Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Highlights Efforts for Ethiopia's Sea Access
Former State Minister Taye Dendea Claims Survival of Multiple Assassination Attempts
Ethiopian Journalist Tesfalem Woldeyes Remains in Detention Despite Court Ruling
Tesfalem Woldeyes, founder and editor-in-chief of Ethiopian Insider, remains imprisoned despite a decision by the Cassation Bench of Addis Ababa City Court on June 12, 2025, which upheld the earlier bail ruling. The Cassation Bench ruled that the police's application against the bail was inadmissible, directing the police to enforce the court's decision and release him. Ethiopian Insider's publisher, Haq Media and Communications, has called for Tesfalem's immediate release. Tesfalem was arrested on June 8, 2025, and is accused of disseminating false information.
Ethiopian Media Group Calls for Immediate Release of Tesfalem Woldeyes
The Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association (EMMPA) has condemned the Addis Ababa City Police for not respecting the court's bail ruling in the case of Tesfalem Woldeyes, the editor-in-chief of Ethiopian Insider. The group called for his immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that the police’s refusal to enforce the court's decision violates the Media Bill, which prohibits the arrest of journalists for carrying out their work. EMMPA called this a dangerous repressive tactic against journalism.
Former State Minister Taye Dendea Claims Survival of Multiple Assassination Attempts
Former Ethiopian State Minister of Peace, Taye Dendea, claimed he survived three assassination attempts before his first arrest in December 2023. Speaking in an interview after his second arrest earlier this month, Taye stated that two attempts occurred in Adama in 2022 and 2023, and the third in Addis Ababa. He did not name those responsible for the attempts. Taye was rearrested after two charges, related to disseminating propaganda messages from armed groups on social media, were reinstated, despite previously being acquitted.
U.S. Ambassador Apologizes for Error in Statement Regarding Drone Attacks
U.S. envoy to Ethiopia, Ervin Masinga, acknowledged that a statement released by the U.S. Embassy on May 23, 2025, urging the Ethiopian government to cease drone attacks was an administrative error. Masinga clarified that he had not reviewed or approved the statement and apologized for the confusion. He noted that, despite the error, the embassy remained committed to promoting peaceful dialogue, which was positively received by rebel groups such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano militia factions.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Highlights Efforts for Ethiopia's Sea Access
Chief of Staff of Ethiopia’s Armed Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, reiterated that some forces are attempting to block Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access. During discussions with the Peace and Foreign Affairs Standing Committee of the Federal Parliament on June 11, 2025, Birhanu accused unnamed forces of attempting to thwart Ethiopia's sea access ambitions. He emphasized that the Ethiopian National Armed Forces (ENDF) are strengthening their capabilities, including building a navy, to secure maritime access and deter potential threats. Reports suggest the government is also finalizing the construction of a new naval administrative headquarters in Addis Ababa with support from Russia.
Sidama Regional Council Removes Immunity of Security Head
On June 12, 2025, the Sidama regional council removed the immunity of Alemayehu Timotewos, head of the region's Peace and Security Office. Alemayehu, an elected member of the regional council, is accused of attempting to overthrow the regional administration led by Desta Ledamo. Other charges include facilitating the illegal trade of drugs and weapons in the region, as well as abusing power and unlawfully detaining individuals for ransom. The regional Justice Bureau informed the council of these allegations.
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