#Commentary: #Ethiopia’s Multinational Federalism, Limits of National Dialogue: Why #Finfinnee and #Dirree cannot be bargaining chips
In this commentary, Jemal Hebeno, Habtamu Abino, and Girma Gutema argue that bringing #Addis Abeba and #Dire_Dawa into Ethiopia's #National_Dialogue as open-ended political questions is a fundamental misstep.
They emphasise that these cities involve deep constitutional and historical rights that the commission lacks the sovereign authority to rewrite or bargain away.
The authors note that "a dialogue can facilitate consent; it cannot manufacture it."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59183
In this commentary, Jemal Hebeno, Habtamu Abino, and Girma Gutema argue that bringing #Addis Abeba and #Dire_Dawa into Ethiopia's #National_Dialogue as open-ended political questions is a fundamental misstep.
They emphasise that these cities involve deep constitutional and historical rights that the commission lacks the sovereign authority to rewrite or bargain away.
The authors note that "a dialogue can facilitate consent; it cannot manufacture it."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59183
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News: #Somali official confirms troops crossed into #Ethiopia amid defection reports
Somalia’s National Security Adviser Aways Haji Yusuf has confirmed that Somali National Army (#SNA) troops who recently completed a #Saudi Arabia-funded training program have crossed into Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State, saying they were on leave to visit their families.
Yusuf made the disclosure, marking the first official confirmation that the soldiers, who underwent more than a year of training at Hananbure in Somalia’s Galmudug State, are currently in Ethiopia’s Somali region.
“The federal government is aware of their presence in the region for that purpose,” Yusuf told reporters, according to a report by Somaliguardian. “If there are other issues, we will let you [the media] know.”
The admission follows reports by several Somali media outlets, including media based in Ethiopia’s........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oE4gAWydzVnzq9rPsEDUWpuR43WJSAhFHFtmBMcteDCvccc3qGuzC2E2vJZW3E1fl
Somalia’s National Security Adviser Aways Haji Yusuf has confirmed that Somali National Army (#SNA) troops who recently completed a #Saudi Arabia-funded training program have crossed into Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State, saying they were on leave to visit their families.
Yusuf made the disclosure, marking the first official confirmation that the soldiers, who underwent more than a year of training at Hananbure in Somalia’s Galmudug State, are currently in Ethiopia’s Somali region.
“The federal government is aware of their presence in the region for that purpose,” Yusuf told reporters, according to a report by Somaliguardian. “If there are other issues, we will let you [the media] know.”
The admission follows reports by several Somali media outlets, including media based in Ethiopia’s........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oE4gAWydzVnzq9rPsEDUWpuR43WJSAhFHFtmBMcteDCvccc3qGuzC2E2vJZW3E1fl
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#Op_ed: National Emergency Hiding in Plain Sight: Confronting #Ethiopia’s education crisis, saving generation behind failed exams
Ethiopia’s recent national examination results—showing that the vast majority of Grade 12 students failed to meet the passing mark—reveal a systemic crisis rather than an isolated failure, writes Mistella Mekonnen Zewede.
She notes, "When massive cohorts of high school seniors reach the end of their schooling academically unprepared for higher education, the public debate must shift."
Mistella underscores that addressing this emergency requires looking beyond examination scores to strengthen teacher support, address the effects of conflict and trauma, and expand vocational pathways.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59186
Ethiopia’s recent national examination results—showing that the vast majority of Grade 12 students failed to meet the passing mark—reveal a systemic crisis rather than an isolated failure, writes Mistella Mekonnen Zewede.
She notes, "When massive cohorts of high school seniors reach the end of their schooling academically unprepared for higher education, the public debate must shift."
Mistella underscores that addressing this emergency requires looking beyond examination scores to strengthen teacher support, address the effects of conflict and trauma, and expand vocational pathways.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59186
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News: #Sudan’s Burhan inspects army’s readiness in #Blue_Nile State amid escalating clashes and reported RSF buildup near #Ethiopia border
Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected military forces and operational readiness in Blue Nile State as clashes intensify between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (#SPLM-N), near the Ethiopian border.
Burhan visited #Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, where he inspected the army’s 4th Infantry Division and received briefings on the security and operational situation, according to an army statement cited by Anadolu News Agency.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59196
Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected military forces and operational readiness in Blue Nile State as clashes intensify between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (#SPLM-N), near the Ethiopian border.
Burhan visited #Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, where he inspected the army’s 4th Infantry Division and received briefings on the security and operational situation, according to an army statement cited by Anadolu News Agency.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59196
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines nears deal for up to 10 Boeing cargo planes
Ethiopian Airlines is nearing a deal to acquire up to 10 long-haul #Boeing freighter aircraft as the national carrier moves to expand its cargo operations and strengthen its position as a major aviation hub in #Africa, according to Reuters, citing two industry sources.
The potential order is expected to include two of Boeing’s current-generation #777F_freighters, while the remaining aircraft could be the manufacturer’s delayed 777-8F model, the sources told Reuters. One source said the order could comprise between 8 and 10 aircraft, although last-minute adjustments remain possible.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59200
Ethiopian Airlines is nearing a deal to acquire up to 10 long-haul #Boeing freighter aircraft as the national carrier moves to expand its cargo operations and strengthen its position as a major aviation hub in #Africa, according to Reuters, citing two industry sources.
The potential order is expected to include two of Boeing’s current-generation #777F_freighters, while the remaining aircraft could be the manufacturer’s delayed 777-8F model, the sources told Reuters. One source said the order could comprise between 8 and 10 aircraft, although last-minute adjustments remain possible.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59200
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#Somaliland president heads to #US on first official visit amid recognition push
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has departed for the United States for his first official working visit since taking office, as Hargeisa intensifies its diplomatic campaign for broader international recognition.
According to the Somaliland presidency, Irro will travel to the US via the United Arab Emirates. The presidency did not disclose the duration of the visit or provide details of the officials and institutions the president is expected to meet.
The visit is being framed by Hargeisa as a significant diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening relations with Washington and expanding cooperation in security and economic development. It is also expected to focus on attracting foreign investment and advancing Somaliland’s longstanding campaign for international recognition.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2095506054276694360?s=20
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has departed for the United States for his first official working visit since taking office, as Hargeisa intensifies its diplomatic campaign for broader international recognition.
According to the Somaliland presidency, Irro will travel to the US via the United Arab Emirates. The presidency did not disclose the duration of the visit or provide details of the officials and institutions the president is expected to meet.
The visit is being framed by Hargeisa as a significant diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening relations with Washington and expanding cooperation in security and economic development. It is also expected to focus on attracting foreign investment and advancing Somaliland’s longstanding campaign for international recognition.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2095506054276694360?s=20
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#Sudan’s Burhan inspects army’s readiness in #Blue_Nile State amid escalating clashes and reported RSF buildup near #Ethiopia border
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In-depth analysis: Failed rains, broken livelihoods: #Janamora’s farmers confront #hunger, #loss and #despair
In the drought-stricken highlands of Janamora Woreda in #North_Gonder zone of #Amhara region, the failure of seasonal rains is destroying far more than crops.
Among those caught in the unfolding crisis is Werqu Esmaeil, a 40-year-old farmer and father of three from Wasel Kebele in Janamora Woreda.
Werqu told Addis Standard that the prolonged drought has not only destroyed his livelihood but also separated him from his family and pushed him into severe psychological distress.
“I am a father of three children. Because of the drought, I could not feed my wife and my children. They all left me, and I stayed home alone,” Werqu said.
Tazebew Nigus, another farmer in the area, said residents are facing a crisis unlike anything they can remember.
“We have never experienced this kind of situation before,” Tazebew told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59189
In the drought-stricken highlands of Janamora Woreda in #North_Gonder zone of #Amhara region, the failure of seasonal rains is destroying far more than crops.
Among those caught in the unfolding crisis is Werqu Esmaeil, a 40-year-old farmer and father of three from Wasel Kebele in Janamora Woreda.
Werqu told Addis Standard that the prolonged drought has not only destroyed his livelihood but also separated him from his family and pushed him into severe psychological distress.
“I am a father of three children. Because of the drought, I could not feed my wife and my children. They all left me, and I stayed home alone,” Werqu said.
Tazebew Nigus, another farmer in the area, said residents are facing a crisis unlike anything they can remember.
“We have never experienced this kind of situation before,” Tazebew told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59189
#Putin cites chance of peace deal, #Ukraine sees 'new dynamic'
#Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while #Kyiv said it expected a "new dynamic" in peace efforts.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, said a number of countries including the U.S. and China were ready to support a peace settlement.
"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine," he said. "We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv: "I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around......
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-cites-chance-peace-deal-says-ukrainian-aviation-warning-makes-it-harder-2026-09-03/
#Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while #Kyiv said it expected a "new dynamic" in peace efforts.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, said a number of countries including the U.S. and China were ready to support a peace settlement.
"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine," he said. "We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv: "I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around......
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-cites-chance-peace-deal-says-ukrainian-aviation-warning-makes-it-harder-2026-09-03/
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At least 12 countries arming #Sudan’s warring factions, #US adviser says
At least 12 nations are providing military support to the warring parties in Sudan, fueling an escalating conflict across the country, U.S. Senior Advisor on #Africa and #Asia Massad Boulos said.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa, Boulos said that external military backing for both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has surged sharply in recent weeks and months.
“There are probably at least 12 countries that are, in one way or the other, providing military support,” Boulos said, describing the influx of weapons and assistance as a “very sad” development that must be brought to an immediate halt.
The senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump declined to identify the specific states involved, maintaining that their identities are already well known across the international community.
He noted that all neighbouring states in the.......
https://sudantribune.com/article/318305
At least 12 nations are providing military support to the warring parties in Sudan, fueling an escalating conflict across the country, U.S. Senior Advisor on #Africa and #Asia Massad Boulos said.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa, Boulos said that external military backing for both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has surged sharply in recent weeks and months.
“There are probably at least 12 countries that are, in one way or the other, providing military support,” Boulos said, describing the influx of weapons and assistance as a “very sad” development that must be brought to an immediate halt.
The senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump declined to identify the specific states involved, maintaining that their identities are already well known across the international community.
He noted that all neighbouring states in the.......
https://sudantribune.com/article/318305
News: #UN mission reports #Ethiopian nationals among RSF foreign fighters, urges Addis Abeba to engage
The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for #Sudan has identified Ethiopian nationals among foreign fighters serving with the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), while urging the Ethiopian government to engage with its investigation into illicit activities linked to the Sudan conflict.
In its report titled “Fuelling Sudan’s conflict: weapons, fighters and external support networks,” submitted to the UN Human Rights Council on 1 September 2026, the mission said witnesses reported fighters from Ethiopia, #South_Sudan and #Chad serving primarily in frontline roles with the RSF. The fighters, including women, were reportedly identified in El-Fasher and elsewhere based on language, accent and, in some cases, uniforms.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59210
The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for #Sudan has identified Ethiopian nationals among foreign fighters serving with the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), while urging the Ethiopian government to engage with its investigation into illicit activities linked to the Sudan conflict.
In its report titled “Fuelling Sudan’s conflict: weapons, fighters and external support networks,” submitted to the UN Human Rights Council on 1 September 2026, the mission said witnesses reported fighters from Ethiopia, #South_Sudan and #Chad serving primarily in frontline roles with the RSF. The fighters, including women, were reportedly identified in El-Fasher and elsewhere based on language, accent and, in some cases, uniforms.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59210
#Kenyan president orders crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses
Kenya's President #William_Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small-scale businesses, saying local traders and hawkers need to be protected.
His announcement comes amid growing debate about the increasing number of African migrants involved in Kenya's vast informal economy.
"From next week, all [foreign] traders doing those small businesses should close them," he said, also promising to fast-track proposed legislation to preclude foreigners from certain areas of trade.
Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment, but argued that investors - including Chinese traders - should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in small businesses.
"It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop," he said in an address to small-scale traders who had come to meet the president at State House in.....
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9861x5pzgxo
Kenya's President #William_Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small-scale businesses, saying local traders and hawkers need to be protected.
His announcement comes amid growing debate about the increasing number of African migrants involved in Kenya's vast informal economy.
"From next week, all [foreign] traders doing those small businesses should close them," he said, also promising to fast-track proposed legislation to preclude foreigners from certain areas of trade.
Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment, but argued that investors - including Chinese traders - should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in small businesses.
"It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop," he said in an address to small-scale traders who had come to meet the president at State House in.....
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9861x5pzgxo
#Commentary: From Contested Port to Shared Gateway: Sustainable #Ethiopia-#Eritrea peace via #Afar rights, #Dankalia constitutional autonomy
Discussions surrounding the Port of #Assab have largely centred on Ethiopia’s economic interests and Eritrea’s sovereignty claims, while overlooking the Indigenous Afar people, writes Ahmed Y. Mohamed. He asks, "Who gave either state the right to speak for the Afar Nation without the Afar at the table?"
The author argues that resolving the geopolitical stalemate requires more than bilateral negotiations between the two states.
The author notes, "The road to Assab must therefore pass not only through #Addis_Abeba and #Asmara. It must pass through the Afar Nation."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59204
Discussions surrounding the Port of #Assab have largely centred on Ethiopia’s economic interests and Eritrea’s sovereignty claims, while overlooking the Indigenous Afar people, writes Ahmed Y. Mohamed. He asks, "Who gave either state the right to speak for the Afar Nation without the Afar at the table?"
The author argues that resolving the geopolitical stalemate requires more than bilateral negotiations between the two states.
The author notes, "The road to Assab must therefore pass not only through #Addis_Abeba and #Asmara. It must pass through the Afar Nation."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59204
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News: #Namibia says talks with #Ethiopian Airlines on new national carrier remain exploratory
Namibia’s government has confirmed ongoing discussions with Ethiopian Airlines over the proposed establishment of a new national carrier, #Namibia_Air, but stressed that no binding agreement has yet been reached.
According to ch-aviation.com, Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport said consultations with Ethiopian Airlines, local aviation operators and other stakeholders remain exploratory and are part of an assessment of the most viable and sustainable model for launching the airline.
The ministry also rejected as unauthorised an internal briefing document published by the Windhoek Observer, saying it did not represent official government decisions or agreements. It said any future arrangement would be based on technical, financial and commercial assessments and subject to.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0nac8mTeCqLVmaxYcHiqXvBCrMsUVk46xcoXkhov5dYdvecu2VDPbf8xoq5eK8Yrul
Namibia’s government has confirmed ongoing discussions with Ethiopian Airlines over the proposed establishment of a new national carrier, #Namibia_Air, but stressed that no binding agreement has yet been reached.
According to ch-aviation.com, Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport said consultations with Ethiopian Airlines, local aviation operators and other stakeholders remain exploratory and are part of an assessment of the most viable and sustainable model for launching the airline.
The ministry also rejected as unauthorised an internal briefing document published by the Windhoek Observer, saying it did not represent official government decisions or agreements. It said any future arrangement would be based on technical, financial and commercial assessments and subject to.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0nac8mTeCqLVmaxYcHiqXvBCrMsUVk46xcoXkhov5dYdvecu2VDPbf8xoq5eK8Yrul
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News: #Italy offers to mediate between #Egypt, #Ethiopia over Nile waters
Italy has offered to facilitate dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia over the #Nile waters dispute, urging the two countries to pursue a fair and sustainable negotiated solution in accordance with international law.
According to Middle East Monitor, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made the offer during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, following talks in Egypt’s El Alamein on Thursday.
Tajani said Rome was ready to mediate or help facilitate dialogue if both Egypt and Ethiopia agreed, pointing to Italy’s relations with Ethiopia as a potential avenue for supporting efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59224
Italy has offered to facilitate dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia over the #Nile waters dispute, urging the two countries to pursue a fair and sustainable negotiated solution in accordance with international law.
According to Middle East Monitor, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made the offer during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, following talks in Egypt’s El Alamein on Thursday.
Tajani said Rome was ready to mediate or help facilitate dialogue if both Egypt and Ethiopia agreed, pointing to Italy’s relations with Ethiopia as a potential avenue for supporting efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59224
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News: #Amnesty calls for probe into year-long disappearance of missing #Tigrayan human rights defender Filmon Gebrehiwot
Amnesty International has called on #Ethiopian authorities to urgently investigate the disappearance of human rights defender, photographer and videographer #Filmon_Gebrehiwot Hagos, who has not been seen since 10 August 2025.
In an urgent action issued this week, the international rights organisation said Hagos, 33, disappeared in Adihawusi, #Mekelle, #Tigray, while travelling home from work in a bajaj taxi.
The case was reported by Addis Standard in August 2025, when residents of Mekelle said they were living amid growing concerns over kidnappings, ransom demands, robberies and unexplained disappearances in the post-war city.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59227
Amnesty International has called on #Ethiopian authorities to urgently investigate the disappearance of human rights defender, photographer and videographer #Filmon_Gebrehiwot Hagos, who has not been seen since 10 August 2025.
In an urgent action issued this week, the international rights organisation said Hagos, 33, disappeared in Adihawusi, #Mekelle, #Tigray, while travelling home from work in a bajaj taxi.
The case was reported by Addis Standard in August 2025, when residents of Mekelle said they were living amid growing concerns over kidnappings, ransom demands, robberies and unexplained disappearances in the post-war city.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59227
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#AS_Editorial: No more cannon fodder!
There is something profoundly wrong when a government or political authority, unable to persuade its citizens to fight, decides instead to drag them into war.
From coercive militia recruitment, arbitrary detention, and extortion in Oromia, Amhara, and parts of southern Ethiopia to recent forced conscription campaigns in Tigray, a disturbing pattern is emerging: when political conflicts remain unresolved, ordinary citizens are increasingly being forced to pay for the failures of those who wield power.
The stories are strikingly similar: young people detained while traveling or working; farmers pressured into militia training; families forced to pay enormous sums for the release of detained relatives; quotas imposed on local authorities; and livelihoods disrupted as young men disappear into military camps.
This is not national renewal. It is national decadence.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59207
There is something profoundly wrong when a government or political authority, unable to persuade its citizens to fight, decides instead to drag them into war.
From coercive militia recruitment, arbitrary detention, and extortion in Oromia, Amhara, and parts of southern Ethiopia to recent forced conscription campaigns in Tigray, a disturbing pattern is emerging: when political conflicts remain unresolved, ordinary citizens are increasingly being forced to pay for the failures of those who wield power.
The stories are strikingly similar: young people detained while traveling or working; farmers pressured into militia training; families forced to pay enormous sums for the release of detained relatives; quotas imposed on local authorities; and livelihoods disrupted as young men disappear into military camps.
This is not national renewal. It is national decadence.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59207