#Ethiopia: Visiting envoys urge immediate return of IDPs as “utmost priority” in #Pretoria deal implementation, pledge full support

A delegation of diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other countries visited Tigray on February 11, emphasizing that the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) should be the “utmost priority” in implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The envoys pledged to “throw their full weight behind this effort” after holding talks with Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, and leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). They also visited IDP shelters in Mekelle, where displaced people expressed frustration over the slow implementation of the agreement.

According to Getachew, the diplomats acknowledged that the prolonged displacement stemmed from the “failure of the Interim Administration, the federal government, and other stakeholders” to ensure the timely return of IDPs. British Ambassador Darren Welch reaffirmed the international community’s commitment, telling displaced people, “We want to assure you that the international community hasn’t forgotten you.” However, some IDPs voiced concerns over deteriorating conditions, stating that due to the “failure of both the Pretoria Peace Agreement signatories and the international community to fulfill their obligations,” people were “dying of hunger and illness.” Others warned that without security guarantees, returning home remained too dangerous, citing reports that some IDPs from Tselemti were “killed after returning home” while others were “displaced again.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48454

#Ethiopia: Registration for #Hajj Pilgrimage begins in Ethiopia as travelers face nearly 90% price hike

The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has announced the start of Hajj registration, setting the fee at 625,000 birr—an increase of nearly 90% from last year’s 329,000 birr. The council attributed the rise to the depreciation of the local currency, stating that “all service fees are paid in foreign currency,” making cost adjustments necessary.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Sheikh Abdul Woli, Vice President of the Supreme Council, emphasized that the council has worked to “align Hajj travel costs with the financial capacity of the public.” However, the shift to a market-based foreign exchange system in 2024 caused the birr to weaken from 57 to 125 per US dollar, significantly impacting the local currency cost of Hajj. Despite this, he asserted that “the charges imposed by the Supreme Council are lower compared to other service providers.” Ethiopia has secured 43,000 Hajj slots this year, the second-highest allocation in Africa after Nigeria.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48448

#US aid freeze paralyzes NGOs working to help millions of internally displaced people in #Somalia

Aid organizations in Somalia say the U.S. government's decision to freeze most foreign aid has halted critical support for internally displaced people, leaving many without food, healthcare, and essential services. The freeze, enacted through an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, is set to last for 90 days.

Somalia, which relies heavily on international aid to support nearly 3 million displaced people, faces worsening conditions as NGOs struggle with funding cuts. Ayan Ali Hussein, chairwoman of the Dooxdoox IDP camp near Mogadishu, said the freeze led to immediate shutdowns of USAID-supported programs. “There are no facilities to treat malnourished children,” she said, adding that survivors of gender-based violence have also lost access to crucial services.

Dr. Abdiqani Sheikh Omar, founder of the Somali Young Doctors Association, said his organization is among those severely impacted. “In 2025, Somalia was to receive $125 million in USAID support, which could now become null and void,” he said. His group, which provides medical assistance, has had to cut staff and prioritize only critical nutrition and hygiene programs.

Camp residents say they are struggling without assistance. Ruqiya Abdulle Ubeyd, an 85-year-old mother of eight, said she was shocked by the decision and urged the U.S. government to restore aid. “Previously, whenever our children got sick, we would come straight to the center for help,” said Hussein Abikar, a father of five. “There is no other place where we could find such support.”

https://apnews.com/article/somalia-usaid-trump-internally-displaced-people-714b61139eea538201c6227bf491d914

Sisi to skip White House visit if #Gaza displacement discussed, sources say

#Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will not visit Washington for talks at the White House as long as discussions include U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to “permanently displace” Palestinians from Gaza, two Egyptian security sources said.

Trump has angered the Arab world with a proposal to claim “U.S. control” over Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He has pressed Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians and has “threatened to withdraw aid” if they refuse.

Egypt has said Trump extended an “open invitation” to Sisi earlier this month, but a U.S. official said “no date” had been set. The Egyptian presidency and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Washington this week, with one aim being to avert a “potentially awkward” meeting. According to Egyptian sources, it was made apparent to Abdelatty during talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the displacement plan “would be on the table” if Sisi visited.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/egypts-president-sisi-not-attend-any-white-house-talks-if-gaza-displacement-2025-02-12/

#Ethiopia elected to #AU Peace and Security Council

Ethiopia has secured a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (#AUPSC) following elections held during the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council meeting which kicked off today in Addis Abeba, the seat of the African Union headquarters.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the election highlights “Ethiopia’s contribution to peace, security, and development across the continent.”

The AU Executive Council, comprising African Foreign Ministers and high level decision-makers, is also reviewing key legal instruments, including the Draft AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency, and digital trade regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), among others.

Trump, Putin agree to initiate #Ukraine ceasefire talks; #Kyiv, #Europe express concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that it was “unlikely” Kyiv would reclaim all its territory or join NATO if a deal were reached.

Trump said he was “OK” with Ukraine not joining NATO, adding that Russia had “took a lot of land, and they fought for that land and they lost a lot of soldiers.” He also emphasized his focus on stopping the war rather than territorial disputes. “I don’t care so much about anything other than I want to stop having millions of people killed,” he said.

In a social media post, Trump described his phone call with Putin as “lengthy and highly productive” and said they agreed to “have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.” He also revealed plans for mutual visits between the two leaders, stating their first meeting would take place in Saudi Arabia. The Kremlin confirmed the call, with Putin reportedly stating that “a long-term settlement could be achieved through peaceful negotiations.”

The development has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a “meaningful” conversation with Trump, stressing that “no one wants peace more than Ukraine.” However, a European diplomat criticized the U.S. stance, calling it a “premature surrender” that could encourage Russia to demand more concessions. European leaders have called for direct involvement in the negotiations, arguing that “there will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine without the participation of Europeans.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/12/trump-putin-ukraine-ceasefire

#Sudan seeks reinstatement in #African Union amid summit

Sudan is seeking to end its suspension from the African Union (#AU), a diplomatic source told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, as the continental body convenes its 46th summit in #Ethiopia.

The AU suspended Sudan’s membership on October 27, 2021, two days after the military, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, "dissolved the civilian government" in what was described as a coup. Since then, Sudan has been absent from AU summits for four consecutive years.

A diplomatic source said Sudanese officials have been "holding sideline meetings" with African leaders during the summit to push for reinstatement. The source added that the Sudanese government has provided "assurances" that it will appoint a prime minister and "transfer power to a civilian government before the end of February" to meet AU conditions for lifting the suspension.

The AU’s Peace and Security Council is set to hold a special session on Sudan’s situation on February 14. On the same day, #Addis_Abeba will also host a high-level conference on humanitarian issues in Sudan.

https://sudantribune.com/article297267/

#Ethiopia: Trade Ministry to enforce new mandatory standards starting June

The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) announced that newly approved mandatory national standards will be enforced starting 08 June 2025. Kassahun Goffe (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, stated that the standards, approved by the Ethiopian Standards Council, cover various aluminum and aluminum alloy products for construction, paint products, motorcycle helmets, and vehicle inspection standards, among others.

The ministry disclosed that a four-month grace period has been granted for products purchased under Franco Valuta or with existing bank permits and currently in transit. It urged Franco Valuta importers to ensure their products comply with the new mandatory standards before the enforcement date. The government banned Franco Valuta imports in November 2025, calling the system “unsustainable.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48460

Bill to deport #Eritrean migrants backing regime passes preliminary reading in #Israeli Knesset

A bill that seeks to deport Eritrean migrants who support their home country’s government passed a preliminary reading in the Israeli Knesset with a 51-0 vote, passing to a standing committee for further review. The legislation, if enacted, would empower the interior minister to expel regime-supporting Eritreans on the grounds that they “are not in danger in their country and can be returned to their homeland,” according to Yulia Malinovsky, a Yisrael Beytenu MK and one of the bill’s sponsors.

The proposed law comes amid ongoing tensions within the Eritrean migrant community in Israel, which numbers approximately 20,000 people. Various Israeli governments have previously introduced measures to encourage the departure of asylum seekers, many of whom fled “war and oppression” in Eritrea, though some efforts were blocked by courts.

https://tinyurl.com/4294jm2k

#Ethiopia: #Afar Sultanate condemns #Djibouti’s drone strike as ‘indiscriminate’, urges ‘immediate international action’

The Sultanate of Afar has condemned the 30 January drone strike by Djibouti’s security forces, calling it a “heinous and indiscriminate” attack on civilians. In a statement, it expressed “unequivocal condemnation,” alleging that the strike killed “women, children, and the elderly” in a remote village already suffering from “malnutrition and starvation.” The Sultanate accused Djibouti of engaging in “systematic persecution, state-sponsored violence, and deliberate neglect” against the Afar people.

Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense previously confirmed the strike but stated it was conducted “within its territory” and targeted a “logistical and operational base” after “a week of surveillance.” It acknowledged “collateral damage” and said an investigation was underway. The Sultanate dismissed Djibouti’s justification as a “desperate and transparent lie” and urged “immediate international action” to hold those responsible accountable.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48463

Key Islamic State planner killed in #US airstrike, #Somalia officials say

Ahmed Maeleninine, described as an Omani-born leader of Islamic State, was killed in U.S. airstrikes in Somalia’s Puntland region earlier this month, #Puntland officials said Wednesday. He was "the main target" of the Feb. 1 operation, which was conducted against IS hideouts in the semi-autonomous region.

Puntland’s state minister for presidency, Abdifitah Mohamed Abdinur, told VOA Somali that Maeleninine was "wanted for international crimes" and had been under surveillance "for at least the last two years" while hiding in the region’s mountains. "He was a thorn removed from the flesh of Somalis and the world population," Abdinur said.

The U.S. Africa Command (#AFRICOM) confirmed late Tuesday that Maeleninine and 13 other IS operatives were killed in the operation, which it said was carried out "in coordination with the Somali government." AFRICOM described him as a "recruiter, financier, and external operations leader" responsible for sending jihadists to the U.S. and Europe.

Officials said assessing the operation’s impact was delayed due to the terrain, a cave complex in Puntland's Golis Mountains. Residents of Qandala, a nearby town, told VOA they "heard at least seven explosions" and saw smoke rising from the area.

https://www.voanews.com/a/key-islamic-state-planner-killed-in-airstrike-us-and-somali-officials-say/7972276.html

#Ethiopia: #NEBE suspends #TPLF for three months over 'missed' general assembly, warns of registration cancellation

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has suspended the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from political activities for three months, citing “failure to hold a general assembly” within the legally mandated period. NEBE warned that if the party “fails to take corrective measures” during the suspension, its registration “will be canceled without following a special procedure,” referencing Proclamation No. 1332/2016.

In a statement on February 13, 2025, NEBE said the TPLF was required to hold its general assembly within six months of its special registration on August 9, 2024, but “has not held a general assembly, approved its bylaws, or elected its leadership,” labeling the inaction a “serious violation” of the law. NEBE added that the suspension “will be lifted” if the party “addresses the violations” and formally notifies the Board of its preparations for the assembly.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48467

#Ethiopia: Over 200 Tana Beles Sugar Factory workers protest demotion, reassignment to manual labor amid restructuring

More than 200 workers at Tana Beles Sugar Factory are protesting their reassignment to manual labor and daily wage roles following a new organizational structure introduced last month. A worker with 13 years of service said, “The company told us it was in danger and that if we, the lower-level employees, wanted to save it, we had to step down and continue working as day laborers.” He noted that his salary, previously 5,000 birr per month, could be cut by half, stating, “The maximum I could earn per month might only be 2,500 birr.”

Ayene Kassa (name changed for safety reasons), another worker, said employees below Level 7, “had their permanent contracts terminated and were reassigned to manual labor,” while those above Level 7 were transferred to other factories. Ayene, who previously earned 6,698 birr monthly, said the new pay system is based on output: “If you are cutting cane, you are paid 36 cents per meter,” adding, “Since it’s now daily work, even if you work hard, you might only earn 1,000 birr a month.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48475

#AU moves to establish African credit rating agency, aims for independent assessment

The African Union (AU) plans to establish a credit rating agency in the second half of 2025, aiming to address concerns about “arbitrary” ratings from major international agencies, according to a report by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Many African leaders argue that the three dominant rating agencies—Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P—apply a “negative bias” when assessing African economies, making it more difficult for the continent to secure financing.

APRM, responsible for governance assessments across AU member states, described the upcoming agency as a “game changer” that would provide Africa with a stronger voice in global finance. The agency is expected to operate independently, with leadership from the private sector. “The agency’s niche will primarily derive from its context-sensitivity,” the report stated, adding that it would leverage African-based experts and “better access to data” to generate more accurate credit insights.

The AU’s move follows years of criticism against the “Big Three” rating agencies, which have been accused of overestimating risk in African economies. Senegal’s former president Macky Sall, who chaired the AU in 2022, previously called for a system to “end the injustices” in global credit ratings. He noted that during the COVID-19 crisis, 56% of African countries rated by major agencies faced downgrades—compared to a global average of 31%—and argued that rating criteria often include “subjective cultural or linguistic factors” rather than economic fundamentals.

https://www.ecofinagency.com/public-management/1302-46423-au-plans-to-launch-its-own-credit-rating-agency-in-h2-2025

#Sudan says plan for first #Russian naval base in #Africa will go ahead

A plan for Russia to establish its first naval base in Africa will go ahead, Sudan’s foreign minister has confirmed, after years of delays over the #Red_Sea military port.

If the agreement is implemented, Russia would join the US and China in the region; they have bases to the south in Djibouti.

The announcement came during a visit by the foreign minister, Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif, to Moscow where he met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. After their meeting, Sharif said the two countries were in “complete agreement” on establishing a Russian base “and there are no obstacles”.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, connecting the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean. About 12% of global trade passes through it.

Sudan first floated the idea of allowing Russia to have a naval facility on its coast in 2017 during a trip to Sochi by Omar al-Bashir, the then president, who was ousted in a 2019 coup. A deal was eventually signed in 2020 that reportedly permitted Russia to keep up to four navy ships, including nuclear-powered ones, in Sudan for a period of 25 years.


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/13/sudan-first-russian-naval-base-in-africa-go-ahead

#Ethiopia: Drone strike kills three civilians, including pregnant woman and child, in North Shewa Zone, #Amhara region

A drone strike on a residential house in Zenbo Kebele, Efrata Gidim district, North Shewa Zone, killed three civilians, including a pregnant woman and her six-year-old daughter, a family member told Addis Standard. A relative of the victims, who requested anonymity, said the attack occurred at midnight on 7 February and killed “my pregnant relative, her six-year-old daughter, and a young man who lived next door.” He added that the woman’s husband “survived because he was away for work at the time,” while “a 10-year-old boy was severely injured” and is receiving treatment.

Another eyewitness, speaking anonymously, described the aftermath: “We heard a heavy blast. When we arrived, the house was destroyed, and we saw bodies on the ground.” He said that by morning, it became clear that “it was a drone attack based on the nature of the destruction.” Residents say fear has grown in the area, with “between 20 to 30 households” leaving their homes at night.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48483

#Kenyan khat farmers halt exports to #Somalia, demand higher prices

Kenyan khat farmers have halted exports to Somalia over a pricing dispute, leaving Mogadishu's khat markets closed for nearly a week. The farmers, who describe the current pricing as "exploitative," demand an additional 300 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) per kilogram and a minimum payment of Ksh 200,000 per bag for the premium "Grid" variety.

The boycott threatens to disrupt Somalia's khat supply chain. While khat sells for up to Ksh 5,700 per kilogram in Mogadishu, farmers say they receive only Ksh 300—a disparity they argue benefits "intermediaries and transporters" at their expense. "We cannot sustain farming under these conditions," said Karuiru, chairman of the Kenyan Khat Farmers Association, adding that transport costs exceed Ksh 3,000 per kilogram.

Traders in Somalia blame government policies for favouring "select importers" while local sellers struggle with rising costs. In mid-January, female traders in Mogadishu staged protests against "high taxation" on Kenyan khat, saying it was reducing their earnings. Meanwhile, Kenya's Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has acknowledged the farmers' concerns, with its Khat Pricing Committee considering a "revised pricing framework" that could set minimum prices at Ksh 700 per kilogram in the dry season and Ksh 500 per kilogram in the rainy season.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Feb/200238/kenyan_khat_farmers_halt_exports_to_somalia_demand_higher_prices.aspx

#Ethiopia considers easing visa restrictions for investors, minister says

Ethiopia is moving towards "opening visas for investors" as part of its broader economic reforms, Kassahun Gofe (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, told state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation, following the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Accelerating Visa-Free Movement for Africa's Transformation on February 12. The event brought together AU officials, policymakers, and business leaders.

“We are leaning towards opening visas for investors to come and work with us,” Kassahun said, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to facilitating trade and investment. He also noted that Ethiopia was an early signatory of the "free trade zone agreement."

Furthermore, he highlighted that visa liberalization aligns with the requirements of the World Trade Organization, as member countries are expected to "reduce trade barriers."

#Ethiopia: Religious leaders announce #TPLF leaders sign code of conduct for dialogue, peaceful resolution

Religious leaders in #Tigray announced that leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have signed a code of conduct to facilitate dialogue and resolve internal differences. The announcement, made on February 14, 2025, in #Mekelle, follows months of mediation efforts by religious figures.

According to Tigray Television, both parties have agreed on a framework to “advance the agreement moving forward,” though specific details were not disclosed. Abune Merha Kristos, Archbishop of the Orthodox Church’s Eastern Zone Diocese in Tigray, stated that religious leaders had made “repeated efforts” to bring the factions together and that TPLF leaders have now committed to addressing their disputes “through discussion.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48488

#Ethiopia’s envoy discusses security cooperation with #Somaliland Army Chief

Ethiopia’s top envoy to Somaliland, Ambassador Teshome Shunde, met with and discussed security cooperations with Commander of Somaliland's National Army, Brigadier General Niman Yusuf Osman.

The discussion took place on Thursday 13 February at the office of Brigadier General Niman in the capital Hargeisa.

During their meeting, they discussed on ways of strengthening security cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland and enhancing collaboration on mutual security interests.

Ethiopian military attachés in Somaliland were also present at the meeting.

It is to be recalled that during his address at the World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), earlier this week, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi highlighted Somaliland’s commitment to regional cooperation, especially with with Ethiopia, with whom Irro revealed of plans to finalize a crucial trade and transit agreement by the end of this year.

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