News: #HRW urges #Tigray authorities to scrap law enabling forced mobilization, punishment for dissent
The rights group said the law would effectively compel civilians into military service while criminalizing refusal to comply, assistance in avoiding recruitment, and expression perceived as discouraging mobilization. It also warned that provisions targeting media reporting could be used to silence criticism under broad and vague security justifications.
“Tigrayans are still reeling from a devastating two-year conflict and its aftermath,” said #Laetitia_Bader, deputy Africa director at #Human_Rights_Watch. “Authorities in the region should not respond to ongoing political tensions by forcing civilians into military service while simultaneously punishing criticism of such forced conscription.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57888
The rights group said the law would effectively compel civilians into military service while criminalizing refusal to comply, assistance in avoiding recruitment, and expression perceived as discouraging mobilization. It also warned that provisions targeting media reporting could be used to silence criticism under broad and vague security justifications.
“Tigrayans are still reeling from a devastating two-year conflict and its aftermath,” said #Laetitia_Bader, deputy Africa director at #Human_Rights_Watch. “Authorities in the region should not respond to ongoing political tensions by forcing civilians into military service while simultaneously punishing criticism of such forced conscription.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57888
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#Policy_Brief: Cyclist Safety at Intersections: Next frontier for #Addis_Abeba’s active mobility push
The rapid urban transformation in #Ethiopia’s capital offers a unique opportunity to prioritize sustainable and inclusive transport, writes Shambel Assefa Esheti. He argues that by integrating walking and cycling into the city’s infrastructure, officials can improve affordability and effectively reduce traffic congestion.
However, the author cautions that the success of these initiatives hinges on safety. Because “pedestrians and cyclists are classified as Vulnerable Road Users,” infrastructure design must prioritize their protection, particularly at high-risk intersections where traffic conflicts peak. Consequently, implementing context-sensitive planning—such as protected crossings and clearer pavement markings—is essential.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57875
The rapid urban transformation in #Ethiopia’s capital offers a unique opportunity to prioritize sustainable and inclusive transport, writes Shambel Assefa Esheti. He argues that by integrating walking and cycling into the city’s infrastructure, officials can improve affordability and effectively reduce traffic congestion.
However, the author cautions that the success of these initiatives hinges on safety. Because “pedestrians and cyclists are classified as Vulnerable Road Users,” infrastructure design must prioritize their protection, particularly at high-risk intersections where traffic conflicts peak. Consequently, implementing context-sensitive planning—such as protected crossings and clearer pavement markings—is essential.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57875
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News: #Ethiopia could save up to $778 million under #Kenya-style #Chinese loan restructuring, U.S.-based research group says
Ethiopia could save hundreds of millions of dollars by converting some of its Chinese loans from #US_dollars to #Chinese_yuan under a Kenya-style debt restructuring arrangement, according to a new report by the U.S.-based research group AidData, as reported by Reuters.
The report, released by #AidData, a research center at the College of William & Mary that tracks global development finance, identifies Ethiopia among five countries—including #Mozambique, #Zambia, #Pakistan, and #Indonesia—that could seek similar revisions to the terms of Chinese loans after Kenya secured lower debt-servicing costs through a yuan-based restructuring.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57891
Ethiopia could save hundreds of millions of dollars by converting some of its Chinese loans from #US_dollars to #Chinese_yuan under a Kenya-style debt restructuring arrangement, according to a new report by the U.S.-based research group AidData, as reported by Reuters.
The report, released by #AidData, a research center at the College of William & Mary that tracks global development finance, identifies Ethiopia among five countries—including #Mozambique, #Zambia, #Pakistan, and #Indonesia—that could seek similar revisions to the terms of Chinese loans after Kenya secured lower debt-servicing costs through a yuan-based restructuring.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57891
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#Libya’s eastern government bans entry for citizens of #Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia
Authorities based in the eastern part of divided Libya have banned entry for people from four nearby African countries, a move likely meant to stem the influx of migrants seeking to set off for #Europe from the country’s northern coast.
Libya’s coast is a key departure points for migrants from North Africa trying to reach European shores for a better life there. They are typically packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey.
The ban, announced late Tuesday, says citizens of #Sudan, #Eritrea, Ethiopia and #Somalia are “prohibited from entering Libyan territory through all land, sea, and air ports.” The government statement said exemptions will be made for diplomats and workers in health and education sectors.
Separately, tensions have.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LNFaQnD4Et2iyhGh1zmok9uzaAaVpsx8EQXgmeEiUu8Xpv5PX8dhj6LgbNubeks3l
Authorities based in the eastern part of divided Libya have banned entry for people from four nearby African countries, a move likely meant to stem the influx of migrants seeking to set off for #Europe from the country’s northern coast.
Libya’s coast is a key departure points for migrants from North Africa trying to reach European shores for a better life there. They are typically packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey.
The ban, announced late Tuesday, says citizens of #Sudan, #Eritrea, Ethiopia and #Somalia are “prohibited from entering Libyan territory through all land, sea, and air ports.” The government statement said exemptions will be made for diplomats and workers in health and education sectors.
Separately, tensions have.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LNFaQnD4Et2iyhGh1zmok9uzaAaVpsx8EQXgmeEiUu8Xpv5PX8dhj6LgbNubeks3l
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News: #Fed._Court rejects Media Authority’s defense filing in #Addis_Standard license revocation case, orders revised submission
The Federal High Court’s #Lideta Division Administrative Matters Bench has rejected a defense submission filed by the Ethiopian Media Authority (#EMA) in a case challenging the revocation of Addis Standard’s media registration, ordering the Authority to submit an amended filing that complies with procedural requirements.
During a hearing held on 24 June, EMA submitted a 24-page statement of defense accompanied by 14 pages of supporting evidence. The court, however, declined to accept the submission, stating that pleadings must be clear, precise, concise, and limited to a maximum of five pages.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57895
The Federal High Court’s #Lideta Division Administrative Matters Bench has rejected a defense submission filed by the Ethiopian Media Authority (#EMA) in a case challenging the revocation of Addis Standard’s media registration, ordering the Authority to submit an amended filing that complies with procedural requirements.
During a hearing held on 24 June, EMA submitted a 24-page statement of defense accompanied by 14 pages of supporting evidence. The court, however, declined to accept the submission, stating that pleadings must be clear, precise, concise, and limited to a maximum of five pages.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57895
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#US provides Ebola treatment for outbreak in #Congo, bringing trials closer
The U.S. has provided doses of an experimental antibody drug from #Mapp Biopharmaceutical for use in clinical trials to fight the widening #Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, a Health Department spokesperson said, a shift from its position of making the drug available just for Americans.
After dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development and slashing aid to the region, the U.S. is now making modest contributions to assist with what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said could potentially be the worst Ebola outbreak yet without a strong response.
The Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson declined to comment on the number of doses it will provide, saying by email that the drug is being made available for compassionate use in......
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-provides-ebola-treatment-outbreak-congo-bringing-trials-closer-2026-06-23/
The U.S. has provided doses of an experimental antibody drug from #Mapp Biopharmaceutical for use in clinical trials to fight the widening #Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, a Health Department spokesperson said, a shift from its position of making the drug available just for Americans.
After dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development and slashing aid to the region, the U.S. is now making modest contributions to assist with what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said could potentially be the worst Ebola outbreak yet without a strong response.
The Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson declined to comment on the number of doses it will provide, saying by email that the drug is being made available for compassionate use in......
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-provides-ebola-treatment-outbreak-congo-bringing-trials-closer-2026-06-23/
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Fears grow for civilians as paramilitary group closes in on strategic #Sudanese city
Paramilitary attacks on a strategic city of a half-million people in central Sudan have raised international alarm that another round of mass violence against civilians is being planned as the country’s war surges into its fourth year.
“We must not allow the horrors of #El_Fasher to be repeated in #El_Obeid,” a spokesman for #UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement.
More than 6,000 people were killed in three days last year when the Rapid Support Forces seized el-Fasher in an attack that U.N. experts said bore the “hallmarks of genocide.”
The U.N. Security Council has said it is alarmed by reports of “substantial” reinforcements by the #RSF around el-Obeid in #North_Kordofan. The United States, Britain and some other #European countries have warned of “escalating atrocity risks.”
RSF.......
https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-paramilitary-rsf-obeid-khartoum-un-ce80280c6431fa944c0ac07a75107715
Paramilitary attacks on a strategic city of a half-million people in central Sudan have raised international alarm that another round of mass violence against civilians is being planned as the country’s war surges into its fourth year.
“We must not allow the horrors of #El_Fasher to be repeated in #El_Obeid,” a spokesman for #UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement.
More than 6,000 people were killed in three days last year when the Rapid Support Forces seized el-Fasher in an attack that U.N. experts said bore the “hallmarks of genocide.”
The U.N. Security Council has said it is alarmed by reports of “substantial” reinforcements by the #RSF around el-Obeid in #North_Kordofan. The United States, Britain and some other #European countries have warned of “escalating atrocity risks.”
RSF.......
https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-paramilitary-rsf-obeid-khartoum-un-ce80280c6431fa944c0ac07a75107715
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#Ethiopia | Deafening silence: no accountability for the killing of three MSF staff in #Tigray
Five years after three Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) staff members were brutally killed in central Tigray, Ethiopia, the Government of Ethiopia has shown no sign of concluding and sharing the outcomes of a credible and impartial investigation, despite our continuous engagement efforts.
On 24 June 2021, María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, and Yohannes Halefom Reda were shot while they were in the area looking for people in need of medical assistance, after reports of heavy fighting.
One year on since MSF published its internal review into the brutal killing, the families of #María, #Tedros, and #Yohannes have still not received any official communication or substantiated findings regarding what happened that day, and we urge the Government of Ethiopia to fulfil its.....
https://msfsouthasia.org/ethiopia-deafening-silence-no-accountability-for-the-killing-of-three-msf-staff-in-tigray/
Five years after three Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) staff members were brutally killed in central Tigray, Ethiopia, the Government of Ethiopia has shown no sign of concluding and sharing the outcomes of a credible and impartial investigation, despite our continuous engagement efforts.
On 24 June 2021, María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, and Yohannes Halefom Reda were shot while they were in the area looking for people in need of medical assistance, after reports of heavy fighting.
One year on since MSF published its internal review into the brutal killing, the families of #María, #Tedros, and #Yohannes have still not received any official communication or substantiated findings regarding what happened that day, and we urge the Government of Ethiopia to fulfil its.....
https://msfsouthasia.org/ethiopia-deafening-silence-no-accountability-for-the-killing-of-three-msf-staff-in-tigray/
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#Puntland accuses #Somalia federal government of plotting to fuel clan conflict, bans federal-linked officials and security forces
Puntland has accused Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) of orchestrating a plan to smuggle weapons into the semi-autonomous region and incite inter-clan conflict, prompting authorities to ban federal-linked security personnel and officials from entering or operating in Puntland, Garowe news reported citing a statement by the region’s Ministry of Security.
The accusation was made in a statement issued on 24 June, in which Puntland authorities alleged the existence of a “major coordinated plan” involving the federal government and four foreign countries aimed at arming local proxies, including politicians and former officials, to trigger clan-based violence and destabilize the region, Garowe Online reported.
According to the statement, Puntland believes the alleged operation is intended to undermine the regional.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2070064275771543712?s=20
Puntland has accused Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) of orchestrating a plan to smuggle weapons into the semi-autonomous region and incite inter-clan conflict, prompting authorities to ban federal-linked security personnel and officials from entering or operating in Puntland, Garowe news reported citing a statement by the region’s Ministry of Security.
The accusation was made in a statement issued on 24 June, in which Puntland authorities alleged the existence of a “major coordinated plan” involving the federal government and four foreign countries aimed at arming local proxies, including politicians and former officials, to trigger clan-based violence and destabilize the region, Garowe Online reported.
According to the statement, Puntland believes the alleged operation is intended to undermine the regional.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2070064275771543712?s=20
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News: Military claims 'neutralizing 230 Fano fighters' in #Gojjam, #South_Gondar operations as fighting persists in #Amhara region
The Eastern Command of the #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) has claimed that ‘230 #Fano fighters’ were killed during what it described as a week-long “law enforcement operation” conducted across parts of the Amhara region.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of military offensives targeting Fano armed groups amid the protracted conflict in the region, where both the federal army and Fano-affiliated sources have continued to report competing accounts of battlefield developments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57908
The Eastern Command of the #Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) has claimed that ‘230 #Fano fighters’ were killed during what it described as a week-long “law enforcement operation” conducted across parts of the Amhara region.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of military offensives targeting Fano armed groups amid the protracted conflict in the region, where both the federal army and Fano-affiliated sources have continued to report competing accounts of battlefield developments.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57908
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#Commentary: From Sacred Narrative to Constitutional Order: Responding to #Axum’s ‘exclusive holiness’ claims
In this commentary, Mohammedawel Hagos responds to an earlier article by Tsegay Fseha, written in defense of Axum's designation as an exclusively Christian "holy city" by the Synod of the #Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He underscores that the decree undermines "historical truth, constitutional secularism, and equal citizenship."
The author argues that Tsegay’s claim of a “3,000-year continuum” of monotheistic tradition is “a religious belief, not historical fact." Citing scholarly evidence, he further contends that pre-Christian Axum was "a polytheistic kingdom before adopting Christianity” in the fourth century.
Mohammedawel emphasizes that Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all have their origins outside Ethiopia and that "historical priority cannot be a measure of citizenship rights".
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57902
In this commentary, Mohammedawel Hagos responds to an earlier article by Tsegay Fseha, written in defense of Axum's designation as an exclusively Christian "holy city" by the Synod of the #Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He underscores that the decree undermines "historical truth, constitutional secularism, and equal citizenship."
The author argues that Tsegay’s claim of a “3,000-year continuum” of monotheistic tradition is “a religious belief, not historical fact." Citing scholarly evidence, he further contends that pre-Christian Axum was "a polytheistic kingdom before adopting Christianity” in the fourth century.
Mohammedawel emphasizes that Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all have their origins outside Ethiopia and that "historical priority cannot be a measure of citizenship rights".
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57902
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#Fake: This image claiming to show security forces forcibly taking young people to a military vehicle in #Tigray is fabricated
This #Facebook image, purportedly showing security forces forcibly taking young people to military vehicles in #Axum, Tigray, is #AI-generated.
The #Tigrigna text accompanying the image reads: “The #DERG have come back to us! Seeing this photo requires real strength of mind. The group of backwardness is forcibly snatching infants away from their mothers. We shall see if there is any war ever won by dragging people off by force like this. Death to the group of backwardness!”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57913
This #Facebook image, purportedly showing security forces forcibly taking young people to military vehicles in #Axum, Tigray, is #AI-generated.
The #Tigrigna text accompanying the image reads: “The #DERG have come back to us! Seeing this photo requires real strength of mind. The group of backwardness is forcibly snatching infants away from their mothers. We shall see if there is any war ever won by dragging people off by force like this. Death to the group of backwardness!”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57913
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#Sudan’s Burhan, #South_Sudan’s security chief discuss border security, stronger cooperation
Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with South Sudan’s National Security Service Director General, General Akec Tong Aleu, in Khartoum on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing joint border security cooperation, according to a report by Sudan state media.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Sudan’s General Intelligence Service, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal. Discussions focused on ways to develop cooperation between the two neighboring countries and advance shared interests across multiple sectors, Sudan’s state news agency SUNA reported.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aeGER3xdy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with South Sudan’s National Security Service Director General, General Akec Tong Aleu, in Khartoum on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing joint border security cooperation, according to a report by Sudan state media.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Sudan’s General Intelligence Service, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal. Discussions focused on ways to develop cooperation between the two neighboring countries and advance shared interests across multiple sectors, Sudan’s state news agency SUNA reported.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aeGER3xdy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Ethiopia: Amid persistent concerns over legitimacy, inclusivity, #National_Dialogue Commission unveils ‘eight agenda pillars’ for consultation forum
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (#ENDC) has officially unveiled ‘eight major thematic agenda pillars’ that will guide the national consultation forum, as concerns continue over the dialogue process's legitimacy, inclusivity, and the absence of key stakeholders, including actors from #Tigray.
The agenda was announced yesterday by Chief Commissioner #Prof._Mesfin Araya and fellow commissioners during a ceremony attended by religious leaders, community elders, Abba Gadas, Hadha Sinqees, and representatives of various segments of society.
According to the commission, the state-building pillar will address questions related to national identity, historical narratives, social cohesion, and the future direction of the Ethiopian state.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57921
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (#ENDC) has officially unveiled ‘eight major thematic agenda pillars’ that will guide the national consultation forum, as concerns continue over the dialogue process's legitimacy, inclusivity, and the absence of key stakeholders, including actors from #Tigray.
The agenda was announced yesterday by Chief Commissioner #Prof._Mesfin Araya and fellow commissioners during a ceremony attended by religious leaders, community elders, Abba Gadas, Hadha Sinqees, and representatives of various segments of society.
According to the commission, the state-building pillar will address questions related to national identity, historical narratives, social cohesion, and the future direction of the Ethiopian state.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57921
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News: Young TikToker Bisle Omer sentenced to 5 years, 6 months as family says whereabouts unknown after hearing
His lawyer, Ahmed-Yasin, told #Addis_Standard that the sentence was handed down following proceedings in #Jigjiga. However, a family member said relatives were neither informed of the hearing in time nor able to attend the session in court, adding that the family currently does not know where #Bisle is being held.
“We don’t know his whereabouts,” the family member told Addis Standard, saying no member of the family was present during the court hearing in which the sentence was delivered.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57928
His lawyer, Ahmed-Yasin, told #Addis_Standard that the sentence was handed down following proceedings in #Jigjiga. However, a family member said relatives were neither informed of the hearing in time nor able to attend the session in court, adding that the family currently does not know where #Bisle is being held.
“We don’t know his whereabouts,” the family member told Addis Standard, saying no member of the family was present during the court hearing in which the sentence was delivered.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57928
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#ENDF says Al-Shabaab failed to breach #Ethiopia’s borders despite two decades of attempts; defense leaders meet #French Armed Forces commander in #Djibouti
Senior Ethiopian defense officials told a visiting French military delegation that the militant group Al-Shabaab has failed to carry out an attack inside Ethiopia despite repeated attempts over the past two decades, according to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
The remarks came during discussions at the Defense General Headquarters between Ethiopian military leaders and a delegation led by Commander of the French Armed Forces in Djibouti, Major General Sébastien Vallette, who has been visiting Ethiopian defense institutions since 23 June. The talks focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, military training, health services, and technical support, ENDF said.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17K4Z8j7q8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Senior Ethiopian defense officials told a visiting French military delegation that the militant group Al-Shabaab has failed to carry out an attack inside Ethiopia despite repeated attempts over the past two decades, according to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
The remarks came during discussions at the Defense General Headquarters between Ethiopian military leaders and a delegation led by Commander of the French Armed Forces in Djibouti, Major General Sébastien Vallette, who has been visiting Ethiopian defense institutions since 23 June. The talks focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, military training, health services, and technical support, ENDF said.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17K4Z8j7q8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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