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.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid06L1jrKszHXQrpA8vzUUsUnjpCsmktW9GaCVTxvuRMqnEvpMAijnnxyBWJPuxh2MTl
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
#Ethiopia sells $500 million in latest bid to support currency
Ethiopia sold $500 million to local banks on Thursday, stepping up efforts to ease dollar shortages and stem the slide in its currency.
Thursday’s sale brings Ethiopia’s total spending on birr defense this year to $2.7 billion, among the highest in Africa. Even so, the birr has weakened 3.7% since early January, as Ethiopia’s economy comes under increasing strain from high oil prices. Over the past year, the currency has lost 12%, the worst performer among the 23 currencies from Africa tracked by Bloomberg.
There may be tentative signs, however, that hard-currency demand is easing slightly. Banks bid for dollars at 159.50 to 160.25 birr on Thursday, stronger than the weakest bid of 163 at last week’s auction.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-20/ethiopia-sells-500-million-in-latest-bid-to-support-currency
Ethiopia sold $500 million to local banks on Thursday, stepping up efforts to ease dollar shortages and stem the slide in its currency.
Thursday’s sale brings Ethiopia’s total spending on birr defense this year to $2.7 billion, among the highest in Africa. Even so, the birr has weakened 3.7% since early January, as Ethiopia’s economy comes under increasing strain from high oil prices. Over the past year, the currency has lost 12%, the worst performer among the 23 currencies from Africa tracked by Bloomberg.
There may be tentative signs, however, that hard-currency demand is easing slightly. Banks bid for dollars at 159.50 to 160.25 birr on Thursday, stronger than the weakest bid of 163 at last week’s auction.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-20/ethiopia-sells-500-million-in-latest-bid-to-support-currency
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News: #Ethiopia ranks third in #Africa with 180,000km road network, Global Firepower says
Ethiopia ranks third in Africa and 30th globally by total roadway coverage, with an estimated 180,000 kilometres of roads, according to 2026 data from #US-based defence data platform Global Firepower.
Ethiopia trails only #South_Africa, which has Africa’s largest road network at about 750,000 kilometres, and #Nigeria, which ranks second with 195,000 kilometres. #Kenya ranks fourth on the continent with 161,452 kilometres and 32nd globally.
The ranking gives Ethiopia a lead of about 18,548 kilometres over Kenya. The country also has substantially greater roadway coverage than several of its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
#Sudan ranks 100th globally with about 31,000 kilometres of roads, while #Eritrea ranks 118th with approximately 16,000 kilometres. #Somalia is placed 121st globally, with an estimated 15,000 kilometres of roadway......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090675389148344698?s=20
Ethiopia ranks third in Africa and 30th globally by total roadway coverage, with an estimated 180,000 kilometres of roads, according to 2026 data from #US-based defence data platform Global Firepower.
Ethiopia trails only #South_Africa, which has Africa’s largest road network at about 750,000 kilometres, and #Nigeria, which ranks second with 195,000 kilometres. #Kenya ranks fourth on the continent with 161,452 kilometres and 32nd globally.
The ranking gives Ethiopia a lead of about 18,548 kilometres over Kenya. The country also has substantially greater roadway coverage than several of its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
#Sudan ranks 100th globally with about 31,000 kilometres of roads, while #Eritrea ranks 118th with approximately 16,000 kilometres. #Somalia is placed 121st globally, with an estimated 15,000 kilometres of roadway......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2090675389148344698?s=20
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#US says it will impose 'toughest sanctions in history' on #Iran
U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the #United_States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.
Bessent's comments on Thursday followed President #Donald_Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.
Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil.
"I'm not sure why oil has popped up on this," Bessent told CNBC. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-......
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-it-will-impose-toughest-sanctions-history-iran-2026-08-20/
U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the #United_States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.
Bessent's comments on Thursday followed President #Donald_Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.
Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil.
"I'm not sure why oil has popped up on this," Bessent told CNBC. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-......
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-it-will-impose-toughest-sanctions-history-iran-2026-08-20/
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Pirates hijack cargo ship carrying #Turkish weapons off #Somalia's coast, official says
#Pirates hijacked a #Cameroon-flagged cargo ship off Somalia’s #Puntland coast earlier this week and took the vessel, which was carrying Turkish weapons, toward the region’s #Nugaal coast, a Somali official said Thursday.
The M/V LUTUF was seized on Monday about 3½ nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about sensitive information.
The ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying weapons bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu, as well as communications and satellite equipment, the official said.
The 10-member crew included six #Indians, one Turkish national, one #Georgian and two #Serbian security guards, he said. There was no immediate......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LY7XvtkRbwwy9CGzSwWKus9LaasCAj8qaGn6ipzi896razKDDC9PQP1AFMeMswvRl
#Pirates hijacked a #Cameroon-flagged cargo ship off Somalia’s #Puntland coast earlier this week and took the vessel, which was carrying Turkish weapons, toward the region’s #Nugaal coast, a Somali official said Thursday.
The M/V LUTUF was seized on Monday about 3½ nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about sensitive information.
The ship, owned by Polar Movement Shipping, was carrying weapons bound for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu, as well as communications and satellite equipment, the official said.
The 10-member crew included six #Indians, one Turkish national, one #Georgian and two #Serbian security guards, he said. There was no immediate......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LY7XvtkRbwwy9CGzSwWKus9LaasCAj8qaGn6ipzi896razKDDC9PQP1AFMeMswvRl
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News: #Ethiopia says it needs no permission to develop #Nile resources, rejects joint management of GERD
Ethiopia does not need permission from any country to develop its water resources, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said, while rejecting calls for joint management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).
Al Jazeera reported that Ethiopia is seeking to revive 3 proposed #Blue_Nile hydropower projects — Karadobi, Mandaya and Beko Abo —that have been discussed for years. Their combined generating potential has been reported at about 5,700MW, although the specifications and capacity could change because the projects remain at the planning stage.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58985
Ethiopia does not need permission from any country to develop its water resources, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said, while rejecting calls for joint management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD).
Al Jazeera reported that Ethiopia is seeking to revive 3 proposed #Blue_Nile hydropower projects — Karadobi, Mandaya and Beko Abo —that have been discussed for years. Their combined generating potential has been reported at about 5,700MW, although the specifications and capacity could change because the projects remain at the planning stage.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58985
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