#Ethiopia: #TPLF criticizes #Obasanjo, says his mediation efforts lack “neutrality and concrete substance”
The #Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has criticized former #Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s ongoing efforts to facilitate peace in Tigray, claiming that his mediation “lacks neutrality, concrete proposals” and a clear path toward meaningful dialogue.
In a statement issued on 6 September 2026, the TPLF said it remains ready to engage in peaceful dialogue but questioned whether Obasanjo’s initiative is independent of the Federal Government. It called for any peace process to be led by an impartial and independent mediator.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59238
The #Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has criticized former #Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s ongoing efforts to facilitate peace in Tigray, claiming that his mediation “lacks neutrality, concrete proposals” and a clear path toward meaningful dialogue.
In a statement issued on 6 September 2026, the TPLF said it remains ready to engage in peaceful dialogue but questioned whether Obasanjo’s initiative is independent of the Federal Government. It called for any peace process to be led by an impartial and independent mediator.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59238
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#Ethiopian Miss World contestant spotlights pain of sister’s murder
Ethiopia’s Miss #World contestant, Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie, is using the international beauty pageant to spotlight violence against women following the abduction and killing of her elder sister, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
The 25-year-old told AFP in #Nha_Trang, #Vietnam, where 111 contestants gathered ahead of Saturday’s final, that she intends to turn her grief into advocacy. “I’m going to change my pain to my purpose,” she said.
Ruth’s 29-year-old sister, Kidusan Yirgalem Weldesilasie, was abducted for ransom this summer while Ruth was preparing to travel to Vietnam. Kidusan was found dead in late July, with her remains reportedly discovered divided between two suitcases.
Ruth told AFP that 10 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, including her longtime best friend and her best.......
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Ethiopia’s Miss #World contestant, Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie, is using the international beauty pageant to spotlight violence against women following the abduction and killing of her elder sister, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
The 25-year-old told AFP in #Nha_Trang, #Vietnam, where 111 contestants gathered ahead of Saturday’s final, that she intends to turn her grief into advocacy. “I’m going to change my pain to my purpose,” she said.
Ruth’s 29-year-old sister, Kidusan Yirgalem Weldesilasie, was abducted for ransom this summer while Ruth was preparing to travel to Vietnam. Kidusan was found dead in late July, with her remains reportedly discovered divided between two suitcases.
Ruth told AFP that 10 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, including her longtime best friend and her best.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid029ECvLrdAh7rWfT5Y1ZVL4Xd9snvE56pXNMAggqGGW5wJ5V8UsB9goneAJTQ6SYbwl
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#Op_ed: #Addis_Abeba as a pawn of manufactured controversy for emotional mobilization
Addis Abeba’s administrative status became a national flashpoint during Ethiopia’s 40-day #National_Dialogue Conference, despite wars, displacement, and federal-regional tensions presenting far more urgent challenges, writes Ezekiel Gebissa.
He argues that the ruling party deliberately transformed a constitutional question into an ethnic controversy to divert attention, mobilise public emotion, and create a pretext for centralisation and constitutional revision.
The author further contends that, by weaponising cultural productions and inflammatory media to turn a manageable administrative question into an existential ethnic confrontation, the regime sought to deepen public polarisation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59234
Addis Abeba’s administrative status became a national flashpoint during Ethiopia’s 40-day #National_Dialogue Conference, despite wars, displacement, and federal-regional tensions presenting far more urgent challenges, writes Ezekiel Gebissa.
He argues that the ruling party deliberately transformed a constitutional question into an ethnic controversy to divert attention, mobilise public emotion, and create a pretext for centralisation and constitutional revision.
The author further contends that, by weaponising cultural productions and inflammatory media to turn a manageable administrative question into an existential ethnic confrontation, the regime sought to deepen public polarisation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59234
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#TPLF criticizes #Obasanjo, says his mediation efforts lack “neutrality and concrete substance”
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Tribute: #Oromos mourn #Ilfinesh_Qannoo, legendary voice of #resistance
The Oromo community is mourning the death of Ilfinesh Qannoo, the celebrated singer whose music became deeply intertwined with the Oromo struggle for cultural dignity, identity and political rights.
Ilfinesh died on 06 September 2026, while receiving medical treatment in Finfinnee (Addis Abeba). She was 57.
Ilfinesh’s career reflected a broader tradition in which Oromo artists assumed responsibilities that extended far beyond entertainment. Musicians became custodians of language and collective memory, chroniclers of political experience and, at times, voices for communities whose grievances had few other avenues of expression. Few works illustrate this more clearly than her song WBO Koo Maaloo Ree, in which music becomes both a record of its time and an expression of the political realities confronting her generation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59241
The Oromo community is mourning the death of Ilfinesh Qannoo, the celebrated singer whose music became deeply intertwined with the Oromo struggle for cultural dignity, identity and political rights.
Ilfinesh died on 06 September 2026, while receiving medical treatment in Finfinnee (Addis Abeba). She was 57.
Ilfinesh’s career reflected a broader tradition in which Oromo artists assumed responsibilities that extended far beyond entertainment. Musicians became custodians of language and collective memory, chroniclers of political experience and, at times, voices for communities whose grievances had few other avenues of expression. Few works illustrate this more clearly than her song WBO Koo Maaloo Ree, in which music becomes both a record of its time and an expression of the political realities confronting her generation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59241
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Trove of documents reveals alleged chemical weapons stockpile in #Sudan
Sudan’s authoritarian government built a secret stockpile of #chemical_weapons that senior military officials sought to conceal after chlorine bombs were used against rebel forces, according to internal videos, documents, text messages and other materials reviewed by The Washington Post.
The materials indicate that Sudan’s chemical weapons effort involved diverting shipments of chlorine meant to provide safe drinking water, hiding warhead production sites on military bases, testing bombs in remote desert locations and drawing up lists of targets where toxic gas could penetrate enemy defenses.
Three years of civil war there have created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The images and documents, which have not been previously reported, go well beyond the limited information made available by the #US......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0nXfBjhBbHcypvXVEQ55UT1utaceVerytrYqwrXwPXRFBjLzywqWyHyFMhaqoJ7tWl
Sudan’s authoritarian government built a secret stockpile of #chemical_weapons that senior military officials sought to conceal after chlorine bombs were used against rebel forces, according to internal videos, documents, text messages and other materials reviewed by The Washington Post.
The materials indicate that Sudan’s chemical weapons effort involved diverting shipments of chlorine meant to provide safe drinking water, hiding warhead production sites on military bases, testing bombs in remote desert locations and drawing up lists of targets where toxic gas could penetrate enemy defenses.
Three years of civil war there have created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The images and documents, which have not been previously reported, go well beyond the limited information made available by the #US......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0nXfBjhBbHcypvXVEQ55UT1utaceVerytrYqwrXwPXRFBjLzywqWyHyFMhaqoJ7tWl
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News: #Somaliland appoints new ambassador to #Ethiopia
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the appointment of Ambassador Sharmarke Ahmed Muhumed Gelle as its new envoy to Ethiopia, tasking him with strengthening political, economic and historical ties between the two sides.
According to the ministry, Gelle is a seasoned diplomat and public servant with 15 years of experience in Somaliland’s government and international relations. His new assignment will also focus on advancing Somaliland’s broader engagement across Africa.
Gelle previously served as Chief of Cabinet Secretaries at the Office of the President from 2015 to 2016, supporting cabinet-level decision-making and coordinating policy implementation across government institutions.
He later headed Somaliland’s Civil Service Commission, where he oversaw institutional reforms aimed at improving public-sector......
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Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the appointment of Ambassador Sharmarke Ahmed Muhumed Gelle as its new envoy to Ethiopia, tasking him with strengthening political, economic and historical ties between the two sides.
According to the ministry, Gelle is a seasoned diplomat and public servant with 15 years of experience in Somaliland’s government and international relations. His new assignment will also focus on advancing Somaliland’s broader engagement across Africa.
Gelle previously served as Chief of Cabinet Secretaries at the Office of the President from 2015 to 2016, supporting cabinet-level decision-making and coordinating policy implementation across government institutions.
He later headed Somaliland’s Civil Service Commission, where he oversaw institutional reforms aimed at improving public-sector......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid032V1nESdC14rYndKSkF96sopBrSnjQTYnh5vYrTELsbywDhuHxMdUfULQmCWxFTPul
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines expands #Nigeria network with Port Harcourt, reaches 53 weekly flights
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria by increasing flight frequencies and introducing a new service to #Port_Harcourt, bringing its total number of weekly flights to the country to 53, ThisDayLive reported.
Under the expansion, the airline has increased its #Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to 3 daily services, while adding 4 flights to #Kano, bringing the total there to 11 weekly flights. Ethiopian Airlines will also commence 4 weekly flights to Port Harcourt, complementing its existing services to Lagos, #Abuja, Kano and #Enugu.
Firiehiwot Mekonnen, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, said the increased capacity reflects the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its broader economic potential.
“Nigeria remains a very......
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Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria by increasing flight frequencies and introducing a new service to #Port_Harcourt, bringing its total number of weekly flights to the country to 53, ThisDayLive reported.
Under the expansion, the airline has increased its #Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to 3 daily services, while adding 4 flights to #Kano, bringing the total there to 11 weekly flights. Ethiopian Airlines will also commence 4 weekly flights to Port Harcourt, complementing its existing services to Lagos, #Abuja, Kano and #Enugu.
Firiehiwot Mekonnen, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, said the increased capacity reflects the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its broader economic potential.
“Nigeria remains a very......
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#Kenya offers temporary amnesty to undocumented #East_Africans amid fears of crackdown
Kenya's government offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented East African nationals after hundreds of #Burundians flocked to their country's embassy in #Nairobi on Monday seeking travel documents, fearing a crackdown on small-scale traders from abroad.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week called on authorities to close down all small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders, starting on Monday, following a meeting with Kenyan traders who had been protesting against tax reforms.
The order, which Kenya's trade ministry said applied to foreigners operating without work permits, sparked chaos outside Burundi's embassy on Monday, with some Burundians saying they had been threatened by neighbours since Ruto's remarks.
There were no signs of a crackdown in Nairobi on Monday, and a spokesperson for......
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Kenya's government offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented East African nationals after hundreds of #Burundians flocked to their country's embassy in #Nairobi on Monday seeking travel documents, fearing a crackdown on small-scale traders from abroad.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week called on authorities to close down all small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders, starting on Monday, following a meeting with Kenyan traders who had been protesting against tax reforms.
The order, which Kenya's trade ministry said applied to foreigners operating without work permits, sparked chaos outside Burundi's embassy on Monday, with some Burundians saying they had been threatened by neighbours since Ruto's remarks.
There were no signs of a crackdown in Nairobi on Monday, and a spokesperson for......
www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0BVb1KtUCxAX5BYhKKTG2FvrzzSifh2AknAC17dzQLCANUJZ91MddrQcyVLyy1pxyl
News: HRW urges #Germany to confront #UAE over Sudan role as Bin Zayed visits #Berlin
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has urged German leaders to publicly address the United Arab Emirates’ alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its domestic human rights record ahead of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed #bin_Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Berlin on 10 September 2026.
In a statement issued on 8 September, HRW said German Chancellor #Friedrich_Merz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other senior officials should raise concerns over the UAE’s alleged role in abuses committed during Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023.
HRW cited a #UN Fact-Finding Mission report published on 1 September, which documented alleged UAE-linked networks involved in recruiting, financing and transporting foreign military contractors and providing military-related support benefiting the RSF. The UAE......
www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Q8w4roWpxQNKjpZbmX3BsAY1d7GjVyPZMgveKWiYRhw5CBBcNpsswXGLcVw4MSwyl
Human Rights Watch (#HRW) has urged German leaders to publicly address the United Arab Emirates’ alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its domestic human rights record ahead of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed #bin_Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Berlin on 10 September 2026.
In a statement issued on 8 September, HRW said German Chancellor #Friedrich_Merz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other senior officials should raise concerns over the UAE’s alleged role in abuses committed during Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023.
HRW cited a #UN Fact-Finding Mission report published on 1 September, which documented alleged UAE-linked networks involved in recruiting, financing and transporting foreign military contractors and providing military-related support benefiting the RSF. The UAE......
www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Q8w4roWpxQNKjpZbmX3BsAY1d7GjVyPZMgveKWiYRhw5CBBcNpsswXGLcVw4MSwyl
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News: #KEFI suspends Tulu Kapi gold project development after deadly security incident
KEFI Gold and Copper plc has suspended development activities at its #Tulu_Kapi Gold Project in #Ethiopia following a serious security incident that left multiple security personnel and community members dead, including one company employee.
In an update issued on 7 September, the #UK-listed gold and copper developer said the incident occurred on Friday, 4 September. The company said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and extended condolences to those affected.
KEFI said all project development activities have been immediately suspended while it engages with community representatives, Ethiopian government authorities and security stakeholders to establish conditions for a safe and orderly resumption.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59247
KEFI Gold and Copper plc has suspended development activities at its #Tulu_Kapi Gold Project in #Ethiopia following a serious security incident that left multiple security personnel and community members dead, including one company employee.
In an update issued on 7 September, the #UK-listed gold and copper developer said the incident occurred on Friday, 4 September. The company said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and extended condolences to those affected.
KEFI said all project development activities have been immediately suspended while it engages with community representatives, Ethiopian government authorities and security stakeholders to establish conditions for a safe and orderly resumption.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59247
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News: Aid cuts force clinic closures across #Sudan, leaving millions without healthcare, MSF warns
Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) has warned that widespread international aid cuts are forcing health facilities across Sudan to close, leaving millions of people with increasingly limited access to life-saving healthcare amid the country’s ongoing war and humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, MSF said hundreds of clinics are closing, hospitals are losing capacity and medicines are becoming increasingly scarce. Sudan has more than 33 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, while the #UN’s $2.87 billion humanitarian response plan is only about 41% funded.
The organisation said attacks on healthcare are further worsening the crisis. In 2025, 1,620 people were killed in attacks on medical facilities in Sudan, accounting for 82% of all deaths globally from attacks on healthcare, according to MSF.
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Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) has warned that widespread international aid cuts are forcing health facilities across Sudan to close, leaving millions of people with increasingly limited access to life-saving healthcare amid the country’s ongoing war and humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, MSF said hundreds of clinics are closing, hospitals are losing capacity and medicines are becoming increasingly scarce. Sudan has more than 33 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, while the #UN’s $2.87 billion humanitarian response plan is only about 41% funded.
The organisation said attacks on healthcare are further worsening the crisis. In 2025, 1,620 people were killed in attacks on medical facilities in Sudan, accounting for 82% of all deaths globally from attacks on healthcare, according to MSF.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19BsdR59HT/
#Houthi attacks hit southern #Saudi_Arabia, wounding 73 and disrupting energy facilities
#Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, September 8, targeting civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, Reuters reported citing Saudi authorities.
The strikes wounded 73 people, including women and children, and caused fires at energy facilities, prompting temporary disruptions to some operations. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed that facilities in the south were affected. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and vowed to take measures to neutralize the threat.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying the operation was carried out in response to more than 100 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen in recent days.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrQGZhQBs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
#Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, September 8, targeting civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, Reuters reported citing Saudi authorities.
The strikes wounded 73 people, including women and children, and caused fires at energy facilities, prompting temporary disruptions to some operations. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed that facilities in the south were affected. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and vowed to take measures to neutralize the threat.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying the operation was carried out in response to more than 100 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen in recent days.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrQGZhQBs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Policy_Brief: Is the Glass 12.8% Full or 87.2% Empty?: Assessing the success of #Ethiopia’s education reform
Ethiopia’s 2026 Grade 12 examination results show some improvement, but not enough to justify celebrating education reform, argues Mohammedawel Hagos.
He notes that the pass rate rose from 8.4% to 12.8%, while the number of schools with zero passing students fell from 1,232 to 565. Yet 87.2% of examinees—nearly 480,000 students—still failed to qualify for direct university admission. Moreover, the nearly 300,000 decline in the number of examinees over the past five years raises serious questions about access to education and how progress is being measured.
The author concludes, “The time for celebration has not yet come. But the time for accountability is now.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59244
Ethiopia’s 2026 Grade 12 examination results show some improvement, but not enough to justify celebrating education reform, argues Mohammedawel Hagos.
He notes that the pass rate rose from 8.4% to 12.8%, while the number of schools with zero passing students fell from 1,232 to 565. Yet 87.2% of examinees—nearly 480,000 students—still failed to qualify for direct university admission. Moreover, the nearly 300,000 decline in the number of examinees over the past five years raises serious questions about access to education and how progress is being measured.
The author concludes, “The time for celebration has not yet come. But the time for accountability is now.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59244
#Abu_Dhabi National Oil Co. eyes stakes in #Africa’s largest refinery as it expands beyond the #Gulf
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is in talks with major refining companies in #Africa and #Thailand to invest in their businesses as it seeks to secure customers for its crude and expand its fuel-trading operations, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The potential investments mark a shift for #ADNOC, the world’s 12th-largest oil company by production, which has largely relied on its giant Ruwais refinery in the #UAE to supply global fuel markets. Expanding overseas would give the company access to new customers, strengthen its trading business and reduce its reliance on operations in the Persian Gulf.
ADNOC has previously purchased African crude, including Nigerian barrels, for trading and supplied refined products such as gasoline and diesel to markets including #Ethiopia & ..
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Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is in talks with major refining companies in #Africa and #Thailand to invest in their businesses as it seeks to secure customers for its crude and expand its fuel-trading operations, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The potential investments mark a shift for #ADNOC, the world’s 12th-largest oil company by production, which has largely relied on its giant Ruwais refinery in the #UAE to supply global fuel markets. Expanding overseas would give the company access to new customers, strengthen its trading business and reduce its reliance on operations in the Persian Gulf.
ADNOC has previously purchased African crude, including Nigerian barrels, for trading and supplied refined products such as gasoline and diesel to markets including #Ethiopia & ..
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid028wiTYFfCWVfP6tyUXRXja773j24qQyYNi3chg4G7omppdCocxdeEbRXiC3GxX7mAl
News: Drone strike kills three, including two-year-old child, in southeastern #Tigray
A series of drone strikes reportedly killed three people, including a two-year-old child, and injured four others in MyShumet area near Freweyni in #Hintalo_District of southeastern Tigray, according to Tigray Television.
The strikes reportedly began at around 2:00 a.m. on 8 September and hit what district administrator Goytom Tesfay described as a civilian residential area. He told Tigray TV that the attacks resulted in three deaths and injuries to four others.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59250
A series of drone strikes reportedly killed three people, including a two-year-old child, and injured four others in MyShumet area near Freweyni in #Hintalo_District of southeastern Tigray, according to Tigray Television.
The strikes reportedly began at around 2:00 a.m. on 8 September and hit what district administrator Goytom Tesfay described as a civilian residential area. He told Tigray TV that the attacks resulted in three deaths and injuries to four others.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59250
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