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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#Op_ed: Election Without Contest: One-party spectacle across #Ethiopia’s #Somali region
Across the Somali region, ruling party candidates are actively engaged in campaigns marked by rallies, speeches, and large-scale mobilizations that project an image of democratic vitality, the author of this op-ed notes. However, he—himself a Prosperity Party (#PP) candidate—argues that these displays conceal a deeper absence of political competition, as many constituencies reportedly lack opposing candidates, thereby reducing elections to symbolic affirmations of existing power rather than genuine electoral contests.
Writing as an insider candidate, the author warns that “beneath the spectacle lies a troubling reality—the campaigns lack any kind of political competition.”
He emphasizes that the region deserves authentic political choice rather than orchestrated political theater. He contends that "democracy matures not when leaders campaign alone, but when they compete openly.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57096
Across the Somali region, ruling party candidates are actively engaged in campaigns marked by rallies, speeches, and large-scale mobilizations that project an image of democratic vitality, the author of this op-ed notes. However, he—himself a Prosperity Party (#PP) candidate—argues that these displays conceal a deeper absence of political competition, as many constituencies reportedly lack opposing candidates, thereby reducing elections to symbolic affirmations of existing power rather than genuine electoral contests.
Writing as an insider candidate, the author warns that “beneath the spectacle lies a troubling reality—the campaigns lack any kind of political competition.”
He emphasizes that the region deserves authentic political choice rather than orchestrated political theater. He contends that "democracy matures not when leaders campaign alone, but when they compete openly.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57096
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#Sudan army says it recaptured two more strategic areas in #Blue_Nile near #Ethiopian border
Addis Abeba – Sudan’s military says it has regained control of two areas in the southeastern part of Blue Nile state following intensified clashes with allied forces of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Fourth Infantry Division, cited by Sudan Tribune, army forces and allied units recaptured the areas of Kern Kern and Doukan after what it described as “violent clashes” with RSF fighters and forces loyal to SPLM-N commander Joseph Tuka. The army claimed the fighting resulted in heavy casualties and the destruction of military positions and equipment belonging to the opposing forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02dWG7nBqpNT5fPMkqtbYRtaNnj4RSoTQpn1bfHn7sqVZhSZLFycUetzKeAuZj3Qg5l
Addis Abeba – Sudan’s military says it has regained control of two areas in the southeastern part of Blue Nile state following intensified clashes with allied forces of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Fourth Infantry Division, cited by Sudan Tribune, army forces and allied units recaptured the areas of Kern Kern and Doukan after what it described as “violent clashes” with RSF fighters and forces loyal to SPLM-N commander Joseph Tuka. The army claimed the fighting resulted in heavy casualties and the destruction of military positions and equipment belonging to the opposing forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02dWG7nBqpNT5fPMkqtbYRtaNnj4RSoTQpn1bfHn7sqVZhSZLFycUetzKeAuZj3Qg5l
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News: Coalition for #Ethiopian Unity denounces electoral process, cites widespread irregularities
The Coalition for Ethiopian Unity has accused the ruling party of systematically undermining #Ethiopia’s electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, voter manipulation, and obstruction of opposition participation ahead of the upcoming election.
In a statement issued today, the coalition said the “pre-conditions of the electoral process are not met,” arguing that the fate of the country was being decided through a process that lacked “the true participation of the people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57099
The Coalition for Ethiopian Unity has accused the ruling party of systematically undermining #Ethiopia’s electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, voter manipulation, and obstruction of opposition participation ahead of the upcoming election.
In a statement issued today, the coalition said the “pre-conditions of the electoral process are not met,” arguing that the fate of the country was being decided through a process that lacked “the true participation of the people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57099
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