News: Ruling Party backs two-term limit agenda as opposition MP warns #Ethiopia’s dialogue must be independent
“Across Africa, we are accustomed to hearing about constitutional amendments to extend terms, but we have not heard of a country with no term limit imposing restrictions on itself,” Abiy said, referring to the absence of an explicit prime ministerial term limit in Ethiopia’s current constitution.
Opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who represented Bahir Dar City in the outgoing parliament, said the national dialogue must be fundamentally independent and inclusive if it is to address Ethiopia’s political crises.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58140
“Across Africa, we are accustomed to hearing about constitutional amendments to extend terms, but we have not heard of a country with no term limit imposing restrictions on itself,” Abiy said, referring to the absence of an explicit prime ministerial term limit in Ethiopia’s current constitution.
Opposition MP Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, who represented Bahir Dar City in the outgoing parliament, said the national dialogue must be fundamentally independent and inclusive if it is to address Ethiopia’s political crises.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58140
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#PM_Abiy invokes Derg-era alliance, alleges #Sudan, #TPLF, #Eritrea collaboration, hints at unnamed external actors
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News: #PM_Abiy alleges #Tigrayan youth forcibly recruited and sent to fight in #Sudan
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has alleged that Tigrayan youth are being forcibly recruited and sent to fight in neighboring Sudan, saying the practice is among the most serious challenges in Tigray.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives during its 30th regular session, where he responded to questions and comments from lawmakers, Abiy said there are "daily provocations" originating from forces in #Tigray, but dismissed an alleged alliance involving the #TPLF as posing no threat to #Ethiopia's sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58144
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed has alleged that Tigrayan youth are being forcibly recruited and sent to fight in neighboring Sudan, saying the practice is among the most serious challenges in Tigray.
Speaking before the House of Peoples' Representatives during its 30th regular session, where he responded to questions and comments from lawmakers, Abiy said there are "daily provocations" originating from forces in #Tigray, but dismissed an alleged alliance involving the #TPLF as posing no threat to #Ethiopia's sovereignty.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58144
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Opinion: Abiy Ahmed wins: War and elections
In her latest opinion piece for Addis Standard, #Semhal_Meles examines the intersection of war, elections, constitutional crises, and state power in Ethiopia, arguing that the 2026 election should be understood not only as a democratic exercise, but also as a test of political authority after years of wars.
“The international community graded the 2026 election not on its democratic merits, but as a test of Abiy Ahmed’s ability to impose state power across the federation - excluding Tigray,” a region where the 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement suspended and supplanted the regional constitution, the founding document that defines its relationship with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Read Semhal’s opinion of how the wars over ballots, legitimacy, and federal power continue to shape Ethiopia’s political trajectory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58150
In her latest opinion piece for Addis Standard, #Semhal_Meles examines the intersection of war, elections, constitutional crises, and state power in Ethiopia, arguing that the 2026 election should be understood not only as a democratic exercise, but also as a test of political authority after years of wars.
“The international community graded the 2026 election not on its democratic merits, but as a test of Abiy Ahmed’s ability to impose state power across the federation - excluding Tigray,” a region where the 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement suspended and supplanted the regional constitution, the founding document that defines its relationship with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Read Semhal’s opinion of how the wars over ballots, legitimacy, and federal power continue to shape Ethiopia’s political trajectory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58150
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#Ethiopia: FM Gedion, #Russia’s Lavrov discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, coordination within #BRICS
Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
During the meeting this afternoon, Gedion highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Russia which "spans generations" and continues to provide a strong foundation for the two countries' bilateral relations.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and discussed ways to deepen cooperation beyond their longstanding political and diplomatic relations, according to the Ministry.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, & technology transfer... https://x.com/addisstandard/status/20745027048821927
Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
During the meeting this afternoon, Gedion highlighted the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Russia which "spans generations" and continues to provide a strong foundation for the two countries' bilateral relations.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and discussed ways to deepen cooperation beyond their longstanding political and diplomatic relations, according to the Ministry.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, & technology transfer... https://x.com/addisstandard/status/20745027048821927
News: #Ethiopia backs #UN resolution extending #Eritrea rights mandate amid regional tensions
Ethiopia voted in favor of extending the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (#UNHRC), placing it among 23 countries that supported the resolution despite Eritrea’s continued opposition.
The resolution, adopted on 06 July during the Council’s 62nd session, renews the Special Rapporteur’s mandate for another year, continuing one of the UNHRC’s longest-running country-specific human rights mechanisms, first established in 2012.
According to the voting results, 23 member states voted in favor of the #EU-led resolution,.....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58158
Ethiopia voted in favor of extending the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (#UNHRC), placing it among 23 countries that supported the resolution despite Eritrea’s continued opposition.
The resolution, adopted on 06 July during the Council’s 62nd session, renews the Special Rapporteur’s mandate for another year, continuing one of the UNHRC’s longest-running country-specific human rights mechanisms, first established in 2012.
According to the voting results, 23 member states voted in favor of the #EU-led resolution,.....
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58158
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#Iran says it launches retaliatory strikes on #US bases in #Bahrain, #Kuwait after US attacks
Iran said it has launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait after the United States carried out what it described as large-scale attacks on Iranian military infrastructure in response to recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (#IRGC) said it struck several US military sites, including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, while also claiming to have downed a US MQ-9 drone over southern Iran, according to Al Jazeera.
The retaliation came hours after the US Central Command (#CENTCOM) announced strikes on multiple Iranian military targets…
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0LaGnMJk5UVqKRAPH25xZv9LhAhrP4oMnwVJJdowmtFHHpfNC5ijcz3K7wNgxY2KWl&id=100064657363280&mibextid=wwXIfr
Iran said it has launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait after the United States carried out what it described as large-scale attacks on Iranian military infrastructure in response to recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (#IRGC) said it struck several US military sites, including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, while also claiming to have downed a US MQ-9 drone over southern Iran, according to Al Jazeera.
The retaliation came hours after the US Central Command (#CENTCOM) announced strikes on multiple Iranian military targets…
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0LaGnMJk5UVqKRAPH25xZv9LhAhrP4oMnwVJJdowmtFHHpfNC5ijcz3K7wNgxY2KWl&id=100064657363280&mibextid=wwXIfr
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Violence escalates in #South_Sudan as a government commissioner is killed
A government-appointed county commissioner in an opposition stronghold in South Sudan’s oil-rich #Jonglei State was “assassinated” by opposition forces in renewed violence, the government confirmed late Monday.
Fighting in Jonglei has intensified in recent days, with an unknown number of casualties. The strategic county of #Akobo has seen the appointment of both government-backed and opposition-backed county commissioners.
James Kueth Makuach, the government-appointed commissioner, was killed on Sunday when opposition fighters launched an assault on Walgak, a remote area in Akobo West, according to officials from both sides.
Makuach defected to President Salva Kiir’s ruling party in April after being removed by the opposition’s acting leadership earlier this year.
The government then appointed him as county commissioner, ignoring a 2018.......
https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-fighting-akobo-8b66c7499edfa755f4b41bb6fdd9413e
A government-appointed county commissioner in an opposition stronghold in South Sudan’s oil-rich #Jonglei State was “assassinated” by opposition forces in renewed violence, the government confirmed late Monday.
Fighting in Jonglei has intensified in recent days, with an unknown number of casualties. The strategic county of #Akobo has seen the appointment of both government-backed and opposition-backed county commissioners.
James Kueth Makuach, the government-appointed commissioner, was killed on Sunday when opposition fighters launched an assault on Walgak, a remote area in Akobo West, according to officials from both sides.
Makuach defected to President Salva Kiir’s ruling party in April after being removed by the opposition’s acting leadership earlier this year.
The government then appointed him as county commissioner, ignoring a 2018.......
https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-fighting-akobo-8b66c7499edfa755f4b41bb6fdd9413e
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Op_ed: The ‘Green Gold’ Trap: #Ethiopia’s booming #Khat economy, hidden national costs
Khat, often described as Ethiopia’s “green gold,” plays a vital role in generating export revenue and sustaining rural livelihoods, writes Abdunasir Isak. However, he argues that this economic pillar conceals a deepening social and economic crisis. Rising consumption, particularly among young people, is also contributing to addiction, poverty, and broader social instability.
The author notes that “by treating this potent stimulant solely as a cash cow while ignoring its societal impact, policymakers have left a dangerous, gaping hole in the nation's legal framework.”
To save what he describes as a “lost generation,” Abdunasir urges the state to move beyond fiscal dependence by introducing stronger regulation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58155
Khat, often described as Ethiopia’s “green gold,” plays a vital role in generating export revenue and sustaining rural livelihoods, writes Abdunasir Isak. However, he argues that this economic pillar conceals a deepening social and economic crisis. Rising consumption, particularly among young people, is also contributing to addiction, poverty, and broader social instability.
The author notes that “by treating this potent stimulant solely as a cash cow while ignoring its societal impact, policymakers have left a dangerous, gaping hole in the nation's legal framework.”
To save what he describes as a “lost generation,” Abdunasir urges the state to move beyond fiscal dependence by introducing stronger regulation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58155
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News: PM Abiy, Lavrov hold talks on strengthening #Ethiopia–#Russia cooperation
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed said he met with Russia's Foreign Minister, #Sergey_Lavrov, on Tuesday evening, where the two sides discussed Ethiopia–Russia bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation.
In a brief statement shared on his social media accounts, Abiy said it was "a pleasure" to meet Lavrov and the Russian delegation during the latter's official visit to Ethiopia.
"Our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation," the Prime Minister said, without providing further details.
The meeting came after Lavrov held talks earlier in the day with Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, as part of his working visit to #Addis_Abeba.
According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion and Lavrov......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAHY1qjRQrA2hZNPbRe8H3xiNW1ebPay8ukXvn6jCYeUZSHmBanf88C4nEqjs3bDl
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed said he met with Russia's Foreign Minister, #Sergey_Lavrov, on Tuesday evening, where the two sides discussed Ethiopia–Russia bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation.
In a brief statement shared on his social media accounts, Abiy said it was "a pleasure" to meet Lavrov and the Russian delegation during the latter's official visit to Ethiopia.
"Our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation," the Prime Minister said, without providing further details.
The meeting came after Lavrov held talks earlier in the day with Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, as part of his working visit to #Addis_Abeba.
According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion and Lavrov......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAHY1qjRQrA2hZNPbRe8H3xiNW1ebPay8ukXvn6jCYeUZSHmBanf88C4nEqjs3bDl
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Lavrov says he hopes head of African Union Commission will attend #Russia-#Africa summit
Russia expects Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who is chairperson of the #African_Union Commission, to attend the 3rd Russia-Africa summit in person to be hosted by #Moscow in October, Russian Foreign Minister #Sergey_Lavrov said.
"Hopefully you will be able to represent the African Union Commission personally at the third summit. The agenda of the summit will center on pressing issues of material cooperation between Russia and the African Union," Lavrov told Youssouf at a meeting on Tuesday.
Russia’s top diplomat referred to Youssouf’s speech at the latest African Union summit where he pushed for economic and energy independence following political sovereignty.
"We will always be allies with the African Union in this work as we embrace processes that have been taking shape quite naturally & inevitably.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02L7xBdExEJawdZybHH8oVRJhe4uKuAxA5sBCZerWkLAZVNf6kh5VUG4nGwNXpddfsl
Russia expects Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who is chairperson of the #African_Union Commission, to attend the 3rd Russia-Africa summit in person to be hosted by #Moscow in October, Russian Foreign Minister #Sergey_Lavrov said.
"Hopefully you will be able to represent the African Union Commission personally at the third summit. The agenda of the summit will center on pressing issues of material cooperation between Russia and the African Union," Lavrov told Youssouf at a meeting on Tuesday.
Russia’s top diplomat referred to Youssouf’s speech at the latest African Union summit where he pushed for economic and energy independence following political sovereignty.
"We will always be allies with the African Union in this work as we embrace processes that have been taking shape quite naturally & inevitably.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02L7xBdExEJawdZybHH8oVRJhe4uKuAxA5sBCZerWkLAZVNf6kh5VUG4nGwNXpddfsl
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#Commentary: Booming in Local Currency, Stagnant in Dollars: #Ethiopia’s 2.34 trillion birr budget paradox
Ethiopia has recently approved a record 2.34 trillion birr budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, representing a 21% increase over the previous year. However, Samson Hailu argues that this substantial nominal growth conceals a deeper macroeconomic reality. Although the budget has nearly tripled in local currency terms since 2023, rapid currency depreciation has left its value virtually unchanged in U.S. dollar terms, at approximately $14.8 billion.
He notes, “This is the paradox at the heart of Ethiopia's fiscal story: a budget that grows explosively in local currency while stagnating in hard currency.”
Samson emphasizes that “Long-term prosperity depends not merely on increasing the quantity of money circulating within the economy, but also on expanding productivity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58167
Ethiopia has recently approved a record 2.34 trillion birr budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, representing a 21% increase over the previous year. However, Samson Hailu argues that this substantial nominal growth conceals a deeper macroeconomic reality. Although the budget has nearly tripled in local currency terms since 2023, rapid currency depreciation has left its value virtually unchanged in U.S. dollar terms, at approximately $14.8 billion.
He notes, “This is the paradox at the heart of Ethiopia's fiscal story: a budget that grows explosively in local currency while stagnating in hard currency.”
Samson emphasizes that “Long-term prosperity depends not merely on increasing the quantity of money circulating within the economy, but also on expanding productivity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58167
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News: Report says #Ethiopians among refugees facing arbitrary arrests, deportations in #Egypt over residency delays
Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are among thousands facing arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, and deportation in Egypt due to government delays in renewing residency permits, despite many holding valid documentation issued by the UN refugee agency, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (#HRW).
The report, released yesterday, says Egyptian authorities have intensified a campaign of arrests and deportations since late 2025, targeting refugees and asylum seekers—primarily from #Sudan and #South_Sudan, but also including Eritreans and Ethiopians—whose residency permits have expired while they await renewal appointments delayed by administrative backlogs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58162
Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are among thousands facing arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, and deportation in Egypt due to government delays in renewing residency permits, despite many holding valid documentation issued by the UN refugee agency, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (#HRW).
The report, released yesterday, says Egyptian authorities have intensified a campaign of arrests and deportations since late 2025, targeting refugees and asylum seekers—primarily from #Sudan and #South_Sudan, but also including Eritreans and Ethiopians—whose residency permits have expired while they await renewal appointments delayed by administrative backlogs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58162
#Trump announces plan to lift #US sanctions on #Turkey, signals openness to F-35 sales
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward its NATO ally and signaling a possible revival of defense cooperation between the two countries.
Trump made the announcement on 7 July during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying the United States was “going to be taking the sanctions off” because “we don’t want to sanction friends.” He also instructed senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to begin the process of removing the restrictions, according to Reuters.
The sanctions were imposed in December 2020 after Turkey acquired #Russia’s S-400 air defense system. https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward its NATO ally and signaling a possible revival of defense cooperation between the two countries.
Trump made the announcement on 7 July during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying the United States was “going to be taking the sanctions off” because “we don’t want to sanction friends.” He also instructed senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to begin the process of removing the restrictions, according to Reuters.
The sanctions were imposed in December 2020 after Turkey acquired #Russia’s S-400 air defense system. https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
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News: #Ghana postpones high-level talks with #South_Africa over anti-migrant violence
Government spokesperson #Felix_Kwakye_Ofosu said the decision was taken because the deteriorating security situation and growing tensions surrounding attacks on foreign nationals could overshadow the planned meetings between the two countries.
The bilateral commission meeting, which Ghana was due to host in August, was expected to be co-chaired by #Ghanaian President #John_Dramani_Mahama and South #African President #Cyril_Ramaphosa. Officials said both governments remain committed to the partnership and will agree on a new date once conditions improve.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58170
Government spokesperson #Felix_Kwakye_Ofosu said the decision was taken because the deteriorating security situation and growing tensions surrounding attacks on foreign nationals could overshadow the planned meetings between the two countries.
The bilateral commission meeting, which Ghana was due to host in August, was expected to be co-chaired by #Ghanaian President #John_Dramani_Mahama and South #African President #Cyril_Ramaphosa. Officials said both governments remain committed to the partnership and will agree on a new date once conditions improve.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58170
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