From Japan to Brazil, Voters Could Shake Markets in Key Election Year
By Libby George and Dhara RanasingheLONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - From Japan to Brazil, elections could add yet more uncertainty this year to markets already whipped by U.S. policy gyrations and heightened geopolitical tension. Japan's election this coming weekend is among the most unpredictable in years, while polls across Latin America will test the region's rightward shift. "If there is a change to the right...there's potential for some fiscal adjustment," said Ninety One portfolio manager Nicolas Jaquier. Markets are sensitive to signs that the fiscally restrained Starmer might be replaced, as seen by a recent bond selloff. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party will almost certainly win a June vote, as key opposition groups plan a boycott.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 02, 2026 06:46 UTC
'Executions, torture, abductions, rape': Ethiopia’s hidden conflict
The government has designated the former student as a terrorist, accusing the OLA of massacring civilians in ethnically motivated attacks. But human rights monitors, who have also documented violations by government forces, say indiscriminate drone strikes , extrajudicial killings and disappearances have become a hallmark of their counterinsurgency campaign. “I am afraid for my own safety.”Attacks on hospitals and clinicsEthiopia restricts access to Oromia for journalists and rights groups, meaning the conflict is largely hidden. “Unfortunately, the human rights situation — as well as the overall humanitarian crisis in Oromia — is underreported,” said Getu Saketa Roro, co-founder of Human Rights League of the Horn of Africa. Members of the Amhara ethnicity , Ethiopia’s second-biggest group, have been targeted for attacks, according to rights monitors.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 02, 2026 05:54 UTC
Air Zimbabwe to launch flights to London Gatwick by June 2026
SubscribeDebt-crippled Air Zimbabwe is hoping to pave its path to success as it plans long-haul expansion to London Gatwick with a refreshed fleet and strategy. Air Zimbabwe is one of them, with the plan currently to sell its two Boeing 777 aircraft which it acquired from Malaysia Airlines in 2020. Air Zimbabwe wants to fly to London Gatwick by June 2026Zimbabwe wants to launch flights between Harare and London by June 2026 at the latest, according to CEO John Panonetsa Mangudya. Air Zimbabwe’s restructuring planThe carrier’s current fleet consists of 7 aircraft, with an average age of 29 years old according to planespotters.net. Photo: Senohrabek | stock.adobe.comThere is plenty to do to get Air Zimbabwe back on track and Harare-London is an ambitious target indeed.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 19:37 UTC
Farming as a Business, Not Survival
The agricultural transformation roadmap developed for 10 regional states, the digital agriculture road map, Agriculture and rural development policy, are few among others. Take avocados, for example; success requires a comprehensive approach that includes nursery development, quality seedling production, cluster farming, market access, and export strategies. Many initiatives within the ACC suffered losses during the conflict in the North, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and regression among cluster farmers. While we can’t claim to have completely changed attitudes, assessments indicate that 83% of our cluster farmers are willing to continue working within the cluster system. This transformation means agriculture will evolve into a business and the industry, moving more labor intensive farming to mechanization, digitization and other technologies that enhance surplus production .
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 19:26 UTC
Ethiopians dominate Dubai Marathon as Melak and Dessie clinch gold
Feb 1 : Ethiopians dominated the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, with debutant Nibret Melak winning the men's race and Anchinalu Dessie taking gold in the women's race, as runners from their country swept the women's podium. Melak finished in two hours and four minutes, nearly two minutes ahead of compatriot Yasin Haji, who took silver, while Rwanda's John Hakizimana came in third. Fellow Ethiopians Muliye Dekebo and Fantu Worku finished second and third as Dessie won her third marathon in a row, having clinched gold in Seville and Beijing last year. Loading Loading"It's nice to run a personal best, but I think I can even run faster in the future," said Dessie. Melak, who took gold in the 10,000-meter race at the 2023 African Games, became the sixth Ethiopian debutant to win the Dubai Marathon.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 16:28 UTC
Double Ethiopian win at Dubai Marathon 2026
Among the top ten finishers in both the men’s and women’s races at the 25th Dubai Marathon, John Hakizimana of Rwanda was the only runner who was not Ethiopian. A late addition to the Dubai Marathon field, Dessie stormed to victory and slashed nearly four minutes off her personal best. In the closing stages of the women’s race, Dekebo looked set for victory after building a strong lead, but with just over 2km remaining she was struck by stomach problems. With additional 10km and 4km events, the 25th Dubai Marathon attracted 20,000 participants overall, including a record 4,000 marathon runners. The Dubai Marathon celebrated its 25th anniversary in style, marking a significant milestone for Dubai’s longest-standing marathon and one of the region’s flagship sporting events.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 13:41 UTC
Keepers of the Laugh in Classic & Contemporary Architecture of Ethiopian Comedy
Ethiopian comedy stands out for its deep cultural integration, emphasizing communal resilience and subtle political commentary rather than individual punchlines. Abera Joro is a legendary Ethiopian stage performer and comedian known for his powerful presence in theater. He passed away in January 2026, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly shaped modern Ethiopian comedy and media. Mekonen Lake is a contemporary Ethiopian comedian who has gained recognition through stage performances, comedy films, and viral clips on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. He has made significant contributions to stage and television comedy, helping to bring Ethiopian comedy into the mainstream.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 13:26 UTC
Dubai Marathon 2026: Nibret Melak, Anchinalu Dessie win big
Dubai Marathon 2026 offered runners of all stamina a way to participate. There was the full marathon (42.2 km) for the ultimate test of endurance, or the half-marathon (21.1 km) for a challenging yet achievable distance. For those who prefer a shorter run, the 10 km race provided a great way to get involved. And the 4 km fun run was perfect for families and those just starting out. Whether she’s writing features, curating content, or crafting the perfect headline, Karishma brings curiosity, creativity, and just the right amount of sarcasm to the mix.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 12:02 UTC
Undocumented migrants celebrate Spain's plan to legalise their status
Undocumented migrants living in Spain have welcomed a government decision to offer hundreds of thousands of people a way to stay in the country legally. “Mostly the undocumented people working here, who are used to being exploited, they could not find jobs, they are being documented. The window to apply for legal residency in Spain is short, from April and to the end of June. To make sure everyone gets their required criminal record certificates in time, the consulate is opening until 11pm and even on weekends. “I didn’t expect that this country was going to be so good, the weather, the people, the culture,” Dar said.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 11:28 UTC
Ethiopia’s second interconnector with Djibouti is planned
Over the past decade power trading has increased on the double-circuit Ethiopia-Djibouti interconnector, which runs from Dire Dawa to Djibouti City, with Djibouti now importing 70% of its electricity from Ethiopia. Further imports of renewable electrons sourced from utility Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) are on the cards along with additional power interconnector infrastructure.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 11:04 UTC
3 aircraft damaged in attack at Niamey Airport
SubscribeThree aircraft were reportedly damaged at Niamey International in Niger after a coordinated attack aimed at the airport and airbase on Thursday night shortly after midnight. Aircraft Registration Airline Notes Airbus A319-100 TU-TRE Air Côte d’Ivoire Boeing 737 MAX 8 ET-BBB ASKY Airlines Leased from Ethiopian Airlines. Why did Islamic State attack Niamey Airport? It is not immediately clear why the attack targeted Niamey Airport, though there are several theories. Niger has accused former colonial ruler France of backing the airport attack, further straining relations between the two.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 01, 2026 10:16 UTC
Somalia omits Ethiopia reference in statement on president’s Jigjiga trip
During the visit, President Mohamud met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Delegations from Djibouti and Kenya were also present for the inauguration of a large tourism complex designed to attract visitors and generate revenue for the Somali region of Ethiopia. The omission is notable given President Mohamud’s comments in 2024, when he said Ethiopia occupies territory that is part of Somalia, referring to the Somali region now incorporated into Ethiopia’s national map. The omission is also interpreted as a warning that Somalia could revisit its longstanding position on the Somali Region should Ethiopia move towards recognising Somaliland. Israel has already taken steps in that direction, while Ethiopia has largely remained silent as countries across the region condemned the move.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 31, 2026 14:20 UTC
Somali President Holds Talks with Ethiopian, Djiboutian Leaders
Somali President Holds Talks with Ethiopian, Djiboutian LeadersJIGJIGA, Ethiopia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh in Jigjiga on Saturday, officials said, as part of efforts to strengthen regional security and economic ties in the Horn of Africa. Mohamud was welcomed at Garaad Wiil-Waal Airport and discussed ongoing political and security challenges in the region, highlighting Somalia’s priority on diplomatic engagement to reinforce national unity and sovereignty. During his visit, he also participated in the opening of development projects in Ethiopia’s Somali Region aimed at improving local infrastructure and public services. Officials said the visit underscores Somalia’s commitment to deepening regional cooperation and advancing joint initiatives on stability and economic growth in the Horn of Africa. GAROWE ONLINE
Source:Ethiopian News
January 31, 2026 14:05 UTC
Drone strikes in central Tigray kill one, injure another: police
Tigray forces take Alamata, call on gun owners to surrender weaponsEthiopian Airlines canceled flights to Mekele, Axum, Shire, and HumeraDrone strikes hit two towns and a woreda in the Central Tigray Zone on Friday night and Saturday morning. The drone strikes occurred on Friday amid reports of a renewed confrontation between the federal government and Tigray forces. Police and Tigray regional officials said the strikes hit the towns of Enticho and Gendebta, as well as the Ahferom woreda. Sources said earlier this week that a drone strike took place in the Tselemit area, where Tigray forces and federal troops clashed. On Wednesday evening, federal forces left Alamata town, and Tigray forces began entering.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 31, 2026 13:47 UTC
Powering Ethiopia’s Instant Payments Future
Ethiopia is advancing rapidly toward a digital payments economy defined by interoperability, real-time transactions, and inclusive access. The National Digital Payments Strategy establishes the framework for instant payments, streamlined operations, and expanded reach to underserved populations and cross-border users. What is the state of Ethiopia’s payments ecosystem today, and where do you see the biggest opportunities? As Ethiopia’s digital payments ecosystem grows, how will robust data infrastructure shape the country’s long-term financial stability? Investing in this foundation today, will allow Ethiopia’s payments ecosystem to scale confidently and compete globally.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 31, 2026 13:25 UTC