News: #AU convenes emergency meeting after #US ends funding support for #Somalia mission
The African Union (AU) has convened an emergency meeting on the future of its peace support mission in Somalia after the #United_States announced it will end critical funding for the operation at the close of 2026, raising concerns over the mission's sustainability and Somalia's security amid the ongoing #Al_Shabaab insurgency.
According to AFP, the AU Commission called the emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), following a 01 July letter from #Washington informing the AU that it would terminate financial support to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (#UNSOS) by the end of the year.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58081
The African Union (AU) has convened an emergency meeting on the future of its peace support mission in Somalia after the #United_States announced it will end critical funding for the operation at the close of 2026, raising concerns over the mission's sustainability and Somalia's security amid the ongoing #Al_Shabaab insurgency.
According to AFP, the AU Commission called the emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), following a 01 July letter from #Washington informing the AU that it would terminate financial support to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (#UNSOS) by the end of the year.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58081
News: #Sudanese army intensify offensive to retake strategic city of #Kurmuk on #Ethiopia border
The latest offensive follows months of intensified military operations in Sudan’s Blue Nile region after the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militia, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), captured Kurmuk in March this year, raising concerns over the conflict’s spillover into neighboring Ethiopia.
In late April, Addis Standard reported about a drone strike attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) killed at least eight civilians, including an aid worker with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and injured several others in Kumruk town, Kumruk Woreda of Ethiopia’s Assosa Zone in the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, underscoring the growing cross-border security risks posed by Sudan’s more than three-year civil war.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58082
The latest offensive follows months of intensified military operations in Sudan’s Blue Nile region after the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militia, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), captured Kurmuk in March this year, raising concerns over the conflict’s spillover into neighboring Ethiopia.
In late April, Addis Standard reported about a drone strike attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) killed at least eight civilians, including an aid worker with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and injured several others in Kumruk town, Kumruk Woreda of Ethiopia’s Assosa Zone in the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, underscoring the growing cross-border security risks posed by Sudan’s more than three-year civil war.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58082
Op-ed: Between maritime access and recognition: Geopolitical implications of rapprochement between #Ethiopia and #Somaliland
In this op-ed, the authors frame the Ethiopia–Somaliland relationship as a convergence of strategic need and pragmatic diplomacy, stating “the prospect of Ethiopia securing maritime access through Somaliland highlights the intersection of Addis Abeba’s structural need for a maritime outlet and Hargeisa’s ambition to strengthen its legitimacy and bargaining power - without pressing for immediate formal recognition.”
“The growing importance of the Red Sea… elevates Somaliland’s geopolitical value and makes the port of Berbera a strategic option for Ethiopia,” but the authors caution that “this path remains constrained by serious challenges, most notably Somaliland’s lack of international recognition, Mogadishu’s rejection of such arrangements, the repercussions of the Ankara Declaration”, & the delicate regional balances in the HoA & the Red Sea.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58086
In this op-ed, the authors frame the Ethiopia–Somaliland relationship as a convergence of strategic need and pragmatic diplomacy, stating “the prospect of Ethiopia securing maritime access through Somaliland highlights the intersection of Addis Abeba’s structural need for a maritime outlet and Hargeisa’s ambition to strengthen its legitimacy and bargaining power - without pressing for immediate formal recognition.”
“The growing importance of the Red Sea… elevates Somaliland’s geopolitical value and makes the port of Berbera a strategic option for Ethiopia,” but the authors caution that “this path remains constrained by serious challenges, most notably Somaliland’s lack of international recognition, Mogadishu’s rejection of such arrangements, the repercussions of the Ankara Declaration”, & the delicate regional balances in the HoA & the Red Sea.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58086
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#Sudan: The UN human rights chief has issued a "red alert" over escalating violence in and around el-Obeid, warning of the risk of further atrocities.
Watch this short update, then get the full context in our Weekly Recap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvis7ZdcwU
#UN #HumanRights #ElObeid #Africa #BreakingNews #WeeklyRecap
Watch this short update, then get the full context in our Weekly Recap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvis7ZdcwU
#UN #HumanRights #ElObeid #Africa #BreakingNews #WeeklyRecap
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#Red_Sea, #Horn_of_Africa now more conflict-prone and complex than ever before, says #Ethiopia army chief
The security environment in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, long characterized by instability, has become more conflict-prone and complex than ever before, Chief of General Staff of the ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, said today, warning that unnamed “enemies” are seeking to keep Ethiopia preoccupied with internal affairs in order to limit its regional influence.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of senior officers from the Ethiopian National Defense College’s Security and Strategic Studies program, Berhanu claimed that Ethiopia’s adversaries were “orchestrating conspiracies” and turning them into active conflicts to keep the country preoccupied with domestic affairs, thereby preventing it from playing what he described as its “stabilizing and leadership role” in the region.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2073421776734880137?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The security environment in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, long characterized by instability, has become more conflict-prone and complex than ever before, Chief of General Staff of the ENDF, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, said today, warning that unnamed “enemies” are seeking to keep Ethiopia preoccupied with internal affairs in order to limit its regional influence.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of senior officers from the Ethiopian National Defense College’s Security and Strategic Studies program, Berhanu claimed that Ethiopia’s adversaries were “orchestrating conspiracies” and turning them into active conflicts to keep the country preoccupied with domestic affairs, thereby preventing it from playing what he described as its “stabilizing and leadership role” in the region.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2073421776734880137?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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News: #Tigray authority vows accountability over alleged forced youth conscription as #Mekelle residents describe mounting fear
The footage, which circulated widely on social media on 03 July, allegedly shows youths being loaded onto buses in Kebele 05 of Mekelle while distressed family members, including mothers, cried and pleaded as the vehicles departed.
Responding to public concern, #Abraham_Hagos, the Communication Affairs Bureau head in the recently reinstated Tigray Regional Government, told #Tigrai_Television that the regional government would investigate any mobilization carried out through coercion and hold those responsible accountable.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58094
The footage, which circulated widely on social media on 03 July, allegedly shows youths being loaded onto buses in Kebele 05 of Mekelle while distressed family members, including mothers, cried and pleaded as the vehicles departed.
Responding to public concern, #Abraham_Hagos, the Communication Affairs Bureau head in the recently reinstated Tigray Regional Government, told #Tigrai_Television that the regional government would investigate any mobilization carried out through coercion and hold those responsible accountable.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58094
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News: #Tigray authorities say over 15,000 students risk missing national exams after federally administered paper-based tests fail to arrive
The regional administration said the paper-based examination materials had not reached the region despite prior national agreements, arguing that there is "no justifiable reason whatsoever to obstruct Tigrayan students from taking the paper-based exam" other than perpetuating “continued injustice” against students still recovering from the educational disruption caused by the devastating two-year war, which destroyed much of the region's education infrastructure.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58100
The regional administration said the paper-based examination materials had not reached the region despite prior national agreements, arguing that there is "no justifiable reason whatsoever to obstruct Tigrayan students from taking the paper-based exam" other than perpetuating “continued injustice” against students still recovering from the educational disruption caused by the devastating two-year war, which destroyed much of the region's education infrastructure.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58100
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#Iran Begins a Procession Through #Tehran for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's Funeral
Iran began a procession Monday through its capital, Tehran, for the funeral of the late Supreme Leader #Ali_Khamenei.
Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, and those of his family killed Feb. 28 in an airstrike at the start of the war launched by #Israel and the #United_States, sat on board a truck. Authorities decorated the truck's side to resemble the ornamental grating that surrounds the shrine of an imam, The Associated Press said.
The coffins will be taken through the streets of Tehran on their way to #Mehrabad International Airport over a 12-hour journey, said Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hasan Hasanzsdeh, who is overseeing the procession.
Iran's theocracy plans to see large crowds attend the ceremony across the city to show popular support for the government. Already, thousands have gathered at squares in......
https://english.aawsat.com/world/5292626-iran-begins-procession-through-tehran-supreme-leader-ali-khameneis-funeral
Iran began a procession Monday through its capital, Tehran, for the funeral of the late Supreme Leader #Ali_Khamenei.
Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, and those of his family killed Feb. 28 in an airstrike at the start of the war launched by #Israel and the #United_States, sat on board a truck. Authorities decorated the truck's side to resemble the ornamental grating that surrounds the shrine of an imam, The Associated Press said.
The coffins will be taken through the streets of Tehran on their way to #Mehrabad International Airport over a 12-hour journey, said Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hasan Hasanzsdeh, who is overseeing the procession.
Iran's theocracy plans to see large crowds attend the ceremony across the city to show popular support for the government. Already, thousands have gathered at squares in......
https://english.aawsat.com/world/5292626-iran-begins-procession-through-tehran-supreme-leader-ali-khameneis-funeral
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RSF attacks on #Darfur villages kill civilians, spark mass flight to #Chad
Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) launched fresh ethnically motivated attacks on six villages near the town of Tine in North Darfur state, killing several civilians, injuring dozens, and forcing thousands to flee into neighbouring Chad.
The assault on these communities comes just days after significant military advancements by the Joint Force, an alliance of armed movements fighting alongside the #Sudanese army. The allied forces recently seized control of the Abu Qamra area in North Darfur and Kulbus and its surroundings in West Darfur after fierce battles with the RSF.
Ahmed Ibrahim, a survivor who reached Tine, told Sudan Tribune that a large RSF force began launching retaliatory attacks last Wednesday, targeting six villages along the road connecting Ambara locality and Tine.
Ibrahim said the attacks resulted......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid075fvsHPoG6c5Fp7FnxcYX53xSixJFjvQ3Ngm8sALG5McTtzzz6qCbPfZA67DLLvPl
Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) launched fresh ethnically motivated attacks on six villages near the town of Tine in North Darfur state, killing several civilians, injuring dozens, and forcing thousands to flee into neighbouring Chad.
The assault on these communities comes just days after significant military advancements by the Joint Force, an alliance of armed movements fighting alongside the #Sudanese army. The allied forces recently seized control of the Abu Qamra area in North Darfur and Kulbus and its surroundings in West Darfur after fierce battles with the RSF.
Ahmed Ibrahim, a survivor who reached Tine, told Sudan Tribune that a large RSF force began launching retaliatory attacks last Wednesday, targeting six villages along the road connecting Ambara locality and Tine.
Ibrahim said the attacks resulted......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid075fvsHPoG6c5Fp7FnxcYX53xSixJFjvQ3Ngm8sALG5McTtzzz6qCbPfZA67DLLvPl
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News: Rights group accuses #Tigray authorities of forcibly recruiting civilians, says campaign has created a "climate of fear"
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has accused authorities in #Ethiopia's Tigray region of carrying out a campaign of forced recruitment targeting civilians, including children as young as 16, alleging that regional forces have abducted former combatants and other men and boys since at least April 2026.
In a report released today, the rights organization said the recruitment campaign has created "a climate of fear" across the region, with civilians allegedly being rounded up from streets, workplaces, homes, and artisanal gold-mining sites before being transferred to military camps.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58106
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has accused authorities in #Ethiopia's Tigray region of carrying out a campaign of forced recruitment targeting civilians, including children as young as 16, alleging that regional forces have abducted former combatants and other men and boys since at least April 2026.
In a report released today, the rights organization said the recruitment campaign has created "a climate of fear" across the region, with civilians allegedly being rounded up from streets, workplaces, homes, and artisanal gold-mining sites before being transferred to military camps.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58106
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El Sisi opens vast ‘Octagon’ state HQ in new #Egyptian capital
President Abdel Fattah #El_Sisi has opened the “#Octagon”, a vast structure in Egypt's New Capital that serves as a national command centre that the Egyptian leader said reflects the will of the nation.
Wearing a field marshal uniform and sunglasses, Mr El Sisi, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, delivered an address championing the defining policies of his 13-year rule, from zero tolerance of political Islam to unmitigated opposition to the Arab uprisings.
He also stressed his resolve to push on with economic reforms under which prices and services have risen beyond the reach of many, the Egyptian pound weakened significantly, and new taxes were introduced.
It was the first time in more than a decade that the Egyptian leader, a career army officer, had appeared in military uniform in public. He last donned.......
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/07/05/el-sisi-opens-vast-octagon-state-hq-in-new-egyptian-capital/
President Abdel Fattah #El_Sisi has opened the “#Octagon”, a vast structure in Egypt's New Capital that serves as a national command centre that the Egyptian leader said reflects the will of the nation.
Wearing a field marshal uniform and sunglasses, Mr El Sisi, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, delivered an address championing the defining policies of his 13-year rule, from zero tolerance of political Islam to unmitigated opposition to the Arab uprisings.
He also stressed his resolve to push on with economic reforms under which prices and services have risen beyond the reach of many, the Egyptian pound weakened significantly, and new taxes were introduced.
It was the first time in more than a decade that the Egyptian leader, a career army officer, had appeared in military uniform in public. He last donned.......
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/07/05/el-sisi-opens-vast-octagon-state-hq-in-new-egyptian-capital/
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#Opinion: Advocacy Abroad, Selective Protection at Home: How #xenophobia undermines #South_Africa’s human rights crusade at the #ICJ
South Africa's case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICJ) has strengthened its reputation as a champion of human rights, affirming the principle that "no country should be exempt from international legal scrutiny when civilian lives are at risk," writes Samson Hailu. He contends, however, that this credibility is compromised domestically, where #African_migrants—#Ethiopians in particular—continue to face recurrent xenophobic violence, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees of equality for "everyone."
The author argues that South Africa's advocacy on the world stage, rooted in principles of human dignity and accountability, must be reflected in its conduct at home. As he puts it, "Universal human rights cannot stop at national borders."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58103
South Africa's case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICJ) has strengthened its reputation as a champion of human rights, affirming the principle that "no country should be exempt from international legal scrutiny when civilian lives are at risk," writes Samson Hailu. He contends, however, that this credibility is compromised domestically, where #African_migrants—#Ethiopians in particular—continue to face recurrent xenophobic violence, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees of equality for "everyone."
The author argues that South Africa's advocacy on the world stage, rooted in principles of human dignity and accountability, must be reflected in its conduct at home. As he puts it, "Universal human rights cannot stop at national borders."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58103
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Tali Mekere: A first-generation engineer's path to success from #Ethiopia to #Netanya
For Tali Mekere, aliyah from Ethiopia was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
The transition to a new life in #Israel began at the age of five. During their first years in the country, the family lived in an absorption center in Acre, where her younger sister and brother were born, before relocating to Netanya.
The transition to a new life in Israel was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
Adjusting to life in Israel was not easy. Mekere’s parents did not speak #Hebrew and worked long hours to make ends meet.
“As the oldest, I took care of my younger siblings and helped my parents bridge the language and cultural gaps. I had a lot of responsibility,” she recalls.
Despite these challenges, Mekere loved learning .....
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-901156
For Tali Mekere, aliyah from Ethiopia was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
The transition to a new life in #Israel began at the age of five. During their first years in the country, the family lived in an absorption center in Acre, where her younger sister and brother were born, before relocating to Netanya.
The transition to a new life in Israel was accompanied by many challenges, but also by resilience, perseverance, and determination to build a better future.
Adjusting to life in Israel was not easy. Mekere’s parents did not speak #Hebrew and worked long hours to make ends meet.
“As the oldest, I took care of my younger siblings and helped my parents bridge the language and cultural gaps. I had a lot of responsibility,” she recalls.
Despite these challenges, Mekere loved learning .....
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-901156
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News: #Ethiopia excluded from global food crisis report due to data gaps despite ongoing humanitarian food needs
The report notes that Ethiopia had been included in the 2025 edition, representing more than 27 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024 alongside four other countries and territories, but “no updated estimates were available for 2025.” It attributes the growing data gaps to “a combination of factors, including challenges to obtain authorization to collect or share data, limited funding and a lack of priority for data collection.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58109
The report notes that Ethiopia had been included in the 2025 edition, representing more than 27 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024 alongside four other countries and territories, but “no updated estimates were available for 2025.” It attributes the growing data gaps to “a combination of factors, including challenges to obtain authorization to collect or share data, limited funding and a lack of priority for data collection.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58109
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Rights group accuses #Tigray authorities of forcibly recruiting civilians, says campaign has created a "climate of fear"
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines' new #Lyon service draws attention for operating Europe's shortest Airbus A350 flight
Ethiopian Airlines' newly launched passenger service to Lyon, #France, is drawing attention in aviation circles after industry publications highlighted that part of the route includes what is believed to be #Europe's shortest scheduled #Airbus A350 flight.
According to aviation news outlet Simple Flying and travel industry publication Travel and Tour World, the airline's new #Addis_Abeba–#Geneva–#Lyon service features a 45-minute flight between Geneva, #Switzerland, and Lyon, France, covering just 98 kilometers (53 nautical miles). The route began operations on 02 July as part of Ethiopian Airlines' expansion of its European network.
The service, which operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, replaces the airline's previous Geneva–Brussels tag-on route......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58114
Ethiopian Airlines' newly launched passenger service to Lyon, #France, is drawing attention in aviation circles after industry publications highlighted that part of the route includes what is believed to be #Europe's shortest scheduled #Airbus A350 flight.
According to aviation news outlet Simple Flying and travel industry publication Travel and Tour World, the airline's new #Addis_Abeba–#Geneva–#Lyon service features a 45-minute flight between Geneva, #Switzerland, and Lyon, France, covering just 98 kilometers (53 nautical miles). The route began operations on 02 July as part of Ethiopian Airlines' expansion of its European network.
The service, which operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, replaces the airline's previous Geneva–Brussels tag-on route......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58114
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News: #Heart_Attack_Ethiopia launches fifth life-saving cardiac mission in #Ethiopia
Heart Attack Ethiopia is a non-profit organization co-founded by Dr Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife Dr Obsinet Merid, an Ethiopian-American assistant professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.
“Day 1 of Heart Attack Ethiopia Mission #5 is officially underway,” Dr Obsinet said. “Today marks the beginning of another life-saving journey as our incredible team of international and Ethiopian volunteers comes together with one shared purpose: to save lives, restore hope, and strengthen Ethiopia’s cardiovascular care capacity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58119
Heart Attack Ethiopia is a non-profit organization co-founded by Dr Tesfaye Telila, an Ethiopian-American interventional cardiologist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife Dr Obsinet Merid, an Ethiopian-American assistant professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.
“Day 1 of Heart Attack Ethiopia Mission #5 is officially underway,” Dr Obsinet said. “Today marks the beginning of another life-saving journey as our incredible team of international and Ethiopian volunteers comes together with one shared purpose: to save lives, restore hope, and strengthen Ethiopia’s cardiovascular care capacity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58119
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