News: ENDF promotes #Ethiopian navy officers, defense college staff during ceremony led by navy chief
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) says the Ethiopian #Navy and the Defense War College have conferred new ranks on eligible members who completed the required service terms and met promotion criteria.
The promotions were announced in a statement issued by the ENDF on 10 March following ceremonies attended by senior military leadership.
According to ENDF, the rank conferment ceremony for naval officers was presided over by #Vice_Admiral #Kindu Gezu, Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy. In his keynote address, Vice Admiral Kindu said promotions are granted alongside greater responsibility and accountability.
“Recipients must recognize that the rank bestowed today represents an additional responsibility,” he said, urging officers to strengthen their knowledge and professional skills while drawing lessons from past combat experience to ......
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55720
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) says the Ethiopian #Navy and the Defense War College have conferred new ranks on eligible members who completed the required service terms and met promotion criteria.
The promotions were announced in a statement issued by the ENDF on 10 March following ceremonies attended by senior military leadership.
According to ENDF, the rank conferment ceremony for naval officers was presided over by #Vice_Admiral #Kindu Gezu, Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy. In his keynote address, Vice Admiral Kindu said promotions are granted alongside greater responsibility and accountability.
“Recipients must recognize that the rank bestowed today represents an additional responsibility,” he said, urging officers to strengthen their knowledge and professional skills while drawing lessons from past combat experience to ......
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55720
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News: #Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority bans retroactive surcharges amid Gulf crisis
The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (#DPFZA) has directed all licensed shipping agents that cargo loaded prior to the ongoing #Gulf_crisis must not incur any additional surcharge fees.
In a notice issued today, DPFZA Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi said, “this measure is intended to ensure fairness to both cargo owners & ship-owners and to prevent the retroactive application of surcharges to shipments arranged before the onset of the Gulf crisis.”
The authority warned that violations would face strict administrative and regulatory measures under port regulations.
Global shipping is under further strain, according to a report released today by #GrECo, a leading corporate risk consultant and specialty insurance broker across Central and Eastern #Europe.
For #Ethiopia, which depends on Djibouti for over 95% of its foreign trade, the impact could be significant.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55736
The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (#DPFZA) has directed all licensed shipping agents that cargo loaded prior to the ongoing #Gulf_crisis must not incur any additional surcharge fees.
In a notice issued today, DPFZA Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi said, “this measure is intended to ensure fairness to both cargo owners & ship-owners and to prevent the retroactive application of surcharges to shipments arranged before the onset of the Gulf crisis.”
The authority warned that violations would face strict administrative and regulatory measures under port regulations.
Global shipping is under further strain, according to a report released today by #GrECo, a leading corporate risk consultant and specialty insurance broker across Central and Eastern #Europe.
For #Ethiopia, which depends on Djibouti for over 95% of its foreign trade, the impact could be significant.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55736
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UPDF dismisses #UN report alleging atrocities in #South_Sudan
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (#UPDF) has rejected a United Nations report accusing it of committing atrocities during joint military operations in South Sudan.
The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, published on February 27, 2026, alleges that the UPDF supported the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (#SSPDF) in conducting deadly airstrikes that killed civilians and destroyed homes in opposition-affiliated areas.
According to the report, the joint operations targeted areas dominated by the #Nuer community, which are perceived as rebel strongholds.
The Commission claims the aerial bombardments were at levels “unprecedented since pre-independence wars,” withcivilian homes, hospitals, and opposition sites reportedly hit.
One incident cited occurred on March 24, 2025, when SSPDF and Ugandan forces allegedly launched an......
https://chimpreports.com/updf-dismisses-un-report-alleging-atrocities-in-south-sudan/
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (#UPDF) has rejected a United Nations report accusing it of committing atrocities during joint military operations in South Sudan.
The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, published on February 27, 2026, alleges that the UPDF supported the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (#SSPDF) in conducting deadly airstrikes that killed civilians and destroyed homes in opposition-affiliated areas.
According to the report, the joint operations targeted areas dominated by the #Nuer community, which are perceived as rebel strongholds.
The Commission claims the aerial bombardments were at levels “unprecedented since pre-independence wars,” withcivilian homes, hospitals, and opposition sites reportedly hit.
One incident cited occurred on March 24, 2025, when SSPDF and Ugandan forces allegedly launched an......
https://chimpreports.com/updf-dismisses-un-report-alleging-atrocities-in-south-sudan/
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#Sudan urges #US to designate RSF a terrorist group
Sudan's foreign ministry said Tuesday that the United States should designate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) a "terrorist organisation", a day after #Washington slapped the same designation on the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The US designation for the Brotherhood, which will come into effect next week, accused the Islamist group of receiving support from #Iran.
Noting that decision, while stopping short of criticising it, Sudan's foreign ministry said "all groups that violate international humanitarian law and commit terrorism, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Sudan should be designated as terrorist groups".
The US, it added, should therefore "designate the RSF militia as a terrorist group, given its proven crimes and documented violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02rtVDHZ9jwTHyuoJyPvXWV4JiFdAoknXw44TojroPakETB63qmq94YujnhHrpDjupl
Sudan's foreign ministry said Tuesday that the United States should designate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) a "terrorist organisation", a day after #Washington slapped the same designation on the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The US designation for the Brotherhood, which will come into effect next week, accused the Islamist group of receiving support from #Iran.
Noting that decision, while stopping short of criticising it, Sudan's foreign ministry said "all groups that violate international humanitarian law and commit terrorism, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Sudan should be designated as terrorist groups".
The US, it added, should therefore "designate the RSF militia as a terrorist group, given its proven crimes and documented violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02rtVDHZ9jwTHyuoJyPvXWV4JiFdAoknXw44TojroPakETB63qmq94YujnhHrpDjupl
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#News_Alert: Senior army officer Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero appointed #Addis_Abeba police commissioner
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has appointed senior military officer #Asrat_Denero as Commissioner of the Addis Abeba Police Commission, according to a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The appointment, which took effect on 11 March 2026, also named Assistant Commissioner Tofik Meded and Erzik Issa as deputy commissioners of the city’s police force.
Lt. Gen. Asrat previously served in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), where he held several senior leadership roles. His past positions include coordinator of the national ground forces and head of the ENDF’s community policing department.
In February 2022, he was appointed chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (#CTSAMM) in South Sudan.....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid03drti4cjn3A9SD8BCdmYtExmuWXntW2jppxJeV6PUHZhfVWKPQ56uLvtSGTm9R13l
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has appointed senior military officer #Asrat_Denero as Commissioner of the Addis Abeba Police Commission, according to a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The appointment, which took effect on 11 March 2026, also named Assistant Commissioner Tofik Meded and Erzik Issa as deputy commissioners of the city’s police force.
Lt. Gen. Asrat previously served in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), where he held several senior leadership roles. His past positions include coordinator of the national ground forces and head of the ENDF’s community policing department.
In February 2022, he was appointed chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (#CTSAMM) in South Sudan.....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid03drti4cjn3A9SD8BCdmYtExmuWXntW2jppxJeV6PUHZhfVWKPQ56uLvtSGTm9R13l
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News: Landslides, flash floods kill at least 30 in #Gamo Zone, South #Ethiopia region, as heavy rains hit highland areas
At least 30 people have died after landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall struck highland areas of #Gamo_Zone in the #South_Ethiopia Regional State, local authorities said.
The Gamo Zone administration said the disaster followed continuous and unseasonal rains that fell between the night of 09 March and the early morning of 11 March 2026, affecting several kebeles across three woredas.
Among the victims were a mother and her two children who were killed instantly when a landslide struck their home in Yela Kebele of Bonke Woreda. The father survived but sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Bonke Gazeso Health Center.
Authorities also confirmed the deaths of two individuals following sudden flooding in Balta town in Kamba Zuria Woreda, while six others were killed in a landslide in Mazo Doysa Kebele....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55739
At least 30 people have died after landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall struck highland areas of #Gamo_Zone in the #South_Ethiopia Regional State, local authorities said.
The Gamo Zone administration said the disaster followed continuous and unseasonal rains that fell between the night of 09 March and the early morning of 11 March 2026, affecting several kebeles across three woredas.
Among the victims were a mother and her two children who were killed instantly when a landslide struck their home in Yela Kebele of Bonke Woreda. The father survived but sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Bonke Gazeso Health Center.
Authorities also confirmed the deaths of two individuals following sudden flooding in Balta town in Kamba Zuria Woreda, while six others were killed in a landslide in Mazo Doysa Kebele....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55739
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#Opinion: Premarital Education: Empowering #Ethiopian couples with voluntary training
The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs recently dismissed rumors regarding a mandatory premarital certification system. While the government rejects any legal requirement, it continues to advocate strongly for marital preparedness as a means to address rising divorce rates.
In this opinion piece, Biruk Eshetu G/Kidan highlights that this position is particularly significant in light of Ethiopia's “hidden crisis” of child marriage, which affects over 50% of women, alongside a national divorce rate in which nearly one-quarter of marriages end in separation.
He underscores, “When offered as a voluntary, empowering, and culturally adaptable resource, premarital education holds significant promise for strengthening family life.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55745
The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs recently dismissed rumors regarding a mandatory premarital certification system. While the government rejects any legal requirement, it continues to advocate strongly for marital preparedness as a means to address rising divorce rates.
In this opinion piece, Biruk Eshetu G/Kidan highlights that this position is particularly significant in light of Ethiopia's “hidden crisis” of child marriage, which affects over 50% of women, alongside a national divorce rate in which nearly one-quarter of marriages end in separation.
He underscores, “When offered as a voluntary, empowering, and culturally adaptable resource, premarital education holds significant promise for strengthening family life.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55745
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News: #USAID Inspector General warns of ‘ongoing fraud schemes’ targeting #food_aid beneficiaries in central, northwestern #Ethiopia
The USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) has warned of “ongoing fraud schemes targeting beneficiaries of U.S.-funded humanitarian programs in central and northwestern Ethiopia”, including allegations that vulnerable people were solicited for kickbacks during aid registration processes.
“OIG received numerous reports that community leaders abuse their authority to extort payments from beneficiaries,” the report said, adding that in some cases payments were falsely presented as contributions to “political or holiday funds.”
The new alert echoes earlier investigations that uncovered widespread diversion of donor-funded food aid across Ethiopia.
The renewed warning comes as Ethiopia continues to face significant humanitarian pressures driven by conflict, drought, and economic hardship.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55748
The USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) has warned of “ongoing fraud schemes targeting beneficiaries of U.S.-funded humanitarian programs in central and northwestern Ethiopia”, including allegations that vulnerable people were solicited for kickbacks during aid registration processes.
“OIG received numerous reports that community leaders abuse their authority to extort payments from beneficiaries,” the report said, adding that in some cases payments were falsely presented as contributions to “political or holiday funds.”
The new alert echoes earlier investigations that uncovered widespread diversion of donor-funded food aid across Ethiopia.
The renewed warning comes as Ethiopia continues to face significant humanitarian pressures driven by conflict, drought, and economic hardship.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55748
#Israel plans new foothold on the Red Sea to fight the #Houthis
While the #Iran war rages, Israel is quietly planning for a potential base at the mouth of the #Red_Sea from which to strike one of the Islamic Republic's last proxies still operating at full strength: the Houthis of #Yemen.
That’s thanks to #Somaliland, the breakaway territory on the Gulf of Aden that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government recognized in December — a move that handed Israel its first diplomatic presence across from Yemen.
Now, the Jewish state will follow up with a strategic security partnership that may involve Israel building a base – possibly covert – on its pristine coast, despite widespread regional criticism, according to Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency.
“In terms of security, we will have a strategic relationship and that encompasses a lot of things,” Abdi....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid022TVf3Ctm2QqWBzMRngA39Fa8CfUARbeHoSkiex2oC9i9MXnLt8c9WoW2LU1Mvk5rl
While the #Iran war rages, Israel is quietly planning for a potential base at the mouth of the #Red_Sea from which to strike one of the Islamic Republic's last proxies still operating at full strength: the Houthis of #Yemen.
That’s thanks to #Somaliland, the breakaway territory on the Gulf of Aden that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government recognized in December — a move that handed Israel its first diplomatic presence across from Yemen.
Now, the Jewish state will follow up with a strategic security partnership that may involve Israel building a base – possibly covert – on its pristine coast, despite widespread regional criticism, according to Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency.
“In terms of security, we will have a strategic relationship and that encompasses a lot of things,” Abdi....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid022TVf3Ctm2QqWBzMRngA39Fa8CfUARbeHoSkiex2oC9i9MXnLt8c9WoW2LU1Mvk5rl
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News: Simret withdraws lawsuit challenging #NEBE decision on five #Tigray constituencies; Getachew Reda says dispute requires political resolution
The Tigray Democratic Solidarity (#Simret) party has withdrawn its lawsuit challenging a decision by the National Election Board of #Ethiopia (NEBE) concerning five electoral constituencies in Tigray, party leader #Getachew_Reda confirmed to Addis Standard today.
Getachew, who is also Advisor to the Ethiopian Pm, said the party submitted a formal request to the Federal High Court seeking to discontinue the case, arguing that documents presented during earlier proceedings showed that what had been described as a decision of the House of Federation did not constitute a formal institutional ruling made through constitutional procedures.
According to him, the document produced in court indicated that the matter reflected the position of officials rather than a decision adopted through the House’s legally required……
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55753
The Tigray Democratic Solidarity (#Simret) party has withdrawn its lawsuit challenging a decision by the National Election Board of #Ethiopia (NEBE) concerning five electoral constituencies in Tigray, party leader #Getachew_Reda confirmed to Addis Standard today.
Getachew, who is also Advisor to the Ethiopian Pm, said the party submitted a formal request to the Federal High Court seeking to discontinue the case, arguing that documents presented during earlier proceedings showed that what had been described as a decision of the House of Federation did not constitute a formal institutional ruling made through constitutional procedures.
According to him, the document produced in court indicated that the matter reflected the position of officials rather than a decision adopted through the House’s legally required……
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55753
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News: Finance Minister calls for nationwide #fuel conservation as gov’t considers further restrictions
#Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, #Ahmed_Shide, has urged consumers across the country to use fuel “with high conservation,” warning that additional measures aimed at curbing fuel consumption are currently under study.
The call came as the Ministry of Finance announced a new adjustment to domestic #petroleum prices, increasing fuel costs by up to 10 Birr per liter while warning that legal action has begun against entities accused of selling subsidized fuel above government-mandated prices.
In a briefing to journalists, Ahmed said the government is reminding all fuel users to exercise strict conservation. “We want to remind all fuel users that they must use fuel with high conservation,” he said, adding that additional measures currently under review will be announced to the public in the near future.
According to the ministry, the revised prices ……
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55769
#Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, #Ahmed_Shide, has urged consumers across the country to use fuel “with high conservation,” warning that additional measures aimed at curbing fuel consumption are currently under study.
The call came as the Ministry of Finance announced a new adjustment to domestic #petroleum prices, increasing fuel costs by up to 10 Birr per liter while warning that legal action has begun against entities accused of selling subsidized fuel above government-mandated prices.
In a briefing to journalists, Ahmed said the government is reminding all fuel users to exercise strict conservation. “We want to remind all fuel users that they must use fuel with high conservation,” he said, adding that additional measures currently under review will be announced to the public in the near future.
According to the ministry, the revised prices ……
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55769
#Ethiopia: Residents say over 80 houses burned in attack by government security forces in #Metekel Zone
Residents told Addis Standard that regional special police and district militias have forcibly displaced residents from several kebeles in #Dibate District, #Metekel Zone of the #Benishangul-Gumuz Region, and burned their homes and property.
A resident of Chati Kebele in Dibate District, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said that about a month ago government officials issued an order stating that residents must vacate the area because authorities wanted to “take action against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA),” which the government refers to as “Shene.”
The resident further alleged that about a month after the displacement, Gumuz Special Police and militias from the Bole area of Bulla District conducted what they described as a “search operation.”
Another displaced resident from the #Chokorsa area of #Gipo Kebele, a father of six, said it……..
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55751
Residents told Addis Standard that regional special police and district militias have forcibly displaced residents from several kebeles in #Dibate District, #Metekel Zone of the #Benishangul-Gumuz Region, and burned their homes and property.
A resident of Chati Kebele in Dibate District, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said that about a month ago government officials issued an order stating that residents must vacate the area because authorities wanted to “take action against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA),” which the government refers to as “Shene.”
The resident further alleged that about a month after the displacement, Gumuz Special Police and militias from the Bole area of Bulla District conducted what they described as a “search operation.”
Another displaced resident from the #Chokorsa area of #Gipo Kebele, a father of six, said it……..
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55751