Addis Standard

09/09/2025

Team and congratulate the people of Ethiopia on the historic milestone of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The stands as Ethiopia’s pride, a monument to sacrifice, unity, and unshakable determination.

Today, we celebrate the GERD as more than steel and concrete: it is the heartbeat of Ethiopia, the symbol of dignity, and the triumph of a country that dared the impossible and made it real.

In celebrating this achievement, we honor the unthinkable vision of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who laid its foundations, and remember with deep respect the limitless dream and tireless dedication of GERD’s late Chief Engineer, Semegnew Bekele.

Congratulations, Ethiopia. The GERD is our pride.

Team and congratulate the people of Ethiopia on the historic milestone of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.The stands as Eth...

09/09/2025

: interim president warns of “visible cloud of war,” urges federal government to fully implement

Amid rising tensions in Tigray and between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, president of the Tigray Interim Administration, has warned of a “visible cloud of war” and urged the federal government to fully implement the Pretoria Peace Agreement, following local protests in Maichew over a leadership reshuffle. The 2025 Global Peace Index has identified Ethiopia- as one of four conflict dyads at highest risk of rapid escalation, while Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister accused Eritrea of supporting TPLF factions and armed groups, warning that such actions threaten fragile peace in the Horn of Africa.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52359

09/09/2025

: Breaking Past, Building Future: inauguration shatters myth of ‘historical rights’ on

In this op-ed, Hassen Mama Muse argues that 's completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) marks a new era for the Nile River, moving away from outdated colonial treaties and toward a more just and cooperative future. He notes that for decades, and have claimed "historical rights" to the Nile's waters, based on agreements from the British colonial era that effectively denied upstream nations like Ethiopia a share of the river. Hassen emphasizes that these treaties are illegitimate under international law, as "a treaty cannot impose obligations or confer rights on a third party."

The author explains that the GERD represents Ethiopia's legal right to "equitable and reasonable utilization" of the Nile. As a non-consumptive hydroelectric project, the dam not only provides electricity for Ethiopia but also offers benefits to downstream countries, such as flood control and reduced siltation. Hassen contends that for lasting stability and shared prosperity, it is "essential for downstream states, particularly Egypt and Sudan, to move beyond their claims of historical rights and embrace the principles of international water law."

Drawing on examples from the Mekong Commission, the Indus Treaty, and the Columbia River deal—all of which prove that “water can be a tool for peace, not conflict”—the article highlights the importance of shared responsibility and mutual benefit over individual claims.

The author highlights that the Nile’s future lies not in colonial entitlements but in collective stewardship. He concludes, “The GERD is not an act of aggression but rather a rightful exercise of Ethiopia's legal right to develop its resources for the benefit of its people within the context of transboundary watercourse usage.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52352

09/09/2025

forces launch joint security operation with troops in southern Somalia

Security forces from ’s Jubaland regional state, in coordination with Ethiopian troops and local police, have launched a wide-ranging operation for a second consecutive day in and around the town of Doolow, near the Ethiopian border.

According to Mogadishu based Shebelle Media, the joint operation extends to key road networks linking the districts of , , and Hawo. Authorities said the campaign aims to prevent threats posed by al-Shabaab militants and ensure the safety of civilians. “Our objective is to pre-empt any potential security threats and to stabilize the area,” said Mohamud Abdi Hashi, the regional police commander, during a press briefing alongside Mohamed Hassan Bulle, head of regional security.

The commanders urged residents to cooperate with the ongoing efforts, which include patrols, checkpoints, and search missions across several villages. Officials said the security drive is part of a broader push by Somali regional forces to restore order in the Gedo region, amid rising tensions between the federal government in Mogadishu and Jubaland authorities over control of key areas.

The coordinated operation also comes amid reports that military personnel may be deployed to the region in the near future, a move seen by analysts as part of broader regional posturing linked to strained Egypt–Ethiopia relations. Security officials in Gedo described the operation as “strategic and preventive,” and said it would continue until “peace is fully restored” to the region.

https://shabellemedia.com/jubaland-forces-launch-joint-security-operation-with-ethiopian-troops-in-southern-somalia/

09/09/2025

News: EIB Global partners with three banks to boost climate finance

Addis Ababa – The European Investment Bank’s development arm, Global, has signed technical assistance agreements with Bank, Bank and Bank to strengthen their capacity in managing climate risks and expanding green lending in Ethiopia.

The deal, announced on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, is the first of its kind in the country and part of the Greening Financial Systems Program, financed by Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI).

“Financial institutions play a critical role in addressing climate-related risks and directing financial flows to zero-carbon and climate-resilient projects,” said Leyla Traoré, EIB Head of Representation to Ethiopia and the African Union, in a statement shared with Addis Standard.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52354

09/09/2025

: Over 300 houses damaged by strong winds in Eda’ga Arbi, Central

More than 300 houses were damaged after strong winds accompanied by heavy rains struck Eda’ga Arbi town in Central Tigray, local officials said.

The woreda administration told local media that the winds hit the town around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, causing extensive damage to both private and government property.

Several electricity poles were also knocked down, some catching fire as a result. A committee has been established to assess the extent of the damage, while authorities are calling for urgent support to assist affected residents. No casualties have been reported so far.

09/09/2025

, : The official inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( ) is underway.

The unveiling of the commemorative plaques was led by President William Ruto of Kenya and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, later joined by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Also in attendance are President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, along with other invited dignitaries.

Video: State House Kenya

09/09/2025

leaders seek to offer climate model after pullback

African leaders aim to offer a global model for tackling the climate crisis through green investments, they said on Monday, after the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement deflated the fight against climate change.

The continent, which has been buffeted by landslides, floods and droughts this year, is holding its second climate summit in Ethiopia, seeking a common voice ahead of global climate talks in Brazil, COP30.

"We are not here to negotiate our survival. We are here to design the world's next climate economy," Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the opening ceremony.

Leaders have been positioning the 54-nation continent as ripe for investments in carbon capture, renewable energy, critical minerals for green technology and food production to keep development on track amid the climate crisis.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/african-leaders-seek-offer-climate-model-after-us-pullback-2025-09-08/

09/09/2025

The pride of - What it took to build 's largest hydro-electric

The vastness of the building site was at first overwhelming for the young Ethiopian mechanical engineer.

Hundreds were already digging the foundations in tough conditions for what is now Africa's largest hydro-electric dam, straddling the Blue Nile.

Moges Yeshiwas was 27 when he arrived in that remote corner of western Ethiopia in 2012, eager to gain valuable experience in his profession. The completion of the project is set to change his nation, but it also changed his life.

On a personal level, Mr Moges, now 40, was also "very proud to be part of it".

"Watching the dam's progress day by day was deeply satisfying. I came seeking employment, but somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a job. I grew attached to the project, worrying about its future as if it were my own."

People from all walks of life contributed to building the dam through donations and the purchase of government-issued bonds.

Clinical nurse Kiros Asfaw was one of those.

Despite being from the Tigray region, which was blighted by a two-year civil war, he contributed when he could to the dam's construction ever since the plans were first announced in 2011.

He says he bought government bonds more than 100 times – though he had to pause his purchases during the conflict, when basic services, including banking, were suspended in Tigray.

Mr Kiros' motivation was rooted in remarks made by Ethiopia's late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who oversaw the beginning of the project, that all Ethiopians must come together in backing the dam.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4qx6377qgo

08/09/2025

– A light show lit up the skies over in Benishangul Gumuz region on the eve of the official inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( ). The show is being broadcast live on state owned stations.

08/09/2025

project manager says , should have shared half of construction cost

In a televised interview, Eng. Kifle Horo, project manager of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said the project brings significant benefits not only to Ethiopia but also to downstream countries, particularly Sudan and Egypt. He emphasized that Sudan will benefit from consistent water flow, reduced flooding, full reservoirs, and year-round farming opportunities.

On Egypt, Kifle noted that the dam’s location in Ethiopia reduces evaporation compared to Egypt’s plain-based reservoir, potentially saving an additional 4 billion cubic meters of water annually.

He argued that given these advantages, “Sudan should have covered at least 30% and Egypt 20% of the cost,” adding that instead of cooperating, both countries opposed the project, costing Ethiopia lives and resources.

Watch!

08/09/2025

76 people, including nationals, arrested for , , and arms

The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has arrested 76 individuals, 45 foreign nationals and 31 Ethiopians, suspected of involvement in illegal gold, currency, and arms trafficking across several regions of the country.

According to a statement sent to state media, the suspects were apprehended during operations in Addis Abeba, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, Amhara, Sidama, and Southwestern Ethiopia.

NISS said the suspects were engaged in crimes including the illegal production, concealment, and trafficking of gold, as well as the trafficking of Ethiopian birr, other foreign currencies, and various weapons.

The statement added that searches conducted during the operation led to the seizure of over 7 kg of gold products and jewelry, gold melting and weighing tools, GPS devices, and washing chemicals. Authorities also confiscated 19,707,465 Ethiopian birr, 285,797 US dollars, 207,910 euros, 4,075 Turkish lira, 16 dirhams, other foreign currency notes, and different types of weapons.

NISS described the criminal network as deliberately attempting to disrupt microeconomic reforms, drive inflation, create community pressure, destabilize livelihoods, and threaten the country’s economy.

NISS said its operations are ongoing and called on the public to report any similar illegal activities.