#RSF tightens lockdown in #West_Kordofan city, cuts #Starlink access
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have ordered the indefinite closure of public markets and cut access to Starlink satellite internet in Al-Nuhud, West Kordofan, further isolating the city and disrupting communication, trade and basic services. The measures, reported by the Dar Hamar Emergency Response Room and Sudanese media, took effect around Wednesday, 26 August, and reportedly include restrictions on Starlink devices, vehicle and motorcycle movement, and orders for residents to remain indoors.
Reports also indicate that the RSF has closed or restricted access to the city’s hospital and announced the measures through loudspeakers, effectively imposing a curfew. The paramilitary force has controlled Al-Nuhud since May 2025, following the withdrawal of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
https://www.facebook.com/share/19WjkKKdsE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have ordered the indefinite closure of public markets and cut access to Starlink satellite internet in Al-Nuhud, West Kordofan, further isolating the city and disrupting communication, trade and basic services. The measures, reported by the Dar Hamar Emergency Response Room and Sudanese media, took effect around Wednesday, 26 August, and reportedly include restrictions on Starlink devices, vehicle and motorcycle movement, and orders for residents to remain indoors.
Reports also indicate that the RSF has closed or restricted access to the city’s hospital and announced the measures through loudspeakers, effectively imposing a curfew. The paramilitary force has controlled Al-Nuhud since May 2025, following the withdrawal of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
https://www.facebook.com/share/19WjkKKdsE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: #Ethiopia to host #African political parties summit in November
Ethiopia will host the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit (#APPS) from 5 to 7 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, bringing together political party leaders and governance stakeholders from across the continent, the Africa Governance Centre (#AGC) announced.
The summit will be held under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future”, with the participation of policymakers, parliamentarians, development partners, academics, civil society representatives, youth leaders and private-sector actors.
According to AGC, the summit will focus on the role of political leadership and political parties in advancing economic transformation, regional integration, industrialization and inclusive development across Africa.
The 2026 edition will build on the inaugural.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02wsE1WD4PtCVoW1CWMzn6gqkAor9LzbgLJbgaEj1WAd3uPbEPSNCXQCRgTCUqgdfnl
Ethiopia will host the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit (#APPS) from 5 to 7 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, bringing together political party leaders and governance stakeholders from across the continent, the Africa Governance Centre (#AGC) announced.
The summit will be held under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future”, with the participation of policymakers, parliamentarians, development partners, academics, civil society representatives, youth leaders and private-sector actors.
According to AGC, the summit will focus on the role of political leadership and political parties in advancing economic transformation, regional integration, industrialization and inclusive development across Africa.
The 2026 edition will build on the inaugural.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02wsE1WD4PtCVoW1CWMzn6gqkAor9LzbgLJbgaEj1WAd3uPbEPSNCXQCRgTCUqgdfnl
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News: #Ethiopians increasingly caught in #Saudi khat, regulated-tablet smuggling operations
Saudi border authorities have seized nearly 900 kilograms of #khat in a series of operations over the past two weeks, with Ethiopian and #Yemeni nationals among those arrested while allegedly attempting to smuggle the plant into #Saudi_Arabia, according to reports by the Saudi Gazette.
Between 13 and 25 August, Saudi Border Guard patrols operating in the southern regions of #Jazan and #Asir reported confiscating a combined 880 kilograms of khat in separate operations. At least 24 Ethiopian nationals were reported arrested in connection with khat-smuggling operations during the period, alongside several Yemeni nationals.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59060
Saudi border authorities have seized nearly 900 kilograms of #khat in a series of operations over the past two weeks, with Ethiopian and #Yemeni nationals among those arrested while allegedly attempting to smuggle the plant into #Saudi_Arabia, according to reports by the Saudi Gazette.
Between 13 and 25 August, Saudi Border Guard patrols operating in the southern regions of #Jazan and #Asir reported confiscating a combined 880 kilograms of khat in separate operations. At least 24 Ethiopian nationals were reported arrested in connection with khat-smuggling operations during the period, alongside several Yemeni nationals.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59060
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#Opinion: Algorithm of Neglect, Business of Extremism: How #TikTok monetizes #Ethiopia’s trauma, profits from pain
ByteDance’s TikTok has transformed Ethiopia’s collective trauma into viral entertainment, subjecting users to severe hate, violence, and gender-based abuse due to inadequate localised content moderation, writes Abdunasir Isak.
He contends that the platform’s engagement-driven algorithms actively reward outrage while failing to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Emphasising the financial incentives behind this model, the author notes that “TikTok doesn’t just host extremism; it subsidises it.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59055
ByteDance’s TikTok has transformed Ethiopia’s collective trauma into viral entertainment, subjecting users to severe hate, violence, and gender-based abuse due to inadequate localised content moderation, writes Abdunasir Isak.
He contends that the platform’s engagement-driven algorithms actively reward outrage while failing to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Emphasising the financial incentives behind this model, the author notes that “TikTok doesn’t just host extremism; it subsidises it.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59055
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News: #World_Bank_supported school #ICT center destroyed in latest #drone_strike in #Tigray
A secondary school in Saharty Woreda, Tigray, has been hit by a drone strike that destroyed an ICT facility equipped with 35 computers installed this year through the World Bank-supported 3R program, according to Kiros Guesh (PhD), head of the Tigray Education Bureau.
“Drone strikes by Federal Government of Ethiopia hit a secondary school in Tigray at Saharty Woreda, destroying ICT facilities with 35 computers installed this year by the World Bank supported 3R program,” Kiros said.
The latest destruction of a school adds another layer to an education system that the Tigray Education Bureau earlier has warned is already struggling to recover from the devastating consequences of the war.
“Serving 500+ students since 1999 E.C., this vital hub now lies in ruins,” Kiros said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59063
A secondary school in Saharty Woreda, Tigray, has been hit by a drone strike that destroyed an ICT facility equipped with 35 computers installed this year through the World Bank-supported 3R program, according to Kiros Guesh (PhD), head of the Tigray Education Bureau.
“Drone strikes by Federal Government of Ethiopia hit a secondary school in Tigray at Saharty Woreda, destroying ICT facilities with 35 computers installed this year by the World Bank supported 3R program,” Kiros said.
The latest destruction of a school adds another layer to an education system that the Tigray Education Bureau earlier has warned is already struggling to recover from the devastating consequences of the war.
“Serving 500+ students since 1999 E.C., this vital hub now lies in ruins,” Kiros said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59063
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News: #EU, Western allies warn against renewed fighting in #Tigray
The warning was issued in a joint statement by the EU delegations to #Ethiopia and the #African Union, EU member states, and the embassies of #Canada, #Norway and the #United_Kingdom in #Addis_Abeba.
The diplomatic missions said they were following developments in northern Ethiopia with “great concern” and urged all parties to engage constructively and in good faith on the implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59073
The warning was issued in a joint statement by the EU delegations to #Ethiopia and the #African Union, EU member states, and the embassies of #Canada, #Norway and the #United_Kingdom in #Addis_Abeba.
The diplomatic missions said they were following developments in northern Ethiopia with “great concern” and urged all parties to engage constructively and in good faith on the implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59073
News: #Sudanese army says it downed drone crossing from #Ethiopia, third such incident in recent days
Sudan’s army said on Thursday it shot down a “hostile” drone that crossed into southeastern #Blue_Nile State from Ethiopian territory, marking the third such incident reported near the border in recent days, Sudan Tribune reported.
The military said the drone was intercepted on Thursday morning north of Sarkam. It did not identify the operator, specify the drone’s point of origin or say what its intended target was. Ethiopian authorities had not immediately commented on the allegation.
On 24 August, Addis Standard reported that Sudan’s Defense Ministry said it had shot down a “hostile” drone over the #Kurmuk area of Blue Nile State, near the Ethiopian border, alleging that it had been launched from Ethiopian territory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59079
Sudan’s army said on Thursday it shot down a “hostile” drone that crossed into southeastern #Blue_Nile State from Ethiopian territory, marking the third such incident reported near the border in recent days, Sudan Tribune reported.
The military said the drone was intercepted on Thursday morning north of Sarkam. It did not identify the operator, specify the drone’s point of origin or say what its intended target was. Ethiopian authorities had not immediately commented on the allegation.
On 24 August, Addis Standard reported that Sudan’s Defense Ministry said it had shot down a “hostile” drone over the #Kurmuk area of Blue Nile State, near the Ethiopian border, alleging that it had been launched from Ethiopian territory.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59079
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News: #Kenya’s electricity reserve margin falls to 3.3%, raising blackout risk
Kenya is facing an increased risk of electricity rationing and blackouts as its reserve margin—the generation capacity available above peak demand—has fallen to 3.34%, well below the 20% to 35% range recommended by the International Energy Agency (#IEA), Business Daily Africa reported.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (#KNBS) show that the reserve margin declined from 20.73% in January to 3.34% in June, as rising electricity demand outpaced available generation. Imports from #Ethiopia and #Uganda have also failed to fully offset the narrowing supply gap.
The decline has been compounded by the variable output of wind and solar power, which account for about 20% of electricity supplied to Kenya Power. Without battery storage, these sources provide less power during evening peak demand between 6pm and 10pm.
Kenya Power has warned.........
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2092990532507111489?s=20
Kenya is facing an increased risk of electricity rationing and blackouts as its reserve margin—the generation capacity available above peak demand—has fallen to 3.34%, well below the 20% to 35% range recommended by the International Energy Agency (#IEA), Business Daily Africa reported.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (#KNBS) show that the reserve margin declined from 20.73% in January to 3.34% in June, as rising electricity demand outpaced available generation. Imports from #Ethiopia and #Uganda have also failed to fully offset the narrowing supply gap.
The decline has been compounded by the variable output of wind and solar power, which account for about 20% of electricity supplied to Kenya Power. Without battery storage, these sources provide less power during evening peak demand between 6pm and 10pm.
Kenya Power has warned.........
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2092990532507111489?s=20
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Out now! #Addis_Standard’s Special Edition on #Ethiopia’s National Dialogue.
“The Quest for Consensus: Evaluating the Ethiopian National Dialogue's architecture and limitations”
The Quest for Consensus is designed for slow reading. This three-part analysis brings together theory, institutional analysis and critical reflection to provide a sustained examination of one of Ethiopia’s most widely publicized and consequential political undertakings.
For researchers, academics, political analysts and policy institutions, the free HD PDF offers an invaluable resource for understanding not only what Ethiopia’s National Dialogue promised, but also the deeper questions it leaves behind.
Download the free HD PDF version. https://addisstandard.com/?p=59081
“The Quest for Consensus: Evaluating the Ethiopian National Dialogue's architecture and limitations”
The Quest for Consensus is designed for slow reading. This three-part analysis brings together theory, institutional analysis and critical reflection to provide a sustained examination of one of Ethiopia’s most widely publicized and consequential political undertakings.
For researchers, academics, political analysts and policy institutions, the free HD PDF offers an invaluable resource for understanding not only what Ethiopia’s National Dialogue promised, but also the deeper questions it leaves behind.
Download the free HD PDF version. https://addisstandard.com/?p=59081
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#Chad accuses #Sudan of cross-border strike, raises alert level
Chad has accused neighbouring Sudan of carrying out an air strike that hit a military convoy in its territory last week, and has raised its alert level in the area to its highest point, a security source said.
Sudan said on Thursday it was surprised its army had been blamed for the attack without an independent investigation, and that its forces were working to protect its sovereignty. The accusation comes against the backdrop of a more than three-year-long civil war between Sudan's army and Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries.
#UN experts say Chad has been used as a route to supply crucial weapons from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces. The #UAE and Chad deny those allegations.
Chad said on Saturday Sudanese Armed Forces aircraft and drones pursued and bombed a military convoy inside its borders on......
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-accuses-sudan-cross-border-strike-raises-alert-level-2026-08-27/
Chad has accused neighbouring Sudan of carrying out an air strike that hit a military convoy in its territory last week, and has raised its alert level in the area to its highest point, a security source said.
Sudan said on Thursday it was surprised its army had been blamed for the attack without an independent investigation, and that its forces were working to protect its sovereignty. The accusation comes against the backdrop of a more than three-year-long civil war between Sudan's army and Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries.
#UN experts say Chad has been used as a route to supply crucial weapons from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces. The #UAE and Chad deny those allegations.
Chad said on Saturday Sudanese Armed Forces aircraft and drones pursued and bombed a military convoy inside its borders on......
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-accuses-sudan-cross-border-strike-raises-alert-level-2026-08-27/
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News: #Ethiopia joins regional maritime security talks in #Nairobi amid growing Red Sea threats, UN says
Ethiopia participated in a two-day Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue held in Nairobi this week, bringing together security officials from Ethiopia, #Yemen, #Djibouti and #Somalia to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing amid growing maritime threats in the #Red_Sea and Gulf of #Aden, the United Nations said.
The dialogue was facilitated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (#UNODC), with support from the European Union, #INTERPOL, the International Maritime Organization (#IMO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD).
Captain Kibru Mesfin of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority said maritime security was an economic necessity for Ethiopia, with most of the country’s trade passing through neighboring Djibouti.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59104
Ethiopia participated in a two-day Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue held in Nairobi this week, bringing together security officials from Ethiopia, #Yemen, #Djibouti and #Somalia to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing amid growing maritime threats in the #Red_Sea and Gulf of #Aden, the United Nations said.
The dialogue was facilitated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (#UNODC), with support from the European Union, #INTERPOL, the International Maritime Organization (#IMO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD).
Captain Kibru Mesfin of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority said maritime security was an economic necessity for Ethiopia, with most of the country’s trade passing through neighboring Djibouti.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59104
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Update: #Tigray Education Chief sheds more light on destruction of a primary school in latest #drone strike
Tigray’s education chief Kiros Guesh (PhD) has provided further details on the reported drone strike that destroyed Abraha Weatsbaha Primary School in Kilte-Awlaelo district in the night hours of Wednesday to Thursday.
Kiros said the overnight strike targeted the school, describing it as “yet another attack on educational infrastructure.”
The drone strike marks the latest in a series of attacks reportedly carried out by the federal government against sites across Tigray Regional State. However, the federal government has not publicly commented on any of the reported attacks.
In a post published on his Facebook page late Thursday, Kiros said the facility had recently been expanded with new classrooms built by Plan International Ethiopia for early childhood care and development, with support from the European Union.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DeujaDwS5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Tigray’s education chief Kiros Guesh (PhD) has provided further details on the reported drone strike that destroyed Abraha Weatsbaha Primary School in Kilte-Awlaelo district in the night hours of Wednesday to Thursday.
Kiros said the overnight strike targeted the school, describing it as “yet another attack on educational infrastructure.”
The drone strike marks the latest in a series of attacks reportedly carried out by the federal government against sites across Tigray Regional State. However, the federal government has not publicly commented on any of the reported attacks.
In a post published on his Facebook page late Thursday, Kiros said the facility had recently been expanded with new classrooms built by Plan International Ethiopia for early childhood care and development, with support from the European Union.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DeujaDwS5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Gulf of Aden between #Somalia and Yemen
A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Gulf of #Aden early Friday (Aug 28) between Somalia and Yemen, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The shallow earthquake occurred at 12:07 am local time, or 9:07 pm GMT on Thursday, the USGS said. The epicentre was located about 145 kilometres off the coast of Somalia.
Another agency records magnitude 6.2
The reported strength of the earthquake varied slightly across monitoring agencies. The #Egyptian Gazette reported a magnitude of 6.2, citing the GFZ #German Research Centre for Geosciences. According to the report, the quake struck the eastern Gulf of Aden at 2107 GMT on Thursday, corresponding to 1:07 am Gulf time and 6:07 am Beijing time on Friday.
No information on casualties or damage is available yet. (wionews.com)
A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Gulf of #Aden early Friday (Aug 28) between Somalia and Yemen, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The shallow earthquake occurred at 12:07 am local time, or 9:07 pm GMT on Thursday, the USGS said. The epicentre was located about 145 kilometres off the coast of Somalia.
Another agency records magnitude 6.2
The reported strength of the earthquake varied slightly across monitoring agencies. The #Egyptian Gazette reported a magnitude of 6.2, citing the GFZ #German Research Centre for Geosciences. According to the report, the quake struck the eastern Gulf of Aden at 2107 GMT on Thursday, corresponding to 1:07 am Gulf time and 6:07 am Beijing time on Friday.
No information on casualties or damage is available yet. (wionews.com)
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#Opinion: Dragged to War, Priced for Freedom: Political economy of forced conscription in #Ethiopia
Reports of forced, extortionate conscription are once again emerging from Ethiopia, pointing to a wider pattern of coercive recruitment that falls disproportionately on the country's most vulnerable populations, writes Sidoc Haytu.
He notes that "the forced recruitment of unemployed, underage, and economically marginalised young people has become a documented and recurring feature."
The author further contends that socio-economic status, rather than ethnicity, fundamentally determines who bears the burden of military service and who remains insulated from it.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59082
Reports of forced, extortionate conscription are once again emerging from Ethiopia, pointing to a wider pattern of coercive recruitment that falls disproportionately on the country's most vulnerable populations, writes Sidoc Haytu.
He notes that "the forced recruitment of unemployed, underage, and economically marginalised young people has become a documented and recurring feature."
The author further contends that socio-economic status, rather than ethnicity, fundamentally determines who bears the burden of military service and who remains insulated from it.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59082
News: #Ethiopia renews #Reuters journalists’ reporting licenses after six-month suspension
The decision reverses a six-month restriction imposed on the three Addis Abeba-based Reuters journalists, which came days after Reuters published an internationally acclaimed investigation revealing that Ethiopia hosted a training facility for fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) in the #Benishangul_Gumuz region near the #Sudanese border.
Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) said today that its Director General, Haimanot Zeleke, explained to the outlet’s executives that “some of the media content Reuters had disseminated about Ethiopia over the past seven months had been inconsistent with Ethiopia’s laws, the Media Proclamation, and the country’s national interests, and had also failed to comply with professional journalistic ethics.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59116
The decision reverses a six-month restriction imposed on the three Addis Abeba-based Reuters journalists, which came days after Reuters published an internationally acclaimed investigation revealing that Ethiopia hosted a training facility for fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) in the #Benishangul_Gumuz region near the #Sudanese border.
Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) said today that its Director General, Haimanot Zeleke, explained to the outlet’s executives that “some of the media content Reuters had disseminated about Ethiopia over the past seven months had been inconsistent with Ethiopia’s laws, the Media Proclamation, and the country’s national interests, and had also failed to comply with professional journalistic ethics.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59116
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