#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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News: #Amhara Islamic Affairs Council says imams, mosque attendants targeted by threats, deadly attacks after national election
The Amhara Regional Higher Council for #Islamic_Affairs has alleged that imams and mosque khadims (attendants) have faced threats, intimidation, and deadly attacks in the weeks following Ethiopia's national election, warning that the incidents appear to be aimed at instilling fear within the Muslim community.
In a directive issued on 7 July 2026 to zonal and city Islamic affairs councils, the Council said imams and mosque attendants have faced sustained threats and intimidation extending to their homes in the aftermath of the election. It further alleged that armed assailants have targeted imams and worshippers returning from Isha (night) prayers, with some victims killed after attackers "opened a barrage of gunfire."
The Council said the attacks were.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02nBXgTbswi17QMBCesby3BWMyMuZeDNduWHgAGDFFppMYc9cN3MaDyGY6RTiFLQEXl
The Amhara Regional Higher Council for #Islamic_Affairs has alleged that imams and mosque khadims (attendants) have faced threats, intimidation, and deadly attacks in the weeks following Ethiopia's national election, warning that the incidents appear to be aimed at instilling fear within the Muslim community.
In a directive issued on 7 July 2026 to zonal and city Islamic affairs councils, the Council said imams and mosque attendants have faced sustained threats and intimidation extending to their homes in the aftermath of the election. It further alleged that armed assailants have targeted imams and worshippers returning from Isha (night) prayers, with some victims killed after attackers "opened a barrage of gunfire."
The Council said the attacks were.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02nBXgTbswi17QMBCesby3BWMyMuZeDNduWHgAGDFFppMYc9cN3MaDyGY6RTiFLQEXl
News: #Sudanese army claims recapture of strategic border town of #Kurmuk near #Ethiopia
Brig. Gen. Abadi al-Tahir, commander of the army's Al-Naba al-Yaqeen task force, announced the recapture in a video circulated by pro-army media outlets.
He claimed Sudanese forces inflicted heavy casualties and destroyed military equipment belonging to the RSF, forcing the remaining fighters to withdraw.
The reported recapture follows an intensified military campaign launched last week to regain control of Kurmuk, a strategically important town whose capture by the RSF and its allies earlier this year heightened concerns over instability along Sudan's border with Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58185
Brig. Gen. Abadi al-Tahir, commander of the army's Al-Naba al-Yaqeen task force, announced the recapture in a video circulated by pro-army media outlets.
He claimed Sudanese forces inflicted heavy casualties and destroyed military equipment belonging to the RSF, forcing the remaining fighters to withdraw.
The reported recapture follows an intensified military campaign launched last week to regain control of Kurmuk, a strategically important town whose capture by the RSF and its allies earlier this year heightened concerns over instability along Sudan's border with Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58185
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News: #Tigray Orthodox Church says archbishops survive assassination attempt in #Axum
The Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church said an overnight assassination attempt targeted two senior archbishops inside the church's patriarchate compound in Axum, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Tigray.
In an urgent statement issued today, the Head Office of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan said the attack occurred at around 00:30 a.m. at the residence where His Eminence #Abune_Natnael and His Eminence #Abune_Aregawi, General Secretary of the Holy Synod, were staying.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58188
The Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church said an overnight assassination attempt targeted two senior archbishops inside the church's patriarchate compound in Axum, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Tigray.
In an urgent statement issued today, the Head Office of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan said the attack occurred at around 00:30 a.m. at the residence where His Eminence #Abune_Natnael and His Eminence #Abune_Aregawi, General Secretary of the Holy Synod, were staying.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58188
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#US launches new airstrikes on #Iran and Tehran fires back at #Gulf_Arab states
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and #Tehran responded by targeting #Bahrain, #Kuwait and #Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the #Persian_Gulf.
The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. struck a variety of military sites and port facilities early Wednesday after Iran targeted several merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, sparking Iranian fire then as well.
But Thursday’s attacks appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least twice in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it was......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-9-2026-0472764b119d7aa204de4f7f5e44a9bf
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and #Tehran responded by targeting #Bahrain, #Kuwait and #Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the #Persian_Gulf.
The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. struck a variety of military sites and port facilities early Wednesday after Iran targeted several merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, sparking Iranian fire then as well.
But Thursday’s attacks appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least twice in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it was......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-9-2026-0472764b119d7aa204de4f7f5e44a9bf
#UN probe says #RSF atrocities in #Sudan’s El Fasher bear “distinct markers of genocide,” warns #El_Obeid at risk
A UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has released new evidence concluding that atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in #El_Fasher, #North_Darfur, bear the “distinct markers of genocide,” while warning that a similar pattern of violence could unfold in El Obeid if urgent action is not taken, according to the United Nations.
In a supplementary report released on 08 July, the Mission said its investigation documented mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls, mass gang rapes, torture, ransom-taking, and enforced disappearances committed during the RSF’s October 2025 assault on El Fasher following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDmPTr9Rf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has released new evidence concluding that atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in #El_Fasher, #North_Darfur, bear the “distinct markers of genocide,” while warning that a similar pattern of violence could unfold in El Obeid if urgent action is not taken, according to the United Nations.
In a supplementary report released on 08 July, the Mission said its investigation documented mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls, mass gang rapes, torture, ransom-taking, and enforced disappearances committed during the RSF’s October 2025 assault on El Fasher following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDmPTr9Rf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Ethiopia says cross-border electricity trade infrastructure completed as #Eastern_Africa Power Pool considers governance reforms
Ethiopian Electric Power (#EEP) says infrastructure needed to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in Eastern Africa has been completed, as member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (#EAPP) meet in #Addis_Abeba to discuss governance reforms aimed at strengthening regional power integration.
The announcement was made by Engineer Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer of EEP and Chairperson of the EAPP Executive Committee, during the 37th Special Meeting of the EAPP Steering Committee, which is being held in Addis Abeba.
According to EEP, the meeting is considering proposed amendments to the intergovernmental and inter-institutional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), as well as related governance documents submitted by member states.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58178
Ethiopian Electric Power (#EEP) says infrastructure needed to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in Eastern Africa has been completed, as member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (#EAPP) meet in #Addis_Abeba to discuss governance reforms aimed at strengthening regional power integration.
The announcement was made by Engineer Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer of EEP and Chairperson of the EAPP Executive Committee, during the 37th Special Meeting of the EAPP Steering Committee, which is being held in Addis Abeba.
According to EEP, the meeting is considering proposed amendments to the intergovernmental and inter-institutional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), as well as related governance documents submitted by member states.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58178
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News: #Ethiopia’s 2025 ‘lower middle-income’ goal remains unmet as #World_Bank latest classification places country among low-income economies
The World Bank’s latest Country Income Classifications place Ethiopia among low-income economies, based on Gross National Income (#GNI) per capita calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.
The classification comes as the government said it continues to pursue its stated ambition of achieving lower middle-income country (#LMIC) status by 2025 and becoming “an African beacon of prosperity by 2030” under its 10-Year Development Plan (2021–2030).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58192
The World Bank’s latest Country Income Classifications place Ethiopia among low-income economies, based on Gross National Income (#GNI) per capita calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.
The classification comes as the government said it continues to pursue its stated ambition of achieving lower middle-income country (#LMIC) status by 2025 and becoming “an African beacon of prosperity by 2030” under its 10-Year Development Plan (2021–2030).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58192
News: #Ethiopian exporters urged to utilize #UK duty-free trade scheme
Ethiopian exporters have been encouraged to make greater use of the United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (#DCTS), which provides eligible products with reduced or zero-tariff access to the UK market, during a training workshop held in Addis Abeba on 8 July 2026.
The hybrid workshop was co-organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in London, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Abeba, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. It brought together around 100 participants from Ethiopia and the UK, both in person and online.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonnen, said the scheme offers significant opportunities for Ethiopian exporters, particularly in coffee, agriculture......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAWEDUt576nXpGMvBiDVQYE4UsyzdFBVqyg9zkr8vDQPUBzmXp9Q6nT4UAs5kGPfl
Ethiopian exporters have been encouraged to make greater use of the United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (#DCTS), which provides eligible products with reduced or zero-tariff access to the UK market, during a training workshop held in Addis Abeba on 8 July 2026.
The hybrid workshop was co-organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in London, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Abeba, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. It brought together around 100 participants from Ethiopia and the UK, both in person and online.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonnen, said the scheme offers significant opportunities for Ethiopian exporters, particularly in coffee, agriculture......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAWEDUt576nXpGMvBiDVQYE4UsyzdFBVqyg9zkr8vDQPUBzmXp9Q6nT4UAs5kGPfl
#Commentary: Policy Without Evidence: #EU budget support resumption, Schengen visa restoration ignore #Ethiopia's human rights crisis
In this commentary, Gemechu Abeshu and Mohammed Hassen argue that the European Union’s recent decision to resume direct budget support and lift #Schengen visa restrictions on Ethiopia signals a concerning normalization of relations, despite ongoing armed conflicts and persistent systemic impunity.
While #Brussels cites “substantial and sustained improvement” in migration cooperation to justify this shift, the authors contend that empirical evidence from #Oromia, #Amhara, and #Tigray points to serious human rights violations, drone attacks, and mass detentions.
They further argue that by prematurely dismantling its financial leverage, the EU inadvertently expands the state’s fiscal capacity and sends a troubling message that geopolitical priorities are being placed above fundamental rights.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58179
In this commentary, Gemechu Abeshu and Mohammed Hassen argue that the European Union’s recent decision to resume direct budget support and lift #Schengen visa restrictions on Ethiopia signals a concerning normalization of relations, despite ongoing armed conflicts and persistent systemic impunity.
While #Brussels cites “substantial and sustained improvement” in migration cooperation to justify this shift, the authors contend that empirical evidence from #Oromia, #Amhara, and #Tigray points to serious human rights violations, drone attacks, and mass detentions.
They further argue that by prematurely dismantling its financial leverage, the EU inadvertently expands the state’s fiscal capacity and sends a troubling message that geopolitical priorities are being placed above fundamental rights.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58179
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News: #TPLF rejects #PM_Abiy's claim of alliance with #Eritrea, #Sudan; says 'we rely on ourselves'
The response follows Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed's remarks to parliament on Tuesday, in which he alleged that Sudan, the TPLF, and Eritrea were working together against #Ethiopia, drawing parallels with the alliance that contributed to the overthrow of the #Derg regime in 1991. While claiming that the alleged alliance posed no threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty, Abiy also suggested that unnamed external actors were backing it.
Responding to the allegations, TPLF spokesperson #Mikiele_Asgedom told #Addis_Standard the party had never invited foreign actors to fight on its behalf.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58201
The response follows Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed's remarks to parliament on Tuesday, in which he alleged that Sudan, the TPLF, and Eritrea were working together against #Ethiopia, drawing parallels with the alliance that contributed to the overthrow of the #Derg regime in 1991. While claiming that the alleged alliance posed no threat to Ethiopia's sovereignty, Abiy also suggested that unnamed external actors were backing it.
Responding to the allegations, TPLF spokesperson #Mikiele_Asgedom told #Addis_Standard the party had never invited foreign actors to fight on its behalf.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58201
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News: #EthSwitch in talks with #Huawei on AI, cross-border payment cooperation with #China: Report
#Ethiopia's national payment switch, EthSwitch, is exploring expanded cooperation with Chinese technology company Huawei on artificial intelligence (AI), payment infrastructure, and cross-border payment connectivity with China, according to a report by Yahoo Finance, citing Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData-owned publication.
According to the report, the discussions focus on advancing mobile banking innovation, strengthening resilient payment infrastructure, applying AI to improve payment efficiency and security, expanding cross-border payment collaboration with China's payment and clearing ecosystem, and supporting technical capacity building for Ethiopia's financial technology sector.
The report noted that the discussions come as EthSwitch expands its role in Ethiopia's digital payments ecosystem. The national payment switch.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2075202188570202402?s=20
#Ethiopia's national payment switch, EthSwitch, is exploring expanded cooperation with Chinese technology company Huawei on artificial intelligence (AI), payment infrastructure, and cross-border payment connectivity with China, according to a report by Yahoo Finance, citing Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData-owned publication.
According to the report, the discussions focus on advancing mobile banking innovation, strengthening resilient payment infrastructure, applying AI to improve payment efficiency and security, expanding cross-border payment collaboration with China's payment and clearing ecosystem, and supporting technical capacity building for Ethiopia's financial technology sector.
The report noted that the discussions come as EthSwitch expands its role in Ethiopia's digital payments ecosystem. The national payment switch.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2075202188570202402?s=20
News: #Somalia approves maritime cooperation deal with #Egypt as Cairo expands Red Sea port partnerships after #Eritrea pact
Somalia's Council of Ministers has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Egypt aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime transport and ports, a move that comes days after #Cairo signed a maritime transport and #Red_Sea port connectivity agreement with Eritrea, signaling an expanding Egyptian push to deepen maritime partnerships across the Red Sea region.
According to the Somalia National News Agency (SONNA), the agreement, approved on Thursday, establishes a framework for cooperation between Egypt's Ministry of Transport and Somalia's Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58204
Somalia's Council of Ministers has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Egypt aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime transport and ports, a move that comes days after #Cairo signed a maritime transport and #Red_Sea port connectivity agreement with Eritrea, signaling an expanding Egyptian push to deepen maritime partnerships across the Red Sea region.
According to the Somalia National News Agency (SONNA), the agreement, approved on Thursday, establishes a framework for cooperation between Egypt's Ministry of Transport and Somalia's Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58204
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#Ethiopia gains ground in #Somalia’s khat market as #Kenyan exports decline: report
Ethiopia has strengthened its position in Somalia’s khat market, contributing to a decline in Kenya’s miraa exports and earnings during the first quarter of 2026, according to a report by Kenya’s Daily Nation, citing data from the country’s Agriculture and Food Authority (#AFA).
AFA data showed Kenya’s miraa export volumes fell by 13% to 692,000 kilograms in the first three months of 2026, down from 795,668 kilograms during the same period last year. Export earnings also declined to 3.09 billion Kenyan shillings from 3.56 billion shillings, representing a loss of nearly 470 million shillings, Daily Nation reported, citing the authority.
The report attributed the decline largely to intensified competition from Ethiopia, whose proximity to Somalia allows exporters to deliver fresher khat at lower .......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02aKceAzoZuZp8pek5FRfDsLi4ox1fTiJ1EPe8LEqFi5eJMbUAyE3CJ4wQwdv6nDu6l
Ethiopia has strengthened its position in Somalia’s khat market, contributing to a decline in Kenya’s miraa exports and earnings during the first quarter of 2026, according to a report by Kenya’s Daily Nation, citing data from the country’s Agriculture and Food Authority (#AFA).
AFA data showed Kenya’s miraa export volumes fell by 13% to 692,000 kilograms in the first three months of 2026, down from 795,668 kilograms during the same period last year. Export earnings also declined to 3.09 billion Kenyan shillings from 3.56 billion shillings, representing a loss of nearly 470 million shillings, Daily Nation reported, citing the authority.
The report attributed the decline largely to intensified competition from Ethiopia, whose proximity to Somalia allows exporters to deliver fresher khat at lower .......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02aKceAzoZuZp8pek5FRfDsLi4ox1fTiJ1EPe8LEqFi5eJMbUAyE3CJ4wQwdv6nDu6l
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TPLF Rejects Alliance Allegations
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has dismissed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's allegations of an alliance with Eritrea and Sudan, insisting it has never relied on external military support and "depends on itself."
▶️ Watch today's top news and full analysis here:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srBK-G00GdQ
#Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #AbiyAhmed #Eritrea #Sudan #HornOfAfrica #DailyNews #AddisStandardSignal
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has dismissed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's allegations of an alliance with Eritrea and Sudan, insisting it has never relied on external military support and "depends on itself."
▶️ Watch today's top news and full analysis here:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srBK-G00GdQ
#Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #AbiyAhmed #Eritrea #Sudan #HornOfAfrica #DailyNews #AddisStandardSignal
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TPLF Rejects Alliance Allegations
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has dismissed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's allegations of an alliance with Eritrea and Sudan, insisting it has never relied on external military support and "depends on itself."
#Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #AbiyAhmed…
#Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #AbiyAhmed…
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