#Ethiopia: Hilton signs deal with Brighton Hotels to open DoubleTree hotels in #Adama, #Dire_Dawa

Hilton has signed an agreement with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc. to open two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Adama and Dire Dawa, which it described as “the first internationally branded hotels” in the cities. The hotels, expected to open in 2028, are part of Hilton’s broader expansion plan in Ethiopia, where it currently operates Hilton Addis Abeba and plans to open DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Abeba Airport.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa, said the company was “thrilled to partner with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc.” to establish the hotels, which would “complement” Hilton’s existing and upcoming properties. Yadeta Bekri, founder of Brighton Hotels, said they were “delighted to be working with Hilton” to introduce an international brand to Adama and Dire Dawa, adding that both hotels would “offer spacious accommodation, modern amenities, and elevated food and drink options.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48589

#Eritrea rejects former #Ethiopia President accusations of ‘reigniting’ regional conflict

Eritrea’s Ministry of Information has dismissed accusations by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, a close ally of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who alleged that Eritrea is involved “in almost every major conflict in the Horn of Africa” and could “reignite war in northern Ethiopia.” In a statement, Eritrea said Ethiopia’s internal crises should not be externalized or blamed on #Asmara.

Yemane G. Meskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, described Mulatu’s remarks as an “audacious claim… precisely intended to conceal and rationalize a war-mongering agenda.” He added that Eritrea has “acted in accordance with international law” and has no interest in interfering in Ethiopia’s internal affairs. The statement also rejected allegations of continued Eritrean military presence in Ethiopian border areas and dismissed claims that Eritrea was unhappy witg the #Pretoria agreement, calling it “an internal Ethiopian matter.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48597

#Ethiopia aims for #WTO membership by 2026, minister says

Kassahun Gofe (PhD), Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, said Ethiopia is working to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) by 2026, following discussions with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the country’s accession process.

"We are working on a roadmap that will enable Ethiopia to join the World Trade Organization at the Ministerial Conference set to take place in Cameroon in 2026," Kassahun said.

He added that preparations are underway for the fifth accession meeting.

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Villagers killed execution-style in #Sudan, activists say

More than 200 civilians were killed in al-Kadaris and al-Khelwat, northern White Nile state, over three days, the Emergency Lawyers network said, accusing the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) of "executions, kidnappings, enforced disappearances and property looting." The group stated that the military had no presence in the area at the time of the attacks.

The RSF, previously allied with Sudan’s military before war broke out in April 2023, has not commented on the allegations. The paramilitary group has faced repeated accusations of human rights violations, as both it and the army have been blamed for atrocities throughout the conflict.

Meanwhile, senior RSF leaders are in Kenya to discuss forming a rival
administration, referring to it as a "political charter for the Government of Peace and Unity." The move comes after the army regained key areas in Khartoum and nearly full control of Gezira state. Sudan’s de facto leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected the RSF's plans and vowed to reclaim the entire capital.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rzw8wqn8vo

#Ethiopia, #Somalia to hold next round of technical negotiations on Ankara #Declaration in March 2025

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to hold the next round of technical negotiations on the Ankara Declaration in March 2025, following initial discussions in Ankara on 17 February. In a joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to “the letter and spirit” of the declaration and emphasized efforts to “lay the ground for mutually beneficial sustainable development.”

Signed on 11 December 2024 by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a mediator, the Ankara Declaration reaffirmed “respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.” The agreement set a four-month timeline for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s sea access while underscoring Somalia’s sovereign authority over any commercial arrangements.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48608

#Kenya’s tourism poised for record growth in 2025

Kenya’s tourism sector is poised for a strong performance in 2025, with international arrivals surging by 15% in 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (#KNBS). The increase, which saw visitors exceed two million, is largely attributed to “aggressive digital marketing campaigns” by the Kenya Tourism Board and enhanced collaboration with the private sector.

Kenya’s standing in the global tourism industry has been reinforced by prestigious accolades. Nairobi was recognized as “Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination” at the 2024 World Travel Awards, while the Maasai Mara continues to be among “the world’s most sought-after safari destinations.” The country’s coastline also remains a key draw for beach tourism.

However, Kenya faces stiff competition from regional players such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, which have intensified their tourism marketing strategies. Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal Football Club and Tanzania’s positioning of Zanzibar as a premier beach destination are examples of how “strategic branding” is shaping regional competition.

Beyond competition, financing and security concerns remain key challenges. Smaller tourism operators, particularly in eco-tourism, struggle with access to credit due to “high collateral demands and elevated credit risks,” KNBS notes. Additionally, travel advisories from major markets like the US and China continue to highlight security risks, despite Kenya’s efforts to “enhance security measures.”

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/columnists/kenya-s-tourism-poised-for-record-growth-in-2025-4932060

#Ethiopia: Judges’ association in #Amhara welcomes legislation granting legal immunity, says five judges still in custody

The Amhara Region Judges’ Association has welcomed the regional council’s approval of a proclamation granting judges immunity from prosecution, stating that it will enable them to work “without any internal or external influences.” The Association’s chairman, Birhanu Asessa, highlighted concerns over the detention of judges, noting that “judges have often been removed from their positions and coerced into reversing decisions.” He emphasized that of the 13 judges recently detained, eight have been released, while five remain in custody.

Supreme Court Justice Saba Abera clarified that the immunity law does not mean “judges will become unaccountable” but rather seeks to reduce undue pressure and safeguard judicial independence. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) welcomed the law, stating that “judicial independence is fundamental” for democracy and human rights protection.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48615

#Ethiopia: Gov’t defends wheat ‘self-sufficiency’ claims, says aid agencies may continue imports amid persistent humanitarian concern

The Ethiopian government defended its data on wheat self-sufficiency but said that it “does not mean that wheat imports will entirely disappear,” as humanitarian organizations “may still choose to import wheat” based on their “operational needs and strategies.” This comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, as the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) report, released in January 2025, projects that food insecurity will worsen in early to mid-2025, particularly in conflict-affected and pastoral regions. The report highlights that Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity persists in #Afar, #Tigray, #Amhara, #Oromia, and #Somali, with worsening conditions expected if the March-May gu/genna rains also fail.

Government figures claim Ethiopia produced “151 million quintals (15.1 million tons) of wheat” in 2022/23 and “23 million tons” in 2023/24, attributing the increase to expanded irrigated farming and improved agricultural techniques. However, skepticism persists, especially as the June 2024 FAO-WFP "Hunger Hot Spot" report classified Ethiopia among the world’s hunger hot spots, estimating that 13 million people—including four million internally displaced persons (IDPs)—required urgent food assistance between July and September 2024.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48625

#Sudan slams #Kenya for hosting #RSF-aligned political event

Sudan’s foreign ministry has condemned Kenya for hosting a political event linked to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Sudanese army. The ministry described the event as a violation of Kenya’s commitments and an act of hostility against Sudan.

The gathering, held in Nairobi on Tuesday, was a preliminary step towards establishing a political alliance comprising armed groups and political forces aligned with the RSF. "A political charter is expected to be signed in three days, followed by constitutional arrangements and the formation of a government in RSF-controlled areas," the ministry said.

Sudan’s foreign ministry stated that the event contradicted Kenya’s assurances "at the highest level not to allow hostile activities against Sudan on its territory" and accused Kenya of violating international norms. It further alleged that Kenya’s actions "constituted a declaration of hostility against the Sudanese people" and encouraged divisions within African nations.

The ministry also linked the gathering to ongoing atrocities, saying: “Hosting RSF leaders and allowing them to conduct open political and propaganda activities at a time when they are committing genocide and massacres against civilians on ethnic grounds is an encouragement and participation in the continuation of these atrocities.” It called on the international community to denounce Kenya’s decision and pledged to take steps to address the situation.

https://sudantribune.com/article297623/

A rejoinder: Ports and postponed elections: 'Game over' redux

Semhal Meles responded to the recent article by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome arguing that the article was not only riddled with misleading claims, including the false assertion that #TPLF has ruled #Tigray since 1975, but also contradicted PM Abiy Ahmed’s latest statement praising the TPLF’s role in Ethiopia’s history in a letter marking its 50th year founding anniversary.

The writer also argues that as the former president noted, just a few years ago, #Ethiopia and #Eritrea were chummy allies, an alliance that ultimately culminated in committing various crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crimes forced deportation, “leaving a wake of devastation in Tigray.”

“The people of Tigray have yet to recover from the savagery of the onslaught, which included, but was not limited to, a two-year siege, the use of starvation and rape as weapons of war, a multi-year total communications blackout, and an endless list of massacres in which the Eritrean government is particularly implicated,” Semhal writes.

But as relations between the two states deteriorate following the Pretoria agreement for cessation of hostilities, fears are growing that Tigray will be sucked into another round of a devastating war.

For all its tremendous failings over the past seven years, TPLF has never expressed aspirations for territorial expansion. Nor have the people of Tigray. “It is imperative that Tigray’s leadership signal its commitment to peaceful coexistence with all residents of the Horn and our cousins on the other side of the Red Sea.”

The international community, too, must recognize the Ethiopian government’s misuse of the TPLF as a scapegoat to justify democratic rollbacks, economic failures, and aggressive regional policies.

Read the full rejoinder: https://addisstandard.com/?p=48650

#Ethiopia: Forest fire rages for over a week on Mount Galama in #Oromia’s #Arsi zone, residents report no gov’t response

A forest fire that started over a week ago on Mount Galama, located between #Bokoji and #Shirka districts in Arsi zone, Oromia region, remains uncontrolled. Residents say no government response has been made so far. A resident near the area told Addis Standard that "the forest has been burning for a week and continues to burn," adding that local efforts to contain the fire were hampered by "difficult terrain." He also noted that no communication had been received from authorities, warning that if the fire persists, "it could destroy many resources."

Hirpha Dhaba, Deputy Administrator of Arsi zone, told state media that the fire has lasted a week but said, "it hasn't been continuous." He explained that community-led attempts to put it out "weren't as successful as hoped" due to the forest’s vast coverage. He warned that the fire threatens wildlife, including "leopards and monkeys," and could cause "major damage" if it continues to spread. He added that relevant authorities at the Oromia regional level have been informed, and discussions are underway with senior officials on measures to contain the fire.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48660

#Somalia’s Ports Minister, #Turkish Ambassador discuss cooperation on port development

Mohamud Adan Gesod, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, met with Alper Aktaş, Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia, in Mogadishu on Tuesday to discuss "the reconstruction and development" of Somalia’s ports, according to the ministry.

The discussions focused on "revitalizing ports affected by years of conflict and instability." Aktaş reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s port sector, highlighting Turkish expertise in "port management and logistics."

Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport stated, "During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the Turkish and Somali port ministries, particularly in modernizing port infrastructure, upgrading equipment, training personnel, and providing technical support."

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Feb/200320/somali_ports_minister_turkish_ambassador_discuss_port_development_cooperation.aspx

#Ethiopia: #Addis_Abeba’s revenue soars eightfold over seven years without any tax rate increases, says Mayor Adanech

Adanech Abiebie, Mayor of Addis Abeba, stated that the city's revenue has increased “eightfold” over the past seven years, attributing the growth to enhanced tax administration and audit reforms implemented “without any tax rate increases.” Addressing the Addis Abeba City Council’s second regular session of the fourth working year on February 19, 2025, she said the city’s budget, which stood at 30 billion birr seven years ago, has now reached 111.5 billion birr in just six months. According to the mayor, a total of 125.5 billion birr was targeted for collection over the past six months, of which 111.5 billion birr—90% of the goal—was successfully collected. Compared to the 74.3 billion birr collected during the same period last year, this marks an increase of 37.2 billion birr, reflecting a 50% growth in revenue collection.

This development follows more than a year after the Addis Abeba Revenue Bureau implemented a revised tax rate on house roofs and walls, a move that sparked widespread debate and concerns among homeowners about its potential financial impact. In May 2024, the Addis Abeba Administration announced that it had collected over six billion birr within a year of implementing the revised tax rate, exceeding the 300 million birr collected in the previous fiscal year. Last month, the Enat Party announced that the High Court had accepted its lawsuit against the Addis Abeba City Administration regarding the controversial roof and walls tax. The party stated that the court deemed a study conducted two years ago, which served as the basis for the tax, “inadmissible.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48671

#AU urges Ramadan ceasefire in #Sudan, warns against external interference

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has called on warring parties in Sudan to observe a humanitarian ceasefire during the holy month of #Ramadan. In a statement issued Wednesday, the council expressed concern over "the continued escalation of the conflict" and urged for an "immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire" to pave the way for political dialogue and transition.

The council condemned "all forms of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law" and warned that those responsible would be "held accountable." It also criticized external actors fueling the war, stating that such interference "violates all Security Council resolutions" and must "stop immediately." The council further urged all states and non-governmental entities to halt military and financial support to the warring parties.

Reiterating the need for humanitarian access, the council called on both sides to "ensure safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance" and facilitate the opening of corridors to deliver aid. It stressed that an "inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political dialogue" remains the only viable path to a sustainable resolution.

https://sudantribune.com/article297641/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=TCk14T9fvLfvXjiDqtwoW7Uom6MyB88xSRSeIZJYA4k-1739994383-1.0.1.1-NQWPEFI3jCou_mWUwDSfxtUgnVfEIXfKAH86nHTSPmI

#Op_ed: #AU’s Recognition Dilemma: Why #Somaliland deserves its place among African states—with a case stronger than Western

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, argues that the African Union (AU) applies a double standard in recognizing self-determination claims. He asserts that while Western Sahara, which was never a sovereign state before colonial rule, enjoys AU recognition, Somaliland—an entity that, according to him, had full independence before voluntarily merging with Somalia—remains unrecognized. “The time has come for the AU to move in accordance with legal integrity and moral clarity and grant Somaliland recognition as an independent African state,” he writes.

The article contrasts the cases of Western Sahara and Somaliland to illustrate what Ahmed describes as an inconsistent AU policy. He states that Western Sahara was a Spanish colony from 1884 to 1975 and had no prior record of sovereignty. Despite this, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a self-proclaimed government representing Western Sahara's independence movement, was admitted into the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the AU, in 1984. Ahmed argues that Somaliland’s situation is markedly different, stating, “Somaliland gained full independence from Britain on 26 June 1960 and was recognized by 35 states.” He adds that Somaliland then voluntarily unified with Somalia, but emphasizes that this was done through an Act of Union that “was never concluded under international law.”

Ahmed contends that Somaliland’s legal case for recognition aligns with AU principles. According to him, Somaliland’s dissolution of an unratified union falls within the AU Charter’s commitment to upholding colonial borders. “Somaliland does not seek to secede but to be returned to its former sovereignty,” he argues, adding that the AU’s recognition of Western Sahara, despite its lack of prior statehood, sets a precedent that strengthens Somaliland’s claim. Beyond legal arguments, the article highlights Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance, and strategic location as factors that, in Ahmed’s view, reinforce its case for recognition.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48658

Funding for #Somalia’s new #AU peace mission hangs in the balance

Funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) remains uncertain as delays in implementing a #UN-AU cost-sharing mechanism raise concerns over financial sustainability. AUSSOM, which replaced the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) on January 1, was expected to be financed under UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2719, which provides for 75% of costs to be covered by UN-assessed contributions and 25% by the AU. However, the resolution’s application has been deferred, leaving the mission without a clear financial framework.

The UNSC’s December 2024 decision establishing AUSSOM (Resolution 2767) included a six-month delay before the cost-sharing mechanism could take effect. The United States stated that ‘the conditions have not been met for an immediate transition’ to the new funding model. A UNSC meeting in May is expected to review progress on financial arrangements and determine the way forward.

AUSSOM also faces operational and political challenges. Burundi, a troop-contributing country under ATMIS, has not joined the new mission due to concerns over troop allocation. Ethiopia’s participation remains under discussion following diplomatic tensions with Somalia over a memorandum of understanding between Addis Abeba and Somaliland. Egypt has expressed interest in contributing troops, though a final agreement is pending.

https://issafrica.org/iss-today/funding-for-somalia-s-new-au-peace-mission-hangs-in-the-balance