#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

#Sudanese refugees imprisoned and impoverished by #Ethiopian visa policy

Sudanese refugees living in Ethiopian cities say they are struggling to afford visa renewal fees introduced last year, with some facing arrest for failing to make the payments. The Ethiopian government requires Sudanese refugees outside designated camps to renew their visas monthly for $100, with fines of $10 per day for overdue payments. Many refugees say they cannot afford these costs, leaving them at risk of detention.

“The police regularly arrest Sudanese people and throw them in jail because they haven’t paid the monthly fees,” said a Sudanese refugee who has been unable to renew her visa since arriving in Ethiopia last July. A former high school teacher in Sudan, she said she now relies on her son in France to cover her housing. “I try not to leave the house because I’m afraid of being arrested,” she added.

According to UNHCR communications officer Tarik Argaz, Sudanese nationals who do not register as refugees may “lack legal protection and face deportation or detention.” He added that they also “won’t have access to essential services like healthcare, education, or work opportunities and may be vulnerable to exploitation.” A Sudanese journalist who was detained for two months over unpaid visa fees said he now fears re-arrest. “There is no logic in asking us to pay such amounts when we fled a war,” he said.

https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2025/02/20/sudanese-refugees-imprisoned-and-impoverished-ethiopian-visa-policy

#Opinion: Seeds of War: Conflict looms over #Tigray as regional military forces side with political factions

In this opinion piece, Benedict Michael warns that Tigray is facing a growing political and military crisis, threatening the fragile stability since the Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022. "The ongoing political crisis, marked by a factional split within the #TPLF, has escalated into military involvement, with commanders openly taking sides," he writes, describing it as "a dangerous and destabilizing move." The author notes that this has sparked widespread condemnation, with critics arguing that "the military’s role is to protect the region, not to interfere in partisan disputes."

Michael traces the crisis back to an August 2024 congress led by a faction of the TPLF under Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), which he states "did not follow the legal procedures set by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE)." As a result, he explains, "the board did not recognize it, leading many to consider it an illegitimate gathering." According to the article, this congress sidelined Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda, triggering opposition from the interim government and other political actors. He highlights that military commanders aligned with the faction have since called for restructuring the administration, with some even threatening to "enforce the faction’s decisions by force."

The article also details an incident in Seharti district, where, according to Michael, "armed forces from Army 26, loyal to the faction that held the unrecognized congress, stormed the district administration." He reports that "they forcibly took the government seal—an act seen as a clear attempt to seize administrative control." When farmers protested, the armed forces responded with violence. "One farmer was shot and seriously injured, while several others were beaten with rifle butts," he writes. The author warns that "the army’s direct involvement in political affairs threatens to fragment Tigray’s defense forces" and could lead to a broader conflict. He calls for urgent international action, stating, "If the situation is not defused immediately, Tigray could descend into another devastating civil war."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48689

#Sudan recalls ambassador from #Kenya over meeting to form ‘parallel government’

Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya on Thursday in protest against Nairobi’s hosting of a meeting to discuss the formation of a parallel government.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Kamal Jabara was summoned “for consultations in response to Kenya’s hosting of meetings involving the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) militia and its allies, in a hostile move against Sudan.”

The ministry urged Nairobi to abandon what it called a “dangerous course” that threatens regional peace and security and promotes “terrorism and genocide.”

Sudan earlier accused Kenya’s presidency of “embracing and encouraging a conspiracy” to establish an RSF-led government.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-recalls-ambassador-from-kenya-over-meeting-to-form-parallel-government-/3488256

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Admin accuses some leaders of Tigray military forces of “dismantling” local gov’t structures, warns of “severe crisis”

The Tigray Interim Administration has accused some leaders within the Tigray military forces of working to “dismantle” local government structures, warning that such actions could lead to a “severe crisis.” The accusation follows an incident in Seharti district, where “security forces” allegedly used force to seize a kebele administration stamp, injuring 17 people, according to the district administrator.

The Interim Administration stated that the Tigray military forces were created to “ensure the survival of its people” and not to serve “any group’s pursuit of power.” It warned that continued interference could push Tigray into a “crisis we cannot escape from as a people.” The dispute comes amid growing divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF), with factions emerging between those aligned with Interim Administration President Getachew Reda and others supporting former TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael. some senior Tigray military officials have called for dissolving and restructuring the interim administration, further complicating the region’s political landscape.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48681

Volcano in #Ethiopia is releasing unusually large plumes of methane

Satellites have detected "unusually large volumes" of methane emissions from Mount Fentale in Ethiopia, following months of seismic activity that displaced tens of thousands of people. Scientists say the source of the methane remains unclear, but its scale is unexpected.

A European Union satellite first identified methane in the area around the volcano, located about 120 kilometers east of Addis Ababa. The detection prompted GHGSat, a Canadian company specializing in methane monitoring, to focus its high-resolution satellites on the site. On 31 January, they recorded methane rising from the crater "at a rate of 58 tonnes per hour," which is roughly 1,400 metric tonnes per day—comparable to the emissions from burning about 20 million kilograms of coal.

John Stix, a volcanologist at McGill University, said that while volcanoes commonly emit gases like carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, "it's unusual" to see this level of methane associated with volcanic activity. He noted that such measurements were only possible due to the increasing number of satellites monitoring methane emissions from sources like oil fields and coal mines.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2468644-volcano-in-ethiopia-is-releasing-unusually-large-plumes-of-methane/

#Ethiopia: #Oromia regional government appoints three former #OLA commanders after peace deal

The Oromia regional government has appointed three former commanders of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) following a peace agreement signed on December 1, 2024. Among them, Yadesa Negassa, also known as Sagni Nagasa, has been named Security Advisor to the President of Oromia at the bureau head level. Oromiya Rebuma has been appointed Deputy Head of the Oromia Attorney General’s Office, while Tolera Regasaa will serve as Deputy Head of the Bureau of Administration and Security.

The appointments come after Sagni Nagasa and his faction distanced themselves from the OLA leadership, accusing its commander, Kumsa Diriba (Jaal Marroo), of authoritarianism. The OLA dismissed the peace deal, claiming it was made with former members expelled “months earlier for misconduct.” Sagni, however, stated that the agreement would be implemented “within two days” and highlighted its focus on “security matters and military integration,” along with measures for “compensating war-related damages and addressing harm caused.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48695

#Ethiopia: Cholera outbreak in #Gambella region claims 14 lives; over 200 cases reported

The cholera outbreak in Ethiopia's Gambella region has resulted in 14 fatalities and over 200 reported cases, according to regional health officials. Initially detected in four districts of the Nuer Zone, the outbreak has spread to additional areas. Gatbel Girmal, head of the Nuer Zone Health Bureau, highlighted the challenges of gathering data in Akobo district, where “officials must travel by boat to collect information,” a process that “takes up to three days.”

The Gambella Regional Health Bureau initially classified the outbreak as “acute watery diarrhea” (AWD) until laboratory tests confirmed it as cholera. Dr. Abel Assefa, head of the regional health bureau, announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has supplied medical resources valued at “approximately 1.6 million birr” to assist with containment efforts.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48703