News: #RSF defections mount as hundreds of fighters join #Sudanese army in Northern State
Hundreds of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters, including commanders, have defected and joined Sudan’s Armed Forces (#SAF) in Northern State in a series of reported defections over the past week, in what local media say could mark a growing challenge to the paramilitary group’s cohesion.
On 13 August, authorities in Al-Dabbah locality said 21 RSF commanders and about 270 fighters from Groups 55 and 47 had surrendered, bringing 37 combat vehicles with them. Border Guards commander Col. Mohammed Saleh Younis welcomed the group and urged other RSF members to lay down their arms and join the army.
A further 318 RSF personnel, including four commanders, arrived in Al-Dabbah around 19 August with up to 50 combat vehicles, according to Sudanese authorities. The reported leader, Lt. Col. Musa Ali......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02B7BsNi8vtsFfBZmoNeYGxRyXmUQ3Q2bSS9eAaWspFKnsbdooVmbkvkFRMqxanQVGl
Hundreds of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters, including commanders, have defected and joined Sudan’s Armed Forces (#SAF) in Northern State in a series of reported defections over the past week, in what local media say could mark a growing challenge to the paramilitary group’s cohesion.
On 13 August, authorities in Al-Dabbah locality said 21 RSF commanders and about 270 fighters from Groups 55 and 47 had surrendered, bringing 37 combat vehicles with them. Border Guards commander Col. Mohammed Saleh Younis welcomed the group and urged other RSF members to lay down their arms and join the army.
A further 318 RSF personnel, including four commanders, arrived in Al-Dabbah around 19 August with up to 50 combat vehicles, according to Sudanese authorities. The reported leader, Lt. Col. Musa Ali......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02B7BsNi8vtsFfBZmoNeYGxRyXmUQ3Q2bSS9eAaWspFKnsbdooVmbkvkFRMqxanQVGl
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#Commentary: The #Makkah_Pact and #Ethiopia’s Red Sea Choices: Navigating shifting security order through corridor pluralism, strategic autonomy
The recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between #Saudi_Arabia, #Türkiye and #Pakistan represents a significant security development with potential implications for #Red_Sea and Horn of #Africa dynamics, writes Nassir Hussein Kahin.
While the pact does not target Ethiopia or establish automatic military intervention commitments, he emphasises the importance of #Addis_Abeba safeguarding its strategic autonomy.
The author argues that “Ethiopia cannot afford imported binary choices.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58982
The recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between #Saudi_Arabia, #Türkiye and #Pakistan represents a significant security development with potential implications for #Red_Sea and Horn of #Africa dynamics, writes Nassir Hussein Kahin.
While the pact does not target Ethiopia or establish automatic military intervention commitments, he emphasises the importance of #Addis_Abeba safeguarding its strategic autonomy.
The author argues that “Ethiopia cannot afford imported binary choices.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58982
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#Ethiopia says it needs no permission to develop #Nile resources, rejects joint management of GERD
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News: #Ethiopia secures over $340m in export deals at ‘Export to #China’ forum
Ethiopian exporters and Chinese importers have signed 33 business-to-business (#B2B) agreements valued at more than $340 million at the “Export to China” forum, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
The agreements were signed during the launch of the forum, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, bringing together senior government officials from both countries, Chinese importers and Ethiopian exporters.
Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe (Phd) said the forum was intended to deepen Ethiopia-China trade and economic ties while promoting Ethiopian products in the Chinese market.
According to the Minister, promotional activities were undertaken to connect Chinese importers with Ethiopian producers of agricultural and........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid034bkrw4sf241h6vsWLhafsjEsYK3nNHmr2jgmWWzqEfQEwNteuHckUonVC5kN5MYrl
Ethiopian exporters and Chinese importers have signed 33 business-to-business (#B2B) agreements valued at more than $340 million at the “Export to China” forum, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
The agreements were signed during the launch of the forum, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, bringing together senior government officials from both countries, Chinese importers and Ethiopian exporters.
Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe (Phd) said the forum was intended to deepen Ethiopia-China trade and economic ties while promoting Ethiopian products in the Chinese market.
According to the Minister, promotional activities were undertaken to connect Chinese importers with Ethiopian producers of agricultural and........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid034bkrw4sf241h6vsWLhafsjEsYK3nNHmr2jgmWWzqEfQEwNteuHckUonVC5kN5MYrl
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News: #Ethiopia, #US agree to elevate defense ties to strategic partnership
Ethiopia and the #United_States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security, with the two countries seeking to elevate their military and diplomatic relations to a new level, according to statements from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was reached during a 19–20 August working visit to the United States by a high-level Ethiopian military delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.
The delegation held bilateral consultations with senior US defense officials at the Pentagon, including Bryan J. Ellis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58992
Ethiopia and the #United_States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security, with the two countries seeking to elevate their military and diplomatic relations to a new level, according to statements from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was reached during a 19–20 August working visit to the United States by a high-level Ethiopian military delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.
The delegation held bilateral consultations with senior US defense officials at the Pentagon, including Bryan J. Ellis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58992
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#In_Depth_Analysis: In #Oromia’s Gida Ayana, old fault lines reopen as a multi-front conflict leaves civilians caught in the crossfire
Who is fighting whom in #Gida_Ayana, in #Oromia’s #East_Wollega zone? Renewed violence has drawn in Fano forces, federal troops, Oromia security structures and local militias.
Residents told #Addis_Standard that civilians from both #Oromo and #Amhara communities are caught in the crossfire, with reports of killings, burned homes and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Asres Mare, AFNM’s head of public relations, described Fano’s #Wollega forces as locally rooted and claimed cooperation with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)
The #OLA strongly rejected the account. In an exclusive interview with #Addis_Standard, a senior OLA official called it “ludicrous,” insisting there is “no Fano in Wollega” and asserting the group is government-backed.
Read the full in-depth https://addisstandard.com/?p=58989
Who is fighting whom in #Gida_Ayana, in #Oromia’s #East_Wollega zone? Renewed violence has drawn in Fano forces, federal troops, Oromia security structures and local militias.
Residents told #Addis_Standard that civilians from both #Oromo and #Amhara communities are caught in the crossfire, with reports of killings, burned homes and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Asres Mare, AFNM’s head of public relations, described Fano’s #Wollega forces as locally rooted and claimed cooperation with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)
The #OLA strongly rejected the account. In an exclusive interview with #Addis_Standard, a senior OLA official called it “ludicrous,” insisting there is “no Fano in Wollega” and asserting the group is government-backed.
Read the full in-depth https://addisstandard.com/?p=58989
#US, #Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new sanctions
The United States and Iran exchanged defiant messages ahead of Monday's scheduled announcement of new U.S. economic sanctions that could impact the Islamic Republic and #Tehran's most important trading partners including #China.
As the war neared six months old, the two sides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks. All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of #Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran while also urging China to cooperate with #Washington. China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Beijing urged......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2091034977995563100?s=20
The United States and Iran exchanged defiant messages ahead of Monday's scheduled announcement of new U.S. economic sanctions that could impact the Islamic Republic and #Tehran's most important trading partners including #China.
As the war neared six months old, the two sides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks. All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of #Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran while also urging China to cooperate with #Washington. China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Beijing urged......
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2091034977995563100?s=20
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News: #Ethiopia among #East_African countries seeking stake in #Dangote’s planned refinery
Ethiopia is among East African countries considering an equity stake in Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned multibillion-dollar refinery in #Kenya, according to Bloomberg. Dangote Group has offered regional countries a combined 30% stake, with Kenya expected to take 10% worth about $500 million.
The potential investment comes as Ethiopia expands its regional energy partnerships and its engagement with Dangote. The country is developing a $2.5 billion fertilizer complex with Dangote in Gode, while pursuing fuel storage and oil and gas corridor projects with #Djibouti. Follow up discussions involving Emirates National Oil Company (#ENOC) took place over expanding terminal capacity at Djibouti’s #Doraleh port to support fuel supplies to Ethiopia.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=59000
Ethiopia is among East African countries considering an equity stake in Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned multibillion-dollar refinery in #Kenya, according to Bloomberg. Dangote Group has offered regional countries a combined 30% stake, with Kenya expected to take 10% worth about $500 million.
The potential investment comes as Ethiopia expands its regional energy partnerships and its engagement with Dangote. The country is developing a $2.5 billion fertilizer complex with Dangote in Gode, while pursuing fuel storage and oil and gas corridor projects with #Djibouti. Follow up discussions involving Emirates National Oil Company (#ENOC) took place over expanding terminal capacity at Djibouti’s #Doraleh port to support fuel supplies to Ethiopia.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=59000
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#Sudan’s Sovereignty Council chief warns country could face sanctions ‘in coming days’
The chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council said Friday that he does not rule out sanctions being imposed on his country “in the coming days.”
“Our battle has not ended and will not end until the rebellion (by the Rapid Support Forces) is eliminated throughout Sudan,” Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also heads the army, said following Friday prayers at the Old Mosque in the city of Al-Manaqil in the Gezirah state, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
“The battle waged by Sudan’s enemies continues, as they want to subjugate the country and bring it to its knees, but this country will not kneel,” he added.
“We do not rule out that sanctions may be imposed on Sudan and on us in the coming days,” al-Burhan said, without specifying who could introduce such measures. His remarks came amid defections......
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-sovereignty-council-chief-warns-country-could-face-sanctions-in-coming-days-/4034152
The chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council said Friday that he does not rule out sanctions being imposed on his country “in the coming days.”
“Our battle has not ended and will not end until the rebellion (by the Rapid Support Forces) is eliminated throughout Sudan,” Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also heads the army, said following Friday prayers at the Old Mosque in the city of Al-Manaqil in the Gezirah state, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
“The battle waged by Sudan’s enemies continues, as they want to subjugate the country and bring it to its knees, but this country will not kneel,” he added.
“We do not rule out that sanctions may be imposed on Sudan and on us in the coming days,” al-Burhan said, without specifying who could introduce such measures. His remarks came amid defections......
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-sovereignty-council-chief-warns-country-could-face-sanctions-in-coming-days-/4034152
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News: #Tigray region authority urges urgent diplomatic intervention amid escalating attacks
In a statement issued on August 21, the bureau urged the international community to break its silence and take immediate diplomatic action, saying the federal government’s recent military operations and alleged attacks on civilian areas have brought Tigray closer to another major conflict.
The bureau said the Tigray government has consistently advocated dialogue as the only viable means of resolving political differences and maintaining peace and stability in #Ethiopia and the wider region. It accused the federal government of ignoring these appeals while increasing military pressure on Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59006
In a statement issued on August 21, the bureau urged the international community to break its silence and take immediate diplomatic action, saying the federal government’s recent military operations and alleged attacks on civilian areas have brought Tigray closer to another major conflict.
The bureau said the Tigray government has consistently advocated dialogue as the only viable means of resolving political differences and maintaining peace and stability in #Ethiopia and the wider region. It accused the federal government of ignoring these appeals while increasing military pressure on Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59006
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#Eritrea-flagged tanker seized off #Yemen as #Somali piracy resurges
An Eritrea-flagged oil tanker under U.S. sanctions for allegedly transporting Iranian petroleum products has been hijacked off Yemen and diverted toward Somalia, in the latest sign of a sharp resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
The Sibu 1 was seized on Thursday by six armed individuals after being boarded about 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The tanker, which was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in December 2025 for allegedly forming part of an Iranian “shadow fleet,” was reportedly redirected toward Somalia, according to Reuters.
The incident marks at least the 13th vessel attacked this year off Somalia or in the Gulf of Aden, compared with just five such attacks recorded throughout 2025, according to International Maritime Bureau data and UKMTO reports.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfsCHgAeA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
An Eritrea-flagged oil tanker under U.S. sanctions for allegedly transporting Iranian petroleum products has been hijacked off Yemen and diverted toward Somalia, in the latest sign of a sharp resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
The Sibu 1 was seized on Thursday by six armed individuals after being boarded about 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The tanker, which was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in December 2025 for allegedly forming part of an Iranian “shadow fleet,” was reportedly redirected toward Somalia, according to Reuters.
The incident marks at least the 13th vessel attacked this year off Somalia or in the Gulf of Aden, compared with just five such attacks recorded throughout 2025, according to International Maritime Bureau data and UKMTO reports.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfsCHgAeA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Coming_UP: The Standard Signal Ep.25| One Prime Minister, Two Narratives: What Abiy’s Amhara & Oromo Interviews Reveal
One Prime Minister. Two audiences. Two very different messages.
Why did Abiy Ahmed choose highly choreographed interviews with state-controlled Amhara and Oromo media shortly after his party’s landslide election victory?
Tsedale Lemma and Professor Ezekiel Gebissa decode the political strategy and competing messages behind the interviews. They also discuss the Prime Minister’s claims about Ethiopia’s relationship with the #Red_Sea, and the dangers of invoking historical memory to project contemporary territorial politics.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Eritrea #AbiyAhmed #Oromia #Amhara #Tigray #Oromo #AmharaFano #Fano #OLA #OromoLiberationArmy #TPLF #EthiopianPolitics #RedSea #Oromara #NationalDialogue #EthiopianFederalism #Finfinnee #AddisAbaba #EthiopiaPolitics #EzekielGebissa #TsedaleLemma
One Prime Minister. Two audiences. Two very different messages.
Why did Abiy Ahmed choose highly choreographed interviews with state-controlled Amhara and Oromo media shortly after his party’s landslide election victory?
Tsedale Lemma and Professor Ezekiel Gebissa decode the political strategy and competing messages behind the interviews. They also discuss the Prime Minister’s claims about Ethiopia’s relationship with the #Red_Sea, and the dangers of invoking historical memory to project contemporary territorial politics.
Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today.
Subscribe to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@AddisStandard
#TheStandardSignal #Ethiopia #Eritrea #AbiyAhmed #Oromia #Amhara #Tigray #Oromo #AmharaFano #Fano #OLA #OromoLiberationArmy #TPLF #EthiopianPolitics #RedSea #Oromara #NationalDialogue #EthiopianFederalism #Finfinnee #AddisAbaba #EthiopiaPolitics #EzekielGebissa #TsedaleLemma
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#Ashenda celebrations continue in various parts of #Tigray, including #Eritrean border, as #Mekelle festival canceled over drone fears
While Tigray authorities canceled the main Ashenda festival gathering in Mekelle over fears of drone attacks, Tigrayan women and girls in various parts of the region, including along the Eritrean border, are continuing to mark the festivities.
In the border area between Tigray and Eritrea, the celebrations brought together residents of Tigray and Eritreans from the neighboring Senafe sub-zone.
Residents of Gulomakeda Woreda and Zalambessa town joined Eritreans from Ambesete Geleba, Serha, Embab Dhan, Kokobay, Endashim, Shimzana and other parts of Senafe for the celebration in Zalambessa, according to a Dimtsi Woyane broadcast.
https://www.facebook.com/share/19NV7VD3vU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
While Tigray authorities canceled the main Ashenda festival gathering in Mekelle over fears of drone attacks, Tigrayan women and girls in various parts of the region, including along the Eritrean border, are continuing to mark the festivities.
In the border area between Tigray and Eritrea, the celebrations brought together residents of Tigray and Eritreans from the neighboring Senafe sub-zone.
Residents of Gulomakeda Woreda and Zalambessa town joined Eritreans from Ambesete Geleba, Serha, Embab Dhan, Kokobay, Endashim, Shimzana and other parts of Senafe for the celebration in Zalambessa, according to a Dimtsi Woyane broadcast.
https://www.facebook.com/share/19NV7VD3vU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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