News: #Eritrea’s President Isaias meets #China’s Horn of Africa envoy, calls for expanded role
Eritrean President #Isaias_Afwerki met with Hu Changchun, China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, on 10 April 2026 at the Denden Guest House in #Asmara.
According to Information Ministry of Eritrea, President Isaias reiterated Eritrea’s readiness to strengthen its engagement with China, emphasizing the need for a more prominent Chinese role in global & regional affairs amid what he described as heightened instability.
He also highlighted Africa’s natural & human resources, underscoring what he called China’s expected contribution to their development.
Ambassador Hu, for his part, expressed Beijing’s readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with Eritrea and to align development efforts in support of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the ministry said.
Eritrea’s Foreign.....
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Eritrean President #Isaias_Afwerki met with Hu Changchun, China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, on 10 April 2026 at the Denden Guest House in #Asmara.
According to Information Ministry of Eritrea, President Isaias reiterated Eritrea’s readiness to strengthen its engagement with China, emphasizing the need for a more prominent Chinese role in global & regional affairs amid what he described as heightened instability.
He also highlighted Africa’s natural & human resources, underscoring what he called China’s expected contribution to their development.
Ambassador Hu, for his part, expressed Beijing’s readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with Eritrea and to align development efforts in support of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the ministry said.
Eritrea’s Foreign.....
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At 80 years, #Ethiopian Airlines celebrates relationship with #Nigeria
As Ethiopian Airlines, #Africa’s most successful carrier, celebrated 80 years of consistent operations at the weekend, it brought to focus its good relationship with Nigeria.
Speaking at the 80th-anniversary celebrations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in #Lagos, General Manager for Ethiopia Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen noted that Nigeria has been an important part of the airline’s story since 1960, marking 65 years of continuous service, having begun operations just a month after Nigeria’s independence.
She emphasised that the airline’s longevity is rooted in its diversification into MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), aviation training, and hospitality.
Mekonnen said Ethiopian Airlines Group has grown to an entire aviation ecosystem encompassing passenger and cargo services,......
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As Ethiopian Airlines, #Africa’s most successful carrier, celebrated 80 years of consistent operations at the weekend, it brought to focus its good relationship with Nigeria.
Speaking at the 80th-anniversary celebrations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in #Lagos, General Manager for Ethiopia Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen noted that Nigeria has been an important part of the airline’s story since 1960, marking 65 years of continuous service, having begun operations just a month after Nigeria’s independence.
She emphasised that the airline’s longevity is rooted in its diversification into MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), aviation training, and hospitality.
Mekonnen said Ethiopian Airlines Group has grown to an entire aviation ecosystem encompassing passenger and cargo services,......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02zxMyoNDmrV7RbKCLxfsEXkMpsGmZtdqW2jjcMK1KhP2HAM8hNyqSzzbntYkpw1Bbl
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Down on Paper, Up in Reality: #Ethiopia’s Inflation Paradox
According to the latest #CPI, Ethiopia’s inflation fell to 9.4% in March 2026, down from 14.7% in April 2025 and 9.7% in December 2025. Food inflation stood at 11% and non-food inflation at 7%, reflecting a sustained downward trend.
However, the lived reality tells a very different story. Prices of basic goods have surged sharply: coffee is up 95%, while teff and wheat have risen by more than 60%. Imported essentials are even harder hit, with cooking oil and sugar up by 150%. Fuel prices also climbed about 50% from October 2024 to March 2026.
Want to understand why official data points to disinflation while markets scream otherwise? Read a recent analysis published by Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54111
According to the latest #CPI, Ethiopia’s inflation fell to 9.4% in March 2026, down from 14.7% in April 2025 and 9.7% in December 2025. Food inflation stood at 11% and non-food inflation at 7%, reflecting a sustained downward trend.
However, the lived reality tells a very different story. Prices of basic goods have surged sharply: coffee is up 95%, while teff and wheat have risen by more than 60%. Imported essentials are even harder hit, with cooking oil and sugar up by 150%. Fuel prices also climbed about 50% from October 2024 to March 2026.
Want to understand why official data points to disinflation while markets scream otherwise? Read a recent analysis published by Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54111
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News: Draft law submitted to #Azerbaijan_Parliament to ratify #Ethiopia–#Azerbaijan defense cooperation agreement
A draft law approving a bilateral military cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia has been submitted to the Milli Majlis, the legislative branch, signaling the formalization of defense ties between the two countries.
The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed during a meeting of the parliament’s Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations on 14 April.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has increased military spending to more than $3 billion annually, with investments focused on advanced technologies, unmanned systems, and modernization of its armed forces.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56478
A draft law approving a bilateral military cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia has been submitted to the Milli Majlis, the legislative branch, signaling the formalization of defense ties between the two countries.
The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed during a meeting of the parliament’s Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations on 14 April.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has increased military spending to more than $3 billion annually, with investments focused on advanced technologies, unmanned systems, and modernization of its armed forces.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56478
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#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Administration calls circulating letter on troop movement ban ‘fabricated’
The Tigray Interim Administration has dismissed as “baseless”, “fabricated” and “fraudulent” a document circulating on social media that claims authorities ordered restrictions on the movement of forces, warning that the content is designed to incite instability and mislead the public.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Tigray Interim Administration said the letter attributed to the administration “is a baseless fabrication and a typical act of fraud,” distancing itself from what it described as deliberate misinformation.
The statement came in response to a widely shared document containing claims of internal divisions, alleged coup preparations, and directives targeting both military structures and media institutions within Tigray.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56476
The Tigray Interim Administration has dismissed as “baseless”, “fabricated” and “fraudulent” a document circulating on social media that claims authorities ordered restrictions on the movement of forces, warning that the content is designed to incite instability and mislead the public.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Tigray Interim Administration said the letter attributed to the administration “is a baseless fabrication and a typical act of fraud,” distancing itself from what it described as deliberate misinformation.
The statement came in response to a widely shared document containing claims of internal divisions, alleged coup preparations, and directives targeting both military structures and media institutions within Tigray.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56476
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#Sudan's former PM Hamdok says civilian presence at #Berlin talks marks important shift
Former Sudanese prime minister #Abdalla_Hamdok said civilian voices are being formally included in international efforts to end Sudan’s devastating civil war for the first time as Berlin prepares to host a conference marking the conflict’s third anniversary.
The international ministerial conference on Sudan will take place on April 15. It follows meetings in #Paris in 2024, marking the first anniversary of the war, and in #London in 2025, marking the second, neither of which produced a ceasefire or a credible political framework.
#Germany, the #African_Union, the #EU, #France, the #UK and the #US are co-hosting the conference. Foreign ministers and officials from those countries and bodies are expected in Berlin alongside representatives of the #UN, major humanitarian organisations and a structured civilian forum involving Sudanese civil society groups......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2043924528577835123?s=20
Former Sudanese prime minister #Abdalla_Hamdok said civilian voices are being formally included in international efforts to end Sudan’s devastating civil war for the first time as Berlin prepares to host a conference marking the conflict’s third anniversary.
The international ministerial conference on Sudan will take place on April 15. It follows meetings in #Paris in 2024, marking the first anniversary of the war, and in #London in 2025, marking the second, neither of which produced a ceasefire or a credible political framework.
#Germany, the #African_Union, the #EU, #France, the #UK and the #US are co-hosting the conference. Foreign ministers and officials from those countries and bodies are expected in Berlin alongside representatives of the #UN, major humanitarian organisations and a structured civilian forum involving Sudanese civil society groups......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2043924528577835123?s=20
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China’s President Xi puts forward four-point proposal on promoting Middle East peace, stability
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, when meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.
The proposal includes adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence, adherence to the principle of national sovereignty, adherence to the principle of international rule of law, and adherence to the coordination of development and security.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, when meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.
The proposal includes adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence, adherence to the principle of national sovereignty, adherence to the principle of international rule of law, and adherence to the coordination of development and security.
Source: Xinhua
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News: #Ethiopia grants income tax relief to Free Trade Zone investors
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance has announced income tax exemptions for investors operating in Free Trade Zones who supply inputs and products to the domestic market, in a move aimed at accelerating industrial growth and easing supply constraints.
In a statement, the Ministry said the measure is part of broader efforts to address persistent bottlenecks hampering industrial development, including capital shortages, disruptions in input supply, and limited availability of skilled labor.
The government has increasingly turned to Free Trade Zones as a policy tool to mitigate these challenges.
Under the system, importers are allowed to bring in inputs and goods without upfront payment of duties and taxes, settling these obligations only after securing a market for their products.
Officials say the approach is .......
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Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance has announced income tax exemptions for investors operating in Free Trade Zones who supply inputs and products to the domestic market, in a move aimed at accelerating industrial growth and easing supply constraints.
In a statement, the Ministry said the measure is part of broader efforts to address persistent bottlenecks hampering industrial development, including capital shortages, disruptions in input supply, and limited availability of skilled labor.
The government has increasingly turned to Free Trade Zones as a policy tool to mitigate these challenges.
Under the system, importers are allowed to bring in inputs and goods without upfront payment of duties and taxes, settling these obligations only after securing a market for their products.
Officials say the approach is .......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0TX6pnHTdzmUnaJuzKVvDzkutUP4RL2V5TYzHeaL8NCmGJgXb13mVYtkrvGw46iYcl
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#China calls #US Hormuz blockade “dangerous and irresponsible,” urges comprehensive ceasefire
Addis Abeba — China on Tuesday criticized the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning that the move risks deepening tensions in an already volatile region.
Speaking at the weekly regular press briefing in #Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the blockade would “exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further threaten the safety of navigation” through the strategic waterway, according to China News Service.
Guo stressed that only a “comprehensive ceasefire” could create the necessary conditions to ease tensions in the strait. He urged all parties to adhere to existing ceasefire agreements, prioritize dialogue and negotiations, and take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and restore normal maritime navigation as soon as possible.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18LbrK3Fhk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba — China on Tuesday criticized the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning that the move risks deepening tensions in an already volatile region.
Speaking at the weekly regular press briefing in #Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the blockade would “exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further threaten the safety of navigation” through the strategic waterway, according to China News Service.
Guo stressed that only a “comprehensive ceasefire” could create the necessary conditions to ease tensions in the strait. He urged all parties to adhere to existing ceasefire agreements, prioritize dialogue and negotiations, and take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and restore normal maritime navigation as soon as possible.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18LbrK3Fhk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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War pushes seven in 10 #Sudanese into poverty: #UN official
Around seven in 10 people in Sudan are now living in poverty, a senior UN official told AFP on Tuesday, nearly twice as many as before the war between the army and paramilitary forces broke out three years ago.
"Before the war, we were probably looking (at) around 38 percent of people living in poverty, and now we are estimating about 70 percent," said the UN Development Programme's Sudan representative Luca Renda, as the agency released a new report on poverty timed to coincide with the anniversary of the start of the war.
The figures Renda cited were based on a poverty line of about $4 a day, while at least a quarter of the population is believed to be surviving on less than half that, he said.
Conditions are particularly severe in some of the worst-affected areas, including parts of southern #Kordofan, now the war's.......
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Around seven in 10 people in Sudan are now living in poverty, a senior UN official told AFP on Tuesday, nearly twice as many as before the war between the army and paramilitary forces broke out three years ago.
"Before the war, we were probably looking (at) around 38 percent of people living in poverty, and now we are estimating about 70 percent," said the UN Development Programme's Sudan representative Luca Renda, as the agency released a new report on poverty timed to coincide with the anniversary of the start of the war.
The figures Renda cited were based on a poverty line of about $4 a day, while at least a quarter of the population is believed to be surviving on less than half that, he said.
Conditions are particularly severe in some of the worst-affected areas, including parts of southern #Kordofan, now the war's.......
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#Opinion: #Red_Sea or Strait of #Hormuz: Flashpoint for next great power confrontation
While global attention fixates on the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, Gebremichael Negash argues that “the Horn of #Africa is a more likely starting point for the next major geopolitical crisis.”
He notes that #Ethiopia, viewing its landlocked status as a “strategic vulnerability,” has realigned regional dynamics through its 2024 MoU with #Somaliland—thereby stoking tensions with #Somalia and drawing in rival powers such as #Egypt, #Turkey, and Gulf states. Meanwhile, the unresolved war in #Tigray, compounded by #Eritrea’s role, threatens renewed instability with spillover risks to Red Sea trade routes.
The author cautions: “Without a coordinated African-led framework, the Red Sea’s future risks being shaped by external powers.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56497
While global attention fixates on the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, Gebremichael Negash argues that “the Horn of #Africa is a more likely starting point for the next major geopolitical crisis.”
He notes that #Ethiopia, viewing its landlocked status as a “strategic vulnerability,” has realigned regional dynamics through its 2024 MoU with #Somaliland—thereby stoking tensions with #Somalia and drawing in rival powers such as #Egypt, #Turkey, and Gulf states. Meanwhile, the unresolved war in #Tigray, compounded by #Eritrea’s role, threatens renewed instability with spillover risks to Red Sea trade routes.
The author cautions: “Without a coordinated African-led framework, the Red Sea’s future risks being shaped by external powers.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56497
News: #UN reports over 12,000 #Ethiopian refugees in #Sudan's Blue Nile State as conflict tensions mount
The UN refugee agency, #UNHCR, says more than 12,000 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan are living in #Blue_Nile state, a region that has seen escalating insecurity and cross-border tensions, including accusations that Ethiopia has supported attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) from the #Benishangul-Gumuz region.
In its latest overview as of 31 March 2026, UNHCR reported that a total of 68,750 Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are currently in Sudan, representing about 8% of the country’s overall refugee population, which stands at more than 862,000.
Of these, 12,675 Ethiopian refugees—about 18%—are hosted in Blue Nile state, primarily in Wad Al Mahi Camp. The majority, 44,386 (65%), reside in Gedaref state, while smaller numbers are found in Red Sea state (3,135) & Khartoum (322).
The report highlights that 73% of Ethiopian refugees are living....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56502
The UN refugee agency, #UNHCR, says more than 12,000 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan are living in #Blue_Nile state, a region that has seen escalating insecurity and cross-border tensions, including accusations that Ethiopia has supported attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) from the #Benishangul-Gumuz region.
In its latest overview as of 31 March 2026, UNHCR reported that a total of 68,750 Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are currently in Sudan, representing about 8% of the country’s overall refugee population, which stands at more than 862,000.
Of these, 12,675 Ethiopian refugees—about 18%—are hosted in Blue Nile state, primarily in Wad Al Mahi Camp. The majority, 44,386 (65%), reside in Gedaref state, while smaller numbers are found in Red Sea state (3,135) & Khartoum (322).
The report highlights that 73% of Ethiopian refugees are living....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56502
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News: #Eritrea delegation hold talks on boosting economic ties during #Cairo visit
Addis Abeba — A senior delegation from Eritrea held high-level discussions with #Egyptian officials in Cairo aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
According to Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, who shared details on X, the Eritrean delegation—led by Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs, and Nesredin Saleh, Minister of Trade and Industry—met with Badr Abdelatty and Mohamed Farid Saleh for what he described as “extensive discussions” on enhancing economic ties.
Yemane said the talks focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and broader economic engagement between the two countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtHCRdXC7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba — A senior delegation from Eritrea held high-level discussions with #Egyptian officials in Cairo aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
According to Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, who shared details on X, the Eritrean delegation—led by Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs, and Nesredin Saleh, Minister of Trade and Industry—met with Badr Abdelatty and Mohamed Farid Saleh for what he described as “extensive discussions” on enhancing economic ties.
Yemane said the talks focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and broader economic engagement between the two countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtHCRdXC7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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In-depth Analysis: The #Fertilizer Paradox: Global shocks test #Ethiopia’s fragile, corruption-tainted supply chain
As Ethiopia approaches a critical agricultural season, mounting global disruptions, domestic corruption, and logistical bottlenecks induced by #fuel_shortages are converging to expose deep vulnerabilities in the country’s #fertilizer_supply chain.
While officials maintain that sufficient fertilizer has been secured for the current production cycle, contradictory statements from senior policymakers, corruption revelations, fuel shortage and reports of scarcity from farming communities suggest a widening gap between national preparedness and realities on the ground.
The emerging picture is one of a system already under strain, shaped by global geopolitical shocks abroad and persistent structural weaknesses at home.
Read the full In-depth Analysis: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56490
As Ethiopia approaches a critical agricultural season, mounting global disruptions, domestic corruption, and logistical bottlenecks induced by #fuel_shortages are converging to expose deep vulnerabilities in the country’s #fertilizer_supply chain.
While officials maintain that sufficient fertilizer has been secured for the current production cycle, contradictory statements from senior policymakers, corruption revelations, fuel shortage and reports of scarcity from farming communities suggest a widening gap between national preparedness and realities on the ground.
The emerging picture is one of a system already under strain, shaped by global geopolitical shocks abroad and persistent structural weaknesses at home.
Read the full In-depth Analysis: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56490
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#US treasury secretary says #China will not be able to get oil from #Iran
Scott Bessent has said that the US will block #Chinese_tankers carrying Iranian oil in the Strait of #Hormuz.
“They’re not going to be able to get their oil. They can get oil. Not Iranian oil,” Bessent told reporters in #Washington, DC.
He went on to criticise China, which buys most of Iran’s oil, saying it was being an “unreliable global partner”, including by hoarding oil supplies and limiting exports of some goods. He said he had spoken with Chinese officials on the issue, but declined to answer a question on whether the dispute could derail Trump’s plan to visit Beijing in mid-May.
“I think the message for the visit is stability. We’ve had great stability in the relationship since last summer; that emanates from the top down,” Bessent said. “I think that communication is the key.”
https://aje.news/lxeq57?update=4492996
Scott Bessent has said that the US will block #Chinese_tankers carrying Iranian oil in the Strait of #Hormuz.
“They’re not going to be able to get their oil. They can get oil. Not Iranian oil,” Bessent told reporters in #Washington, DC.
He went on to criticise China, which buys most of Iran’s oil, saying it was being an “unreliable global partner”, including by hoarding oil supplies and limiting exports of some goods. He said he had spoken with Chinese officials on the issue, but declined to answer a question on whether the dispute could derail Trump’s plan to visit Beijing in mid-May.
“I think the message for the visit is stability. We’ve had great stability in the relationship since last summer; that emanates from the top down,” Bessent said. “I think that communication is the key.”
https://aje.news/lxeq57?update=4492996
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News: #Saudi_Arabia presses U.S. to lift Hormuz blockade, return to talks with #Iran
Saudi Arabia is urging the #United_States to lift its naval blockade of the Strait of #Hormuz and resume negotiations with Iran, amid fears that escalating tensions could disrupt critical global shipping routes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Citing Arab officials, the report said Riyadh is concerned that continued pressure on Tehran could provoke retaliation, including potential disruption of the Bab al-Mandeb strait—a key #Red_Sea passage for #Gulf oil exports. The U.S. blockade, which targets Iranian ports, took effect Monday after efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through diplomacy failed.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, was shut earlier in the conflict after Iran attacked vessels, cutting off an estimated 13 million barrels per day of exports & driving.....
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Saudi Arabia is urging the #United_States to lift its naval blockade of the Strait of #Hormuz and resume negotiations with Iran, amid fears that escalating tensions could disrupt critical global shipping routes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Citing Arab officials, the report said Riyadh is concerned that continued pressure on Tehran could provoke retaliation, including potential disruption of the Bab al-Mandeb strait—a key #Red_Sea passage for #Gulf oil exports. The U.S. blockade, which targets Iranian ports, took effect Monday after efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through diplomacy failed.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, was shut earlier in the conflict after Iran attacked vessels, cutting off an estimated 13 million barrels per day of exports & driving.....
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News: President Tadesse Worede defends appointment amid criticism, rejects calls to step down
Lt. Gen. #Tadesse_Worede, President of the #Tigray Interim Regional Administration, has defended his appointment amid mounting criticism, rejecting calls for him to step down and insisting that any leadership changes must follow legal and institutional procedures.
Lieutenant General Tadesse pointed out that during the evaluation of the interim administration’s one-year performance, held in the presence of Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed and federal government officials, the agenda brought forward by the Prime Minister—accusing them by stating, ‘you are preparing for war’—was the subject of a heated argument that took many hours. He also indicated that an accusation was made regarding the federal government’s ban on fuel entering the region, stating, ‘it was done because we found out you are hoarding it to wage war.'”
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56512
Lt. Gen. #Tadesse_Worede, President of the #Tigray Interim Regional Administration, has defended his appointment amid mounting criticism, rejecting calls for him to step down and insisting that any leadership changes must follow legal and institutional procedures.
Lieutenant General Tadesse pointed out that during the evaluation of the interim administration’s one-year performance, held in the presence of Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed and federal government officials, the agenda brought forward by the Prime Minister—accusing them by stating, ‘you are preparing for war’—was the subject of a heated argument that took many hours. He also indicated that an accusation was made regarding the federal government’s ban on fuel entering the region, stating, ‘it was done because we found out you are hoarding it to wage war.'”
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56512
#Türkiye deploys F-16 jets to #Mogadishu amid #Somalia’s federal-regional tensions
Addis Abeba — Türkiye has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, marking a significant increase in military support for the federal government as it moves to consolidate territorial control and counter growing regional dissent.
The deployment, first reported by Janes, follows months of infrastructure upgrades at Aden Adde International Airport, including the construction of specialized hangars and maintenance facilities, the local Garowe news service reported on 14 April.
Turkish officials said the aircraft are intended to strengthen counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab and enhance maritime security, particularly in relation to ongoing oil exploration activities off Somalia’s coast.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdTEVALpk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba — Türkiye has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, marking a significant increase in military support for the federal government as it moves to consolidate territorial control and counter growing regional dissent.
The deployment, first reported by Janes, follows months of infrastructure upgrades at Aden Adde International Airport, including the construction of specialized hangars and maintenance facilities, the local Garowe news service reported on 14 April.
Turkish officials said the aircraft are intended to strengthen counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab and enhance maritime security, particularly in relation to ongoing oil exploration activities off Somalia’s coast.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdTEVALpk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Ethiopia's #Afar Rift provides glimpse into life and death 100,000 years ago
The study of ancient cultures around Ethiopia during the Middle Stone Age (MSA) time period is important for understanding how some of the first Homo sapiens lived and eventually left Africa. Unfortunately, there are not many well-preserved, open-air archaeological sites from the MSA, especially with both human fossils and artifacts. The Middle Awash study area in Ethiopia, however, is one of the few areas with a well-preserved treasure trove of artifacts capable of painting a picture of early human life in Ethiopia. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reports on some fascinating findings from this region, giving clues into what life—and death—might have been like.
Life in the Afar Rift
Around 1,800 piece-plotted stone artifacts larger than a centimeter were found, along with 132 animal remains.
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-ethiopia-afar-rift-glimpse-life.html
The study of ancient cultures around Ethiopia during the Middle Stone Age (MSA) time period is important for understanding how some of the first Homo sapiens lived and eventually left Africa. Unfortunately, there are not many well-preserved, open-air archaeological sites from the MSA, especially with both human fossils and artifacts. The Middle Awash study area in Ethiopia, however, is one of the few areas with a well-preserved treasure trove of artifacts capable of painting a picture of early human life in Ethiopia. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reports on some fascinating findings from this region, giving clues into what life—and death—might have been like.
Life in the Afar Rift
Around 1,800 piece-plotted stone artifacts larger than a centimeter were found, along with 132 animal remains.
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-ethiopia-afar-rift-glimpse-life.html
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#Op_ed: Mandate Expired, Authority Retained: #Somalia’s risky power extension amid emerging rivalries
Adam Daud Ahmed argues that Somalia’s decision to postpone elections to 2027 represents a perilous shift toward authoritarianism. He notes, “What is unfolding in #Mogadishu is not a routine political delay; it reflects the systematic erosion of democratic legitimacy, replaced by the cold logic of force.”
Regional rivals, denouncing the move as a "constitutional coup," are preparing to establish a transitional authority by 15 May, heightening the risk of state collapse. This instability is compounded by the use of foreign arms for internal coercion, which “provides exactly the oxygen the insurgency needs to outlast the federal project.”
He underscores, “The question is no longer whether Somalia faces risk—it’s whether time remains to avert violent fragmentation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56507
Adam Daud Ahmed argues that Somalia’s decision to postpone elections to 2027 represents a perilous shift toward authoritarianism. He notes, “What is unfolding in #Mogadishu is not a routine political delay; it reflects the systematic erosion of democratic legitimacy, replaced by the cold logic of force.”
Regional rivals, denouncing the move as a "constitutional coup," are preparing to establish a transitional authority by 15 May, heightening the risk of state collapse. This instability is compounded by the use of foreign arms for internal coercion, which “provides exactly the oxygen the insurgency needs to outlast the federal project.”
He underscores, “The question is no longer whether Somalia faces risk—it’s whether time remains to avert violent fragmentation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56507
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