
Sidama Coffee's pursuit of their first CBE Ethiopian Premier League title has been prolonged after Negelle Arsi secured a late victory against Hawassa Ketema at Addis Ababa Stadium. Sidama Coffee had defeated Ethiopian Coffee 2-1, with goals from Yared Bayeh and Birhanu Bekele, following an initial lead by Zelalem Abate for Ethiopian Coffee. However, Negelle Arsi's win, sealed by Rohobot Selalo's free kick after Getaneh Kebede had equalized for Hawassa Ketema, means Sidama Coffee must wait. Mechal is now out of the title race after a 3-0 loss to Saint George. Sidama Coffee leads the standings with 64 points, eight points ahead of second-placed Negelle Arsi 56 points, with three games remaining. The two teams are set to face each other in a crucial match in Week 36.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
Must ReadThe Tigray People's Liberation Front TPLF on Friday condemned new United States visa restrictions on some of its members, accusing Washington of a one-sided approach. The TPLF stated that these measures overlook the Ethiopian government's alleged failure to implement key provisions of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. The US announced the sanctions on June 18, following clashes between Tigrayan forces and the Ethiopian National Defense Force, warning of renewed hostilities. The TPLF, responding from Mekelle, rejected the US characterization of the crisis and blamed the federal government for not fulfilling its obligations under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. The party alleged that Addis Ababa continues to restrict essential services, including banking, fuel supplies, and humanitarian access, which has hindered the return of displaced people and contributed to Tigray's exclusion from Ethiopia's June 1 elections. The TPLF urged Washington to apply accountability measures equally to all parties and pressure the federal government to implement outstanding provisions of the peace agreement, including the withdrawal of non-federal forces from disputed territories and the restoration of the TPLF鈥檚 legal status. The Ethiopian government has not publicly responded to this latest TPLF statement, though it has previously affirmed its commitment to the Pretoria Agreement.

Dr. Abebe Shibru, country director for MSI Ethiopia Reproductive Choices, discussed the organization's shift from a donor-dependent model to a financially self-sustaining social enterprise. For over 35 years, MSI Ethiopia has focused on maternal and child health and reproductive health services, contributing to a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates in Ethiopia from 800-1000 per 100,000 live births to approximately 169 per 100,000. The organization serves up to two million people annually, with 85 percent of clients residing in rural areas. Faced with declining foreign donor funding, MSI Ethiopia adopted a social business model five years ago. This model involves charging fees for some services, not for profit, but to reinvest in social causes and support free services for underserved communities. While still receiving some donor support, 70 percent of its funding is now generated locally. The organization operates five hospitals, 16 medium clinics, and training centers, with revenue from these operations contributing to its self-sustainability. MSI Ethiopia also engages with religious and community leaders to challenge cultural misconceptions and advocate for policies that prioritize reproductive health, including a progressive law on safe abortion under certain preconditions. The organization emphasizes the economic benefits of family planning, linking it to women's education and overall socioeconomic development, and works to involve men in family planning dis
Must ReadSomaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro stated that his administration maintains open diplomatic channels with the United States and Ethiopia to secure further international recognition. Speaking to i24NEWS in Jerusalem on June 18, 2026, President Abdullahi confirmed that regional nations, including Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya, are also top foreign policy priorities for Hargeisa. This diplomatic push follows Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland in late 2025, which President Abdullahi noted was the second time Israel recognized Somaliland, the first being in 1960. Somaliland is establishing an embassy in Jerusalem and offering access to the Berbera Port. President Abdullahi rejected the description of Somaliland as a breakaway region, asserting its sovereignty predated Somalia's government formation in 1960. He also mentioned a previous Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland from January 1, 2024, for maritime access and political recognition, which was halted due to regional diplomatic pressure and Turkish-mediated talks between Ethiopia and Somalia.