#Saudi_Arabia tightens scrutiny of financial transfers to #UAE amid Gulf rift
Saudi Arabia has subjected financial transfers to the UAE to enhanced regulatory scrutiny normally applied to jurisdictions deemed higher-risk for money laundering and terrorism financing, in a move that signals growing tensions between the two Gulf allies, Reuters reported on 18 August.
The measure, ordered by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) earlier this year, has reportedly caused delays and returned payments for some companies transferring funds between the two countries.
Several businesspeople and bankers told the outlet that transactions now face additional compliance checks, with some taking weeks or failing altogether. Some firms have resorted to routing payments through third countries.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Maka4NJjP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Saudi Arabia has subjected financial transfers to the UAE to enhanced regulatory scrutiny normally applied to jurisdictions deemed higher-risk for money laundering and terrorism financing, in a move that signals growing tensions between the two Gulf allies, Reuters reported on 18 August.
The measure, ordered by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) earlier this year, has reportedly caused delays and returned payments for some companies transferring funds between the two countries.
Several businesspeople and bankers told the outlet that transactions now face additional compliance checks, with some taking weeks or failing altogether. Some firms have resorted to routing payments through third countries.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Maka4NJjP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Ethiopia’s birr hits record low despite billions spent to support currency
Ethiopia’s #birr has fallen to a record low against the #US dollar despite the central bank spending about $2.2 billion this year to support the currency, Bloomberg reported, as rising import costs and strong demand for foreign currency continue to put pressure on the exchange rate.
The birr has weakened 3.2% this year to nearly 162 per dollar, making it the weakest-performing currency among 23 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past year. The currency has continued to lose value since the government’s #IMF-backed exchange-rate reform in 2024.
Standard Chartered’s Baynton-Glen expects the pace of birr depreciation to slow, forecasting an exchange rate of 163 per dollar by year-end. David Cowan, chief Africa economist at Citigroup, however, told Bloomberg he expects the birr could weaken to between 185 and 195 per dollar by the end of the year….
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58952
Ethiopia’s #birr has fallen to a record low against the #US dollar despite the central bank spending about $2.2 billion this year to support the currency, Bloomberg reported, as rising import costs and strong demand for foreign currency continue to put pressure on the exchange rate.
The birr has weakened 3.2% this year to nearly 162 per dollar, making it the weakest-performing currency among 23 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past year. The currency has continued to lose value since the government’s #IMF-backed exchange-rate reform in 2024.
Standard Chartered’s Baynton-Glen expects the pace of birr depreciation to slow, forecasting an exchange rate of 163 per dollar by year-end. David Cowan, chief Africa economist at Citigroup, however, told Bloomberg he expects the birr could weaken to between 185 and 195 per dollar by the end of the year….
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58952
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#Op_ed: Receipts and Resistance: Modernising #Jigjiga’s tax system amid VAT compliance, data privacy challenges
In this op-ed, Adan Hussein examines the ongoing dispute between Jigjiga's city administration and the city's high-volume traders over the proposed linkage of point-of-sale (POS) systems to #VAT collection.
He explains that while the city's effort to connect POS records with VAT reporting is intended to improve transparency, traders have raised legitimate concerns about the protection of their commercial data. Adan argues that the standoff should not be understood as a simple contest between government authority and private enterprise.
As he puts it, “The issue is not whether VAT should be paid, but how it can be collected through a fair, transparent, and accountable system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58940
In this op-ed, Adan Hussein examines the ongoing dispute between Jigjiga's city administration and the city's high-volume traders over the proposed linkage of point-of-sale (POS) systems to #VAT collection.
He explains that while the city's effort to connect POS records with VAT reporting is intended to improve transparency, traders have raised legitimate concerns about the protection of their commercial data. Adan argues that the standoff should not be understood as a simple contest between government authority and private enterprise.
As he puts it, “The issue is not whether VAT should be paid, but how it can be collected through a fair, transparent, and accountable system.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58940
MSF expands healthcare response in Oromia’s Wollega zones amid critical service gaps
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News: MSF expands healthcare response in Oromia’s Wollega zones amid critical service gaps
Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has launched a comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare support program in #Ethiopia’s East and West #Wollega zones, seeking to restore access to essential services in areas where conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and damaged health infrastructure have left communities with significant unmet needs.
The program targets host communities and internally displaced people (#IDPs), particularly those living in hard-to-reach rural areas of Oromia, while supporting selected health facilities to strengthen their capacity to provide essential and referral services.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58945
Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has launched a comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare support program in #Ethiopia’s East and West #Wollega zones, seeking to restore access to essential services in areas where conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and damaged health infrastructure have left communities with significant unmet needs.
The program targets host communities and internally displaced people (#IDPs), particularly those living in hard-to-reach rural areas of Oromia, while supporting selected health facilities to strengthen their capacity to provide essential and referral services.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58945
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News: #US signals readiness to resume #GERD mediation as #Nile dispute persists
#Massad_Boulos, senior adviser to #Trump on #African affairs, said #Washington was prepared to facilitate the resumption of talks between #Egypt, #Ethiopia and #Sudan and provide technical support to help the three countries address outstanding issues surrounding the dam.
Boulos said the Trump administration wanted to see the parties return to negotiations and work towards a comprehensive agreement, according to Egypt Independent.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58958
#Massad_Boulos, senior adviser to #Trump on #African affairs, said #Washington was prepared to facilitate the resumption of talks between #Egypt, #Ethiopia and #Sudan and provide technical support to help the three countries address outstanding issues surrounding the dam.
Boulos said the Trump administration wanted to see the parties return to negotiations and work towards a comprehensive agreement, according to Egypt Independent.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58958
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News: #Chinese firms dominate shortlist for #Ethiopia’s USD12.5 billion Bishoftu airport project
Chinese companies or joint ventures involving Chinese firms account for the majority of shortlisted bidders competing for the construction of Ethiopia’s forthcoming USD12.5 billion #Bishoftu International Airport, according to aviation intelligence provider and news portal ch-aviation.
The shortlist, released by Ethiopian Airlines, shows that Chinese companies constitute the largest single-country group by a significant margin, highlighting the prominent role of Chinese engineering and construction firms in one of Ethiopia’s largest planned infrastructure projects.
The remaining bidders that have reached the pre-qualification stage represent a broad range of countries…..
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58954
Chinese companies or joint ventures involving Chinese firms account for the majority of shortlisted bidders competing for the construction of Ethiopia’s forthcoming USD12.5 billion #Bishoftu International Airport, according to aviation intelligence provider and news portal ch-aviation.
The shortlist, released by Ethiopian Airlines, shows that Chinese companies constitute the largest single-country group by a significant margin, highlighting the prominent role of Chinese engineering and construction firms in one of Ethiopia’s largest planned infrastructure projects.
The remaining bidders that have reached the pre-qualification stage represent a broad range of countries…..
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58954
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Inside #El_Niño: #Ethiopian farmers await much needed rainfall
A potentially record-strength #Super_El_Niño is intensifying across the Pacific and is forecast to stretch from mid-2026 into early next year.
In Ethiopia, experts warn of below-normal rainfall during the main rainy season from June through September. Reduced rainfall could affect crop yields, soil moisture and water availability across the country.
The World Meteorological Organization says the phenomenon could worsen climate extremes in many regions, increasing the risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves.
In the Greater Horn of Africa, climate forecasts indicate below-normal rainfall in several areas during the June-to-September rainy season. In Ethiopia, meteorologists are closely monitoring conditions as millions of farmers depend on seasonal rains for crop production.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-17/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDkxOTIy/index.html
A potentially record-strength #Super_El_Niño is intensifying across the Pacific and is forecast to stretch from mid-2026 into early next year.
In Ethiopia, experts warn of below-normal rainfall during the main rainy season from June through September. Reduced rainfall could affect crop yields, soil moisture and water availability across the country.
The World Meteorological Organization says the phenomenon could worsen climate extremes in many regions, increasing the risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves.
In the Greater Horn of Africa, climate forecasts indicate below-normal rainfall in several areas during the June-to-September rainy season. In Ethiopia, meteorologists are closely monitoring conditions as millions of farmers depend on seasonal rains for crop production.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-17/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDkxOTIy/index.html
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News: #Egypt, #Somalia foreign ministers discuss regional issues, call for sustainable funding for AU mission
Egyptian Foreign Minister #Badr_Abdelatty and Somali Foreign Minister #Abdulsalam Abdi Ali discussed regional developments and bilateral relations during a phone call on Tuesday, with #Cairo calling for sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM).
According to Ahram Online, the two ministers discussed developments in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, as well as ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and Somalia.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding for AUSSOM, taking into account Egypt’s participation in the mission. He also called for continued international support and adequate funding for both the African Union mission and the UN mission supporting Somalia.
The Egyptian minister said sustained support for the two missions was.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090310481856561537?s=20
Egyptian Foreign Minister #Badr_Abdelatty and Somali Foreign Minister #Abdulsalam Abdi Ali discussed regional developments and bilateral relations during a phone call on Tuesday, with #Cairo calling for sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM).
According to Ahram Online, the two ministers discussed developments in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, as well as ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and Somalia.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding for AUSSOM, taking into account Egypt’s participation in the mission. He also called for continued international support and adequate funding for both the African Union mission and the UN mission supporting Somalia.
The Egyptian minister said sustained support for the two missions was.....
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090310481856561537?s=20
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#Kenya tourist helicopter crash kills 7, including #Americans and #Ecuador security chief
Seven people, including five Americans and Ecuador's intelligence head, were killed on Wednesday when the tourist helicopter they were flying in crashed in Kenya's #Samburu county.
The aircraft was flying to the #Loisaba Conservancy, a wildlife reserve and safari destination in northern Kenya, when it crashed, according to a preliminary report from Archers Post police station seen by Reuters.
All seven people - six passengers and one pilot - were killed, authorities said.
A State Department spokesperson said five Americans were among the dead, while Ecuador's presidential office confirmed intelligence head Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan - who held U.S. citizenship - were also killed.
"The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular ....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid029T5jdth4FajaSxWgVTaQc6giJYefMkCDyfj7iFe8fzbpUsKhxyKU4ngoTzvhdYBnl
Seven people, including five Americans and Ecuador's intelligence head, were killed on Wednesday when the tourist helicopter they were flying in crashed in Kenya's #Samburu county.
The aircraft was flying to the #Loisaba Conservancy, a wildlife reserve and safari destination in northern Kenya, when it crashed, according to a preliminary report from Archers Post police station seen by Reuters.
All seven people - six passengers and one pilot - were killed, authorities said.
A State Department spokesperson said five Americans were among the dead, while Ecuador's presidential office confirmed intelligence head Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan - who held U.S. citizenship - were also killed.
"The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular ....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid029T5jdth4FajaSxWgVTaQc6giJYefMkCDyfj7iFe8fzbpUsKhxyKU4ngoTzvhdYBnl
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News: #UAE-linked Zijin Gold acquires stake in #Ethiopian gold mine near #Sudan border
Chinese mining company #Zijin_Gold International has acquired a 9.2% stake in #Canadian mining firm #Allied_Gold, gaining partial ownership of its portfolio that includes the #Kurmuk gold project in Ethiopia’s #Benishangul_Gumuz Region, near the Sudanese border.
The deal, worth nearly $300 million, gives Zijin Gold approximately 9.2% of Allied Gold’s issued and outstanding common shares, the Canadian company announced.
The acquisition places the Chinese company in a strategic area close to Sudan’s #Blue_Nile State, where fighting has continued as part of the wider war between Sudan’s Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58966
Chinese mining company #Zijin_Gold International has acquired a 9.2% stake in #Canadian mining firm #Allied_Gold, gaining partial ownership of its portfolio that includes the #Kurmuk gold project in Ethiopia’s #Benishangul_Gumuz Region, near the Sudanese border.
The deal, worth nearly $300 million, gives Zijin Gold approximately 9.2% of Allied Gold’s issued and outstanding common shares, the Canadian company announced.
The acquisition places the Chinese company in a strategic area close to Sudan’s #Blue_Nile State, where fighting has continued as part of the wider war between Sudan’s Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58966
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Somali Refugees in Ethiopia Begin Receiving National Fayeda IDs
Somali refugees displaced by fighting with Al-Shabaab are being registered for Ethiopia’s national Fayeda ID.
The ID gives refugees access to freedom of movement, healthcare, education and employment. According to France 24, 120,000 Fayeda IDs have been issued, while about 400,000 refugees are currently in the registration process.
At Shedder refugee camp near Ethiopia’s Somali border, refugees are also being informed that the ID can be used to access services such as SIM cards registered in their own names.
The initiative aims to register 1.1 million refugees by 2028.
🎥 Curated footage: France 24
#Ethiopia #Refugees #FayedaID #SomaliRefugees
Somali refugees displaced by fighting with Al-Shabaab are being registered for Ethiopia’s national Fayeda ID.
The ID gives refugees access to freedom of movement, healthcare, education and employment. According to France 24, 120,000 Fayeda IDs have been issued, while about 400,000 refugees are currently in the registration process.
At Shedder refugee camp near Ethiopia’s Somali border, refugees are also being informed that the ID can be used to access services such as SIM cards registered in their own names.
The initiative aims to register 1.1 million refugees by 2028.
🎥 Curated footage: France 24
#Ethiopia #Refugees #FayedaID #SomaliRefugees
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News: #US judge denies bond for #Ethiopian-born University instructor held in #ICE detention
An immigration judge has denied a request to release Dr. Berhanu Kibret, an Ethiopian-born instructor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, keeping him in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention nearly a month after he was arrested at a Texas airport.
Berhanu appeared virtually before the Aurora Immigration Court in Colorado on Friday for a bond hearing after being held at an immigration detention center in Oklahoma since his arrest at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on 21 July.
His attorney, Saron Berhe, argued that Berhanu should be released on bond while his immigration case proceeds. However, a ruling issued Monday night denied the request and ordered that he remain in custody.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58969
An immigration judge has denied a request to release Dr. Berhanu Kibret, an Ethiopian-born instructor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, keeping him in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention nearly a month after he was arrested at a Texas airport.
Berhanu appeared virtually before the Aurora Immigration Court in Colorado on Friday for a bond hearing after being held at an immigration detention center in Oklahoma since his arrest at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on 21 July.
His attorney, Saron Berhe, argued that Berhanu should be released on bond while his immigration case proceeds. However, a ruling issued Monday night denied the request and ordered that he remain in custody.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58969
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#Opinion: From Brain Drain to Brain Circulation: Rethinking #Ethiopian scholars’ role in global knowledge exchange
For generations, young Africans pursuing education abroad have often been viewed through the lens of permanent “brain drain.” However, Li’ilina Moges Jemaneh argues that modern development requires a shift toward “brain circulation,” where overseas scholars are recognised as strategic national assets rather than lost resources.
She notes that “National loyalty and world citizenship are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary pillars of modern civic leadership.” While global mobility remains a privilege, studying abroad offers Ethiopian youth opportunities to acquire advanced expertise, build research networks, and create platforms for advocacy.
The author emphasises that “As Ethiopian youth step onto foreign campuses, they do not leave Ethiopia behind; they carry Ethiopia's future with them to the world.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58963
For generations, young Africans pursuing education abroad have often been viewed through the lens of permanent “brain drain.” However, Li’ilina Moges Jemaneh argues that modern development requires a shift toward “brain circulation,” where overseas scholars are recognised as strategic national assets rather than lost resources.
She notes that “National loyalty and world citizenship are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary pillars of modern civic leadership.” While global mobility remains a privilege, studying abroad offers Ethiopian youth opportunities to acquire advanced expertise, build research networks, and create platforms for advocacy.
The author emphasises that “As Ethiopian youth step onto foreign campuses, they do not leave Ethiopia behind; they carry Ethiopia's future with them to the world.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58963
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News: Drone strikes in two locations in #Mekelle, 13 casualties received at #Ayder_Hospital
Two drone strikes were reported in Mekelle, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, on Thursday, August 20, with Ayder Specialized Hospital saying it received 13 casualties from one of the strikes.
The first strike occurred in #Hawelti Sub-City, Momona Kebele, around the St. Mary Church, where residential homes were reportedly targeted. The Tigray Bureau of Communication Affairs initially said two adults and two children were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. However, Ayder Hospital later said its Emergency Department received 13 casualties from a drone strike in Mekelle’s #Daero residential area. The victims, including both adults and children, arrived at the hospital at around 11:30 a.m. for medical and surgical care.
A second drone strike occurred in the #Kuha area of Mekelle, residents confirmed to #Addis_Standard. No casualties were reported from that incident.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58972
Two drone strikes were reported in Mekelle, the capital of #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, on Thursday, August 20, with Ayder Specialized Hospital saying it received 13 casualties from one of the strikes.
The first strike occurred in #Hawelti Sub-City, Momona Kebele, around the St. Mary Church, where residential homes were reportedly targeted. The Tigray Bureau of Communication Affairs initially said two adults and two children were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. However, Ayder Hospital later said its Emergency Department received 13 casualties from a drone strike in Mekelle’s #Daero residential area. The victims, including both adults and children, arrived at the hospital at around 11:30 a.m. for medical and surgical care.
A second drone strike occurred in the #Kuha area of Mekelle, residents confirmed to #Addis_Standard. No casualties were reported from that incident.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58972
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#Netanyahu’s escalation of tensions with #Türkiye ‘reckless and stupid’: Ex-Israeli premier
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "deliberate" escalation of tensions with Türkiye is "reckless and stupid," former #Israeli Prime Minister #Ehud_Barak said Wednesday.
"It is hard to decide which one it is more,” Barak wrote on the #US social media platform X.
"It strongly reeks of a political motive to go into elections with a string of security tensions that would fuel public anxiety," he added.
Noting that Türkiye is "neither Iran nor Assad's Syria," Barak said no problem or issue is beyond resolution with #Ankara.
“There is no strategic problem with Türkiye that cannot be resolved, mitigated, or postponed over the long term through discreet contacts coordinated with the United States and its influence in Turkey and Syria. Netanyahu has completely gone off the rails.”
He added.....
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "deliberate" escalation of tensions with Türkiye is "reckless and stupid," former #Israeli Prime Minister #Ehud_Barak said Wednesday.
"It is hard to decide which one it is more,” Barak wrote on the #US social media platform X.
"It strongly reeks of a political motive to go into elections with a string of security tensions that would fuel public anxiety," he added.
Noting that Türkiye is "neither Iran nor Assad's Syria," Barak said no problem or issue is beyond resolution with #Ankara.
“There is no strategic problem with Türkiye that cannot be resolved, mitigated, or postponed over the long term through discreet contacts coordinated with the United States and its influence in Turkey and Syria. Netanyahu has completely gone off the rails.”
He added.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid06L1jrKszHXQrpA8vzUUsUnjpCsmktW9GaCVTxvuRMqnEvpMAijnnxyBWJPuxh2MTl