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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#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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#Iran says it collects first revenue from tolls on ships transiting #Strait_of_Hormuz
Addis Abeba - Iran has collected its first revenue from tolls imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments, according to senior Iranian officials.
Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei said on Thursday that the initial proceeds from the transit fees have been deposited into the country’s central bank account. His remarks were carried by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
“First revenues from transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz have been deposited into the Central Bank account,” he said.
Separately, lawmaker Alireza Salimi told Tasnim that authorities have begun collecting fees from ships transiting the strait, citing what he described as “reliable sources.”
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Uo3NAK6GaQVe119p4WWNYEA1EuErjQhGU19C5ECqEr7LYQJMWSoRy8T5dqVttHQrl
Addis Abeba - Iran has collected its first revenue from tolls imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments, according to senior Iranian officials.
Parliament Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei said on Thursday that the initial proceeds from the transit fees have been deposited into the country’s central bank account. His remarks were carried by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
“First revenues from transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz have been deposited into the Central Bank account,” he said.
Separately, lawmaker Alireza Salimi told Tasnim that authorities have begun collecting fees from ships transiting the strait, citing what he described as “reliable sources.”
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Uo3NAK6GaQVe119p4WWNYEA1EuErjQhGU19C5ECqEr7LYQJMWSoRy8T5dqVttHQrl
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News: #Amnesty flags impunity, forced eviction, and shrinking civic space in #Ethiopia’s 2025 human rights record
Amnesty International has raised alarm over ongoing human rights violations in Ethiopia, citing entrenched impunity, continued armed conflict, and a tightening grip on civic space throughout 2025.
“Impunity for past and ongoing violations persisted,” Amnesty said, pointing to systemic failures to investigate and prosecute abuses.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56612
Amnesty International has raised alarm over ongoing human rights violations in Ethiopia, citing entrenched impunity, continued armed conflict, and a tightening grip on civic space throughout 2025.
“Impunity for past and ongoing violations persisted,” Amnesty said, pointing to systemic failures to investigate and prosecute abuses.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56612
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#Coming_UP: The Standard Signal | Ep.17: From Newsroom to Frontline: Mistresillasie on Power, War & Resistance
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat.
From her striking statement, “politics took journalism away from me,” to her defense of possible participating in upcoming elections, Mistresillasie speaks with clarity.
Premiers at: 7:30 PM EAT tonight.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaPolitics #Misteresillasie #ElectionDebate
#PoliticalVoices #WomenInPolitics
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat.
From her striking statement, “politics took journalism away from me,” to her defense of possible participating in upcoming elections, Mistresillasie speaks with clarity.
Premiers at: 7:30 PM EAT tonight.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaPolitics #Misteresillasie #ElectionDebate
#PoliticalVoices #WomenInPolitics
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News: #US weighs sanctions relief, diplomatic reset with #Eritrea: WSJ
Citing current and former officials, the report said the initiative, still under review, aims to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with the long-isolated state, which controls more than 1,120 kms of #Red_Sea coastline.
U.S. officials believe Eritrea’s geographic position could prove pivotal in safeguarding alternative maritime routes critical for global trade and military transit, the WSJ report noted.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56615
Citing current and former officials, the report said the initiative, still under review, aims to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with the long-isolated state, which controls more than 1,120 kms of #Red_Sea coastline.
U.S. officials believe Eritrea’s geographic position could prove pivotal in safeguarding alternative maritime routes critical for global trade and military transit, the WSJ report noted.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56615
#Premiering_now: From Newsroom to Frontline: Mistresillasie on Power, War & Resistance
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat.
Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCF8w7rEYhQ
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaPolitics #Misteresillasie #ElectionDebate
#PoliticalVoices #WomenInPolitics
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat.
Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCF8w7rEYhQ
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaPolitics #Misteresillasie #ElectionDebate
#PoliticalVoices #WomenInPolitics
YouTube
The Standard Signal Ep.17: From Newsroom to Frontline: Mistresillasie on Power, War & Resistance
In this episode of The Standard Signal, host Tsedale Lemma speaks with Mistresillasie Tamrat, Secretary General of the opposition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and a former journalist turned politician.
From her striking statement, “politics…
From her striking statement, “politics…
#Sudan's #RSF sentences defecting commander Al-Qubba to death in absentia, strips military rank
Addis Abeba- The commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan “Hemetti” Dagalo, on Thursday stripped defected Major General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as “Al-Qubba,” of his military rank and sentenced him to death in absentia.
The decision follows accusations of desertion and collaboration with the Sudanese army. Al-Qubba defected earlier this month following internal disputes regarding his exclusion from the military leadership of North Darfur after the RSF took control of El Fasher in October 2025.
Internal sources cited by Sudan Tribune described Al-Qubba’s frustration over the appointment of Gedo Ibnshook as commander in North Darfur, rather than him. He also reportedly complained of discrimination against his specific forces and a lack of logistical support.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0hVzUm9gZ478RoV4aXRsPhFuSyGEJUbxn1c1S9s5gJsdV4uANUFWdVoW6uJM6dbt4l
Addis Abeba- The commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan “Hemetti” Dagalo, on Thursday stripped defected Major General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as “Al-Qubba,” of his military rank and sentenced him to death in absentia.
The decision follows accusations of desertion and collaboration with the Sudanese army. Al-Qubba defected earlier this month following internal disputes regarding his exclusion from the military leadership of North Darfur after the RSF took control of El Fasher in October 2025.
Internal sources cited by Sudan Tribune described Al-Qubba’s frustration over the appointment of Gedo Ibnshook as commander in North Darfur, rather than him. He also reportedly complained of discrimination against his specific forces and a lack of logistical support.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0hVzUm9gZ478RoV4aXRsPhFuSyGEJUbxn1c1S9s5gJsdV4uANUFWdVoW6uJM6dbt4l
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#Ethiopia: Ahmed is throttling free expression in #Ethiopia: The Economist
“Bold are the pens that remain unshaken.”
In today’s Ethiopia “journalists often disappear mysteriously nowadays, taken by unidentified men to undisclosed places on suspicion of unspecified crimes.”
The latest victim is Million Beyene, managing editor of the Addis Standard, a prominent newspaper and one of the few local outlets still brave enough to criticize the government. On April 15th masked men in civilian clothes abducted Mr Million from the newspaper’s office in Addis Ababa, the capital, saying he was “needed for questioning”. No one has heard from him since.
The police deny that Mr Million is in their custody. But in February the government had revoked the Standard’s license, accusing it of violating unspecified laws and endangering “the national interest”. Last year security forces raided the paper’s office and detained its journalists. Many have resigned for fear of government reprisals.
Scores of Ethiopian journalists have been arrested, beaten or forced into exile. Many foreign reporters have been expelled. In 2024 one was arrested while meeting an opposition politician and then deported. The politician was assassinated a few weeks later.
The government promises more persecution. In February an official at the media regulator claimed that the Standard and others were waging a “co-ordinated information war” against Ethiopia. Fighting them was a matter of “national survival”. Ethiopia’s “sword remains unsheathed”, he added.
Bold are the pens that remain unshaken. https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0XEUAL17WeumygXCeoqw4eRFZpALqdCfsBinQVHeVRL4XVDxWki22gEk5EdTgn9ztl
“Bold are the pens that remain unshaken.”
In today’s Ethiopia “journalists often disappear mysteriously nowadays, taken by unidentified men to undisclosed places on suspicion of unspecified crimes.”
The latest victim is Million Beyene, managing editor of the Addis Standard, a prominent newspaper and one of the few local outlets still brave enough to criticize the government. On April 15th masked men in civilian clothes abducted Mr Million from the newspaper’s office in Addis Ababa, the capital, saying he was “needed for questioning”. No one has heard from him since.
The police deny that Mr Million is in their custody. But in February the government had revoked the Standard’s license, accusing it of violating unspecified laws and endangering “the national interest”. Last year security forces raided the paper’s office and detained its journalists. Many have resigned for fear of government reprisals.
Scores of Ethiopian journalists have been arrested, beaten or forced into exile. Many foreign reporters have been expelled. In 2024 one was arrested while meeting an opposition politician and then deported. The politician was assassinated a few weeks later.
The government promises more persecution. In February an official at the media regulator claimed that the Standard and others were waging a “co-ordinated information war” against Ethiopia. Fighting them was a matter of “national survival”. Ethiopia’s “sword remains unsheathed”, he added.
Bold are the pens that remain unshaken. https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0XEUAL17WeumygXCeoqw4eRFZpALqdCfsBinQVHeVRL4XVDxWki22gEk5EdTgn9ztl
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#Ethiopia: Abiy Ahmed is throttling free expression in #Ethiopia: The Economist
“Bold are the pens that remain unshaken.”
In today’s Ethiopia “journalists often disappear mysteriously nowadays,...
“Bold are the pens that remain unshaken.”
In today’s Ethiopia “journalists often disappear mysteriously nowadays,...
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#Ethiopia: ‘Top 150’ militia members graduate after training in South Wollo, Amhara region
Addis Abeba – In an initiative echoing similar security structure in #Oromia region, authorities in South Wollo Zone of the Amhara region have announced the graduation of a group of “Top 150” militia members following several days of what officials described as “military and political training” in Legambo Woreda.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, 23 April, in Jingo Kebele 07, was attended by local government officials and military officers. Speaking at the event, Ahmed Abebaw, head of the zonal Mining Department, said the training would build capacity to “maintain local peace and protect the public from looters.”
The initiative echoes similar militia-style structures introduced elsewhere in the country. In Oromia region, a program known as “Gachana Sirna” (Guardians of the Shield), launched in March 2022, aims to mobilize...
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2047618704037298431?s=20
Addis Abeba – In an initiative echoing similar security structure in #Oromia region, authorities in South Wollo Zone of the Amhara region have announced the graduation of a group of “Top 150” militia members following several days of what officials described as “military and political training” in Legambo Woreda.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, 23 April, in Jingo Kebele 07, was attended by local government officials and military officers. Speaking at the event, Ahmed Abebaw, head of the zonal Mining Department, said the training would build capacity to “maintain local peace and protect the public from looters.”
The initiative echoes similar militia-style structures introduced elsewhere in the country. In Oromia region, a program known as “Gachana Sirna” (Guardians of the Shield), launched in March 2022, aims to mobilize...
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2047618704037298431?s=20
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#China says #Iranian ship intercepted by #US was not a ‘gift’
China’s foreign ministry has rejected the claim by Donald Trump that an Iranian-flagged cargo ship intercepted by US forces was a “gift from China”, adding that the accusation was not based on facts, according to Al Jazeera.
Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also told reporters that trade between countries should continue as normal.
The US has enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and controlled shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for more than a week. In response, Iran has effectively shut the strait, captured commercial vessels and threatened to halt all regional Gulf trade.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has intercepted and redirected three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in waters near India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Reuters reported citing shipping sources, potentially heating up the conflict after Iran reportedly seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier on Wednesday despite an extended ceasefire.
China’s foreign ministry has rejected the claim by Donald Trump that an Iranian-flagged cargo ship intercepted by US forces was a “gift from China”, adding that the accusation was not based on facts, according to Al Jazeera.
Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also told reporters that trade between countries should continue as normal.
The US has enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and controlled shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for more than a week. In response, Iran has effectively shut the strait, captured commercial vessels and threatened to halt all regional Gulf trade.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has intercepted and redirected three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in waters near India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Reuters reported citing shipping sources, potentially heating up the conflict after Iran reportedly seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier on Wednesday despite an extended ceasefire.
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News: #Tigray Interim Admin says 8.5 billion birr budget shortfall has triggered severe financial crisis
The Tigray Finance and Resource Cooperation Bureau has warned that an 8.5 billion birr budget shortfall has plunged the region into a severe financial crisis, disrupting salary payments for civil servants and halting development projects, according to a formal letter sent to #Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance.
In the letter, the bureau said funds expected to be disbursed between October and March have not been released, creating “an acute fiscal pressure that is affecting core government functions” across the region.
#Mihret_Beyene, head of the bureau, confirmed the letter to Addis Standard and said it followed several earlier appeals by the interim administration seeking release of the withheld funds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56619
The Tigray Finance and Resource Cooperation Bureau has warned that an 8.5 billion birr budget shortfall has plunged the region into a severe financial crisis, disrupting salary payments for civil servants and halting development projects, according to a formal letter sent to #Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance.
In the letter, the bureau said funds expected to be disbursed between October and March have not been released, creating “an acute fiscal pressure that is affecting core government functions” across the region.
#Mihret_Beyene, head of the bureau, confirmed the letter to Addis Standard and said it followed several earlier appeals by the interim administration seeking release of the withheld funds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56619
#Op_ed: #Ethiopia’s electoral crossroads, quest for legitimate democracy
Ethiopia nears elections while facing a “humanitarian challenges unfolding in #Amhara, #Tigray, and #Oromia,” writes Abel Tewodros. He emphasizes that “understanding the interconnection between ongoing violence, civilian suffering, and political constraints is essential” to evaluating the vote’s legitimacy.
The author notes that in Tigray, a lack of accountability “reinforces perceptions… that the electoral process will not address their grievances.” Meanwhile, Amhara’s displacement crisis makes elections seem like a “distant abstraction,” and Oromia’s climate of fear “directly undermines the preconditions for free and fair elections.”
Abel cautions that without security and inclusion, “elections risk becoming merely a procedural exercise rather than a transformative democratic moment.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56628
Ethiopia nears elections while facing a “humanitarian challenges unfolding in #Amhara, #Tigray, and #Oromia,” writes Abel Tewodros. He emphasizes that “understanding the interconnection between ongoing violence, civilian suffering, and political constraints is essential” to evaluating the vote’s legitimacy.
The author notes that in Tigray, a lack of accountability “reinforces perceptions… that the electoral process will not address their grievances.” Meanwhile, Amhara’s displacement crisis makes elections seem like a “distant abstraction,” and Oromia’s climate of fear “directly undermines the preconditions for free and fair elections.”
Abel cautions that without security and inclusion, “elections risk becoming merely a procedural exercise rather than a transformative democratic moment.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56628