#BRICS Delhi meeting ends without joint communiqué amid divisions over war on #Iran
Addis Abeba- Foreign ministers from the expanded BRICS bloc failed to issue a joint communiqué following a two-day summit in New Delhi on 15 May, exposing deep divisions among member states over the ongoing #US-#Israel war on Iran and the broader Middle East crisis.
Instead, host country India released a “Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document,” acknowledging that “differing views among some members” prevented consensus on the situation in West Asia and the Middle East.
According to reports by Reuters and Al Jazeera, tensions centered on disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over language concerning the ongoing conflict.
Iran reportedly pushed for BRICS to strongly condemn U.S. and Israeli military actions, while also accusing the UAE of involvement in operations against Tehran. The UAE rejected the accusations and opposed wording critical of its role, contributing to the collapse of negotiations for a unified declaration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the meeting that one BRICS member had blocked portions of the proposed statement, though he did not explicitly name the UAE.
Despite the divisions, member states reportedly reached agreement on dozens of other agenda items, including economic cooperation and multilateral reform. India’s chair statement emphasized dialogue, sovereignty, maritime security, and the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, while avoiding direct attribution of blame in the regional conflict.
The outcome marks the second consecutive BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting to end without a consensus communiqué since the bloc’s expansion. In April 2025, a meeting in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship also failed to produce a joint declaration due to disagreements over reform of the UN Security Council and representation within the enlarged grouping, which now includes countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.
Addis Abeba- Foreign ministers from the expanded BRICS bloc failed to issue a joint communiqué following a two-day summit in New Delhi on 15 May, exposing deep divisions among member states over the ongoing #US-#Israel war on Iran and the broader Middle East crisis.
Instead, host country India released a “Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document,” acknowledging that “differing views among some members” prevented consensus on the situation in West Asia and the Middle East.
According to reports by Reuters and Al Jazeera, tensions centered on disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over language concerning the ongoing conflict.
Iran reportedly pushed for BRICS to strongly condemn U.S. and Israeli military actions, while also accusing the UAE of involvement in operations against Tehran. The UAE rejected the accusations and opposed wording critical of its role, contributing to the collapse of negotiations for a unified declaration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the meeting that one BRICS member had blocked portions of the proposed statement, though he did not explicitly name the UAE.
Despite the divisions, member states reportedly reached agreement on dozens of other agenda items, including economic cooperation and multilateral reform. India’s chair statement emphasized dialogue, sovereignty, maritime security, and the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, while avoiding direct attribution of blame in the regional conflict.
The outcome marks the second consecutive BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting to end without a consensus communiqué since the bloc’s expansion. In April 2025, a meeting in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship also failed to produce a joint declaration due to disagreements over reform of the UN Security Council and representation within the enlarged grouping, which now includes countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.
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News: #Ethiopia faces ‘very high risk’ of torture, annual index says, cites systemic abuses, impunity
Under its “Ending Police Brutality and Institutional Violence” category, Ethiopia received a “very high risk” score. The report accused security forces of employing “physical violence, psychological intimidation and even forced disappearance during apprehensions and interrogations.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57048
Under its “Ending Police Brutality and Institutional Violence” category, Ethiopia received a “very high risk” score. The report accused security forces of employing “physical violence, psychological intimidation and even forced disappearance during apprehensions and interrogations.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57048
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#China’s #UN ambassador criticizes #US Hormuz resolution
China’s U.N. ambassador on Friday criticized a proposed U.S.-Bahraini resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, saying the content and timing were not right and passing it would not be helpful.
The draft resolution demands Iran halt attacks and mining in the strait, but diplomats have said it is likely to meet with Russian and Chinese vetoes if it comes to a vote. Both countries vetoed a similar U.S.-backed resolution last month, arguing it was biased against Iran.
The Pass Blue news portal, which focuses on U.N. news, posted a short clip of an impromptu interview with China’s U.N. envoy Fu Gong in which he said, when asked about the resolution: “We don’t think the content is right, and the timing is not right.
“What we need is to urge both sides to engage in serious and good-faith negotiations that can resolve the issue.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-un-ambassador-criticizes-us-hormuz-resolution-2026-05-15/
China’s U.N. ambassador on Friday criticized a proposed U.S.-Bahraini resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, saying the content and timing were not right and passing it would not be helpful.
The draft resolution demands Iran halt attacks and mining in the strait, but diplomats have said it is likely to meet with Russian and Chinese vetoes if it comes to a vote. Both countries vetoed a similar U.S.-backed resolution last month, arguing it was biased against Iran.
The Pass Blue news portal, which focuses on U.N. news, posted a short clip of an impromptu interview with China’s U.N. envoy Fu Gong in which he said, when asked about the resolution: “We don’t think the content is right, and the timing is not right.
“What we need is to urge both sides to engage in serious and good-faith negotiations that can resolve the issue.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-un-ambassador-criticizes-us-hormuz-resolution-2026-05-15/
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News: #EZEMA says candidates disqualified in #Harari over ethnic identity, members arrested in #South_Ethiopia region
The opposition party Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) has accused authorities of disqualifying its candidates in the Harari region based on ethnic identity and arresting its members in the South Ethiopia region, warning that the actions could undermine the credibility of #Ethiopia’s upcoming elections.
In a statement issued yesterday, 15 May, the party said that despite its commitment to peaceful political competition and legal processes, “serious pressures” are being exerted on the electoral process through what it described as discriminatory practices and politically motivated harassment.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57056
The opposition party Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) has accused authorities of disqualifying its candidates in the Harari region based on ethnic identity and arresting its members in the South Ethiopia region, warning that the actions could undermine the credibility of #Ethiopia’s upcoming elections.
In a statement issued yesterday, 15 May, the party said that despite its commitment to peaceful political competition and legal processes, “serious pressures” are being exerted on the electoral process through what it described as discriminatory practices and politically motivated harassment.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57056
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News: Oil prices jump after drone attack on #UAE nuclear plant
Global oil prices climbed more than 1% on Monday after a drone attack targeted the #Barakah nuclear power plant in the #United_Arab_Emirates, intensifying fears of a broader regional escalation tied to the ongoing #Iran conflict.
Brent crude rose to above $111 per barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed past $107, both hitting their highest levels in nearly two weeks as investors reacted to mounting risks around Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
Officials in #Abu_Dhabi said a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear facility, though no injuries or radiation leaks were reported. #Emirati authorities said investigations are underway to determine the source of the attack, while the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed radiation levels remained normal.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CsvfMvPUH/
Global oil prices climbed more than 1% on Monday after a drone attack targeted the #Barakah nuclear power plant in the #United_Arab_Emirates, intensifying fears of a broader regional escalation tied to the ongoing #Iran conflict.
Brent crude rose to above $111 per barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed past $107, both hitting their highest levels in nearly two weeks as investors reacted to mounting risks around Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
Officials in #Abu_Dhabi said a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear facility, though no injuries or radiation leaks were reported. #Emirati authorities said investigations are underway to determine the source of the attack, while the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed radiation levels remained normal.
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CsvfMvPUH/
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News: #Dangote fertilizer project in #Ethiopia’s #Somali region expands beyond $4 billion
The project is now expected to include additional infrastructure such as a 110-kilometer gas pipeline from the Calub gas field in the Ogaden Basin, a 120 MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-ton NPK blending plant.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57065
The project is now expected to include additional infrastructure such as a 110-kilometer gas pipeline from the Calub gas field in the Ogaden Basin, a 120 MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-ton NPK blending plant.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57065
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#Sudanese army captures key town near #Ethiopian border from #RSF
Sudan’s army has recaptured a town in southeastern Blue Nile state, a state that has become a focal point in the civil war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that’s been raging for more than three years.
The Sudanese army said in a statement on Friday that it had seized the town of Khor Hassan from the RSF.
#Blue_Nile state has become a key flashpoint in the conflict due to its geography, serving as a gateway to central Sudan, and giving whoever controls it a greater chance of advancing into the country’s central regions.
The state also borders Ethiopia, which the Sudanese government accuses, alongside the United Arab Emirates, of backing the RSF. Both countries deny the allegations.
The RSF had been holding the town with the support of its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/16/sudanese-army-captures-key-town-near-ethiopian-border-from-rsf
Sudan’s army has recaptured a town in southeastern Blue Nile state, a state that has become a focal point in the civil war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that’s been raging for more than three years.
The Sudanese army said in a statement on Friday that it had seized the town of Khor Hassan from the RSF.
#Blue_Nile state has become a key flashpoint in the conflict due to its geography, serving as a gateway to central Sudan, and giving whoever controls it a greater chance of advancing into the country’s central regions.
The state also borders Ethiopia, which the Sudanese government accuses, alongside the United Arab Emirates, of backing the RSF. Both countries deny the allegations.
The RSF had been holding the town with the support of its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/16/sudanese-army-captures-key-town-near-ethiopian-border-from-rsf
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#Ethiopia: Military warns injured ex-soldiers protesting over land allocations, benefits could face ‘legal action’
Ethiopia’s military has warned that injured former soldiers who have recently staged protests in the #Oromia cities of #Adama and #Bishoftu over “unmet promises,” including demands for land allocations and other benefits, and who have broadcast the protests on social media, could face legal consequences, accusing unnamed “instigators” of exploiting their grievances to advance “a different agenda.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57068
Ethiopia’s military has warned that injured former soldiers who have recently staged protests in the #Oromia cities of #Adama and #Bishoftu over “unmet promises,” including demands for land allocations and other benefits, and who have broadcast the protests on social media, could face legal consequences, accusing unnamed “instigators” of exploiting their grievances to advance “a different agenda.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57068
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Commentary: The Invisible Crisis: #Ethiopia's 'Zero IDP' illusion and the humanitarian cost of statistical sovereignty
As Ethiopian federal officials gathered for the “National Summit on Statistical Sovereignty and Integrated Development Management,” on 17–18 May 2026 in Addis Abeba, the author of this commentary a recent shift in how the current government in Ethiopia views the concepts of “statistical sovereignty” and uses data blackout “to generate unverifiable figures that fuel exclusion, undermine lifesaving support for highly vulnerable populations, endanger lives, and infringe upon fundamental rights.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57071
As Ethiopian federal officials gathered for the “National Summit on Statistical Sovereignty and Integrated Development Management,” on 17–18 May 2026 in Addis Abeba, the author of this commentary a recent shift in how the current government in Ethiopia views the concepts of “statistical sovereignty” and uses data blackout “to generate unverifiable figures that fuel exclusion, undermine lifesaving support for highly vulnerable populations, endanger lives, and infringe upon fundamental rights.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57071
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News: #Tigray pre-war-council elect President suspends May, June salaries amid move to centralize payroll system
The Office of the President, led by TPLF Chairman #Debretsion_Gebremichael, has announced a decision to centralize the payroll system for civil servants across the region, temporarily suspending salary payments for May and June pending the implementation of a new framework.
According to a directive, the Debretsion's Office instructed all regional bureaus, zonal administrations, woredas, city administrations, and the Supreme Court to halt salary disbursements for the two months until a centralized and “fair” payroll management system is established.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57073
The Office of the President, led by TPLF Chairman #Debretsion_Gebremichael, has announced a decision to centralize the payroll system for civil servants across the region, temporarily suspending salary payments for May and June pending the implementation of a new framework.
According to a directive, the Debretsion's Office instructed all regional bureaus, zonal administrations, woredas, city administrations, and the Supreme Court to halt salary disbursements for the two months until a centralized and “fair” payroll management system is established.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57073
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#Kenya: Fuel price hikes trigger nationwide transport strike, protests in main cities including #Nairobi
Addis Abeba – Protests erupted across Kenya on Monday after sharp fuel price increases triggered a nationwide public transport strike, stranding thousands of commuters and disrupting businesses and schools in major towns, including Nairobi.
The demonstrations followed recent fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which raised retail fuel prices by more than 20%, citing global oil supply disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that super petrol prices in Nairobi rose to around 214 Kenyan shillings per liter, while diesel climbed to nearly 243 shillings.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0EQgyTnF6uKZWbVFZQskyyoL2eYy4EKAwA6MfKuBMJaJk3rnwk85SbC4RhL3uTJc8l
Pictures: AP
Addis Abeba – Protests erupted across Kenya on Monday after sharp fuel price increases triggered a nationwide public transport strike, stranding thousands of commuters and disrupting businesses and schools in major towns, including Nairobi.
The demonstrations followed recent fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which raised retail fuel prices by more than 20%, citing global oil supply disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that super petrol prices in Nairobi rose to around 214 Kenyan shillings per liter, while diesel climbed to nearly 243 shillings.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0EQgyTnF6uKZWbVFZQskyyoL2eYy4EKAwA6MfKuBMJaJk3rnwk85SbC4RhL3uTJc8l
Pictures: AP
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News: New ‘#Tigray Peace and Change’ council formed in Addis Abeba; #Getachew_Reda says body will enter Mekele “shortly”
A new council describing itself as a temporary body aimed at administering the Tigray Region has officially been established in #Addis_Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until inclusive administration is established in the region. The newly formed “Tigray Peace and Change” Council held its founding conference yesterday, 17 May 2026, in Addis Abeba.
According to organizers, the council brings together five political parties — #Simret, #Baitona, #Arena Tigray, Tinsae 70 Enderta, and Qanchi Haqi — as well as the military wing of the #Hara_Meret fighters operating in the #Afar region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57078
A new council describing itself as a temporary body aimed at administering the Tigray Region has officially been established in #Addis_Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until inclusive administration is established in the region. The newly formed “Tigray Peace and Change” Council held its founding conference yesterday, 17 May 2026, in Addis Abeba.
According to organizers, the council brings together five political parties — #Simret, #Baitona, #Arena Tigray, Tinsae 70 Enderta, and Qanchi Haqi — as well as the military wing of the #Hara_Meret fighters operating in the #Afar region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57078
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#Tribute: Zegeye Asfaw: Architect of #Africa's most radical land reform, father of #Ethiopia's agrarian revolution
In this tribute, Hassen Mama Muse writes that Zegeye Asfaw Abdi—who died at 84—was the “visionary behind the most radical land reform in African history.” He “translated ‘Land to the Tiller’ into a reality,” freeing millions from feudalism.
After the 1974 revolution, Zegeye spearheaded the 1975 land proclamation, using “‘public ownership’ rather than ‘government ownership’” to protect peasants. Despite this, he spent a decade in Maekelawi prison. Later, he founded Hundee and served on Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission.
Hassen concludes that Zegeye “lived a life defined by the soil, the law, and an unshakeable belief in the dignity of the peasant.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57062
In this tribute, Hassen Mama Muse writes that Zegeye Asfaw Abdi—who died at 84—was the “visionary behind the most radical land reform in African history.” He “translated ‘Land to the Tiller’ into a reality,” freeing millions from feudalism.
After the 1974 revolution, Zegeye spearheaded the 1975 land proclamation, using “‘public ownership’ rather than ‘government ownership’” to protect peasants. Despite this, he spent a decade in Maekelawi prison. Later, he founded Hundee and served on Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission.
Hassen concludes that Zegeye “lived a life defined by the soil, the law, and an unshakeable belief in the dignity of the peasant.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57062
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News: #Ethiopia, #Saudi_Arabia discuss bilateral ties, welfare of #Ethiopian workers during high-level meeting
#Gedion_Timothewos today held talks with #Waleed_Elkhereiji focusing on bilateral relations, labor migration, and regional peace and security issues.
According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion received the Saudi vice minister in #Addis_Abeba for discussions aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57081
#Gedion_Timothewos today held talks with #Waleed_Elkhereiji focusing on bilateral relations, labor migration, and regional peace and security issues.
According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion received the Saudi vice minister in #Addis_Abeba for discussions aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57081
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#Somaliland marks 35th anniversary with renewed push for international recognition
Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its restored statehood on Monday with military parades, cultural celebrations, and renewed calls for broader international recognition, as more than 25 foreign delegations joined commemorations in the capital, Hargeisa.
This year’s anniversary, held under the theme “Recognition and Resilience,” carried heightened political significance following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland on 26 December 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to establish official diplomatic relations with Somaliland since it restored its self-declared statehood in 1991.
Thousands gathered at Hargeisa’s Freedom Square, where Somaliland military units, including commandos, marines, and junior forces, marched alongside cultural performers, civic groups, and schoolchildren waving the Somaliland flag.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-marks-35th-anniversary-with-recognition-push/
Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its restored statehood on Monday with military parades, cultural celebrations, and renewed calls for broader international recognition, as more than 25 foreign delegations joined commemorations in the capital, Hargeisa.
This year’s anniversary, held under the theme “Recognition and Resilience,” carried heightened political significance following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland on 26 December 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to establish official diplomatic relations with Somaliland since it restored its self-declared statehood in 1991.
Thousands gathered at Hargeisa’s Freedom Square, where Somaliland military units, including commandos, marines, and junior forces, marched alongside cultural performers, civic groups, and schoolchildren waving the Somaliland flag.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/somaliland-marks-35th-anniversary-with-recognition-push/
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