Ethiopia: #TPLF calls for return of #Tigray Council, signals restructuring of interim administration
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has called for the reinstatement of the Tigray Regional Council and indicated the need to restructure the region’s interim administration, citing what it described as deteriorating conditions and stalled implementation of the #Pretoria Peace Agreement.
In a statement issued following its Central Committee meeting held from April 15–16, 2026, the party said “the Council elected by more than 2.8 million people should return to its work,” describing it as the primary source of sovereign authority in the region.
The statement signals a potential shift in the governance arrangement under the Tigray Interim Administration, which has been in place after the cessation of hostilities agreement. While stating that ultimate authority lies with the Council, the TPLF said the executive branch of the regional government should
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56557
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has called for the reinstatement of the Tigray Regional Council and indicated the need to restructure the region’s interim administration, citing what it described as deteriorating conditions and stalled implementation of the #Pretoria Peace Agreement.
In a statement issued following its Central Committee meeting held from April 15–16, 2026, the party said “the Council elected by more than 2.8 million people should return to its work,” describing it as the primary source of sovereign authority in the region.
The statement signals a potential shift in the governance arrangement under the Tigray Interim Administration, which has been in place after the cessation of hostilities agreement. While stating that ultimate authority lies with the Council, the TPLF said the executive branch of the regional government should
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=56557
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#Sudan: Gen. al-Burhan receives defecting #RSF senior commander “Al-Qubba” in Northern State
Addis Abeba - The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Sunday received a senior commander who defected from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s Northern State, in what analysts describe as one of the most significant breakaways from the group in recent months.
Major General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, widely known as “Al-Qubba,” arrived in Dongola after fleeing the Kutum locality in North Darfur. His defection marks a notable shift in allegiances within the RSF amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023.
According to reports by Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Burhan, alongside senior military officials, formally welcomed Al-Qubba and his accompanying forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0zERwBt4PM8Xr7LZbL3dsMXMNBBPhtcUvsHgG8a3Bqf18T2zUVtg822un1kpi6Q97l
Addis Abeba - The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Sunday received a senior commander who defected from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s Northern State, in what analysts describe as one of the most significant breakaways from the group in recent months.
Major General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, widely known as “Al-Qubba,” arrived in Dongola after fleeing the Kutum locality in North Darfur. His defection marks a notable shift in allegiances within the RSF amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023.
According to reports by Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Burhan, alongside senior military officials, formally welcomed Al-Qubba and his accompanying forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0zERwBt4PM8Xr7LZbL3dsMXMNBBPhtcUvsHgG8a3Bqf18T2zUVtg822un1kpi6Q97l
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#Iran vows retaliation after #US seizes ship, says “no decision” yet on new peace talks
Addis Abeba - Iran has vowed to retaliate after the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions amid an ongoing American military blockade.
The U.S. Navy said it fired on and seized the vessel as part of enforcement measures tied to the blockade, prompting a sharp response from Tehran. Iranian military officials warned that the move would not go unanswered, signaling the risk of further escalation in the strategically vital waterway.
At the same time, uncertainty surrounds the prospect of renewed diplomacy. JD Vance and other U.S. negotiators are expected to travel to Pakistan for a new round of talks, but Iran has yet to confirm its participation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said “no decision has been made” regarding whether it will engage in the proposed negotiations, casting doubt over efforts to revive dialogue as tensions continue to rise.
Addis Abeba - Iran has vowed to retaliate after the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions amid an ongoing American military blockade.
The U.S. Navy said it fired on and seized the vessel as part of enforcement measures tied to the blockade, prompting a sharp response from Tehran. Iranian military officials warned that the move would not go unanswered, signaling the risk of further escalation in the strategically vital waterway.
At the same time, uncertainty surrounds the prospect of renewed diplomacy. JD Vance and other U.S. negotiators are expected to travel to Pakistan for a new round of talks, but Iran has yet to confirm its participation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said “no decision has been made” regarding whether it will engage in the proposed negotiations, casting doubt over efforts to revive dialogue as tensions continue to rise.
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#Ethiopia, #Danish technology firm sign agreement to modernize groundwater exploration
Addis Abeba - Ethiopian Institute of Water Technology (EIWT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Danish technology firm Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) to modernize groundwater exploration and management across Ethiopia.
The agreement, signed on April 20, aims to deploy advanced geophysical technologies to more accurately identify and map groundwater resources, according to the Institute.
Under the partnership, TEM will introduce its Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) survey technology to Ethiopian professionals, a method widely used globally for high-resolution groundwater mapping.
Dr. Tamene Hailu, Director General of the Institute, underscored the importance of the collaboration, saying international partnerships are essential for unlocking Ethiopia’s groundwater potential.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid07EhC8GDGA3gdReadWnDwEJn7UZt3RqGRC9CHnadCfVZFyq9sRHbmizUrER5xQsKrl
Addis Abeba - Ethiopian Institute of Water Technology (EIWT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Danish technology firm Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) to modernize groundwater exploration and management across Ethiopia.
The agreement, signed on April 20, aims to deploy advanced geophysical technologies to more accurately identify and map groundwater resources, according to the Institute.
Under the partnership, TEM will introduce its Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) survey technology to Ethiopian professionals, a method widely used globally for high-resolution groundwater mapping.
Dr. Tamene Hailu, Director General of the Institute, underscored the importance of the collaboration, saying international partnerships are essential for unlocking Ethiopia’s groundwater potential.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid07EhC8GDGA3gdReadWnDwEJn7UZt3RqGRC9CHnadCfVZFyq9sRHbmizUrER5xQsKrl
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News: #EU resumes €140 million budget support, unveils new investment package for #Ethiopia
EU first suspended €90 million in budget support to Ethiopia in December 2020 following the outbreak of the war in the #Tigray region. At the time, the EU said the decision was tied to conditions including full humanitarian access, safe passage for civilians seeking refuge in neighboring countries, an end to ethnically targeted measures and hate speech, and restoration of communications and media access in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56566
EU first suspended €90 million in budget support to Ethiopia in December 2020 following the outbreak of the war in the #Tigray region. At the time, the EU said the decision was tied to conditions including full humanitarian access, safe passage for civilians seeking refuge in neighboring countries, an end to ethnically targeted measures and hate speech, and restoration of communications and media access in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56566
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Vanished without a trace!
Six days after he was forcibly taken from the Addis Standard newsroom by a group of masked men, the whereabouts and conditions of journalist Million Beyene remain unknown.
Million belongs at home with his family.
#WhereIsMillion? #BringMillionHome #JournalismIsNotACrime #PressFreedom #EndEnforcedDisappearances
Six days after he was forcibly taken from the Addis Standard newsroom by a group of masked men, the whereabouts and conditions of journalist Million Beyene remain unknown.
Million belongs at home with his family.
#WhereIsMillion? #BringMillionHome #JournalismIsNotACrime #PressFreedom #EndEnforcedDisappearances
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#Ethiopian_Airlines confirms order for six #Boeing 787 #Dreamliner aircraft
The order finalizes commitments made under Ethiopian Airlines’ 2023 aircraft purchase agreement and will support the airline’s plans to expand its intercontinental network from Addis Abeba while increasing cargo capacity amid growing long-haul demand.
Ethiopian Airline Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, described the decision as part of the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“Converting the options of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes into a firm order is truly a proud moment for us,” he said. “The order shows Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainable growth and preparation for further achievements. By growing our fleet size with ultra-modern airplanes such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, we are further maintaining operational excellence and passengers’ comfort.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56569
The order finalizes commitments made under Ethiopian Airlines’ 2023 aircraft purchase agreement and will support the airline’s plans to expand its intercontinental network from Addis Abeba while increasing cargo capacity amid growing long-haul demand.
Ethiopian Airline Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, described the decision as part of the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“Converting the options of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes into a firm order is truly a proud moment for us,” he said. “The order shows Ethiopian Airlines’ sustainable growth and preparation for further achievements. By growing our fleet size with ultra-modern airplanes such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, we are further maintaining operational excellence and passengers’ comfort.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56569
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#Pakistan puts $1.5 billion #Sudan arms deal on hold after #Saudi objection
Addis Ababa - Pakistan has put on hold a $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and fighter jets to Sudan after Saudi Arabia requested that the deal be terminated and said it would not provide financing, according to Pakistani security sources and a diplomatic source, Reuters reported.
The news outlet had previously reported in January that the deal was in its final stages and had been brokered by Saudi Arabia, though Riyadh’s financing role had not been confirmed at the time.
“Saudi Arabia has signaled that Pakistan should terminate the deal after it dropped the idea of financing it,” one of the security sources cited in the news said.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02EtdbktJxYdveTesQoTpFA4MS2gL7oVS8VzTzwKDyoURn6S22R6UNYj6jvxyc5RrAl
Addis Ababa - Pakistan has put on hold a $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and fighter jets to Sudan after Saudi Arabia requested that the deal be terminated and said it would not provide financing, according to Pakistani security sources and a diplomatic source, Reuters reported.
The news outlet had previously reported in January that the deal was in its final stages and had been brokered by Saudi Arabia, though Riyadh’s financing role had not been confirmed at the time.
“Saudi Arabia has signaled that Pakistan should terminate the deal after it dropped the idea of financing it,” one of the security sources cited in the news said.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02EtdbktJxYdveTesQoTpFA4MS2gL7oVS8VzTzwKDyoURn6S22R6UNYj6jvxyc5RrAl
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News: Container shipping giant #Maersk suspends #Berbera port bookings, affecting cargo bookings including #Ethiopia-bound routes
Global container shipping giant Maersk has announced a temporary suspension of new cargo bookings to and from #Somaliland's Berbera Port, a key logistics gateway used for cargo destined for neighboring countries including Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56572
Global container shipping giant Maersk has announced a temporary suspension of new cargo bookings to and from #Somaliland's Berbera Port, a key logistics gateway used for cargo destined for neighboring countries including Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56572
News: #Tigray Interim President says #TPLF move to reinstate pre-war council “nullifies” #Pretoria_Agreement
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, president of the Tigray Interim Administration, said the decision by the Tigray People's Liberation Front Central Committee to reinstate the pre-war Tigray regional council violates the Pretoria Peace Agreement and risks undermining ongoing stabilization efforts in the region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56579
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, president of the Tigray Interim Administration, said the decision by the Tigray People's Liberation Front Central Committee to reinstate the pre-war Tigray regional council violates the Pretoria Peace Agreement and risks undermining ongoing stabilization efforts in the region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56579
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President Trump extends #US-#Iran ceasefire; #Houthis warn further fighting “inevitable” despite truce
Addis Abeba — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran just hours before its expiration, while confirming that Washington will maintain its naval blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged allowing time for Iran’s leadership to present a unified proposal for negotiations.
Trump added that U.S. forces would continue enforcing the blockade while remaining prepared for further action, but said the ceasefire would stay in place until talks are concluded.
Tehran has rejected participation under current conditions.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKcCnVTEM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran just hours before its expiration, while confirming that Washington will maintain its naval blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged allowing time for Iran’s leadership to present a unified proposal for negotiations.
Trump added that U.S. forces would continue enforcing the blockade while remaining prepared for further action, but said the ceasefire would stay in place until talks are concluded.
Tehran has rejected participation under current conditions.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKcCnVTEM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Kenya, #Ethiopia commit to accelerate cross-border digital corridor under Horn of Africa Gateway project
Addis Abeba - Authorities from Kenya and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional integration and digital connectivity under the #Horn_of_Africa Gateway Development Project following high-level bilateral engagements held in Addis Abeba.
The Kenyan delegation was led by John Kipchumba Tanui, while the Ethiopian side was headed by Dhenge Boru. The meetings brought together key government agencies and regional stakeholders, highlighting what participants described as a coordinated, cross-sector approach to advancing transport, trade, and digital infrastructure across the Horn of Africa.
According to TechAfrica News, discussions focused on accelerating development of a seamless regional corridor integrating both physical and digital ...
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AgyUJEhk2/
Addis Abeba - Authorities from Kenya and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional integration and digital connectivity under the #Horn_of_Africa Gateway Development Project following high-level bilateral engagements held in Addis Abeba.
The Kenyan delegation was led by John Kipchumba Tanui, while the Ethiopian side was headed by Dhenge Boru. The meetings brought together key government agencies and regional stakeholders, highlighting what participants described as a coordinated, cross-sector approach to advancing transport, trade, and digital infrastructure across the Horn of Africa.
According to TechAfrica News, discussions focused on accelerating development of a seamless regional corridor integrating both physical and digital ...
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AgyUJEhk2/
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News: #Tigrayans face ‘dehumanizing restrictions’ in #Western_Tigray as abuses persist, return remains unsafe despite truce: HRW
Western Tigray, currently under the control of federal and Amhara region-affiliated forces, was designated in a 2023 report by the #United_States Department of State as the site of ethnic cleansing, including crimes against humanity involving deportation and forcible transfer, carried out against Tigrayans.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56586
Western Tigray, currently under the control of federal and Amhara region-affiliated forces, was designated in a 2023 report by the #United_States Department of State as the site of ethnic cleansing, including crimes against humanity involving deportation and forcible transfer, carried out against Tigrayans.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56586
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#Policy_Brief: #Ethiopia’s Agricultural Paradox: Vital, yet underfinanced
In this policy brief, the author examines the structural factors behind Ethiopia’s severely underfinanced agricultural sector, which he describes as a “financial desert” despite its contribution of 32% of #GDP and employment of 64% of the workforce. Smallholder farmers, who cultivate 95% of arable land, remain the least served by formal credit.
He notes that although the banking sector has expanded to 31 commercial banks and 13,000 branches, agriculture receives only 8% of loans, meeting just “2% of the estimated 52 billion birr annual demand for agricultural credit.” In the private sector, lending often falls to 1–3%.
The author emphasizes that Ethiopia’s transformation depends on supporting smallholders, “the true foundation of the agricultural sector.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56598
In this policy brief, the author examines the structural factors behind Ethiopia’s severely underfinanced agricultural sector, which he describes as a “financial desert” despite its contribution of 32% of #GDP and employment of 64% of the workforce. Smallholder farmers, who cultivate 95% of arable land, remain the least served by formal credit.
He notes that although the banking sector has expanded to 31 commercial banks and 13,000 branches, agriculture receives only 8% of loans, meeting just “2% of the estimated 52 billion birr annual demand for agricultural credit.” In the private sector, lending often falls to 1–3%.
The author emphasizes that Ethiopia’s transformation depends on supporting smallholders, “the true foundation of the agricultural sector.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56598
Explanatory: Return to 2020? - What the reinstatement of #Tigray’s pre-war regional council means
On 19 April 2026, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) Central Committee announced its decision to reinstate the pre-war Tigray Regional State Council elected in 2020, a move widely seen as a significant escalation in the region’s already fragile political environment.
The decision effectively challenges the federal government’s extension by one year of the mandate of the Tigray Interim Administration (#TIA) led by Lieutenant General #Tadesse_Werede. While federal authorities and the interim administration have defended the extension as lawful, the TPLF rejected the move as unilateral and in violation of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56575
On 19 April 2026, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) Central Committee announced its decision to reinstate the pre-war Tigray Regional State Council elected in 2020, a move widely seen as a significant escalation in the region’s already fragile political environment.
The decision effectively challenges the federal government’s extension by one year of the mandate of the Tigray Interim Administration (#TIA) led by Lieutenant General #Tadesse_Werede. While federal authorities and the interim administration have defended the extension as lawful, the TPLF rejected the move as unilateral and in violation of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56575
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Media is too big
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#US Senator Ted Cruz calls #Somaliland a “maritime security partner” in Africa hearing
Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Africa Subcommittee on 21 April, Senator Cruz described Somaliland as the kind of partner the United States should be encouraging, citing its stability and cooperation on regional security.
He also stated his “high level of optimism that President Trump will recognize Somaliland.”
Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Africa Subcommittee on 21 April, Senator Cruz described Somaliland as the kind of partner the United States should be encouraging, citing its stability and cooperation on regional security.
He also stated his “high level of optimism that President Trump will recognize Somaliland.”
#China warns #Middle_East at ‘critical juncture’ after #US extends #Iran ceasefire
Addis Abeba - China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged all parties to prevent a renewed outbreak of conflict after the United States announced an extension of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, warning that the region stands at a “critical juncture” between war and peace.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun said the situation remains fragile, stressing that the top priority should be preventing a resumption of hostilities.
“Relevant parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions,” Guo said, adding that China supports resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels.
The spokesperson also called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, emphasizing Beijing’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Addis Abeba - China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged all parties to prevent a renewed outbreak of conflict after the United States announced an extension of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, warning that the region stands at a “critical juncture” between war and peace.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun said the situation remains fragile, stressing that the top priority should be preventing a resumption of hostilities.
“Relevant parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions,” Guo said, adding that China supports resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels.
The spokesperson also called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, emphasizing Beijing’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
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#News_Analysis: Coalition of eight political parties warns it will withdraw from #elections unless ‘widespread violations’ against members are immediately addressed
“We have repeatedly brought these issues to the attention of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, relevant government bodies, specifically the Prosperity Party office, and the Joint Council,” Alamrew Yirdaw, Head of Election and Political Affairs at the coalition told #Addis_Standard. “We have spoken out about these problems at every platform organized by the Board.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56592
“We have repeatedly brought these issues to the attention of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, relevant government bodies, specifically the Prosperity Party office, and the Joint Council,” Alamrew Yirdaw, Head of Election and Political Affairs at the coalition told #Addis_Standard. “We have spoken out about these problems at every platform organized by the Board.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56592
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