SGTD DORALEH TERMINAL (DJIBOUTI) ACHIEVES CONTAINER THROUGHPUT RECORD
https://addisstandard.com/sgtd-doraleh-terminal-djibouti-achieves-container-throughput-record/
SGTD Doraleh Terminal hit a historical milestone at the end of October, by surpassing 1 million TEU in 10 months for the first time in its history. SGTD expects to reach a full-year throughput of 1.2 million TEU. The record volume reflects a balanced blend of O&D and transhipment traffic. In the aftermath of the …
Civil Society Authority suspends CARD, citing ‘lack of political neutrality’; rights group ‘categorically contests’ allegations
https://addisstandard.com/civil-society-authority-suspends-card-citing-lack-of-political-neutrality-rights-group-categorically-contests-allegations/
(Photo: CARD) Addis Abeba– The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) has suspended the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), citing allegations of “activities deemed contrary to the interests of the country” and a “lack of political neutrality.” In a letter reviewed by Addis Standard, ACSO stated, “It was confirmed through supervisory and …
Oromia regional gov’t, OLF condemn ‘gruesome beheading’ of 17-year-old, accuse ‘Fano’ militants of killing
https://addisstandard.com/oromia-regional-govt-olf-condemn-gruesome-beheading-of-17-year-old-accuse-fano-militants-of-killing/
(Photo: Social Media/ Daniel Gemeda) Addis Abeba– The Oromia Regional Government and the opposition party, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), have issued separate statements condemning the horrific killings of a young man identified as “Dereje Amare,” allegedly carried out by the armed group “Fano” in Darra district, North Shewa Zone. The statements follow the widespread …
Beheading of young man in Oromia’s Darra district sparks outrage as violence claims 43 lives in four months
https://addisstandard.com/violence-in-oromias-darra-district-soars-as-fighting-between-armed-groups-govt-forces-escalates-over-43-civilians-dead-in-four-months-of-clashes/
The ongoing conflict in the Darra district of North Shewa Zone, involving armed groups as well as government forces, has continued to result in civilian casualties (Photo: Social Media) Addis Abeba – A disturbing video depicting the gruesome beheading of a young man by armed individuals has circulated widely on social media since the beginning …
Legislators endorse Federal Civil Service bill, bringing structural changes, revised pay scales for gov’t workers
https://addisstandard.com/legislators-endorse-federal-civil-service-bill-bringing-structural-changes-revised-pay-scales-for-govt-workers/
(Photo: HoPR) Addis Abeba – Among the legislative proposals introduced in the final days of the previous fiscal year and carried over to the current year was the draft Federal Civil Servants Proclamation. Six months after its introduction to Parliament, the bill was endorsed yesterday, 19 November, 2024, by the House of Peoples’ Representatives. The bill was …
US congratulates Somaliland president-elect, praised peaceful transfer of power
https://addisstandard.com/us-congratulates-somaliland-president-elect-peaceful-elections/
President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” of the oppostion Waddani Party. Photo: Social Media Addis Abeba – The United States has extended its congratulations to the people of Somaliland on the successful completion of their recent elections, highlighting the region’s commitment to democratic principles. The U.S. also commended president-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” on his victory, …
Shops in Merkato remain shut for over a week as merchants challenge new receipt-based transaction requirement
https://addisstandard.com/shops-in-merkato-remain-shut-for-over-a-week-as-merchants-challenge-new-receipt-based-transaction-requirement/
Photographs taken on 18 November, 2024, capture the business slowdown and shop closures in Merkato (Photo: Addis Standard) Yishak Endris @Yishak_Endris Addis Abeba – For over a week, the vibrant activity in Merkato, Addis Abeba’s largest commercial hub, has been significantly disrupted, with numerous shops remaining closed. The primary reason behind this shutdown is the protest …
Defense ministry denies claims of helicopter crash in Bahir Dar, labels reports as ‘misleading’
https://addisstandard.com/defense-ministry-denies-claims-of-helicopter-crash-in-bahir-dar-labels-reports-as-misleading/
Belay Zeleke International Airport, Bahir Dar, Amhara Region Photo: Social Media) Addis Abeba– The Ethiopian Ministry of Defense has dismissed recent social media claims alleging a helicopter crash in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, describing the claims as “misleading.” In a statement issued on 17 November, 2024, the Ministry explained that the …
Ethiopian Trade Union calls for income tax cuts, economic relief amid rising cost of living
https://addisstandard.com/ethiopian-trade-union-calls-for-income-tax-cuts-economic-relief-amid-rising-cost-of-living/
Kassahun Folo, President of CETU (Photo: Addis Standard) Addis Abeba – The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has called on the federal government to reduce income taxes for fixed-income workers and implement additional measures to mitigate the rising cost of living. Kassahun Follo, President of CETU, told the Voice of America (VOA) that the …
Dozens detained for months without court appearances in Oromia’s Horo Guduru Wollega over alleged ties to OLA; families report abuse
https://addisstandard.com/dozens-detained-for-months-without-court-appearances-in-oromias-horo-guduru-wollega-over-alleged-ties-to-ola-families-report-abuse/
Nafuro Kebel located in Amuru district of Guduru Wollega Zone (Photo: VOA) Addis Abeba – More than 130 civilians have reportedly been detained for over seven months without court appearances at Obora Police Station in Amuru district in Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of the Oromia region on allegations of “having family ties with Oromo Liberation …
International partners commend Somaliland Electoral Commission, urge candidates to accept results
https://addisstandard.com/international-partners-commend-somaliland-electoral-commission-urge-candidates-to-accept-results/
(Photo: Associated Press) Addis Abeba – International partners observing Somaliland’s presidential election commended the National Electoral Commission (NEC) “for conducting a transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process,” according to a joint statement released after the November 13, 2024, vote. The observer delegation, comprising ambassadors and envoys from ten nations, reported monitoring the electoral process …
NBE eases rules for exporters, allowing 50% retention of foreign currency earnings
https://addisstandard.com/nbe-eases-rules-for-exporters-allowing-50-retention-of-foreign-currency-earnings/
Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (Photo: ENA) Addis Abeba – The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has revised its foreign currency retention policy, granting exporters increased flexibility in the use of their hard currency earnings. Effective today, 14 November, 2024, the updated policy permits exporters to retain 50% of the foreign currency they …
Civil society coalition warns against proposed amendment to Ethiopia’s media law, citing threats to regulatory independence
https://addisstandard.com/civil-society-coalition-warns-against-proposed-amendment-to-ethiopias-media-law-citing-threats-to-regulatory-independence/
(Photo: HoPR) Addis Abeba– A coalition of 14 civil society organizations expressed concern over the proposed amendment to Ethiopia’s Mass Media Proclamation, warning that it would place “the media regulatory body under the influence of the executive,” and describing the draft’s submission process as lacking “transparency and inclusiveness.” The draft amendment set to amend Ethiopia’s …
Drivers queue for days as Hawassa’s fuel shortage reaches crisis point; black market prices hit 170 birr per liter
https://addisstandard.com/drivers-queue-for-days-as-hawassas-fuel-shortage-reaches-crisis-point-black-market-prices-hit-170-birr-per-liter/
Drivers in Hawassa report that, due to the ongoing fuel shortage in the city, it has become customary to wait in line for over four days at gas stations to refuel their vehicles (Photo: ENA) Addis Abeba – Drivers in Hawassa, the capital of Sidama Regional State, report an acute and worsening fuel shortage, which they …
UN conducts fourth review of Ethiopia’s human rights record amid mounting allegations of rights abuses
https://addisstandard.com/un-conducts-fourth-review-of-ethiopias-human-rights-record-amid-mounting-allegations-of-rights-abuses/
Addis Abeba– Ethiopia’s human rights record is under review today, 12 November 2024, by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group, marking the fourth assessment of the country’s human rights practices. Ethiopia’s review is part of the UPR Working Group’s ongoing session from 4 to 15 November, during which the …
Tigray embarks on rehabilitation of Aksum Obelisk, restoration of Al-Nejashi Mosque amid push to revive tourism sector
https://addisstandard.com/tigray-embarks-on-rehabilitation-of-aksum-obelisk-restoration-of-al-nejashi-mosque-amid-push-to-revive-tourism-sector/
Aksum Obelisk, known as Stelae Three, which is believed to have been erected in the fourth century, has remained in its original position throughout history (Photo: Social Media) Addis Abeba – A new study and rehabilitation plan has been initiated for the ancient historical and archaeological site of the Aksum Obelisk, commonly known as Stelae Three. In …
Council of Ministers approves nearly 600 billion birr supplement, raising total budget to 1.5 trillion birr
https://addisstandard.com/council-of-ministers-approves-nearly-600-billion-birr-supplement-raising-total-budget-to-1-5-trillion-birr/
(Photo: Office of the Prime Minister) Addis Abeba – The Council of Ministers has authorized a substantial supplementary budget of 581.98 billion birr for the current fiscal year, bringing the total budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year to over 1.5 trillion birr. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Council of …
Tigray launches DDR program for 75,000 ex-combatants, Mekelle to receive 320 in first week
https://addisstandard.com/tigray-launches-ddr-program-for-75000-ex-combatants-mekelle-to-receive-320-in-first-week/
(Photo:ENA) Addis Abeba-The disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program for 75,000 former combatants in Tigray officially began today, November 21, 2024, the National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) announced. Mekelle, one of three designated DDR centers, is set to process 320 combatants within the first week, alongside Edaga Hamus and Adwa, which will also serve as hubs …
Oromia residents report widespread forced conscription, allege detentions, ‘extortion’ by gov’t forces
https://addisstandard.com/oromia-residents-report-widespread-forced-conscription-allege-detentions-extortion-by-govt-forces/
(Photo: BBC) Addis Abeba– Residents from various parts of the Oromia region have reported a significant increase in forced conscription for military training, with government security forces allegedly targeting youth across the region. A mother from Adama City, speaking anonymously for her safety, recounted an incident involving her 17-year-old son, Tedla Hirigo, who was detained …
Tigray region reports a surge in malaria cases, with 17,000 weekly infections recorded amid healthcare disruptions
https://addisstandard.com/tigray-region-reports-a-surge-in-malaria-cases-with-17000-weekly-infections-recorded-amid-healthcare-disruptions/
(Photo: Deutsche Welle (DW)) Addis Abeba – The Tigray Regional Health Bureau has reported an alarming surge in malaria cases, with 17,000 new infections recorded weekly over the past two weeks and 13 related deaths documented in the last three months. Aregay Gebremedhin, head of the Disease Prevention and Control Team, told Deutsche Welle (DW) …
Senior US officials, Ethiopian Defense Minister discuss conflicts in Amhara and Oromia, DDR efforts in Tigray
https://addisstandard.com/senior-us-officials-discuss-amhara-and-oromia-conflicts-ddr-efforts-in-tigray-with-ethiopian-defense-minister/
(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba) Addis Abeba – Senior U.S. officials met on Monday with Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, to discuss the ongoing militarized conflicts in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions, as well as efforts to advance Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) in Tigray, according to a report from the U.S. Embassy …
Somaliland denounces Mogadishu official’s comments on elections and sovereignty
https://addisstandard.com/somaliland-denounces-mogadishu-officials-comments-on-elections-and-sovereignty/
Dr Isse Keyd, Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation. Photo: Somaliland MoFA Addis Abeba – The Government Somaliland has strongly rejected recent remarks made by Ahmed Fiqi, the Foreign Minister of Somalia, describing his statements as “unfounded and inflammatory.” In a statement on Sunday, Somaliland officials criticized the Mogadishu official for comments that …
Although earthquakes measuring 5.0 or higher are relatively uncommon in Ethiopia, ‘they still pose a significant risk to infrastructure and human safety’- Atalay Ayele (Prof.), a geophysicist
https://addisstandard.com/although-earthquakes-measuring-5-0-or-higher-are-relatively-uncommon-in-ethiopia-they-still-pose-a-significant-risk-to-infrastructure-and-human-safety-atalay-ayele-prof-a-geoph/
Addis Abeba – A light earthquake struck near 9 p.m. on a Sunday night in late September 2024, originating from the Mount Awash Fentale area—an earthquake-prone zone. While initially classified as minor, seismic activity in the area intensified in the following weeks, including a 4.9-magnitude quake on 06 October. People felt this tremor not only in …
Ethiopia congratulates Somaliland for conducting peaceful, democratic elections
https://addisstandard.com/ethiopia-congratulates-somaliland-for-conducting-peaceful-democratic-elections/
Addis Abeba – Ethiopia, through an offcial letter released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the people of Somaliland for conducting “a peaceful and democratic election.” Ethiopia also commended Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting a free and fair election. “This process reflects the maturity of Somaliland’s governance and democratic system,” the statement …
Ethiopia vows continued fight against al-Shabaab ‘in any way possible’ despite Somalia’s push to exclude it from upcoming AU mission
https://addisstandard.com/ethiopia-vows-continued-fight-against-al-shabaab-in-any-way-possible-despite-somalias-push-to-exclude-it-from-upcoming-au-mission/
Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Photo: MoFA) Addis Abeba– Ethiopia announced that its efforts to “weaken al-Shabaab will continue in any way possible” to ensure the group does not pose a threat to national security and that “the victories achieved thus far are not reversed.” In a weekly briefing on …
Can Ethiopia’s new real estate bill address industry scandals, close regulatory gaps in a growing market?
https://addisstandard.com/can-ethiopias-new-real-estate-bill-address-industry-scandals-close-regulatory-gaps-in-a-growing-market/
Haile Real Estate, located in Ayat area, Lemi Kura sub-city, Addis Abeba, provides quality residential buildings with nearby amenities. (Photo:Addis Standard) By Abdi Biyenssa @ABiyenssa Addis Abeba– Ethiopia’s real estate sector has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, fueled by urban expansion and rising housing demand in cities such as Addis Abeba. Developers have responded …
Violent clashes grip Robit town as conflict escalates in Amhara region
https://addisstandard.com/violent-clashes-grip-robit-town-as-conflict-escalates-in-amhara-region/
(Photo: Ambassel District Communications) Addis Abeba – A battle occurred last Saturday in Robit and surrounding areas within the Ambassel district of South Wollo Zone in the Amhara region, resulting in casualties, according to residents who spoke with Addis Standard. Local residents, who requested anonymity for security reasons, reported that the fighting on 09 November, 2024, involved …
A pivotal election: Somaliland’s fate hangs in the balance as voters head to the polls
https://addisstandard.com/a-pivotal-election-somalilands-fate-hangs-in-the-balance-as-voters-head-to-the-polls/
Voters in Somaliland’s Borama region line up to cast their ballots in a highly anticipated election.Photo by Kiprotich Peter, Election Observer By Hussien Mohamed Yusuf Addis Abeba – As Somaliland reached a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, citizens are casting their votes today in an election anticipated not only for its outcome but for …
CPJ’s five-year review reveals significant decline in press freedom since Ethiopia’s last review
https://addisstandard.com/cpjs-five-year-press-freedom-review-reveals-significant-decline-in-press-freedom-since-ethiopias-last-review/
Ethiopia Review – 47th Session of Universal Periodic Review. Photo: Screenshot/AS Addis Abeba – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) presented to the UN’s Human Rights Council a five-year review of press freedom in Ethiopia ahead of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Ethiopia at the 47th Session taking place today by the …
Gov’t workers report delayed salary increase despite Civil Service Commission’s announcement of disbursement
https://addisstandard.com/govt-workers-report-delayed-salary-increase-despite-civil-service-commissions-announcement-of-disbursement/
Civil servants boarding a bus operated by the Public Service Transport Service, an entity that administers a state-funded program providing free transportation to government employees (Photo: the Public Service Transport Service/Facebook) Addis Abeba – Despite an announcement by the Civil Service Commission that civil servants received the new salary increment in their October payments, many …