#Policy_Brief: From QR Chaos to E-Invoicing Rollout Challenges: #Ethiopia’s fast-track tax reform, cost of regulatory whiplash
Ethiopia recently replaced its manual QR-code tax invoice policy with a fully digital Electronic Invoicing System. While the initiative aims to boost transparency and modernize tax administration, Hassen Mama Muse argues that implementing such a sweeping overhaul within a single year has caused severe business disruption and capital losses.
He points out that "this quick change in rules goes against basic principles of good taxation, especially Adam Smith's principle of certainty," leading to significant confusion in regulations. Furthermore, high vendor fees and structural system glitches now penalize compliant firms.
The author emphasizes that "effective tax administration requires not merely technological sophistication but regulatory wisdom."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58237
Ethiopia recently replaced its manual QR-code tax invoice policy with a fully digital Electronic Invoicing System. While the initiative aims to boost transparency and modernize tax administration, Hassen Mama Muse argues that implementing such a sweeping overhaul within a single year has caused severe business disruption and capital losses.
He points out that "this quick change in rules goes against basic principles of good taxation, especially Adam Smith's principle of certainty," leading to significant confusion in regulations. Furthermore, high vendor fees and structural system glitches now penalize compliant firms.
The author emphasizes that "effective tax administration requires not merely technological sophistication but regulatory wisdom."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58237
#Somalia detains soldiers over #US flag video as Washington warns against anti-American acts
Somalia's Ministry of Defense says it has detained members of the Somali National Army after a video circulated on social media showing individuals in military uniform engaging in what it described as “unacceptable conduct” involving the United States flag.
In a statement issued on 10 July, the ministry said the conduct was “inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army” and “does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defense or the Federal Government of Somalia.”
The ministry said the individuals involved “have been detained,” adding that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and any disciplinary or legal measures to be taken.
The response came after a video circulated online last week showing members of Somalia's military standing on the U.S. flag.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bdk47hkpc/
Somalia's Ministry of Defense says it has detained members of the Somali National Army after a video circulated on social media showing individuals in military uniform engaging in what it described as “unacceptable conduct” involving the United States flag.
In a statement issued on 10 July, the ministry said the conduct was “inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army” and “does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defense or the Federal Government of Somalia.”
The ministry said the individuals involved “have been detained,” adding that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and any disciplinary or legal measures to be taken.
The response came after a video circulated online last week showing members of Somalia's military standing on the U.S. flag.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bdk47hkpc/
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News: #Sudanese court sentences #RSF leader #Hemetti, others to death in absentia over West #Darfur killings
The verdict, issued by a Sudanese court, marks one of the most significant judicial rulings against the RSF leadership since war erupted between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) in April 2023. The sentences were handed down in absentia because the accused are not in government custody.
The case centers on the June 2023 killing of Governor #Khamis_Abakar in #El_Geneina, the capital of #West_Darfur. #Abakar, a prominent leader of the #Masalit community, was abducted and killed shortly after publicly accusing the RSF and allied #Arab militias of carrying out attacks that he described as genocidal against civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58253
The verdict, issued by a Sudanese court, marks one of the most significant judicial rulings against the RSF leadership since war erupted between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) in April 2023. The sentences were handed down in absentia because the accused are not in government custody.
The case centers on the June 2023 killing of Governor #Khamis_Abakar in #El_Geneina, the capital of #West_Darfur. #Abakar, a prominent leader of the #Masalit community, was abducted and killed shortly after publicly accusing the RSF and allied #Arab militias of carrying out attacks that he described as genocidal against civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58253
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News: #WB shifts #Ethiopia strategy toward private sector-led jobs, scales back large public projects
Accordingly, the Bank said it will no longer finance large public power generation projects, citing “existing capacity from completed investments.” It will also shift away from tourism sector investments “until conditions are more conducive,” which marks a divergence from one of the government’s top economic pillars.
Beyond economic reforms, the framework highlights Ethiopia’s persistent social challenges, particularly in education and child nutrition. The Bank notes that “90 percent of 10-year-olds [are] unable to read with understanding,” while between 35% and 40% of children suffer from stunting.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58250
Accordingly, the Bank said it will no longer finance large public power generation projects, citing “existing capacity from completed investments.” It will also shift away from tourism sector investments “until conditions are more conducive,” which marks a divergence from one of the government’s top economic pillars.
Beyond economic reforms, the framework highlights Ethiopia’s persistent social challenges, particularly in education and child nutrition. The Bank notes that “90 percent of 10-year-olds [are] unable to read with understanding,” while between 35% and 40% of children suffer from stunting.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58250
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News: Farmers say crops destroyed in East #Bale and West #Hararghe due to failure of Belg rains
Residents who spoke with #Addis_Standard stated that although the Belg (Spring) rains commenced around March, they abruptly stopped midway through the crop development stage, causing planted crops—particularly in the lowland areas—to dry up and fail completely.
Describing the situation, a resident from #Sewena Woreda in #East_Bale Zone, #Oromia region, said that lowland kebeles extending up to the border with the #Somali Region suffered complete crop loss due to the interrupted rainfall. A resident of Qasho Dambali kebele in Sewena Woreda noted that the Belg rains stopped almost immediately after farmers finished planting their seeds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58256
Residents who spoke with #Addis_Standard stated that although the Belg (Spring) rains commenced around March, they abruptly stopped midway through the crop development stage, causing planted crops—particularly in the lowland areas—to dry up and fail completely.
Describing the situation, a resident from #Sewena Woreda in #East_Bale Zone, #Oromia region, said that lowland kebeles extending up to the border with the #Somali Region suffered complete crop loss due to the interrupted rainfall. A resident of Qasho Dambali kebele in Sewena Woreda noted that the Belg rains stopped almost immediately after farmers finished planting their seeds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58256
#Yemen’s #Saudi-backed govt says it struck #Sanaa airport runway to block #Iranian aircraft
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced on Monday that it had struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, which is under #Houthi control, saying the operation was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital. According to Yemen’s Defence Ministry, the targeted plane was reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The Defence Ministry said the runway was targeted after the Houthis allegedly barred Yemeni national aircraft from using the airport while allowing the Iranian flight to enter Yemeni airspace. The government also said it had offered a Yemenia Airways flight for a Houthi delegation returning from Iran after attending the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the proposal was rejected. Authorities urged civilians, airport staff, and humanitarian organizations to stay away from the airport area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18pFWwyUsL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced on Monday that it had struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, which is under #Houthi control, saying the operation was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital. According to Yemen’s Defence Ministry, the targeted plane was reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The Defence Ministry said the runway was targeted after the Houthis allegedly barred Yemeni national aircraft from using the airport while allowing the Iranian flight to enter Yemeni airspace. The government also said it had offered a Yemenia Airways flight for a Houthi delegation returning from Iran after attending the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the proposal was rejected. Authorities urged civilians, airport staff, and humanitarian organizations to stay away from the airport area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18pFWwyUsL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
PM Abiy arrives in #Qatar to offer condolences
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in #Doha, Qatar, to offer #Ethiopia’s condolences following the death of Qatar’s former Amir and Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a global energy and diplomatic power, launching the Al Jazeera media network, and steering the country’s rise on the international stage, including preparations that culminated in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The visit “reflects the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Qatar and honors the legacy of a leader who left a lasting impact on the region and the world,” his office said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58264
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in #Doha, Qatar, to offer #Ethiopia’s condolences following the death of Qatar’s former Amir and Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a global energy and diplomatic power, launching the Al Jazeera media network, and steering the country’s rise on the international stage, including preparations that culminated in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The visit “reflects the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Qatar and honors the legacy of a leader who left a lasting impact on the region and the world,” his office said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58264
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#UAE condemns #Iranian missile strike on two Emirati tankers in #Strait_of_Hormuz, says attack violates international law
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned what it described as a “brazen” Iranian cruise missile attack on two UAE-owned tankers in the southern Strait of Hormuz, saying the incident represents “a serious violation and a clear breach of international law” that threatens regional security.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the vessels targeted were the oil tanker Mombasa and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Al Bahiyah, both operating near Oman’s coast when they came under attack.
According to the ministry, one Indian crew member was killed in the strike, while eight others were injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainians. Four of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C1A5LJkdH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned what it described as a “brazen” Iranian cruise missile attack on two UAE-owned tankers in the southern Strait of Hormuz, saying the incident represents “a serious violation and a clear breach of international law” that threatens regional security.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the vessels targeted were the oil tanker Mombasa and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Al Bahiyah, both operating near Oman’s coast when they came under attack.
According to the ministry, one Indian crew member was killed in the strike, while eight others were injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainians. Four of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C1A5LJkdH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Ethiopia eyes larger share of global #avocado market by targeting seasonal supply gap
Ethiopia is seeking to expand its position in the global avocado market by capitalizing on a seasonal supply gap and investing in export infrastructure aimed at improving competitiveness in European and Middle Eastern markets.
Citing the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia Today reported that the country's avocado harvest, which peaks between July and September, coincides with a period when exports from Peru, the world's largest avocado exporter, decline, creating an opportunity for alternative suppliers to meet demand.
The push comes as Ethiopia recorded a 36.3% year-on-year increase in fresh avocado exports, according to the ministry, which is seeking to increase export earnings from one of the country's fastest-growing horticultural commodities.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LtTiBxA6i/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Ethiopia is seeking to expand its position in the global avocado market by capitalizing on a seasonal supply gap and investing in export infrastructure aimed at improving competitiveness in European and Middle Eastern markets.
Citing the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia Today reported that the country's avocado harvest, which peaks between July and September, coincides with a period when exports from Peru, the world's largest avocado exporter, decline, creating an opportunity for alternative suppliers to meet demand.
The push comes as Ethiopia recorded a 36.3% year-on-year increase in fresh avocado exports, according to the ministry, which is seeking to increase export earnings from one of the country's fastest-growing horticultural commodities.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LtTiBxA6i/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #TPLF-reinstated #Tigray Regional State rejects National Dialogue forum, says region will not participate
In a statement issued yesterday, the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau said the administration would not participate in the National Dialogue process, arguing that the forum fails to address what it described as the fundamental issues facing the people of Tigray.
The bureau accused the federal government, led by Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed, of failing to implement key provisions of the #Pretoria peace agreement and alleged that Tigray continues to face severe humanitarian, political, and security challenges despite the cessation of hostilities signed in November 2022.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58275
In a statement issued yesterday, the Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau said the administration would not participate in the National Dialogue process, arguing that the forum fails to address what it described as the fundamental issues facing the people of Tigray.
The bureau accused the federal government, led by Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed, of failing to implement key provisions of the #Pretoria peace agreement and alleged that Tigray continues to face severe humanitarian, political, and security challenges despite the cessation of hostilities signed in November 2022.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58275
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News: #EU targets #Sudan's gold trade with new sanctions to curb war financing
The Council introduced a ban on the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating in Sudan. It also prohibited the sale, supply, transfer, or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, chemicals widely used in gold mining and extraction.
Sudan’s war has also been sustained by extensive illicit smuggling networks. Estimates suggest that between 50% and 80% of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country through neighboring states before reaching international markets.
The United Arab Emirates has been identified in numerous reports as the principal destination for much of the smuggled gold, where it is refined and traded globally, making the gold trade a critical source of revenue for the rival factions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58269
The Council introduced a ban on the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating in Sudan. It also prohibited the sale, supply, transfer, or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, chemicals widely used in gold mining and extraction.
Sudan’s war has also been sustained by extensive illicit smuggling networks. Estimates suggest that between 50% and 80% of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country through neighboring states before reaching international markets.
The United Arab Emirates has been identified in numerous reports as the principal destination for much of the smuggled gold, where it is refined and traded globally, making the gold trade a critical source of revenue for the rival factions.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58269
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News: #Sudan army says it shot down #Chinese-made drone near #El_Obeid
The #Sudanese army said it shot down an advanced Chinese-made drone near the city of El Obeid in North #Kordofan State, marking the third reported interception of the same drone model this month amid intensified fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
In a statement on Monday, the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) said its air defenses intercepted an FH-95 strategic drone northwest of El Obeid. The military described the drone as a hostile aircraft but did not provide further details about the circumstances of the operation.
According to the Sudanese army, this was the third FH-95 drone it had downed in July. The military said the first was intercepted on July 2 in #Tendelti, White #Nile_State, while another was brought down the following week along the highway linking #Khartoum and #North_Kordofan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2076975468184563787?s=20
The #Sudanese army said it shot down an advanced Chinese-made drone near the city of El Obeid in North #Kordofan State, marking the third reported interception of the same drone model this month amid intensified fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
In a statement on Monday, the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) said its air defenses intercepted an FH-95 strategic drone northwest of El Obeid. The military described the drone as a hostile aircraft but did not provide further details about the circumstances of the operation.
According to the Sudanese army, this was the third FH-95 drone it had downed in July. The military said the first was intercepted on July 2 in #Tendelti, White #Nile_State, while another was brought down the following week along the highway linking #Khartoum and #North_Kordofan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2076975468184563787?s=20
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#Op_ed: Beyond Dictatorship: How Green Revolution movement reframes #Eritrea’s political debate from power to representation
The article argues that Eritrea’s crisis extends beyond authoritarian rule to encompass “the longstanding exclusion of a significant segment of Eritrean society from meaningful political representation.”
It examines the emergence of the #Green_Revolution, a youth-led movement advocating “constitutional partnership, equal citizenship, and democratic pluralism” as the foundation for a more inclusive political system that reflects Eritrea’s diverse society.
The article further notes, “The movement envisions a negotiated partnership between the Muslim and Christian segments to establish a new social contract based on democratic pluralism and equitable representation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58261
The article argues that Eritrea’s crisis extends beyond authoritarian rule to encompass “the longstanding exclusion of a significant segment of Eritrean society from meaningful political representation.”
It examines the emergence of the #Green_Revolution, a youth-led movement advocating “constitutional partnership, equal citizenship, and democratic pluralism” as the foundation for a more inclusive political system that reflects Eritrea’s diverse society.
The article further notes, “The movement envisions a negotiated partnership between the Muslim and Christian segments to establish a new social contract based on democratic pluralism and equitable representation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58261
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News: #Tigray Culture Bureau accuses PM Abiy of using #Emperor_Yohannes IV’s history for political division
In a statement issued this morning, the bureau criticized comments attributed to #PM_Abiy during the inauguration of the new #Debre_Markos Airport, where it said the Prime Minister referenced atrocities allegedly committed against the people of #Gojjam during Emperor #Yohannes_IV’s reign. The bureau also cited earlier remarks Abiy made regarding the displacement of people in #Wollo during Yohannes IV’s era.
The bureau accused the Prime Minister of selectively highlighting historical shortcomings of past rulers to advance political objectives.
"Such remarks are completely unexpected from a national leader who is responsible and supposed to work for the unity of his people," the statement said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58284
In a statement issued this morning, the bureau criticized comments attributed to #PM_Abiy during the inauguration of the new #Debre_Markos Airport, where it said the Prime Minister referenced atrocities allegedly committed against the people of #Gojjam during Emperor #Yohannes_IV’s reign. The bureau also cited earlier remarks Abiy made regarding the displacement of people in #Wollo during Yohannes IV’s era.
The bureau accused the Prime Minister of selectively highlighting historical shortcomings of past rulers to advance political objectives.
"Such remarks are completely unexpected from a national leader who is responsible and supposed to work for the unity of his people," the statement said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58284
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#Coming_UP: The Standard Signal Ep.23| Semhal Meles on TPLF, Elite Capture & The Politics of Resource Extraction
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #SemhalMeles
How should political failures be assessed after institutional collapse and mass atrocities? Can democratic institutions and ideological clarity help prevent elite capture and military predation?
Watch the full conversation on Addis Standard.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #TigrayPolitics #PretoriaAgreement #EthiopiaWar #PoliticalEconomy #ResourceExtraction #SemhalMeles #TsedaleLemma
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #SemhalMeles
How should political failures be assessed after institutional collapse and mass atrocities? Can democratic institutions and ideological clarity help prevent elite capture and military predation?
Watch the full conversation on Addis Standard.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #TigrayPolitics #PretoriaAgreement #EthiopiaWar #PoliticalEconomy #ResourceExtraction #SemhalMeles #TsedaleLemma
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
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#Premiering_now: The Standard Signal Ep.23| Semhal Meles on TPLF, Elite Capture & The Politics of Resource Extraction
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #SemhalMeles
How should political failures be assessed after institutional collapse and mass atrocities? Can democratic institutions and ideological clarity help prevent elite capture and military predation?
Watch now: https://youtu.be/C-L7qW6ShZM?is=hTlMvDgCoyQJ_Qbt
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #TigrayPolitics #PretoriaAgreement #EthiopiaWar #PoliticalEconomy #ResourceExtraction #SemhalMeles #TsedaleLemma
#TsedaleLemma speaks with #SemhalMeles
How should political failures be assessed after institutional collapse and mass atrocities? Can democratic institutions and ideological clarity help prevent elite capture and military predation?
Watch now: https://youtu.be/C-L7qW6ShZM?is=hTlMvDgCoyQJ_Qbt
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Tigray #TPLF #TigrayPolitics #PretoriaAgreement #EthiopiaWar #PoliticalEconomy #ResourceExtraction #SemhalMeles #TsedaleLemma
YouTube
The Standard Signal Ep.23| Semhal Meles on TPLF, Elite Capture & The Politics of Resource Extraction
Can Tigray’s post-war political crisis be understood without examining state collapse, institutional destruction, and economic devastation?
In this episode of The Standard Signal, host Tsedale Lemma welcomes back Semhal Meles for an in-depth conversation…
In this episode of The Standard Signal, host Tsedale Lemma welcomes back Semhal Meles for an in-depth conversation…
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#AFRICOM links security, economic development and innovation in #Africa strategy shift
The 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference brought together representatives from 35 African countries, alongside Brazil and U.S. National Guard state partnership programs from across the United States.
A new feature of this year’s conference was a dedicated discussion on defense economics, including an industry roundtable that brought together senior U.S. officials and African and American private-sector leaders to address barriers to defense-industrial cooperation.
Participants identified capital risk, bureaucratic hurdles, limited defense budgets, and competition as key obstacles, while highlighting the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor railway linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a model for combining infrastructure investment with regional stability.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58278
The 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference brought together representatives from 35 African countries, alongside Brazil and U.S. National Guard state partnership programs from across the United States.
A new feature of this year’s conference was a dedicated discussion on defense economics, including an industry roundtable that brought together senior U.S. officials and African and American private-sector leaders to address barriers to defense-industrial cooperation.
Participants identified capital risk, bureaucratic hurdles, limited defense budgets, and competition as key obstacles, while highlighting the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor railway linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a model for combining infrastructure investment with regional stability.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58278
#UN Security Council extends #Red_Sea shipping attack reporting mandate as #Saudi-#Houthi tensions escalate
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution extending the Secretary-General’s monthly reporting on Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea for another six months, amid renewed military escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Resolution 2826 (2026), adopted on 14 July, renews the reporting requirement until mid-January 2027. The mechanism, first established under Resolution 2722 (2024), requires the Secretary-General to submit monthly reports on attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BsaQx7iYF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution extending the Secretary-General’s monthly reporting on Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea for another six months, amid renewed military escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Resolution 2826 (2026), adopted on 14 July, renews the reporting requirement until mid-January 2027. The mechanism, first established under Resolution 2722 (2024), requires the Secretary-General to submit monthly reports on attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BsaQx7iYF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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