WHO & Xenophobia: WHO DG Tedros condemned renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, saying it has killed people, displaced thousands, and included reports of Ethiopians among the victims—calling it a betrayal of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. Drugs & Aviation: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport after an Ethiopian Airlines flight from São Paulo via Addis Ababa; 14 shirts and towels were found soaked in 6.10kg of liquid cocaine. Ethiopia’s Civic Space: ECSOC President Ahmed Hussein said Ethiopia’s political reforms have broadened civic participation, shifting civil society relations “from control to partnership” after the 7th general election. Election Credibility Debate: Multiple reports say Ethiopia’s June 1 vote moved from counting to contestation, with complaints over irregularities and delays in major centers, while voting was suspended or cancelled in many constituencies including Tigray. Diplomatic Football, Cultural Pride: A diplomatic football event in Addis Ababa included tours of the National Museum and Adwa Victory Memorial, with participants praising Ethiopia’s heritage and hospitality. Media Freedom: CPJ urged Ethiopia to reverse the expulsion of French journalist Augustine Passilly, calling it retaliation for reporting on tensions in Tigray. Press Standards Support: GIZ backed a new digital platform with multimedia tools to strengthen media accountability and professional standards in Ethiopia. Arts & Culture Call: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including Ethiopia, for music, film, TV, culture, and celebrity coverage.