#Sudan - #RSF commander accused of recruiting foreign fighters defects from paramilitary group
Addis Abeba – A senior commander in #Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, described as instrumental in recruiting foreign fighters, has announced his defection from the group, according to a report by Sudan Tribune.
Ali Rizq, widely known as “Al-Savanna,” declared in a video circulated on social media on Monday that he had formally severed ties with the RSF, saying his decision was made in alignment with the Sudanese people and in support of peace and stability.
Although Al-Savanna said he has not yet joined another military entity, his departure marks the second high-profile defection from the RSF in less than two months. In April, Major General Al-Nour Al-Qubba also defected from the paramilitary group and joined the Sudanese army.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aQB8c7qPz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba – A senior commander in #Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, described as instrumental in recruiting foreign fighters, has announced his defection from the group, according to a report by Sudan Tribune.
Ali Rizq, widely known as “Al-Savanna,” declared in a video circulated on social media on Monday that he had formally severed ties with the RSF, saying his decision was made in alignment with the Sudanese people and in support of peace and stability.
Although Al-Savanna said he has not yet joined another military entity, his departure marks the second high-profile defection from the RSF in less than two months. In April, Major General Al-Nour Al-Qubba also defected from the paramilitary group and joined the Sudanese army.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aQB8c7qPz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #In Trump Set to Arrive in #Beijing for High-Stakes Summit with Xi Amid Trade, #Iran War Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with #Chinese President #Xi_Jinping, as trade tensions, the ongoing Iran war, and disputes over #Taiwan dominate the agenda between the world’s two largest economies.
The visit marks Trump’s first trip to #China since 2017 and the first by a sitting U.S. president in nearly a decade. The two leaders are expected to hold talks on trade, artificial intelligence, rare earth minerals, semiconductor restrictions, and regional security issues.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/17VNtR5vaw/
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with #Chinese President #Xi_Jinping, as trade tensions, the ongoing Iran war, and disputes over #Taiwan dominate the agenda between the world’s two largest economies.
The visit marks Trump’s first trip to #China since 2017 and the first by a sitting U.S. president in nearly a decade. The two leaders are expected to hold talks on trade, artificial intelligence, rare earth minerals, semiconductor restrictions, and regional security issues.
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News: #Orthodox_Patriarch urges #Ethiopia, #Saudi_Arabia to halt executions of Ethiopians on death row
The Patriarch described Ethiopians imprisoned in Saudi Arabia as “voiceless children” living “under the shadow of death,” and called for immediate diplomatic and humanitarian intervention.
Addressing the Ethiopian government directly, Abune Mathias said, “Since the purpose of diplomatic relations is to protect human life, we urge the Ethiopian government, with a sense of solemn trust, to give special attention to ongoing efforts. “We call for high-level discussions with Saudi authorities to ensure the death sentences of our unjustly condemned children are overturned and a path for their return home is facilitated.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56914
The Patriarch described Ethiopians imprisoned in Saudi Arabia as “voiceless children” living “under the shadow of death,” and called for immediate diplomatic and humanitarian intervention.
Addressing the Ethiopian government directly, Abune Mathias said, “Since the purpose of diplomatic relations is to protect human life, we urge the Ethiopian government, with a sense of solemn trust, to give special attention to ongoing efforts. “We call for high-level discussions with Saudi authorities to ensure the death sentences of our unjustly condemned children are overturned and a path for their return home is facilitated.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56914
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News: #US solar manufacturers seek tariff probe into imports from #Ethiopia
The petition, filed Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Commerce, alleges that companies including TOYO Co., Ltd. and Origin Solar Manufacturing are using Chinese-made wafers to manufacture solar cells in Ethiopia before assembling them into solar panels in Ethiopia or Vietnam for export to the United States.
The allegations come three weeks after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated major solar manufacturing facilities at Hawassa Industrial Park as part of Ethiopia’s push to expand renewable energy production and industrial manufacturing capacity.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56919
The petition, filed Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Commerce, alleges that companies including TOYO Co., Ltd. and Origin Solar Manufacturing are using Chinese-made wafers to manufacture solar cells in Ethiopia before assembling them into solar panels in Ethiopia or Vietnam for export to the United States.
The allegations come three weeks after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated major solar manufacturing facilities at Hawassa Industrial Park as part of Ethiopia’s push to expand renewable energy production and industrial manufacturing capacity.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56919
#Commentary: Poverty as Fuel, #Xenophobia as Fire: Why #South_Africa's poor turn on migrants
In late April 2026, five #Ethiopian nationals were killed in #Johannesburg, three while eating breakfast at a McDonald's. Tesfatsion Dominiko writes that “these killings were not isolated eruptions of spontaneous hatred” but part of a recurring pattern of anti-immigrant violence.
He argues that apartheid's legacy and rising costs make migrants targets. Ethiopians running township shops face blame as "economic competitors," while groups like Operation Dudula fuel tensions.
Tesfatsion calls this "a broader African crisis," where xenophobia stems from "historical inequality, unemployment, and populist mobilization," adding that it's "socially produced, politically amplified"—not inevitable.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56910
In late April 2026, five #Ethiopian nationals were killed in #Johannesburg, three while eating breakfast at a McDonald's. Tesfatsion Dominiko writes that “these killings were not isolated eruptions of spontaneous hatred” but part of a recurring pattern of anti-immigrant violence.
He argues that apartheid's legacy and rising costs make migrants targets. Ethiopians running township shops face blame as "economic competitors," while groups like Operation Dudula fuel tensions.
Tesfatsion calls this "a broader African crisis," where xenophobia stems from "historical inequality, unemployment, and populist mobilization," adding that it's "socially produced, politically amplified"—not inevitable.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56910
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News: #Amnesty calls for release of detained #Somali activist #Sadia_Moalim_Ali
Human rights organization #Amnesty_International has called for the immediate release of Somali activist Sadia Moalim Ali, describing her detention by Somali authorities as arbitrary and linked to her peaceful activism.
In an urgent action report published this week, Amnesty said Sadia, a tuk-tuk driver and social media activist, was arrested in #Mogadishu on 12 April 2026 after publicly criticizing authorities and participating in peaceful protests. Amnesty said she has since been transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison, where she is being held for 90 days pending investigations despite no publicly known formal charges.
According to the rights group, Sadia had used social media platforms to speak out on social justice issues and criticize government policies. Amnesty said her detention reflects growing restrictions on freedom of expression and civic activism in #Somalia.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1NzipEYGGz/
Human rights organization #Amnesty_International has called for the immediate release of Somali activist Sadia Moalim Ali, describing her detention by Somali authorities as arbitrary and linked to her peaceful activism.
In an urgent action report published this week, Amnesty said Sadia, a tuk-tuk driver and social media activist, was arrested in #Mogadishu on 12 April 2026 after publicly criticizing authorities and participating in peaceful protests. Amnesty said she has since been transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison, where she is being held for 90 days pending investigations despite no publicly known formal charges.
According to the rights group, Sadia had used social media platforms to speak out on social justice issues and criticize government policies. Amnesty said her detention reflects growing restrictions on freedom of expression and civic activism in #Somalia.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1NzipEYGGz/
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Context: #Ethiopia, #France relations as President Macron makes third official visit to Addis Abeba
As Emmanuel Macron makes his third official visit to Addis Ababa, #Addis_Standard traces Ethiopia–France relations since 2018, spanning trade and investment, France’s position on Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, cooperation on heritage and finance, as well as peace and security collaboration built over the past eight years.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56927
As Emmanuel Macron makes his third official visit to Addis Ababa, #Addis_Standard traces Ethiopia–France relations since 2018, spanning trade and investment, France’s position on Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, cooperation on heritage and finance, as well as peace and security collaboration built over the past eight years.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56927
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News: Drought, displacement deepen malnutrition, water shortages among communities in #Ethiopia’s #Somali region
Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly across Ethiopia’s Somali region and neighboring border areas, as drought and displacement converge to deepen malnutrition and water shortages, further compounded by shrinking humanitarian aid budgets.
Pastoralist communities in southern and southeastern Ethiopia, particularly in Afder Zone and Shebelle Zone, are facing acute water shortages and collapsing livelihoods after repeated failed rainy seasons, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) cautions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56922
Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly across Ethiopia’s Somali region and neighboring border areas, as drought and displacement converge to deepen malnutrition and water shortages, further compounded by shrinking humanitarian aid budgets.
Pastoralist communities in southern and southeastern Ethiopia, particularly in Afder Zone and Shebelle Zone, are facing acute water shortages and collapsing livelihoods after repeated failed rainy seasons, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) cautions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56922
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News: #US lifts #Ethiopia arms export restrictions imposed during #Tigray war
The restrictions on Ethiopia were first introduced in September 2021 amid the war in Tigray. At the time, the DDTC announced a “policy of denial” for controlled defense exports to Ethiopia and Eritrea, citing the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and hostilities. The measure was later formalized through an amendment adding Ethiopia to ITAR §126.1(n).
The decision was linked to, but legally distinct from, the September 2021 executive order issued by U.S. President Joe Biden.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56931
The restrictions on Ethiopia were first introduced in September 2021 amid the war in Tigray. At the time, the DDTC announced a “policy of denial” for controlled defense exports to Ethiopia and Eritrea, citing the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and hostilities. The measure was later formalized through an amendment adding Ethiopia to ITAR §126.1(n).
The decision was linked to, but legally distinct from, the September 2021 executive order issued by U.S. President Joe Biden.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56931
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News: More than 30 reportedly killed in armed attack on public vehicles in #Benishangul-Gumuz
More than 30 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured after armed men attacked public transport vehicles traveling between #Mankush and #Gilgel_Beles in #Guba Woreda, #Metekel Zone of #Ethiopia’s Benishangul-#Gumuz Region.
Five vehicles, including four public buses and one Isuzu truck, were also set ablaze during the attack.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56948
More than 30 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured after armed men attacked public transport vehicles traveling between #Mankush and #Gilgel_Beles in #Guba Woreda, #Metekel Zone of #Ethiopia’s Benishangul-#Gumuz Region.
Five vehicles, including four public buses and one Isuzu truck, were also set ablaze during the attack.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56948
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News: #Netanyahu says he held secret #UAE meeting during #Iran war; Abu Dhabi denies claim
Addis Abeba- #Israeli Prime Minister #Benjamin_Netanyahu said he held a secret meeting with UAE President #Mohamed_in Zayed during the height of the recent Iran war, describing the encounter as a major diplomatic development amid escalating regional tensions.
Netanyahu’s office said the undisclosed meeting took place in the #United_Arab_Emirates as #Israel sought closer coordination with regional partners during the conflict with Iran. The Israeli leader reportedly characterized the talks as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties under the #Abraham_Accords.
However, the UAE quickly rejected the claim. The #Emirati foreign ministry said reports suggesting Netanyahu visited the country or held a secret meeting with the UAE president were “entirely unfounded,” reiterating that relations with Israel are managed transparently and through official diplomatic channels.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18RchGxJuB/
Addis Abeba- #Israeli Prime Minister #Benjamin_Netanyahu said he held a secret meeting with UAE President #Mohamed_in Zayed during the height of the recent Iran war, describing the encounter as a major diplomatic development amid escalating regional tensions.
Netanyahu’s office said the undisclosed meeting took place in the #United_Arab_Emirates as #Israel sought closer coordination with regional partners during the conflict with Iran. The Israeli leader reportedly characterized the talks as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties under the #Abraham_Accords.
However, the UAE quickly rejected the claim. The #Emirati foreign ministry said reports suggesting Netanyahu visited the country or held a secret meeting with the UAE president were “entirely unfounded,” reiterating that relations with Israel are managed transparently and through official diplomatic channels.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18RchGxJuB/
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#Iran says #Strait_of_Hormuz open to commercial traffic under naval coordination
Addis Abeba – Abbas Araghchi said the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, provided vessels coordinate with Iranian naval forces, according to remarks made during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi this week.
Araghchi’s comments come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed concerns over the security of global energy shipping routes through the narrow waterway, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil exports. Major international media outlets, including Reuters, reported that Iran maintains the strait is accessible to commercial traffic through routes coordinated by the country’s Ports and Maritime Organization.
The remarks also appear to reaffirm Tehran’s earlier position announced in April 2026 following a ceasefire in Lebanon...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oFe2WkdMfKCx4FkuTMQsah41MfGHx6zez35uZcfotC9VnNQWJje64S5MVPMUzeY2l
Addis Abeba – Abbas Araghchi said the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, provided vessels coordinate with Iranian naval forces, according to remarks made during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi this week.
Araghchi’s comments come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed concerns over the security of global energy shipping routes through the narrow waterway, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil exports. Major international media outlets, including Reuters, reported that Iran maintains the strait is accessible to commercial traffic through routes coordinated by the country’s Ports and Maritime Organization.
The remarks also appear to reaffirm Tehran’s earlier position announced in April 2026 following a ceasefire in Lebanon...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oFe2WkdMfKCx4FkuTMQsah41MfGHx6zez35uZcfotC9VnNQWJje64S5MVPMUzeY2l
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News: #Tigray Pre-war council elect President #Debretsion appeals to Saudi Arabia for clemency, protection of Tigrayan migrants facing execution risk
Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) has appealed to the government of #Saudi_Arabia to halt the imminent execution of hundreds of migrants from Tigray detained in the kingdom, urging authorities to grant clemency and ensure their safe return.
In a letter dated 14 May 2026 and addressed to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Debretsion said the migrants were “innocent citizens” caught in desperate circumstances after fleeing the humanitarian fallout of the war in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56964
Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) has appealed to the government of #Saudi_Arabia to halt the imminent execution of hundreds of migrants from Tigray detained in the kingdom, urging authorities to grant clemency and ensure their safe return.
In a letter dated 14 May 2026 and addressed to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Debretsion said the migrants were “innocent citizens” caught in desperate circumstances after fleeing the humanitarian fallout of the war in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56964
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News: #Emperor_Tewodros relics arrive in #Ethiopia 158 years after #Maqdala campaign
Historic relics associated with Emperor Tewodros II, taken to #Britain following the 1868 Maqdala campaign, arrived in Ethiopia today, 158 years after they were removed from the country during the Battle of Maqdala.
Researcher Eyob Derillo, whose sustained engagement helped advance the repatriation process, presented the Abyssinia Collection Research Project alongside Carolyn Dalton during the 12 May event.
Dr. Alula, who coordinated the repatriation effort, said the items carried deep historical and symbolic significance for Ethiopia and represented a meaningful step in ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural heritage taken abroad.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56966
Historic relics associated with Emperor Tewodros II, taken to #Britain following the 1868 Maqdala campaign, arrived in Ethiopia today, 158 years after they were removed from the country during the Battle of Maqdala.
Researcher Eyob Derillo, whose sustained engagement helped advance the repatriation process, presented the Abyssinia Collection Research Project alongside Carolyn Dalton during the 12 May event.
Dr. Alula, who coordinated the repatriation effort, said the items carried deep historical and symbolic significance for Ethiopia and represented a meaningful step in ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural heritage taken abroad.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56966
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#Op_ed: Beyond Truth and Denial: Rethinking #Ethiopia’s transitional justice amid fragmented reality
In post-war Ethiopia, transitional justice is promoted as a path to accountability, reconciliation, and national healing. Yet Kaleab Azeze argues this rests on a fragile assumption: that once truth is established, justice will naturally follow.
He notes that evidence from international organizations, medical professionals, and survivors documents grave violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement. However, official narratives often dispute or reframe these findings.
With no widely accepted arbiter of truth, he stresses that transitional justice must move beyond a single narrative or expectations of closure: “Justice cannot begin with certainty—it must begin with the recognition that truth itself is part of the struggle.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56943
In post-war Ethiopia, transitional justice is promoted as a path to accountability, reconciliation, and national healing. Yet Kaleab Azeze argues this rests on a fragile assumption: that once truth is established, justice will naturally follow.
He notes that evidence from international organizations, medical professionals, and survivors documents grave violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement. However, official narratives often dispute or reframe these findings.
With no widely accepted arbiter of truth, he stresses that transitional justice must move beyond a single narrative or expectations of closure: “Justice cannot begin with certainty—it must begin with the recognition that truth itself is part of the struggle.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56943
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News: #Iran War Overshadows Trump’s #China Visit as Peace Talks Stall
U.S. President #Donald_Trump met #Chinese President #Xi_Jinping in #Beijing on Thursday as the ongoing Iran conflict and stalled peace negotiations dominated discussions between the two global powers.
The high-stakes summit comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with fresh attacks reported near the #Strait_of_Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. According to #US officials, both leaders agreed that the strategic waterway must remain open and that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons.
The war involving the #United_States, #Israel, and Iran has now entered its third month, significantly disrupting global energy markets and increasing fears of wider regional instability. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached in April, peace talks between #Washington and #Tehran have largely stalled.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1DX2eS9WqK/
U.S. President #Donald_Trump met #Chinese President #Xi_Jinping in #Beijing on Thursday as the ongoing Iran conflict and stalled peace negotiations dominated discussions between the two global powers.
The high-stakes summit comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with fresh attacks reported near the #Strait_of_Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. According to #US officials, both leaders agreed that the strategic waterway must remain open and that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons.
The war involving the #United_States, #Israel, and Iran has now entered its third month, significantly disrupting global energy markets and increasing fears of wider regional instability. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached in April, peace talks between #Washington and #Tehran have largely stalled.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1DX2eS9WqK/
News: Young TikToker detained in #Jigjiga after arrest in #Addis_Abeba amid allegations of abuse, due process violations
A young #Somali-language TikToker identified as #Mawliid_Omar_Siyad, widely known as #Bisle_Omar, has remained in detention in Jigjiga for more than two weeks after he was arrested in Addis Abeba by what family members and sources described as a joint operation involving federal police and regional security forces.
According to accounts provided by relatives and individuals familiar with the case, Bisle Omar was arrested on 25 April near the area around #Skylight_Hotel and was transported overnight by vehicle to Jigjiga, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56997
A young #Somali-language TikToker identified as #Mawliid_Omar_Siyad, widely known as #Bisle_Omar, has remained in detention in Jigjiga for more than two weeks after he was arrested in Addis Abeba by what family members and sources described as a joint operation involving federal police and regional security forces.
According to accounts provided by relatives and individuals familiar with the case, Bisle Omar was arrested on 25 April near the area around #Skylight_Hotel and was transported overnight by vehicle to Jigjiga, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=56997
News: #Italian construction firm #Webuild receives Samoter Innovation Award for #GERD project
Italian construction company Webuild has received the #Samoter_Innovation_Award 2026 for its work on the Grand #Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the company announced.
The award was presented during the Samoter International Construction Machinery Exhibition organized by Veronafiere in #Italy.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18cQzztvcQ/
Italian construction company Webuild has received the #Samoter_Innovation_Award 2026 for its work on the Grand #Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the company announced.
The award was presented during the Samoter International Construction Machinery Exhibition organized by Veronafiere in #Italy.
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