Ethiopia News Highlights
1. Ethiopian Lawyer Halts COMESA Judge Appointments
In a bold legal move that has caught the attention of regional legal observers, an Ethiopian lawyer has filed a successful injunction to suspend the appointment of judges to the COMESA Court of Justice. The legal challenge, which was brought before Ethiopia’s federal courts, has temporarily put a hold on the selection process, raising serious questions about the transparency, fairness, and integrity of judicial appointments within the regional bloc.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The case, as reported by Capital Newspaper, highlights alleged irregularities in how candidates were being evaluated and nominated for judicial positions in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The plaintiff argues that the current process lacks sufficient transparency, potentially undermining the legitimacy and independence of the court.
The COMESA Court of Justice is one of the most critical organs in the regional body, mandated with ensuring adherence to the COMESA Treaty and resolving disputes between member states. Ethiopia, as a key member state, has a vested interest in how judges are appointed to this influential court.
Legal experts suggest the case may set a precedent for greater public scrutiny of appointments to international and regional institutions. Some have applauded the lawyer’s initiative as a stand for rule of law and judicial independence, while others warn it could complicate regional cooperation if not resolved diplomatically.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have lasting implications, not only for COMESA’s judicial structure but also for how regional institutions across Africa are held accountable by member states and civil society.
5. Ethiopia Plans to Deploy 500,000 Electric Vehicles
In a landmark announcement signaling Ethiopia’s commitment to green energy and climate resilience, the government has unveiled a bold plan to introduce 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across the country by 2035. The initiative, reported by The Reporter Magazine, forms part of Ethiopia’s broader environmental and economic agenda to transition toward a low-carbon future.
The plan includes not only the importation and local assembly of EVs but also substantial investment in the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, maintenance centers, and training programs for technicians. Officials say the program will target both private and public sectors, including buses, taxis, and logistics fleets, helping reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the EV strategy is expected to cut carbon emissions, lower long-term fuel costs, and create new jobs in the green technology sector. The government is also exploring public-private partnerships to accelerate the deployment of EVs and attract foreign investment in renewable energy manufacturing.
Experts view this move as timely, especially as global fuel prices remain volatile and climate change continues to pose threats to agricultural and urban systems. Ethiopia’s shift toward clean mobility aligns with its commitments under international climate accords such as the Paris Agreement and its own Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy.
While ambitious, the program does face hurdles—including financing, public awareness, and grid capacity—but the government has expressed optimism. Pilot projects are already underway in Addis Ababa, where electric taxis and buses have started to appear on the roads.
If successful, Ethiopia could become a regional leader in sustainable transport, setting an example for neighboring countries looking to modernize their fleets and reduce emissions.