Addis Ababa, April 30,2025 (ENA)— Troops of Southern African regional bloc, Southern African Development Community (SADC) have begun leaving the troubled eastern part of DR Congo. Southern African troops have started evacuating the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where they had been stranded since a January offensive by the M23 armed group, a regional official told AFP Tuesday. The 16-nation Southern African Development Community decided last month to end its deployment to the mineral-rich country after 17 of its soldiers were killed in the conflict. "Today they started moving. It is part of the withdrawal plan, nothing unusual," the SADC official said, confirming reports in South African newspapers. "Soldiers are moving by road to Tanzania," he said. M23 in control of DRC's east The Rwanda-backed M23 has taken control of large swathes of North and South Kivu provinces since the group resurfaced in 2021 and made major advances in recent months, including capturing the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. Last week, Rwanda and the DRC signed a US-backed joint declaration committing to reach a draft peace agreement by May 2, but fighting has continued. The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) – made up of soldiers from Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa – was sent to the region in December 2023 to help the government of the DRC, also a SADC member, restore peace and security. The size of the deployment has never been made public, but analysts estimate it to number at least 1,300 troops. 'Adding to problems that already existed' Rwanda's government has repeatedly criticised the presence of the SAMIDRC force in the DRC, saying the deployment was "adding to the problems that already existed." Last month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he hoped the SAMIDRC withdrawal would "consolidate" efforts towards a truce. Calls for evacuation had been mounting in South Africa – which contributes most of the troops – after 14 soldiers were killed in January. Most were from the SADC mission but at least two were deployed as part of a separate United Nations peacekeeping force. Soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania participating in the mission have also been killed.

Addis Ababa, April 30, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gedion Timothewos underscored the need for countries of the Global South to deepen cooperation for shared security and prosperity highlighting the unprecedented political crisis confronting global governance. The BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting concluded today in Rio di Janeiro, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry. At the Ministerial Session on “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism”, Minister Gedion highlighted the longstanding record of the Global South in upholding non alignment and ensuring the full and effective implementation of the UN Charter and promoting the causes of decolonization, peaceful resolution of disputes, friendly relations among nations, the right to development, and global peace and security. Highlighting the unprecedented political crisis confronting global governance, Gedion underscored the need for countries of the Global South to deepen cooperation for shared security and prosperity. He emphasized the need to employing comparative advantages of countries in the Global South over agriculture, energy development, technology, ICT, military, trade, connectivity in a bid to promote the common good of the Global South. The Minister underlined competing interests in the global arena must be managed and reconciled through solidarity and maintaining commitment to questions of global consequence. On the sidelines of the Ministerial sessions, Minister Gedion held bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi. In their discussions, the two ministers highlighted the importance of deepening bilateral relations with special focus on economic and trade ties. They also agreed to further strengthen consultations at multilateral forums. The Minister also held meetings with Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation of the UAE, and Maris Sangiampongsa, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. Discussions covered ways to expand bilateral relations on areas of mutual interest and deepen cooperation through tangible initiatives. The BRICS meeting of foreign ministers saw the participation of the foreign ministers of the partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Uganda.

Addis A baba, April 30, 2025 (ENA)— Criminal investigation directors and security experts from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) began a three-day meeting in Tanzania on Monday to discuss the challenges posed by organized transnational crime and to develop joint strategies to combat the vice. Transnational organized crime is indeed a major concern in Africa and globally, posing significant threats to security, stability, and development. This type of crime, involving criminal groups operating across borders, fuels various illicit activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, undermining governance and impacting the lives of millions. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)'s recent reports indicate that transnational organized crime has significantly increased to become a major security threat, especially in Africa, the second most affected continent. There are calls for coordinated responses based on the UN's Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), adopted in 2000 by the international community in Palermo, Italy. The security experts are meeting in the port city of Dar es Salaam under the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO) to enhance coordinated strategies to fight organized transnational crime. Tanzanian Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura said the agenda of the meeting focuses on organized transnational crime, including human trafficking, drug trafficking and abuse, terrorism, cybercrime, and financial crime. Wambura said the rise of modern crime using advanced technology requires strong and close cooperation among SADC member states to build collective strength to effectively address threats to regional security. "Cross-border security challenges require true regional solidarity. Through forums like this, we gain the opportunity to share experiences, intelligence, and best investigative practices to ensure our region remains secure," he said. SARPCCO was formed in 1995 by SADC member states with primary responsibility for preventing and combating cross-border and transnational organized crime.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA)— The Amhara region has been currently making strides toward peace and development, Chief Administrator of the region, Arega Kebede revealed. Chief Administrator Arega spoke with ENA about the region's current situation highlighting the important strides being made towards achieving lasting peace and development. Arega also recalled that the challenges to peace and security in the region were mainly associated with political extremism and polarized approaches. Acknowledging political extremism as a major threat to peace and security, the chief administrator noted that the leadership of the region at the time had taken a moderate stance in addressing the problem as expected. He also pointed out that extremist elements have inflicted human, material, social and psychological harm to the residents of the region, underscoring the multidimensional impacts of political extremism on communities. The government has carried out effective activities by engaging the community to bring peace in the region, Arega further explained. As the residents of the region have recognized the true nature of the extremist group, Arega elaborated that it has marked a critical turning point in order to involve the community in peace initiative efforts. According to him, the residents of the community are playing their part for lasting peace by standing by the government. He also explained that the region is currently on a better journey of peace and development than ever before. The Chief Administrator explained that the government has embarked on solution-oriented approaches to achieve sustainable peace in Amhara, the country’s largest region. Accordingly, he mentioned that the peace option will remain a priority, underscoring the government’s commitment and its openness for the peace process. He also reaffirmed the determination of the government to continue to discharge its responsibility by enforcing the law against extremist groups that are working to disrupt the peace in the region, and undermining the call for peace. The chief administrator called on the people of Amhara region to further strengthen its support to the peace efforts of government.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA)— Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos met with his Brazilian and Russian counterparts, Mauro Vieira and Sergey Lavrov respectively, on the margins of the First BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting of 2025. During his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira, Gedion commended Brazil’s effective Presidency of the BRICS for 2025 and assured his country’s support for its priority areas. The parties discussed cooperation in food security, agricultural productivity, reform of global governance institutions, energy transition, and afforestation programs.   Minister Vieira presented Brazil’s initiatives from the G20 Presidency in 2024 and commended Ethiopia for its support, especially as a member of the Board of Champions of the Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger. Similarly, in his meeting with Russian FM Lavrov, Gedion lauded the strengthening of comprehensive relations between Ethiopia and Russia and emphasized the need to further enhance ties.   Foreign Minister Lavrov, on his part, reaffirmed Russia's commitment to deepen the historic relations through concrete collaboration in bilateral and multilateral venues.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA) -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia. The two sides exchanged views on mediation efforts in Eastern DRC and the broader region. On the occasion, they underscored the importance of ensuring regional and international peacemaking initiatives are coordinated and coherent. The officials also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a robust AU-UN partnership in support of the region’s pursuit of peace, stability, and development, according to AU’s social media post.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, on First BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting of 2025, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism and collective security. The First BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting of 2025 kicked off today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministers from members of the bloc are convening the session under the theme: “The Role of BRICS in Addressing Global and Regional Crises and Advancing Pathways to Peace and Security’’. In his remarks, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism and collective security. He also reasserted the need to reform global governance to ensure equitable representation of developing countries especially from Africa. The Minister underscored that reform of global governance institutions must aim at strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations at its center. ​Acknowledging the prevailing global tensions, the Minister recognized the efforts of BRICS countries to seek peaceful and diplomatic resolution for crises through dialogue. Gedion called for the need to ensure these efforts conclude with outcomes that adequately promote the security, economic, and overall interests of countries in the global south. The Ministerial Meeting will continue until the close of 29 April where ministers will deliberate on various topics and adopt the Ministerial joint statement. In parallel, Minister Gedion will conduct bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS countries.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) --- The House of Peoples' Representatives Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs today lauded the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) for its significant efforts in fulfilling its national responsibilities. During a visit to the agency, committee members noted ongoing reforms and were briefed on ENA's plans to become a leading voice for Africa by improving digital information access, alongside its continued service to Ethiopia. Deputy Chairperson Azmeraw Andemo emphasized ENA as a prime example of the tangible results achieved through the effective implementation of parliamentary laws.   He highlighted the agency's staff guidelines, illustrating how properly enforced laws, regulations, and directives can lead to significant outcomes, particularly within the media sector. "A country without a strong media lacks influence," Azmeraw asserted, stressing the necessity of developing a robust media landscape that can represent both national and broader interests. He commended the agency for its dedication to overcoming past obstacles and fulfilling its national duty, expressing appreciation for the management and staff's diligent work in achieving the agency's successes.   Committee member Abuni Alem emphasized ENA's commendable efforts to improve information accessibility, with the aim of safeguarding Africa's interests beyond Ethiopia. Adding to the praise, member Merdiya Aman noted ENA's success in fulfilling its national mission through the timely and quality dissemination of information, facilitated by advanced technology and skilled personnel. She affirmed that ENA exemplifies the effective implementation of legal frameworks established by the House of Peoples' Representatives, specifically tailored to the institution's needs. Seife Derbe, the CEO of ENA, on his part, stated the agency's dedication to fostering national consensus, enhancing the country's image, and serving as Africa's voice.   The CEO also expressed gratitude for the parliamentary legal framework that has empowered ENA to effectively carry out its mission.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA)— Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with its most sacrosanct national holiday marking the World War II defeat of Nazi Germany, Victory Day. Russia also called on Ukraine to agree to the pause, it was learned. The Russian Armed Forces will cease hostilities on humanitarian grounds from 12:00 on May 8 (9:00 p.m. GMT on May 7) to 12:00 a.m. on May 11 (9:00 p.m. GMT on May 10), the Kremlin press service reported, citing President Putin's decision. On its part, Ukraine responded that if Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately for 30 days. “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha said. He reiterated that Ukraine is ready for a “lasting, reliable, and complete ceasefire” for at least 30 full days. Russia will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War, the term it uses for its war with the Third Reich from 1942 to 1945, commonly known as World War II, on May 9.   “During this period, all hostilities will cease,” the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin made the decision on “humanitarian grounds”, it added. The Kremlin statement called on Kyiv to join the ceasefire, but pledged that in the event of any violations by the Ukrainians, Russia’s armed forces would give an “adequate and effective response”.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) – Over 10,600 militants in the Amhara region have positively responded to the government's call for peace, according to Amhara regional peace and security bureau. Eshete Yousuf, head of the regional peace and security bureau, told ENA that comprehensive law enforcement operations are underway to establish lasting peace and stability. He added that those who have chosen peace are being accepted and provided with reintegration training. Eshete emphasized the intensification of actions against extremist elements involved in looting and violence, which has led to improved security and a return to normalcy in many areas. Over 3,000 of the 10,600 militants who accepted the peace initiative this year have already completed reform training and reintegrated into their communities, he said, adding that preparations are underway for the remaining individuals, reaffirming the government's commitment to those who choose peace. Operations against extremist groups attempting to destabilize the region will continue with greater force, he emphasized. Reminding that these groups, currently being dismantled by the robust law enforcement are exploiting every opportunity to loot, he urged continued public support and cooperation, emphasizing its vital role in the success of the ongoing security operations.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (POA) –The high level Ethiopian delegation comprised of Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Mamo Mihretu and other members, had a constructive discussion with the recently appointed IMF deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke. The two sides conducted the discussion during the 2025 Spring Meetings of IMF and World Bank in Washington DC. The meeting discussed the strong progress in the implementation of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform and reviewed the findings of the third IMF program review mission held in Ethiopia in early April 2025.   The Minister acknowledged IMF's technical and financial support, which has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s reform agenda aimed at unlocking the country’s full economic potential by opening up and modernizing the economy, unlocking new growth opportunities, and fostering private sector investment to create jobs and improve living standards in the country. The IMF deputy MD commended the Government on the robust reform program and progress in achieving key macroeconomic targets despite the challenging global environment, including drop in inflation, significant rise in exports, enhanced revenue mobilization, and the improving business climate, among others. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment for close collaboration and sustained support from the IMF to implement the reform plan to help fast track Ethiopia’s growth and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) --- United States President Donald Trump said U.S. military and commercial ships should be allowed to travel free of charge through Suez canal, a strategic route for global trade and military operations. The Guardian reported today that Donald Trump has demanded free transit for American commercial and military ships through Suez canal, tasking his secretary of state with making progress “immediately”. Trump has for months been calling for the United States to take control of the Panama canal but his social media post also shifted focus on to the vital Suez route. "American ships, both military and commercial, must be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. These two canals would not exist without the United States of America," the president wrote social media. He had asked his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, to “immediately take care of” the situation. Egypt’s Suez canal, a key waterway linking Europe and Asia, accounted for about 10 percent of global maritime trade before attacks by Yemen’s Houthi on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 20225 (ENA)— The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack on 17 April 2025, targeting the Beninese Army in the tri-border area shared by Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The chairperson also reaffirmed the African Union’s resolve to deal with terrorism in the Sahel. This cowardly act, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives and left several soldiers injured, further underscores the grave security challenges faced by the region, he noted. The Chairperson expresses deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, the government, and people of the Republic of Benin, and wishes swift recovery to the injured. Such acts of violence are unacceptable and represent a direct threat not only to the Republic of Benin but the entire region. The Chairperson notes that such attacks highlight the urgent need for enhanced cooperation among neighboring states to address the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel. The Chairperson reaffirms the AU's unwavering commitment and support to the Government and People of Benin in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) -- The Executive Committee of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party (PP) declared that the country has been demonstrating promising progress across political, economic, social, and diplomatic fronts. In its regular meeting held in Addis Ababa from April 25 to 26, the Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the nation’s political, economic, social, and diplomatic developments. In a statement it issued today, the party noted that significant political and diplomatic achievements have been registered after the Second Regular Meeting of Prosperity Party. Ethiopia has embarked on a new chapter in its political landscape through inclusive consultations with political parties and stakeholders, it stated, adding that the preparation for national dialogue and the gathering of agendas have been successfully completed across all regions, except one. Highlighting the efforts dedicated to ensuring peace and stability, the Executive Committee emphasized that peace is gradually returning to areas that were previously unstable, and this positive development is further supported by an increasing number of surrendering militants and responses to the government’s peace call. The controversy with Somalia was diplomatically resolved, and the stand taken on the need for Ethiopia to gain access to sea is gaining increasing international acceptance, the Committee said. On the economic front, the country's relationship with international financial institutions has not only been improving but the support it receives has been increasing.   The Executive Committee projected a national growth rate of 8.4 percent for the current Ethiopian year, driven by strong performance in agriculture at 6.1, industry at 12.8, manufacturing at 12, construction at 12.3, and services at 7.1 percent across the sectors. Government revenue has also surged by 134 percent over the past nine months. The external debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped to 13.7 percent. Furthermore, export earnings from key commodities such as wheat, rice, coffee, tea, and fruits have grown significantly, ranging from 82 percent to 386 percent, indicating strong performance in the sectors. In the past 9 months alone, 344,790 foreign jobs and over 3 million domestic jobs have been created. The number of remote job opportunities has also been increasing. Another notable highlight is the performance of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, which recorded 1.5 trillion Birr, marking an impressive 86 percent surge compared to the same period last year. According to the statement, this demonstrates effective wealth creation and prudent financial management. Foreign exchange reserve grew by 203.99 percent when compared to the same period last year, and bank deposits exceeded 3 trillion Birr. Export performance for the 9 months exceeded 5 billion USD, which brought a growth of 150.39 percent. There is a significant progress in digital transformation and the nation now boasts of 50.2 million internet users, 86.6 million mobile subscribers, and over 52.5 million Tele Birr users. Digital transactions jumped over 12.51 trillion Birr during the past 9 months. Moreover, the statement emphasized that infrastructure development remains a national priority and major projects are being completed as per the plan. The execution of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has reached 98.66 percent, and progress is being made on additional hydropower projects. Besides, nationwide corridor developments and irrigation dam projects are advancing. Social support programs have been expanded to provide a buffer for vulnerable populations amidst ongoing macroeconomic reforms with allocations of 62 billion Birr for fertilizer, 41.2 billion Birr for the safety net program, 60 billion Birr for fuel subsidies, and significant funding for health and basic goods. Education and health are receiving renewed focus through the "Education for Generation" initiative, with over 82 billion Birr mobilized for the construction of 6,815 schools, notably the improvement of efforts to rehabilitate schools affected by conflict, the statement underlined. The Executive Committee also pinpointed that Ethiopia is increasingly becoming a destination for tourists and international events, having hosted 66 global gatherings in just nine months. Development of sports infrastructure, including international-standard stadiums, is underway to facilitate the hosting of major African events. The efforts to revitalize industries, encourage import substitution, and optimize land use are propelling the nation toward greater economic self-reliance. Notably, the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance has decreased by 86 percent over the past five years, with nine regions now capable of meeting their own relief needs, according to the statement. The Prosperity Party finally emphasized that these milestones signify the commencement of a new chapter, rather than its conclusion, and serve as compelling evidence that Ethiopia is firmly on a trajectory toward long-term prosperity.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) --- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a Declaration of Principles in Washington, the United States on Friday, marking a significant step toward restoring peace in eastern Congo, a region long plagued by conflict. The declaration was signed by DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe, in a ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The declaration of principles commits both parties to mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and an end to support for armed groups destabilizing the region. The two sides agreed to produce a draft comprehensive peace agreement by May 2, underlining the urgency of translating these principles into concrete commitments. Eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Rwanda, for its part, denies any ties to the M23, instead accusing the Congolese army of collaborating with remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group implicated in the 1994 genocide. The declaration also prioritizes the voluntary and secure return of displaced civilians and promotes a framework for regional economic integration. Rwanda's foreign minister highlighted plans to strengthen economic cooperation through new regional value chains, including initiatives involving U.S. private sector investment. Efforts to mediate peace in eastern Congo have become increasingly complex, with multiple initiatives led by different actors operating simultaneously.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 20225 (ENA)— U.S. President Donald Trump AND Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have met inside St Peter's Basilica ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. The White House described the 15-minute meeting as "very productive" and Zelenskyy later called it "very symbolic" with the "potential to become historic". Trump and Zelenskyy were pictured sitting locked in deep discussion, minutes before Pope Francis' funeral was due to start. The meeting came a day after Trump said Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal", following talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday. President Trump and President Zelenskyy conferred privately today and had a very productive discussion. More details about the meeting will follow,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said on Saturday. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, described the 15-minute meeting as “constructive”, but did not give more details. The two leaders were in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Their meeting comes as efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict face increasing challenges.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) ---- As Africa braces for the fallout from sweeping new U.S. tariffs, the continent must accelerate efforts to boost internal trade and reduce dependence on global powers, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General World Trade Organization (WTO) warned Friday. Speaking on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, Okonjo-Iweala, however, downplayed the overall macroeconomic impact of the April 2 tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, noting that only 6.5 percent of Africa’s exports are U.S.-bound and just 4.4 percent of its imports originate from America. Still, she said, the broader picture reveals a deeper vulnerability which is that Africa is not trading enough, either internally or externally. “We are not trading much, which is not a good thing,” she told reporters attending the meetings. “And within Africa, a handful of countries are very severely impacted.” She said among the hardest hit is Lesotho, a small, low-income country that could see its GDP growth shaved by nearly half a percentage point. The country exports roughly 200 million USD in textiles to the U.S., while importing just 3 million USD in return. Under the new reciprocal tariff regime, Lesotho faces levies as high as 50 percent on its outbound goods. “If those tariffs are implemented, Lesotho will lose a lot of its exports to the U.S.,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “Even if it gains a little by exporting elsewhere, the net loss is significant.” Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also face steep challenges. Ghana was hit with a 10 percent tariff, while Côte d’Ivoire, which is an agricultural powerhouse exporting nearly 1 billion USD in cocoa to the U.S., saw a 21 percent duty imposed. The WTO chief warned that such measures could destabilize West African economies heavily reliant on a narrow range of exports. “Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa income will disappear across the border if you have differential reciprocal tariffs,” she cautioned. While appealing to Washington to consider exemptions for the poorest nations, Okonjo-Iweala said the continent must not wait for outside leniency. She said the message is simply that Africa must become more self-reliant. “Aid is disappearing. We need investment.” To achieve that, she emphasized the urgent need to mobilize domestic resources, streamline regulatory bottlenecks, and, above all, deepen intra-African trade, which currently accounts for only 16 percent to 20 percent of the continent’s commerce. “We can’t afford to remain at the mercy of external shocks,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “This is a wake-up call.”

Staff Writer Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) --- In its dedication to ensuring peace and stability, the government has registered robust economic growth paving the way for the country's prosperity. However, there has been numerous internal and external challenges facing the country. Driven by individualistic or group political interests, Ethiopia has experienced violence and conflict, compounded by external anti-peace forces. As such violent groups have made attempts to destabilize the country. The incumbent government has been reiterated that peaceful avenue is the only option for Ethiopia's political wrangling. Accordingly, it has demonstrated its commitment to peace. Suffice to mention the unprecedented Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022 which brought normal life and restoration of service to the people of Tigray region. By the same token the government of Ethiopia has repeatedly called that violent armed groups in Amhara and Oromia should accept the path of peaceful struggle. Accordingly, many of former militants accepted the offer made by the government, received rehabilitation and skills trainings and they are living normal life with their communities. However, those extremist armed groups who refused to accept peaceful path and dialogue, the extremist group--bent on destroying the country, committing killings, looting, and destruction in various parts of the region. The irresponsible actions of extremist armed groups have caused a significant social and economic crisis in the region. Widespread killings, kidnapping, and attacks on civilians are prevalent. Recently, the Amhara Peace and Security Bureau Head Eshete Yesuf told ENA that the government has been making repeated calls for peace, urging the group to abandon its destructive path. Beyond disrupting the delivery of fertilizers to different parts of the region and disrupting other social services, the extremist group has prevented farmers from cultivating their lands and taking products to market. The actions of the armed groups have created a pervasive climate of fear and insecurity on the communities. These groups have continued to destabilize the country and the region through violence, including killings, looting, and destruction. Realizing the evil intentions of the extremist group and accepting the government's call for peace, many of the armed group's members have returned to peaceful life. In response to the daily abuses, violence, and sabotage inflicted by anti-peace groups, both the regional and federal governments, together with the affected populace, are advocating for intensified law enforcement measures. These groups have consistently obstructed daily life by blocking roads, disrupting the delivery of fertilizers and other essential services, and impeding farmers' access to markets. The extremist group has in particular demonstrated its anti-people stance by throwing grenades on schools, killing teachers, and preventing children from going to school. This situation has prevented millions of children and youths in the region from going to school, posing serious ramification to the long-term trained youth of the region to spearhead its development. Furthermore, the extremist’s destruction has undermined the region's economy by disrupting transportation networks and hindering farming, leading to a severe impact on food production and likelihoods. Despite the aspirations of the entire region and the federal governments for peace and stability, the extremist armed groups have consistently hampered the peace and stability efforts. The group is bent on inflicting serious harm on civilians, the region, and the nation. Eyewitness accounts detail civilians enduring extortion, violence, and widespread insecurity, with armed groups demanding financial and material support and imposing illegal taxes. These groups also perpetrate abductions and killings. Teachers being abused the armed group. Ethiopian Teachers Association President also strongly condemned the inhumane acts against teachers by extremist groups in the Amhara region, urging parents and relevant education bureau authorities to advocate for students' right to go to school. This violence has paralyzed daily life through intimidation, murder, property theft, and child recruitment, devastating rural communities struggling with their economic hardship. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and in response to persistent calls by the public and government, former militants in the Amhara region have laid down their arms and joined to rehabilitation training programs. Both the government and the public continue to strongly urge armed groups to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace and development. Former militants who accepted the peace call expressed their conviction that their past actions only exacerbated the suffering of the Amhara people and vowed to embrace peace through constructive dialogue. Many former militants who operated across various parts of the Amhara region, acknowledged that their destabilization of the region with the intention of addressing the genuine needs of the Amhara people, was misguided, causing serious damages on the region and the Amhara people. They recounted the devastating consequences of the conflict, including loss of life, disruption of transportation, incapacitation of health facilities, and the impediment of children to school. Recognizing that public needs cannot be met by taking up arms, the militants sincerely accepted peace overtures and affirmed their belief in peaceful dialogue as lasting path forward, pledging to compensate their communities for the harm they have caused, collaborating with national defense forces for lasting peace, and offering a formal apology for their actions. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful dialogue with any armed group willing to engage peacefully. Recall that recently, the representatives of the Amhara region submitted agendas items gathered from the region to the National Dialogue Commission. To reverse anarchism and restore regional peace and public order, law enforcement measures will be intensified. The Region's Peace and Security Bureau Head emphasized that consolidated law enforcement measures are being taken against the extremist group that has been kidnapping and murdering citizens, disrupting the educational system, and abusing teachers in the region. The law enforcement measures being taken in all parts of the region have been enjoying public support and cooperation.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethiopia’s Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen has emphasized the vital role of youth engagement and academic dialogue in shaping a more inclusive and multipolar global order. He made the remark during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Ethiopian Embassy in London on Saturday, which brought together graduate students from the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The discussion focused on Ethiopia’s evolving role within BRICS, the Global South, and broader regional geopolitics.   Ambassador Biruk underlined Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to Pan-African ideals and its vision for enhanced regional and global cooperation. Gisla Sahlemichael, Head of the Embassy’s Political Section, provided a comprehensive overview of Ethiopia’s strategic positioning, geographically, diplomatically, and demographically, and its role in advancing South-South cooperation. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s potential to serve as a bridge between BRICS and non-member African countries, helping to amplify Africa’s voice in global affairs. Participants engaged in an in-depth dialogue covering a range of topics, including Ethiopia’s principled foreign policy of non-alignment, its proactive engagement in multilateral forums, and the prospects for regional integration. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was cited as a landmark initiative capable of driving sustainable development and regional collaboration across the Horn of Africa.   The discussion also touched on Ethiopia’s dedication to peace building, particularly through Transitional Justice mechanisms and inclusive national dialogue. The participants emphasized the importance of balanced and accurate media narratives in reflecting the complexities and realities of Ethiopia and the African continent. The Embassy also expressed its appreciation to the participating students and academic institutions for their thoughtful contributions, calling the dialogue both timely and enriching.  

===== Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) -- Defense and foreign affairs ministers from troop-contributing countries to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia have called for urgent action, warning that Somalia's security is faltering as the al-Shabaab militant group gains ground. The ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, together with those from Somalia, convened in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Uganda's minister of defense and veteran affairs, Jacob Oboth emphasized the need to counter the growing threat posed by al-Shabaab and reinforce ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia. He called for increased troop deployment, warning that the risk of losing the hard-earned operational gains is possible if no action is taken, according to a statement from his office. Somali minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi called for urgent reinforcement of quick reaction forces and a multi-sector offensive to reclaim areas recently lost to al-Shabaab. He argued that peace in Somalia means stability for the entire Horn of Africa. In May 2019, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution authorizing a troop reduction, as the Somali forces take over the security of their country. Uganda reduced its forces while Burundi pulled its troops out of the troubled country, Xinhua reported. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, highlighted the need for sustained political and financial support for AU operations in Somalia. Youssouf said UN Security Council Resolution 2719 calls for predictable and sustainable funding for African-led peace operations, noting that global peace is a shared responsibility. He said the AU is requesting only 190 million U.S. dollars for 2025, far less than the estimated 7 billion dollars that maritime piracy once cost the world annually. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defense Soipan Tuya argued that the funding challenges may be attributed to donor fatigue, noting the urgent need for predictable funding. Tuya said Somalia's stability is integral to regional and global security, urging the international community to act in unity.