U.S. lifts strict arms export restrictions on Ethiopia
The U.S. Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has announced the lifting of its strict policy of denial for arms exports to Ethiopia. According to the update issued on May 11, export license applications for Ethiopia’s military, police, and security institutions will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis instead of being automatically rejected. A forthcoming regulatory revision is also expected to remove Ethiopia from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) proscribed countries list. The restrictions were imposed by the Joe Biden Administration in 2021 over human rights violations during the war in northern Ethiopia. The U.S. Government uses export controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to safeguard national security interests and regulate transfers of military and dual-use items.
Patriarch appeals for clemency for Ethiopians on Saudi death row
Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abuna Mattias, has called on the Ethiopian Government to intensify efforts to overturn death sentences handed to Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia. The Patriarch urged Ethiopian authorities to prioritize support for detainees in Saudi prisons and facilitate their safe return home. He also appealed to Saudi authorities to commute the sentences to prison terms, citing the longstanding historical ties between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he called on international human rights organizations to oppose the executions, arguing that many Ethiopian detainees were tried without proper interpretation services during court proceedings. In April, Human Rights Watch reported that at least 65 Ethiopians convicted of drug-related offenses in Saudi Arabia are at risk of imminent execution.
Senior Tigray official detained in Mekelle
Gebru Kahsay, head of the press secretariat of Tigray Interim Administration President Tadesse Worede, was detained in Mekelle on May 10 for undisclosed reasons. Sources familiar with the matter linked the detention to the ongoing political standoff between the Tigray Interim Administration and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The sources said the detention was particularly connected to statements posted on the social media pages of Gen. Tadesse’s office following the reinstatement of the pre-war regional council and the election of Debretsion Gebremichael as regional president. Last week, Gen. Tadesse accused the TPLF of attempting to seize power by force.
Ethiopian Airlines exploring major Airbus order
Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly holding preliminary discussions with Airbus over a major aircraft purchase, according to Bloomberg. The talks involve the possible acquisition of six Airbus A350 widebody aircraft and 20 Airbus A220 regional jets. The A350s are designed for long-haul international operations with improved fuel efficiency and larger seating capacity, while the A220s are suited for shorter regional routes with lower operating costs. Ethiopian Airlines has previously indicated that it aims to modernize its aging fleet and improve fuel efficiency as part of its long-term growth strategy. Neither Airbus nor Ethiopian Airlines has officially confirmed the negotiations. The airline currently operates Africa’s largest Boeing fleet and maintains the continent’s biggest backlog of Boeing 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 aircraft.
Maqdala relics formally returned to Ethiopia
Relics looted during the 1868 Maqdala expedition, including strands of hair belonging to Emperor Tewodros II and a blood-stained cloth associated with his final moments, were formally handed over to Ethiopia on May 11 during a ceremony at St Martin’s Chapel at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster. Abebaw Ayalew described the handover as an important act of cultural restoration representing Ethiopia’s identity, memory, and heritage. He said the return of the relics reflected growing trust and cooperation between Ethiopian and British institutions despite the painful legacy of the 1868 expedition led by General Robert Napier. Alula Pankhurst received the artifacts on behalf of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority during a ceremony attended by Ethiopian Orthodox clergy, diplomats, scholars, and museum representatives. The great-grandson of General Napier also handed over a golden bracelet originally gifted by Emperor Tewodros II to a British soldier.
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