#Ethiopia: New bank credit regulation to ensure industry receives fair share of financing in the making, PM Abiy
PM Abiy said the regulation, expected “within the next few weeks, perhaps in less than a month”, aims to correct what he described as imbalance in credit allocation.
Beyond the credit gap however, Ethiopia’s industrial sector has been grappling with layers of challenges including conflicts. In its December 2025 assessment, Africa Risk Control (ARC) has warned that conflict-related pressures continue to shape Ethiopia’s operating environment heading into 2026, despite signs of gradual improvement in national stability indicators.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56750
PM Abiy said the regulation, expected “within the next few weeks, perhaps in less than a month”, aims to correct what he described as imbalance in credit allocation.
Beyond the credit gap however, Ethiopia’s industrial sector has been grappling with layers of challenges including conflicts. In its December 2025 assessment, Africa Risk Control (ARC) has warned that conflict-related pressures continue to shape Ethiopia’s operating environment heading into 2026, despite signs of gradual improvement in national stability indicators.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56750
Drone strike kills six relatives of #Sudan Shield commander in Al-Jazira
Addis Abeba - A drone strike in central Sudan has killed six members of the family of Sudan Shield Forces commander Abu Agla Keikal.
Local sources told Sudan Tribune that the strike, suspected to have been carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), targeted Keikal’s family home in Al-Kahli Zaidan village, eastern Al-Jazira State, on Saturday evening.
Witnesses told the outlet that a drone hovered over the area before launching multiple missiles at the residence. Among those killed was Major Azzam Keikal, described as a senior figure within the Sudan Shield Forces and the commander’s brother.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid029L9AjQTCLmzRapcquiuyCCCKyNxKWd7f6ZVfBy3YV4PFHSbcAviL3REGM5NnbPzMl
Addis Abeba - A drone strike in central Sudan has killed six members of the family of Sudan Shield Forces commander Abu Agla Keikal.
Local sources told Sudan Tribune that the strike, suspected to have been carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), targeted Keikal’s family home in Al-Kahli Zaidan village, eastern Al-Jazira State, on Saturday evening.
Witnesses told the outlet that a drone hovered over the area before launching multiple missiles at the residence. Among those killed was Major Azzam Keikal, described as a senior figure within the Sudan Shield Forces and the commander’s brother.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid029L9AjQTCLmzRapcquiuyCCCKyNxKWd7f6ZVfBy3YV4PFHSbcAviL3REGM5NnbPzMl
News: No crude oil export left #Kuwait in April for first time since 1991, tanker tracker reports
Although #Ethiopia does not import crude oil due to the absence of domestic refining capacity, its fuel supply is closely tied to Kuwait’s refining sector.
The Al-Zour Refinery, Kuwait’s largest refinery, reached full production capacity of 615,000 barrels per day in February, shortly before the outbreak of war, marking four years since test runs began in 2020. Its average refining rate had already reached about 507,450 barrels per day during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Shortly after the conflict began, three vessels carrying 120,000 metric tons of gas oil and 60,000 metric tons of jet fuel destined for Ethiopia were stranded in the Arabian Gulf, with no official update on whether they have since departed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56758
Although #Ethiopia does not import crude oil due to the absence of domestic refining capacity, its fuel supply is closely tied to Kuwait’s refining sector.
The Al-Zour Refinery, Kuwait’s largest refinery, reached full production capacity of 615,000 barrels per day in February, shortly before the outbreak of war, marking four years since test runs began in 2020. Its average refining rate had already reached about 507,450 barrels per day during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Shortly after the conflict began, three vessels carrying 120,000 metric tons of gas oil and 60,000 metric tons of jet fuel destined for Ethiopia were stranded in the Arabian Gulf, with no official update on whether they have since departed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56758
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#Just_In: Missile, drone attacks trigger fire at #Fujairah petroleum site as #UAE reports intercepting missiles fired from #Iran
Addis Abeba – A fire broke out at a petroleum industrial facility in Fujairah following a reported drone attack launched from Iran, according to the emirate’s media office.
The alerts mark the first such attacks since the #US-#Iran ceasefire came into effect. The fire report came shortly after the UAE Ministry of Defense said four missiles had been fired toward the country.
The Ministry said that its defense system is “currently engaging with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran”.
“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” it said in a statement on X.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02zzn2QQjdnWVXkdan2QMNmfGMAqjy5ns9cKyTDrTskRuNmN8gZMUkLEcxjCLoimqhl
Addis Abeba – A fire broke out at a petroleum industrial facility in Fujairah following a reported drone attack launched from Iran, according to the emirate’s media office.
The alerts mark the first such attacks since the #US-#Iran ceasefire came into effect. The fire report came shortly after the UAE Ministry of Defense said four missiles had been fired toward the country.
The Ministry said that its defense system is “currently engaging with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran”.
“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” it said in a statement on X.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02zzn2QQjdnWVXkdan2QMNmfGMAqjy5ns9cKyTDrTskRuNmN8gZMUkLEcxjCLoimqhl
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News: #Sudan accuses #UAE and #Ethiopia of involvement in #Khartoum airport drone strikes
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia of orchestrating a drone strike on Khartoum International Airport, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
The accusations follow a series of aerial attacks on Monday that targeted the capital’s main airport, residential districts, and several military installations, including the Signal Corps base in Khartoum North and the al-Markhiyat training centre in #Omdurman.
During a joint press conference in the early hours of Tuesday, Foreign Minister #Mohieddin_Salem and military spokesperson Asim Awad Abd al-Wahab stated they had “conclusive evidence” that the drones involved in the operation were launched from #Bahir_Dar airport in Ethiopia.
https://sudantribune.com/article/313527
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia of orchestrating a drone strike on Khartoum International Airport, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
The accusations follow a series of aerial attacks on Monday that targeted the capital’s main airport, residential districts, and several military installations, including the Signal Corps base in Khartoum North and the al-Markhiyat training centre in #Omdurman.
During a joint press conference in the early hours of Tuesday, Foreign Minister #Mohieddin_Salem and military spokesperson Asim Awad Abd al-Wahab stated they had “conclusive evidence” that the drones involved in the operation were launched from #Bahir_Dar airport in Ethiopia.
https://sudantribune.com/article/313527
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News: #Ethiopia rejects ‘baseless’ #Sudan drone strike accusations
Ethiopia has rejected Sudan’s accusations linking it to yesterday's drone strikes on #Khartoum, describing the claims as “baseless” and warning against escalating rhetoric amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Addis Abeba also said it had “refrained from publicizing the grave violations of Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and national security committed by some belligerents in the Sudanese civil war,” including “the extensive use of #TPLF mercenaries in the conflict.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56777
Ethiopia has rejected Sudan’s accusations linking it to yesterday's drone strikes on #Khartoum, describing the claims as “baseless” and warning against escalating rhetoric amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Addis Abeba also said it had “refrained from publicizing the grave violations of Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and national security committed by some belligerents in the Sudanese civil war,” including “the extensive use of #TPLF mercenaries in the conflict.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56777
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News: #TPLF says #Tigray_Council 'elects Debretsion Gebremichael as president', resumes work after three-and-a-half-year suspension
The Tigray State Council has “elected Debretsion Gebremichael as President of the regional government”, marking a significant political shift as the council “resumes work” after nearly three-and-a-half-year suspension following the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
In its “sixth term, sixth regular session” held on 5 May, the council also elected Kiros Hagos as Speaker and Mihret Berhe as Deputy Speaker, while approving a series of resolutions to restart legislative functions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56782
The Tigray State Council has “elected Debretsion Gebremichael as President of the regional government”, marking a significant political shift as the council “resumes work” after nearly three-and-a-half-year suspension following the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
In its “sixth term, sixth regular session” held on 5 May, the council also elected Kiros Hagos as Speaker and Mihret Berhe as Deputy Speaker, while approving a series of resolutions to restart legislative functions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56782
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#Just_In: #Saudi_Arabia condemns #Khartoum Airport attack, urges ‘neighboring countries’ to respect #Sudan’s sovereignty
Addis Abeba – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the targeting of a site at Khartoum International Airport, warning against continued attacks on civilian infrastructure.
In a statement released on 5 May, the Ministry said the Kingdom expresses its “strong condemnation and denunciation of the targeting of a site at Khartoum Airport.” It reaffirmed what it described as its “unwavering stance in calling for the preservation of Sudan’s unity, its legitimate institutions, the capabilities of its brotherly people, and its security and stability,” while stressing “the importance of keeping civilian objects and vital facilities out of the conflict.”
Saudi Arabia also urged Sudan’s “neighboring countries” to “respect Sudan’s sovereignty and independence…”
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FW2xbapN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the targeting of a site at Khartoum International Airport, warning against continued attacks on civilian infrastructure.
In a statement released on 5 May, the Ministry said the Kingdom expresses its “strong condemnation and denunciation of the targeting of a site at Khartoum Airport.” It reaffirmed what it described as its “unwavering stance in calling for the preservation of Sudan’s unity, its legitimate institutions, the capabilities of its brotherly people, and its security and stability,” while stressing “the importance of keeping civilian objects and vital facilities out of the conflict.”
Saudi Arabia also urged Sudan’s “neighboring countries” to “respect Sudan’s sovereignty and independence…”
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FW2xbapN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Trump pauses #Hormuz operation as #Iran talks gain momentum
U.S. President #Donald_Trump has announced a temporary pause in the military operation aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with #Iran.
The operation—dubbed “Project Freedom”—was launched to move stranded vessels through the strategic waterway but will now be halted briefly to allow space for a potential agreement. Trump said the decision followed requests from countries including Pakistan and comes as talks with Tehran show signs of a possible breakthrough.
Despite the pause, the broader blockade linked to the conflict remains in place, highlighting the fragile nature of the situation.
The strait—through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes—has been at the center of escalating tensions, with both sides previously threatening or carrying out attacks on vessels.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1BCd4SuCvG/
U.S. President #Donald_Trump has announced a temporary pause in the military operation aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with #Iran.
The operation—dubbed “Project Freedom”—was launched to move stranded vessels through the strategic waterway but will now be halted briefly to allow space for a potential agreement. Trump said the decision followed requests from countries including Pakistan and comes as talks with Tehran show signs of a possible breakthrough.
Despite the pause, the broader blockade linked to the conflict remains in place, highlighting the fragile nature of the situation.
The strait—through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes—has been at the center of escalating tensions, with both sides previously threatening or carrying out attacks on vessels.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1BCd4SuCvG/
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News: #US condemns #Khartoum airport attack, pushes for truce in #Sudan
The #United_States has strongly condemned a drone attack on Khartoum airport and other civilian sites, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), warning that such strikes are worsening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs stressed that civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, highlighting airports as critical lifelines for the delivery of humanitarian aid and movement of relief personnel. #Washington said attacks of this kind are further restricting already limited humanitarian access in a country facing severe shortages and mass displacement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56791
The #United_States has strongly condemned a drone attack on Khartoum airport and other civilian sites, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), warning that such strikes are worsening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs stressed that civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, highlighting airports as critical lifelines for the delivery of humanitarian aid and movement of relief personnel. #Washington said attacks of this kind are further restricting already limited humanitarian access in a country facing severe shortages and mass displacement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56791
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News: #Ethiopia quietly raises fuel prices just days after assuring supply recovery
In a letter that was not made public but was distributed to fuel stations across the country, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced on 4 May a new price increase taking immediate effect, raising costs across all petroleum products.
Compared to 1 April prices increase, petrol rose by 17.6% from 142.41 birr, while white diesel increased by 10.7 percent from 163.09 birr per liter. Kerosene and jet fuel recorded the steepest hikes, more than doubling from around 151 birr and 150 birr respectively, marking one of the sharpest increases in recent fuel pricing.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56796
In a letter that was not made public but was distributed to fuel stations across the country, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced on 4 May a new price increase taking immediate effect, raising costs across all petroleum products.
Compared to 1 April prices increase, petrol rose by 17.6% from 142.41 birr, while white diesel increased by 10.7 percent from 163.09 birr per liter. Kerosene and jet fuel recorded the steepest hikes, more than doubling from around 151 birr and 150 birr respectively, marking one of the sharpest increases in recent fuel pricing.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56796
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#Somaliland: #Maersk agent ISS says #Berbera booking suspension unrelated to security concerns
Integrated Shipping Services (ISS), acting as an agent for Danish shipping giant Maersk in Somaliland, said the temporary suspension of cargo booking services linked to Berbera Port was caused by logistical and feeder connectivity constraints rather than security or regulatory concerns at the port.
In a clarification letter addressed to the Somaliland Ports Authority (SPA), ISS said the suspension of booking services for cargo destined to or via Berbera Port was “not related to any operational, security, or regulatory concerns in Berbera.”
“Berbera remains a strategically important gateway within the regional trade ecosystem, and a valued part of our network,” the company said in the statement signed by ISS Managing Director Youssouf A. Elmi.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/maersk-agent-iss-says-berbera-booking-suspension-unrelated-to-security-concerns/
Integrated Shipping Services (ISS), acting as an agent for Danish shipping giant Maersk in Somaliland, said the temporary suspension of cargo booking services linked to Berbera Port was caused by logistical and feeder connectivity constraints rather than security or regulatory concerns at the port.
In a clarification letter addressed to the Somaliland Ports Authority (SPA), ISS said the suspension of booking services for cargo destined to or via Berbera Port was “not related to any operational, security, or regulatory concerns in Berbera.”
“Berbera remains a strategically important gateway within the regional trade ecosystem, and a valued part of our network,” the company said in the statement signed by ISS Managing Director Youssouf A. Elmi.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/maersk-agent-iss-says-berbera-booking-suspension-unrelated-to-security-concerns/
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#Op_ed: Limits of #Pretoria: How Western #Tigray became the blind spot of #Ethiopia’s peace deal
Three years after the Pretoria Agreement, Ethiopia remains at a “perilous inflection point,” writes Gebremichael Negash. While the deal ended active fighting, he argues that #Western_Tigray has become an “information black hole,” where constitutional governance is replaced by administrative control and exclusion.
Despite promises to return displaced people, the region still operates under de facto occupation-like conditions and remains largely closed to journalists and humanitarian access. The author contends that this silence is deliberate, enforced through restrictions and the criminalization of inquiry, turning the area into a “phantom zone” where alleged abuses go largely unreported.
He concludes this is not a local issue but a “constitutional crisis in slow motion.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56788
Three years after the Pretoria Agreement, Ethiopia remains at a “perilous inflection point,” writes Gebremichael Negash. While the deal ended active fighting, he argues that #Western_Tigray has become an “information black hole,” where constitutional governance is replaced by administrative control and exclusion.
Despite promises to return displaced people, the region still operates under de facto occupation-like conditions and remains largely closed to journalists and humanitarian access. The author contends that this silence is deliberate, enforced through restrictions and the criminalization of inquiry, turning the area into a “phantom zone” where alleged abuses go largely unreported.
He concludes this is not a local issue but a “constitutional crisis in slow motion.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56788
#UAE denies #Sudan claims of drone attack on #Khartoum Airport, calls allegations “fabrications”
Addis Abeba – The United Arab Emirates has denied allegations by Sudan that an Emirati drone was used in a drone attack on Khartoum airport launched from Ethiopia, dismissing the claims as “fabrications,” Reuters reported.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, a UAE official rejected accusations by Sudan’s army that drones linked to the Gulf state had taken off from “Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia” and carried out strikes on multiple locations in Sudan in March and May.
Sudan’s military spokesman had earlier described the alleged incident as an escalation of UAE involvement in the country’s conflict, presenting what he said were images and flight path data showing Emirati-owned drones operating from Ethiopian territory. However, Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the claims.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02yQH23Dkj8sKAPatzC8pzRTTBCP4waTUEf9erc7W472Za553V7GgopRigZ4autxbcl
Addis Abeba – The United Arab Emirates has denied allegations by Sudan that an Emirati drone was used in a drone attack on Khartoum airport launched from Ethiopia, dismissing the claims as “fabrications,” Reuters reported.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, a UAE official rejected accusations by Sudan’s army that drones linked to the Gulf state had taken off from “Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia” and carried out strikes on multiple locations in Sudan in March and May.
Sudan’s military spokesman had earlier described the alleged incident as an escalation of UAE involvement in the country’s conflict, presenting what he said were images and flight path data showing Emirati-owned drones operating from Ethiopian territory. However, Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the claims.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02yQH23Dkj8sKAPatzC8pzRTTBCP4waTUEf9erc7W472Za553V7GgopRigZ4autxbcl
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#Ethiopia: #Borana Drinking Water Project remains unfinished after 18 years; residents, Abba Gadaa await an end to "community thirst."
Residents of the Borana lowlands have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay of the #Billiqo_Water_Project, also known as the Borana Water Network Project. Designed to stretch from Qancaro village in the #Dillo district near the #Kenyan border to connect various districts across the zone, the project was promised to be a reliable water source for thousands of residents and their livestock. However, the project remains incomplete despite spanning the terms of more than three Abba Gadaas.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56775
Residents of the Borana lowlands have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay of the #Billiqo_Water_Project, also known as the Borana Water Network Project. Designed to stretch from Qancaro village in the #Dillo district near the #Kenyan border to connect various districts across the zone, the project was promised to be a reliable water source for thousands of residents and their livestock. However, the project remains incomplete despite spanning the terms of more than three Abba Gadaas.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56775
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News: ‘Unfounded, irresponsible’: #TPLF rejects #Ethiopia’s #Sudan collusion claims, warns of ‘dangerous escalation’
The TPLF said it “categorically reject[s] these accusations,” describing them as “unfounded, irresponsible, and indicative of a recurring pattern of deflection through disinformation.”
The response follows a recent allegation by Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry that the TPLF was working with the government of Sudan, claims the group dismissed as inflammatory at a time when “the region demands restraint and constructive engagement.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56817
The TPLF said it “categorically reject[s] these accusations,” describing them as “unfounded, irresponsible, and indicative of a recurring pattern of deflection through disinformation.”
The response follows a recent allegation by Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry that the TPLF was working with the government of Sudan, claims the group dismissed as inflammatory at a time when “the region demands restraint and constructive engagement.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56817
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News: #US inches closer to lifting #Eritrea sanctions, sending signal to #Ethiopia: new report
Despite the apparent policy shift, criticism has emerged over the prospect of normalizing ties with one of the world’s most closed political systems.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the US to “not consider lifting sanctions until Eritrea has taken major steps toward accountability for violations and demonstrated a clear break from abusive past and present practices.”
Responding to the latest news, Eritrea expressed its earnest “hope that this act will indeed herald an enduring rectification of misguided policies to ensure justice, legality and fairness.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56822
Despite the apparent policy shift, criticism has emerged over the prospect of normalizing ties with one of the world’s most closed political systems.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the US to “not consider lifting sanctions until Eritrea has taken major steps toward accountability for violations and demonstrated a clear break from abusive past and present practices.”
Responding to the latest news, Eritrea expressed its earnest “hope that this act will indeed herald an enduring rectification of misguided policies to ensure justice, legality and fairness.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56822
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News: Oil markets swing as #Hormuz tensions continue to rattle global energy trade
Global energy markets remained volatile as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to disrupt oil and fuel shipments, even amid signs of possible diplomatic progress between the #United_States and #Iran.
According to #Reuters, exports of refined fuels across #Asia have plunged sharply due to the prolonged disruption in the strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Jet fuel exports were hit hardest, while diesel and gasoline shipments also dropped to multi-year lows as refiners struggled to secure crude supplies.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CuF73zBx8/
Global energy markets remained volatile as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to disrupt oil and fuel shipments, even amid signs of possible diplomatic progress between the #United_States and #Iran.
According to #Reuters, exports of refined fuels across #Asia have plunged sharply due to the prolonged disruption in the strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Jet fuel exports were hit hardest, while diesel and gasoline shipments also dropped to multi-year lows as refiners struggled to secure crude supplies.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CuF73zBx8/
News: #Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarch urges leaders to pursue peace, ‘listen to the heartbeat of the people’
“People can only be won through persuading the conscience, not by other means,” the Patriarch said. “Therefore, listen carefully to the needs and the heartbeat of the people.”
Abune Mathias said Ethiopians are fundamentally seeking peace, justice, economic security, and equal religious freedom. He stressed that responding to these demands would restore trust between the public and leaders.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56830
“People can only be won through persuading the conscience, not by other means,” the Patriarch said. “Therefore, listen carefully to the needs and the heartbeat of the people.”
Abune Mathias said Ethiopians are fundamentally seeking peace, justice, economic security, and equal religious freedom. He stressed that responding to these demands would restore trust between the public and leaders.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56830
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