Rethinking the Ethiopia–Eritrea Relationship: A Call for Strategic Clarity Understanding the Ethiopia–Eritrea Dynamics For years, the international community has approached the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea through an oversimplified lens. This perspective captures Eritrea as a small, vulnerable state and Ethiopia as the presumptive aggressor, primarily because of its larger size. Such a skewed interpretation—often termed the “small state syndrome”—has not only distorted diplomatic engagement but also allowed unsubstantiated narratives to shape international policies toward the two nations. The Inherent Asymmetry in Relations The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are far from being a mere dispute over territory or…
Author: Abren
Ethiopia’s Surge in Local Vaccine Production: A Promising Path for Africa Ethiopia is emerging as a leading force in Africa’s quest for local vaccine production, gaining formal recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its swift advancements and robust regulatory framework. Strategic Moves Highlighted at Africa Health Summit During a high-profile panel at the Africa Health Summit in Kampala, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, discussed the crucial strategies that have positioned Ethiopia as a key player in healthcare self-reliance on the continent. The WHO has acknowledged this significant progress, particularly as the Ethiopian Food and Drug…
Legal Reforms Empower Women in Rural Ethiopia: A New Era of Land Ownership Land ownership in Ethiopia, particularly for women, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. This legal shift not only empowers women but also paves the way for gender equality and economic stability in rural communities. The Shift in Land Ownership Laws Historically, Ethiopian laws have often marginalized women’s rights to own land. Women traditionally faced numerous barriers in securing land tenure, which limited their economic independence. However, recent legal reforms have aimed to address these disparities, providing women with greater rights to own and manage land. Key…
Successful Conclusion of the 5th Youth Model African Union Summit The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) recently partnered with esteemed organizations, including the African Union, UNDP Regional Service Centre in Addis Ababa, and Model African Union Ethiopia (MAU-E), to host the 5th Youth Model African Union (YMAU) Extraordinary Summit at the iconic African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This transformative event gathered dynamic young leaders from across the continent to engage in a simulation of crucial AU organs, including the AU Assembly, Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights…
Italy Plans Major Investment in Ethiopia: Opportunities for Growth Addis Ababa, November 15, 2025 – Italy is set to embark on a significant investment initiative in Ethiopia, with keen interest from Italian businesses amidst a favorable investment climate established by the Ethiopian government. This move is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and harnessing the untapped potential of both nations. The Current Trade Landscape In a recent interview, Italian Trade Commissioner Claudio Pasqualucci emphasized that despite the rich history and diplomatic ties between Italy and Ethiopia, bilateral trade remains surprisingly low. He noted, “As we speak now in November 2025,…
Major Reforms in Kenya’s Energy Sector: Lifting the Power Purchase Agreement Freeze Kenya’s National Assembly has taken a critical step in overhauling its energy landscape by lifting a nearly three-year freeze on new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This long-awaited reform signifies a shift towards increased transparency and investment in the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) sector, marking one of the most consequential changes in recent history. Transparency Measures for Independent Power Producers In a decisive move to restore public trust, lawmakers directed the Business Registration Service (BRS) to publish comprehensive lists of shareholders and beneficial owners of all IPPs within the…
Ethiopia’s Mega Development Projects: A Catalyst for Economic Growth Introduction As the nation undertakes significant development initiatives, Ethiopia is emerging as a leader in economic transformation across Africa. The recent Conference on Land Policy in Africa highlighted the crucial role these mega projects play in stimulating investment and creating job opportunities. The Impact of Major Development Projects Delegates, including Arnold Joselyn from Cameroon, emphasized the importance of high-profile projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Gode Oil Refinery, and the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas project. These initiatives not only aim to enhance economic growth but also to…
Understanding Ethiopia-Eritrea Relations: Historical Context and Future Prospects Introduction The Horn of Africa is a region marked by both vast potential and persistent turmoil. Amidst ongoing turbulence, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea continues to be a focal point of concern. This article delves into historical complexities, examines current tensions, and explores future possibilities for peace and integration in the Horn. Historical Landscape of Ethiopia-Eritrea Relations The Complexity of Borders and Governance The Ethiopia-Eritrean relationship has long been characterized by conflict and tension. Over the past 73 years, various political configurations have emerged—from federation to full independence—without producing lasting peace.…
Boeing Ordered to Pay $35.8 Million in Landmark Ethiopian Airlines Crash Verdict A significant legal decision emerged recently as a US federal court jury in Chicago mandated Boeing to compensate the family of Shikha Garg, a United Nations environmental worker who perished in the Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash. The jury awarded over $28 million in damages, leading to a total payout of $35.85 million including accrued interest. Background of the Crash The Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy occurred in March 2019 shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, resulting in the loss of 157 lives. Shikha Garg, aged 32, was…
A booming illicit trade, controlled by warlords and foreign investors, is poisoning the land and its people—fueling a cycle of violence A dangerous and illegal gold rush, orchestrated by former Tigray rebels and TPLF strongmen, is flourishing in the aftermath of Ethiopia’s Tigray region. This illicit trade is poisoning the land, inciting violence, and funneling millions in profits overseas. Access to the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk gold mines in Tigray is tightly restricted, with sites legally licensed to Canadian company East Africa Metals (EAM) effectively off-limits to unauthorized personnel. This controlled access stands in stark contrast to the documented…