Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Russia are working to further strengthen their cooperation in technology, with research and development, human capital development and technology transfer among the areas receiving emphasis.

Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin made the remarks during a visit to the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, where he toured the institute and reviewed its activities.

Institute Director General Dr. Worku Gachena briefed the ambassador on key activities being undertaken by the institute as part of Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has moved into a further stage of reconciling recommendations developed across its eight working groups, with a 120-member consolidation team presenting harmonized proposals back to the respective groups for final input.

The 120-member team, comprising representatives from each of the eight working groups, presented the consolidated recommendations organized for each group.

The working groups reviewed the proposals under their respective agendas, provided their final input and returned them to their designated drafting members to prepare the final recommendations.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue Conference is creating a platform for citizens with diverse perspectives to find common ground and pursue shared solutions, participants said, describing the process as a pathway toward sustainable peace and development.

The National Dialogue Conference, which began on July 15 at the Addis International Convention Center, has brought together 4,000 participants from Ethiopia and abroad for in-depth discussions on eight major agenda items.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is pushing back against what it describes as a renewed #Egyptian campaign to distort its position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the development of the Abbay River, following recent attempts by Egyptian officials and media outlets to recast remarks by Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa.

The latest rhetoric comes after a series of reports published by Fana Media Corporation over the past several weeks on the GERD, Ethiopia’s water-resource development strategy and its approach to the equitable use of transboundary waters.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (FMC) — Representatives of Ethiopia’s international development partners have observed the ongoing National Dialogue Conference and received a briefing on the progress and major developments of the process.

The delegation comprises representatives from various countries supporting the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, with the support coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance.

During their visit to the conference venue, members of the delegation toured the site and observed the National Dialogue process as it is currently unfolding.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia created job opportunities for more than 28,000 returning migrants during the first 11 months of the just-ended 2025/26 fiscal year, the Ministry of Labor and Skills said.

State Minister of Labor and Skills Solomon Soka said the government is working to improve the livelihoods of returning citizens by creating employment opportunities and building a conducive work environment that enables them to rebuild their lives and prosper in their home country.

He said more than 28,000 returning migrants were organized and supported to engage in employment during the reporting period, with favorable conditions created for them to achieve self-reliance by utilizing opportunities and resources available in their local communities.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia spotlighted its Green Legacy Initiative, climate action and environmental sustainability efforts at the BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on August 18 under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship.

Ethiopia highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative and its contributions to environmental protection, alongside progress in forest development, land restoration and sustainable land management.

The country also presented measures aimed at strengthening climate resilience, including early warning systems and efforts to prevent and respond to wildfires.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — The successful completion and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) offers practical proof that Ethiopia can harness the Abay (Blue Nile) for national development without harming downstream countries, Director-General of the GERD Project Public Coordination Office, Aregawi Berhe, said.

Aregawi said GERD has fundamentally changed the long-standing understanding of equitable utilization of the Abay, demonstrating that Ethiopia’s water-development efforts can serve its national interests while producing tangible benefits for the wider region.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s planned additional cascade dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) River could bring greater water security and economic benefits to Sudan rather than pose a threat to downstream countries, Sudanese international water expert and former Minister of Water Resources Prof. Seif al-Din Hamad said.

Speaking on the Muqran al-Nilain program aired by Al-Nilain News Channel, Hamad said the key issue was not the existence of additional dams but ensuring that their initial filling and operation are managed through effective coordination among Nile Basin countries.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is advancing diplomatic, legal and economic approaches to challenge what it views as double standards in regional positions on Abay water rights and Red Sea access, while promoting reciprocity and shared benefits in the Horn of Africa.

The approach questions calls by some parties to restrict Red Sea affairs exclusively to littoral states while marginalizing Ethiopia despite its population of more than 130 million and significant geopolitical and economic weight, while those same parties seek extensive rights over Abay waters.

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2026 (FMC) — Egypt has entered another round of rhetoric, disinformation and pressure aimed at turning Ethiopia’s sovereign development ambitions into a manufactured regional threat.

This time, Cairo has seized on remarks by Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa, stripping them of their clear context and recasting Ethiopia’s determination to develop its own natural resources as an intention to control the Nile and harm downstream countries.

The distortion is revealing: whenever Ethiopia asserts its right to develop, Egypt attempts to redefine that sovereign right as a danger that must be contained.

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2026 (FMC) — Egypt’s latest uproar over Ethiopia’s plans to develop its water resources reveals something far deeper than another disagreement over the Nile. It exposes an old sense of entitlement that continues to treat Ethiopia’s sovereign development choices as though they require Cairo’s approval.

The latest Egyptian reaction was triggered by remarks attributed to Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa concerning Ethiopia’s continued development of water infrastructure.

Egyptian officials and media rapidly framed the remarks as an Ethiopian bid to “control” Nile flows, with an Egyptian official source declaring that Cairo would not allow any party to control the river’s flows to  . .  . .

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission has reaffirmed that the national dialogue process has continued to operate independently, impartially and inclusively, with participants’ complaints and concerns being addressed as the four-week conference advances toward building consensus on the country’s deep-rooted political and social differences.

In a statement issued today on the independence, inclusivity and participation of the process, the Commission said the National Dialogue represents a historic opportunity for Ethiopia to address its complex political and social differences through peaceful dialogue and lay foundations for lasting peace, consensus and democratic governance.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s 4,000 National Dialogue participants are set to take up the harmonized recommendations of the conference’s eight working groups on Wednesday, following the completion of the ongoing process to reconcile and consolidate their outcomes.

Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Hirut Gebre Sellassie said the harmonization of recommendations developed and agreed upon by the eight working groups is nearing completion.

Briefing on the current status of the National Dialogue Conference, Hirut said each group had selected 15 representatives to harmonize the recommendations compiled through their respective deliberations.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has applauded farmers around Haik town in South Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region for transforming farmland once devoted to khat cultivation into thriving fruit and vegetable production clusters.

In a social media post following his visit to the area, Temesgen said the farmers had demonstrated the value of identifying their locality’s agricultural potential and shifting toward more profitable and sustainable production in line with the country’s development direction.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — A United States defense delegation has recognized Ethiopia’s leading role in advancing peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, particularly in support of peace and security in Somalia.

A US defense team from Rhode Island has begun providing training at the Ethiopian Defense Force Peacekeeping Center under an agreement between the two countries to strengthen military cooperation.

The training focuses on the protection of human rights and adherence to international humanitarian and military law during military missions, with particular emphasis on peacekeeping operations, including explosive ordnance disposal and military movements.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian peacekeepers deployed as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) are demonstrating strong military readiness, discipline and morale while effectively carrying out their peacekeeping responsibilities in Sector 4, the sector commander said.

Sector 4 Commander Col. Wondimu Nemomsa said the Ethiopian contingent has continued to discharge its continental peacekeeping mission and national responsibility with strong morale, military preparedness and discipline, describing its performance as a valuable experience for future deployments.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — The Amhara Region is gearing up for the Shadey, Ashendye and Solel festivals, with preparations underway to celebrate the region’s rich cultural traditions, strengthen community ties and promote domestic tourism.

Held annually during the rainy season in different parts of the region, the festivals are deeply rooted in local traditions and are recognized for promoting social cohesion, cultural values and the vitality of women.

They also provide communities with opportunities to pass traditions from one generation to the next and strengthen people-to-people connections.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has brought 2,212 more citizens home from Saudi Arabia, as the country’s ongoing repatriation effort has now returned more than 94,000 Ethiopians from difficult circumstances abroad, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs said.

The latest returnees comprise 2,210 men, one woman and one infant, including 38 people under the age of 18.

The latest repatriation is part of an effort that began on September 15, 2025, with more than 94,000 Ethiopians brought back home so far, according to the Ministry.

The Ministry said coordinated efforts are underway to provide returnees with appropriate support and care and facilitate their reintegration with their families.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (FMC) — Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) Field Marshal Berhanu Jula has described the Special Operations Command as a strategic force giving Ethiopia a decisive edge in rapidly responding to emerging threats and preventing security risks before they escalate.

Field Marshal Berhanu made the remarks while addressing the command’s leadership at the conclusion of its 2025/26 fiscal year performance review, where he provided guidance on the current national security situation and the responsibilities of the armed forces.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Nearly 120 second-generation Ethiopians and their family members from Canada have embarked on a month-long journey to Ethiopia to reconnect with their heritage through cultural exchange, community service and volunteer activities.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Canada Theodros Girma highlighted the significance of the initiative as he saw off the delegation at Toronto Pearson International Airport. He said such programs help younger generations of the diaspora strengthen their connection with Ethiopia’s history, culture and national identity.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative extends far beyond tree planting and environmental restoration, serving as a strategic national undertaking to protect and sustainably develop the country’s natural resources while strengthening the foundations of long-term development, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said.

In a message shared on his social media platforms today, Temesgen said the initiative is strengthening Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems and contributing to the transformation of the country into a greener and more productive landscape.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative extends far beyond tree planting and environmental restoration, serving as a strategic national undertaking to protect and sustainably develop the country’s natural resources while strengthening the foundations of long-term development, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said.

In a message shared on his social media platforms today, Temesgen said the initiative is strengthening Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems and contributing to the transformation of the country into a greener and more productive landscape.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s National Dialogue has moved beyond agenda-level consensus toward the consolidation of a unified national outcome, with agreed recommendations from all eight working groups now being brought together for harmonization ahead of their presentation to the 4,000-member main conference.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission said the eight 500-member working groups are presenting their agreed recommendations to a newly established 120-member team mandated to review, harmonize and organize the outcomes of their deliberations.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Malawi have strengthened cooperation against irregular migration and cross-border crime, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to protect migrants, combat trafficking networks and promote orderly migration management.

The agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye and Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhitho.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ergogie said irregular migration causes serious harm to citizens and countries, while migration, if properly managed, can help accelerate socioeconomic development and