Addis Standard
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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#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.

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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
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#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
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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...

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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
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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
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#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
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#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...

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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
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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
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#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
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News: #Sudan denies reports #Burhan agreed to talks with #UAE amid Bahrain mediation efforts

Addis Abeba- Sudan’s Sovereign Council has denied reports that its chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, made remarks regarding possible negotiations with the United Arab Emirates amid reported mediation efforts led by #Bahrain.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Sovereign Council’s media office said Burhan “has not made any statements to any local or international media outlet recently,” rejecting comments attributed to him in a report published by #Middle_East_Eye.

The denial followed claims that Bahrain was attempting to mediate between #Khartoum and #Abu_Dhabi following months of escalating tensions linked to Sudan’s ongoing civil war. According to the report, Burhan’s recent #Gulf tour, which included visits to #Saudi_Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, was part of efforts to open communication channels between Sudan and the UAE.

https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2057800077251363086?s=20
News: Emerging #El_Niño conditions threaten crop production in #Ethiopia, wider East Africa

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network has warned that emerging El Niño conditions could disrupt rainfall patterns across East and the Horn of Africa later this year, threatening crop production in parts of Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.

The emerging El Niño conditions could disrupt rainfall patterns across East and the Horn of Africa later this year, threatening crop production in parts of #Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57156
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#Op_ed: #Ethiopia's Electoral Crossroads: Legitimacy, repression, and imperative of transitional governance
 
In this op-ed, Donek Zemo argues that Ethiopia is facing a serious legitimacy crisis as it approaches a national election amid conflict and systemic repression. She points to the detention of journalists, raids on cultural figures, and the silencing of political actors as evidence of a “menu of manipulation” typical of authoritarian systems.
 
Donek asks: “What is the function of an election when the political environment necessary for meaningful choice has been systematically decimated?”
 
The author emphasizes that Ethiopia is at a decisive turning point, where “the readiness of those who inherit the moment” will determine whether the country moves toward renewal or deeper instability.
 
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57159
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Op-ed: The #US-#Eritrean Rapprochement: Signs and prospects

The US approach toward Eritrea is gradually shifting from a strategy centered on isolation and sanctions toward a more cautious engagement shaped by #Red_Sea security concerns and evolving regional dynamics following recent military tensions involving #Iran.

In this op-ed, the authors argue that Washington is seeking to “leverage Eritrea’s strategic position” to address maritime security threats in the Red Sea corridor, while Asmara appears to view growing American receptiveness as an opportunity to overcome its long-standing diplomatic isolation and strengthen its position amid mounting regional pressures, including tensions linked to #Ethiopia.

Against this backdrop, the authors outline three possible trajectories that can be identified for the ongoing transformation and the future of US-Eritrean ties.

What are these trajectories? Can the relationship move beyond tactical cooperation?

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57164
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From today’s daily news 🌍

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia launches new Red Sea cargo routes linking key ports across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

🇰🇪 Kenya announces diesel price cuts following nationwide protests over the rising cost of living.

📺 Watch the full report and more detailed updates on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPV_A0t1ZTc
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News: #Ethiopian Catholic Bishops urge #Saudi_Arabia to halt executions of #Ethiopians as Government cites talks on migrant welfare

The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops have called on the government of #Saudi Arabia to halt death sentences handed down to Ethiopian nationals, warning that hundreds of Ethiopians in the Kingdom are currently at risk of execution amid growing concerns over the safety of migrant workers abroad.

In a pastoral message released in yesterday, the Bishops appealed for the protection of the “human dignity and lives” of Ethiopian migrants across the world, highlighting the dangers faced by Ethiopians migrating through high-risk routes to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, #Yemen, #Lebanon, and #Gulf countries.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57171
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News: #Sudanese factions convene in #Nairobi for talks on ending war, restoring stability
 
Addis Abeba- A broad coalition of Sudanese political, civil, and armed groups has launched talks in Nairobi aimed at finding a pathway to end the war in #Sudan and restore peace and stability in the country. The meeting, held under the banner of the “Sudanese Declaration of Principles Forces for Building a New Homeland,” brought together leaders of political parties, armed movements, civil society organizations, and public figures.

Among those addressing the opening session were former Sudanese Prime Minister and chairman of the Sumoud Alliance #Abdalla_Hamdok, Sudan Liberation Army leader #Abdelwahid_Mohamed al-Nur, and Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party-Original chairman #Ali_al-Rayah al-Sanhouri. According to Sudan Tribune, discussions are focused on Sudan’s current political crisis, the continuation of the war, and further development of the declaration

 https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2058059307615171029?s=20
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#Pakistan army chief visits #Iran amid renewed mediation push over #Israel-#US war

Addis Abeba- Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Iran on Friday as part of renewed mediation efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war involving Israel, United States and Iran, according to Iranian state media.

IRNA news agency said Munir was received in Tehran by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, alongside Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The visit marks Munir’s second trip to Tehran since the war erupted on February 28, underscoring Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

Islamabad previously helped broker a temporary ceasefire between the rival parties on April 8 and later hosted rare high-level talks between US and Iranian officials on 11-12 April, the most senior publicly known engagement between the two sides since 1979.

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#Ethiopia accuses #Egypt of ‘encirclement’ strategy, ‘provocation’ since #Addis_Abeba raised sea access ambitions

Ethiopia has accused Egypt of intensifying actions that “resemble an encirclement” and pursuing a strategy of “provocation” against Ethiopia following Addis Abeba’s push for sea access.

Nebita’s remarks corroborate #Addis_Standard’s previous reporting extensively documenting the coordinated geopolitical effort involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia aimed at containing Ethiopia’s sea access and regional ambitions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=57186
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