#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

#Türkiye's Oruc Reis conducted seismic studies in #Somalia’s waters

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, has said the Oruc Reis vessel has completed "50 percent of the seismic studies in the Somali seas." The announcement came after his meeting with Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed in Istanbul.

The two ministers "discussed the next process of exploration activities and new collaborations that we can develop on land," Bayraktar stated in a post on X. He also announced the launch of a "new cooperation process in mining with Somalia" as part of Türkiye’s broader energy engagement in the region.

Oruc Reis, which arrived at Mogadishu seaport last October, is conducting "three-dimensional seismic studies" over six to seven months to collect data for oil and natural gas exploration. Bayraktar said the collected data will be analyzed in Ankara to "identify potential drilling sites."

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiyes-oruc-reis-conducted-seismic-studies-in-somali-waters-18262604

#Op_ed: #Tigray’s Gilded Trap: Unmasking illegal mining’s toxic legacy

In an op-ed published, Batseba Seifu, a human rights advocate, argues that illegal gold mining in Tigray is causing economic losses, environmental destruction, and community suffering. The piece describes the situation as a "gilded trap," where the promise of economic gain instead results in "rampant exploitation and environmental degradation." According to the author, the illicit industry is "wreaking havoc" on the region’s economy and tearing at "the very fabric" of vulnerable communities.

The op-ed outlines multiple factors driving illegal mining, including "high global demand for gold," ongoing instability that has "weakened governance structures," and economic desperation. The piece highlights that Tigray's war-affected population is left with "little choice but to participate in this destructive industry." The author argues that smuggled gold deprives the region of "crucial tax revenue and royalties," while criminal networks exploit miners and drive gold into international markets, often ending up in the #UAE.

Beyond economic impacts, the piece warns of severe environmental and health consequences. Illegal mining leads to "widespread deforestation," soil erosion, and the contamination of water sources with mercury and cyanide. The author stresses that exposure to toxic chemicals causes "neurological problems, cognitive impairment, and developmental delays," particularly affecting children and pregnant women.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48402

M-PESA #Safaricom partners with Dashen Bank, CashGo to enhance remittances in #Ethiopia

M-PESA Safaricom Mobile Financial Services PLC has partnered with Dashen Bank S.C. and CashGo to enhance international remittance services, allowing Ethiopians to receive money directly into their M-PESA mobile wallets. The collaboration aims to provide a “seamless, secure, and efficient” way for recipients to access funds from abroad.

Elsa Muzollini, CEO of M-PESA Safaricom, said the partnership supports the company’s goal of expanding financial inclusion. “By integrating M-PESA with CashGo, we are making it easier for Ethiopians to receive funds from abroad securely, conveniently, and instantly,” she stated. Recipients will no longer need to visit financial institutions to collect funds, as they can access money “instantly on their phones” and use it for transfers, payments, and withdrawals.

Under the agreement, Dashen Bank will serve as the “exclusive settlement and acquiring bank,” processing remittance transactions received via CashGo, which will provide the digital remittance platform. Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, called the collaboration a “significant milestone” in remittance services, adding that the bank is committed to ensuring “secure and efficient processing” of transactions.

https://techafricanews.com/2025/02/07/m-pesa-safaricom-dashen-bank-cashgo-partner-to-enhance-remittances-in-ethiopia/

#Sudan to form new government after army advances in #Khartoum, military sources say

The Sudanese army is expected to form a new government once it fully regains control of Khartoum, military sources told Reuters on Sunday. The announcement follows army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s statement that a "technocratic wartime government" would be established.

The army, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), has made recent advances in Khartoum, pushing toward key sites, including the presidential palace. The RSF, which has proposed the formation of a separate civilian administration, has retreated as the army strengthens its position with "expanded air capacities" and the support of allied militias.

"We can call it a caretaker government, a wartime government," Burhan said at a meeting in Port Sudan, adding that its purpose would be to "complete what remains of our military objectives, which is freeing Sudan from these rebels."

Despite the army’s advances, the RSF continues to control large areas in western Sudan and is engaged in fighting to solidify its hold over the Darfur region. Burhan dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire during Ramadan unless the RSF halted its military operations there.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-form-new-government-after-regaining-khartoum-say-military-sources-2025-02-09/

#Ethiopia’s ‘tough’ macroeconomic reforms poised to yield ‘tremendous outcomes,’ says #IMF chief

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), described Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms as “tough” and noted that they “take time” but will bring “tremendous rewards.” Speaking during her visit to Ethiopia, she urged the public to “maintain unity” in implementing these policies, emphasizing that “some are already becoming evident.” She also highlighted that “there is a lot for Ethiopia to be proud of,” pointing to the country’s 8.1% economic growth last year, which exceeded the IMF’s 6.1% projection.

Georgieva’s visit came as the IMF reaffirmed its support for Ethiopia’s economic policies, including tax reforms aimed at bolstering revenue by “streamlining exemptions” and “closing corporate tax loopholes.” However, reports indicate that these measures have had a significant impact on low-income households, with civil servants and fixed-wage earners describing the situation as increasingly “unsustainable.” While the government has taken steps to “curb inflation” and adjust public sector salaries, experts warn that these reforms “disproportionately burden lower-income groups.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48406

#Somalia rejects any plan to displace #Gazans to its territory

Somalia has rejected any plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza to its territory, following reports that autonomous regions of the country were willing to accept refugees. A Somalia foreign ministry source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the country would not be part of “displacement policies planned by Washington against Palestinians.” The source added that the Somalia federal government would not comment on reports based on “leaks and rumours.”

The rejection comes after The Daily Telegraph quoted Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Southwest, Israel Bachar, as saying that Gazans could be relocated to Puntland, Somaliland, or Morocco. Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Information, Yacob Mohamed Abdalla, was also quoted as saying that the region would welcome Gazans “as long as they came voluntarily.” However, Somalia federal officials have distanced themselves from these claims.

Abdirahman Keelo, a legal researcher from Puntland, dismissed the reports as “just a pipedream.” He argued that “forced displacement is forbidden under international humanitarian law” and suggested that Washington’s approach under Trump’s second term appeared increasingly “irrational” with “contradictory statements.” Keelo added that Somalia’s regions lacked the capacity to accommodate refugees from Gaza.

https://www.newarab.com/news/somalia-rejects-any-plan-displace-gazans-its-territory?amp

#Ethiopia: #NEBE proposes ban on direct salary deductions for party fees in electoral law amendment

The Ethiopian National Election Board (NEBE) has proposed an amendment to the Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration, and Election’s Code of Conduct Proclamation, introducing a provision that would prohibit government institutions from “directly” deducting political party membership fees from employees’ salaries. The draft law, which has been under discussion with various stakeholders since January, aims to replace Proclamation No. 1162/2019, in effect since 2019.

According to the draft, institutions cannot “directly deduct membership fees from the salary of a government employee who is a party member and deposit it into the political party’s bank account.” NEBE’s proposal follows concerns raised by government employees about deductions being made without their consent. The draft also restricts political party candidates from "personally receiving gifts or assistance from any person," requiring that such contributions be channeled “through the party” and reported to the Board "within 48 hours."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48411

#Somaliland president heads to #UAE for World Governments Summit 2025

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today to attend the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS), which will take place in Dubai from February 11 to 13.

The summit, a major global platform, will bring together over 30 heads of state, ministers, and leaders from international organizations to discuss key global challenges, including economic stability, digital transformation, governance, and public-private sector collaboration.

This marks President Cirro’s second visit to the UAE in just over a month. In early January, he traveled to Abu Dhabi, where he held high-level discussions with Emirati officials and investors. The visit was reportedly focused on strengthening economic ties, particularly in the aviation, trade, and infrastructure sectors.

His back-to-back visits signal deepening relations between Somaliland and the UAE, a country that has historically shown interest in Somaliland, including its strategic Berbera Port and investment opportunities.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/02/somaliland-president-heads-to-uae-for-world-governments-summit-2025/

#Egypt’s top diplomat flies to #US amid opposition to Trump’s #Gaza proposal

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty flew Sunday to Washington for talks with US officials on developments in the Middle East region.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Abdelatty will meet with senior officials in the new US administrations and Congress members to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Egypt and the US.

The discussions will also take up the latest developments in the Middle East region, the statement said.

The visit comes amid Egypt’s rejection of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries.

http://v.aa.com.tr/3476627

#Ethiopia: #Oromia Vice President says efforts underway to make region “free of IDPs” by year-end

Awelu Abdi, Vice President of Oromia Regional State, said the government is working to make the region "free of IDPs" by the end of the year, stating that 900,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have so far been returned. Speaking at Caffee Oromia’s 8th regular session on February 9, he noted that displacement had affected "millions of people" over the past four to five years, and the government is collaborating "with the community" to facilitate returns.

He pointed out that IDPs remain in areas such as Jimma, Sasiga and Haro Limu districts of Wollega, East Bale, and Goomole district in Borana, stating that these locations "have been identified" for further interventions. Awelu added that the regional government plans to shift from "an aid-dependent approach" to one focused on self-sufficiency, while also preparing for challenges such as famine and other natural disasters.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48415

#Ethiopia: #Oromia security chief acknowledges misconduct, cites "corrective measures"

Commissioner Ararsa Merdasa, Head of the Oromia Bureau of Administration and Security, acknowledged misconduct by security forces while emphasizing their role in maintaining peace. Speaking at the 8th regular meeting of the Oromia Regional Council in #Adama City on Sunday, he stated that while many officers "made sacrifices," others "had shortcomings," prompting corrective measures.

"Reports of misconduct," he said, "including human rights violations, property destruction, and extortion," were investigated, and "actions were taken accordingly."

Ararsa noted that while some officers "gave their lives in service," others "violated the law and inflicted suffering on the people." He stated that cases were "thoroughly investigated" and that "some individuals have been charged."

Watch!

Airstrike in #Somalia's #Puntland kills over 13 foreign #Daesh fighters

Security forces in Somalia’s Puntland region said an airstrike in the Bari region killed "more than 13 foreign ISIS terrorists" as part of a counterterrorism operation that lasted 24 hours. In a statement Monday, Puntland’s counterterrorism unit said the operation targeted "terrorist hideouts" in Dhasaq, a part of the Calmiskaad mountain range.

The unit also reported additional security operations in Hararyo and Toga-Jeceel, saying forces had "uncovered bases that had been previously used by ISIS terrorist groups." The statement, posted on X, did not specify which country carried out the airstrike. The announcement comes more than a week after US Africa Command (#AFRICOM) said it had conducted airstrikes in Somalia "in coordination with the Somali government," killing multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives.

Puntland security forces said operations against the group have been ongoing for over a month, claiming to have "liberated large areas" from ISIS control. Somalia has long struggled with insecurity, with al-Shabaab and ISIS posing key threats.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/airstrike-in-somalias-puntland-kills-over-13-foreign-daesh-fighters/3477680