Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan 6 March signed preliminary agreement on principles of Nile water cooperation, including on Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam project; deal further eased tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over dam.

Two UK citizens, one Somali jailed 4-7 years for reportedly attempting to establish Islamic state in Ethiopia, plotting attacks in conjunction with separatist Oromo Liberation Front. Opposition Unity for Democracy and Justice MP 9 Jan accused electoral board of blocking party’s registration ahead of May elections; party later cleared to enter elections.

Defence ministry said air force helicopter pilot, co-pilot and technician defected to Eritrea 19 Dec.

PM Desalegn 16 Oct accused opposition of being “anti-peace”, said would take action against those who instigate clashes between communities. Journalist Temesgen Desalegn 27 Oct sentenced to three years prison for “provocation”, “dissemination of inaccurate information”; U.S. expressed concern. Late-Oct Amnesty International report said govt “ruthlessly targeted”, tortured Oromos. Govt officials 6 Oct met with Egypt, Sudan counterparts at Nile Basin Development forum, agreed to appoint international firm to study impact of Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project.

Ethiopian FM Tedros Adhanom 4 Sept met with Egyptian counterpart for talks on Renaissance Dam; Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hossam Moghazy 22 Sept visited site. Tripartite National Committee 20-22 Sept convened in Addis Ababa to discuss appointment of international consultant firm to conduct studies recommended by International Panel of Experts, including impact assessment. Russian FM Lavrov 17 Sept visited Ethiopia, discussed bilateral economic ties with Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn. UN Human Rights Council 19 Sept urged govt to stop misuse of anti-terrorism legislation in rights crackdown. EU Human Rights Committee 24 Sept held hearing on Ethiopia.

Pressure on media continued: Justice Ministry 12 Aug announced charges against six weeklies, including dissemination of false rumours with intent to overthrow govt. Federal court 21 Aug denied bail to nine bloggers and journalists detained under anti-terrorism law. EU Delegation 2 Aug expressed concern over detained bloggers and journalists, political space in upcoming elections. Somali PM Sheikh Ahmed 20 Aug visited Addis to discuss refugee situation. Govt 14 Aug reached agreement with Sudan on joint military force to ensure border security. Tripartite talks with Egypt and Sudan over Renaissance Dam resumed 25 Aug, agreed to additional studies and establishment of Tripartite National Committee to be set up.

Leader of opposition “Ginbot 7” group Andargachew Tsige, arrested in Yemen 23 June, reportedly extradited to Ethiopia early month; Andargachew convicted in absentia along with 12 other Ginbot 7 leaders of plotting coup following disputed 2005 elections. 4 opposition party members arrested throughout month for alleged connections with terrorist organisations.

Tensions with Egypt over construction of hydroelectric dam eased after remarks by Egyptian President Sisi during 8 June inaugural speech vowing cooperation. Egyptian-Ethiopian summit held late June, marks new chapter in relations and political dialogue between two countries. Ethiopia 24 June closed border with Somaliland citing security concerns, fear Al-Shabaab could cross border.

Unknown gunmen 15 April attacked public transport truck near Assosa in far western province Benishangul- Gumuz; 9 killed, 6 wounded. 6 bloggers, 3 journalists arrested 25-26 April, charged with inciting violence. Western Gambella region continued struggle to cope with S Sudanese refugees; almost 95,000 crossed border since Dec 2013, officials insist border will not be closed.

Tensions with Egypt over Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam project continued: Ethiopia early March said dam 32% complete, Deputy PM Demeke Mekonnen said Egypt and other downstream countries would benefit from dam construction. HRW 25 March reported govt using foreign-supplied technologies to spy on dissidents.