#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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News: #Pakistan delivers revised #Iranian peace proposal to #US amid stalled negotiations
Addis Abeba- Pakistan has delivered a revised Iranian proposal to the #United_States aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, as diplomatic efforts intensify amid fears of renewed escalation in the #Middle_East.
According to Reuters, #Pakistani officials are continuing to mediate between #Washington and #Tehran as direct negotiations remain difficult. A Pakistani source familiar with the talks said both sides were still far apart on key issues and warned that “we don’t have much time,” adding that the parties “keep changing their goalposts.”
#Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran’s latest position had been conveyed to the United States through Pakistan, though it did not disclose the full contents of the revised proposal.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as U.S. President #Donald_Trump said he had paused
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18im3W4mqX/
Addis Abeba- Pakistan has delivered a revised Iranian proposal to the #United_States aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, as diplomatic efforts intensify amid fears of renewed escalation in the #Middle_East.
According to Reuters, #Pakistani officials are continuing to mediate between #Washington and #Tehran as direct negotiations remain difficult. A Pakistani source familiar with the talks said both sides were still far apart on key issues and warned that “we don’t have much time,” adding that the parties “keep changing their goalposts.”
#Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran’s latest position had been conveyed to the United States through Pakistan, though it did not disclose the full contents of the revised proposal.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as U.S. President #Donald_Trump said he had paused
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18im3W4mqX/
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#Kenya: 4 people killed and dozens injured in Kenya protests over record fuel prices
Four people died and over 30 others were injured when police clashed with protesters in Kenya’s capital on Monday as a nationwide public transport strike kicked off to protest record fuel prices.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen also said 348 people were arrested and would be charged over their involvement in what he called violent illegal protests. He did not say how the four people were killed, but witnesses told local media that police in Nairobi had opened fire.
Commuters were stranded in many suburbs and the city center was deserted as protesters burned tires on major roads and attacked motorists, setting at least two vehicles on fire.
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-fuel-prices-protests-0195168fd0507d2b4800acbe43feb5a6
Four people died and over 30 others were injured when police clashed with protesters in Kenya’s capital on Monday as a nationwide public transport strike kicked off to protest record fuel prices.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen also said 348 people were arrested and would be charged over their involvement in what he called violent illegal protests. He did not say how the four people were killed, but witnesses told local media that police in Nairobi had opened fire.
Commuters were stranded in many suburbs and the city center was deserted as protesters burned tires on major roads and attacked motorists, setting at least two vehicles on fire.
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-fuel-prices-protests-0195168fd0507d2b4800acbe43feb5a6
News: #Qatar’s Al-Khayyat family eyes stake in #Ethiopia’s planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport
The influential Al-Khayyat family, a #Syrian-#Qatari business giant, is expanding its investments in African infrastructure, with a major focus on Ethiopia’s planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, according to Bloomberg.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57089
The influential Al-Khayyat family, a #Syrian-#Qatari business giant, is expanding its investments in African infrastructure, with a major focus on Ethiopia’s planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, according to Bloomberg.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57089
#Trump delays planned #US strike on #Iran after Gulf leaders push for diplomacy
Addis Abeba - U.S. President Donald Trump said he has postponed a planned military strike on Iran that was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, citing appeals from Gulf leaders who urged Washington to allow ongoing negotiations a chance to succeed.
Trump announced on 18 May via his Truth Social that he decided to pause what he described as a “very major attack” after discussions involving Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mohammed bin Salman, and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Gulf leaders reportedly told Trump there was a “very good chance” that ongoing diplomatic efforts could lead to a long-term agreement preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02yz937NTLQavPTVydPV4Hx8zzCfeDug6yM4j5JufHH21yZeNFuTGeKwNsdhT7VaVyl
Addis Abeba - U.S. President Donald Trump said he has postponed a planned military strike on Iran that was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, citing appeals from Gulf leaders who urged Washington to allow ongoing negotiations a chance to succeed.
Trump announced on 18 May via his Truth Social that he decided to pause what he described as a “very major attack” after discussions involving Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mohammed bin Salman, and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Gulf leaders reportedly told Trump there was a “very good chance” that ongoing diplomatic efforts could lead to a long-term agreement preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02yz937NTLQavPTVydPV4Hx8zzCfeDug6yM4j5JufHH21yZeNFuTGeKwNsdhT7VaVyl
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News: #China sends 12th PLA medical team to #Ethiopia for year-long military health mission
The deployment follows the arrival of the 11th PLA medical aid team in May 2025, when China described the contingent as “the largest military medical expert team we have ever sent to Ethiopia,” comprising 14 military doctors drawn primarily from the same affiliated hospital of the PLA Army Medical University.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57092
The deployment follows the arrival of the 11th PLA medical aid team in May 2025, when China described the contingent as “the largest military medical expert team we have ever sent to Ethiopia,” comprising 14 military doctors drawn primarily from the same affiliated hospital of the PLA Army Medical University.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57092
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#Australia backs ranger training program at #Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park
Addis Abeba – The Australian Embassy in Ethiopia has announced support for a second-round ranger training program at Bale Mountains National Park, located in Bale zone of Oromia regional state, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and wildlife conservation in Ethiopia.
The Embassy said “protecting Ethiopia’s precious environment starts with empowering those on the frontlines,” as it highlighted the completion of the training program delivered by Chengeta Wildlife with funding support from Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
Bale Mountains National Park is home to several endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala, and remains one of the country’s key ecological and tourism sites.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02vtNy1nAJJv4qqVCVWefzerFX9wNbztkc3afR7yksGwDZs9TZKTE3QVXCu7JZsjrGl
Addis Abeba – The Australian Embassy in Ethiopia has announced support for a second-round ranger training program at Bale Mountains National Park, located in Bale zone of Oromia regional state, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and wildlife conservation in Ethiopia.
The Embassy said “protecting Ethiopia’s precious environment starts with empowering those on the frontlines,” as it highlighted the completion of the training program delivered by Chengeta Wildlife with funding support from Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
Bale Mountains National Park is home to several endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala, and remains one of the country’s key ecological and tourism sites.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02vtNy1nAJJv4qqVCVWefzerFX9wNbztkc3afR7yksGwDZs9TZKTE3QVXCu7JZsjrGl
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