Ministry halts #US funded health staff payments; Civil Society Authority bars asset transfers by #USAID recipients

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has ordered health bureaus to stop all activities and payments related to employees hired under U.S. government budget support, following the termination of funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (#CDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a notice dated 31 January 2025, MoH stated that “any work or payment” under U.S. budget support “should cease” as of 24 January. The directive, sent to health bureaus in #Addis_Abeba and several regional states, applies to employees hired through agreements with U.S. funding agencies and supported by the Ministry.

This decision comes amid a broader freeze on U.S. foreign assistance under the Trump administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, affecting USAID’s humanitarian, development. The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO) separately stated on 4 February that USAID had instructed partner organizations not to “transfer, dispose of, or sell property” outside of “regular or project work” without permission, warning of “appropriate action” against violations. ACSO added that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and will provide “necessary support and follow-up” based on developments.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48343

#Uganda starts clinical trial to combat #Sudan strain of #Ebola

Uganda has begun a clinical trial for a vaccine against the Sudan strain of Ebola, days after confirming an outbreak that resulted in the death of a nurse in the capital, Kampala. The World Health Organization (#WHO) announced that the trial, which started on February 3, prioritizes healthcare workers and others at high risk of exposure.

“This vaccination trial was initiated with record speed,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X. The outbreak, the sixth of its kind in Uganda, has already seen two additional cases in relatives of the first victim. Unlike other Ebola strains, the Sudan variant has no approved vaccine, though a system for candidate vaccines was set up after a 2022 outbreak in the country.

The trial follows a “ring” vaccination approach, where doses are first administered to contacts of confirmed Ebola patients and their contacts. The WHO noted that “the first ring defined Monday involved 40 direct contacts” of the deceased health worker. Ebola spreads through human-to-human transmission via body fluids, causing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/4/uganda-starts-clinical-trial-to-combat-sudan-strain-of-ebola

#Ethiopia: Gold Rush Gone Toxic: Illegal mining in #Tigray endangers lives, environment as authorities turn a blind eye to cyanide and mercury use

Illegal gold mining in Tigray’s Northwestern Zone has led to widespread environmental damage and health risks, as miners increasingly use toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. Residents of Asgede district, one of the most affected areas, say contaminated water sources have harmed livestock and posed serious risks to human health, while authorities have failed to intervene.

A farmer from Asgede told Addis Standard that "the land is being permanently rendered infertile" due to chemical contamination, with livestock deaths and illnesses affecting the community. He also claimed that local administrators and security forces have responded to concerns with repression, saying, "When we request authorities to ban the use of harmful chemicals, they warn us and sometimes arrest us."

Tadele Mengistu, a cabinet member of the Tigray Interim Administration, confirmed that mercury use in mining has resulted in "widespread contamination," with rivers polluted and livestock dying. He further noted that despite an order from the regional cabinet to halt mining activities, enforcement has been ineffective due to political instability. "These operations persist, primarily due to political instability, which has obstructed enforcement efforts," he stated.

https://addisstandard.com/gold-rush-gone-toxic-illegal-mining-in-tigray-endangers-lives-environment-as-authorities-turn-a-blind-eye-to-cyanide-and-mercury-use/

#Lucy’s remains to be displayed in #Europe for the first time, #Prague museum to host exhibition

The fossilized remains of Lucy, the 3.18-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis discovered in Ethiopia, will be displayed in Europe for the first time at Prague’s National Museum, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Tuesday. “Lucy’s skeletal remains will be displayed in Europe for the first time ever,” Fiala stated, confirming Ethiopia’s decision to loan the remains for the two-month “Human Origins and Fossils” exhibition starting August 25.

Ethiopia’s National Museum has rarely allowed Lucy’s remains to leave the country, with the last international tour taking place between 2007 and 2013 in the United States. The remains, which include “fossilized dental remains, skull fragments, parts of the pelvis and femur,” will be presented alongside Selam, the fossilized remains of a baby Australopithecus found in Ethiopia 100,000 years before Lucy.

Ethiopian Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa described the display as a “historic exhibition” that would provide “tourists and researchers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these priceless fossils first-hand.” Lucy’s discovery in 1974 was considered groundbreaking, significantly enhancing the understanding of early human evolution. However, later findings—including the 1994 discovery of Ardi, a 4.5-million-year-old Ardipithecus ramidus—have reshaped theories about humanity’s oldest ancestors.

https://phys.org/news/2025-02-prague-museum-host-european-display.html#google_vignette

#Ethiopia: A series of earthquakes have affected Ethiopia's #Afar, #Amhara, and #Oromia regions, impacting 90,000 people, the World Health Organization (#WHO) Ethiopia said. According to the report, while no fatalities have been recorded, two people sustained injuries.

Authorities have evacuated over 75,000 people from high-risk areas, with 55,000 relocated in Afar and 20,000 in Oromia, the report added. The ongoing seismic activity has also damaged nine health facilities, and humanitarian efforts are underway.

Since September, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has recorded around 261 earthquakes, mainly concentrated in the Fantale area, part of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley. The tremors have led to the collapse of homes, displacing thousands of residents.

#NISS says #Kenya’s security operation coordinated with #Ethiopia, targets “#OLA camps”

Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) said Kenya’s security operation against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is being conducted in coordination with Ethiopian forces, targeting what it described as “OLA camps” along their shared border. The agency stated that the operation follows discussions between senior security officials, including its Director General, Ambassador Redwan Hussein, and Kenya’s National Intelligence Service Director General, Noordin Mohamed Haji, aimed at strengthening “regional security and intelligence cooperation.”

Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) launched the operation, dubbed ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili,’ on February 3, targeting what it called “criminals conducting illegal operations” in Marsabit and Isiolo counties. OLA, however, denied involvement in criminal activities, asserting that it “fully respects Kenya’s sovereignty” and that “over 95% of our Southern Command forces operate deep within Oromia.” NISS, in contrast, described OLA as a “national security threat,” accusing the group of engaging in “illegal weapons trade, human and mineral trafficking,” and “inciting ethnic violence.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48354

#Ethiopia: Is #Tigray on the brink of a fresh conflict?

Rising political tensions within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (#TPLF) are fueling fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as the region recovers from a two-year war, residents say. The power struggle between TPLF’s leadership and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (#TIRA) has intensified, raising concerns about security and stability.

"There’s great fear here in Tigray," said Meresa Giday, a resident of Mekelle. Another resident, who requested anonymity, added, "The political conflicts here are not helping us, they are putting us all at risk." The crisis has also exacerbated economic hardships, with fuel shortages and soaring food prices worsening living conditions.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has set a February 9 deadline for the TPLF to hold a formal party congress. Failure to comply could strip the party of its legal status, potentially deepening the political divide. Gerrit Kurtz, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, observed, "The power struggle within the TPLF is gaining momentum… it is becoming increasingly likely that violence will be used."

Observers suggest Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government may benefit from the division within Tigray, with some accusing federal authorities of employing a "divide and rule" strategy. Political scientist Jona Thiel cautioned that tensions could spill over regionally, stating, "A renewed escalation cannot be ruled out, possibly even involving external actors such as Eritrea or Sudan."

https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-is-tigray-on-the-brink-of-a-fresh-conflict/a-71510152

U.S. aid suspension jeopardizes #Ethiopia’s fight against HIV, putting over a quarter-million beneficiaries at risk, warns #UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has warned that the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance to Ethiopia’s HIV response will have “particularly severe” consequences for over 270,000 beneficiaries in Oromia, Gambella, and Addis Abeba. The funding freeze affects community programs and drop-in centers serving high-risk groups, leaving “tens of thousands” without access to critical services such as HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment, and screenings for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. UNAIDS also highlighted that the closure of drop-in centers and the termination of outreach workers and peer educators will “effectively shut off support to vulnerable groups.”

The aid suspension follows a 90-day freeze on foreign aid disbursements ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump on 20 January 2025, with a stop-work order halting existing grants and contracts. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio later issued an emergency waiver for “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” UNAIDS stated that Ethiopia’s Health Information System has been “severely” affected by the termination of 10,000 data clerks, compromising HIV patient tracking. The Ministry of Health has since directed regional health bureaus to suspend all U.S.-funded activities, impacting nearly 5,000 workers and delaying the supply of essential HIV services.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48361

#Puntland forces seize boat carrying illegal weapons

Security forces in Somalia's Puntland State say they have intercepted a boat transporting "military uniforms and equipment," days after a U.S. airstrike targeted ISIS hideouts in the region.

According to Puntland authorities, the vessel was seized Monday night off the coast of the Qaw area in Bari region, about 1,600km northeast of Mogadishu. The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Task Force stated that "the boat and the sailors are now under investigation regarding the intended recipients of the military supplies." Officials said the boat was manned by Somali nationals, but the destination of the supplies remains unclear.

The seizure follows intensified operations against IS-affiliated militants in Puntland, particularly in the Golis mountains. Puntland forces, known locally as the Dervish, have been engaged in ongoing ground operations, with the recent U.S. airstrike described as "part of a coordinated effort to degrade IS capacity in the area."

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/puntland-forces-seize-boat-carrying-illegal-weapons-4913972

#Ethiopia: #TPLF affirms peace as "foremost choice" of #Tigray following PM Abiy's remarks

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has reiterated that “the foremost choice of the people of Tigray and its leadership is peace,” following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent remarks urging Tigrayan elites to resolve their differences through “peace, dialogue, and understanding.” The TPLF emphasized that past conflicts involving the people of Tigray were fought “to ensure their survival and not to give in to oppression,” asserting that their struggles were for “sovereignty, freedom, and dignity.” However, the party insisted that this does not mean the people of Tigray “have a culture of war.”

The TPLF reaffirmed its commitment to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which it said “stopped the genocidal war” against Tigray, but criticized its lack of implementation, stating that “the Pretoria Peace Agreement has not been implemented, it has not been implemented on the ground.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48367

#Washington using #Nile dam dispute to pressure #Egypt into accepting #Gaza expulsion plan

A senior Trump administration official met with Egyptian leaders in Cairo last week to discuss a plan for the "relocation of Palestinians from Gaza," with the United States reportedly using Egypt’s "water security crisis as leverage" to push for the proposal, according to The New Arab's Arabic language edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

During the visit, the U.S. official held separate meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and General Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad, discussing both the "controversial displacement plan" and the ongoing dispute over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam (#GERD). Sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed indicated that "U.S. involvement in resolving the dam crisis" was suggested as being conditional on "Egypt's cooperation" with the relocation proposal.

Egyptian officials reportedly "firmly rejected" U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Gaza should be "cleaned out," with its population moved to neighboring countries. Officials expressed concerns over the "significant challenges and consequences" of the plan while emphasizing its "difficulty of implementation." The U.S. envoy also engaged with political figures to assess whether public protests against the plan reflected "broader anti-U.S. sentiment" or were focused solely on the displacement issue.

A senior Egyptian diplomatic source said Cairo’s ability to "counter Trump's plan" would be difficult without "broader Arab support." While Egyptian officials reiterated openness to "alternative solutions" that ensure Israel's security without "forcible displacement."

https://www.newarab.com/news/exclusive-us-uses-egypt-dam-dispute-push-gaza-expulsion-plan

#Ethiopia: #Bahir_Dar University renames surgical ward in memory of slain surgeon, calls for justice

Bahir Dar University’s senate has renamed the surgical ward at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital after Dr. Andualem Dagne, a 37-year-old surgeon who was shot and killed on February 1, 2025. The university described him as “an exemplary professional” who “selflessly used his talents” to train healthcare workers and treat patients. It noted that he had “declined many international job offers” to serve in Ethiopia and performed the first surgery at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital while working to improve its surgical department.

Dr. Andualem, who was the Director of Surgery at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, was shot by armed individuals while traveling home from work. Commander Walelign Bimrew, head of the Bahir Dar City Police Department, told Voice of America that the attack occurred in the “Koshe” area of Sebatamit neighborhood as he was heading to his residence within the hospital compound. The university urged authorities to “conduct proper and thorough investigations” and “bring those responsible to justice promptly.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48372

#Sudanese army claims gains in #Khartoum, fighting intensifies elsewhere

The Sudanese army said Wednesday its forces had made strategic gains in Khartoum following intense clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), while fighting escalated in other regions, including Al-Jazirah state.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah stated that troops had taken control of Al-Rumaila, a medical supply depot, an industrial area, and the state’s currency mint in southern Khartoum. He described RSF fighters as “the Daglo militia” and said the military had pushed them back.

Military sources cited by Sudan Tribune reported that army armored units advanced north from Al-Rawad towers, capturing Al-Rumaila and the industrial zone after “fierce clashes.” They claimed the army seized “five military vehicles and an armored vehicle” from the RSF.

Videos circulated online purportedly showed army deployments in the newly secured areas, along with captured RSF equipment. The army’s gains in Al-Rumaila bring it closer to Al-Ghaba Street, a strategic route leading to central Khartoum, where RSF forces are positioned.

https://sudantribune.com/article296998/

#Op_ed: #Tigray’s strategic dilemma in midst of unraveling polycrisis in the Horn and #US policy shift toward Eritrea: Scenarios for transitional admin.

In this op-ed first published in Addis Standard in December 2023, Dr. Mehari Taddele Maru, one of the Horn of Africa’s leading intellectuals, examined the critical factors shaping Tigray’s transitional administration in the post-Pretoria political dispensation. Among the key challenges, he highlights the internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) and the broader struggle for power among what he calls the "three commanding heights" of Tigray’s transition: the TPLF leadership, the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (#TIRA) and Tigray Defense Forces (#TDF), and the federal government. "These three power centers," he writes, "are under intense pressure from their respective constituencies," creating a complex political landscape that could determine the region’s future stability.

A central issue in the transition, according to Dr. Mehari, is the growing tension within the TPLF itself. "The TPLF Politburo and Central Committee are operating as two separate entities for now," he observes, describing an ongoing power struggle between the party’s core leadership and reformist factions. This internal discord, he warns, could either "lead to the transformation of both the TIRA and TPLF or the weakening of either." Some elements within the party, he notes, fear their influence is diminishing, which could push them toward desperate political maneuvers. "If this internal tension escalates into a struggle for survival," he cautions, "any of Tigray’s major political forces may align themselves more closely with and lend support to the GoE."

Beyond internal party struggles, Dr. Mehari discusses the broader implications of these divisions on governance and security in Tigray. He argues that the TIRA, tasked with managing the transition, faces mounting pressure due to "stalled progress" on key provisions of the Pretoria Agreement, such as providing security to the population, the withdrawal of non-ENDF forces, and respecting constitutional boundaries. He suggests that external actors with competing interests in the region—ranging from domestic political forces to regional and extra-regional players—have contributed to the complexities surrounding the transition.

Dr. Mehari outlines three possible scenarios for the region’s transition: a Smooth Transition, in which governance structures stabilize and elections are held under credible conditions; a Paralyzed Transition, where internal and external pressures stall political progress, leaving Tigray in a state of uncertainty; and a Collapsed Transition, where governance failures, power struggles, and humanitarian crises, he warns, could undermine the entire process.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=40212

#Ethiopia: Civil society organizations in Ethiopia scramble for new finance sources as ‘abrupt’ #USAID funding freeze threatens jobs, humanitarian operations

The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council has warned that USAID’s "abrupt" suspension of funding threatens thousands of jobs and critical humanitarian programs. Ahmed Hussein, the Council’s President, stated that some organizations are "predominantly or entirely" reliant on USAID support, making them highly vulnerable. A senior manager at a civil society organization, who requested anonymity, added that the funding halt will "affect urgent life-saving activities," leading to disruptions in salaries and ongoing projects.

The freeze follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day suspension of foreign aid, issued on 20 January, 2025, as part of a broader policy review. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio later announced a waiver for "life-saving humanitarian assistance," organizations report that many programs have already been forced to halt. The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO) has instructed USAID-funded entities not to "transfer, dispose of, or sell property" without permission, warning of consequences for non-compliance. Meanwhile, the Council is exploring alternative funding sources and has called for diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48377

#Ethiopia, #Türkiye discuss #Ankara Declaration implementation ahead of technical talks

Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timotheos, met with Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran, on Thursday to discuss the upcoming technical negotiations on implementing the Ankara Declaration, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The Ministry stated that both sides “exchanged views on the technical aspects” of the agreement, with Gedion reaffirming Ethiopia’s “commitment” to its full implementation and acknowledging Türkiye’s role in facilitating the tripartite deal with Somalia.

Signed in Ankara by the leaders of Ethiopia, Türkiye, and Somalia, the declaration emphasized “respect and commitment” to each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while recognizing the “potentially diverse benefits” of Ethiopia gaining “assured access to and from the sea.” The agreement outlined plans for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s sea access, set to conclude within four months, with both sides agreeing “to closely work together to finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements” under Somalia’s sovereign authority.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48385

#Somaliland President welcomes #Puntland’s peace proposal for conflicts in Sanaag region

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has welcomed a peace initiative proposed by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni to address ongoing conflicts in the Sanaag region.

Speaking during a meeting with Somaliland's traditional leaders at the presidential palace on Wednesday, Irro also acknowledged the mediation efforts of elders from #Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, describing their role as “crucial” in stabilizing the region. "I welcome Puntland’s peace proposal for a stable and united Sanaag," he said, adding that he appreciates the delegation’s involvement in de-escalating tensions.

Irro urged local elders to "continue promoting dialogue-based solutions" to resolve the conflict while emphasizing Somaliland’s commitment to security. "Our focus is on peace, unity, and progress," he stated, but also noted that Somaliland would "not hesitate to defend" its citizens if necessary.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Feb/200137/somaliland_president_welcomes_puntland_s_peace_proposal_for_sanaag_region.aspx

#Ethiopia: Cholera resurgence in Ethiopia’s #Amhara region claims 3 lives, over 160 cases reported

A resurgence of cholera in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has led to over 160 cases and three deaths, with most infections reported in West Gondar zone, according to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). The outbreak has been linked to “the Bermel Georgis holy water” in Quara district, which draws pilgrims from across the region, raising concerns about further spread.

According to a report published on February 6 states that West Gondar’s #Quara district recorded 122 cases and one death, while Genda Wuha district reported three cases and one death. In Central Gondar zone, three cases and one death were confirmed, while #Bahir_Dar, the region’s capital, registered 33 cases. Efforts to contain the outbreak are complicated by “severe security and access constraints” in Amhara, where federal forces and regional militias remain in conflict.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48391

#Kenyan #Haiti mission exempted from #US aid cut: President Ruto

Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed Thursday that the U.S. will "continue supporting Kenya’s Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti," despite a broader pause on federal aid.

Ruto said he discussed Kenya-U.S. relations with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and they "reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation." He stated that Washington had "specifically exempted" MSS support from the aid freeze, recognizing its role in "stabilizing Haiti and restoring order."

The announcement comes amid concerns over the U.S. government's temporary foreign aid freeze as part of a broader policy review. Ruto also said his talks with Rubio included "regional security in Africa," particularly in the Congo, where the UN reports that "more than 2,900 people have been killed" in the ongoing conflict.

On Thursday, Kenya deployed 168 additional police officers to Haiti as part of the MSS mission. Geoffrey Otunge, the force commander, said the mission remains "fully committed to restoring peace in Haiti." The deployment raises the Kenyan contingent to 800 officers, approaching the UN-backed target of 1,000.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/kenyan-haiti-mission-exempted-from-us-aid-cut-president-ruto/3473846

#Sudanese army captures 3 more towns from rebel faction in central Sudan

The Sudanese army has taken control of three more towns—al-Maseed, al-Nuba, and al-Tayyi—in Al-Jazirah State, local media reported Thursday. The latest military gains put the army closer to Giad city, a stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), and Abu Quta, about 50 kilometers from Khartoum.

Army spokesman Abdel Moneim Abdel Basit said in a video statement that forces are “determined to liberate every area” from the RSF. Social media videos circulated showing army troops inside the recaptured towns. The advance follows the army’s recent capture of al-Kamlin and its January entry into Wad Madani, the state capital, which RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, called a “temporary setback.”

The army and RSF have been fighting since April 2023, a war that has killed over 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to UN and local authorities. Research from US universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000. As fighting spreads across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, international calls for an end to the war are growing amid warnings of famine and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudanese-army-captures-3-more-towns-from-rebel-faction-in-central-sudan/3474184

#Japan grants $15 million to #UN for humanitarian, development aid in #Ethiopia

The United Nations has welcomed a $15 million contribution from Japan to support humanitarian response and sustainable development in Ethiopia. The funding, equivalent to approximately 1.9 billion Birr, will be channeled through various UN agencies to address “urgent humanitarian needs” while also promoting “long-term resilience and sustainable development,” according to the UN.

The first component, valued at $7.7 million, will focus on Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Response Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the Resilient, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF). The second, amounting to $7.3 million, will fund projects incorporating Japanese “innovation and technology” to address economic and social challenges, including “infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable urbanization,” the UN stated.

The contribution comes at a time when Ethiopia is grappling with the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, which has disrupted key humanitarian programs, including those addressing HIV/AIDS in the country.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48398