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
❤7👍2
#Israeli military investigates soldier over desecration of #Virgin_Mary statue in #Lebanon
Addis Abeba – The Israeli military says it has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online appearing to show an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.
According to The Times of Israel, the military said on Wednesday that it viewed the “incident gravely” and pledged to take action against the soldier involved.
The photo, which has sparked outrage online, reportedly showed the soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while smoking one himself. Initial findings by the Israeli military indicated that the image was taken several weeks ago in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon, although it only began circulating widely on Wednesday.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0zZSdNKTPMVDM7TjABcjFJ9LYAe8XsKWYCg1u3vn8VParx6F25SMd3NhvznGbWzp9l
Addis Abeba – The Israeli military says it has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online appearing to show an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.
According to The Times of Israel, the military said on Wednesday that it viewed the “incident gravely” and pledged to take action against the soldier involved.
The photo, which has sparked outrage online, reportedly showed the soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while smoking one himself. Initial findings by the Israeli military indicated that the image was taken several weeks ago in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon, although it only began circulating widely on Wednesday.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0zZSdNKTPMVDM7TjABcjFJ9LYAe8XsKWYCg1u3vn8VParx6F25SMd3NhvznGbWzp9l
🤨4❤3😡2
#Ethiopian TikTok grieves a popular creator. Are TikTok and Meta complicit in her death?
**Content notice: This article contains mentions of suicide and depression, which some readers may find disturbing.
Boni, an Ethiopian content creator who spoke to her audience on TikTok in the Afan Oromo language, died by suicide on April 29, 2026. That day, she posted a farewell message in Afan Oromo on her Facebook account - “Nagaatti Yaa biyya lafa,” (Goodbye, world), followed five minutes later by a video on TikTok and Facebook, captioned “I said it, it is over,” in which she stated her intent on camera with imagery of the means visible in frame. That video has since been viewed and shared millions of times through stitches (videos where a creator reacts to another’s video, thereby creating new content), reposts, and reactions on TikTok and other platforms; ...
https://globalvoices.org/2026/05/05/ethiopian-tiktok-grieves-a-popular-creator-some-wonder-whether-tiktok-and-meta-are-complicit-in-her-death/
**Content notice: This article contains mentions of suicide and depression, which some readers may find disturbing.
Boni, an Ethiopian content creator who spoke to her audience on TikTok in the Afan Oromo language, died by suicide on April 29, 2026. That day, she posted a farewell message in Afan Oromo on her Facebook account - “Nagaatti Yaa biyya lafa,” (Goodbye, world), followed five minutes later by a video on TikTok and Facebook, captioned “I said it, it is over,” in which she stated her intent on camera with imagery of the means visible in frame. That video has since been viewed and shared millions of times through stitches (videos where a creator reacts to another’s video, thereby creating new content), reposts, and reactions on TikTok and other platforms; ...
https://globalvoices.org/2026/05/05/ethiopian-tiktok-grieves-a-popular-creator-some-wonder-whether-tiktok-and-meta-are-complicit-in-her-death/
❤1
#Op_ed: Stabbed by Social Media, Silenced by the Gun: Slow death of journalism in #Ethiopia
World Press Freedom Day 2026 arrived with a bitter irony: in the Horn of Africa, “journalism is not merely under pressure; it is under siege,” writes Guyo Wariyo Aba-Jirma. He describes the region—from #Sudan’s violent conflict and #Eritrea’s enforced silence to arrests, expulsions, and media shutdowns in Ethiopia—as a “landscape of fear and erasure.”
The author argues that currently, journalism faces a dual threat in Ethiopia: state use of “anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws" and social media, where truth is “shot in the heart” through disinformation.
Still, Guyo emphasizes that journalism “matters—not because it is safe, but because without it, power goes unchecked, injustice goes unrecorded, and history remains unwritten.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56813
World Press Freedom Day 2026 arrived with a bitter irony: in the Horn of Africa, “journalism is not merely under pressure; it is under siege,” writes Guyo Wariyo Aba-Jirma. He describes the region—from #Sudan’s violent conflict and #Eritrea’s enforced silence to arrests, expulsions, and media shutdowns in Ethiopia—as a “landscape of fear and erasure.”
The author argues that currently, journalism faces a dual threat in Ethiopia: state use of “anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws" and social media, where truth is “shot in the heart” through disinformation.
Still, Guyo emphasizes that journalism “matters—not because it is safe, but because without it, power goes unchecked, injustice goes unrecorded, and history remains unwritten.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56813
❤1
News: Following defense, #Ethiopia, #Azerbaijan deepen trade ties
Ethiopia and Azerbaijan have held high-level bilateral talks aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation, as the two countries also move toward formalizing defense ties through a proposed military cooperation agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56833
Ethiopia and Azerbaijan have held high-level bilateral talks aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation, as the two countries also move toward formalizing defense ties through a proposed military cooperation agreement.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56833
👍1
#Ethiopia: Senior #fuel sector officials among 13 charged in alleged multi-million-birr fuel diversion, #corruption scheme
Initial police investigations presented before the court described what authorities called a sophisticated corruption network that extended beyond fuel diversion to the deliberate undermining of Ethiopia’s digital financial and regulatory safeguards, including mandatory electronic payment systems.
Speaking before lawmakers in early April, Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, acknowledged that structural problems in the sector predated the current crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56839
Initial police investigations presented before the court described what authorities called a sophisticated corruption network that extended beyond fuel diversion to the deliberate undermining of Ethiopia’s digital financial and regulatory safeguards, including mandatory electronic payment systems.
Speaking before lawmakers in early April, Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, acknowledged that structural problems in the sector predated the current crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56839
❤1
#UN,#UK condemn drone strikes on #Khartoum airport as flights remain suspended
The United Nations warned that air operations at Khartoum International Airport remain suspended following drone strikes on the facility and other parts of the capital, dealing a significant blow to humanitarian logistics.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, told reporters in New York that the airport is “vital to humanitarian access,” especially for the movement of personnel following the recent resettlement of the UN team in Khartoum.
The British Embassy in Sudan also expressed grave concern over the situation, stating on the X platform that attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital aid routes must stop.
“Every strike endangers innocent lives,” the Embassy said, calling on the warring parties to agree to a humanitarian truce and commit to a civilian-led future for the country.
https://sudantribune.com/article/313614
The United Nations warned that air operations at Khartoum International Airport remain suspended following drone strikes on the facility and other parts of the capital, dealing a significant blow to humanitarian logistics.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, told reporters in New York that the airport is “vital to humanitarian access,” especially for the movement of personnel following the recent resettlement of the UN team in Khartoum.
The British Embassy in Sudan also expressed grave concern over the situation, stating on the X platform that attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital aid routes must stop.
“Every strike endangers innocent lives,” the Embassy said, calling on the warring parties to agree to a humanitarian truce and commit to a civilian-led future for the country.
https://sudantribune.com/article/313614
❤2
News: #US predicts “swift end” to #Iran war as #Tehran reviews U.S. peace proposal
U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees a “swift end” to the war with Iran as Tehran reviews a new U.S.-backed peace proposal aimed at formally ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of #Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The proposed framework, reportedly mediated through #Pakistan, would unfold in three phases: formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and launching broader negotiations over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. However, several major sticking points remain unresolved, including Iran’s missile program, its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and regional proxy groups allied with Tehran.
Despite diplomatic momentum, tensions escalated again on Thursday after U.S. and #Iranian forces exchanged fire around the Strait of Hormuz.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1XMwk6MBXo/
U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees a “swift end” to the war with Iran as Tehran reviews a new U.S.-backed peace proposal aimed at formally ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of #Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The proposed framework, reportedly mediated through #Pakistan, would unfold in three phases: formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and launching broader negotiations over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. However, several major sticking points remain unresolved, including Iran’s missile program, its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and regional proxy groups allied with Tehran.
Despite diplomatic momentum, tensions escalated again on Thursday after U.S. and #Iranian forces exchanged fire around the Strait of Hormuz.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1XMwk6MBXo/
❤3
#Somaliland, #Israeli business representatives hold investment talks in #Ethiopia’s capital
Addis Abeba – Business representatives and officials from Somaliland and Israel held discussions in Addis Abeba focused on trade and investment cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement released by Somaliland’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism.
The meeting brought together a Somaliland delegation led by Trade and Tourism Minister Abdirahman Hassan Noor and Israeli business and diplomatic representatives.
According to the statement, the talks focused on expanding commercial cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure, finance, and healthcare.
The Somaliland delegation included Central Bank Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi, National Insurance Agency Director General Abdisaalan Mohamed Mahmoud (Busi), and members of the business community...
https://www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-israeli-businesses-hold-historic-talks-in-addis-ababa/
Addis Abeba – Business representatives and officials from Somaliland and Israel held discussions in Addis Abeba focused on trade and investment cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement released by Somaliland’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism.
The meeting brought together a Somaliland delegation led by Trade and Tourism Minister Abdirahman Hassan Noor and Israeli business and diplomatic representatives.
According to the statement, the talks focused on expanding commercial cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure, finance, and healthcare.
The Somaliland delegation included Central Bank Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi, National Insurance Agency Director General Abdisaalan Mohamed Mahmoud (Busi), and members of the business community...
https://www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-israeli-businesses-hold-historic-talks-in-addis-ababa/
❤1👍1👎1😡1
#In_Pictures: #Tigray’s pre-war Council-elect President Debretsion chairs first cabinet meeting in Mekelle
Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) on Friday officially began his duties by chairing the first cabinet meeting of the newly reconstituted Tigray administration at the small meeting hall inside Dejen, the Tigray Regional State President’s Office in #Mekelle, where the cabinet regularly convenes.
According to the administration, the meeting “focused on governance priorities, institutional rebuilding, and public service delivery” as Tigray continues post-war recovery efforts.
The development comes days after the controversial reinstatement of the Tigray Regiona State’s pre-war Council, in what many say has created a political standoff with the federally recognized Tigray Interim Administration.
Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) on Friday officially began his duties by chairing the first cabinet meeting of the newly reconstituted Tigray administration at the small meeting hall inside Dejen, the Tigray Regional State President’s Office in #Mekelle, where the cabinet regularly convenes.
According to the administration, the meeting “focused on governance priorities, institutional rebuilding, and public service delivery” as Tigray continues post-war recovery efforts.
The development comes days after the controversial reinstatement of the Tigray Regiona State’s pre-war Council, in what many say has created a political standoff with the federally recognized Tigray Interim Administration.
❤2🥴1🙈1
News: #Sudan reportedly reinforces troops, anti-aircraft defenses along #Ethiopia borders in #Blue_Nile, #al_Fashaga after accusations
Sudan’s military has reportedly increased troop deployments and anti-aircraft defenses along areas bordering Ethiopia, including Blue Nile State along the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of western Ethiopia, and the disputed al-Fashaga area, in Sudan’s Gedaref state bordering the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia.
As of the time of publication, Ethiopian officials had not publicly responded to the latest developments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56843
Sudan’s military has reportedly increased troop deployments and anti-aircraft defenses along areas bordering Ethiopia, including Blue Nile State along the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of western Ethiopia, and the disputed al-Fashaga area, in Sudan’s Gedaref state bordering the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia.
As of the time of publication, Ethiopian officials had not publicly responded to the latest developments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56843
🙈2
#Ethiopian woman's joy at rare quintuplets after 12 years trying for a baby
A woman has given birth to rare quintuplets in Ethiopia's Harari Regional state after 12 years of trying for a baby.
Bedriya Adem said she and her husband were "overjoyed" to be "blessed with five children at once".
The 35-year-old delivered four boys and a girl, all of whom are in "full health", at the Hiwot Fana Specialized Hospital, the hospital said.
"I cannot express my happiness in words," she told the BBC, recalling how she was "filled with depression and pain" until her prayers were answered.
Hospital medical director Dr Mohammed Nur Abdulahi said the mother and babies remained under medical care at the hospital. The babies weighed between 1.3 and 1.4kg (3lb).
He told the BBC that newborns who weigh more than a kilogram have a high chance of survival and healthy growth.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c893y34zlv0o
A woman has given birth to rare quintuplets in Ethiopia's Harari Regional state after 12 years of trying for a baby.
Bedriya Adem said she and her husband were "overjoyed" to be "blessed with five children at once".
The 35-year-old delivered four boys and a girl, all of whom are in "full health", at the Hiwot Fana Specialized Hospital, the hospital said.
"I cannot express my happiness in words," she told the BBC, recalling how she was "filled with depression and pain" until her prayers were answered.
Hospital medical director Dr Mohammed Nur Abdulahi said the mother and babies remained under medical care at the hospital. The babies weighed between 1.3 and 1.4kg (3lb).
He told the BBC that newborns who weigh more than a kilogram have a high chance of survival and healthy growth.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c893y34zlv0o
❤5👍2
News: #Tigray Interim President warns of ‘dangerous course of action’ after Debretsion-led cabinet holds first meeting
Tigray’s federally appointed Interim President, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has warned over escalating political tensions in the region, describing earlier cabinet meeting convened by Debretsion Gebremichael, as the beginning of a “dangerous and destructive phase” and accusing an unnamed group of attempting to seize administrative "power by force".
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56848
Tigray’s federally appointed Interim President, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has warned over escalating political tensions in the region, describing earlier cabinet meeting convened by Debretsion Gebremichael, as the beginning of a “dangerous and destructive phase” and accusing an unnamed group of attempting to seize administrative "power by force".
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56848
❤3👍1
News: Persistent shortages, days-long queues across cities in #Oromia cast doubt on gov’t claims of restored diesel supply
A public transport driver operating between #Awash and #Adama, told #Addis_Standard that he has been stranded in a diesel queue near #Adama for the past three days.
In #Batu (Zway), east Shewa zone of Oromia, another driver described a similar situation, saying diesel deliveries were quickly depleted.
“We heard two tankers of diesel arrived recently, but that supply was exhausted by tractors and Code-04 vehicles,” he told #Addis_Standard.
Similarly, a resident in #Yabello, in southern Oromia, also reported acute shortages, saying diesel is currently available at only one fuel station in the town.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56853
A public transport driver operating between #Awash and #Adama, told #Addis_Standard that he has been stranded in a diesel queue near #Adama for the past three days.
In #Batu (Zway), east Shewa zone of Oromia, another driver described a similar situation, saying diesel deliveries were quickly depleted.
“We heard two tankers of diesel arrived recently, but that supply was exhausted by tractors and Code-04 vehicles,” he told #Addis_Standard.
Similarly, a resident in #Yabello, in southern Oromia, also reported acute shortages, saying diesel is currently available at only one fuel station in the town.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56853
❤3🥴2😭1