Ethiopia Launches First ‘Smart’ Police Station in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia has opened its first “smart” or unmanned police station in Bole, a pilot project aimed at modernising law enforcement and expanding access to citizens.

Inside the new station, visitors report crimes, traffic incidents, or general concerns via computer tablets.

A remote officer responds in real time, reducing the need for face-to-face interaction.

Commander Demissie Yilma, head of the police technology expansion department, said the system is still in its early stages, with just three reports logged in its first week. “The future police service should be near the citizens,” he noted.

The station forms part of the government’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which seeks to digitise public services including identity systems, payments, and court processes.

Experts say while digital reforms could boost efficiency and convenience, challenges remain.

Internet access is still low, and older, rural, and low-income populations risk being excluded.

For now, the Bole station is a controlled pilot, with traditional police stations continuing to serve most of the population. Expansion will depend on citizen adoption and digital literacy levels.

Tesla Loses Top Spot as BYD Overtakes in Global EV Sales

Tesla has reported lower-than-expected vehicle sales in the fourth quarter of 2025, losing its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker by annual sales to Chinese auto giant, BYD.

The American EV manufacturer, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, said it delivered 418,227 vehicles in the final three months of 2025, bringing its total deliveries for the year to about 1.64 million units.

In contrast, a day earlier, Shenzhen-based BYD announced that it sold 2.26 million electric vehicles in 2025, overtaking Tesla to emerge as the global market leader in EV sales.

Analysts had projected a stronger performance from Tesla in the fourth quarter, with a FactSet consensus estimating deliveries of about 449,000 vehicles.

The shortfall has heightened concerns over slowing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in the United States.

Industry analysts noted that the removal of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit at the end of September 2025 has continued to weigh on consumer demand in the US market, with the sector yet to find a new equilibrium.

However, observers point out that Tesla’s sales challenges predated the policy change, as the company had already been struggling in some key markets.

This, analysts said, was partly linked to the political activities of its chief executive, Elon Musk, including his public support for US President Donald Trump and other far-right politicians, which reportedly affected consumer sentiment.

Tesla is also facing intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers, particularly BYD, as well as from established European automakers ramping up their EV offerings.

BYD, which produces both fully electric and hybrid vehicles, on Thursday disclosed that it recorded its highest-ever EV sales in 2025, underlining the growing dominance of Chinese firms in the global electric vehicle market.

The development signals a major shift in the rapidly evolving EV industry, with analysts predicting stiffer competition and further pressure on global automakers in the coming year.

Secret Service Foils Telecom Plot to Cripple New York Networks

The United States Secret Service has disrupted a sophisticated telecommunications network capable of shutting down cellular systems in New York City as world leaders gather for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The agency disclosed on Tuesday that, in August, it discovered more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“This network had the power to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City,” said Matt McCool, a special agent in charge of the operation.

Officials said the devices were uncovered within 35 miles (56km) of the UN headquarters, where over 100 world leaders and delegations are meeting for the 80th UNGA anniversary.

McCool described the operation as a “well-organised and well-funded scheme” linked to nation-state actors, organised crime groups, cartels, and terrorist organisations.

Investigators believe the equipment could send text messages to the entire US population within 12 minutes, disable mobile towers, and even disrupt emergency communications through denial-of-service attacks.

The Secret Service confirmed that the equipment was seized from SIM farms operating out of abandoned apartments spread across at least five sites, though exact locations were not disclosed.

According to officials cited by the New York Times, the discovery followed an investigation into telephonic threats directed at three senior US government officials earlier this year—one from the Secret Service and two from the White House.

CBS News also reported that agents recovered 80 grams of cocaine, illegal firearms, computers, and mobile phones during the raids.

The Secret Service said investigations are ongoing as leaders converge in Manhattan amid heightened security concerns.