#Op_ed: From Peace Deal to Political Instrument: #Pretoria Agreement's quiet demise; weaponization of ceasefire in #Tigray
Three years after the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA), what promised recovery is now “a managed stalemate sustained through narrative manipulation, economic coercion, military occupation, and normalization of impunity,” writes Gebremichael Negash.
He argues that the federal government minimized global scrutiny by reframing the Tigray war as a local dispute, ignoring mandates such as the withdrawal of non-#ENDF troops and the return of civilians. Though active fighting stopped, economic warfare and occupation endure, leaving a million people displaced.
Gebremichael emphasizes, "A ceasefire devoid of justice, accountability, and implementation is not peace,” leaving Pretoria as “the managed burial of an unfinished war, rather than a foundation for sustainable peace.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57424
Three years after the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA), what promised recovery is now “a managed stalemate sustained through narrative manipulation, economic coercion, military occupation, and normalization of impunity,” writes Gebremichael Negash.
He argues that the federal government minimized global scrutiny by reframing the Tigray war as a local dispute, ignoring mandates such as the withdrawal of non-#ENDF troops and the return of civilians. Though active fighting stopped, economic warfare and occupation endure, leaving a million people displaced.
Gebremichael emphasizes, "A ceasefire devoid of justice, accountability, and implementation is not peace,” leaving Pretoria as “the managed burial of an unfinished war, rather than a foundation for sustainable peace.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57424
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WATCH: #Addis_Standard journalist questions AU Election Observation Mission head Uhuru Kenyatta on #Tigray’s exclusion from Ethiopia’s 1 June general elections, concerns over media freedom, and the competitiveness of the polls.
Kenyatta said election board has indicated it is prepared to conduct elections in Tigray and other constituencies excluded from voting once security conditions permit.
He did not, however, directly address questions regarding the shrinking media freedom and regulatory actions taken against media outlets.
(Video: Addis Standard)
Kenyatta said election board has indicated it is prepared to conduct elections in Tigray and other constituencies excluded from voting once security conditions permit.
He did not, however, directly address questions regarding the shrinking media freedom and regulatory actions taken against media outlets.
(Video: Addis Standard)
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News: #Abbaa_Gadaa Goobana confirms receiving appeals from former #OLA members jailed across #Oromia after surrendering peacefully
Speaking to #Addis_Standard, Abbaa Gadaa Goobana said the letters originated from detainees held in #Shaashamannee, #Batuu, #Adama, and other locations across the Oromia regional state. He noted that the inmates are serving sentences ranging from three to 20 years.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57427
Speaking to #Addis_Standard, Abbaa Gadaa Goobana said the letters originated from detainees held in #Shaashamannee, #Batuu, #Adama, and other locations across the Oromia regional state. He noted that the inmates are serving sentences ranging from three to 20 years.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57427
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#Iran's Khamenei says #US, #Israel aim to sow 'division' after war defeat
Iran's supreme leader on Thursday accused the US and Israel of trying to sow "division" among Iranians after suffering a "decisive blow" during the Middle East war.
In a written message, Mojtaba Khamenei said "the malicious enemy" was seeking to "plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division" among the public.
"In confronting these ill intentions, everyone must, through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion... neutralise their sinister plot," his message said.
The remarks by Iran's third supreme leader were recited by a prayer leader at the mausoleum of the founder of Iran's Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on the 37th anniversary of his death.
The 1979 revolution toppled the US-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending a dynasty.
https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/06/1455375/irans-khamenei-says-us-israel-aim-sow-division-after-war-defeat
Iran's supreme leader on Thursday accused the US and Israel of trying to sow "division" among Iranians after suffering a "decisive blow" during the Middle East war.
In a written message, Mojtaba Khamenei said "the malicious enemy" was seeking to "plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division" among the public.
"In confronting these ill intentions, everyone must, through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion... neutralise their sinister plot," his message said.
The remarks by Iran's third supreme leader were recited by a prayer leader at the mausoleum of the founder of Iran's Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on the 37th anniversary of his death.
The 1979 revolution toppled the US-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending a dynasty.
https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/06/1455375/irans-khamenei-says-us-israel-aim-sow-division-after-war-defeat
News: ‘Risk of catastrophic conflict is no longer hypothetical,’ #TPLF warns, urges international intervention
“The trajectory is unmistakable,” the #TPLF said. “A policy of unilateralism, coercion, and militarization is increasingly replacing dialogue, compromise, and political agreement. The continued pursuit of this course will inevitably heighten the risk of renewed armed confrontation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57419
“The trajectory is unmistakable,” the #TPLF said. “A policy of unilateralism, coercion, and militarization is increasingly replacing dialogue, compromise, and political agreement. The continued pursuit of this course will inevitably heighten the risk of renewed armed confrontation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57419
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News: Defendant opens fire inside courtroom, kills judge, one other in #West_Shewa Zone, #Oromia
When asked by #Addis_Standard how the defendant was able to enter the courtroom with a firearm, Getacho responded: “for now, the matter is under police investigation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57442
When asked by #Addis_Standard how the defendant was able to enter the courtroom with a firearm, Getacho responded: “for now, the matter is under police investigation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57442
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News: #Hezbollah not party to #Israel-#Lebanon ceasefire, raising doubts over broader U.S.-Iran peace efforts
A #US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has raised hopes for progress toward a broader agreement between #Washington and #Tehran, but uncertainty remains as Hezbollah—the armed group at the center of the conflict—has not publicly endorsed the deal.
Lebanese President #Joseph_Aoun said the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours once approved by all parties concerned. However, Hezbollah had not commented on the agreement by Thursday, raising questions about whether the truce can be implemented on the ground.
The ceasefire is viewed as a potentially important step in ongoing efforts to end the wider conflict involving the #United_States, Israel and #Iran. Tehran has repeatedly linked progress in negotiations with Washington to an end to hostilities in Lebanon, where Hezbollah, Iran's most powerful regional ally,
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2062770095114375427?s=20
A #US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has raised hopes for progress toward a broader agreement between #Washington and #Tehran, but uncertainty remains as Hezbollah—the armed group at the center of the conflict—has not publicly endorsed the deal.
Lebanese President #Joseph_Aoun said the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours once approved by all parties concerned. However, Hezbollah had not commented on the agreement by Thursday, raising questions about whether the truce can be implemented on the ground.
The ceasefire is viewed as a potentially important step in ongoing efforts to end the wider conflict involving the #United_States, Israel and #Iran. Tehran has repeatedly linked progress in negotiations with Washington to an end to hostilities in Lebanon, where Hezbollah, Iran's most powerful regional ally,
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2062770095114375427?s=20
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#Somalia: Relative calm returns to #Mogadishu after two days of clashes between government and opposition-aligned forces
Addis Abeba – Relative calm returned to Mogadishu overnight following two days of fierce clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned armed groups in several districts of the Somali capital, displacing civilians, disrupting businesses, and prompting concern from regional and international actors.
Heavy gunfire, mortar shelling, and explosions were reported throughout on Thursday in areas including Howlwadaag district, particularly around the residences of former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.
Speaking on Thursday night following what he described as an attack by forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire vowed to remain in the capital.
“We are not going anywhere; we are staying right here,” Khaire said.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HAxMhNbP7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba – Relative calm returned to Mogadishu overnight following two days of fierce clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned armed groups in several districts of the Somali capital, displacing civilians, disrupting businesses, and prompting concern from regional and international actors.
Heavy gunfire, mortar shelling, and explosions were reported throughout on Thursday in areas including Howlwadaag district, particularly around the residences of former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.
Speaking on Thursday night following what he described as an attack by forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire vowed to remain in the capital.
“We are not going anywhere; we are staying right here,” Khaire said.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HAxMhNbP7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Sudanese political forces reach consensus on peace roadmap during Addis Abeba talks
A broad coalition of Sudanese political and civil forces has reached a consensus on a shared vision for launching a peace process aimed at ending #Sudan's war, marking what participants described as the most significant agreement among Sudanese political actors since the country's political crisis began in 2021.
The agreement was announced following consultations in #Addis_Abeba facilitated by the #Quintet mechanism, comprising the United Nations (#UN), the African Union (#AU), the European Union (#EU), the League of Arab States, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD).
Parties endorsing the roadmap include the #Sumoud Alliance, the Democratic Bloc, the #Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party-Original, the Popular Congress Party, the National Umma Party, as well as a number of civil society organizations, women's groups, and youth associations.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2062807667643457683?s=20
A broad coalition of Sudanese political and civil forces has reached a consensus on a shared vision for launching a peace process aimed at ending #Sudan's war, marking what participants described as the most significant agreement among Sudanese political actors since the country's political crisis began in 2021.
The agreement was announced following consultations in #Addis_Abeba facilitated by the #Quintet mechanism, comprising the United Nations (#UN), the African Union (#AU), the European Union (#EU), the League of Arab States, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD).
Parties endorsing the roadmap include the #Sumoud Alliance, the Democratic Bloc, the #Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party-Original, the Popular Congress Party, the National Umma Party, as well as a number of civil society organizations, women's groups, and youth associations.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2062807667643457683?s=20
News: 'If they find you, they take you': Rights report details alleged forced recruitment campaign across #Tigray
Young men are sleeping in fields, abandoning their homes, and moving between relatives' houses to avoid what a new rights report describes as a widening campaign of forced military recruitment across Tigray.
A report released by Human Rights First Ethiopia (#HRFE) alleges that authorities and local structures have carried out coercive recruitment drives in several parts of the region, including #Axum, #Adwa, #Shire, #Adigrat, #Mekelle, #Wukro, and rural districts in the Central and North Western zones, prompting fear among families still recovering from the devastating two-year war.
"They come house to house looking for young men," one resident quoted in the report said. "If they don't find the son, they question the parents. People are living in fear."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57445
Young men are sleeping in fields, abandoning their homes, and moving between relatives' houses to avoid what a new rights report describes as a widening campaign of forced military recruitment across Tigray.
A report released by Human Rights First Ethiopia (#HRFE) alleges that authorities and local structures have carried out coercive recruitment drives in several parts of the region, including #Axum, #Adwa, #Shire, #Adigrat, #Mekelle, #Wukro, and rural districts in the Central and North Western zones, prompting fear among families still recovering from the devastating two-year war.
"They come house to house looking for young men," one resident quoted in the report said. "If they don't find the son, they question the parents. People are living in fear."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57445
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#Commentary: #Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute at 50: Celebrating legacy, confronting new realities
Established in May 1976, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (#EBI) has spent five decades conserving plant genetic resources. In this commentary, Teshome Hunduma reflects on this legacy while examining whether the institution is prepared for the rapidly changing scientific and political realities of the twenty-first century.
He describes EBI as a “living repository of survival,” grounded in Ethiopia’s long history of farmer-led crop diversity and global scientific interest. The institute has conserved more than 90,000 accessions.
While recognizing EBI’s achievements, Teshome warns against institutional stagnation, noting that although “the seeds are still alive,” the central question is whether the institution can renew itself with the same resilience it was built to protect.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57433
Established in May 1976, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (#EBI) has spent five decades conserving plant genetic resources. In this commentary, Teshome Hunduma reflects on this legacy while examining whether the institution is prepared for the rapidly changing scientific and political realities of the twenty-first century.
He describes EBI as a “living repository of survival,” grounded in Ethiopia’s long history of farmer-led crop diversity and global scientific interest. The institute has conserved more than 90,000 accessions.
While recognizing EBI’s achievements, Teshome warns against institutional stagnation, noting that although “the seeds are still alive,” the central question is whether the institution can renew itself with the same resilience it was built to protect.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57433
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News: 150,000 displaced in #Blue_Nile as thousands face starvation on #Ethiopian border
Addis Abeba- More than 150,000 people have been displaced from southern Blue Nile region as fighting continues between the #Sudanese Armed Forces and the #RSF-#SPLM-N alliance, with thousands stranded near the Ethiopian border in dire conditions without food, water, or shelter, a civil society initiative has warned.
Ali Hajo, a member of the Blue #Nile Civil Society Initiative, told #Sudan_Tribune that displaced people from #Qaisan locality and surrounding villages are facing extremely harsh humanitarian conditions near the Ethiopian border — sleeping in the open, with women and children bearing the worst of the crisis amid a near-total absence of aid.
https://sudantribune.com/article/314725
Addis Abeba- More than 150,000 people have been displaced from southern Blue Nile region as fighting continues between the #Sudanese Armed Forces and the #RSF-#SPLM-N alliance, with thousands stranded near the Ethiopian border in dire conditions without food, water, or shelter, a civil society initiative has warned.
Ali Hajo, a member of the Blue #Nile Civil Society Initiative, told #Sudan_Tribune that displaced people from #Qaisan locality and surrounding villages are facing extremely harsh humanitarian conditions near the Ethiopian border — sleeping in the open, with women and children bearing the worst of the crisis amid a near-total absence of aid.
https://sudantribune.com/article/314725
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News: Gedion warns global shift has ended ‘Asian prosperity model,’ urges Africa to adapt to fractured order
While not referring directly to the Horn of Africa, a region of growing strategic importance and global rivalry that includes #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, #Somalia, #Djibouti, #Sudan, and #South_Sudan, Gedion argued that #SubSaharanAfrica is increasingly navigating a fragmented global order shaped by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, competition over critical resources, shifting trade dynamics, and the gradual erosion of multilateral institutions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57452
While not referring directly to the Horn of Africa, a region of growing strategic importance and global rivalry that includes #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, #Somalia, #Djibouti, #Sudan, and #South_Sudan, Gedion argued that #SubSaharanAfrica is increasingly navigating a fragmented global order shaped by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, competition over critical resources, shifting trade dynamics, and the gradual erosion of multilateral institutions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57452
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News: #Orthodox_Church delegation meets federal, #Oromia officials after deadly East #Arsi attacks
A delegation from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC) has held discussions with senior federal and Oromia regional officials following deadly attacks in #East_Arsi Zone that left at least 13 people dead, displaced hundreds of residents, and resulted in the destruction of churches and homes.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57455
A delegation from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC) has held discussions with senior federal and Oromia regional officials following deadly attacks in #East_Arsi Zone that left at least 13 people dead, displaced hundreds of residents, and resulted in the destruction of churches and homes.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57455
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News: #Fano accuses #AU, #IGAD of legitimizing flawed election, urges review of #Ethiopia's electoral environment
The #Amhara Fano National Movement (#AFNM) has criticized the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other international observers for their preliminary assessments of Ethiopia's June 1 general election, arguing that the polls fell short of democratic standards and should not be regarded as representative of the country's political realities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57461
The #Amhara Fano National Movement (#AFNM) has criticized the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other international observers for their preliminary assessments of Ethiopia's June 1 general election, arguing that the polls fell short of democratic standards and should not be regarded as representative of the country's political realities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57461
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News: #Ethiopia faces worsening shelter crisis as insecurity, funding shortfalls and flood risks strain response
Among the regions highlighted as most critical, the report stated that “#Amhara, #Afar, and #Tigray continue to host most Priority 1 and 2 areas, reflecting acute shelter needs and strained living conditions.”
The assessment also points to growing humanitarian pressures in #Oromia and #Benishangul_Gumuz.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57448
Among the regions highlighted as most critical, the report stated that “#Amhara, #Afar, and #Tigray continue to host most Priority 1 and 2 areas, reflecting acute shelter needs and strained living conditions.”
The assessment also points to growing humanitarian pressures in #Oromia and #Benishangul_Gumuz.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57448
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News: #Sudanese political blocs fail to hold anticipated meeting on sidelines of #Addis peace talks
A highly anticipated meeting between two major Sudanese political coalitions, the Civil Democratic Coalition for the Forces of the Revolution (#Somoud) and the #Taasis coalition, failed to take place during consultations held in #Addis_Abeba as part of ongoing regional efforts to end #Sudan’s war, according to Sudan Tribune.
The expected talks were to take place on the sidelines of meetings organized by the Five-Nation Mechanism, a diplomatic initiative seeking to support a comprehensive political process aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan. However, sources told media that the meeting did not occur because of what they described as a complete lack of communication between the two sides.
The development comes just days after several Sudanese political and civil groups, including Somoud and the Democratic Bloc of the Forces
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063133770547335511?s=20
A highly anticipated meeting between two major Sudanese political coalitions, the Civil Democratic Coalition for the Forces of the Revolution (#Somoud) and the #Taasis coalition, failed to take place during consultations held in #Addis_Abeba as part of ongoing regional efforts to end #Sudan’s war, according to Sudan Tribune.
The expected talks were to take place on the sidelines of meetings organized by the Five-Nation Mechanism, a diplomatic initiative seeking to support a comprehensive political process aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan. However, sources told media that the meeting did not occur because of what they described as a complete lack of communication between the two sides.
The development comes just days after several Sudanese political and civil groups, including Somoud and the Democratic Bloc of the Forces
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063133770547335511?s=20
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News: #Ezema criticizes ruling party practices, electoral management and international media coverage of June 1 election
#Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) has issued its assessment of #Ethiopia’s 7th general elections, acknowledging limited procedural gains while sharply criticizing ruling party conduct, electoral administration, and what it described as biased international media reporting on the polls.
In a statement released on Friday, the party said the election process contained “strong points” including high voter registration turnout and early steps toward digitalization. “The registration of a high number of voters… showed great enthusiasm and served as a strong point,” it said, while also describing the introduction of online registration for voters and candidates as “a major leap forward for the modernization of the democratic system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57463
#Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) has issued its assessment of #Ethiopia’s 7th general elections, acknowledging limited procedural gains while sharply criticizing ruling party conduct, electoral administration, and what it described as biased international media reporting on the polls.
In a statement released on Friday, the party said the election process contained “strong points” including high voter registration turnout and early steps toward digitalization. “The registration of a high number of voters… showed great enthusiasm and served as a strong point,” it said, while also describing the introduction of online registration for voters and candidates as “a major leap forward for the modernization of the democratic system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57463
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