Western envoys urge ceasefire in #Sudan, support #Jeddah peace talks

Ahead of the one-year mark of the conflict in Sudan, Western nations are calling for a unified international effort to address the deteriorating situation. In a joint statement following a meeting in #Oslo, special envoys from #France, #Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The envoys welcomed the planned resumption of peace talks in Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia, describing it as the most developed peace process. They stressed the importance of a coordinated international response, including support for an inclusive Sudanese process leading to a restored democratic transition.

The statement also highlighted the upcoming #Paris Humanitarian Conference as an opportunity to address funding gaps and coordinate an effective response to the crisis. The envoys reiterated the importance of respecting international law and addressing the humanitarian situation to achieve lasting peace.

https://sudantribune.com/article284240/

Hope on the horizons for #Ethiopian detainees in #Saudi_Arabia


A recent visit by an Ethiopian government delegation led by State Minister Birtukan Ayano to detention centers across Saudi Arabia has provided a glimmer of hope for thousands of undocumented Ethiopian migrants. The visit follows the Ethiopian government's announcement of plans for a third phase to repatriate approximately 70,000 nationals from the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia hosts around 750,000 Ethiopian migrants, with an estimated 450,000 having entered irregularly. Although over 100,000 undocumented migrants were deported last year, thousands remain detained after serving sentences. These detainees plead for assistance, with some claiming to have waited over six months after completing their terms to be repatriated.

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#UK Foreign Office holding secret talks with Sudan’s #RSF paramilitary group

The UK Foreign Office has been engaged in secret talks with representatives of #Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. This has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who argue that negotiating with the RSF risks legitimizing a group accused of ethnic cleansing and war crimes during the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

While the Foreign Office states that the talks aim to improve humanitarian access and end hostilities with Sudanese military forces, experts warn of the potential consequences. The RSF has been implicated in widespread atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings targeting civilian populations.

As the war between the RSF and Sudanese military reaches its first anniversary, the conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacement, and severe food insecurity affecting millions. Despite these circumstances, international efforts to facilitate a negotiated peace continue, with a new round of talks scheduled in #Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia this week.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/15/uk-foreign-office-holding-secret-talks-with-sudans-rsf-paramilitary-group

#Saudi_Arabia to host #Sudan peace talks in coming weeks: US

Saudi Arabia will host peace talks within the next three weeks regarding the conflict in Sudan, according to the United States and local Saudi news reports.

The discussions will take place in #Jeddah, a port city in Saudi Arabia, as mentioned in the reports.

The announcement of peace talks was made on Monday at an international conference on Sudan held in Paris, which was backed by #France and raised over two million Euros in aid for the country.

"Considering the urgency for peace, we welcome Saudi Arabia's decision to restart the Jeddah talks within the next three weeks," stated Tom Perriello, the #US Special Envoy for Sudan, in a post on X on Monday.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240417-saudi-arabia-to-host-sudan-peace-talks-within-the-next-three-weeks-us/

#Sudan conflict exacerbated by foreign arms supply: #UN

Rosemary Anne, the #UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, has issued a stern warning about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, attributing its perpetuation to foreign entities supplying weapons in violation of international sanctions. In a statement obtained by The City Review, Anne emphasized the detrimental role of external actors in flouting sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, thereby exacerbating the conflict in Sudan. She condemned these actions as illegal and immoral, urging for their immediate cessation.

Anne underscored that while the warring factions in Sudan may have momentarily halted hostilities, outside support continues to sustain the conflict, perpetuating instability and impeding prospects for peace. Reports have implicated countries such as #Saudi_Arabia, the #UAE, and #Egypt in fueling the conflict, despite the sanctions imposed by Resolution 1591, which prohibits arms sales and freezes assets related to the #Darfur crisis.

The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in staggering casualties, with over 14,000 fatalities, tens of thousands wounded, and millions displaced. The UN warns of a looming famine, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in Sudan.

https://cityreviewss.com/sudanese-conflict-exacerbated-by-foreign-arms-supply-un/

#Ethiopia repatriates over 13,900 nationals from #Saudi_Arabia in third phase initiative

The Ethiopian government has revealed that, as part of the third phase of its repatriation initiative targeting 70,000 Ethiopian nationals deported from Saudi Arabia, over 13,900 individuals have been successfully brought back to the country since 12 April, 2024.

Yesterday, a total of 1,180 citizens arrived at #Addis_Abeba Bole International Airport, including 79 women and three infants. Authorities say the government is ensuring the smooth reunification of families by providing comprehensive support and care to returnees at the airport and various centers upon their arrival in Ethiopia.

To expedite the return process, the government plans to operate 12 weekly flights, facilitating the repatriation of the remaining Ethiopians awaiting return.

#Ethiopia creates 277,000 foreign jobs in last nine months: Ministry

The Ministry of Labor and Skills has announced the creation of 277,000 foreign employment opportunities within the past nine months. In an interview with state media, Berhanu Aleka, coordinator of the Ethiopian Labor Market Information System project at the Ministry, outlined efforts to facilitate citizens' access to employment opportunities abroad while safeguarding their safety, rights, and interests.

To achieve this goal, Berhanu revealed that the government has forged legal employment agreements with several nations, including #Saudi_Arabia, #Qatar, #Jordan, and #Lebanon. Furthermore, he disclosed advancements in managing employment information through technology. A dedicated database center has been constructed and operationalized to oversee the labor market digitally.

In December 2023, Addis Standard published an in-depth article highlighting concerns surrounding Ethiopia's ambitious labor migration initiative. Particularly, attention was drawn to the entrenched #kafala sponsorship system in host countries, notably in the Gulf region. While Ethiopia's E-LMIS-backed program addresses illegal trafficking, it faces challenges in tackling the exploitative kafala system.

For more insights, you can access the full article through the following link:

https://addisstandard.com/?p=39843

#Sudan army, #RSF to return to negotiation table ‘without conditions’

The Civil Democratic Forces alliance (#Tagadom) founding conference, initially delayed twice, is now set to convene in #Addis_Abeba on 26 May, 2024, as confirmed by spokesperson Bakri El Jak to Radio Dabanga this week. Elaborating on ongoing negotiations in #Jeddah, #Saudi_Arabia, El Jak hinted at preliminary discussions taking place.

Established in October last year, Tagadom emerged from the amalgamation of mainstream Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC-Central Council) members and other Sudanese pro-democracy entities. Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok assumed the role of chair.

The alliance's core objective is to forge a robust democratic front against the protracted conflict involving the Sudan Armed Forces (#SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1789185635649024484

New #BRICS members not keen to support #India, #Brazil’s claim to UNSC permanent seat

India's aspiration for support from new BRICS bloc members in its bid for a permanent seat on the #UN Security Council faces challenges, with countries like Egypt and Ethiopia expressing reluctance, according to sources familiar with the matter. The expansion of the BRICS grouping last year to include #Egypt, #Iran, the #UAE, #Saudi_Arabia, and #Ethiopia was anticipated to strengthen India's position. However, disagreements have emerged regarding the support for India, Brazil, and South Africa's UNSC aspirations.

Initially, there was an understanding that new members would back these aspirations. However, Egypt and Ethiopia, among others, argue that this condition wasn't explicitly communicated to them. Efforts to garner support for UNSC reforms, including backing for India's permanent membership, were highlighted in the Johannesburg Declaration 2023. Despite this, consensus among new members remains elusive.

Russia, set to host the BRICS Summit in October 2024, faces the challenge of aligning all members' positions on UNSC reform. India, alongside Brazil and #South_Africa, continues to advocate for expanded representation of developing countries. The upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will provide an opportunity to reassess members' stances on UNSC reforms and membership.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/new-brics-members-not-keen-to-support-india-brazils-claim-to-unsc-permanent-seat/article68167729.ece

#Ethiopia repatriates Over 27,000 citizens from #Saudi_Arabia

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that more than 27,000 citizens who were being held in detention centers across Saudi Arabia have been repatriated to their home country since April 2024.

This repatriation effort is part of the government's larger plan to facilitate the return of approximately 70,000 Ethiopians deported from Saudi Arabia. The plan is being implemented in phases, with the current third phase utilizing 12 weekly flights to transport individuals back to Ethiopia.

Nebiyu Tedla, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that after four months of operations, the national committee overseeing the repatriation process has completed 35 percent of the planned return of 70,000 migrants. Efforts are ongoing to achieve the full repatriation target.

The spokesperson further highlighted the "citizen-oriented" diplomacy approach as the driving force.

#Ethiopia: #EU Council's temporary suspension of 'certain elements' of visa law for Ethiopian nationals hinges on gov’t cooperation, a diplomatic source reveals

According to a diplomatic source interviewed by Addis Standard, the recent decision of the European Union (EU) Council "to temporarily suspend certain elements of the EU law governing the issuance of visas to Ethiopian nationals" could be reversed contingent upon cooperation from the Ethiopian government.

The implementation of these new measures by the EU Council is anticipated to commence on o1 June, 2024. Under the new measures, EU member states will no longer waive requirements for Ethiopian visa applicants, issue multiple entry visas, or waive visa fees for diplomatic and service passport holders. Additionally, the standard visa processing period has been extended to 45 calendar days.

A spokesperson from the embassy of an EU member state in #Addis_Abeba conveyed to Addis Standard that the Council's decision did not occur suddenly but rather evolved over years of negotiations. He underscored a disparity in the Ethiopian government's approach to repatriation as a significant factor influencing the decision.

The spokesperson highlighted that between 2019 and 2022, Ethiopia facilitated the repatriation of only 555 undocumented refugees from the EU, a stark contrast to the 330,000 repatriated from #Saudi_Arabia during the same period.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=44119

#Red_Sea: #Saudi_Arabia obtains concession to establish logistics zone in the port of #Djibouti

Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement to establish a 120 square meter logistics zone in the port of Djibouti, a concession obtained for 92 years with the aim of strengthening exports to #Riyadh.

The contract, signed by the president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Al-Huwaizi and by the president of the Djibouti Authority for Ports and Free Zones Aboubaker Omar Hadi, was signed during the visit of a delegation of Saudi investors to the East African city led by Al-Huwaizi.

In return, Djiboutian authorities have promised equal treatment for Saudi investors, ensuring fair opportunities in all sectors, from renewable energy to technology.

In February, the president of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh reaffirmed his country's commitment to promoting maritime security in the Red Sea and underlined the collaboration initiated with great powers – including Riyadh – to ensure safe passage for international shipping in the Bab El-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden.
https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Red-Sea-Saudi-Arabia-obtains-a-concession-to-establish-a-logistics-zone-in-the-port-of-Djibouti/

#US to facilitate peace talks in #Switzerland for #Sudan conflict

The Biden administration is organizing discussions next month to address the conflict in Sudan. The U.S. plans to host talks in Switzerland between Sudan's warring factions. Switzerland and #Saudi_Arabia will co-host, with other regional powers invited as observers.

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, will brief Congress on the plan and work to secure participation from both sides. If senior negotiators attend, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield may preside over the talks.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. U.S. officials estimate 150,000 deaths and 11 million displaced individuals.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/22/sudan-war-washington-biden-peace-process-talks/

#Sudan’s army leader rejects new round of talks after drone strike

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has declined to participate in peace talks in #Switzerland next month, following a drone strike at a military base. Al-Burhan stated, "We will not retreat, we will not surrender and we will not negotiate."

The attack at Gibeit army base resulted in at least five deaths. The army attributed the strike to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), though the RSF denied responsibility.

Al-Burhan's decision comes after RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo expressed the group's willingness to join the talks, which were set to be co-hosted by the United States and #Saudi_Arabia on 14 August.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to significant humanitarian issues, displacing millions and resulting in thousands of deaths.

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/7/31/sudans-army-leader-rejects-new-round-of-talks-after-drone-strike

#Sudan army chief sets conditions for peace talks with paramilitaries

#US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Sudan's Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan discussed potential peace negotiations in a phone call on 05 August, 2024. Burhan stated that Sudan's government concerns must be addressed before talks can proceed with rival paramilitary forces.

Burhan reported on social media platform X: "I spoke with him about the need to address the government's concerns before any negotiations." He added that he informed Blinken about the RSF "attacking and besieging El Fasher and preventing the passage of food to the displaced people of the Zamzam camp."

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the call, stating that Blinken "reiterated the need for the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) to participate in the ceasefire talks in Switzerland." The meeting, co-hosted by the USA and #Saudi_Arabia, is scheduled for 14 August in #Geneva. Miller emphasized, "The destruction and devastation since April 2023 prove that holding ceasefire talks is the only way to end the conflict, prevent the spread of famine, and restore the civilian political process."

https://sudantribune.com/article289146/