Response to our readers requesting election day reporting from #Addis_Standard We regret to inform you that Addis Standard is unable to provide the election day field reporting coverage we had prepared and intended to deliver. This follows the unjustified measure taken against Addis Standard by the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) through the announcement of the “revocation” of our registration certificate. As a direct consequence, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) declined to issue accreditation badges to the ten journalists and two camera crew members whose names we formally submitted in compliance with the Board’s accreditation requirements. This outcome is not an isolated administrative decision. Rather, it reflects a broader and sustained pattern of institutional actions that have systematically constrained and disabled our work, including at a time when our newsroom was finalizing preparations for a special election coverage plan in March 2026. During the 2021 national election, our newsroom deployed seven journalists across multiple locations in four regional states to provide live, on-the-ground reporting and bring diverse realities of the electoral process to our audiences. The accompanying photographs document that commitment. We had hoped to do more this year through a portal exclusively dedicated for the election - addisstandard.com/eth-electi… Click here to read the full statement addisstandard.com/?p=57343

#AS_Editorial: ‘Break this chain of attacks’: #East_Arsi's bloodshed persisted because impunity prevailed A government that repeatedly fails to prevent foreseeable atrocities, repeatedly fails to identify perpetrators, and repeatedly fails to secure justice cannot absolve itself of responsibility. Through inaction, negligence, and ineffective response, it is becoming an accessory to the cycle of violence. East Arsi does not need another statement of concern. It needs answers. It needs accountability. And it needs an independent investigation with the authority to establish who is killing civilians, who is enabling the violence, and why the state continues to fail those it is constitutionally obligated to protect. addisstandard.com/?p=57692

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 youtube.com/watch?v=unu0JyM9…

News: ‘Despite several attempts,’ #French Embassy yet to receive response from Media Authority on journalist #Augustine_Passilly’s deportation Speaking to #Addis_Standard, the French Embassy said it had requested a meeting with the #Ethiopian Media Authority following #Passilly's expulsion from #Ethiopia but had not received a response. "The embassy requested a meeting with the Ethiopian Media Authority regarding the situation of French journalist Augustine Passilly. Despite several attempts, the embassy is still waiting for a response or clarification on the reasons behind her deportation," the embassy said. addisstandard.com/?p=57695

#UK announces #social_media ban for under-16s, citing child safety concerns Addis Abeba – The UK government has announced a sweeping ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, with the restrictions set to take effect in spring 2027. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the policy on 15 June, describing it as a landmark measure to protect children from online harms and restore what he called “the childhood they deserve.” The move follows the government’s “Growing up in the online world” consultation, which received more than 116,000 responses and found that around nine in ten parents supported setting a minimum social media age of 16. Under the new rules, major social media platforms that rely on user interaction and algorithm-driven content, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube’s social features, and X, will be required to block users under 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp will remain exempt, according to The Guadian. The UK government also plans wider safeguards, including restrictions on livestreaming, contact with adult strangers, and access to AI-powered “romantic companion” chatbots, while considering additional measures such as curfews and limits on addictive features like infinite scrolling. Platforms will be required to introduce robust age-verification systems, with legislation expected to be presented to Parliament before Christmas. The ban builds on the UK’s Online Safety Act, the BBC reported, and comes amid growing concerns from health professionals, law enforcement officials, campaigners, and bereaved families about the effects of excessive social media use on young people’s wellbeing. While the proposal has received strong backing from many parents and child-safety advocates, technology companies including Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat have warned that the restrictions could push teenagers toward less-regulated online spaces and make enforcement more difficult. Critics have also questioned whether a blanket ban is more effective than tighter regulation of harmful platform features.

#Ethiopian coffee sees growing demand in #Chinese market Ethiopia is home to more than 6,000 #coffee varieties, and coffee accounts for around 35 percent of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Nebiyu Mohamed Bogale, minister at the Ethiopian Embassy in China, said that China has become an important market for Ethiopian coffee, with demand continuing to grow and the product gradually entering more restaurant and retail channels. He described Ethiopian coffee as one of the most recommended national products, known for its aroma and taste, and its coffee beans are often chosen as gifts. Apart from coffee, his time living in China has also exposed him to a wide range of local products. "When I go to different provinces, I used to buy something that is particular to that region," he said, adding that he often brings back a variety of local products when returning home, including clothing, footwear, and electronics. shoppinginchina.chinaservice…

#Commentary: Silent Warfare, Systemic Deprivation: #Tigray’s post-war strangulation under three competing forces Hagos Mezgebe Atsbaha argues that post-war Tigray has not transitioned into peace but instead remains subject to what he describes as “silent warfare", sustained through legal, economic, political, and social coercion by three competing forces: the federal government, #Eritrean forces, and internal Tigrean factions. He contends that the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA) has been selectively implemented, contributing to continued occupation, administrative fragmentation, and restrictions on humanitarian access. Hagos notes that "rather than reconstruction, Tigray has been pushed into engineered dependency", reflected in blocked development initiatives, delayed salary payments, and constrained aid flows. He emphasizes that this form of asymmetric pressure does not constitute stability but rather amounts to “the continuation of war by other means". addisstandard.com/?p=57684

News: #WHO chief #Tedros_Adhanom condemns xenophobic violence in #South_Africa, reports #Ethiopian deaths In a statement shared on social media on 14 June, Tedros described the violence as "profoundly heartbreaking" and said hundreds of people had marched on Parliament while thousands of families had been displaced. According to Tedros, the victims include at least five Ethiopians who were killed in the attacks, as well as five #Mozambican nationals who died in #Mossel_Bay. "Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives," he said. Tedros said the violence represented a betrayal of the solidarity shown by #African countries during South Africa's struggle against #apartheid, recalling Ethiopia's support for former South African President #Nelson_Mandela. addisstandard.com/?p=57687

#Ethiopia: Prominent #Amharic traditional music artist #Semahegn_Belew passes away after illness Addis Abeba – Prominent Ethiopian vocalist Semahegn Belew, popularly known as “Seme Balageru,” has passed away after battling an illness, family members confirmed to state media. Semahegn was a celebrated figure in Ethiopia’s music scene, known for his lively Amharic traditional songs, cultural performances, and energetic stage presence. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he earned widespread recognition for preserving and popularizing Amharic traditional music through his distinctive vocal style and deep connection to his cultural heritage. His work, marked by upbeat rhythms made him a beloved artist among audiences across the country. Citing information obtained from his family, state media reported that Semahegn passed away today while undergoing medical treatment. Further details regarding the cause of death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available. Semahegn is survived by his wife and four children.

#Somali referee denied #US entry for World Cup will receive full FIFA fee Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who ​was denied entry into the ‌United States to officiate at the #World_Cup, will be paid his full tournament ​fee. The #Trump administration said the ​United States had denied Artan entry ⁠for the World Cup because of ​his links to "suspected members of ​terror organizations". A source familiar with the matter said even though Artan will take no part ​in the World Cup, #FIFA ​has committed to paying his salary. Artan, #Africa's referee ‌of ⁠the year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at soccer's global showpiece, ​but ​was turned ⁠back by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, he returned ​home to a hero's welcome ​while ⁠European soccer body UEFA appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match ⁠between ​Paris St Germain ​and Aston Villa in August. (Reuters)

#Ethiopia- At least 28 killed after passenger bus plunges into ravine on #Dessie–#Addis_Abeba route Addis Abeba – At least 28 people were killed after a public transport vehicle traveling from Dessie to Addis Abeba veered off the road and plunged into a ravine along the Harego road between Dessie and Kombolcha, according to Amhara Regional State Communication Bureau. The accident occurred on 15 June and also left several passengers injured, with some reported to have sustained serious injuries. According to the bureau, the vehicle fell into a ravine estimated to be about 100 meters deep after the crash. Authorities said efforts were underway to transport survivors to nearby health facilities for treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

#DR_Congo Ebola cases rise to 782 and deaths reach 178 as outbreak spreads to more health zones The number of confirmed #Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (#DRC) has risen to 782, including 178 deaths, as the outbreak spread to two more health zones, health authorities said in their latest situation report. Seventy-two new confirmed cases, including 29 deaths, were reported on Saturday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, according to the report published Sunday by the country's public health authorities. The two newly affected health zones are Nia-Nia in Ituri and Mabalako in North Kivu, bringing the total number of affected health zones to 31 across three provinces: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. A health zone is a local public health management unit responsible for surveillance, case reporting and response coordination. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, was officially declared on May 15. A total of 359 patients were in isolation or hospitalized as of Saturday, while 40 patients had recovered, the report said. Authorities also reported 136 suspected cases, including 49 deaths, on Saturday. A total of 6,275 contacts were under follow-up in the three affected provinces, but only 3,548 were seen, putting the overall contact follow-up rate at 56.5 percent, well below the 95 percent target. (Xinhua)

A tentative deal is reached to end the #Iran war and #Trump orders a stop to the #US naval blockade The #United_States and Iran reached an initial agreement early Monday to open the Strait of Hormuz and further extend a shaky ceasefire in the Iran war, potentially allowing desperately needed oil and natural gas to reach the global market. Details of the deal were not immediately released and Iran signaled implementation would not start until the signing, which key mediator #Pakistan said would occur Friday in #Switzerland. It could provide a way to end a war that killed thousands across the #Middle_East, including the top leaders of Iran’s theocracy, and sparked a historic energy crisis. But the memorandum of understanding over the war already faced intense challenges. #Israel’s continued hostilities with the #Iranian-backed militia #Hezbollah in #Lebanon, where Israel bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs Sunday, nearly derailed the negotiations. Meanwhile, the deal gives just 60 days to resolve what to do about Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its atomic program. That took years to resolve in Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from that accord in his first term, setting the stage for the tensions that culminated in the war. “Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on social media as he celebrated his 80th birthday Sunday with a UFC cage match fight at the White House. He added, “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade,” which was imposed in retaliation for Iran’s grip on the crucial waterway. apnews.com/article/iran-us-w…

News: #Somaliland president arrives in #Israel for first official visit, set to open embassy in #Jerusalem The multi-day visit comes nearly six months after Israel became the first and only United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence on 26 December 2025. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to secure broader international recognition. During his visit, President Abdullahi is expected to hold talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on expanding bilateral cooperation in a range of sectors, including technology, agriculture, water management, energy, security and trade. addisstandard.com/?p=57681

Feature: #Abbaa_Gadaa #Goobana_Hoolaa hands over the #Alangee after eight years, ushering in a new #Tuulama Gadaa cycle In an interview with #Addis_Standard, Sumayyaa Usmaan, Head of the East Shewa Zone Culture and Tourism Bureau, said: “The purpose of #Ginna_Buufachuu is to demonstrate that the individual who held the Gadaa power and carried the burden of the people for years is now transferring that burden or responsibility. By doing so, he is purified in body and mind to transition into a new phase of rest.” During the ceremony held today, representatives formally endorsed the Muudana Gadaa class, which will assume responsibility for leading the Tuulama community over the next eight years. As part of the transition, #Geetuu_Taliilaa_Odaa, from the #Muudana_Gadaa class, was appointed as the new Abbaa Gadaa and entrusted with guiding the Tuulama Gadaa through the coming eight-year leadership cycle. addisstandard.com/?p=57670

The Standard Signal Ep.22 | Prof. Ezekiel Gebissa on Ethiopia's Election & Legitimacy x.com/i/broadcasts/1qxvvvRpV…

#Coming_UP: The Standard Signal Ep.22| War After the Vote? Prof. Ezekiel Gebissa on Ethiopia’s Election, Legitimacy, and ‘Tsimdo’ "War should be the last resort, not the first choice." Professor Ezekiel Gebissa joins Tsedale Lemma to discuss Ethiopia's election, renewed war rhetoric, the politics of ‘Tsimdo’ and why many fear the country is heading toward another dangerous crossroads. Did Ethiopia's election deliver legitimacy or deepen the political crisis? What is ‘Tsimdo’, and how has it become a powerful and controversial force in Ethiopia's latest political discourse? Watch the full conversation on Addis Standard. Premiers at: 5:00 PM EAT today. Subscribe to watch: youtube.com/@AddisStandard #TheStandardSignal #EthiopiaElection #Tsimdo #Ethiopia #Eritrea #Egypt #TPLF #Tigray #ProsperityParty #EthiopiaPolitics #HornOfAfrica #AddisStandard #EzekielGebissa #TsedaleLemma

#Polish firefighters teach life-saving skills to #Ethiopian rescuers The training is being carried out in #Arba_Minch, southern Ethiopia, by instructors working with the Polish Center for International Aid Foundation (PCPM), which has provided humanitarian support to the country for years. The two-week course focuses on practical rescue skills, including firefighting, first aid, emergency communication and team management during rescue operations. Instructors are also teaching firefighters how to use specialist equipment, including tools carried on fire trucks, water fittings and extinguishing foam. “We are trying to introduce practical, real-life elements into these exercises,” Bartosz Kozak, one of the Polish instructors, told Poland’s public broadcaster TVP Info. “It is certainly a very positive experience to be able to share the knowledge and skills I gained during my training in Poland, and to help develop the fire service here on the ground,” he added. tvpworld.com/93780106/from-f…

News: Cardinal Berhaneyesus retires as #Pope_Leo XIV appoints Bishop Tesfaye Tadesse to lead #Addis_Abeba Archdiocese Pope Leo XIV has accepted the retirement of #Cardinal_Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel from the pastoral leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Abeba and appointed Auxiliary #Bishop_Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie as his successor, according to a report by ACI Africa. The appointment was announced by the Holy See Press Office on Friday, 12 June, and communicated the same day by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, a continental Catholic news agency ACI Africa reported. Cardinal Berhaneyesus, 77, has led the Archdiocese of Addis Abeba since July 1999, when he was appointed archbishop by Pope John Paul II following his tenure as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese. His successor, Bishop Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, was born in #Harar and is a member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ). He made his perpetual profession in 1994 and was ordained a priest in Addis Abeba in August 1995. addisstandard.com/?p=57661

#UAE paid #Iran billions of dollars to halt strikes: Report The UAE paid Iran billions of dollars in return for a halt to attacks on the country in an about-face for the Gulf state that staked out the most hawkish position on Iran, lobbying the US to continue waging war on the Islamic Republic, Reuters reported on Friday. The UAE has already delivered $3bn to Iran as part of the agreement, which two regional sources said reached as high as $10bn. Two other sources told Reuters that the UAE would eventually pay Iran $20bn. The report reflects a stunning turn of events for Abu Dhabi and an indicator that Iran has emerged stronger from the war. The UAE joined the US and Israel in conducting dozens of strikes on Iran during the war. It also tried to prevent Pakistan from mediating an end to the conflict. Saudi Arabia had to supply a fresh loan to Islamabad after the UAE called in its debt obligations as punishment for hosting talks. middleeasteye.net/news/uae-p…

News: CPJ condemns expulsion of #French journalist following reporting trip to #Tigray The Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ) has condemned Ethiopia's expulsion of French journalist #Augustine_Passilly following a reporting trip to Tigray, calling on authorities to reverse the decision and allow her to continue reporting in the country. #Passilly, a correspondent for the French #Catholic_daily #La_Croix, left #Ethiopia on 11 June after authorities revoked her press accreditation and residence permit and issued her an exit visa. The measures followed a reporting trip to #Shire, in Tigray, from 03 to 06 June, where she had traveled to report on residents' concerns over the possibility of renewed conflict in the region. addisstandard.com/?p=57659