News: Rights group urges #Saudi authorities to halt #executions of Ethiopians, calls for #Addis_Abeba’s immediate intervention as three already executed
“at least 65 Ethiopian migrants are at imminent risk of execution”..., with three already executed on 21 April.
“Saudi Arabia’s willingness to execute foreign migrants for nonviolent offences following trials that denied them basic due process reflects a profound disregard for their rights and lives,” said Nadia Hardman, senior refugee and migrant rights researcher at #HRW.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56677
“at least 65 Ethiopian migrants are at imminent risk of execution”..., with three already executed on 21 April.
“Saudi Arabia’s willingness to execute foreign migrants for nonviolent offences following trials that denied them basic due process reflects a profound disregard for their rights and lives,” said Nadia Hardman, senior refugee and migrant rights researcher at #HRW.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56677
War on #Iran fuels piracy resurgence off #Somalia coast, #EU naval force warns
Addis Abeba - The ongoing war in Iran is contributing to a renewed surge in maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, raising concerns over security in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, according to a European Union naval mission, Bloomberg reported.
At least three hijackings were confirmed in the past week, with pirates boarding two cargo vessels and a tanker, data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations showed.
The attacks took place near Eyl, Mareeyo and Garacad in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, an area that was a notorious hub for piracy in the late 2000s.
The spike in incidents is being linked to broader regional instability, initially tied to Houthi attacks and now compounded by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CPxo1kJYb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba - The ongoing war in Iran is contributing to a renewed surge in maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, raising concerns over security in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, according to a European Union naval mission, Bloomberg reported.
At least three hijackings were confirmed in the past week, with pirates boarding two cargo vessels and a tanker, data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations showed.
The attacks took place near Eyl, Mareeyo and Garacad in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, an area that was a notorious hub for piracy in the late 2000s.
The spike in incidents is being linked to broader regional instability, initially tied to Houthi attacks and now compounded by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CPxo1kJYb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
News: #Trump vows to maintain #Iran blockade as #Tehran warns of ‘practical’ response
Addis Abeba – #U.S. President Donald Trump has said #Washington will maintain its naval blockade on Iran, rejecting proposals to ease restrictions as a pathway to renewed negotiations, while Tehran warned it could respond with “practical” action amid escalating tensions.
According to #Al_Jazeera, Trump said the blockade on #Iranian ports is “more effective than bombing,” signaling his administration’s intention to continue the strategy despite mounting economic and geopolitical consequences.
The U.S. leader’s remarks came as Iran reportedly sought the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a step toward resuming broader talks, including discussions on its nuclear programme. However, Trump rejected the proposal, indicating that sanctions pressure and maritime restrictions would remain in place until Washington’s demands are met.
Iran, in response, warned
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1HcxAQoYCa/
Addis Abeba – #U.S. President Donald Trump has said #Washington will maintain its naval blockade on Iran, rejecting proposals to ease restrictions as a pathway to renewed negotiations, while Tehran warned it could respond with “practical” action amid escalating tensions.
According to #Al_Jazeera, Trump said the blockade on #Iranian ports is “more effective than bombing,” signaling his administration’s intention to continue the strategy despite mounting economic and geopolitical consequences.
The U.S. leader’s remarks came as Iran reportedly sought the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a step toward resuming broader talks, including discussions on its nuclear programme. However, Trump rejected the proposal, indicating that sanctions pressure and maritime restrictions would remain in place until Washington’s demands are met.
Iran, in response, warned
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1HcxAQoYCa/
Oil price surges past $120 amid fears of prolonged #US blockade on #Iran
Addis Abeba – Global oil prices have surged to their highest levels since 2022, with Brent crude rising above $120 per barrel amid growing expectations that the United States is preparing for an extended blockade of Iran.
Prices briefly climbed as high as $122 this week, driven by escalating tensions and continued disruption of energy flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supply.
Reports indicate that the blockade, now entering its third month, has already removed millions of barrels per day from the market, tightening supply and heightening volatility.
Iran has vowed to sustain retaliatory measures, including continued disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, further compounding fears of a prolonged supply shock.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18bf2Qibyh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba – Global oil prices have surged to their highest levels since 2022, with Brent crude rising above $120 per barrel amid growing expectations that the United States is preparing for an extended blockade of Iran.
Prices briefly climbed as high as $122 this week, driven by escalating tensions and continued disruption of energy flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supply.
Reports indicate that the blockade, now entering its third month, has already removed millions of barrels per day from the market, tightening supply and heightening volatility.
Iran has vowed to sustain retaliatory measures, including continued disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, further compounding fears of a prolonged supply shock.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18bf2Qibyh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
❤3
News: Pres. Tadesse confirms #Tigray Council plans to elect president in May, rules out exit from #Mekelle
Rejecting the notion of a formal transfer of power under current conditions, he said: “I have nothing to hand over; I will not enter into an artificial game called ‘handover,’” warning that “this destructive path is inappropriate.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56692
Rejecting the notion of a formal transfer of power under current conditions, he said: “I have nothing to hand over; I will not enter into an artificial game called ‘handover,’” warning that “this destructive path is inappropriate.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56692
👏3
News: #Ethiopian community members in #South_Africa accuse home government of inaction as embassy says engaging authorities
Members of the Ethiopian community in South Africa have criticized what they describe as a lack of adequate protection and diplomatic response following recent killings of Ethiopian nationals in Johannesburg, even as #Ethiopia’s embassy in #Pretoria said it is engaging authorities and calling for stronger security measures.
The criticism follows a recent shooting in #Johannesburg in which four Ethiopians were killed, with Ethiopian officials saying they are awaiting the outcome of investigations by South African authorities.
Speaking to #Addis_Standard on condition of anonymity, a member of the Ethiopian Community in South Africa said the killings of Ethiopians, #Eritreans and #Somalis in South Africa are not new, but warned both the frequency and nature of the attacks appear to be worsening.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56694
Members of the Ethiopian community in South Africa have criticized what they describe as a lack of adequate protection and diplomatic response following recent killings of Ethiopian nationals in Johannesburg, even as #Ethiopia’s embassy in #Pretoria said it is engaging authorities and calling for stronger security measures.
The criticism follows a recent shooting in #Johannesburg in which four Ethiopians were killed, with Ethiopian officials saying they are awaiting the outcome of investigations by South African authorities.
Speaking to #Addis_Standard on condition of anonymity, a member of the Ethiopian Community in South Africa said the killings of Ethiopians, #Eritreans and #Somalis in South Africa are not new, but warned both the frequency and nature of the attacks appear to be worsening.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56694
😡2👏1
Report: 52 #Iranian ships breach #US blockade within 72 hours
Fifty two Iranian vessels have crossed a US-imposed blockade of Iranian waters within a 72-hour period, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported.
According to the report, which cited satellite tracking data covering the three days leading up to 10:00 pm local time on Monday, the vessels included 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo ships.
The development follows the announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 2nd March that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to maritime traffic, after the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States and Israel on 28th February.
The conflict saw exchanges of attacks between Iran and its adversaries, including strikes on Israeli territory and what Tehran described as US-linked sites across the region.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260429-report-52-iranian-ships-breach-us-blockade-within-72-hours/
Fifty two Iranian vessels have crossed a US-imposed blockade of Iranian waters within a 72-hour period, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported.
According to the report, which cited satellite tracking data covering the three days leading up to 10:00 pm local time on Monday, the vessels included 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo ships.
The development follows the announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 2nd March that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to maritime traffic, after the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States and Israel on 28th February.
The conflict saw exchanges of attacks between Iran and its adversaries, including strikes on Israeli territory and what Tehran described as US-linked sites across the region.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260429-report-52-iranian-ships-breach-us-blockade-within-72-hours/
❤4
#Op_ed: Shifting Alliances, Growing Threats: #Eritrea’s shadow over #Tigray, rising risks across northern #Ethiopia
Over the past five years, Ethiopia has faced persistent instability, from the Tigray war to unrest in #Amhara and #Oromia, writes Zerihun Hailu. He argues that these crises have left the country fragile, while Eritrea under Isaias Afwerki continues to exert influence beyond its borders.
Zerihun describes Isaias Afwerki’s approach as one of “strategic flexibility,” shifting alliances to maintain leverage. During the war in Tigray, Eritrean forces were a key ally of the federal government. However, post-war, reports suggest renewed engagement between Eritrean officials and #TPLF factions, threatening national stability.
He emphasizes that preventing renewed conflict requires prioritizing federal cooperation over external alliances.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56703
Over the past five years, Ethiopia has faced persistent instability, from the Tigray war to unrest in #Amhara and #Oromia, writes Zerihun Hailu. He argues that these crises have left the country fragile, while Eritrea under Isaias Afwerki continues to exert influence beyond its borders.
Zerihun describes Isaias Afwerki’s approach as one of “strategic flexibility,” shifting alliances to maintain leverage. During the war in Tigray, Eritrean forces were a key ally of the federal government. However, post-war, reports suggest renewed engagement between Eritrean officials and #TPLF factions, threatening national stability.
He emphasizes that preventing renewed conflict requires prioritizing federal cooperation over external alliances.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56703
❤2
News: New report links $24 million #Dubai property empire to #Sudan’s #RSF leadership
The report, released in April 2026, found that “a network of family members, sanctioned individuals, and entities linked to the leadership of Sudan’s brutal Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia owns a $24 million real estate portfolio in Dubai consisting of over 20 properties.”
The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, alongside his brothers Abdelrahim and Algoney Dagalo, all of whom have been sanctioned by the United States and European Union.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56706
The report, released in April 2026, found that “a network of family members, sanctioned individuals, and entities linked to the leadership of Sudan’s brutal Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia owns a $24 million real estate portfolio in Dubai consisting of over 20 properties.”
The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, alongside his brothers Abdelrahim and Algoney Dagalo, all of whom have been sanctioned by the United States and European Union.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56706
👏2
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Tigray tensions rise again as TPLF reinstates its council, challenging the post-war order. With leadership disputes growing, elections remain the key unresolved issue.
As Semhal Meles noted in this November 2025 podcast – “the international community underwrote a genocide in order to overturn Tigray’s democratic will” - despite the trauma and fear tied to the last local elections, a return to the ballot remains, for many, the only path toward restoring constitutional order and lasting stability.
Watch full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEHuTiHnQNg&t=1s
#Tigray #Ethiopia #Elections
As Semhal Meles noted in this November 2025 podcast – “the international community underwrote a genocide in order to overturn Tigray’s democratic will” - despite the trauma and fear tied to the last local elections, a return to the ballot remains, for many, the only path toward restoring constitutional order and lasting stability.
Watch full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEHuTiHnQNg&t=1s
#Tigray #Ethiopia #Elections
❤5😡1
News: #EU calls for immediate de-escalation amid rising tensions in #Tigray
Addis Abeba – The European Union has expressed “great concern” over the latest developments in #Ethiopia’s Tigray region, urging all parties to immediately de-escalate and avoid actions that could undermine the fragile peace agreement signed in 2022.
In a statement issued on 30 April by its foreign affairs spokesperson, the EU called for restraint and emphasized the need to preserve the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement reached in #Pretoria in November 2022. The bloc warned against any moves that could jeopardize the deal, stressing that preventing a return to conflict is “imperative.”
The EU further underscored that differences between the parties must be resolved through political dialogue, reiterating that a renewed conflict would have devastating consequences for a region still recovering from a two-year war that ended with the Pretoria agreement.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1C4h5wziN2/
Addis Abeba – The European Union has expressed “great concern” over the latest developments in #Ethiopia’s Tigray region, urging all parties to immediately de-escalate and avoid actions that could undermine the fragile peace agreement signed in 2022.
In a statement issued on 30 April by its foreign affairs spokesperson, the EU called for restraint and emphasized the need to preserve the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement reached in #Pretoria in November 2022. The bloc warned against any moves that could jeopardize the deal, stressing that preventing a return to conflict is “imperative.”
The EU further underscored that differences between the parties must be resolved through political dialogue, reiterating that a renewed conflict would have devastating consequences for a region still recovering from a two-year war that ended with the Pretoria agreement.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1C4h5wziN2/
❤5👍1👎1
News: #Iran condemns #US naval blockade as ‘intolerable’, #Trump signals possible escalation
Addis Abeba – Iran has condemned the ongoing #United_States naval blockade of its ports as “intolerable,” warning that it constitutes a continuation of military aggression amid the escalating Iran war.
#Tehran said the blockade, now stretching into its third month, has severely restricted its oil exports and maritime access, describing it as an “extension of military operations” rather than a diplomatic pressure tactic.
The United States has maintained a heavy naval presence in key waterways, including the #Strait_of_Hormuz, aiming to curb Iran’s oil shipments and pressure it over its nuclear programme and regional activities.
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02fxLJMtYRpqKHuQvrvWtUPSnJaF9CYcmrbgDm2AxvDaGDJMwMxbsXC3Voj15LjE47l
Addis Abeba – Iran has condemned the ongoing #United_States naval blockade of its ports as “intolerable,” warning that it constitutes a continuation of military aggression amid the escalating Iran war.
#Tehran said the blockade, now stretching into its third month, has severely restricted its oil exports and maritime access, describing it as an “extension of military operations” rather than a diplomatic pressure tactic.
The United States has maintained a heavy naval presence in key waterways, including the #Strait_of_Hormuz, aiming to curb Iran’s oil shipments and pressure it over its nuclear programme and regional activities.
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02fxLJMtYRpqKHuQvrvWtUPSnJaF9CYcmrbgDm2AxvDaGDJMwMxbsXC3Voj15LjE47l
❤1
#Yacob_Yatane: Heartbreak as Exiled #Ethiopian Journalist Dies in #Kenya, Proof of Poisoning Emerges
Prior to his death, the journalist had allegedly complained of persistent threats and being consistently trailed by unidentified Amharic-speaking individuals in Nairobi. In November 2025 (late 2017 EC), Yacob shared that things became harder for him when two men and a woman allegedly tracked him to his residence and physically confronted and threatened him.
Fearing for his life, Yacob turned to the Kenyan National Police Service as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), and despite having to change his residence for security reasons, he remained vulnerable until his death.
https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/624778-yacob-yatane-heartbreak-exiled-ethiopian-journalist-dies-kenya-claims-poisoning-emerges/
Prior to his death, the journalist had allegedly complained of persistent threats and being consistently trailed by unidentified Amharic-speaking individuals in Nairobi. In November 2025 (late 2017 EC), Yacob shared that things became harder for him when two men and a woman allegedly tracked him to his residence and physically confronted and threatened him.
Fearing for his life, Yacob turned to the Kenyan National Police Service as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR), and despite having to change his residence for security reasons, he remained vulnerable until his death.
https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/624778-yacob-yatane-heartbreak-exiled-ethiopian-journalist-dies-kenya-claims-poisoning-emerges/
😭5❤1
#Workers_Day: From protest and arrests to high cost of living, #Ethiopian workers mark #May_Day under yearlong mounting strain
As the world marks International Workers’ Day 2026, a yearlong trail of reporting by #Addis_Standard reveals a workforce grappling with overlapping crises, from natural disasters and job losses to taxation pressures and protests over unpaid salaries, painting a stark picture of the state of #labor_in_Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56713
As the world marks International Workers’ Day 2026, a yearlong trail of reporting by #Addis_Standard reveals a workforce grappling with overlapping crises, from natural disasters and job losses to taxation pressures and protests over unpaid salaries, painting a stark picture of the state of #labor_in_Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56713
👍2
Majority of #US military sites in #Middle_East damaged by #Iran, CNN investigation reveals
At least 16 American military sites have been damaged in Iranian strikes, making up the majority of US positions in the Middle East, a new CNN investigation can reveal. The damage includes high-value targets, raising questions about America’s footprint in the region. CNN’s Tamara Qiblawi reports.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/01/world/video/us-military-bases-iran-strikes-images-invs-digvid
At least 16 American military sites have been damaged in Iranian strikes, making up the majority of US positions in the Middle East, a new CNN investigation can reveal. The damage includes high-value targets, raising questions about America’s footprint in the region. CNN’s Tamara Qiblawi reports.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/01/world/video/us-military-bases-iran-strikes-images-invs-digvid
👏5😭1
News: #Iran conflict disrupts global aid supply chains, increasing humanitarian pressure in #Africa including in #Ethiopia
Ethiopia is among African countries increasingly affected by disruptions to global humanitarian supply chains as the ongoing Iran crisis drives up transport costs and delays aid deliveries, the United Nations has warned.
Countries including Ethiopia, #Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of #Congo are among those facing mounting challenges as humanitarian agencies struggle to maintain supply lines.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56721
Ethiopia is among African countries increasingly affected by disruptions to global humanitarian supply chains as the ongoing Iran crisis drives up transport costs and delays aid deliveries, the United Nations has warned.
Countries including Ethiopia, #Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of #Congo are among those facing mounting challenges as humanitarian agencies struggle to maintain supply lines.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56721
❤2👍1
#US bypasses congressional review for military sales of $8.6 billion to #Middle_East allies
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has bypassed congressional review to approve military sales totaling over $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern allies #Israel, #Qatar, #Kuwait and the #United_Arab_Emirates.
The State Department announcements on Friday came as the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran marked nine weeks since its start and more than three weeks since a fragile ceasefire came into effect.
The State Department said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that an emergency existed that required immediate sales to those countries and waived the congressional review requirements for the sales.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-approves-military-sales-over-86-billion-middle-east-allies-2026-05-01/
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has bypassed congressional review to approve military sales totaling over $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern allies #Israel, #Qatar, #Kuwait and the #United_Arab_Emirates.
The State Department announcements on Friday came as the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran marked nine weeks since its start and more than three weeks since a fragile ceasefire came into effect.
The State Department said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that an emergency existed that required immediate sales to those countries and waived the congressional review requirements for the sales.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-approves-military-sales-over-86-billion-middle-east-allies-2026-05-01/
❤2👎1🥴1
News: ‘A humanitarian catastrophe for up to 3.1 million… is anticipated’: #US Senator warns of #Ethiopia food aid collapse as #JEOP funding scheduled to end
Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has warned of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Ethiopia as U.S. funding cuts threaten to halt the Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP), a major food assistance mechanism supporting millions across Ethiopia’s war-torn regions of Afar, Amhara and Tigray.
In an email sent to #Addis_Standard containing the letter, Senator Jeanne said, “due to funding cuts and the restructuring of U.S. food assistance programs… key programs for life saving food assistance… will come to an end in June 2026,” warning that “a humanitarian catastrophe for up to 3.1 million acutely food insecure people is anticipated, including over a million internally displaced in Ethiopia.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=56729
Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has warned of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Ethiopia as U.S. funding cuts threaten to halt the Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP), a major food assistance mechanism supporting millions across Ethiopia’s war-torn regions of Afar, Amhara and Tigray.
In an email sent to #Addis_Standard containing the letter, Senator Jeanne said, “due to funding cuts and the restructuring of U.S. food assistance programs… key programs for life saving food assistance… will come to an end in June 2026,” warning that “a humanitarian catastrophe for up to 3.1 million acutely food insecure people is anticipated, including over a million internally displaced in Ethiopia.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=56729
❤1😭1
#Commentary: #Ethiopia’s Policy Realignment: From #Pan_African Beacon to Client State
On 31 March 2026, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning #Israel’s actions in the occupied #Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan Heights. Thirty-one countries supported it; Ethiopia was among only three in opposition. Sidoc Haytu describes the move as “a profound betrayal of the Pan-Africanist and anti-colonial principles that once defined the Ethiopian state.”
While officials frame the vote as pragmatic, he argues it serves elite interests, noting “the calculation was not performed on behalf of the 120 million Ethiopians.”
Contrasting Ethiopia’s past stance, he claims, “When Ethiopia votes at the #UN… it is voting as a client of…Tel Aviv,” urging a reversal: “Ethiopia will not stand with colonizers.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56716
On 31 March 2026, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning #Israel’s actions in the occupied #Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan Heights. Thirty-one countries supported it; Ethiopia was among only three in opposition. Sidoc Haytu describes the move as “a profound betrayal of the Pan-Africanist and anti-colonial principles that once defined the Ethiopian state.”
While officials frame the vote as pragmatic, he argues it serves elite interests, noting “the calculation was not performed on behalf of the 120 million Ethiopians.”
Contrasting Ethiopia’s past stance, he claims, “When Ethiopia votes at the #UN… it is voting as a client of…Tel Aviv,” urging a reversal: “Ethiopia will not stand with colonizers.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56716
💯2❤1🥴1
News: #Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau outlines next steps after #Al_Nejashi Mosque enters #UNESCO Tentative List
Speaking to #Addis_Standard, Atsbha Gebregzabher, head of the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau, said the inclusion “is a formal gateway to World Heritage status” and signals international recognition of the site’s historical and symbolic importance.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56738
Speaking to #Addis_Standard, Atsbha Gebregzabher, head of the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau, said the inclusion “is a formal gateway to World Heritage status” and signals international recognition of the site’s historical and symbolic importance.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56738
❤4