NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 19.09.2025
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie welcomed Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, to the newly renovated National Palace on Thursday (September 18). The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral matters, including trade and investment, as well as regional matters of importance.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched his fourth book, Medemer State, on Tuesday (September 16) in Addis Ababa, presenting it as a continuation of his philosophy of synergy. The event was attended by President Taye Atsekeslassie, senior government leaders, military officials, and representatives from various sectors of society.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State, on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues on Wednesday (September 17). The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared interests between Ethiopia and the United States.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (September 9) in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region, in a ceremony attended by leaders of neighboring countries, Heads of African Regional and Continental Institutions, Senior government officials, religious leaders, and prominent public figures, among others. The launching ceremony has become a leading international news story, drawing wide coverage from global and regional media outlets, and has been portrayed as both a milestone in African development and a powerful symbol of national achievement. (See article)
Ethiopia is steadily emerging as a hub for conference tourism, with Addis Ababa at the heart of this transformation. The capital has become a central stage for high-profile gatherings, attracting leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the globe. In September alone, Addis Ababa welcomed heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international and regional organizations, for a series of landmark events including UNFCCC Climate Week 2025, the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), and the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit. This growing portfolio of summits underscores the city’s reputation as a preferred destination for international dialogue and cooperation. (See article)
Ethiopian Airlines held a two-day showcase for its new mega international airport project in Bishoftu on Tuesday (September 16), attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, executives, investors, contractors, and representatives from financing institutions.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia Agostino Palese at his office on Tuesday (September 16). The two sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Hadera met with Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for East and the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, on Thursday (September 19). The State Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to hosting over one million refugees and strengthening cooperation with UNHCR to address refugee challenges amid rising funding constraints.
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation through an impressive participation at the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, held from September 11 to 13, in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Nefisa Almehadi, State Minister of Culture and Sports, engaged in a series of high-impact events aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and Russia. (See article)
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, addressed local and international media on Thursday (September 18) during a press briefing on current national and international issues. He highlighted the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its diplomatic significance, Ethiopia’s participation in the Second African Climate Summit and the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, as well as preparations for the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh attended an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Sunday (September 14). The next day, the President met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani to hold discussions on matters of mutual interest.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Sunday (September 14) to attend the Arab-Islamic Summit, where he held bilateral meetings with fellow heads of state. On Monday (September 15), he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the summit to discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the adoption of a resolution on UN-AU cooperation by the UN General Assembly at its 79th session on Saturday (September 14). The resolution emphasized that enhanced cooperation would advance the principles of the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act, as well as support Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Chairperson Youssouf concluded an official mission to Abu Dhabi on Saturday (September 13), where he was received by UAE Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit focused on strengthening the UAE–Africa partnership.
The Chairperson received Massad Boulos, U.S. Advisor on African Affairs, at his office on Wednesday (September 17). They discussed matters of shared interest and the renewal of U.S. investments in Africa’s economy.