#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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#Tigray: Getachew, Tsadkan give stark warnings over region’s future
Senior Tigrayan figures Getachew Reda and Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae delivered blunt remarks in the political impasse in Tigray region.
Getachew suggested those he accused of pushing for fighting to be targeted and struck “selectively”.
Tsadkan, meanwhile, described societies in crisis as either erupting in “revolt” or collapsing inward and “imploding.”
Their remarks were made during the formation of a new council described as a temporary body aimed at solving the current political crisis in the Tigray Region. The Council was officially established on 17 May in Addis Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until an inclusive administration is established in the region.
Senior Tigrayan figures Getachew Reda and Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae delivered blunt remarks in the political impasse in Tigray region.
Getachew suggested those he accused of pushing for fighting to be targeted and struck “selectively”.
Tsadkan, meanwhile, described societies in crisis as either erupting in “revolt” or collapsing inward and “imploding.”
Their remarks were made during the formation of a new council described as a temporary body aimed at solving the current political crisis in the Tigray Region. The Council was officially established on 17 May in Addis Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until an inclusive administration is established in the region.
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#China, #Russia push ceasefire, Xi warns #US-#Israel war on #Iran risks wider regional spillover
Addis Abeba – President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have called for an urgent ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to contain the US-Israel war on Iran, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the wider Middle East.
During a phone conversation held on 19 June, Xi told Putin that “promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities is the urgent priority,” according to a statement released by China’s Foreign Ministry. Xi said the use of force “is not the correct way to resolve international disputes” and warned that military escalation would only deepen regional tensions.
The Chinese president particularly urged parties to the conflict, “especially Israel,” to halt military operations in order to prevent the war from spilling over into neighboring...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0AhmNQdqwPZU7UgcHV5d82BP4aRZE5g39chf5YeyphNH2JamPQ4SseKtM1qAuHunMl
Addis Abeba – President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have called for an urgent ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to contain the US-Israel war on Iran, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the wider Middle East.
During a phone conversation held on 19 June, Xi told Putin that “promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities is the urgent priority,” according to a statement released by China’s Foreign Ministry. Xi said the use of force “is not the correct way to resolve international disputes” and warned that military escalation would only deepen regional tensions.
The Chinese president particularly urged parties to the conflict, “especially Israel,” to halt military operations in order to prevent the war from spilling over into neighboring...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0AhmNQdqwPZU7UgcHV5d82BP4aRZE5g39chf5YeyphNH2JamPQ4SseKtM1qAuHunMl
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News: #EU restores normal Schengen visa rules for #Ethiopian nationals after readmission cooperation improves
The European Union has moved to restore standard Schengen visa procedures for Ethiopian nationals, lifting temporary restrictions imposed in 2024 over what Brussels had described as insufficient cooperation by Ethiopia on the readmission of irregular migrants.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57102
The European Union has moved to restore standard Schengen visa procedures for Ethiopian nationals, lifting temporary restrictions imposed in 2024 over what Brussels had described as insufficient cooperation by Ethiopia on the readmission of irregular migrants.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57102
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