Russia’s supply of Yak-130 trainer aircraft and Orion strike drones is expanding Ethiopia’s strike and surveillance capabilities while reducing reliance on Western military channels. Analysts say the systems enhance Addis Ababa’s operational autonomy and complicate US risk management in the Horn of Africa. The move strengthens Russia’s long-term influence through training, maintenance, and logistics, while limiting Washington’s ability to shape military practices, monitor escalation risks, and enforce conditionality in a strategically sensitive region.

Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters clashed in western Tigray, prompting flight suspensions and raising security concerns, according to diplomatic and security sources cited by Agence France-Presse. Reports say fighting erupted in Tsemlet, a disputed area also claimed by Amhara forces. The clashes occur amid severe humanitarian shortages, following cuts in international aid. Agencies warn that most residents still need emergency assistance.

Italy will host the second Italia-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa on February 13, the first time the event takes place in Africa. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the summit, which aligns with African Union meetings. The summit advances the Mattei Plan, launched in 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen political and economic cooperation between Italy and African countries in energy, infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture.

A US federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to end deportation protections for more than 5,000 Ethiopians. US District Judge Brian Murphy delayed the February 13 termination of Temporary Protected Status to allow further legal review of the Department of Homeland Security’s decision. The ruling follows a lawsuit by Ethiopian nationals and immigrant advocates challenging the government’s justification for ending the protections.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and AFRICOM Commander Dagvin Anderson to discuss bilateral relations and regional security cooperation. Ethiopian officials said talks focused on strengthening diplomatic and military ties, counterterrorism, and Horn of Africa stability. The visit coincided with the Ethiopian Air Force’s 90th anniversary and followed renewed US diplomatic efforts on Nile water negotiations.

The African Union urged all parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to exercise restraint amid reports of renewed clashes. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed the need to protect gains made under the 2022 Pretoria cessation-of-hostilities agreement. The appeal follows flight suspensions to Tigray airports, which Agence France-Presse linked to clashes involving federal forces, Tigrayan fighters, and Amhara militias.