federal government toward multi-front dysfunction.”
Ahmed explains that the 2012 Provisional Constitution has fueled instability, with federal-regional friction and parliamentary paralysis stalling progress. Meanwhile, #Al_Shabaab exploits these governance vacuums, a threat worsened by funding gaps for the African Union’s mission.
He emphasizes that Somalia’s federal leadership faces “a decisive moment,” cautioning that without genuine compromise and inclusive governance, the state risks reaching a “point of no return.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55227
In this opinion piece, Adam Daud Ahmed argues that Somalia is nearing a structural breaking point as constitutional deadlock, insurgency, and corruption converge. He notes that “the center of gravity is shifting from a weak federal government toward multi-front dysfunction.”
Ahmed explains that the 2012 Provisional Constitution has fueled instability, with federal-regional friction and parliamentary paralysis stalling progress. Meanwhile, #Al_Shabaab exploits these governance vacuums, a threat worsened by funding gaps for the African Union’s mission.
He emphasizes that Somalia’s federal leadership faces “a decisive moment,” cautioning that without genuine compromise and inclusive governance, the state risks reaching a “point of no return.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55227
News: #Somaliland condemns #Turkish president’s remarks as “unacceptable interference”
Somaliland's government has condemned recent remarks by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing them as “unacceptable interference” and warning they could discourage its relations with regional partners.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Somaliland said comments attributed to the president of #Turkey risk undermining stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. The statement stressed that foreign policy decisions in the region should be determined by its governments and peoples, cautioning against external rivalries that could inflame tensions.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GnifZTUz/
Somaliland's government has condemned recent remarks by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing them as “unacceptable interference” and warning they could discourage its relations with regional partners.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Somaliland said comments attributed to the president of #Turkey risk undermining stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. The statement stressed that foreign policy decisions in the region should be determined by its governments and peoples, cautioning against external rivalries that could inflame tensions.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GnifZTUz/
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