#Trump shot in ear in rally assassination attempt
Former #US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt.
Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his right ear, before ducking as sharp cracks - a series of shots - broke out.
He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and dragged off stage to a waiting vehicle. He raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.
In a post to his Truth Social network, Trump said a bullet pierced the "upper part" of his right ear. Earlier, his spokesperson said he was "fine" and receiving treatment at a local medical centre.
"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump wrote. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd1d31jeyzlo
Former #US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt.
Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his right ear, before ducking as sharp cracks - a series of shots - broke out.
He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and dragged off stage to a waiting vehicle. He raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.
In a post to his Truth Social network, Trump said a bullet pierced the "upper part" of his right ear. Earlier, his spokesperson said he was "fine" and receiving treatment at a local medical centre.
"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump wrote. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd1d31jeyzlo
BBC News
Secret Service faces questions after Trump assassination attempt
Secret Service agents shot dead the alleged gunman as Trump, who has minor injuries, was hauled off stage in Pennsylvania.
#US sees 'incremental progress' in #Ethiopia's reconciliation efforts
Mike Hammer, U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, spoke with VOA about Ethiopia's peace efforts 20 months after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Hammer noted "incremental progress" in areas such as the return of displaced people and reduced human rights abuses in #Tigray.
"I was encouraged to see internally displaced people starting to return to their homes, and we're starting to move towards a comprehensive program of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants," Hammer stated.
The envoy reported that both the Ethiopian government and Tigray regional leaders remain committed to the #Pretoria Agreement, though full implementation is still in progress. Hammer indicated that the U.S. continues to engage with all parties to support the peace process.
Addressing challenges in other regions, Hammer stated: "We are also prepared to continue to support any efforts to try to bring peace to other regions like #Oromia and #Amhara through dialogue." He also mentioned Ethiopia's efforts to address accountability for war crimes through a developing transitional justice process.
Hammer's regional discussions included the ongoing crisis in Sudan. He reported that U.S. Special Envoy for #Sudan Tom Perriello is working "to move forward on any opportunity to launch new cease-fire talks in Jeddah, or wherever it might be possible."
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-sees-incremental-progress-in-ethiopia-s-reconciliation-efforts-/7700514.html
Mike Hammer, U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, spoke with VOA about Ethiopia's peace efforts 20 months after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Hammer noted "incremental progress" in areas such as the return of displaced people and reduced human rights abuses in #Tigray.
"I was encouraged to see internally displaced people starting to return to their homes, and we're starting to move towards a comprehensive program of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants," Hammer stated.
The envoy reported that both the Ethiopian government and Tigray regional leaders remain committed to the #Pretoria Agreement, though full implementation is still in progress. Hammer indicated that the U.S. continues to engage with all parties to support the peace process.
Addressing challenges in other regions, Hammer stated: "We are also prepared to continue to support any efforts to try to bring peace to other regions like #Oromia and #Amhara through dialogue." He also mentioned Ethiopia's efforts to address accountability for war crimes through a developing transitional justice process.
Hammer's regional discussions included the ongoing crisis in Sudan. He reported that U.S. Special Envoy for #Sudan Tom Perriello is working "to move forward on any opportunity to launch new cease-fire talks in Jeddah, or wherever it might be possible."
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-sees-incremental-progress-in-ethiopia-s-reconciliation-efforts-/7700514.html
Voice of America
US sees 'incremental progress' in Ethiopia's reconciliation efforts
Despite Pretoria’s Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, escalating violence in Amhara and Oromia raises doubts about the feasibility of a transitional justice process
#Ethiopian Ambassador to #US concludes term, presents final report
Seleshi Bekele, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States, has completed his two-year diplomatic assignment and is set to return to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Embassy in #Washington, D.C. announced via social media.
A farewell event was held on 14 July, 2024, during which Ambassador Seleshi presented a comprehensive activity report. The report detailed the embassy's activities and achievements during his tenure from 2022 to 2024 as Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States.
Seleshi's diplomatic career includes serving as the Chief Negotiator and Advisor on Transboundary Rivers and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) at the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia since 2021.
Local media had previously reported that Ambassador Seleshi submitted his resignation from his diplomatic post.
Seleshi Bekele, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States, has completed his two-year diplomatic assignment and is set to return to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Embassy in #Washington, D.C. announced via social media.
A farewell event was held on 14 July, 2024, during which Ambassador Seleshi presented a comprehensive activity report. The report detailed the embassy's activities and achievements during his tenure from 2022 to 2024 as Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States.
Seleshi's diplomatic career includes serving as the Chief Negotiator and Advisor on Transboundary Rivers and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) at the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia since 2021.
Local media had previously reported that Ambassador Seleshi submitted his resignation from his diplomatic post.
#Somalis in #US get extended immigration relief, work eligibility
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, effective from 18 September, 2024, to 17 March, 2026. This action is a response to the persistent armed conflict, widespread insecurity, severe flooding, food shortages, and disease outbreaks that continue to affect #Somalia.
Under the extension, approximately 600 current TPS beneficiaries will retain their status through 17 March, 2026, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. These individuals must re-register during the period from 22 July, 2024, to 20 September, 2024.
Additionally, the redesignation allows approximately 4,300 more Somali nationals to apply for TPS, provided they have been residing in the United States since 12 July, 2024.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/07/19/secretary-mayorkas-announces-extension-and-redesignation-somalia-temporary
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, effective from 18 September, 2024, to 17 March, 2026. This action is a response to the persistent armed conflict, widespread insecurity, severe flooding, food shortages, and disease outbreaks that continue to affect #Somalia.
Under the extension, approximately 600 current TPS beneficiaries will retain their status through 17 March, 2026, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. These individuals must re-register during the period from 22 July, 2024, to 20 September, 2024.
Additionally, the redesignation allows approximately 4,300 more Somali nationals to apply for TPS, provided they have been residing in the United States since 12 July, 2024.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/07/19/secretary-mayorkas-announces-extension-and-redesignation-somalia-temporary
#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/
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/
Foreign Policy
U.S. Works to Revamp Peace Process for War-Torn Sudan
The Biden administration is arranging high-level talks next month aimed at ending the deadly war.
#Just_In: #US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after the assassination attempt against former President Trump at a rally https://apnews.com/live/biden-trump-election-campaign-updates?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=share
#Sudan's #RSF agrees to #US-backed 'cease-fire' talks
Sudan's RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has agreed to participate in US-backed cease-fire talks scheduled for August 14 in #Switzerland.
"I appreciate the efforts exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in organizing these crucial talks," Dagalo wrote on social media platform X. He added, "We are ready to engage in these talks constructively and look forward to them being a significant step towards peace."
The Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel-Fattah Burhan, have not yet commented on the proposed talks.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the goal is "to get the parties back to the table." He described the dialogue as "the best shot that we have right now at getting a nationwide cessation of violence."
Earlier this month, indirect talks between the RSF and Sudanese army were held in Switzerland. UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra called these discussions "encouraging."
https://www.dw.com/en/sudans-rsf-agrees-to-us-backed-cease-fire-talks/a-69745797
Sudan's RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has agreed to participate in US-backed cease-fire talks scheduled for August 14 in #Switzerland.
"I appreciate the efforts exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in organizing these crucial talks," Dagalo wrote on social media platform X. He added, "We are ready to engage in these talks constructively and look forward to them being a significant step towards peace."
The Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel-Fattah Burhan, have not yet commented on the proposed talks.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the goal is "to get the parties back to the table." He described the dialogue as "the best shot that we have right now at getting a nationwide cessation of violence."
Earlier this month, indirect talks between the RSF and Sudanese army were held in Switzerland. UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra called these discussions "encouraging."
https://www.dw.com/en/sudans-rsf-agrees-to-us-backed-cease-fire-talks/a-69745797
DW
Sudan's RSF agrees to US-backed 'cease-fire' talks
The talks in Switzerland, supported by the United States, seek a nationwide cease-fire in Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces, which opposes the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, has not yet commented on the matter.
#Ethiopia: Heart Attack Ethiopia gears up for second cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia
Heart Attack Ethiopia (#HAE), co-founded by Ethiopian-American cardiologists Dr. Tesfaye Telila and Dr. Obsinet Merid, is preparing for its second cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia.
A team of 16 volunteer doctors from the #US will travel to Ethiopia in August 2024. The first mission, conducted in February 2024, involved 32 advanced cardiovascular procedures.
Dr. Tesfaye Telila said, “Breathing is the most effortless act for the healthy, yet the most precious gift for those in need. Most of our heart patients can’t breathe freely, and in giving the breath of life, we share the world’s most abundant and vital resource—air, free and essential for all.” The second mission aims to perform 80 to 100 advanced cardiovascular procedures, including cardiac surgeries and pacemaker installations.
HAE will also establish an anticoagulation clinic at the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia (CHFE) and provide training for local healthcare professionals.
https://addisstandard.com/heart-attack-ethiopia-gears-up-for-second-cardiovascular-mission-to-ethiopia/
Heart Attack Ethiopia (#HAE), co-founded by Ethiopian-American cardiologists Dr. Tesfaye Telila and Dr. Obsinet Merid, is preparing for its second cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia.
A team of 16 volunteer doctors from the #US will travel to Ethiopia in August 2024. The first mission, conducted in February 2024, involved 32 advanced cardiovascular procedures.
Dr. Tesfaye Telila said, “Breathing is the most effortless act for the healthy, yet the most precious gift for those in need. Most of our heart patients can’t breathe freely, and in giving the breath of life, we share the world’s most abundant and vital resource—air, free and essential for all.” The second mission aims to perform 80 to 100 advanced cardiovascular procedures, including cardiac surgeries and pacemaker installations.
HAE will also establish an anticoagulation clinic at the Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia (CHFE) and provide training for local healthcare professionals.
https://addisstandard.com/heart-attack-ethiopia-gears-up-for-second-cardiovascular-mission-to-ethiopia/
Addis Standard
Heart Attack Ethiopia gears up for second cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia - Addis Standard
Heart Attack Ethiopia gears up for second cardiovascular mission to Ethiopia Addis Standard -
Op-ed: #Tigray’s strategic dilemma in midst of unraveling polycrisis in the Horn and #US policy shift toward #Eritrea: Scenarios for transitional admin.
Editor's note: The risk of a serious rift within Tigray's ruling politicians has become an increasing concern as of late. In this incisively forward-looking, must-read op-ed published in December 2023 on Addis Standard, Dr. Mehari Taddele Maru, one of Horn of Africa's leading intellectuals, outlined the potential scenarios for Tigray's transitional administration, including the main critical factors affecting the transitional process in the post-Pretoria political dispensation.
Excerpts: Three commanding heights
One critical factor affecting the transitional process in Tigray is domestic political developments in Tigray and Ethiopia, in particular the intricate interplay between the three commanding heights created by the Pretoria Agreement. These are, respectively, a) the TPLF Politburo and Central Committee, which are operating as two separate entities for now; b) the GoE (through the Prime Minister and ENDF, where the Prosperity Party plays a very limited role); and c) the TIRA (the President, two deputies, and the Cabinet) and TDF, which acts in between the three power centers. The three-way tension creates a ripple effect, affecting outcomes of the transition in Tigray, influencing political and security relations with Ethiopia, and potentially impacting the regional conflicts in Sudan and Eritrea, and widening into influencing geopolitical dynamics.
The ongoing meeting could lead to the transformation of both the TIRA and TPLF or the weakening of either
All these commanding heights are under intense pressure from their respective political constituencies, adding further complexity to a complicated, evolving situation. The GoE is now at war with the Amhara forces, and the GoE and the Eritrean government are vigorously engaged in a war of propaganda, and they have mobilized and deployed their military capabilities to border areas. Meanwhile, the TPLF could be seen as containing at least two strands in its political thinking – that of the core group, confident in its ability to regain control, and that of the reformists, who advocate transformation. This internal tension became evident during the ongoing marathon meeting of the TPLF with the active participation of TDF and TIRA leaders, which has lasted for the past month. The ongoing meeting could lead to the transformation of both the TIRA and TPLF or the weakening of either.
Some elements in the TPLF may see their power eroded within both the TPLF and TIRA, which could further complicate regional political dynamics. Should this internal tension escalate into a struggle for survival, it is plausible that any of Tigray’s major political forces may align themselves more closely with and lend support to the GoE. Such an outcome could significantly influence the course of the transition with significant implications for the people. Successful management of these diverse pressures, while navigating the sensitive political landscape, will be crucial in determining the path of the transition. https://addisstandard.com/?p=40212
Editor's note: The risk of a serious rift within Tigray's ruling politicians has become an increasing concern as of late. In this incisively forward-looking, must-read op-ed published in December 2023 on Addis Standard, Dr. Mehari Taddele Maru, one of Horn of Africa's leading intellectuals, outlined the potential scenarios for Tigray's transitional administration, including the main critical factors affecting the transitional process in the post-Pretoria political dispensation.
Excerpts: Three commanding heights
One critical factor affecting the transitional process in Tigray is domestic political developments in Tigray and Ethiopia, in particular the intricate interplay between the three commanding heights created by the Pretoria Agreement. These are, respectively, a) the TPLF Politburo and Central Committee, which are operating as two separate entities for now; b) the GoE (through the Prime Minister and ENDF, where the Prosperity Party plays a very limited role); and c) the TIRA (the President, two deputies, and the Cabinet) and TDF, which acts in between the three power centers. The three-way tension creates a ripple effect, affecting outcomes of the transition in Tigray, influencing political and security relations with Ethiopia, and potentially impacting the regional conflicts in Sudan and Eritrea, and widening into influencing geopolitical dynamics.
The ongoing meeting could lead to the transformation of both the TIRA and TPLF or the weakening of either
All these commanding heights are under intense pressure from their respective political constituencies, adding further complexity to a complicated, evolving situation. The GoE is now at war with the Amhara forces, and the GoE and the Eritrean government are vigorously engaged in a war of propaganda, and they have mobilized and deployed their military capabilities to border areas. Meanwhile, the TPLF could be seen as containing at least two strands in its political thinking – that of the core group, confident in its ability to regain control, and that of the reformists, who advocate transformation. This internal tension became evident during the ongoing marathon meeting of the TPLF with the active participation of TDF and TIRA leaders, which has lasted for the past month. The ongoing meeting could lead to the transformation of both the TIRA and TPLF or the weakening of either.
Some elements in the TPLF may see their power eroded within both the TPLF and TIRA, which could further complicate regional political dynamics. Should this internal tension escalate into a struggle for survival, it is plausible that any of Tigray’s major political forces may align themselves more closely with and lend support to the GoE. Such an outcome could significantly influence the course of the transition with significant implications for the people. Successful management of these diverse pressures, while navigating the sensitive political landscape, will be crucial in determining the path of the transition. https://addisstandard.com/?p=40212
Addis Standard
Op-ed: Tigray's strategic dilemma in midst of unraveling polycrisis in the Horn and US policy shift toward Eritrea: Scenarios for…
Op-ed: Tigray's strategic dilemma in midst of unraveling polycrisis in the Horn and US policy shift toward Eritrea: Scenarios for transitional admin. Addis Standard Ethiopia -