Addis Ababa, December 26, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, following a high-level meeting between Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Jemal Beker, and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The discussions highlighted the growing robustness of bilateral ties and explored new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, and technology. Both sides emphasized a shift from political goodwill toward tangible economic outcomes. The meeting also addressed security challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, with both nations reaffirming their shared goal of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in these strategically important regions. Ambassador Jemal described the talks as “truly productive and warm,” pointing to areas of collaboration including trade, infrastructure, energy, technology, and regional security. He added: “We’ll continue to intensify high-level engagements to turn goodwill into tangible outcomes for our peoples.” Sheikh Shakhbout congratulated Ethiopia on being selected to host the COP32 climate summit, praising its green development agenda as a model for the region. Both countries agreed to maintain momentum through the Joint Ministerial Commission and a series of high-level visits scheduled over the coming months, reinforcing a partnership grounded in mutual respect and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, December 26, 2025 (ENA)—The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated the people of Somalia following the successful conduct of municipal elections in Mogadishu on 25 December 2025. He praised the calm, orderly, and peaceful nature of the voting process, describing it as a positive milestone for the country. More than 500,000 residents of Somalia’s capital participated in the elections, marking the first direct vote held in Mogadishu in decades. The polls are widely viewed as a crucial step toward Somalia’s planned direct national elections in 2026, which would be the first of their kind in over 50 years. According to Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), a total of 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties contested 390 district council seats across the city. The elections are seen as an important move toward reducing reliance on the long-standing clan-based political system and strengthening democratic representation. Voting took place at 523 polling stations across Mogadishu’s 16 districts, with polling stations opening at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m. local time. Election results are expected to be announced today. Chairperson Youssouf emphasized that municipal-level elections play a vital role in promoting participatory governance and provide valuable experience as Somalia continues on its nationally driven political and electoral path. He encouraged Somali political actors to maintain constructive dialogue and inclusive engagement to support national unity and long-term stability. The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to build inclusive governance, consolidate peace, and achieve lasting stability across the country.

Addis Ababa, December 26, 2025 (ENA)—United Nations experts have warned that the extremist group Al-Shabab continues to pose the most serious threat to peace and security in Somalia and the wider East African region, particularly neighboring Kenya. In a report released this week, the UN panel said the group remains highly capable and resilient despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces and their international partners. Regional countries have long been involved in counter-terrorism efforts, with Ethiopia playing a significant role through military interventions and close security cooperation with Somalia and global allies. Ethiopian forces have participated in joint operations aimed at weakening Al-Shabab’s operational capacity and preventing its cross-border expansion, as part of broader regional and international efforts to stabilize Somalia and enhance security across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopian forces had effectively degraded the group’s capabilities and prevent its cross-border expansion, as part of broader regional and international efforts to stabilize Somalia and enhance security in the Horn of Africa. Despite these efforts, the report notes that Al-Shabab retains the ability to carry out sophisticated and well-coordinated attacks, including in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The group also sustains its influence through extortion, forced recruitment, and extensive propaganda campaigns. The UN Security Council recently voted to extend the mandate of the African Union’s support and stabilization mission in Somalia through the end of 2026. The mission includes nearly 12,000 personnel, including police officers. UN experts also emphasized the threat Al-Shabab poses to Kenya, where the group has carried out frequent attacks this year, particularly in border regions such as Mandera and Lamu. These incidents have targeted security forces and civilians and have included kidnappings, infrastructure damage, and livestock theft. According to the report, Al-Shabab’s long-term objective is to overthrow Somalia’s government, expel foreign forces, and establish a larger Somali state governed by strict Islamic rule. The experts also examined the activities of the Islamic State group in Somalia (ISIL-Somalia). While smaller than Al-Shabab, the group has recruited fighters from several countries, mainly across East Africa. By the end of 2024, ISIL-Somalia reportedly had more than 1,000 fighters, many of them foreign nationals. The panel warned that although ISIL-Somalia has fewer resources, its continued growth poses a significant threat to stability in Somalia and the wider region.

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2025 (ENA)—State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera held talks with Ambassador Abdi Mahmoud Ibe, Djibouti’s Ambassador to Ethiopia. During the meeting, Ambassador Hadera underscored the importance of further strengthening the longstanding and strategic relations between the two countries, anchored in shared bilateral and regional interests. He reiterated Ethiopia's continued commitment to advance the bilateral cooperation on a range of areas, including trade, transport, logistics, energy, and regional integration. Ambassador Abdi, for his part, reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ethiopia in pursuit of their mutual interests. Both sides highlighted the significance of enhanced bilateral cooperation in promoting regional peace and security and stressed the importance of convening the upcoming Joint Ministerial Commission meeting to deliberate on strategic issues of common concern.

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2025 (ENA)—The “Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)” has continued its long-standing practice of instrumentalizing famine for political gains, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam revealed today. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the Commissioner stated that the “TPLF” is spreading false claims that displaced people in Tigray Region have been denied assistance. This tactic reflects a familiar pattern of the group’s history of politicizing humanitarian crises, he added. Most notably, Shiferaw provided historical context on how the illegal group, “TPLF” repeatedly invoked famine narratives to advance political objectives. According to the Commissioner, politicization of hunger in northern Ethiopia has deep historical roots dating back to the 1970s and 1980s when famine was used by “TPLF” not as a humanitarian concern but a political instrument to advance the armed struggle against the Derg. During that period, humanitarian suffering was deliberately framed to mobilize international sympathy, attract aid, and strengthen insurgent legitimacy, with relief delivery often intertwined with political and military structures. The recent claims about the "hunger" in Hitsatse temporary shelter in Asgede Woreda follow a familiar pattern, with “TPLF”-aligned outlets, diaspora blogs, and social media portraying abandonment and hunger using emotive images and unverified reports of deaths. Shiferaw elaborated that assistance has been provided in accordance with universal standards across all Ethiopian communities. In line with this, each needy citizen receives 15 kilograms of grain, 1.5 kilograms of pulses, and 0.45 kilograms of cooking oil per month —totaling 16.9 kilograms per person, multiplied by the number of family members. Accordingly, a total of 2 million quintals of humanitarian aid valued at 32 billion Birr was distributed in Tigray region from January to December 2025. Citing these, the Commissioner rebuked the Regional Interim Administration and the “TPLF” for their shameful acts that betray the people and shift the blame. While humanitarian aid continues to reach the region without interruption, Shiferaw expressed serious skepticism about whether it is being used solely for the intended purpose. He therefore called for an immediate investigation into the 32 billion Birr worth humanitarian aid supplies sent to the region in order to determine how they were used. "In this context, I urge the Federal Government and all humanitarian stakeholders to ask: ‘Where did the 2 million quintals and the 32 billion Birr (sent in 2025) go? What happened to these resources?’ These questions must be raised to uncover the truth and end the ongoing confusion," the Commissioner stressed. He also called on the international community to be cautious of the illegal “TPLF” group, warning them against its pattern of exploiting hunger for cheap political gains and capturing international attention. After losing federal power in 2018, the “TPLF” increasingly shifted its strategy outward, from domestic political arenas to international advocacy spaces, many observers say. The recent allegations surrounding the Hitsatse temporary shelter follow this established pattern, Shiferaw underlined. ENA has observed that social media posts, diaspora-oriented blogs, and “TPLF”-aligned outlets portray the situation as one of abandonment, starvation, and diminishing assistance, often accompanied by emotive imagery, emergency appeals, and claims of deaths from hunger and malnutrition. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commissioner has vehemently rejected the claims, stating that humanitarian food assistance at Hitsatse and other shelters has been complete and uninterrupted. Food distribution has continued throughout the year, with regular assistance provided consistently.

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2025 (ENA)—The 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, set to be celebrated from January 23 to 27, 2026, highlights the institution’s heroic journey, sacrifices, and transformative achievements. In his press briefing today, Brigadier General Brook Seifu, Commander of the First Air Division of the Ethiopian Air Force said for more than 90 years, the air force has stood as a heroic and renowned institution in the nation’s proud history. It has been safeguarding Ethiopia’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, aviation education and representing the country with distinction in international peacekeeping missions, he added. According to him, the anniversary program will feature a series of major national and international events designed to strengthen public engagement, promote aviation excellence, and enhance cooperation across Africa and beyond. A 10-kilometer road race which will be conducted in Bishoftu Town aims to strengthen the connection between the Airforce and the community. The Black Lion Air Show 2026 will be followed marking the strength and pride of the Ethiopian Air Force which will be celebrated under the theme: “Where the Lions Rule the Sky.” Moreover, the air show will feature aerial performances, advanced fighter jets, and aircraft from the Ethiopian Air Force, alongside international participants including the United Arab Emirates Air Force, Russian knights, and air force fleets from the Czech Republic and Morocco. Among the major events the Aviation Expo 2026 which is Scheduled for January 23 is designed to foster collaboration and innovation within Ethiopia, across Africa, and internationally. The expo is anticipated to bring together government officials, industry leaders, manufacturers, service providers, and aviation experts to explore cutting-edge technologies, improve safety standards, expand aviation infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency. It will include about 20 high-end aviation technological companies from all over the world as well as about 17 general aviation companies working in the country. Additionally, the Future African Air Forces Forum (FAAFF) will also be held for the third time on the continent under the theme “Cooperation and Collaboration for a Secure and Sustainable World.” The forum is expected to address shared challenges such as regional security treats, humanitarian crises, and environmental sustainability. Some 38 air force commanders are expected to attend along veterans from around the world. A major panel discussion will also be conducted, emphasizing public participation and national security awareness. The 90th anniversary is celebrated under the theme: “The Ethiopian Air Force: A Symbol of Freedom and Unity.” Aviation technology was first introduced to Ethiopia on August 12, 1928 and the Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) was officially established as a national institution on November 28, 1935.

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2025 (ENA)— The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a huge achievement attained by Ethiopians through Medemer Principle, according to Chief Administrator of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ashadli Hassan. Speaking at a discussion forum organized under the theme "GERD for Ethiopia's Renewal" at Guba, where the dam is located, the Chief Administrator said Ethiopians built the GERD withstanding both internal and external challenges. ​​​​​​​​​​The successful completion of the dam is a showcase that the country can achieve great results by standing together for a common goal, he added. According to him, GERD has also created investment opportunities for the region. Ashadli specifically noted that the Nigat Lake will play a significant role in increasing tourist flow to the region. The discussion forum organized by the Ethiopian Press Agency was attended by senior government officials and members of the House of People's Representatives.

Addis Ababa, December 24, 2025 (ENA)— The elevation of Ethiopia-India relations from a bilateral to a strategic partnership represents a historic milestone that will propel both nations toward greater glory, according to Professor Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Coordinator of the Ethio-India Joint PhD Program. Last week India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Ethiopia which resulted in a significant step to elevate the two countries’ long-standing bilateral relations into a strategic partnership.     In an exclusive interview with ENA, Professor Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Ethio-India Joint PhD Program coordinator, said PM Modi’s visit to Ethiopia and the warm and gracious welcome upon his arrival in Addis Ababa by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed vividly demonstrates the strong bond and promising future of the two countries. During his engagements with senior government officials in Ethiopia, PM Modi affirmed that the two countries have decided to elevate their historic bilateral partnership to a strategic partnership.     Addressing the joint session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation, PM Modi said, “we decided to elevate the bilateral relations of the two countries to the level of strategic partnership.” Furthermore, Modi said this will unleash the potentials of the nations’ economy through cooperation in technology, innovation, mining, sustainable and green energy. Professor Ramaswamy said the warm reception accorded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects the strong and longstanding ties between Ethiopia and India, underlining the depth of trust and cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that the existing strategic partnership will elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, opening new avenues for collaboration across key sectors. According to the professor, education remains one of the foundational pillars of Ethio India relations. He noted that cooperation in the education sector will continue in a more coordinated and structured manner among relevant institutions and stakeholders in both countries. Commending the strong cultural bond between Ethiopia and India, Professor Ramaswamy said the two nations share a deep and enduring cultural relationship, describing it as another solid foundation of their historic and multifaceted partnership. Professor Ramaswamy said the transformation of relations from a bilateral arrangement into a full strategic partnership marks a crucial step in strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and India across multiple sectors. He noted that the move opens a new path for both countries to advance together, saying it enables Ethiopia and India “to march towards glory” through deeper and more structured collaboration. Highlighting economic engagement, the professor said many Indian companies are operating in Ethiopia in areas including manufacturing and textiles, adding that bilateral export and import relations have continued to expand. Indian firms are now among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia, with investments exceeding five billion United States dollars in sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, agriculture and health. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also emphasized the forward-looking nature of the partnership last week, noting that Ethiopia and India are poised to build modern and capable states for the next generation as a result of their shared outlook. “Ethiopia and India share more than interests, we share values, a commitment to sovereignty, human dignity and development that lifts all people. Our partnership is strategic, long term and rooted in mutual respect,” Prime Minister Abiy underscored.

Addis Ababa, December 24, 2025—The Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization (RSADO) has urged the international community to take action to address what it describes as systematic and severe persecution of the Afar people under Eritrea’s repressive government. The Organization further warned that continued global inaction is enabling grave human rights violations to persist with impunity. RSADO leadership, including Chairman Ibrahim Haroun, Secretary Abdushek Mahmoud, and Spokesperson Nesredin Ahmed, held a press briefing in Addis Ababa to highlight ongoing human rights violations. According to RSADO, indigenous Afar communities in Eritrea have endured systematic persecution, marginalization, and widespread human rights violations since 1991. The Afar population in the Dankalia region has faced prolonged repression through forced displacement, property confiscation, livelihood restrictions, and fundamental rights violations. Chairman Ibrahim Haroun explained that Eritrean government policies have systematically undermined traditional Afar ways of life by denying communities access to their ancestral lands and coastal resources. This has severely damaged economic activities essential to Afar survival, including fishing, trade, and pastoralism, he said. For decades, the Red Sea Afar community has endured state-engineered repression, including mass displacement, targeted persecution, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the systematic dispossession of their ancestral lands along the Red Sea coastline, Ibrahim stated. In response to these ongoing violations, last June RSADO has submitted a comprehensive 122-page report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Secretariat detailing the plight of the Afar people under Eritrean government oppression. The ACHPR Secretariat has formally acknowledged receipt of RSADO's submissions and, acting under its mandate pursuant to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, has officially transmitted Communication No. 868/25 to the Government of Eritrea, he said. According to Ibrahim, the Commission has ordered Eritrea to submit its response within sixty days, in accordance with Rule 116(2) of the ACHPR Rules of Procedure RSADO leadership hailed this development as a historic and long-overdue breakthrough in the Red Sea Afar people's decades-long struggle for justice, recognition, and accountability, Abdushek Mahomoud said. The organization emphasized that this action sends a clear message across the continent that no state stands above the African Charter, and no regime can indefinitely evade regional scrutiny and responsibility, he added. The Commission's decision to compel a response from the Eritrean government is a powerful affirmation that these crimes can no longer be ignored, denied, or silenced, RSADO stated. RSADO views this development as critical recognition of the gravity and urgency of the Afar people's suffering, representing an important step toward dismantling the culture of impunity that has protected perpetrators for too long. According to the RSADO leadership, the organization expressed its highest appreciation to the Commission for its swift, principled, and victim-centered action, demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting oppressed and marginalized peoples across Africa. RSADO reaffirmed its full readiness to cooperate with the Commission throughout all stages of proceedings in pursuit of truth, justice, and reparation. RSADO respectfully encourages African Union member states, regional institutions, international organizations, and relevant stakeholders to support the African Commission's mandate and continue engaging through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels to protect human and peoples' rights and prevent further harm to affected communities.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held strategic talks with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, who is on a one-day working visit to Ethiopia, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing peace and security in the Horn of Africa through dialogue and African-led solutions. “Today, I welcomed President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya for a one-day working visit, reflecting the deep, historic, and brotherly relations between our two nations,” PM Abiy shared on social media channels. He noted that the talks emphasized stronger bilateral cooperation and a common resolve to promote peace, dialogue, and stability in the Horn of Africa. “During our meeting, we focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa, reaffirming our shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and African-led solutions,” the Premier said.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President William Ruto of Kenya for a one-day working visit this morning. Ethiopia and Kenya have recently been strengthening their bilateral ties across various sectors, as the two East African nations share common values and strategic interests. Over the past years, these leaders of the neighboring countries have exchanged numerous visits, further deepening cooperation. Moreover, numerous visits and bilateral talks between high-level government officials of Ethiopia and Kenya have underscored the strengthening of their strategic ties. In a recent interview with ENA, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, highlighted that Ethiopia and Kenya are strong partners actively working to promote regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the role of the two countries in regional security, noting that “Kenya and Ethiopia have been vanguard states in promoting peace and stability within the region.” A one-day visit by President William Ruto is expected to consolidate bilateral cooperation across various strategic areas.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s acclaimed book series—Medemer, The Medemer Path, Generation Medemer, and The Medemer State, is now available in audio format through the newly launched Medemer application, the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO) announced. The books have played a pivotal role in guiding Ethiopia toward a new chapter through a people-centered journey focused on building a diversified economy, the PMO noted. Their ideas (books), the office added, go beyond theory—they have been actively implemented and have inspired renewed hope across the country. At the launch event, correspondents from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the tangible results achieved in recent years of reform, all driven by the Medemer philosophy.

Addis Ababa, December 20, 2025 (ENA) —Scholars contend that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign maritime access transcends mere policy; it is an existential imperative and a profound generational demand essential to the nation's survival. Despite its historical legacy as a maritime power and its proximity to the Red Sea, Ethiopia remains landlocked—a geographical anomaly that has long stifled its potential. Experts argue that through the lenses of history, geography, and international law, this confinement requires a permanent and equitable resolution. In his seminal work, Assab: To Whom Does It Belong?, the distinguished legal scholar Yakob Hailemariam meticulously details the disparity between coastal and landlocked nations. Drawing on the insights of economist Paul Collier, Yakob highlights a stark reality: "Without a sea outlet, your market is restricted to your neighbors; with a sea outlet, your market is the entire world." For a nation of more than 130 million people, the limitations of landlocked status are increasingly viewed as unjust, with Ethiopia’s call for maritime access gaining growing international attention. Speaking with ENA, socio-economic experts from Mekelle city underscored the urgency of this defining issue. Social science expert Mezeker Gebrehiwot asserted that Ethiopia cannot sustain its current trajectory while remains shuttered from the coast. He noted that a burgeoning economy, rapid demographic growth, and the geostrategic significance of the Red Sea make it imperative that Ethiopia’s rights to maritime access be honored. Economic expert Hadera Bahita broadened the context, noting that genuine regional integration and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa depend on equitable use of the Red Sea. She argued that any regional peace efforts or developmental blocs that exclude Ethiopia from maritime participation are inherently incomplete. Hadera emphasized that Ethiopia’s access is a pillar for regional stability. The economic cost of confinement remains the primary driver of this urgency. As Yakob notes in his research, a coastal nation can achieve in 24 years the level of growth that takes a landlocked country 36 years to reach. To secure its future and protect the integrity of its supply lines, Ethiopia views sovereign access to the sea as an inevitable necessity and has continued to intensify its legitimate pursuit of this right.

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s role in advancing South-South Cooperation is essential given its strategic position in the global diplomatic landscape, according to Manssour Bin Mussallam, Secretary General of the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC). In an exclusive interview with ENA, Secretary General Mussallam emphasized that “we are living in a historic moment." He noted the ongoing transition from the geopolitical order established in the 1990s toward to a struggling new world order, adding that countries of the Global South such as in Latin America, Africa, and Asia are currently facing a crossroads. Since recently, the certainties and predictability of the past have vanished, he pointed out, yet countries of the “the Greater South” have yet to articulate the visions that can unite them. Mussallam also underscored the urgency of south-south cooperation, describing it as more relevant than ever. However, he noted that the Global South requires enhanced financial institutions and organizations to support its efforts, advocating for the creation of "OPEC-like" coalitions focusing on agricultural and critical mineral resources, which would strengthen the collective stance of the Global South in response to an evolving global landscape. “The greater south (Global South) is in a position where South-South cooperation has never been more relevant than today, more urgent than today,” he underlined. In this regard, Ethiopia's significance in this framework cannot be overstated, Mussallam stated, emphasizing the nation’s strategic position in the global diplomatic landscape. Ethiopia's role is undeniably crucial in advancing South-South cooperation, not merely as a member of the OSC but as a diplomatic linchpin, he added. By hosting the African Union, Ethiopia has positioned itself as the diplomatic heart of Africa; he added that this centrality allows the country to serve as a vibrant hub for South-South collaboration, reinforcing its strategic significance in fostering unity and cooperation among developing nations. “Ethiopia's role is critical to the endeavors of South-South cooperation, not only because it is a member state of the OSC, because its city, Addis Ababa, is being a diplomatic capital hosting the African Union, OSC and, therefore it is a hub for South-South cooperation. Most critically, Ethiopia's role is important not only in Africa in terms of African integration and unity, but because African integration reinforces South-South cooperation.”

Addis Ababa, December 21, 2025 (ENA) —Nationwide public forums held in Addis Ababa and regional cities have affirmed tangible development gains while generating ideas that will guide Ethiopia’s future priorities, government and Prosperity Party officials said. Ethiopia has recently held a series of nationwide public forums aimed at reviewing the country’s development progress and gathering input to guide future priorities. These forums, conducted in various cities including Bahir Dar, Mizan Aman, and Hosanna, have provided an important platform for direct dialogue between government officials and citizens from diverse backgrounds such as youth, women, elders, religious leaders, and scholars. Speaking at a public forum in Bahir Dar City, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said the discussions demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing development efforts and strengthened trust between the public and the government. “The forum reflected what has been achieved on the ground and allowed additional development issues to be freely discussed,” Fitsum said, noting that broad public participation was a positive sign of democratic practice. “The people expressed their views freely, and this shows the strengthening of democratic practice in our country,” she added. According to the minister, the government and the Prosperity Party are closely listening to public concerns and translating plans into concrete results. The development works being carried out are responding to the people’s demands and achieving their intended objectives, she said, adding the strong public government relationship witnessed during the forums will continue to deepen. The minister further said development initiatives in Bahir Dar City are delivering visible benefits and could serve as a model beyond Ethiopia. “The results we are seeing here show that our development path is benefiting the people and can be an example for other African countries,” she stated, stressing that progress toward economic sovereignty is strengthening Ethiopia’s long-term growth capacity. Echoing this view, Head of the Public and International Relations Department of the Prosperity Party Bikila Hurissa said the public forum held in Mizan Aman City also generated wide-ranging ideas that will inform future national work.     He said participants included youth, women, elders, religious leaders, scholars and government employees. “The discussion showed strong public engagement, with participants appreciating the work done so far while also proposing areas that require further improvement,” he added. According to him, major national issues, including port access and flagship projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, were openly discussed, reflecting growing public awareness and ownership. “The ideas raised have created renewed enthusiasm and motivation. They will serve as valuable resources for future national undertakings,” he said. Similarly, Minister of Urban Affairs and Infrastructure Chaltu Sani said the public discussions proved that Ethiopia’s revival is firmly rooted in the people. Speaking at a forum in Hosanna City of the Central Ethiopian Region, she said the discussions strengthened government capacity through direct engagement with citizens.     “Public discussions are where we have proven that Ethiopia’s revival is with the real people,” she said. The minister also noted that direct dialogue with citizens has become a regular practice, allowing people to freely raise ideas, questions and concerns. The Hosanna forum was marked by open participation and constructive debate, which she described as a source of renewed strength for government institutions, she emphasized. She said urban development and infrastructure projects, including corridor development, have been widely welcomed by the public, while concerns such as unemployment were also clearly raised. “There is a clear demand for solutions to unemployment, and we have agreed to respond to the development questions raised during the discussion,” the minister noted. According to the officials, the forums collectively confirmed development progress, strengthened public trust in government, and reinforced a culture of dialogue and shared responsibility in advancing Ethiopia’s national development agenda.

Addis Ababa, December 21, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia is emerging as a pivotal anchor of power and progress in the Horn of Africa, leveraging its economic capacity and strategic location to drive regional transformation and stability, said Nebiyu Sihul, Director General of the Prosperity Party’s International Relations Directorate. In an exclusive interview with the Pulse of Africa (POA), Nebiyu said the Horn of Africa remains one of the most strategically important regions in the world, attracting interest from middle and major powers alike. He noted that Horn of Africa’s dynamism, fueled by economics, trade, politics, and international relations, has made the region a focal point for both regional and global actors. Hence, he pointed out that countries that do not engage actively risk missing out on the economic and strategic benefits this region offers, underlining Ethiopia’s growing role as a regional anchor state. “Given the scale of the dynamism, countries that fail to engage actively risk missing out on the economic and strategic benefits the region offers,” Nebiyu emphasized, highlighting the importance of active participation in regional affairs. Ethiopia has been attracting other actors to collaborate on regional development, solidifying its position as a hub of East Africa. “Ethiopia is attracting other actors to help develop the region, including through its own initiatives. This has positioned the country as a hub of East Africa, given that it has the largest economy in the region. These changes have taken place in recent years as a result of policy improvements, which are now yielding results not only for Ethiopia but for the wider region,” he elaborated. Nebiyu also mentioned about Ethiopia’s long-standing contribution to peacebuilding efforts across the region with a view to expending development across the horn of Africa. “Ethiopia also has a strong reputation in peacekeeping, particularly in Somalia, where it continues to play a key role in promoting regional stability. If the Horn of Africa becomes peaceful and stable, countries can focus on development, reduce poverty, and contribute positively to the rest of the world.” Guided by the philosophy of Medemer, which champions shared prosperity and unity, Ethiopia is emerging as a revitalized and influential regional actor, Nebiyu stated emphasizing that this approach, deeply rooted in the country’s history and aspirations, is now delivering tangible results, solidifying Ethiopia’s leadership role in shaping the future of the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the Netherlands have taken a major step to deepen their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation across multiple areas. The agreement followed talks between Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Aukje de Vries. Both ministers highlighted the countries’ longstanding diplomatic relations and emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation. The MoU establishes a framework for political consultations and aims to enhance collaboration on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues, with a particular focus on scaling up trade and investment. Furthermore, the agreement reflects growing ties and constructive engagement between the two nations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —The UN General Assembly has elected former Iraqi President Barham Ahmed Salih as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2026. Salih becomes the first leader from the Middle East to head the UN refugee agency in more than 75 years. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision and thanked outgoing High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his long service supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide. Salih brings decades of political and diplomatic experience, having played a key role in Iraq’s reconstruction after 2003 and working closely with international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Grandi praised Salih’s appointment, noting that his background and personal understanding of conflict and displacement prepare him well to lead UNHCR during a time of growing global refugee crises.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held strategic talks this afternoon with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who arrived in Ethiopia for a one-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy said the discussions built on engagements held over the past year. “We held a productive working lunch, continuing the discussions held over the past year and building on the progress made in strengthening our bilateral cooperation,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the talks focused on advancing shared priorities and reaffirmed both leaders’ commitment to deepening their partnership, promoting regional stability, and supporting ongoing development efforts.

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Kenya are strong partners that are actively working for regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, told ENA. Elaborating on the role of two countries in peace and security of the region, the Ambassador noted that “Kenya and Ethiopia have been the vanguard states” in terms of promoting peace and security within the region. “We have worked together in Somalia in support of the federal government of Somalia to deal with the threat of terror as posed by Al-Shabaab. We continue to work through the various missions of the African Union at AMISOM, ATMIS, and now AUSSOM.” Kenya and Ethiopia still have a firm commitment when terror exists, he said, stressing that “it is our obligation and responsibility to see how to work to ensure that we have peace and security.” For the Ambassador, sustainable development can only be realized on the foundational basis of peace and security.     Ambassador Orina further noted that the foundations of the relations of Kenya and Ethiopia were set by the founding father of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. These relations have been built on successfully by leaders of the two countries; and the leaders continue to lead from the front, Ambassador Orina said, adding that “our leaders continue to have regular interactions at bilateral level and multilateral level.” During the interactions, he stated that the leaders recognize the common values and the aspirations of the people of this continent and the people of the two countries. According to him, the trade volumes between the two countries has been growing and trading under the AfCFTA is going to further raise the volume of trade. Regarding the role of the two countries in realizing regional integration, he said integration is a big agenda for Africa, the building blocks for African integration as Kenya and Ethiopia are at the forefront of such agenda. In terms of working together, the Ambassador stressed that infrastructure is a big driver for integration, pointing at the LAPSSET Corridor Project dedicated to interconnecting Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan. Ambassador Orina further emphasized that “energy is the biggest driver for manufacturing and industrialization. And working together, under the East African power pool, we (Kenya and Ethiopia) have developed the infrastructure for the transmission of power from Ethiopia.” Congratulating Ethiopia on the launch of the GERD, the outgoing ambassador stated that it is “a transformative project with significant potential to lighten and contribute to the development of our region”. Moreover, the two countries are working together to ensure that they have the foundational basis for integration and interactions between their peoples. “Kenyans are coming to Ethiopia for tourism, and for business; and the same is happening for Ethiopians going to Kenya as free movement of people is a big driver for integration.” Ethiopia and Kenya share deep-rooted and rapidly growing relations across political, economic, and social spheres, reinforced by high-level bilateral engagements and major infrastructure projects.