#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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Urgent Notice!
After a week-long, relentless search to establish his whereabouts, JAKENN Publishing PLC and its legal team have determined that journalist #Million_Beyene was taken from his workplace at the Addis Standard newsroom by intelligence officers and is being held at an undisclosed, informal detention facility in Addis Abeba.
No family members, colleagues, or legal counsel have been granted access to him, and his health condition remains unknown.
Moreover, he has not been brought before a court within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period.
JAKENN Publishing PLC strongly condemns these actions, which constitute a grave violation of due process and fundamental rights.
We call for the immediate disclosure of Million’s whereabouts, full access to his family and legal representatives, and his unconditional release in accordance with the law.
After a week-long, relentless search to establish his whereabouts, JAKENN Publishing PLC and its legal team have determined that journalist #Million_Beyene was taken from his workplace at the Addis Standard newsroom by intelligence officers and is being held at an undisclosed, informal detention facility in Addis Abeba.
No family members, colleagues, or legal counsel have been granted access to him, and his health condition remains unknown.
Moreover, he has not been brought before a court within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period.
JAKENN Publishing PLC strongly condemns these actions, which constitute a grave violation of due process and fundamental rights.
We call for the immediate disclosure of Million’s whereabouts, full access to his family and legal representatives, and his unconditional release in accordance with the law.
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#Kenya, #UAE presidents hold talks on bilateral relations
Addis Abeba — Kenyan President William Ruto held high-level talks with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on 22 April.
The discussions focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries and expanding cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and investment.
Sources cited by Kenyans.co.ke said the leaders also stressed maintaining momentum in ties and deepening development cooperation for mutual benefit.
While it remains unclear whether any binding agreements were signed, UAE media described the meeting as part of the framework of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.
Under an existing government-to-government fuel supply deal, Kenya imports between 660,000 and 810,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products per month from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
https://www.facebook.com/share/17U71btRFD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba — Kenyan President William Ruto held high-level talks with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on 22 April.
The discussions focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries and expanding cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and investment.
Sources cited by Kenyans.co.ke said the leaders also stressed maintaining momentum in ties and deepening development cooperation for mutual benefit.
While it remains unclear whether any binding agreements were signed, UAE media described the meeting as part of the framework of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.
Under an existing government-to-government fuel supply deal, Kenya imports between 660,000 and 810,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products per month from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
https://www.facebook.com/share/17U71btRFD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Ethiopia: Bank employee slain in public in South Ethiopia region; police say suspect in custody
Addis Abeba - Police in the South Ethiopia Regional State said a bank employee was killed in an attack carried out in “public” in #Gedeb town, #Gedeo Zone, on 21 April.
In a statement, regional police said the victim, Temesgen Daniel, was an employee of the Bank of Abyssinia. He was attacked at around 8:00 a.m. while on his way to work. The police described the killing as “horrific.”
A suspect, identified as Abush Tadese Hutesa, has been taken into custody and an investigation is ongoing, according to the regional police.
Citing preliminary findings, the police suggest the attack was “motivated by revenge”. The suspect is alleged to have had a prior relationship with the victim’s wife and reportedly carried out the attack.
Temesgen had married two months prior to his killing.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02h8oYA95uqaNaxtUaoTZ9msMUXgWU9qhugAiPKqEqrFkEMPa87K88V8dReLMEabf1l
Addis Abeba - Police in the South Ethiopia Regional State said a bank employee was killed in an attack carried out in “public” in #Gedeb town, #Gedeo Zone, on 21 April.
In a statement, regional police said the victim, Temesgen Daniel, was an employee of the Bank of Abyssinia. He was attacked at around 8:00 a.m. while on his way to work. The police described the killing as “horrific.”
A suspect, identified as Abush Tadese Hutesa, has been taken into custody and an investigation is ongoing, according to the regional police.
Citing preliminary findings, the police suggest the attack was “motivated by revenge”. The suspect is alleged to have had a prior relationship with the victim’s wife and reportedly carried out the attack.
Temesgen had married two months prior to his killing.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02h8oYA95uqaNaxtUaoTZ9msMUXgWU9qhugAiPKqEqrFkEMPa87K88V8dReLMEabf1l
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News: Fed. prosecutors drop three charges against former state minister; defense says charges can be reinstated
His lawyer, Abera Nigus, clarified the termination of the charges to #Addis_Standard saying: “he was sentenced to four years in a separate case. This charge was in addition to the one for which he had already been convicted.”
Taye, who was first arrested in December 2023 following public criticism of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He was subsequently charged with the crime of “supporting anti-peace forces and being in possession of unauthorized weapons”.
His case has seen multiple legal turns, including a Federal Supreme Court decision in December 2024 ordering a retrial after overturning earlier acquittals.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56607
His lawyer, Abera Nigus, clarified the termination of the charges to #Addis_Standard saying: “he was sentenced to four years in a separate case. This charge was in addition to the one for which he had already been convicted.”
Taye, who was first arrested in December 2023 following public criticism of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He was subsequently charged with the crime of “supporting anti-peace forces and being in possession of unauthorized weapons”.
His case has seen multiple legal turns, including a Federal Supreme Court decision in December 2024 ordering a retrial after overturning earlier acquittals.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56607
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