GERD Completion and Resumption of Natural Gas Exports
Oromo Liberation Army Ambushes ENDF Troops, Kills Seven Soldiers
GERD Completion and Resumption of Natural Gas Exports
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the completion of the multibillion-dollar Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, with the official inauguration scheduled for September 2025. In a speech to the Federal Parliament on July 3, Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia's message to downstream countries Sudan and Egypt is that the GERD is a shared opportunity, not a threat. The dam, which can hold 74 billion cubic meters of water, is expected to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity once fully operational. Abiy also revealed that Ethiopia plans to resume its natural gas exports to the international market in September 2025.
Abiy Ahmed Warns Against War-Mongering Rhetoric in Tigray
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned against war-mongering rhetoric from unnamed forces in the Tigray region, urging religious leaders and elders to dissuade such forces. He stressed that any potential conflict would be far worse than the 2020-22 war, reaffirming the Federal Government's goal of maintaining peace and ensuring the safe return of displaced people. Addressing tensions with Eritrea, Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia would not initiate military action against Eritrea but reiterated Ethiopia’s capacity to defend itself if attacked. He also highlighted Ethiopia's aspiration for maritime access as a critical issue for the country.
Oromo Liberation Army Ambushes ENDF Troops, Kills Seven Soldiers
The rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) killed at least seven members of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) in a July 3 ambush in Degem district, North Shewa zone, Oromia region. The soldiers were escorting students returning from their national exams at Selale University when the attack occurred. The ENDF or government spokesperson has not yet commented on the incident.
IMF Approves Third Review of Ethiopia's Loan Package
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the third review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion extended loan package. This approval allows the IMF to release the next $262.3 million to help Ethiopia meet its fiscal needs. The IMF urged Ethiopia to increase domestic revenue, continue fiscal reforms, and implement tight monetary policies to manage inflation. However, the IMF also warned that security issues, social discontent, and declining donor support remain significant challenges to the country’s ongoing reforms.
Ethiopia Reaches Debt Restructuring Deal with Creditors
Ethiopia has reached a debt restructuring agreement with its Official Creditors Committee (OCC), formalizing a deal first agreed upon in March 2025. The agreement, which provides more than $3.5 billion in debt relief, will help the country address its outstanding debts, including maturing bonds from 2024. The Federal Parliament has approved a 1.93 trillion birr federal budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year, with a significant portion of the budget expected to be covered by domestic revenue.
Human Rights Defenders Urge Ethiopia to Drop Proposed Civil Society Bill
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has called on Ethiopian authorities to reconsider the proposed Civil Society Organizations Bill. The organization warns that the bill, if passed, would severely restrict civic space, undermine the independence of civil society groups, and potentially criminalize their activities. It has urged Ethiopia’s international partners to pressure the government to withdraw the bill and engage in more inclusive discussions with civil society organizations.
wazemaradio@gmail.com