Addis Standard
19K subscribers
6.66K photos
402 videos
4 files
18.8K links
An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
Download Telegram
#Kenya suspends transport strike after deadly fuel price protests

Kenya has announced a one-week suspension of a nationwide public transport strike that erupted over sharp fuel price increases and triggered deadly protests that reportedly left four people dead.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen said the temporary suspension was intended to allow further consultations between the government and transport sector stakeholders.

“The government remains fully committed to addressing concerns raised by Kenyans at all times and calls for peaceful and legal means of airing grievances,” Murkomen said.

The strike, which began Monday after a steep rise in fuel prices, disrupted public transportation and affected schools...

https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LRj8eSwDLAsvEvvU8BDvHTJCGqjt3TfrHuEWj1PsKeRyoQEFH6RdeDb5UbTFc9eSl
3
#Commentary: Legacy of All, Possession of One: How religious declaration endangers #Axum's World Heritage status
 
On 7 May 2026, the Synod of the #Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church declared Axum a “Holy City—Aksum Zion” and proposed rules restricting alcohol, khat, hotels, and public religious expression. In his commentary, Mohammedawel Hagos argues that “this declaration is not a harmless religious gesture" but “a direct threat to Axum’s status as a World Heritage site.”
 
He contends that Axum’s #UNESCO recognition reflects its “outstanding universal value to humanity” as a meeting point of pagan, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
 
The author concludes by calling for constitutional protections, religious freedom, and a “two-zone solution” preserving Axum as a heritage belonging “not for one faith, but for all humanity.”
 
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57108
3😡1
News: #Oromia accuses armed group who ‘reject peace overtures’ of ‘targeting’ former #OLA members who surrendered

Commissioner Ararsa accused armed factions refusing negotiations of "committing abuses" against civilians, including "looting farmers, kidnapping residents for ransom, and intimidating investors for extortion". He further described the groups as “proxy destructive forces” serving “Shaebia (Eritrea), TPLF, and other enemies,” adding that enforcing the rule of law and “cleansing” such groups remained the government’s only option.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57109
2
News: #Ethiopia warns #Strait_of_Hormuz disruptions ‘increasing pressure on global #fuel, #fertilizer markets,’ calls for coordinated response

“Iran crisis and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global fuel and fertilizer markets,” Ahmed said, warning that higher global oil prices were raising transportation, irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing, and food distribution costs while adding pressure on Ethiopia’s trade balance.

A recent in-depth analysis by #Addis_Standard – The Hormuz Entanglement and The Fertilizer Paradox – warned that the unfolding crisis extends far beyond temporary shortages.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57115
1🤨1
News: #Tigray Education Bureau ends academic year early amid fuel, budget crisis

The Tigray Education Bureau has announced that the 2018 E.C. academic year in Tigray will end one month earlier than scheduled due to worsening disruptions linked to fuel shortages, delayed salaries, and damaged educational infrastructure.

Speaking to Addis Standard, the bureau’s head, #Kiros_Guesh (PhD), said the federal government’s withholding of budgetary allocations and fuel supplies had made “the timely and proper disbursement of teachers’ salaries” impossible across the region.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57117
👍3
Feature: Between recognition and regional fallout: Is #Ethiopia reconsidering #Somaliland option amid #Red_Sea calculus?

As Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Somalia on 18 May, attention across the Horn quietly turned once again toward Ethiopia, and the unresolved question of whether Addis Abeba could eventually become the second country, after Israel, to formally recognize Somaliland.

“From a purely strategic standpoint, Somaliland offers Ethiopia something no other partner currently does: relatively stable, geographically proximate access to the Gulf of Aden outside Somalia’s direct control,” said a regional security analyst who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57105
Reuters investigation documents mass killings in #Darfur after #RSF capture of al-Fashir

A major investigation by Reuters has documented three days of unrelenting mass killings, executions, and abuses carried out by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during and after the October 2025 capture of al-Fashir, the last major Sudanese army-held city in the Darfur region.

The visual investigation and documentary, titled “Death in Darfur: 3 days of horror caught on camera,” analyzed hundreds of videos allegedly recorded and posted online by RSF fighters themselves.

Working with the Sudan Witness project, Reuters used geolocation, video verification, and survivor testimony to reconstruct events that unfolded between October 25 and 27, 2025, during the fall of the city following an 18-month siege.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dR3cv7Cy6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
2
#China, #Russia sign over 20 agreements as Putin concludes #Beijing visit

Addis Abeba- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed more than 20 bilateral agreements covering trade, energy, technology, and strategic coordination during Putin’s two-day state visit to Beijing, in what is seen as deepening ties between the two powers amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

Putin arrived in Beijing on 19 May, his 25th official visit to China and held extensive talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People before departing on 20 May.

The visit came only days after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, in a move analysts said reflected China’s efforts to balance relations with both Washington and Moscow.

Chinese state ceremonies for Putin included a red-carpet reception, military honors, a state banquet, and private meetings between the two leaders.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EXFpYEu9h/?mibextid=wwXIfr
2
News: Passengers on Addis Abeba–Debre Markos bus abducted by gunmen in #North_Shewa, #Oromia Region

Passengers traveling on a public transport bus from #Addis_Abeba to #Debre_Markos were abducted by armed men in an area locally known as “#Alidoro,” situated between Gebre Guracha and Fiche in North Shewa zone of Oromia region, according to information confirmed to Addis Standard by the bus company.

The incident reportedly occurred 19 May 2026 after gunmen forced the “FM” public transport bus to stop before taking passengers to an undisclosed location. The company said “the whereabouts of most, 34, of the passengers remain unknown, except for three individuals whose status has been confirmed.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57133
2😡2😭1
#Op_ed: #Somalia’s Red Line: Electoral mandate crisis, foreign influence heighten risk of state collapse
 
Somalia has entered a profound crisis following the 15 May 2026 expiration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate, writes Adam Daud Ahmed. Tensions stem from the March constitutional amendments extending presidential terms to five years, which opposition leaders call a “civilian coup” threatening the fragile federal system.
 
The standoff has erupted in #Mogadishu through violent crackdowns, forced evictions, and rising public fear, while #Puntland and #Jubaland resist centralized control.
 
Ahmed underscores that resolving the deadlock requires halting violence and suspending the contested amendments: “Legitimacy emerges from public trust, constitutional consensus, and inclusive governance—not from fear or force.”
 
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57142
1
News: #Ethiopia, #Djibouti advance oil and gas corridor talks as regional energy logistics push accelerate

President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti has held talks on 20 May with Brook Taye, Chief Executive of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), on proposed large-scale oil and gas export corridor projects linking the two countries, sources familiar with the discussion told Addis Standard.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57143
#Israel’s Ben-Gvir faces international backlash over #Gaza Flotilla detainee abuse video

Addis Abeba -Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing international condemnation after posting a video showing detained pro-#Palestinian activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla being zip-tied, forced to kneel, and shoved while in Israeli custody.

The abuse triggered global diplomatic protests, with several countries summoning Israeli ambassadors and issuing strong public criticism..

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment a “violation of human dignity,” while Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “The images we have seen posted by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir - who Australia has sanctioned -are shocking and unacceptable… degrading.”

European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “appalled” by the treatment shown in the footage...

https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid09ePahyKhVDBRUPRj6sh2mh5pKqATT1uC1EHK2BS5jwAsTwatj2EURBS4aJjwuBSbl
3
Analysis: #Wollega_University students decry health problems linked to food shortages, poor hygiene; student union leader denies

A third-year Veterinary Medicine student who spoke to #Addis_Standard said the quality and availability of food at the university has declined sharply. According to the student, meals frequently run out before many students are able to access them, leaving some without food for an entire day.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57132
2
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
A Reuters investigation says the Rapid Support Forces carried out mass killings, executions, and abuses during and after the October 2025 capture of al-Fashir in Darfur.

The report analyzed videos, survivor testimonies, and geolocation evidence, documenting alleged executions, mass detentions, looting, and attacks on civilians, while the United Nations has warned some acts carried “hallmarks of genocide.”

Watch the full breakdown and all details here https://youtu.be/erHysr9nX_k

#Sudan #Darfur #HumanRights
4
#Saudi_Arabia launches #Red_Sea cargo route linking #Djibouti and #Oman as Kingdom expands regional logistics network

Addis Abeba- Saudi Arabia has launched a new regional container shipping service dubbed the “Red Sea Express,” linking major ports across the Red Sea and Gulf region, including Djibouti and Oman’s Salalah Port, as part of the Kingdom’s push to strengthen maritime trade connectivity and advance its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

The service, launched through the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), connects King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu with Egypt’s Ain Sokhna Port and Jordan’s Aqaba Port, while an additional route links Jeddah Islamic Port with Salalah Port in Oman and the Port of Djibouti, according to Gulf News and Arab News reports.

Saudi authorities say the new shipping network is intended to improve logistics efficiency, https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02dZRtBmeaoyH3HbBFev2DsYr2nWPod6xjUKzHkBjEwaagcoqbEGmK33GT2xhqmoAxl
👍2
#Kenya to lower diesel prices following deadly protests over rising fuel costs

Addis Abeba – Kenya’s President William Ruto announced that the government will reduce diesel prices in the upcoming June–July pricing cycle following deadly protests and a nationwide transport strike triggered by soaring fuel costs and worsening living conditions.

According to Reuters, Ruto said in a televised address on Friday that diesel prices would be cut by 10 Kenyan shillings (about $0.077) per liter as part of measures aimed at easing pressure on consumers and stabilizing pump prices.

The announcement comes days after public transport operators staged a two-day strike across Kenya protesting sharp increases in fuel prices. The demonstrations reportedly left at least four people dead and around 30 others injured, reflecting mounting public frustration...

https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02LcRtznvGPuzkt5WoDw7fz225RKEabEpjP5yxa6He1C6UKbxZ1RefD9YxWAutMsS5l
2
News: Family raises concerns over safety, due process after re-arrest of TikToker #Bisle_Omer; #Somali Region says case tied to clan incitement

#Mawliid_Omar Siyad, widely known as Bisle Omar, a Somali-language TikToker whose detention in #Jigjiga recently drew public attention, has reportedly been re-arrested only days after his release, according to family members and sources familiar with the case.

Somali Regional State authorities have defended the detention of the TikToker saying he was arrested for allegedly inciting clan divisions through social media posts and rejecting repeated warnings to stop.

Family members told #Addis_Standard that he was unexpectedly released shortly after Addis Standard coverage of his detention gained wider attention last week.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57150
2
News: #Trump says he will speak to Taiwan's president in break from protocol

#US President #Donald_Trump says he will talk to #Taiwanese leader #Lai_Ching-te about a possible arms sale, in what would be a sharp departure from diplomatic tradition.

US and Taiwanese leaders have not spoken directly since 1979 - when Washington severed formal ties with #Taiwan to recognise the Chinese government in #Beijing.

#China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out taking it by force. The US has long supported the self-ruled island and is bound by law to provide it with a means of self-defence, but has balanced this with maintaining diplomatic relations with China.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78qv3w4xzqo
1
#Ethiopia moves to expand #Fayda enrollment with $54M 'Super Agent' procurement

Ethiopia’s Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project is in urgent need of “Super Agents” to facilitate large-scale registration & help the project reach people who are currently underserved. The push reflects broader efforts by Ethiopia to scale Fayda from a foundational identity system into national digital public infrastructure supporting service delivery, inclusion & authentication across sectors.

This is one of the recommendations of a report after an evaluation mission conducted by #World_Bank in March.

Despite the progress, the evaluation mission said procurement, operational & implementation bottlenecks still threaten enrollment targets.

One of the urgent actions is to speed up registration, especially in hard-to-reach communities, notably as the project has a target of reaching 60m enrollments by June,
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202605/ethiopia-moves-to-expand-fayda-enrollment-with-54m-super-agent-procurement
3