Addis Standard
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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#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
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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The current "littoral-only" doctrine is obsolete, failing to address the "terrestrialization" of warfare—specifically the #Houthi-#Al_Shabaab logistical nexus.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
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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
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/
#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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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/
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#Tigray Interim President says only “slim chance” for #peace remains, vows to exhaust it

Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, Tigray Interim Administration President, said there is only a slim chance left to resolve disputes with the federal government through peaceful means but stressed that his administration is determined to exhaust that option before any further escalation.

Speaking during the 51st anniversary commemoration of the founding of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) in #Mekelle, Tadesse said dialogue under the framework of the Pretoria Peace Agreement remains possible, though narrowing amid unresolved issues and renewed tensions, the regional broadcaster reported.

President Tadesse reminded attendees that the war formally ended with the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and stressed that efforts have since been underway to resolve Tigray’s grievances through peaceful means. However, he said, key issues under the agreement remain unanswered.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=55230
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News: National Bank of #Ethiopia appoints external members to monetary policy committee

The National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) has announced the appointment of two external members to its Monetary Policy Committee (#MPC), saying the move is intended to strengthen analytical capacity and support evidence-based monetary policy decisions.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the central bank said the appointments were approved by the NBE Board following a presentation by the governor and are in line with the amended National Bank proclamation. The bank said including external members is aimed at enhancing the committee’s expertise and supporting well-informed policy deliberations.

According to the statement, the appointees are experienced economists with strong academic backgrounds and professional expertise in macroeconomic analysis and policy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVni8xNvG/
News: At least 15 people killed in clashes in two districts of #Gamo Zone, #Southern_Ethiopia region

A member of #Ethiopia’s federal parliament and local residents have told Addis Standard that at least 15 people were killed and property damaged following clashes between security forces and residents in Zayse Wezeka and Zayse Denbel districts in Southern Ethiopia Region.

Abraham Amoshe, a lawmaker representing the Zayse electoral district, said the violence began late last week. He stated that operations in the area involved regional riot police, zonal regular police, militias, and former army veterans.

The MP said that, so far, 15 bodies had been confirmed across the two districts and alleged that more than 100 people were abducted and taken to unknown locations.

A resident of Zayse Wezeka who spoke to Addis Standard said tensions escalated shortly after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian National Defense Force from the area.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=55232
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News: #Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission mandate #extended again as concerns over #legitimacy, #inclusivity persist

The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved an eight-month extension of the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, according to state media, marking the second consecutive extension since the body was created to steer the country’s national dialogue process.

During its first emergency session of the fifth year of operation held today, the House of Peoples’ Representatives extended the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission by eight months. The commission has faced growing criticism from several political parties and human rights organizations over its legitimacy and inclusivity.

The National Dialogue Commission was established in 2022 to provide a forum for addressing long‑standing political rifts. However, the process has faced ongoing criticism and challenges, particularly over inclusivity and representation.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=55238
#UN warns children in #Sudan at grave risk after deadly drone strike on displacement camp

The UN warned Wednesday that children in Sudan remain at grave risk as violence continues to be "unchecked" after at least 15 children were reportedly killed and 10 others wounded in a drone strike Monday on a displacement camp in Al Sunut in West Kordofan.

"Desperate families in Sudan seek shelter in displacement camps after fleeing hunger and violence. Their protection is an obligation,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement.

"Across the Kordofan region, we are seeing the same disturbing patterns from Darfur – children killed, injured, displaced and cut off from the services they need to survive," she added.


https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/un-warns-children-in-sudan-at-grave-risk-after-deadly-drone-strike-on-displacement-camp/3834256
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines to open #three new domestic airports

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to inaugurate three new domestic airports in #Negele_Borena, #Gore_Metu, and #Debre_Markos, expanding its internal flight network.

In a statement released yesterday, the airline said the newly built airports are expected to be operational by April 2026, with regular passenger flights scheduled three times weekly to each destination.

The expansion will bring the airline’s total domestic destinations to 26, a move it says is intended to strengthen trade, tourism, and social connectivity across Ethiopia.

Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, described the initiative as a milestone for both the airline and the country, highlighting the economic and social benefits of improved air transport access. He said the new routes reflect the airline’s commitment to enhancing domestic connectivity while supporting national development through reliable air transport services.