Election Disputes: Ethiopia’s 7th General Election has moved from counting to contestation, with NEBE reporting 47 complaints after tallying in 825 constituencies; opposition and independents cite alleged irregularities in major centres like Addis Ababa and Sidama, with final results potentially delayed or extended up to 20 days. Tigray Tensions: A former Tigray interim cabinet official warns hardline TPLF factions are trying to pull northern Ethiopia back toward conflict, urging stronger pressure to protect the Pretoria track. President Taye on Poll Peace: President Taye Atske Selassie says the election’s peaceful conduct reflects growing political maturity and democratic commitment, while stressing the need to learn from past shortcomings. Prisoner Transfer Diplomacy (Nigeria-Ethiopia): Nigeria’s foreign minister visited Aba Samuel Prison as Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons deal for nearly 100 inmates; prisoners celebrated, while reports note four deaths and critical illnesses during negotiations. UN Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Border Governance Roadmap: Ethiopia adopted a roadmap for integrated border management after a high-level policy dialogue with GIZ-AU Border Programme. Budget Scrutiny: Parliament reviews a record 2.34 trillion birr 2026/27 federal budget amid concerns over inflation, unemployment, and heavy cuts affecting university teaching hospitals. Catholic Leadership Change: Pope Leo XIV accepted Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel’s retirement and appointed Bishop Abune Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie as Addis Ababa archbishop. EV Push: JUNTU Technologies inaugurated an OMODA/JAECOO showroom and service hub in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia accelerates its shift to electric vehicles.