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

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.

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

#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

#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/

#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

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

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

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.

#Ethiopia’s projected double-digit growth tied to #reforms, #exports, #geopolitical risks—Foreign Policy

Ethiopia’s projected double-digit economic growth follows recent reforms, export gains, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, according to analysis by Foreign Policy Magazine.

The magazine said, the National Bank of Ethiopia recently eased foreign-exchange controls to attract investment and improve the business climate, shortly after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the economy could grow 10.2% this fiscal year.

The analysis notes that Ethiopia had averaged about 11% annual growth until the Tigray war in 2020 caused an estimated $28 billion in losses and left many reliant on aid.

Reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund, including floating the birr and opening banking, telecom, and real estate sectors, reportedly boosted agriculture, mining, and exports despite inflation pressures.

Coffee exports exceeded $2.6 billion last fiscal year, with the United States remaining a major market despite Ethiopia’s suspension from AGOA. Exports have also expanded toward Asian and Gulf markets, particularly China.

Gold exports surged as well, though the outlet warns this may reflect temporary global price trends.

Debt restructuring remains unresolved, with bilateral creditors, including France and China, reportedly complicating negotiations.

The magazine also cites a Reuters investigation alleging Ethiopian links to Sudan’s conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, claims analysts link partly to tensions with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Foreign Policy adds that regional frictions with United Arab Emirates alliances, tensions with Eritrea, and conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia Regions could challenge the country’s economic recovery.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/18/ethiopia-economic-growth-projected-foreign-exchange-controls/

29 countries condemn attacks on #civilians in #Sudan in joint ministerial statement

A group of 29 countries, including Germany, Canada, Italy, and 26 other countries, has issued a joint ministerial statement condemning continued attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations in Sudan.

The signatories expressed grave concern over escalating fighting in Darfur and Kordofan, citing drone and aerial strikes affecting displaced civilians, health facilities, aid convoys, and areas near humanitarian compounds. The statement warned that such attacks have caused civilian deaths, disrupted humanitarian access, and destroyed critical relief supplies.

The countries called on both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=55243

#Opinion: #AU Summit: Annual ritual without tangible progress

Every February, African leaders gather in #Addis_Abeba for the African Union (AU) summit, issuing ambitious communiqués and pledges of unity. Yet, Gebremichael Negash argues that “for millions of ordinary Africans, little changes.”

Since the AU replaced the Organization of African Unity in 2002, its commitment to “non-indifference” has often clashed with political hesitation. Peacekeeping missions in #Darfur and #Somalia, along with interventions in #Ethiopia, #Sudan, and #South_Sudan, reveal a recurring pattern: “acknowledgment without enforcement.”

Gebremichael emphasizes that “Africa does not suffer from a shortage of declarations. It suffers from a shortage of consequences,” warning that summits “risk being rituals” unless enforcement and accountability are prioritized.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=55235