Parliament & Budget: Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives unanimously approved a 2.339-trillion Birr budget for the 2019 fiscal year, keeping the deficit at 1.4% of GDP and boosting major allocations including education, health, roads, agriculture, energy and urban development. PM Abiy on Governance: In parliament, Abiy said community conflicts have eased thanks to expanded public dialogue, and framed the national dialogue as a historic chance to forge a new social contract. National Dialogue & Sovereignty: Abiy reiterated Ethiopia’s diplomacy is built on decision-making sovereignty and strategic self-reliance. Economy & Exports: Ethiopia reported record export earnings—about $11bn for 2025/26—driven by gold and coffee, alongside claims of strong forex inflows. Healthcare Push: Abiy said domestic pharmaceutical capacity jumped from 4% to 44%, with major spending on medicine procurement and medical equipment. Tigray Rights Alarm: HRW alleged Tigray authorities are forcibly recruiting children, including those as young as 15, intensifying fear ahead of renewed conflict. Ebola Response: Africa CDC backed a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in the DRC and Uganda, calling it a key step where no licensed tools exist. Russia Ties & BRICS: Lavrov met Ethiopia’s foreign minister, stressing expanded cooperation and BRICS coordination, while Russia and the AU agreed to hold annual political consultations. Aviation Safety: Ethiopia’s transport minister said preliminary flight-recorder data from Flight 302 shows “clear similarities” with a prior Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash, with analysis underway.