Ethiopia, a diverse federal republic in the Horn of Africa with a population of over 109 million, faces a complex and evolving landscape. Recent developments have been significantly shaped by the conflict in the northern Tigray region, which started in November 2020.
Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict in Tigray has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, marked by reports of human rights violations and growing concerns about regional stability. Simmering grievances and escalating clashes in the region threaten to trigger another humanitarian disaster.
Thousands of refugees fleeing war in Ethiopia and Somalia now find themselves endangered once again in another war zone. The West can play an important role in examining a “forgotten” war. As armies deploy, Gulf states and their Western allies must halt an impending conflict that could inflame the entire Red Sea region.
Featured ContentTigray fighters enter Ethiopia’s Afar region, stoking fears of new conflictTigray was the centre of a devastating two-year war that pitted the TPLF against Ethiopia’s federal army.
MSF ‘overwhelmed’ in Ethiopia’s southwest following aid cuts. Health facilities juggling rising cases of infant hunger, malaria, in an area that also shelters thousands of refugees. MSF says 3 of its workers were ‘intentionally’ killed in Ethiopia’s Tigray. The 2021 incident was ‘intentional and targeted killing’ of three clearly identified aid workers, says medical charity.
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Changing dynamics in Tigray could erode the current balance of uncertainty. Keeping the Pretoria Agreement in a comatose state should not be seen as an end in itself.
Across the continent, existing conflicts are intensifying and dormant rivalries reemerging.
Politics and International Relations
Ethiopia has written to the UN, accusing Eritrea of "funding, mobilizing and directing armed groups" on its soil.
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of preparing for war as Red Sea tensions rise.
Ethiopia’s leader is both messianic and Machiavellian-and his reputation as a Nobel-winning peacemaker has been tainted by the brutal Tigray war.
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Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed says mega dam GERD on the Nile ‘now complete’. Sudan and Egypt are concerned about its effect on their water supply, but Abiy says the dam will benefit them all.
The Nile cannot be governed by colonial-era treaties. The longest river in the world is a shared natural resource and should be used under a cooperative framework.
Economy and Development
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s aesthetic vision alone will not create jobs. Climate crisis causing food price spikes around the world, scientists say Report finds extreme climate events linked to price hikes for rice, corn, cocoa, coffee, potatoes and other food items. And why coffee prices are surging in commodity markets.
A country plagued by power cuts has become the first to ban imports of petrol and diesel cars, as a new dam brings hopes of cheap green energy. Powering up: how Ethiopia is becoming an unlikely leader in the electric vehicle revolution.
Ethiopia inaugurates Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam as Egypt rift deepens. Ethiopian PM says dam will electrify entire region but Egypt fears it could restrict water supply during droughts.
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The continent is awash in fossil fuel discoveries. But relying on them for development will be disastrous. African leaders can’t afford to wait for Big Tech. By taking action, the continent could spare future generations from the scourge of adversarial AI.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization says Ethiopia had some 9 million donkeys in 2018.
Ethiopia and China Sign Bilateral Market Access Protocol
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Inviting Expression of Interest For Policy Consultants
Ethiopian Airlines, AfDB Sign $10 Billion Deal for Bishoftu Mega-Airport
Dashen Bank, Ethio Telecom, and Eta Solutions Jointly Unveil “Zurya” Business Automation Solution
Culture and Society
Despite these challenges, Ethiopia continues to showcase its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. The country is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the ancient obelisks of Axum. Ethiopian cuisine, with its distinctive flavours and communal dining traditions, continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Selfies and singing as Ethiopians celebrate thanksgiving. Photos capture the joy and unity present at this year's Irreecha festival.
Worshippers had gathered at the Arerti Mariam church early in the morning for the annual St Mary celebration. At least 30 die after Ethiopia church scaffolding falls.
Funerals are held for 36 people who died after scaffolding collapsed at an Orthodox Christian church. Scaffolding collapsed as people climbed to see Ethiopia church mural, eyewitness tells BBC.
A boy parades with the old Ethiopian national flag during a celebration of the eve of Timkat, the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany, in Gondar, Ethiopia, on Jan.
Systematic Persecution in Oromia: The Role of Militias and Political Actors in Targeting Ethiopian Orthodox Christians
24 Orthodox Christians Reportedly Massacred In Arsi ; Ten Others Kidnapped
At Least Five Killed In A New Attack Against Orthodox Christians In Arsi
Opposition Coalition Calls For Investigating Gov’t Over Massacre of Orthodox Christians
Media and Information
The Reporter (Ethiopia), also known as The Ethiopian Reporter (Amharic: ሪፖርተር), is a private newspaper published in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It appears in both English and Amharic, and is owned by the Media Communications Centre. The editor in chief and founder of the newspaper is Amare Aragawi.
In 2008 the editor of the Reporter, Amare Aregawi was jailed in Gondar, Oromo news, Ethiopia Information.
Police arrested Aregawi on August 22nd, 2008 after a defamation lawsuit was filed against the newspaper by the brewery in a Gondar court.
Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela
Historical Context
Ethiopia's history stretches back millennia, with the country being home to some of the oldest evidence of human ancestors. It holds the distinction of being the only African country to resist European colonisation successfully, maintaining its independence throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Other News
- Passengers jump from windows in fatal Ethiopia train crash. Fifteen people died in the night-time collision in the Somali region, officials tell the BBC.
- Migrant sex offender given £500 after threat to disrupt deportation. Hadush Kebatu was given the money to avoid a "slower, more expensive process", Downing Street said.
- Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu deported to Ethiopia, Home Office confirms
- Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says he is a prime target of the Islamist group al-Shabab.
- Scores dead as boat carrying more than 150 people capsizes off Yemen
- African migrants receive food and water inside a football stadium in Aden, Yemen, on Apr. Thousands of refugees fleeing war in Ethiopia and Somalia now find themselves endangered once again in another war zone.
- Mass rape, forced pregnancy and sexual torture in Tigray amount to crimes against humanity - report‘
- Rusted screws, metal spikes and plastic rubbish: the horrific sexual violence used against Tigray’s womenTens of thousands of Tigrayan women report brutal wartime abuse by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers, such as gang-rape and the insertion of objects into their uteruses.
- Echoes of Ethiopian famine in Gaza crisis
- Ethiopian Athlete Aleshign Baweke Wins Women’s 3000 meters Diamand League in Zurich
- Yomif Kejelcha Wins Men’s 5000m Final at Diamond League Meet in Paris
- Ethiopia Dominates Great Manchester Run 2025: Selemon and Medina Cruise to 10K Victory
