ICC Convicts Former Central African Republic Militia Commander of Torture

Seleka rebel group commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, left, speaks with lawyer Dov Jacobs in the courtroom during a hearing in the case in which he is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Bangui in 2013, in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (Remko De Waal/Pool Photo via AP)

By MOLLY QUELL

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Judges at the International Criminal Court convicted rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani on Wednesday of crimes against humanity for abusing and torturing prisoners at a detention facility in the Central African Republic.

Said, wearing blue jeans and a sweater, remained expressionless for most of the hourlong hearing in The Hague as presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba described the inhumane conditions detainees endured at the prison in the capital, Bangui.

During the trial, witnesses described cramped cells with walls marked by “bullet holes and blood” and said they were whipped “until they soiled themselves,” Samba said. Other victims testified that they were confined in a windowless room under the floorboards of Said’s office.

The charges stemmed from fighting more than a decade ago between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels who seized power from then-President François Bozizé, and a mainly Christian militia called the anti-Balaka.

In Bangui, Marius Olivier Trésor Poussinga, who was tortured at the detention center, told The Associated Press the verdict is an “international recognition” of Said’s crimes.

“Today, I can sleep easier because the court has acknowledged my suffering,” Poussinga said.

The country’s justice minister, Arnaud Djoubaye Abazène, welcomed the verdict. “Justice cannot be reversed in the Central African Republic,” Abazène said. “No victim will be left behind, and justice will be delivered at every level,” he added.

Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, called the conviction a “significant milestone in the fight against impunity,” but warned that the country still faces serious challenges.

“The verdict is also a stark reminder of the ongoing abuses in the country, and the need for increased support for both international and domestic justice efforts to end the accountability gap that helps fuel recurring cycles of violence,” he said in a statement.

The verdict is likely the end of the road for justice at the ICC for victims in the Central African Republic.

In 2022, then-chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced he was closing the court’s 15-year investigation into crimes in the country, citing limited resources. Khan was removed from his post in July over allegations of sexual misconduct.

In other cases, two senior anti-Balaka leaders were convicted in July 2025 on multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Former Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba was acquitted on appeal in 2018, while charges against a former Central African Republic government minister were dropped in 2023.

A specially created court in the Central African Republic has prosecuted other defendants. The Special Criminal Court was established to try war crimes and other human rights abuses committed during the coups and violence that the country has experienced since 2003.

Earlier this year, the court began proceedings against former President François Bozizé on charges of crimes against humanity. The trial is being held in absentia because Bozizé is living in exile in Guinea-Bissau.

Backed by the United Nations and staffed with international judges, the court issued its first verdict in 2022. It has since indicted more than 30 people, nearly all of whom are in custody.

Among them is Edmond Beina, who was also wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. His trial at the Special Criminal Court is ongoing, after it fended off an attempt by the ICC to extradite him to The Hague.

Despite its successes, the Special Criminal Court faces possible closure after the Trump administration withdrew U.S. funding last year.

Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, warned that closing the court would be catastrophic for justice in the Central African Republic.

“Despite the authorities’ efforts, national courts still lack the resources and capacity to assume the mandate the SCC has been carrying out,” he said.

Supporters are urging the United Nations and the European Union to help extend the court’s mandate and provide funding.

Said pleaded not guilty when the proceedings began in 2021. His sentence, which could be as long as life in prison, will be decided at a later date.

—

Associated Press writer Jean Fernand Koena in Bangui, Central African Republic, contributed to this report.

Morocco Votes for a New Parliament After Gen Z Protests and Migration Surge to Ceuta

By AKRAM OUBACHIR

7:10 PM EDT, September 23, 2026

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Moroccans voted for a new parliament Wednesday in an election shaped by mounting frustration among young people, high unemployment despite a thriving economy and demands for better schools, hospitals and housing.

Voter turnout in the election for the 395-seat House of Representatives was 38% – the lowest since 2007 – and down by nearly 25% compared to the last elections in 2021.

The vote was the first since deadly youth-led protests nearly a year ago and a mass attempt by migrants to cross Morocco’s northern border into the Spanish territory of Ceuta that left dozens dead. It will determine the next prime minister and the makeup of the government, which will serve alongside a powerful monarchy that retains broad authority over strategic affairs.

Results are expected Thursday.

The next government will oversee billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, prompting some to describe it as the “World Cup government.” The new political leadership will also face pressure to address everyday concerns, including jobs, wages and the cost of living.

For many young Moroccans, the election comes as doubts grow that political participation can improve their daily lives. Some have turned to street protests, while others have considered leaving the country or staying away from the ballot box.

Othmane Mouden, a Casablanca businessman in his late 30s, believes elections are the only way Moroccans can make their voices heard.

“Protesting like the Gen Z youth will not bring any change,” he said on his way to the polling station. “You can only claim your rights through the polls.”

Voters chose among 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties. Since no single party is expected to obtain an absolute majority, the winner will need to negotiate with others to form a governing coalition.

The Moroccan Constitution requires the king to appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats in legislative elections.

One possibility for prime minister is Faouzi Lakjaa, president of Morocco’s soccer federation, who recently joined the PAM party and has been buoyed by Morocco’s recent soccer achievements.

Another is Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, 50, mayor of Marrakech and minister of urban planning, who would be Morocco’s first female prime minister.

Some groups, including the far-left party The Democratic Path, called for a boycott of the election, saying that it “lacks the minimum conditions of democracy.” Banned but tolerated Islamist association Al-Adl Wal Ihsane issued similar claims.

Turnout at midday was just over 11%, slightly below the 12% at the same time during the last legislative elections in 2021.

The number of registered voters has declined by 9.7% since the 2021 election, even as Morocco’s population has grown, reflecting disenchantment with politics notably among young people.

As ballot stations opened in Casablanca and Rabat, voters of various ages formed small but continuous lines to cast their ballots.

Jamal Aamar, a 63-year-old retired banker, came to vote for the Federation of the Democratic Left, a left-wing coalition. Aamar said participating in the election allows his voice to be heard.

“If you boycott, you will leave others an empty seat,” he said.

The constitution recognizes the right to vote for Moroccans living abroad, but there is no voting by mail or ballot boxes at Moroccan consulates. Instead, they must travel to Morocco to vote or authorize a registered family member or acquaintance to vote on their behalf.

Moroccans in Madrid had mixed views on the elections, with some shrugging them off as having little impact.

Caterer Bader Eabram, 24, said Morocco’s strong performance in recent World Cups and other soccer championships is driving some voters’ choices, and providing hope.

“We’re all really eager to host the World Cup. It’s a great country,’' he said. ‘’We can do anything.’'

——

Iain Sullivan in Madrid contributed to this report.

What’s at Stake as Morocco Votes After Mass Migration Attempts and Deadly Youth Protests

By AKRAM OUBACHIR

10:21 PM EDT, September 22, 2026

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — More jobs. Higher wages. Less inequality. Better housing, schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

Those are among the main concerns for Moroccan voters as they elect a new parliament Wednesday.

The next government will oversee billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, prompting some to describe it as the “World Cup government.” A soccer boss could even emerge as prime minister.

Morocco’s new political leadership will mainly face pressure to address everyday concerns, while operating alongside a powerful monarchy that retains decision-making authority in strategic affairs.

Here is what to know about Morocco’s first parliamentary elections since deadly Gen Z-led protests erupted nearly a year ago and July’s mass border crossing into the Spanish territory of Ceuta left dozens dead.

Morocco’s economy is strong but jobs are scarce

Morocco’s economy is growing and attracting foreign investment, and new industries are developing. It has also become Africa’s most-visited destination.

The kingdom is a close U.S. ally and maintains strong ties with Western capitals. It is among the few Arab countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Behind the medieval palaces, glistening seas and breathtaking mountains that draw tourists from around the world lies an uncomfortable reality: Development remains uneven across the country, economic growth is not creating enough jobs, and 12.7% of Moroccans live in relative poverty.

Politicians say they have heard these grievances and have proposed solutions in their election manifestos. Many young Moroccans in particular say they have heard such promises before.

Parties make pledges for schools, hospitals and housing

A total of 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties are competing for 395 seats.

The RNI party, part of the current governing coalition, has promised a guaranteed monthly minimum wage of 5,000 dirham ($525) and to create 1 million jobs.

Another member of the governing coalition, the PAM party, said it would exempt salaries below 15,000 dirham ($1,575) from taxes and pledged 100,000 housing solutions for young people.

The Istiqlal Party wants to speed up treatment at public hospitals. The opposition left-wing PPS aims to cut the school dropout rate in half and tighten anti-corruption rules.

The moderate Islamist PJD party aims to narrow economic disparities between major economic hubs like Casablanca and other regions.

The next PM could be a soccer boss or the first woman in the job

Morocco’s constitution requires the king to choose the prime minister from the top-performing party in legislative elections.

Since no single party is expected to capture an absolute majority, the winner will need to build a coalition government. Portfolios are split among the political allies, but the palace traditionally keeps key posts such as defense and foreign affairs under royal control.

“The government’s overall policy platform is set by a circle of advisers close to the king, who retains ultimate power,’' said Hamish Kinnear, a U.K.-based risk analyst focusing on North Africa and the Middle East.

Traditionally, the king has named the leader of the party that comes first as prime minister. But in recent months, attention has turned to other possibilities, such as Faouzi Lakjaa, president of Morocco’s soccer federation, who recently joined the PAM party as a member of its political bureau but is not the top party official.

Lakjaa, 56, who also oversees Morocco’s budget, has been buoyed by Morocco’s recent soccer achievements.

Yet at a rally last week, PAM members rooted for another candidate.

“We want a woman as prime minister,” many shouted, referring to Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, 50, mayor of Marrakech and minister of urban planning. If PAM wins the election and she is named, she would be Morocco’s first female prime minister.

Another potential contender is Nizar Baraka, head of PI and minister of water. The grandson of a leader of Morocco’s colonial-era independence movement, Baraka’s supporters see his party as a defender of Moroccan values.

Former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the moderate Islamist PJD, is seeking a comeback after the party’s sharp defeat in 2021, when it went from 125 seats to 13.

Some call to boycott the elections

The Democratic Path, a far-left party, has urged a boycott of Wednesday’s elections, saying that they“ lack the minimum conditions of democracy and fairness.”

“The elections will not give us a parliament that expresses people’s will and the government will not have any decision-making power,” said Jamal Berrajaa, the party’s leader. He added that more than 30 members of his party were arrested after calling people to boycott the ballot box.

“We want a new democratic constitution,” Berrajaa said.

Al Aadl Wal Ihsane, a banned but tolerated Islamist organization, issued similar calls.

“Elections in Morocco are used to produce sham institutions that cannot perform their functions,” said Abdelwahed Moutawakkil, head of the group’s political department.

Young Moroccans who tried to reach Ceuta are divided over elections

Young Moroccans are especially frustrated as the vote approaches. Youth unemployment reached 37% in 2025, while 2.9 million Moroccans aged 15 to 29 were not in education, employment or training, according to government figures.

Rather than joining traditional politics to make their voices heard, some have turned to street protests and attempts to leave the country. Their anger was evident in last year’s deadly Gen Z protests and the mass crossing into Ceuta this summer.

Ayoub Lasli, a lifeguard from Casablanca, was among the young Moroccans who swam into the Spanish exclave in July, hoping to find better job prospects.

Lasli doesn’t plan to vote.

“I don’t care about politics and elections, and I don’t want to care,” he told The Associated Press.

Others who made the same attempt, such as 23-year-old Ayoub Belaidi, have a more nuanced view.

“Following the Gen Z movement, if young people’s voices are truly heard, change will happen,” he said. “Voting needs to improve the lives of Morocco’s youth.’'

Voter turnout remains a key challenge

Of the 26.7 million Moroccans of voting age, 15.8 million are registered voters. Turning 18 is not enough to vote; citizens must register on the electoral rolls — a bureaucratic hurdle for many.

The number of registered voters has declined 9.7% from the 2021 elections even as the population has grown.

Though opinion polls are banned in the North African kingdom, observers expect participation to be low.

“Turnout is a key barometer of public engagement with the state,” said Kinnear.

Ethiopia Maintains Restraint Amid Unfolding ‘Trojan Horse’ Axis Provocation

By staff writer

Sept. 23, 2026 (ENA)

For years, the Federal Government of Ethiopia has demonstrated a clear and consistent commitment to peace, dialogue, and national stability. Even in moments of grave provocation, it has repeatedly chosen restraint over revenge, negotiation over escalation, and reconstruction over retaliation. This posture has not been accidental. It reflects a deep responsibility to the Ethiopian people, a recognition of the terrible cost of war, and an enduring belief that political differences should be settled through dialogue rather than destruction. Yet, despite this sustained effort, the TPLF has repeatedly shown an unwillingness to abandon antagonism, suspicion, and confrontation. Time and again, it has acted in ways that have deepened political division, threatened regional peace, and endangered the very people it claims to represent.

The roots of the current crisis did not emerge overnight. They were fed over decades by a political culture that normalized distrust toward the central government and made confrontation appear to be a strategy rather than a failure. Even after Ethiopia entered a new political phase, the TPLF reacted not with sober reflection, but with resistance and resentment. The change in national leadership, and the public warmth shown to the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Tigray, appeared to unsettle a group that had long been accustomed to dominating political life. Rather than adapting to the country’s evolving political reality, it allegedly worked to obstruct reform, resist the formation of a broader political order, and undermine the very process that was intended to unify the country’s governing institutions.

Emerging as a unifying national leader, Prime Minister Abiy traveled to the Tigray region initially, where he received an overwhelming welcome from the people. The enthusiasm and public reception were unprecedented, reflecting a strong sense of hope and acceptance in that part of the country.

Unfortunately, the TPLF reacted with discomfort and quickly turned to hostile rhetoric, seeking to distance the people of Tigray from the national reconciliation narrative by fueling resentment.

This belligerent group is now at the eleventh hour for another round of destruction. The banned TPLF has once again been portrayed as a Trojan horse for anti-Ethiopian forces.

Let us count the record of the group since it entered Ethiopia’s political landscape.

When efforts were made to merge the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and its allied parties into a broader political framework, the TPLF reportedly opposed the initiative at every stage.

 Even after it became clear that the country was moving in a new direction, it refused to participate constructively in the Prosperity Party project and instead positioned itself outside the national consensus. The result was not principled disagreement, but a deliberate widening of political distance. In the process, it alienated itself from national institutions and severed its active role in federal political life, leaving Tigray politically isolated at a moment when unity was most needed.

Worse still, while publicly speaking the language of rights and legitimacy, the group was allegedly preparing for confrontation. Reports of militarization, commandos training, and the strengthening of regional armed capability pointed to a dangerous direction. Rather than supporting peace, it appears to have chosen a path that placed military calculation above political responsibility. The tragedy that followed was not simply the result of battlefield developments; it was the outcome of a long chain of calculated decisions that pushed the country closer to conflict.

The attack on the Northern Command remains one of the darkest and most painful chapters of this period. According to the federal position, the TPLF exploited the trust and affection that the people had toward the national army, used that trust to keep the Northern Command in place, and then turned against it in a shocking act of betrayal. This was followed by a campaign of misinformation designed to invert the truth and portray the aggressor as the victim. Such conduct did not merely fuel war; it wounded national trust and inflicted deep harm on Ethiopia’s social and political fabric.

Even after the outbreak of war, the federal government continued to pursue peace. It called on elders, religious leaders, and all responsible voices to intervene. It gave opportunities for dialogue, restraint, and de-escalation. Yet the TPLF, according to the federal narrative, mocked these appeals and pressed ahead with war rhetoric, treating conflict as an instrument of power. It dragged young people into violence, placing them in the front lines of a struggle that could have been avoided. It also widened the war by attacking across borders, deepening the suffering of the region and pulling neighboring forces into an already devastating conflict.

Despite all this, the federal government still did not abandon its responsibility to seek peace. The Pretoria peace agreement was a turning point that ended the war in Northern Ethiopia and offered a chance for recovery. Even then, the federal government chose magnanimity. It supported the restoration of services, allocated substantial resources for reconstruction, and worked to stabilize Tigray. It extended help through federal institutions, regional administrations, and development partners, showing once again that its priority was not punishment, but national healing. If the goal had been revenge, the outcome could have been very different. Instead, the government chose restraint, allowing the people of Tigray the space to recover and reflect.

Yet the promise of peace was repeatedly weakened by conduct attributed to the TPLF itself. Instead of fully embracing disarmament and political normalization, it allegedly engaged in concealment, obstruction, and diversion. The implementation of the agreement was complicated by continued interference, including the manipulation of aid, the obstruction of movement, and the persistence of illicit practices that harmed ordinary civilians. Rather than using the peace process to rebuild trust, it appears to have treated it as a pause, a tactical opportunity to regroup rather than a genuine path toward reconciliation.

The federal government, meanwhile, continued to act with unusual patience. It refrained from deploying forces in major locations in Tigray even when it had legal and practical grounds to do so. It respected the sensitivities of the moment, accepted political criticism, and chose to preserve peace even when it was not being fully reciprocated. This was not weakness; it was statesmanship. It reflected a deliberate effort to prevent renewed civilian suffering and to keep the country from sliding back into full-scale war.

Today, the greatest burden falls not only on the federal state, but also on the people of Tigray themselves. Parents, youth, elders, and intellectuals cannot remain silent while history threatens to repeat itself. No political force should be allowed to sacrifice another generation in the name of power, grievance, or revenge. The youth of Tigray deserve education, work, dignity, and hope, not to be used as instruments in another cycle of destruction. Parents must raise their voices against those who turn the lives of their children into fuel for war. Community leaders and elites must choose responsibility over silence, truth over fear, and peace over factional loyalty.

Ethiopia has paid too high a price for war. What the country needs now is not another round of bloodshed, but a shared commitment to stability, accountability, and reconstruction. The federal government has shown patience, made concessions, and opened doors to peace more than once. If peace is to hold, every actor must now choose it honestly. The people of Tigray, like all Ethiopians, deserve a future built on development and dignity. Those who continue to gamble with that future must be told clearly: enough is enough.

Ethiopian Airlines Cancels Flights to Tigray Capital as Fighters Take Over Airport

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali attends a session at the World Atomic Week forum at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh) in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (Sergei Bulkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

By SAMUEL GETACHEW

2:04 PM EDT, September 23, 2026

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Regional forces in Tigray in northern Ethiopia took control of the local airport on Wednesday morning, prompting the state-owned carrier to cancel flights to the troubled region.

Ethiopian Airlines said it suspended flights to Tigray’s capital Mekelle and the cities of Axum and Shire “due to the current situation,” without providing further details.

The regional government said in a statement it had instructed its fighters to enter into “defensive war” after federal forces attacked Tigray on Tuesday using drones and heavy artillery.

The African Union Commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, called for restraint and immediate de-escalation.

In a statement, he expressed concern over the renewed tensions and occupation of the airport, saying these actions risk destabilizing the region and reversing gains made in a 2022 peace agreement.

He also condemned the “detention of federal personnel by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front,” but did not give details.

US Ambassador threatens sanctions

The U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga expressed disappointment over the fighting, calling it a “poor decision” and threatening sanctions.

Rejecting dialogue sponsored by the African Union and “engaging in an unwinnable fight does nothing for the people. Other armed groups would be wise to avoid this. While the U.S. has tools to sanction additional leaders who try to push Ethiopia down the wrong path, I still believe a reasonable political dialogue is the right way to go,” he wrote in a statement.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front Deputy Amanuel Assefa termed the African Union and U.S. positions “unfair,” accusing them of “turning a blind eye to airstrikes by the federal government”.

On Tuesday, the U.S Bureau of African Affairs condemned a drone strike on a Catholic Relief humanitarian assistance convoy in Tigray and called for investigations without stating which side was responsible.

A taxi driver told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the airport, which is usually controlled by federal forces, was occupied by fighters from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front carrying light arms.

The driver, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said a commander ordered him to leave the airport, saying no flights would be landing.

The takeover appeared to be peaceful, with no gunfire heard in or around the airport.

No other airlines fly to the region, although it is reachable by chartered flight.

The news came three days after seven opposition groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, formed an alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government.

Abiy’s Prosperity Party retained power in a June general election that was boycotted by the main opposition groups.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front fought federal forces during a deadly conflict in northern Ethiopia that ended with the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022. But since July there have been reports of drone attacks in Tigray, with the regional government accusing the federal forces of attacks.

Former Tigray lead peace negotiator Getachew Reda, now an adviser to the prime minister, accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of attacks in neighboring Afar and Amhara despite efforts to avoid another war.

“It has taken over federal controlled airports in Tigray leading to the suspension of flights to and from Tigray. The TPLF politico-military leadership has obviously taken irresponsibility to new heights,” he wrote on X.

The opposition groups announced the formation of a coalition they called the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival on Sunday.

Ethiopia: Fighting Resumes in Tigray

Jon Shelton with AFP, Reuters

Rebels in northern Ethiopia have seized regional airports and engaged government troops in Afar and Amhara. Observers fear deadly clashes could expand after rebels announced a new anti-government alliance.

Rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) have reportedly taken control of regional airports in Tigray, in northern Ethiopia, and further clashed with government forces in the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions.

Wednesday's clashes are the latest of several in recent months and have sparked fears of renewed intense fighting in the war-ravaged region.

The African Union (AU) estimates that some 600,000 people were killed in fighting between the TPLF and Ethiopian forces during a 2020-2022 civil war and that more than 1 million people remain displaced.

On Wednesday, state-owned Ethiopian Airlines announced that it had canceled service at Mekelle, Tigray's capital, as well as Axum and Shire regional airports "due to the current situation."

Local witnesses reported that TPLF rebels armed with light weapons had taken Mekelle Airport — which is normally controlled by government forces — without a fight.

Renewed fighting comes just days after the TPLF announced that it had entered an "Alliance for Survival" with other groups aimed at removing Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government from power.

Abiy and his Prosperity Party won reelection in June, though the vote was boycotted by Ethiopia's main opposition groups.

The TPLF ruled Ethiopia from 1991 until 2018, when it was replaced by Abiy, whose election sparked the country's civil war.

The Pretoria Peace Agreement brought an end to the conflict, but peace has remained elusive, with government troops resuming drone strikes in 2025 as TPLF rebels began amassing troops at regional borders.

Ethiopia has accused the TPLF of allying with neighboring Eritrea and other armed groups.

An advisor to Prime Minister Abiy called Wednesday's development "heartbreaking," saying rebels had launched offensives against government forces in Afar and Amhara as well as taking control of airports in Tigray.

However, the Tigray army "has been instructed to counter the attack and genocidal invasion launched against us, and has entered into a defensive battle," the Tigray government said in a statement on Facebook. 

Can Ethiopia’s Seven-group Rebel Alliance Challenge Abiy Ahmed?

The alliance brings together movements with different enemies, claims and histories as tensions with Abiy rise.

Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) fighters attend an orientation session in western Oromia, Ethiopia, on June 2, 2025 [File: AP]

By Charles Rosser

23 Sep 2026

Two days after seven Ethiopian armed groups announced the formation of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival and pledged to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a senior official of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was asked whether the statement amounted to a declaration of war.

He hesitated, then answered with a question of his own.

“We are at war now, aren’t we?”

He was speaking to Kjetil Tronvoll, professor of peace and conflict studies at Oslo New University College, who told Al Jazeera that the answer captured what the new rebel alliance had changed.

It has not created a single, coherent military force capable of marching on Addis Ababa. It has brought several of Ethiopia’s separate conflicts into the same political framework and, potentially, into the same military calculation.

The question now is how much further that can spread and whether seven movements with different enemies, territorial claims and histories can actually fight as one.

On Tuesday, drones struck two schools in Alamata, in southern Tigray, and the town’s mayor said 14 civilians were killed and 22 wounded. The account could not be independently verified, and the federal government did not immediately comment.

By Wednesday, Tigrayan forces had seized Alula Aba Nega International Airport in Mekelle, AFP reported, citing an airport employee and a Western embassy security source. The airport employee said staff had been told there were no flights.

The alliance, whose founding statement Fano commander Zemene Kassie read on Tigrai TV on Sunday, brings together the Amhara Fano National Movement, the TPLF and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), along with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, the Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement and the Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.

It promises a transitional administration once Abiy is gone.

Abiy’s spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, told Reuters that the members had been collaborating for some time with Eritrean financial backing, an accusation Asmara has repeatedly denied.

The war that never really ended

The TPLF dominated Ethiopia for 27 years, until Abiy took power in 2018 and pushed it to the margins.

In November 2020, the federal army, backed by Eritrean troops and Amhara forces, went to war with it. The conflict became one of the deadliest in Ethiopia’s modern history. African Union mediator Olusegun Obasanjo believes that about 600,000 people died, though estimates of the toll have varied.

That war ended in November 2022 with an agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa.

It was a permanent cessation of hostilities. It silenced the guns and set terms for Tigray’s disarmament, but left critical questions for later, above all Western Tigray, the fertile territory claimed by both sides and administered by Amhara forces since the war.

Only Addis Ababa and the TPLF signed. Neither Eritrea nor the Amhara forces had a seat.

Jawar Mohammed, the Oromo politician who was once an ally of Abiy and later spent time in prison, told Al Jazeera that shutting them out gave them every reason to wreck the deal.

The new alliance brings together forces that were excluded from the Pretoria negotiations with one of the agreement’s signatories.

The quiet it created ended in May, when the TPLF restored the legislative council that existed before the war and installed its chairman, Debretsion Gebremichael, as regional president, effectively setting up a rival political authority to the interim administration established under the Pretoria agreement. The TPLF accused the federal government of failing to honour its side of the deal.

Federal and Tigrayan forces then clashed at Shererina, near the Sudanese border, on August 1. Heavy artillery and drones were used in the fighting, and hundreds of Tigrayans, including wounded fighters, fled into Sudan.

Then came the drones.

On August 20, two drones struck homes in Mekelle, wounding 13 people, according to the TPLF. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the account.

On September 20, a drone destroyed a truck carrying 41 tonnes of food aid near Adi Daero, according to the TPLF. Addis Ababa has acknowledged none of the reported strikes.

“We signed the Pretoria Agreement, but the regime used the agreement to kill the people of Tigray systematically,” the TPLF’s spokesperson, Michael Asgedom, told Al Jazeera.

Two scripts

Asgedom tells it two ways.

The alliance “was created to bring peace and democracy to Ethiopia”, he said.

He also said it would build a new order “over the ruins of Abiy Ahmed’s system” and that this was “the right time to eradicate the regime”.

If war comes, he said, “it will be for survival.”

One script is for diplomats, the other for fighters.

Tronvoll calls it constructive ambiguity, a phrase that fits the alliance. 

That the alliance claims to speak for seven peoples can delegitimise Abiy abroad and raise the price of any settlement, whether or not it fires a shot.

The first test is Eritrea, the neighbour whose name appears nowhere in the founding statement.

Over the past two years, Eritrea has reconciled with the TPLF, the enemy its troops helped to crush in 2020, as Abiy began demanding access to the Red Sea, which Asmara interpreted as a claim on its coast.

Jawar argues that Eritrea’s minimum aim is to keep any conflict on the Ethiopian side of the border.

The International Crisis Group has similarly assessed that Eritrea wants to establish a buffer zone on its southern border.

Asgedom has denied any Eritrean military presence in Tigray, but left the door ajar.

“If Eritrea can take action because of a potential danger to its survival, it is the Eritreans who should answer that question.”

Tronvoll says Eritrean troops are in Tigray now, a claim Al Jazeera could not independently verify. Magnus Taylor, deputy director of the International Crisis Group’s Horn of Africa project, told Al Jazeera that he was more cautious.

“This is substantially a domestic Ethiopian phenomenon,” he said.

Seven commands, one war?

The second test is whether seven commands can fight as one.

Zemene chairs the alliance, but the founding statement names no commander for a joint campaign.

If the line ever advances on Addis Ababa, Tronvoll asks, whose soldiers go first?

“If it is a Tigrayan general commanding Amharas to be sacrificed first to save the Tigrayan soldiers, that will split it immediately.”

Western Tigray is not mentioned in the statement either.

Taylor says the Fano are themselves divided over it: Commanders in Gojjam and Wollo can contemplate an alliance with Tigray, while those nearer the disputed land cannot.

“All these groups have their own different beef with the federal government,” Taylor said, and much of it dates from Abiy’s first year.

In 2018, Abiy invited exiled rebels home, and the OLA and the ONLF returned from Asmara.

But the OLA broke away to keep fighting, and talks with it in Tanzania collapsed in 2023.

The ONLF then split in 2025 after its then-chairman called for a return to armed struggle amid a dispute over a Chinese natural-gas concession in the Somali region.

The Amharan Fano rebelled against the government in 2023 after Abiy ordered the regional special forces to be folded into the federal army, a move many Amhara believed was tantamount to disarmament.

In June, Abiy’s Prosperity Party won 438 of 486 contested parliamentary seats. Voting did not take place in Tigray and was disrupted by insecurity in parts of Amhara and Oromia.

But their grievances are not only with Abiy’s government.

Referring to the news of the alliance, Jawar said he had “not seen anything as unpopular among the Oromos”, after years of accusations that Fano fighters have killed Oromo civilians in Wollega.

The OLA calls its participation a “procedural consensus” and has demanded that Fano disown a faction in Wollega that it says the government armed.

“There is no shared political objective,” Jawar said. “They don’t even have a shared tactical objective.”

And Tronvoll goes further: “If the members ever reached the palace, immediately a new war will start between them.”

The people being asked to fight

Then, there are the people being asked to fight.

Tigrayans are being mobilised alongside forces they remember from four years ago, when, in Tronvoll’s characterisation, “both the Eritreans and the Fano Amharas were perpetrating genocide on them.”

Friends in Tigray have told Tronvoll of coercive recruitment. He estimates that tens of thousands have left the region in advance of a possible war and the draft.

“People are voting with their feet,” he said. “They are on their knees already. So what are the alternatives for them than to fight?”

Beyond the border

Abiy, for now, appears unmoved.

“As long as they don’t threaten the palace at Arat Kilo, he can live with that,” Tronvoll said. “I don’t think he skips lunch because of this.”

Taylor struggles for a word.

“Is it a headache? Is it an irritant? Is it a blow? It’s a combination of those things.”

In his assessment, the TPLF, which lost most of its heavy weapons in 2022, has come off worse in recent clashes against federal air power. The likelier course, he says, is a slow deterioration, with southern Tigray the flashpoint.

Jawar views Abiy’s approach as containment: Keep flights into Tigray running so that those who want to leave can do so, and let a war that few want sour public opinion.

With Tigrayan forces having seized Mekelle’s airport, that exit has closed.

Tom Gardner, author of The Abiy Project, said, “For months Abiy’s strategy has been to maintain a low-level conflict largely conducted via drones, proxies, and siege tactics. This could be the moment that strategy breaks down and a full-scale war erupts.”

The regional dimension is becoming harder to separate from the conflict inside Ethiopia.

The International Crisis Group says several thousand Tigrayans, mostly from Western Tigray/Welkait, have fought alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces.

Khartoum has also accused Addis Ababa of allowing drones to strike Sudan from Ethiopian soil, which Ethiopia denies.

Eritrea has aligned itself with Sudan’s army and established ties with Egypt, an opponent of Addis Ababa in the dispute surrounding Nile water resources.

The International Crisis Group has described Egypt as a close wartime ally of the Sudanese army.

Those alignments do not necessarily make the new Ethiopian alliance a regional military bloc. But they make it harder to treat Ethiopia’s conflicts as entirely domestic.

In Mekelle, the calculation is narrower.

“It is better to live than to die,” Asgedom said, “and the regime doesn’t allow us to live.”

A journalist in Mekelle, who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, said people had lived for months in a state of no-war-no-peace, and many now wanted it decided either way.

The alliance offers a path to war without making clear what that war would cost.

“We need peace,” residents told the journalist in Mekelle, after months without salaries or medicine.

In the city, there is an old belief that an unexpectedly windy and sunny day foretells fighting. Tuesday was both.

Tigray Forces Launch Offensive Against Ethiopian Government

Tigray People’s Liberation Front seizes control of airports and targets government positions in Afar and Amhara regions.

By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP

23 Sep 2026

Tigrayan rebels have seized control of airports in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia and launched an offensive against federal forces in the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has “launched an all-out offensive against government positions in Afar and Amhara”, Getachew Reda, an adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said in a post on his X account on Wednesday.

“It has taken over federally controlled airports in Tigray leading to the suspension of flights to and from Tigray. The TPLF politico-military leadership has obviously taken irresponsibility to new heights,” said Reda, a former TPLF leader who fell out with the party and joined the federal government.

The Tigray regional government, however, said it was countering an “invasion” by federal forces.

In a statement posted on Facebook, it accused federal troops of “intensive bombardments” on Tuesday involving “aircraft, drones, and artillery”.

“The Tigray army has been instructed to counter the attack and genocidal invasion launched against us, and has entered into a defensive battle,” the statement added.

Clashes were under way in various parts of Afar, including Abala and Berahle, amid reports of shelling along the border with Amhara, and an Al Jazeera correspondent reported significant military build-ups by various parties in the border areas.

The development comes after the TPLF announced on Sunday that it had allied with six other armed groups across Ethiopia to overthrow Abiy’s government.

The TPLF ruled Ethiopia from 1991 to 2018 before being sidelined after Abiy took office, triggering a devastating civil war from 2020 to 2022. The conflict killed about 600,000 people, according to estimates by the African Union, before the Pretoria Peace Agreement ended hostilities.

“Very close to war”

The region has still not recovered. About one million people remain displaced, and parts of the peace agreement are unfulfilled. An uneasy calm held until late 2025 when clashes resumed, and a further escalation in recent months has raised fears of a return to all-out war.

Alan Boswell, Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, said with the peace agreement broken down, the situation has turned very dangerous.

“The TPLF has joined with other rebel groups to say that they are going to overthrow and topple the current regime, which is something very close to a declaration of war,” Boswell told Al Jazeera.

“We’ve seen an ongoing and escalating drone campaign by the federal government against the TPLF, and then you’ve seen quite an escalation over the past day. So if we’re not all the way back into something like a full war, we are very, very close,” he said.

He also noted that with Eritrea allying itself with the TPLF, the issue threatens to become a regional one. Ethiopia’s federal government and its allies in Eritrea fought the TPLF together in the civil war, but now Ethiopia’s federal government accuses those same former allies of supporting the TPLF.

“Eritrea is also quite close, for instance, with the Sudanese army, and relations between Ethiopia and the Sudanese army have also been deteriorating,” Boswell said, adding that Ethiopia is also getting more involved in the Sudan war essentially against the Sudanese, at least along its border.

“So this is all becoming one big regional mess, and it could get very, very ugly if we don’t see de-escalation.”

YAF Vow Response After Saudi Attacks Target Civilians, Including Children

By Al Mayadeen English

22 Sep 2026 22:13

Brigadier General Yahya Saree says Saudi warplanes carried out 19 airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Taiz, al-Jawf, and Marib and killing and wounding civilians.

Saudi warplanes carried out 19 airstrikes across Yemen over the past 24 hours, targeting the provinces of Taiz, al-Jawf, and Marib, Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree said, raising the total number of raids carried out since the beginning of the escalation to 936.

Saree said the strikes were carried out by F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets that took off from the Saudi bases of Khamis Mushait and Taif. Several civilians were martyred, including women and children.

The spokesperson slammed the massacres committed by the Saudi forces against the Yemeni people, warning that they would have serious consequences. 

“The massacres committed by the criminal Saudi enemy against our people will have grave consequences for it, God willing and by His power,” Saree said.

Six martyred in Saudi aggression on Yemen's al-Mokha

Overnight, SABA News Agency in Sanaa reported that six citizens, including two children and a woman, were martyred in Saudi airstrikes targeting the al-Mokha District on the Red Sea, west of Taiz Governorate.

The agency said the aggression hit the district, killing six civilians. 

Later, Saudi missile strikes targeted al-Dhahir District and neighboring border areas west of Saada Governorate, according to the Interior Ministry.

Iran May Strike First as Tehran Warns of Possible US Assault | Excl.

By Al Mayadeen English

22 Sep 2026 18:09

Iran may strike first if Tehran determines the US is preparing an assault, Professor Mohammad Marandi says, as tensions escalate across the region.

Iran may strike first in the current war, and Tehran has intelligence that the United States is preparing an assault, Professor Mohammad Marandi said on Tuesday. 

Speaking on Al Mayadeen's The Grand Standoff: Iran and The World, Marandi said the decision for any act of aggression "would have to be taken in Washington or in Tel Aviv," but that "the Iranians have intelligence that the United States is preparing for an assault and that regional regimes aligned to the United States are cooperating in that regard."

He said that in Qatar "there are at least 25 American refueling planes based there prepared to refuel fighter jets, whether American or Israeli, to bomb Iran and to carry out further slaughter as we saw in the past, whether it's schools or weddings or hospitals or sports complexes."

US capabilities have been put in place in preparation for an assault: Marandi

US military capabilities have been put in place "in preparation for what would seem to be an assault," Marandi said, adding: "That doesn't mean that the assault will take place, but it does mean that they have prepared themselves for an assault."

Iran has been preparing for strikes against US targets across the region, he continued, "both economic targets and military targets, as well as targets that belong to those regimes that assist the United States."

He said Iran has been preparing for strikes against US targets across the region, "both economic targets and military targets, as well as targets that belong to those regimes that assist the United States."

Marandi said Iran "is prepared for an all-out war, but nothing is for certain." Asked whether Iran might strike first, he said: "Yes, that is an option that the Iranians have. They may strike first because we are already at war, there is no ceasefire, and the United States is waging economic warfare against Iranians."

He said "the Iranians have the right to strike at the Trump regime, his assets, the assets of those regimes in the region that collaborate with him, and of course that of the Israeli regime," adding: "I don't know if they're ready to do that. It is a possibility." He said that when there is no ceasefire and the enemy is "attempting to strangle 90 million people," the armed forces "will have the authority if it is necessary for them to attack the enemy first. They do have that authority."

Trump's zigging and zagging applies to friend and foe: Lawrence

Political science and international affairs professor William Lawrence said he agreed with much of what Marandi had said and described US planning as encompassing every contingency. "The US has scenarios of planning for every type of thing, including wars with Canada and Mexico and France," he said, adding that planning for Iran ranges from the least aggressive to the most aggressive and that Trump "likes to be deliberately unpredictable."

He said Trump does so "with friend and with foe," and that this should be "discounted or understood in its context that it's Trump zigging and zagging."

Lawrence said Trump's real motivation is frustration with the war's outcome. "His real motivation is that he's frustrated by the outcome of the war," he said, adding that Trump is frustrated by the lack of success in peace efforts and in hitting Iran hard, and is "looking for a way out."

Trump "doesn't really find a partner on the other side that wants to negotiate, nor is he making the types of concessions he needs to make to get to the negotiating table," according to Lawrence,  who noted the situation is "this stalemate right now that could escalate at any time."

Situation in Yemen aids Iran thanks to Saudi Arabia

Lawrence said the Ansar Allah in Yemen "just grabbed most of the West Coast" and are "threatening to battle Mandate and putting economic squeeze on Saudi Arabia, not as much on the United States." He said the Ansar Allah stated "they're not going to do it on the United States, but on Saudi Arabia, which is aggravating the situation," and that "Saudi Arabia is being attacked both from the north and from the south by Iranian-backed forces."

Lawrence said "the best way to de-escalate in Yemen is to start up the Muscat negotiations," adding that he does not know "why they were postponed." He said "those negotiations need to start up again" and that "both sides need to stop the escalatory rhetoric and start making concessions to get a deal." He said "the onus falls on the mediators to try to coax concessions out of each side because the rhetoric right now is very maximalist and escalatory."

Marandi said the current circumstances "do benefit Iran a lot," which he attributed partially to Saudi actions. "That is partially due to the actions of Saudi Arabia by bombing Sana'a International Airport," he said, adding that the Saudis "started a war with Yemen, which had already been demanding that the siege directed at the people of Yemen be lifted."

He said the conflict "definitely strengthens Iran's hand, because it adds a lot of pressure to the United States."

Marandi said the Saudis "have been bombing Yemen day and night, and they've imposed a siege," and that Yemen "was demanding an end to the siege" while the Saudis "bombed San Anon International Airport" instead.

He asked: "So who is there to condemn? Is it the Saudis who should be condemned, or the people of Yemen? Obviously the Saudis." He said the vast majority of people in Yemen "live in areas, the vast majority, that are controlled by the coalition led by Ansar Allah," and that "the capital is controlled, so how are they a militia, a ragtag militia?"

Lawrence: US domestic politics weigh on Trump

Lawrence said Trump "is underwater in the polls, the lowest ever for a US president since Watergate." He said Trump "is way behind the Democrats on economics, which is usually a forte for the Republicans," and that "Americans are turning against the war," "turning against the tariffs," and "turning against the bickering with Canada, the trade war." He said "most of the rest of Trump's policies are deeply unpopular."

Lawrence said this "will affect him in the midterms, except that he says he doesn't care," adding that Trump "thinks that even if he loses Congress, he's got that presidency that'll go to another more than two years."

He said Trump "is trying to make it, in terms of his public pronouncements, that the midterms don't matter by talking about how he's in no hurry to negotiate, both countries are preparing for the long haul and not really in negotiation mode."

On the topic of the upcoming US midterm elections, Marandi pointed out that while Iran does not believe the war will end after the midterms. "the midterm elections do provide an opportunity for the Iranians to hurt Trump."

He said "the coming weeks are quite sensitive for Trump if the economic situation deteriorates in the United States," and that this "could hurt the Republican candidates that are aligned to him."

"The next few weeks are definitely not the best time for Trump to wage an assault, at least from here in Tehran, that's how it looks," according to Marandi, who emphasized that "even if Trump loses badly in the midterm elections," the war "will probably continue for quite a long time."

Turning to Iran's economic policy, Marandi stated that it has shifted "towards wartime economies," which "clearly indicates that the Iranians are planning for the war to continue until the end of Trump's presidency."

A school, a UN finding, and two irreconcilable accounts

Lawrence said "the UN found that the US bombing of the school at the beginning of the war was a war crime." He said "that does have some weight," adding: "I don't believe it was an intentional war crime, even though there were multiple hits. I think it was a war crime nonetheless, because you're supposed to spare civilian populations."

Lawrence rejected the claim that the US deliberately targeted the school, arguing that if it had, it would have hit many other schools as well, and that the strike was a day-one mistake. He cited an AI error and a failure to fix the targeting, calling the strike an egregious war crime, while maintaining that the vast majority of targeting in Iran killed no civilians at all.

"This, of course, is obviously a crime against humanity," Marandi countered, "and I would argue that the strike was intentional, because that was the first day of the war."

He said that "on the first day of any operation, all of the targets are very carefully vetted," and that "that school was there for a decade." He said "all the maps and all the apps clearly indicated that this was a school, and the three missiles hit the school, but they didn't target any military installation. They targeted the school."

Marandi also pointed to the Gandhi Hospital, which he said was struck on day one, and to the sports complex where teenagers were massacred, arguing that the disproportionate number of massacres on the first day, more than on other days, was itself significant.

"First of all, we shouldn't be fooled by the term AI. AI doesn't mean that the targeting is going to be military," he said

"Contrary to what your guest in the United States says," Marandi said, referring to Lawrence, "98% of the targets were not military. They blew up many apartment blocks in Tehran in order to kill one person," noting that the US "killed tens of people on many occasions, wiped out complete families."

Hormuz: an international waterway or Iran's right to govern?

Lawrence rejected Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz. "First of all, it's not true. Second of all, it's illegal," he said. "They don't govern the Strait of Hormuz. It's an international waterway. It's protected by international law, like the Taiwan Strait, like the Majorca Strait, like the Strait of Gibraltar."

He said "everyone can navigate through it," and that "these are international waterways that everyone should be allowed to go through," claiming that "Iran is violating that by saying it's governing by shooting at ships."

"That's not governance. Just like the US has a blockade on Iran, which is a violation of international law in response to the Iranian blockade," Lawrence claimed.

Marandi rebuked Lawrence by pointing out that "with regards to this trade of Hormuz, it's clear as day. The Iranians did not sign any international treaty. And the width of the trade of Hormuz is clear for everyone." He said "the Iranians have that right, and they will implement that right," adding that "the United States or any of its allies are in no position to talk about international law. They started this war."

Dispute over casualties and targets

Lawrence said Iran "has not only hit the five countries he's mentioned, but they've hit Oman, a mediator. They've hit Qatar, he mentioned, a mediator. They've hit Egypt, a mediator. They've hit Turkey, a mediator. They've hit Jordan, Iraq, Israel, and Cyprus."

He said "this is not Iran defending Palestinians, and it's not Iran only defending its regime," adding: "It's Iran meddling in about six or seven countries and attacking at least 12 countries in order to have regime survival and in order to try to shift the blame." He said "any civilian death is a tragedy," adding that he says so "with full heartfelt pain."

Lawrence said "the defense of the Gulf States was very, very good. It was over 95% effective," and that "that's one of the reasons there weren't a lot of casualties." He said "there were a lot of weddings in the hotels that the Iranians hit, but the missiles and drones were intercepted," and that "the civilian death toll would have been much higher if the defense hadn't been so good."

He said "those defense munitions are running low," calling that "another great reason for a negotiation," and said "this war should end to spare civilians."

Iranian strikes casualty rates prove Tehran took precuations to protect civilians: Marandi

Marandi said that "despite all the thousands of missiles and drones that Iran fired at targets in Qatar, Bahrain, the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, we only had, by some estimates, at most 40-some... less than 50 people were killed."

He said "while the United States and the Israeli regime murdered thousands of civilians in Iran, we only see a handful... that were killed in all these Iranian strikes," adding: "So clearly the Iranians have taken precaution not to have civilians killed."

Marandi rejected Lawrence's account of the hotels. "Iran did not target hotels that were hosting weddings. It was targeting buildings where the American armed forces were using, because they fled their bases and hid in those buildings," he said, adding that "the American armed forces were cowardly using civilian buildings to hide their troops."

"The Iranians would warn people to stay away from these buildings and hotels, and people can go over the statements of the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters throughout the war," Marandi further pointed out.

Further proving his point, Marandi noted that US bases in these countries "were annihilated. They were destroyed. The Americans cannot use them, because all those missiles and drones wiped out all of the infrastructure in most of these bases," noting that "some American analysts have said that it will take more than a decade to rebuild them."

Oil at $100, and a Gulf being rebuilt away from the Gulf

"Iranian proxies are now attacking Aramco, and they're attacking the oil infrastructure of Saudi Arabia in a substantial way that is causing economic pressure... pain... all around the world in terms of oil prices and energy supplies," Lawrence said.

Energy prices, he noted, "are back up over $100 because of actions by Iran and actions by the Houthis and actions in the Strait of Hormuz driving up energy prices and creating an energy scarcity."

If a pipeline in Saudi Arabia is hit , he argued, "the pipeline needs to be strengthened," and "if oil and gas distribution routes need to be changed to avoid the Iranian front lines, then they need to be changed."

"There's going to be massive investment to move things out of the Gulf... permanently away from the Gulf in some cases, because Iran has proved that it doesn't really want to live with its neighbors in peace," he said.

The difference between Iranian and Western media

Marandi said Lawrence "does not know Persian, and so he can't really comment about Iranian press, which is far more diverse than American mainstream media," advising Lawrence to "use AI and look up Iranian websites that function inside the country and see the harsh debates that exist."

He said "the information comes from a pretty monolithic and Orientalist Western media that is largely controlled by oligarchs," and that "the Western media today is infinitely worse than it was, let's say, 40, 50 years ago, because it has been so badly consolidated in the hands of very few people."

Marandi cited the downing of an Iranian airliner over the Strait of Hormuz. "When the Americans downed the Iranian airliner over the Strait of Hormuz, ironically, and killed 290 people, the Iranians, from day one, stated the path of the airline," he said, adding that "the Americans lied about it for years, until years later, when it was no longer an issue."

Marandi pointed to an article by Newsweek, which confirms "everything that Iran said. It wasn't Newsweek that discovered anything."

The Iranian president goes to the General Assembly every year, "and usually it is used as a platform to speak to global media, but Western media in particular, because in the West, Iranian voices are not really allowed," Marandi further pointed out.

"Western media very rarely allows alternative voices in, maybe a few minutes, and then for hours, their own voices are repeated time after time," he said, describing the gathering as "a good opportunity, just like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, just like the BRICS Summit were useful."

Gaza, recession, and a war with no end in sight

Lawrence agreed with Marandi entirely on Gaza, asserting that "It's disgraceful what's going on. It's disgraceful that the US covers for Israel," he said.

Iran, in his view, is expanding and escalating, and it is very hard for the US to go into negotiating mode when the war is reaching new fronts with new targets and new pressures.

Iran is also in a deep recession, Lawrence noted, with economic effects 10 times as big as those on the United States or most other countries. He said the Iranian regime has shown it does not really care about the contracting wartime economy or a 10% reduction in growth, because it is about regime survival, not economic benefits.

Marandi said the Iranians have shifted their economic policy towards wartime economies and that the war will probably continue for quite a long time. A statement or declaration from an international body, he added, does not bring about much change, and no one in Iran is celebrating it.

Marandi also argued that the United States and its allies are in no position to talk about international law, saying they started the war. "This is the third war that they've imposed on the Iranian people in the last 47 years. They've committed crimes against humanity. They started this war, and Saudi Arabia started the war against Yemen," he said.

Araghchi Conveys Iran’s Conditions for Reopening Hormuz to Witkoff

By Al Mayadeen English

22 Sep 2026 23:52

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting with Steve Witkoff in New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a special source cited by Iranian television.

The meeting took place after Witkoff insisted on holding talks with the Iranian official, the source said, adding that Tehran agreed to the encounter in order to convey its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media separately reported that Araghchi and Witkoff met in New York and that Iran’s conditions concerning the strategic waterway were communicated to the US side.

Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iranian television reported that Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz include the immediate lifting of the naval blockade and the immediate release of all frozen Iranian funds.

The Iranian source also stressed an end to the war across all resistance fronts as another condition for reopening the strategic waterway.

Iran sets penalties for ships violating Hormuz transit rules

Iran’s Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved provisions setting penalties for vessels that violate regulations governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the proposed measures, violators could face fines equivalent to 20% of their cargo or its value, as well as temporary detention until the penalty is paid.

Committee spokesperson Hassan Qashqavi said Articles 13, 14, and 15 of the proposed Strategic Action Plan for Ensuring the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz were approved during Tuesday’s meeting, while Article 16 will be discussed at a later session. Article 13 also calls for specialized judicial branches staffed by maritime and law-of-the-sea experts to handle related cases.

Article 14 establishes penalties for individuals or legal entities whose actions or omissions obstruct implementation of the proposed legislation. It also requires any bilateral or multilateral agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz to comply with relevant provisions of Iran’s Constitution governing international agreements, state authority, and national security.

Under Article 15, the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff would be required to submit quarterly reports to Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on implementation, either directly or through the Defense Ministry.

The provisions form part of a broader proposed regulatory framework for navigation through the waterway, including measures concerning fees for services provided by Iran and restrictions on entities Tehran considers responsible for unilateral sanctions or hostile actions. The approved articles remain subject to completion of Iran’s legislative process before taking effect.

AGOA Reauthorized Through 2028 - A Critical Victory and a Call to Action for Continental Engagement

AGOA CSO Network

The AGOA CSO Network is urging civil society, private-sector leaders, and government stakeholders to prioritize AGOA modernization in national and regional consultations to strengthen its long-term prospects.

23 September 2026Content from a Premium Partner

AGOA Civil Society Network (Washington, DC)

Washington, DC — The AGOA Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network welcomes the U.S. Congress’s decision to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through December 31, 2028.

This extension ensures continued duty-free access for thousands of African products and strengthens one of the continent’s most important trade frameworks. Africa’s exports under AGOA exceeded US$30 billion in 2024, with key growth in apparel, agriculture, minerals, and automotive components. While this renewal is a significant achievement, it requires immediate and coordinated efforts to modernize AGOA and secure its long-term future.

With two years remaining before the next reauthorization cycle, Africa must act promptly. The AGOA CSO Network urges civil society, private-sector leaders, and government stakeholders to collaborate and present a unified position at AfrICANDO 2026. Prioritize AGOA modernization in national and regional consultations to strengthen its long-term prospects.

"Extending AGOA to 2028 is a major achievement. But it is only the beginning. We must seize this moment to define the future of U.S.–Africa trade. I invite all civil society organizations, private‑sector leaders, and government stakeholders to join us at AfrICANDO 2026 in Umuahia. Your voice is essential to shaping a modernized AGOA that delivers inclusive growth, deeper regional integration, and long‑term prosperity for Africa.”-Fred Oladeinde, Chairman, AGOA Civil Society Organization Network

AGOA’s renewal provides:

Duty‑free access for more than 1,800 tariff lines.

Continued eligibility for 33 African countries.

A stable environment for investment, job creation, and supply‑chain expansion.

A platform for aligning AGOA with the AfCFTA, Africa’s flagship continental trade initiative.

Yet the two-year extension is short. Long-term certainty, ideally a 10–15-year renewal, is essential for sustained industrialization, export diversification, and regional value-chain development.

Trade Snapshot: AGOA’s Impact

US$30+ billion in African exports to the U.S. in 2024.

Apparel exports exceeded US$1.4 billion, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Agricultural exports grew by more than 20%, driven by specialty crops, nuts, fruits, and floriculture.

Minerals and metals accounted for nearly half of AGOA trade, with strong performance from South Africa, Ghana, and the DRC.

Automotive components from South Africa and Morocco continued to expand under AGOA preferences.

These gains demonstrate AGOA’s importance, but also the need to modernize it to unlock greater value addition and competitiveness.

Country-Level Considerations

South Africa remains the largest AGOA exporter, with eligibility discussions ongoing and key country-case implications.

Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, and Ethiopia rely heavily on apparel exports and need long-term certainty as key country cases. Nigeria, Ghana, and the DRC benefit significantly from AGOA in minerals, agriculture, and energy products as key country cases.

Smaller LDCs depend on third-country fabric provisions that must be preserved and strengthened as key country cases.

National inputs from these key country cases are essential for AfrICANDO 2026.

The Road Ahead: Advocacy Priorities for 2026–2028

The AGOA CSO Network will intensify efforts to:

Convene national and regional consultations leading into AfrICANDO 2026.

Document private‑sector impacts for USTR’s annual eligibility review.

Advocate for a long-term AGOA reauthorization through 2040. Promote inclusive stakeholder engagement, ensuring civil society, SMEs, women, and youth are represented.

Strengthen partnerships with U.S. civil society, think tanks, and congressional offices.

AfrICANDO 2026 will be a defining moment for Africa’s trade future. We urge all stakeholders to participate and help shape a modernized AGOA that supports inclusive growth and deeper U.S.–Africa commercial cooperation.

Join us at AfrICANDO 2026, the premier U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference & Expo

AfrICANDO brings together business leaders, policymakers, civil society, investors, and innovators to shape the future of U.S.–Africa commercial engagement. As Africa’s regional integration accelerates and global markets expand, this program offers an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and position African markets as a dynamic hub for global trade.

In 2026, AfrICANDO returns to Africa and will be hosted by the Abia State Government. Co-organized by The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, this multi-day conference offers high-level plenary sessions, policy forums, business matchmaking, an expansive expo, and the distinguished Medal of Glory Awards (MOGA) Gala.

Theme: Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA -This theme reflects the growing importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unlocking new commercial pathways. AfrICANDO 2026 gives businesses, policymakers, and civil society the insights, tools, and partnerships needed to capture emerging opportunities across the continent. Whether you are pursuing market entry, investment prospects, policy updates, or strategic alliances, AfrICANDO is your gateway to action.

Be part of the movement. Be part of the momentum.

We invite you to register and take your place among the leaders driving the next chapter of U.S.–Africa trade and investment.

Chinese Embassy in Lesotho Marks 77th Founding Anniversary of PRC

Source: Xinhua| 2026-09-23 01:11:15|Editor: huaxia 

MASERU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Lesotho held a reception in Maseru on Monday to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun said that over the past 77 years, China has made remarkable achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, transforming itself into the world's second-largest economy.

Yang highlighted progress in bilateral cooperation, citing the launch of Phase II of the Mafeteng Solar Power Plant and the signing of a protocol on Lesotho's wool exports to China.

Noting China's zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties, Yang said the policy would create opportunities for Lesotho.

"We hope to work together to turn this policy opportunity into concrete gains for Basotho farmers, businesses and workers, and to bring more quality Lesotho products to the Chinese market," Yang said.

For his part, Lesotho's Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Richard Ramoeletsi extended congratulations to the Chinese government and people on the occasion, saying that bilateral relations have continued to grow since the resumption of diplomatic ties in January 1994.

Ramoeletsi praised China's contribution to Lesotho's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, highlighting cooperation in infrastructure, health, energy and agriculture.

He also welcomed the bilateral cooperation mechanism launched earlier this year, saying it would help translate high-level commitments into tangible results.

The reception was attended by nearly 300 guests, including Lesotho government officials, diplomats, and representatives of Chinese businesses and the Chinese community.

Arab Radio and TV Festival Opens in Tunisia

Source: Xinhua| 2026-09-23 05:31:15|Editor: huaxia

TUNIS, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The 26th edition of the Arab Radio and Television Festival opened Tuesday in Tunisia's coastal city of Hammamet, drawing over 500 regional and international media professionals to advance audiovisual production and industry innovation.

Organized by the Tunis-based Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), this year's four-day event carries the theme "The Pulse of the Image, the Echo of the Future."

In a statement on ASBU's official Facebook page, ASBU Director General Abderrahim Suleiman said the 26th edition continues the festival's longstanding mission to honor Arab audiovisual works and expand their global reach.

A central feature of the event is an ASBU-organized exhibition showcasing media equipment, markets, and production technologies, featuring 85 exhibitors from five continents across 110 pavilions.

The festival's official competition features 118 radio and 108 television entries, while the parallel section includes 43 radio and 41 television productions. Additionally, 10 entries developed using artificial intelligence technologies are competing in the "New Media" category.

Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Concludes Medical Mission in Mauritania

Source: Xinhua| 2026-09-22 22:17:00|Editor: huaxia

NOUAKCHOTT, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark left Mauritania on Tuesday after a seven-day friendly visit and medical mission.

The ship departed Nouakchott's Friendship Port at around 10:00 a.m. local time. Mauritanian military and government officials, personnel from the Chinese embassy, local residents, and representatives of the Chinese community and enterprises gathered at the port to see it off.

Since arriving on Sept. 15 as the first stop of Mission Harmony-2026, medical staff aboard the ship recorded 6,864 patient visits, performed 38 surgeries, including ophthalmic, general, and orthopedic procedures, and conducted 143 health checkups. They also delivered the first baby born during the mission.

Medical teams working ashore provided a further 682 consultations and held health education activities and professional exchanges at local hospitals and in communities.

Rwanda, Belgium Restore Diplomatic Relations

Source: Xinhua| 2026-09-23 06:58:30|Editor: huaxia

KIGALI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda and Belgium on Tuesday jointly decided to restore diplomatic relations, according to a statement released by Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The statement was jointly made by Olivier Nduhungirehe, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Rwanda, and Maxime Prevot, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, European affairs and development cooperation of Belgium.

The decision followed a series of meetings and informal contacts held between the Rwandan and Belgian foreign ministers over recent months, said the statement, in which both countries expressed gratitude to Qatar for facilitating the first meeting between the ministers in Doha in June 2025.

According to the statement, the two countries will reopen their respective embassies in the near future.

"Belgium and Rwanda reaffirm their commitment to maintaining an open, candid and transparent dialogue," the statement added. "They have further agreed on renewed principles such as non-interference, mutual respect, and constructive engagement, which will guide their future bilateral relations."

On March 17, 2025, Rwanda severed its diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing it of consistently undermining Rwanda "both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda."

China Tests World's First Practical Underwater Solar Power Plant in South China Sea

By Ma Tong

Sep 22, 2026 03:47 PM

Schematic illustration showing how underwater solar cells could supply clean energy to marine monitoring, communication and exploration equipment. Graphic: Courtesy of Yunnan University

Schematic illustration showing how underwater solar cells could supply clean energy to marine monitoring, communication and exploration equipment. Graphic: Courtesy of Yunnan University

Chinese scientists have achieved the world's first practical demonstration of underwater solar power generation at a depth of 10 meters, successfully testing perovskite photovoltaic (PV) modules in the South China Sea in a breakthrough that could help keep underwater equipment powered for extended periods, the Global Times learned from the research team at Yunnan University on Tuesday.  

The breakthrough offers a new source of clean energy for underwater equipment, with potential applications in intelligent marine systems and the development of China's marine economy, according to the research team.

Using wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells designed to harvest sunlight that penetrates seawater, the team successfully tested large-area PV modules in the South China Sea. The modules generated 324 milliwatt-hours of electricity over two hours, demonstrating their ability to charge lithium-ion batteries and power light-emitting diodes, according to research materials provided by the university's College of Materials and Energy.

The achievement, published recently in the international journal Joule, comes as China expands marine exploration, underwater monitoring and marine ranching, driving growing demand for power across underwater monitoring, communication, aquaculture and operational equipment.

Ensuring a reliable, continuous power supply for such equipment remains a major challenge worldwide, particularly in remote waters where replacing batteries or connecting to external power sources is difficult and costly. The successful sea trial offers a potential solution to this longstanding constraint.

The breakthrough addresses a fundamental limitation of conventional solar technology, which is that seawater absorbs sunlight rapidly, particularly red and ultraviolet wavelengths, leaving only a fraction of the original light available at greater depths. Conventional silicon solar cells are poorly suited to the narrower spectrum that remains.

To overcome this challenge, the team, led by Zhang Wenhua, dean of Yunnan University's College of Materials and Energy and a corresponding author of the study, developed wide-bandgap perovskite cells tailored to the underwater light spectrum. Their tunable bandgap allows the cells to capture wavelengths that penetrate seawater, the research team told the Global Times.

In laboratory tests simulating sunlight at a depth of 10 meters, a small-area cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 34.71 percent. The researchers then tested larger PV modules in actual seawater near Weizhou Island in the South China Sea, demonstrating their ability to generate electricity and charge batteries under real marine conditions.

The results exceeded the team's initial expectations. Zhang said that researchers had anticipated an output of just 50 to 100 milliwatt-hours at 10 meters, rather than the more than 300 milliwatt-hours ultimately recorded.

The successful trial opens up the possibility of extending PV technology beyond satellites in space and power plants on land to the ocean, where it could provide a sustainable source of clean energy for underwater equipment.

Durability is another critical consideration for equipment operating underwater for extended periods. Laboratory tests showed no significant performance degradation after 1,160 hours of continuous operation under simulated underwater illumination at a depth of 10 meters. Accelerated aging tests further predicted approximately 5.49 years, at 25 C under simulated submerged conditions.

The underwater environment itself could help extend the cells' lifespan, as cooler temperatures and reduced ultraviolet exposure may limit some of the degradation experienced by perovskite cells on land, Zhang said.

However, the projected lifespan has yet to be verified through long-term operation in the ocean. Further improvements in encapsulation are needed to ensure reliability in seawater, while the lead contained in the cells raises environmental safety concerns, the research team told the Global Times.

The team is now assessing the cells' power generation capabilities at depths of 20 to 30 meters, where they believe the technology could also perform well, according to Zhang.

The research also reflects China's push to advance next-generation PV technologies as its solar industry expands. As of the end of July, the country's installed solar power capacity had reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal power for the first time, according to the National Energy Administration. Research into emerging technologies, including perovskite solar cells, is also accelerating as China expands its solar manufacturing and deployment.