- More than 50,000 people have fled conflict in Moyale into northern Kenya, up from 36,000 earlier in the week, the UN says.
- A drone strike killed 16 civilians at an IDP camp in Amhara region, residents say.
- Sudan accuses Ethiopia of launching drones from Bahir Dar Airport against its power stations.
- Dashen Bank reports 15.2 billion Birr in pre-tax profit, and signs a EUR 20 million EIB Global facility.
- The US House Foreign Affairs Committee condemns killings of Orthodox Christians in Arsi Zone.
Top stories
Nearly 50,000 flee Moyale conflict into northern Kenya, UN says
More than 50,000 people fleeing conflict in Moyale have crossed into northern Kenya, the UN says, up from 36,000 registered on Tuesday. As of 29 October an estimated 50,000 had arrived in Moyale, Marsabit County, according to IOM. Arrivals are staying with local communities along the border, while others shelter at five temporary sites. IOM's Nomagugu Ncube says the situation remains fluid, with arrivals possibly increasing in the coming days.
Addis Standard (@addisstandard); also Addis Maleda (Telegram)
Drone strike kills 16, injures 22 at Hayiq Jari 2 IDP camp in Amhara region
A drone strike killed 16 civilians and injured 22 at the Hayiq Jari 2 Turk IDP camp in Amhara region, camp residents told Addis Standard. The strike hit at around 11:00 a.m. Those killed included three pregnant women, an eight-year-old girl and students. A witness said the drone struck at least five times at 15-minute intervals while displaced people were inside their shelters. Residents said at least 15 of the dead were buried together in one grave.
Addis Standard (@addisstandard)
Dashen Bank posts 15.2 billion Birr pre-tax profit for past fiscal year
Dashen Bank reports 15.2 billion Birr in pre-tax profit for the past fiscal year, a 127.6 percent rise from about 6.7 billion Birr. At a shareholders' meeting in Addis Ababa, board chairman Dula Mekonnen said deposits reached 280 billion Birr, up 36.9 percent, and foreign currency obtained totaled 1.4 billion dollars. The loan portfolio, including interest-free finance, reached 165.4 billion Birr, up 24.9 percent year on year, and paid-up capital closed at 17.36 billion Birr. Total assets stood at 350 billion Birr.
Sheger FM; also Birr Metrics
Sudan accuses Ethiopia of launching drones from Bahir Dar Airport in strikes on power stations
Sudanese government and intelligence officials accused Ethiopia at a joint press conference in Khartoum on Wednesday of involvement in drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, fuel depots and power stations, saying the drones were launched from Ethiopian territory, including Bahir Dar Airport. They presented flight data, satellite imagery and drone fragments. Separately, Defence Minister Hassan Daoud Kabroun accused more than 20 countries of backing the RSF with funding, drones, logistics and foreign fighters.
Addis Standard (@addisstandard)
Politics
Ethiopian Media Authority licenses Maedot Broadcasting Service, formerly Dimtsi Weyane Tigray
The Ethiopian Media Authority licensed Maedot Broadcasting Service, formerly Dimtsi Weyane Tigray Radio and Television, saying the change follows Tigray's caretaker administration's request.
Addis Standard (@addisstandard)
Security
Oromia Security Forces Arrest at Least 27 After October 24 Massacres in Shirka Woreda
BBC Amharic: Oromia's Shirka Woreda forces detained at least 27 people, including women with infants, who came to Gobesa to rescue and bury October 24 massacre victims; 13 remain held without court appearances.
Borkena
US House Foreign Affairs Committee condemns Arsi Zone killings of over 60 Orthodox Christians
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee condemned the killings of over 60 Orthodox Christians in Arsi Zone, demanding accountability.
Borkena
US Embassy in Addis Ababa warns citizens against travel to Amhara, Tigray and Afar
The US Embassy warns citizens against travel to Amhara, Tigray and Afar, especially North Afar, and to reconsider visits.
Addis Maleda (Telegram)
Economy
Dashen Bank signs EUR 20 million EIB Global facility for agribusiness and women-led SMEs
Dashen Bank signed a EUR 20 million (about $22.3 million) agreement with EIB Global for Ethiopian SME long-term credit.
Ethiopian Business Review (Telegram); also Capital Ethiopia
Banks and fintech
Ethiopian central bank governor bans banks' upfront and compounded interest offers for large deposits
National Bank Governor Eyob Tekalegn banned banks from competing for large deposits using upfront and compounded interest, per Addis Fortune, which says the September circular followed banks' use of the practice.
Addis Fortune (@addis_fortune)
CBE President Abie Sano Says Bank Handles 73 Percent of Ethiopia's Digital Transaction Value
CBE President Abie Sano said October 29 at its third Cybersecurity Awareness Month conference that CBE processes 73 percent of over 30 trillion birr annual national digital transactions (at least 21.9 trillion), 92 percent of…
Birr Metrics; also Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (Telegram)
Foreign relations
Abiy tells Moscow summit Ethiopia and Russia plan world-class nuclear power plant
At the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia and Russia are building a world-class nuclear power plant, called their ties a century-plus friendship, and said Ethiopia pursues food security, reliable…
Ministry of Planning and Development (Telegram); also Fana (English)
Sent by the Observatory.