As deal is agreed with #US, not all in #Iran are convinced that peace is here
The world let out a collective sigh of relief when the #United_States and Iran announced that a memorandum of understanding had been agreed to end nearly four months of hostilities on Sunday. But on the streets of #Tehran – exhausted by years of sanctions and tensions – the ceasefire announcement has done little to instill confidence that the crisis is over.
An agreement between the two sides, to be signed on Friday, looks set to reopen the Strait of #Hormuz, largely controlled by Iran since the war began on February 28, something it is hoped will stabilise rattled energy markets. In return, the US will lift a naval blockade on Iran’s southern ports, which has squeezed Iran’s already embattled economy.
Many important and delicate issues still remain to be addressed, such as the future of Iran’s nuclear.......
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/6/15/as-deal-is-agreed-with-us-not-all-in-iran-are-convinced-that-peace-is-here
The world let out a collective sigh of relief when the #United_States and Iran announced that a memorandum of understanding had been agreed to end nearly four months of hostilities on Sunday. But on the streets of #Tehran – exhausted by years of sanctions and tensions – the ceasefire announcement has done little to instill confidence that the crisis is over.
An agreement between the two sides, to be signed on Friday, looks set to reopen the Strait of #Hormuz, largely controlled by Iran since the war began on February 28, something it is hoped will stabilise rattled energy markets. In return, the US will lift a naval blockade on Iran’s southern ports, which has squeezed Iran’s already embattled economy.
Many important and delicate issues still remain to be addressed, such as the future of Iran’s nuclear.......
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/6/15/as-deal-is-agreed-with-us-not-all-in-iran-are-convinced-that-peace-is-here
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#Congo Ebola outbreak may be worst ever, #Africa CDC says
The head of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned on Tuesday that the #Ebola outbreak in Congo could be the worst ever, saying that currently tens of thousands of contacts of those ill with the disease had not been traced.
"If we don't stop the outbreak very soon it will be worse than what we had in West Africa and eastern DRC," Africa #CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya told a virtual meeting of African heads of state in #Burundi.
He was referring to the outbreak that affected #Guinea, #Liberia and #Sierra _Leone in 2014-2016 that killed over 11,000 people and a less deadly 2018 outbreak in Congo. (Reuters)
The head of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned on Tuesday that the #Ebola outbreak in Congo could be the worst ever, saying that currently tens of thousands of contacts of those ill with the disease had not been traced.
"If we don't stop the outbreak very soon it will be worse than what we had in West Africa and eastern DRC," Africa #CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya told a virtual meeting of African heads of state in #Burundi.
He was referring to the outbreak that affected #Guinea, #Liberia and #Sierra _Leone in 2014-2016 that killed over 11,000 people and a less deadly 2018 outbreak in Congo. (Reuters)
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News: #Equatorial_Guinea government resigns due to missed targets, VP says
Equatorial Guinea's government resigned on Tuesday after failing to meet its objectives, the West #African oil-producing country's Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue said.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo appointed Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua as prime minister in 2024.
The president's son and the country's vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on X that the prime minister had presented the resignation of all members of the government because it had barely reached 10% of its targets.
He didn't specify which targets the government was expected to achieve.
A statement from the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said that during its time in power the government had implemented various initiatives in areas such as public administration, infrastructure, public services, and economic development.
"The government's .......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2067147768947188105?s=20
Equatorial Guinea's government resigned on Tuesday after failing to meet its objectives, the West #African oil-producing country's Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue said.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo appointed Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua as prime minister in 2024.
The president's son and the country's vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on X that the prime minister had presented the resignation of all members of the government because it had barely reached 10% of its targets.
He didn't specify which targets the government was expected to achieve.
A statement from the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) said that during its time in power the government had implemented various initiatives in areas such as public administration, infrastructure, public services, and economic development.
"The government's .......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2067147768947188105?s=20
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News: #Somalia army chief, #Egyptian defense attaché discuss military cooperation, support for #AUSSOM
Somali National Army (SNA) Commander Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud met with Egypt’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, Major General Ahmed Fathi Abdelsattar, to discuss strengthening bilateral military cooperation, including military training, capacity-building support for Somali forces, and cooperation within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57739
Somali National Army (SNA) Commander Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud met with Egypt’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, Major General Ahmed Fathi Abdelsattar, to discuss strengthening bilateral military cooperation, including military training, capacity-building support for Somali forces, and cooperation within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57739
Electricity infrastructure theft costs #Ethiopia over 239 million Birr in nine months, utility warns
Addis Abeba – Theft of electricity infrastructure across Ethiopia has caused losses exceeding 239.42 million Birr during the first nine months of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, according to the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), which warned that the scale of the crimes has reached an alarming level.
Speaking to the state-owned daily, Wondwosen Getachew, Head of Regional Legal Services Support and Coordination at the EEU, said that 329 cases of infrastructure theft were recorded across various parts of the country during the period.
These included the theft of transformers, electrical equipment, and power cables installed for #corridor_development projects.
Wondwosen said the crimes are causing significant social and economic harm by disrupting electricity services and diverting resources away from planned expansion projects.
https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
Addis Abeba – Theft of electricity infrastructure across Ethiopia has caused losses exceeding 239.42 million Birr during the first nine months of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, according to the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), which warned that the scale of the crimes has reached an alarming level.
Speaking to the state-owned daily, Wondwosen Getachew, Head of Regional Legal Services Support and Coordination at the EEU, said that 329 cases of infrastructure theft were recorded across various parts of the country during the period.
These included the theft of transformers, electrical equipment, and power cables installed for #corridor_development projects.
Wondwosen said the crimes are causing significant social and economic harm by disrupting electricity services and diverting resources away from planned expansion projects.
https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
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#Opinion: Irro’s #Israel Visit: Harbinger of new regional order, #Red_Sea realignment
“President Irro’s June 2026 visit to Israel, the first by a #Somaliland head of state, signals a major shift in Somaliland’s foreign policy from a singular focus on recognition to strategic relevance,” writes Adam Daud Ahmed. He argues that the visit underscores Somaliland’s growing significance in Red Sea geopolitics, particularly regarding maritime security and the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
According to Ahmed, Somaliland is increasingly positioning itself as a valuable partner in security, trade, technology, and economic development, reflecting a broader effort to enhance its regional and international standing.
He notes: “The visit marks the dawn of a new chapter, with Somaliland seeking influence through partnerships rather than recognition alone.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57736
“President Irro’s June 2026 visit to Israel, the first by a #Somaliland head of state, signals a major shift in Somaliland’s foreign policy from a singular focus on recognition to strategic relevance,” writes Adam Daud Ahmed. He argues that the visit underscores Somaliland’s growing significance in Red Sea geopolitics, particularly regarding maritime security and the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
According to Ahmed, Somaliland is increasingly positioning itself as a valuable partner in security, trade, technology, and economic development, reflecting a broader effort to enhance its regional and international standing.
He notes: “The visit marks the dawn of a new chapter, with Somaliland seeking influence through partnerships rather than recognition alone.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57736
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“Where are the disappeared persons?”
#UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in #Eritrea, #Mohamed_Abdelsalam_Babiker, used his final statement before the UN Human Rights Council (#UNHRC) to urge the Eritrean government to address allegations of crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances.
The remarks were delivered during the presentation of his final report to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council ( #HRC62) in #Geneva on 15 June.
#UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in #Eritrea, #Mohamed_Abdelsalam_Babiker, used his final statement before the UN Human Rights Council (#UNHRC) to urge the Eritrean government to address allegations of crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances.
The remarks were delivered during the presentation of his final report to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council ( #HRC62) in #Geneva on 15 June.
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#Commentary: Gold, Guns, and Conscription: How illicit mining reshapes #Tigray’s politics, fuels youth draft evasion
Mohammedawel Hagos argues that the 2022 #Pretoria Peace Agreement has failed to stabilize Tigray, which has since fractured into competing political and military factions. At the heart of this crisis, he contends, lies “a sprawling, militarized illegal gold economy.”
Mohammedawel notes that "at the top, some army commanders and political actors have become gold barons," consolidating illicit wealth and reshaping loyalties across the region, while "Tigrayan youth increasingly turn to mining as a survival strategy"—an economic foothold that has simultaneously fueled their resistance to forced conscription.
He positions the illegal gold mining not as a peripheral concern but as the connective tissue of Tigray's broader crisis, binding together political fragmentation, armed rivalry, and youth defiance against forced conscription.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57758
Mohammedawel Hagos argues that the 2022 #Pretoria Peace Agreement has failed to stabilize Tigray, which has since fractured into competing political and military factions. At the heart of this crisis, he contends, lies “a sprawling, militarized illegal gold economy.”
Mohammedawel notes that "at the top, some army commanders and political actors have become gold barons," consolidating illicit wealth and reshaping loyalties across the region, while "Tigrayan youth increasingly turn to mining as a survival strategy"—an economic foothold that has simultaneously fueled their resistance to forced conscription.
He positions the illegal gold mining not as a peripheral concern but as the connective tissue of Tigray's broader crisis, binding together political fragmentation, armed rivalry, and youth defiance against forced conscription.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57758
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News: Affordable grid reforms help connect 4.6 million #Ethiopians to electricity, says World Bank
Ethiopia has connected 4.6 million people to electricity under the Mission 300 initiative, according to the #World_Bank Group, as a continent-wide effort to expand energy access surpassed 50 million new connections across #Africa.
In a statement issued on 16 June, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (#AfDB) Group said Mission 300 has provided electricity access to more than 50 million people in 40 African countries since its launch in 2024, marking what the institutions described as a major milestone toward their goal of connecting 300 million people by 2030.
The World Bank said Ethiopia's progress was supported by reforms aimed at making grid connections more affordable, helping millions of households gain access to electricity.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57745
Ethiopia has connected 4.6 million people to electricity under the Mission 300 initiative, according to the #World_Bank Group, as a continent-wide effort to expand energy access surpassed 50 million new connections across #Africa.
In a statement issued on 16 June, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (#AfDB) Group said Mission 300 has provided electricity access to more than 50 million people in 40 African countries since its launch in 2024, marking what the institutions described as a major milestone toward their goal of connecting 300 million people by 2030.
The World Bank said Ethiopia's progress was supported by reforms aimed at making grid connections more affordable, helping millions of households gain access to electricity.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57745
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News: Journalist #Salsawit_Baynesagn detained by Addis Abeba police, has not yet appeared in court, family says
Salsawit’s sister, Haymanot Baynesagn, told #Addis_Standard that the family has not been informed of the reasons behind the arrest.
“My sister was detained on Monday. We have not been given any explanation for her detention, and she still has not been brought before a court," she said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57761
Salsawit’s sister, Haymanot Baynesagn, told #Addis_Standard that the family has not been informed of the reasons behind the arrest.
“My sister was detained on Monday. We have not been given any explanation for her detention, and she still has not been brought before a court," she said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57761
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News: ‘A dam was built in #Ethiopia and it's causing tremendous problems for #Egypt’: #Trump says #US may reengage on #GERD
“We're helping him with a little dam project that I think was very - I think you were very unfairly treated, if you want to know that, in Ethiopia,” Trump said, referring to President el-Sisi. He added that the two leaders would discuss “the Nile because the Nile is getting a little emptier than it should be.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57766
“We're helping him with a little dam project that I think was very - I think you were very unfairly treated, if you want to know that, in Ethiopia,” Trump said, referring to President el-Sisi. He added that the two leaders would discuss “the Nile because the Nile is getting a little emptier than it should be.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57766
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News: ‘Reasonable grounds’ exist to believe ‘crimes against humanity’ may still occur in #Eritrea, #UN expert; #Asmara rejects report
Addressing the Council at the conclusion of his six-year mandate, Mohamed said the “core human rights issues that prompted this mandate still remain mostly unresolved” and that the situation in Eritrea had continued to deteriorate. “Reasonable grounds” remain to believe that “crimes against humanity may still be occurring in Eritrea,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57752
Addressing the Council at the conclusion of his six-year mandate, Mohamed said the “core human rights issues that prompted this mandate still remain mostly unresolved” and that the situation in Eritrea had continued to deteriorate. “Reasonable grounds” remain to believe that “crimes against humanity may still be occurring in Eritrea,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57752
Media is too big
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Trump revives #GERD criticism at #G7, falsely claims #Nile is “getting emptier”
Accompanied by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 Summit in France, U.S. President Donald Trump once again revived criticism of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), falsely claiming the project is causing “tremendous problems” for Egypt.
Trump said the two leaders would discuss “the Nile,” which he inaccurately described as “getting a little emptier than it should be.”
Watch the conversation.
Accompanied by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 Summit in France, U.S. President Donald Trump once again revived criticism of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), falsely claiming the project is causing “tremendous problems” for Egypt.
Trump said the two leaders would discuss “the Nile,” which he inaccurately described as “getting a little emptier than it should be.”
Watch the conversation.
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#US and #Iran presidents sign ceasefire agreement, but Trump says he could still resume attacks
The U.S. and Iran released the text of an interim agreement their presidents have signed to end their war on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald #Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments.
Trump, attending the #G7 with other leaders in #France, also withdrew at least one of his stated rationales for attacking Iran in the first place, saying it would be "unfair" for #Tehran not to have ballistic missiles, having previously vowed to obliterate them.
"We're going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement," Trump said of Iran at a press conference. "I don't want them to. I want them to honor the agreement." He also called Iranians "smart people" as U.S. & Iranian negotiators work on a permanent truce over the coming 60.....
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/g7-leaders-demand-ceasefire-lebanon-welcome-iran-deal-2026-06-17/
The U.S. and Iran released the text of an interim agreement their presidents have signed to end their war on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald #Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments.
Trump, attending the #G7 with other leaders in #France, also withdrew at least one of his stated rationales for attacking Iran in the first place, saying it would be "unfair" for #Tehran not to have ballistic missiles, having previously vowed to obliterate them.
"We're going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement," Trump said of Iran at a press conference. "I don't want them to. I want them to honor the agreement." He also called Iranians "smart people" as U.S. & Iranian negotiators work on a permanent truce over the coming 60.....
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/g7-leaders-demand-ceasefire-lebanon-welcome-iran-deal-2026-06-17/
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#Somaliland receiving #Israeli military training but not in talks for base, minister says
Israel has no base in Somaliland but is training its police and military forces, Somaliland's Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali said on Wednesday, as the breakaway territory appealed for Israeli investment in agriculture and other sectors.
Yusuf Ali was part of a large delegation to Israel this week to mark Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi's first official visit, after Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state in December.
#Somalia rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and termed it a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty. The Somali Guardian reported on Sunday that Israel had opened an intelligence base in Somaliland and there were discussions over the possible establishment of an Israeli military base............
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/no-talks-establish-israeli-military-base-somaliland-defence-minister-says-2026-06-17/
Israel has no base in Somaliland but is training its police and military forces, Somaliland's Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali said on Wednesday, as the breakaway territory appealed for Israeli investment in agriculture and other sectors.
Yusuf Ali was part of a large delegation to Israel this week to mark Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi's first official visit, after Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state in December.
#Somalia rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and termed it a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty. The Somali Guardian reported on Sunday that Israel had opened an intelligence base in Somaliland and there were discussions over the possible establishment of an Israeli military base............
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/no-talks-establish-israeli-military-base-somaliland-defence-minister-says-2026-06-17/
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Meet Yibrah Tesfazghi: The #Eritrean refugee who challenged corporate bias and grew a #US company’s African revenue from $150 million to $3.8 billion
Yibrah Tesfazghi rose from humble beginnings in Eritrea to become one of General Electric’s most influential #African executives, growing the company’s regional revenue from about $150 million to $3.8 billion while confronting the corporate barriers that often limit African leadership.
In a recent interview with Business Insider Africa, Tesfazghi reflected on his 38-year GE career, including becoming the first Black African to hold a senior regional leadership role within GE International in 2003.
Under his leadership, GE Africa’s revenue rose from about $150 million to $3.8 billion in 3 years, while the region became one of the company’s fastest-growing and most profitable businesses.
His story, later documented......
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/leaders/meet-yibrah-tesfazghi-the-eritrean-refugee-who-challenged-corporate-bias-and-grew-a/fffztdz
Yibrah Tesfazghi rose from humble beginnings in Eritrea to become one of General Electric’s most influential #African executives, growing the company’s regional revenue from about $150 million to $3.8 billion while confronting the corporate barriers that often limit African leadership.
In a recent interview with Business Insider Africa, Tesfazghi reflected on his 38-year GE career, including becoming the first Black African to hold a senior regional leadership role within GE International in 2003.
Under his leadership, GE Africa’s revenue rose from about $150 million to $3.8 billion in 3 years, while the region became one of the company’s fastest-growing and most profitable businesses.
His story, later documented......
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/leaders/meet-yibrah-tesfazghi-the-eritrean-refugee-who-challenged-corporate-bias-and-grew-a/fffztdz
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News: #US announces over $1 billion in humanitarian aid, includes support for #Ethiopia
The United States has announced more than $1 billion in new humanitarian and disaster response assistance to the United Nations Children's Fund (#UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (#WFP), with Ethiopia among more than 40 countries expected to benefit from the funding.
In a statement issued on 16 June, the United States Department of State said the assistance includes more than $218 million for UNICEF and over $800 million for WFP under a new global funding mechanism designed to support life-saving humanitarian operations.
According to the department, the funding will support multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance in countries facing significant humanitarian needs, including Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The assistance will cover food, nutrition, health, child protection, logistics, as well as water, sanitation & hygiene services.
The State Department....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2067532225101385789?s=20
The United States has announced more than $1 billion in new humanitarian and disaster response assistance to the United Nations Children's Fund (#UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (#WFP), with Ethiopia among more than 40 countries expected to benefit from the funding.
In a statement issued on 16 June, the United States Department of State said the assistance includes more than $218 million for UNICEF and over $800 million for WFP under a new global funding mechanism designed to support life-saving humanitarian operations.
According to the department, the funding will support multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance in countries facing significant humanitarian needs, including Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The assistance will cover food, nutrition, health, child protection, logistics, as well as water, sanitation & hygiene services.
The State Department....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2067532225101385789?s=20
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#Opinion: Beyond 'Imperial Visionary' Caricature: Understanding #Ethiopia’s complex realities, dangers of one-dimensional portrayals
Writing in direct response to The Economist’s recent characterization of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as an "imperial visionary," Abdisa Kalbesa argues that such framing "oversimplifies Ethiopia's complex political realities and risks reinforcing misleading narratives about the country's present and future."
While recognizing valid worries about human rights and democracy, he contends that calling Ethiopia's efforts for economic growth and access to the sea "imperialism" ignores the country's history and the real security needs of a landlocked nation with 135 million people.
Abdisa emphasizes that Ethiopia deserves “rigorous but fair scrutiny, not one-dimensional caricature."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57773
Writing in direct response to The Economist’s recent characterization of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as an "imperial visionary," Abdisa Kalbesa argues that such framing "oversimplifies Ethiopia's complex political realities and risks reinforcing misleading narratives about the country's present and future."
While recognizing valid worries about human rights and democracy, he contends that calling Ethiopia's efforts for economic growth and access to the sea "imperialism" ignores the country's history and the real security needs of a landlocked nation with 135 million people.
Abdisa emphasizes that Ethiopia deserves “rigorous but fair scrutiny, not one-dimensional caricature."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57773
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