Capital and largest city of Ethiopia, a political and diplomatic hub
France, under President Macron, has hosted Africa Forward in Nairobi, presenting a roadmap for deeper Franco-African economic ties. The Nairobi Declaration outlines investments, reform of global financial architecture, and higher African voice in international institutions. Macron and Kenyan President Ruto frame the outcome as a shift toward sovereign, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Syria has completed the final stage of forming its People’s Assembly in the northeast, with Hasakah and Ain al-Arab voting to fill the last 11 seats. The process follows recent reintegration of the region under Damascus and signals ongoing efforts to rebuild state institutions after years of conflict.
Millions of Ethiopians are voting in the 7th General Election as NEBE oversees more than 52,000 polling stations. The vote is viewed as a defining moment for the country’s democratic institutions, with digital registration and expanded media space marking a modernization of the process.
A crowded bus traveling from Dessie to Addis Ababa has veered off a mountainous road in Amhara, plunging into a ravine. Authorities say the death toll is rising as emergency services struggle to reach victims amid poor infrastructure. The crash follows a pattern of deadly road accidents on Ethiopia’s hazardous roads.
The Prosperity Party has secured a decisive majority in the House of Peoples' Representatives, with 438 of 501 seats reported by the electoral board. Voting did not occur in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia due to security concerns, while turnout was high in areas where voting occurred. The government frames the result as a mandate for stability and continued reforms, but opposition voices warn of fear and intimidation amid ongoing tensions and regional disputes.
Drones have intensified around El Obeid in North Kordofan, with attacks hitting fuel depots, water points and aid trucks. Civilians face acute shortages as electricity outages hinder water access. The international response calls for protection and humanitarian access while warning of potential mass displacement.
Ghana and other African states have repatriated citizens, lodged diplomatic protests and sought AU and ICC intervention after renewed waves of violent, anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa. Two Ghanaians have submitted a petition to the ICC alleging crimes against migrants; Nigeria and Ghana are pursuing evacuations, autopsies and diplomatic pressure while South Africa rejects the ICC claim.