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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#Somalia: Government says order restored in #Mogadishu after two days clashes
Addis Abeba – Somalia’s federal government says order has been restored in Mogadishu following two days of fierce clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned armed groups that shook several parts of the capital and disrupted normal life.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government said security had been restored in districts including Abdiaziz and Howlwadaag, where some of the heaviest fighting took place earlier this week. Authorities said opposition-linked militias had been disarmed and removed from the affected areas, while residents had resumed normal activities and businesses, markets, and shops had reopened.
The announcement followed two days of intense fighting involving heavy gunfire, mortar shelling, and explosions in several parts of the capital...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02sHuaFJ5rMtMLkUznQZeVs5ZKfsn193R7VNYzG1E7hvTif5Bx8ThbvyS28JU7ryvWl
Addis Abeba – Somalia’s federal government says order has been restored in Mogadishu following two days of fierce clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned armed groups that shook several parts of the capital and disrupted normal life.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government said security had been restored in districts including Abdiaziz and Howlwadaag, where some of the heaviest fighting took place earlier this week. Authorities said opposition-linked militias had been disarmed and removed from the affected areas, while residents had resumed normal activities and businesses, markets, and shops had reopened.
The announcement followed two days of intense fighting involving heavy gunfire, mortar shelling, and explosions in several parts of the capital...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02sHuaFJ5rMtMLkUznQZeVs5ZKfsn193R7VNYzG1E7hvTif5Bx8ThbvyS28JU7ryvWl
News: Oil prices steady as uncertainty over #US-Iran peace deal keeps markets on edge
Global oil prices were little changed on Friday as uncertainty surrounding a potential peace agreement between the #United_States and #Iran continued to cloud market sentiment, with traders weighing the prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough against ongoing disruptions to energy supplies in the #Middle_East.
Market analysts said investors remain cautious as negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between #Washington and #Tehran have yet to produce a clear outcome. Hopes for a broader regional settlement had briefly pushed prices lower earlier this week, but optimism faded as significant disagreements remained unresolved.
Among the key sticking points are Iran's nuclear program, the future of U.S. sanctions, the reopening of the Strait of #Hormuz, and wider regional security issues involving Iran-backed groups in #Lebanon. #Tehran has also demanded sanctions
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063179477358649405?s=20
Global oil prices were little changed on Friday as uncertainty surrounding a potential peace agreement between the #United_States and #Iran continued to cloud market sentiment, with traders weighing the prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough against ongoing disruptions to energy supplies in the #Middle_East.
Market analysts said investors remain cautious as negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between #Washington and #Tehran have yet to produce a clear outcome. Hopes for a broader regional settlement had briefly pushed prices lower earlier this week, but optimism faded as significant disagreements remained unresolved.
Among the key sticking points are Iran's nuclear program, the future of U.S. sanctions, the reopening of the Strait of #Hormuz, and wider regional security issues involving Iran-backed groups in #Lebanon. #Tehran has also demanded sanctions
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063179477358649405?s=20
News: Fed. #Supreme_Court says killing of judge in courtroom attack ‘severe assault on the rule of law,’ calls for stronger judicial protection
#Ethiopia’s Federal Supreme Court has described the killing of Judge #Werqe_Fekensa inside a courtroom in #Oromia Region as “a severe assault on the rule of law, judicial independence, and the entire justice system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57471
#Ethiopia’s Federal Supreme Court has described the killing of Judge #Werqe_Fekensa inside a courtroom in #Oromia Region as “a severe assault on the rule of law, judicial independence, and the entire justice system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57471
News: PM Office defends election legitimacy, blames #OLA, #Fano for coordinated attempts to disrupt polls
The Office of Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has strongly defended the credibility of #Ethiopia's June 1 general election, rejecting claims that the vote was predetermined while accusing armed groups, including the #Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and #Amhara Fano, of coordinating efforts to disrupt the electoral process through attacks on civilians and strategic targets.
In a lengthy statement issued following the election, the Prime Minister's Office described the polls as Ethiopia's largest-ever democratic exercise and dismissed criticism from some international commentators who portrayed the election as a foregone conclusion.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57475
The Office of Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has strongly defended the credibility of #Ethiopia's June 1 general election, rejecting claims that the vote was predetermined while accusing armed groups, including the #Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and #Amhara Fano, of coordinating efforts to disrupt the electoral process through attacks on civilians and strategic targets.
In a lengthy statement issued following the election, the Prime Minister's Office described the polls as Ethiopia's largest-ever democratic exercise and dismissed criticism from some international commentators who portrayed the election as a foregone conclusion.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57475
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Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Coming_UP: The Standard Signal Ep.21| Why Ethiopia's Opposition Coalition Refuses to Take Seats After the Election
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat
Why would an opposition coalition contest an election and then refuse to take any seats?
In Ep. 21 of #TheStandardSignal, Mistresillasie Tamrat of EPRP and the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity explains the coalition's decision, discusses election-day allegations, opposition politics, and what's next after the vote.
Watch the full conversation on Addis Standard.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaElection #Election #Democracy #HornOfAfrica #EPRP #CoalitionforEthiopianUnity #EthiopianPolitics #MistresillasieTamrat #TsedaleLemma
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #MistresillasieTamrat
Why would an opposition coalition contest an election and then refuse to take any seats?
In Ep. 21 of #TheStandardSignal, Mistresillasie Tamrat of EPRP and the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity explains the coalition's decision, discusses election-day allegations, opposition politics, and what's next after the vote.
Watch the full conversation on Addis Standard.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaElection #Election #Democracy #HornOfAfrica #EPRP #CoalitionforEthiopianUnity #EthiopianPolitics #MistresillasieTamrat #TsedaleLemma
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News: Residents report drone strike near #Sheraro town in Northwestern #Tigray
Residents and local officials in Sheraro town, Northwestern Tigray, reported that a drone strike targeted an area known as #Tekemati, located outside the town, late Friday night.
“The place is less than two kilometers from here,” the official said, referring to the location of the strike.
Following the attack, a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Office of the President of Tigray accused the federal government of carrying out the strike and claimed that it caused deaths, injuries, and property damage among members of the Tigray forces in the Sheraro area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57479
Residents and local officials in Sheraro town, Northwestern Tigray, reported that a drone strike targeted an area known as #Tekemati, located outside the town, late Friday night.
“The place is less than two kilometers from here,” the official said, referring to the location of the strike.
Following the attack, a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Office of the President of Tigray accused the federal government of carrying out the strike and claimed that it caused deaths, injuries, and property damage among members of the Tigray forces in the Sheraro area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57479
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News: Drone strikes kill at least 13 civilians in #Sudan’s North #Kordofan, rights group says
At least 13 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in a series of drone strikes that hit villages in Sudan’s #North_Kordofan State on Friday and Saturday, according to the Sudanese Emergency Lawyers group. The attacks targeted areas around #Hamrat Al-Sheikh locality, a region that has witnessed escalating violence amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The rights group accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) of carrying out the strikes, saying the attacks struck civilian-populated areas and caused significant casualties. Local residents reported that the drones hit multiple locations over two days, leaving homes damaged and forcing families to flee.
Emergency Lawyers said dozens of people were wounded, some critically, and warned that limited medical services in the area could lead to a higher death toll.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063510469374034032?s=20
At least 13 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in a series of drone strikes that hit villages in Sudan’s #North_Kordofan State on Friday and Saturday, according to the Sudanese Emergency Lawyers group. The attacks targeted areas around #Hamrat Al-Sheikh locality, a region that has witnessed escalating violence amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The rights group accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) of carrying out the strikes, saying the attacks struck civilian-populated areas and caused significant casualties. Local residents reported that the drones hit multiple locations over two days, leaving homes damaged and forcing families to flee.
Emergency Lawyers said dozens of people were wounded, some critically, and warned that limited medical services in the area could lead to a higher death toll.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063510469374034032?s=20
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#Ethiopian_Airlines set to decide on regional jet order in next three months
Ethiopian Airlines will probably decide within the next three months on an order for 25 smaller commercial jets to expand its local network, CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele said late on Saturday during a gathering of airline executives in #Brazil.
Africa’s largest carrier, which operates 147 aircraft, is looking at the Airbus (AIR.PA), A220, Embraer (EMBJ3.SA), E-2 and the Boeing (BA.N), 737 MAX 7, which is expected to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration this year.
The planes would be used on both domestic routes and around neighboring countries.
“There are some issues, but probably within a matter of three months,” Mesfin said of the timing of a decision. Mesfin did not specify the issues.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-airlines-set-decide-regional-jet-order-next-three-months-2026-06-07/
Ethiopian Airlines will probably decide within the next three months on an order for 25 smaller commercial jets to expand its local network, CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele said late on Saturday during a gathering of airline executives in #Brazil.
Africa’s largest carrier, which operates 147 aircraft, is looking at the Airbus (AIR.PA), A220, Embraer (EMBJ3.SA), E-2 and the Boeing (BA.N), 737 MAX 7, which is expected to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration this year.
The planes would be used on both domestic routes and around neighboring countries.
“There are some issues, but probably within a matter of three months,” Mesfin said of the timing of a decision. Mesfin did not specify the issues.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-airlines-set-decide-regional-jet-order-next-three-months-2026-06-07/
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News: #Israel, #Iran exchange strikes for first time since April ceasefire
Israel and Iran launched direct attacks against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, raising fears of renewed conflict and threatening fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional war.
The escalation began after Iran fired a series of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday, which #Iranian officials said was a response to recent Israeli strikes against #Hezbollah targets in #Beirut. #Israeli air defenses intercepted most of the missiles, according to the Israeli military.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran on Monday. The Israeli military said the operation targeted missile launch sites and related military infrastructure. Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including #Tehran, #Isfahan, #Tabriz, #Karaj, and #Kermanshah.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063862007812522156?s=20
Israel and Iran launched direct attacks against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, raising fears of renewed conflict and threatening fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional war.
The escalation began after Iran fired a series of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday, which #Iranian officials said was a response to recent Israeli strikes against #Hezbollah targets in #Beirut. #Israeli air defenses intercepted most of the missiles, according to the Israeli military.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran on Monday. The Israeli military said the operation targeted missile launch sites and related military infrastructure. Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including #Tehran, #Isfahan, #Tabriz, #Karaj, and #Kermanshah.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2063862007812522156?s=20
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News: #Eritrean President #Isaias_Afwerki begins #Egypt visit amid regional tensions over #Red_Sea access, security
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in #Cairo yesterday for a three-day official visit to Egypt, where he is expected to hold talks with #Egyptian President #Abdel_Fattah el-Sisi on bilateral cooperation, regional security, and developments in the Horn of #Africa and the #Middle_East.
According to Eritrea's Minister of Information, Yemane G. Meskel, the two leaders will discuss ways to enhance broad bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and other sectors. The talks will also focus on issues concerning the Horn of Africa, Red Sea security, and developments in the wider Middle East region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57489
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in #Cairo yesterday for a three-day official visit to Egypt, where he is expected to hold talks with #Egyptian President #Abdel_Fattah el-Sisi on bilateral cooperation, regional security, and developments in the Horn of #Africa and the #Middle_East.
According to Eritrea's Minister of Information, Yemane G. Meskel, the two leaders will discuss ways to enhance broad bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and other sectors. The talks will also focus on issues concerning the Horn of Africa, Red Sea security, and developments in the wider Middle East region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57489
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#Yemen’s #Houthis claim attack on #Israel, announce ‘total ban’ on Israeli-linked shipping in #Red_Sea
Addis Abeba - Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for an attack targeting what it described as “sensitive Israeli enemy targets” in the Jaffa area of central Israel, while also announcing a “complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
In a statement published on its Telegram channel and cited by Al Jazeera, the group said it would “respond to escalation with escalation,” linking its actions to the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East.
“We will not stand idly by in the face of the unjust siege imposed on our people and the peoples of the axis of jihad and resistance in Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq,” the statement said, according to Al Jazeera.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1PfAdWmvjb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba - Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for an attack targeting what it described as “sensitive Israeli enemy targets” in the Jaffa area of central Israel, while also announcing a “complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
In a statement published on its Telegram channel and cited by Al Jazeera, the group said it would “respond to escalation with escalation,” linking its actions to the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East.
“We will not stand idly by in the face of the unjust siege imposed on our people and the peoples of the axis of jihad and resistance in Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq,” the statement said, according to Al Jazeera.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1PfAdWmvjb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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How a Simple Pair of Glasses Opened New Doors in #Ethiopia
In a remarkable demonstration of humanitarian service and community solidarity, the #Indian Women Association Ethiopia (#IWAE) has successfully completed an eyeglasses donation initiative that is transforming lives by restoring clear vision to hundreds of beneficiaries across Ethiopia.
The initiative, aimed at addressing vision-related challenges among underserved communities, began with a large-scale eye screening camp organized several weeks ago. More than 400 individuals underwent professional eye examinations conducted by qualified healthcare specialists. Following detailed assessments, 206 people identified as requiring corrective vision support were provided with prescription eyeglasses free of charge.
https://southasianherald.com/how-a-simple-pair-of-glasses-opened-new-doors-in-ethiopia/
In a remarkable demonstration of humanitarian service and community solidarity, the #Indian Women Association Ethiopia (#IWAE) has successfully completed an eyeglasses donation initiative that is transforming lives by restoring clear vision to hundreds of beneficiaries across Ethiopia.
The initiative, aimed at addressing vision-related challenges among underserved communities, began with a large-scale eye screening camp organized several weeks ago. More than 400 individuals underwent professional eye examinations conducted by qualified healthcare specialists. Following detailed assessments, 206 people identified as requiring corrective vision support were provided with prescription eyeglasses free of charge.
https://southasianherald.com/how-a-simple-pair-of-glasses-opened-new-doors-in-ethiopia/
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News: Rights Commission links Oromo Liberation Army to deadly attack in #Arsi despite group's denial
#EHRC said it collected information through “on-site visits, interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families”, as well as consultations with relevant government institutions.
The report contrasts sharply with the #OLA’s recent denial of involvement in the violence. The OLA said that government officials had “systematically fomented division among the people” and had “actively ignited and abetted communal violence” in the area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57495
#EHRC said it collected information through “on-site visits, interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families”, as well as consultations with relevant government institutions.
The report contrasts sharply with the #OLA’s recent denial of involvement in the violence. The OLA said that government officials had “systematically fomented division among the people” and had “actively ignited and abetted communal violence” in the area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57495
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#Op_ed: Between Resilience and Ruin: Eyewitness testimony on ecological backbones, fragile futures of #Tigray
In this op-ed, Jan Nyssen explores the current state of Tigray following his recent field visit to #Mekelle, Hagere Selam, and the surrounding rural districts. He describes Tigray as a region “suspended between recovery and fragility.”
With formal institutions faltering, residents rely on informal water networks and charcoal for survival, while farmers adapt to soaring costs through traditional manure-spreading.
Nyssen argues that Tigray’s future extends beyond politics, stating, "The key question is therefore not simply whether Tigray can recover politically but whether its environmental-resource systems can continue to sustain society under conditions of prolonged instability and partial isolation."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57485
In this op-ed, Jan Nyssen explores the current state of Tigray following his recent field visit to #Mekelle, Hagere Selam, and the surrounding rural districts. He describes Tigray as a region “suspended between recovery and fragility.”
With formal institutions faltering, residents rely on informal water networks and charcoal for survival, while farmers adapt to soaring costs through traditional manure-spreading.
Nyssen argues that Tigray’s future extends beyond politics, stating, "The key question is therefore not simply whether Tigray can recover politically but whether its environmental-resource systems can continue to sustain society under conditions of prolonged instability and partial isolation."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57485
News: #Ethiopian Airlines’ dollar-only ticketing in #Sudan raises concerns over currency pressures
Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to stop accepting payments in Sudanese pounds for ticket bookings in #Port_Sudan has triggered debate among aviation and economic experts, amid concerns that the move could deepen pressure on the country’s already weakened currency.
The airline recently began requiring ticket payments in cash U.S. dollars, a decision that comes as the Sudanese pound continues to depreciate sharply against foreign currencies.
The dollar exchange rate has surpassed 4,000 Sudanese pounds in recent months, reflecting the country’s worsening economic crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57500
Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to stop accepting payments in Sudanese pounds for ticket bookings in #Port_Sudan has triggered debate among aviation and economic experts, amid concerns that the move could deepen pressure on the country’s already weakened currency.
The airline recently began requiring ticket payments in cash U.S. dollars, a decision that comes as the Sudanese pound continues to depreciate sharply against foreign currencies.
The dollar exchange rate has surpassed 4,000 Sudanese pounds in recent months, reflecting the country’s worsening economic crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57500
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#Eritrea-#Egypt: Isaias, El-Sisi agree to launch ‘concrete programs’ on ports, maritime transport, and regional security during #Cairo talks
“President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed on the launching of concrete programs in the sectors of marine resources, development of port infrastructure, and maritime transport within the overall economic, political and diplomatic frameworks and agreements reached in the past,” the statement said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57509
“President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed on the launching of concrete programs in the sectors of marine resources, development of port infrastructure, and maritime transport within the overall economic, political and diplomatic frameworks and agreements reached in the past,” the statement said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57509
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