#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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#Kenya police fire tear gas, arrest ex chief justice at national park protest
Riot police fired tear gas to disperse scores of protesters rallying on Monday against plans to build on part of a national park in Kenya's capital.
Officers moved in and arrested at least nine people, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, outside the main entrance of #Nairobi National Park, Reuters reporters said.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has defended the project, saying it will expand an animal orphanage on the site, Africa's only wildlife reserve within a capital city.
Protesters - who waved placards marked with "Nature is not vacant land" and other slogans - say the plans, including a parking area for more than 1,000 vehicles, will encroach on one of Kenya's most famous protected areas.
The park lies just 10km (6 miles) from Nairobi's central business district. Rhinos,..
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/kenya-police-fire-tear-gas-arrest-ex-chief-justice-national-park-protest-2026-06-08/
Riot police fired tear gas to disperse scores of protesters rallying on Monday against plans to build on part of a national park in Kenya's capital.
Officers moved in and arrested at least nine people, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, outside the main entrance of #Nairobi National Park, Reuters reporters said.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has defended the project, saying it will expand an animal orphanage on the site, Africa's only wildlife reserve within a capital city.
Protesters - who waved placards marked with "Nature is not vacant land" and other slogans - say the plans, including a parking area for more than 1,000 vehicles, will encroach on one of Kenya's most famous protected areas.
The park lies just 10km (6 miles) from Nairobi's central business district. Rhinos,..
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/kenya-police-fire-tear-gas-arrest-ex-chief-justice-national-park-protest-2026-06-08/
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#Netanyahu and #Trump are at odds over the war they started together
#Israel’s latest strikes on #Lebanon and #Iran have made clear that #US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who started the war in lockstep, want different things.
Trump had publicly warned Israel not to strike #Beirut in its war with Iran-backed #Hezbollah militants. When it did, on Sunday, Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire. Israel then struck Iran, with which Trump has been engaged in weeks of high-stakes negotiations.
The fighting has since died down, but the differences between the two leaders are likely to persist.
That’s because Trump, whose party faces elections later this year, wants to wind down an unpopular war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease gas prices. Iran says a full ceasefire in Lebanon is key to any deal.
Netanyahu,.....
https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-us-trump-iran-war-2230178d2cd4aa6b96e3e022b734d498
#Israel’s latest strikes on #Lebanon and #Iran have made clear that #US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who started the war in lockstep, want different things.
Trump had publicly warned Israel not to strike #Beirut in its war with Iran-backed #Hezbollah militants. When it did, on Sunday, Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire. Israel then struck Iran, with which Trump has been engaged in weeks of high-stakes negotiations.
The fighting has since died down, but the differences between the two leaders are likely to persist.
That’s because Trump, whose party faces elections later this year, wants to wind down an unpopular war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease gas prices. Iran says a full ceasefire in Lebanon is key to any deal.
Netanyahu,.....
https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-us-trump-iran-war-2230178d2cd4aa6b96e3e022b734d498
News: #Ethiopian Capital Market Authority grants first foreign investment banking license to #Nigerian firm United Capital
Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (#ECMA) has granted the country's first foreign investment banking license to United Capital Financial Services PLC, a subsidiary of Nigeria-based #United_Capital Group.
In a statement, ECMA said the newly issued capital market services provider license authorizes the company to operate as an investment bank in Ethiopia. The Authority also approved the appointment of five board directors and licensed four designated representatives.
The license, issued on 05 June 2026, brings the total number of licensed capital market service providers in Ethiopia to 18, including seven investment banks, according to the Authority. ECMA said the development reflects the continued expansion and implementation of the country's capital market reforms.
Speaking during the licensing ,.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2064257447473078779?s=20
Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (#ECMA) has granted the country's first foreign investment banking license to United Capital Financial Services PLC, a subsidiary of Nigeria-based #United_Capital Group.
In a statement, ECMA said the newly issued capital market services provider license authorizes the company to operate as an investment bank in Ethiopia. The Authority also approved the appointment of five board directors and licensed four designated representatives.
The license, issued on 05 June 2026, brings the total number of licensed capital market service providers in Ethiopia to 18, including seven investment banks, according to the Authority. ECMA said the development reflects the continued expansion and implementation of the country's capital market reforms.
Speaking during the licensing ,.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2064257447473078779?s=20
#Iran warns of new ‘resistance security belt’ across #Hormuz, #Bab_al_Mandeb and #Red_Sea
Addis Abeba- Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has warned that a new “security belt” formed by Tehran-aligned forces will extend across some of the Middle East’s most strategically important maritime corridors, linking the Strait of Hormuz with the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Qaani said on 8 June that the emerging network of allied groups would respond collectively to what he described as continued Israeli and U.S. military actions in the region.
“From the Strait of Hormuz to Bab al-Mandeb, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, there will be a new security belt of resistance,” Qaani said, adding that “the attacks by Israel and the United States in the region will be met with a response from the united front of resistance, per IRNA.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0hpFoEfbpWNH67RUTdSQXQ3imjYcWzf2vjJ7v2A4FpdRfXYZAAE4TNzhxP6YXde5Yl
Addis Abeba- Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has warned that a new “security belt” formed by Tehran-aligned forces will extend across some of the Middle East’s most strategically important maritime corridors, linking the Strait of Hormuz with the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Qaani said on 8 June that the emerging network of allied groups would respond collectively to what he described as continued Israeli and U.S. military actions in the region.
“From the Strait of Hormuz to Bab al-Mandeb, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, there will be a new security belt of resistance,” Qaani said, adding that “the attacks by Israel and the United States in the region will be met with a response from the united front of resistance, per IRNA.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0hpFoEfbpWNH67RUTdSQXQ3imjYcWzf2vjJ7v2A4FpdRfXYZAAE4TNzhxP6YXde5Yl
#Op_ed: From Hope to Hegemony: Unmasking structural deficits in #Ethiopia’s 2026 election
In this op-ed, Seife Tadelle Kidane argues that the optimism surrounding Ethiopia’s 2018 political transition has largely faded, as promises of democratic reform, institutional independence, and expanded civic freedoms remain unfulfilled. While acknowledging progress in urban development, he contends that “deeper structural problems have persisted or worsened.”
Seife notes that “the June 2026 election cannot be viewed as a competitive democratic exercise” but as a mechanism for preserving ruling-party dominance. He cites limited opposition participation, weakened institutions, shrinking civic space, and ongoing conflicts as factors undermining electoral credibility.
The author calls for “rigorous and uncompromising discourse” and “a real national conversation” to address Ethiopia’s deepening political and governance challenges.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57506
In this op-ed, Seife Tadelle Kidane argues that the optimism surrounding Ethiopia’s 2018 political transition has largely faded, as promises of democratic reform, institutional independence, and expanded civic freedoms remain unfulfilled. While acknowledging progress in urban development, he contends that “deeper structural problems have persisted or worsened.”
Seife notes that “the June 2026 election cannot be viewed as a competitive democratic exercise” but as a mechanism for preserving ruling-party dominance. He cites limited opposition participation, weakened institutions, shrinking civic space, and ongoing conflicts as factors undermining electoral credibility.
The author calls for “rigorous and uncompromising discourse” and “a real national conversation” to address Ethiopia’s deepening political and governance challenges.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57506
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News: Draft #Tigray proclamation proposes compulsory mobilization, severe penalties for media activity deemed to undermine recruitment efforts
A draft proclamation reportedly prepared by the Legal Standing Committee of the region’s pre-war council, which has recently been reinstated by the #TPLF, is drawing scrutiny over provisions that would make military mobilization a legal obligation while imposing harsh penalties on individuals and media organizations accused of discouraging recruitment, criticizing mobilization efforts, or disseminating information deemed harmful to security interests.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to establish a legal framework for national mobilization and wartime administration, contains a series of provisions granting authorities extensive powers over civilian, institutional, and media activities during periods of mobilization.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57516
A draft proclamation reportedly prepared by the Legal Standing Committee of the region’s pre-war council, which has recently been reinstated by the #TPLF, is drawing scrutiny over provisions that would make military mobilization a legal obligation while imposing harsh penalties on individuals and media organizations accused of discouraging recruitment, criticizing mobilization efforts, or disseminating information deemed harmful to security interests.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to establish a legal framework for national mobilization and wartime administration, contains a series of provisions granting authorities extensive powers over civilian, institutional, and media activities during periods of mobilization.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57516
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News: Rights group raises Alarm over data privacy, sovereignty risks in #US – #Africa health pact including #Ethiopia
Addis Abeba – Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has raised concerns over provisions contained in a new bilateral health assistance agreement between Ethiopia and the #United_States, warning that conditions attached to aid could affect health rights, data privacy, and national control over biological resources.
In an assessment examining health agreements signed between the United States and seven African countries, including Ethiopia, HRW said the deals were negotiated under the U.S. government's “America First” Global Health Strategy following the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (#USAID) in early 2025.
It was previously reported that #Ghana, #Zambia, and #Zimbabwe rejected a proposed U.S. health cooperation deal over concerns related to data privacy and sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57518
Addis Abeba – Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has raised concerns over provisions contained in a new bilateral health assistance agreement between Ethiopia and the #United_States, warning that conditions attached to aid could affect health rights, data privacy, and national control over biological resources.
In an assessment examining health agreements signed between the United States and seven African countries, including Ethiopia, HRW said the deals were negotiated under the U.S. government's “America First” Global Health Strategy following the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (#USAID) in early 2025.
It was previously reported that #Ghana, #Zambia, and #Zimbabwe rejected a proposed U.S. health cooperation deal over concerns related to data privacy and sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57518
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Western nations, global bodies back #Sudan civilian dialogue preparations
The United States, Western nations, and continental blocs on Monday backed consultations by the five-party mechanism aimed at launching a Sudanese dialogue in the coming weeks to prepare for a civilian government.
The joint statement of support was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Norway. It was also backed by the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Arab League.
The international partners welcomed the outcomes of the April Berlin Conference, including the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” and the “Joint Call to End the War and Advance a Sudanese-Owned Political Process.”
“We stand united in our belief that there can be no military solution to this crisis, and that a sustainable resolution must be rooted in an inclusive, civilian-led political process...
https://sudantribune.com/article/314854
The United States, Western nations, and continental blocs on Monday backed consultations by the five-party mechanism aimed at launching a Sudanese dialogue in the coming weeks to prepare for a civilian government.
The joint statement of support was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Norway. It was also backed by the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Arab League.
The international partners welcomed the outcomes of the April Berlin Conference, including the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” and the “Joint Call to End the War and Advance a Sudanese-Owned Political Process.”
“We stand united in our belief that there can be no military solution to this crisis, and that a sustainable resolution must be rooted in an inclusive, civilian-led political process...
https://sudantribune.com/article/314854
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