NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 11.07.2025
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie bade farewell on Wednesday (July 9) to Ramiz Alakbarov, the outgoing UN Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia. The President commended him for his commitment and contributions during his time in the country.
President Taye attended Comoros’ 50th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday (July 6) and met with Comorian President Azali Assoumani on the sidelines of the Independence Day celebrations in Moroni.
He also attended the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society on Tuesday (June 8) at the Addis International Convention Center, urging the Society to build sustainable capacity to prevent and alleviate human suffering through timely humanitarian and development initiatives.
The 17th BRICS Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, with Heads of State and Government of BRICS countries, partner countries, and leadership of outreach invitees in attendance. The summit saw high level deliberations on the topics of global peace and security, reform of multilateral institutions, climate finance, global health, and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had a successful participation in the summit, leading a high-level delegation consisting of cabinet ministers. (See article)
Members of the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa were briefed on Wednesday (July 9) on the preparations for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS 2), scheduled to take place at the Addis International Convention Centre (AICC) from September 8-10, 2025. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh addressed the annual review of the National Migration Council on Saturday (July 5) in Addis Ababa, stressing the importance of effective migration governance to safeguard national security and uphold human rights.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timotiwos reflected on discussions held with leaders of several countries on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit on Monday (July 7) during an interview with an Ethiopian media outlet. He noted that the talks focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic partnerships, and advancing shared development priorities.
The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), launched the “Visit Ethiopia” marketing website on Tuesday (July 8) in Addis Ababa to promote the country’s tourism destinations and services. The platform, unveiled by Tourism Minister Salamawit Kassa and INSA Director General Tigist Hamid, features a chatbot to assist visitors and connect tourism service providers.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera is taking part in the 47th Executive Council meeting of the African Union, being held in Malabo from July 10–11. On the sidelines, the State Minister held talks with Equatorial Guinea’s Foreign Minister Simeón Oyono Esono Angue and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Ethiopia launched the Steering Committee for the National Coffee Platform on Wednesday (July 9) in Addis Ababa, bringing together stakeholders to strengthen one of the country’s most important economic and cultural sectors. State Minister of Finance and Committee Chairperson Semereta Sewasew acknowledged ongoing challenges such as climate change and market vulnerabilities while praising record export achievements.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, during a press briefing on Thursday (July 10), described the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year as a year of successful diplomacy. Highlights included deepening international partnerships, promoting investment, supporting citizens abroad, and preparing to host major global summits on climate and development.
Kenya
President William Ruto honored former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the country’s highest award, First Class: Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), on Tuesday (July 8) at State House, Nairobi. President Ruto praised Ban Ki-moon’s over 50-year public service career, highlighting his role in mobilising global action on the climate crisis, health, and gender equality
Somalia
Somalia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour Muferihat Kamil on Wednesday (July 9) on the sidelines of the Third Africa Job Creation Forum. Their discussion focused on enhancing cooperation in employment, skills development, and improving labour market opportunities between the two countries.
South Sudan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, Monday Semaya Kumba, arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday (July 10) for a working visit. During his stay, the Minister is scheduled to meet with senior Ethiopian government officials to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Africa and the African Union
The African Union (AU) opened the three-day Third African Job Creation Forum on Tuesday (July 8) in Addis Ababa, calling for bold action to tackle Africa’s youth employment crisis through industrialization and innovation. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged large-scale efforts to integrate Africa into global value chains and encouraged private sector engagement and youth-driven digital innovation. Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized youth as Africa’s strength and highlighted the AfCFTA as a path to shared prosperity.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts