At least 13 killed, thousands displaced in violent attacks on #Dasenech district along #Ethiopia-#Kenya border

At least 13 people were killed and two others seriously injured in ongoing violence in Siyes and Sirmeret kebeles of Dasenech district, South Omo zone, along the Ethiopia-Kenya border, according to residents and local officials. They told Addis Standard that the attacks were carried out by what they described as “armed militants from Kenya’s Turkana County.” A resident of Siyes kebele, who requested anonymity, claimed that the attackers also looted six boats, around 130 fishing nets, and approximately 500,000 dried fish. The resident further alleged that the violence had displaced thousands from five kebeles, with many seeking refuge in an area known as Neberemus.

Mesay Leben, the chief government representative for Dasenech district, confirmed the deaths and said the conflict erupted after what he described as “armed militants entering from Kenya’s Loktang and Kokro areas” attacked local pastoralists. He alleged that the attackers were “very organized militias” receiving support from “Kenyan security forces.” Mesay also claimed that previous discussions with Turkana cluster coordinators on 18 February were used as a distraction before launching the attack. Meanwhile, The Standard, a Kenyan newspaper, reported that at least 20 people were killed in a related attack along the border, attributing it to armed individuals from Ethiopia’s Merille area.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48753

#Op_ed: What Lies Ahead for #Ethiopia-#Eritrea Relations: Advancing cooperation or returning to deadlock?

In this op-ed, Miessa Elema Robe (PhD), political science and international relations expert, examines the historical and contemporary factors shaping Ethiopia-Eritrea relations. The article explores whether the 2018 peace agreement has fostered long-term cooperation or if unresolved tensions may lead to renewed deadlock. "The factors affecting relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea were divergent," Miessa writes, citing colonial legacies, competing national narratives, and power struggles among political elites as key influences.

The piece revisits critical moments, including the Eritrean War of Independence and the 1998–2000 border war, arguing that political decisions such as Emperor Haile Selassie’s annexation of Eritrea and the exclusion of broader stakeholders from post-independence agreements deepened hostilities. "If the successive regimes had taken a different path—through democratic mechanisms like national dialogue or a referendum—it might have prevented the deep-rooted animosity and political instability that still affect Ethiopia-Eritrea relations today," Miessa asserts. He contends that the rushed nature of Eritrea’s independence, without binding agreements on borders, trade, and economic cooperation, contributed to future conflicts.

Discussing Ethiopia’s ongoing quest for #Red_Sea access, the article highlights how recent diplomatic efforts have focused on negotiations with Somaliland and Somalia rather than Eritrea. "Given Ethiopia’s irreversible quest for access to the Red Sea, any political entity—domestic or foreign—that attempts to obstruct this aspiration will likely face strong resistance," Miessa argues. While noting that the 2018 peace agreement initially signaled a shift towards stability, the op-ed questions Eritrea’s current stance, suggesting that "if President Isaias’ government had a commitment to genuine peace and mutually beneficial cooperation, as witnessed in 2018, it could pave the way for lasting regional stability."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48761

#Ethiopia, #Kenya, #Nigeria leaders to lead unified #DRC peace efforts

The Joint Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) has appointed former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as facilitators in the peace process for eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The summit, co-chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto, took place in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.

The appointment of the three leaders marks a move to unify the separate Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, signaling a renewed push for stability in the conflict-affected region. The decision follows consultations among SADC and EAC heads of state, who emphasized the need for a coordinated regional approach to security in eastern DRC.

Preparatory meetings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam have brought together the EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) to discuss security strategies, including ceasefire implementation, humanitarian aid delivery, and the reopening of supply routes. A joint EAC-SADC CDF meeting is set for February 24 in Dar es Salaam, followed by a ministerial meeting on February 28 to review further steps.

https://www.citizen.digital/news/uhuru-obasanjo-and-desalegn-appointed-to-lead-unified-drc-peace-efforts-n358175

#Ethiopia: Water minister says Nile Basin ministers visit #GERD despite #Egypt’s objections, “false propaganda”

Water ministers from #Nile Basin countries visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) despite Egypt’s efforts to dissuade them, according to Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister, Habtamu Itefa (PhD). He said the visit helped “undermine those who stand against Ethiopia” and allowed officials to assess the project firsthand.

Habtamu stated that while attending the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa on 22 February, he invited member states to tour the GERD. However, he said Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, urged them “not to accept Ethiopia’s invitation.” Despite this, Habtamu noted that “all visiting ministers,” except Tanzania’s, who left for urgent matters, toured the dam at the ministerial level.


https://addisstandard.com/?p=48784

#Sudan army ends two-year siege of key city

The Sudanese army says it has ended the nearly two-year siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) on el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. The announcement came shortly after the RSF signed a political charter in Nairobi to establish an administration in areas under its control.

Sudanese civil society activist Dallia Abdelmoniem described the development as "significant," stating that RSF forces had "held the civilians captive for nearly two years." She noted that the humanitarian situation in the city had been "difficult," with no medical or food aid reaching the population, in an area considered "at risk of famine and malnutrition."

Ahmed Hussein, a trader in el-Obeid, said that reopening access to the city would "bring life back." Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim called the army’s advance an "important step" that could also help ease the RSF’s control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8ve60r53yo

#Op_ed: Digging Out of Disaster: Hidden cost of illegal mining in #Tigray, pathways to sustainable solutions

In this op-ed, Batseba Seifu, a human rights advocate, examines the far-reaching effects of illegal mining in Tigray, calling for urgent reforms to address its economic, social, and environmental consequences. “In the aftermath of the recent war, illegal mining has surged, exacerbating economic hardship and political instability,” she writes, emphasizing how unregulated activities have intensified existing vulnerabilities.

The article outlines the historical trajectory of mining in Tigray, from traditional artisanal practices to state-controlled operations following the 1974 revolution. The writer notes that “the 2020 war devastated the formal mining sector, allowing illegal activities to flourish in the absence of regulatory oversight.” She highlights how many young people, struggling with economic desperation, have turned to illegal mining despite its exploitative conditions. “Despite generating short-term income, these operations undermine long-term community prosperity as gold is smuggled out of Tigray and Ethiopia, depriving local economies of revenue.” The op-ed also references a report by Tigray Liberty Media, which alleges that corrupt officials have facilitated unauthorized mining in exchange for bribes.

The environmental toll of illegal mining is another central concern. “The use of mercury and cyanide in gold extraction has poisoned water sources, posing severe risks to human health and local ecosystems,” the writer warns. She argues that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach: “Formalizing the artisanal mining sector can provide legal protections and economic stability for miners.” Additionally, the op-ed calls for governance reforms, community engagement, and investment in sustainable mining practices, concluding that “Tigray stands at a crossroads—either allowing illegal mining to perpetuate instability or seizing the opportunity to establish a responsible and equitable mining industry.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48777

#Ethiopia: Salsay Woyane Tigray to join #Tigray Interim Council after reforms grant decision-making powers

Salsay Woyane Tigray, an opposition party in the Tigray region, has decided to join the Tigray Regional Interim Council after initially refusing to participate. The party stated on February 24 that its concerns over the council’s framework were "addressed through changes" introduced in Regulation 10/2024, which granted the council decision-making authority instead of its previous advisory role. Party chairman Alula Hailu said the council would serve as "a platform for addressing all of Tigray’s challenges," while Yemane Kassa, Head of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, noted that several issues raised by the party were incorporated into the revised framework.

The amendments also expanded the council from 105 to 152 members and introduced seven standing committees, including one focused on monitoring the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, previously stated that the revised regulation shifted the council’s accountability from the president to "conscience, law, and the people." Salsay Woyane Tigray had earlier accused the interim administration of "structuring the council’s regulations to serve its own interests," but now says its participation will help "shape the council’s role" in addressing key regional issues.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48795

#Germany pledges €50 million for humanitarian efforts in #Ethiopia

Jens Hanefeld, Germany's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union, announced 50 million euros in additional funding for humanitarian efforts across the country. Speaking at a press conference at the UN Conference Center in Addis Abeba on 25 February 2025, he noted that "new political priorities and geopolitical shifts" have led to funding constraints globally but added, "Given these developments, which affect us all, I am glad to say that the Federal Republic of Germany remains committed in its support of the UN system in Ethiopia."

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, welcomed the funding, describing it as a reflection of "Germany's deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations worldwide."

https://youtu.be/RMfm2Kas8bI

#AU, #Somalia agree on troop numbers for new mission

The African Union (AU) and the federal government of Somalia have agreed on the number of troop-contributing countries for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) after weeks of diplomatic tensions involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Burundi. An AU official, who requested anonymity, told VOA that Burundian forces, who have been in Somalia since 2007, will be leaving the country following disagreements over the number of troops coming from Burundi.

AUSSOM will have 11,900 personnel operating on the ground in Somalia, including soldiers, police, and civilian support staff, according to Somali and AU officials. The new arrangement allocates 4,500 soldiers to Uganda, 2,500 to Ethiopia, 1,520 to Djibouti, 1,410 to Kenya, and 1,091 to Egypt. Additionally, several hundred police officers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt will be stationed in Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa.

Diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia had previously delayed the agreement, following Ethiopia’s sea access deal with #Somaliland on Jan. 1, 2024. Mogadishu condemned the deal as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, tensions eased after a breakthrough agreement in #Ankara on Dec. 11, mediated by Turkey. This week, Somalia and Ethiopia finalized an agreement allowing Ethiopian troops to participate in AUSSOM, following a visit by an Ethiopian military delegation to Mogadishu.

Ethiopian forces will be stationed in the same Somalia's regions as before—Gedo, Bay, Bakool, and Hiran. Egypt, which supported Somalia in its dispute with Ethiopia, will contribute troops to AUSSOM for the first time. Meanwhile, Ethiopia will maintain additional troops in Somalia under a separate bilateral arrangement. At the bilateral level, the Chiefs agreed to develop a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for all the bilateral forces that will operate in Somalia, according to a communique published by Somalia’s National News Agency (SONNA).

https://www.voanews.com/a/au-somalia-agree-on-troop-numbers-for-new-mission/7987913.html

#Opinion: #Tigray at Crossroads: Factionalism, governance paralysis, and looming risk of civil war

In this opinion piece, Benedict Michael, an independent writer, examines the growing political crisis in Tigray, where internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) have led to governance paralysis and heightened the risk of renewed conflict. The piece highlights how the region is now effectively split between two factions, with Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) controlling the Central and Northwestern Zones while Getachew Reda, president of the Tigray Interim Administration, governs the Southern, Western, Eastern, and Southeastern Zones. The inability to establish a unified administration has further weakened state institutions.

The piece notes that tensions have escalated beyond political disputes, with elements of the Tigray Forces taking sides. A group of military commanders calling themselves “Core and Above Core” publicly declared their support for Debretsion’s faction, while other high-ranking officers, including Generals Wedi Asheber and Wedi Antru, opposed this move. “Military involvement in politics is a dangerous precedent,” the piece warns, adding that the failure to separate party and state has left the regional military vulnerable to fragmentation.

Beyond internal disputes, the article highlights concerns over potential external interference. Reports suggest that Debretsion’s faction is engaging with Eritrea’s ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), while Getachew’s faction has drawn closer to Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party (#PP) and the federal government. The piece warns that such alignments could turn Tigray into a battleground for proxy conflicts, stating that “if these external influences persist, the region could face renewed violence with far-reaching consequences.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48803

"Power of Joy": new film on childbirth during #Ethiopia's civil war

A new documentary, Power of Joy, set for release on March 7, follows the story of Nigisty Gebregziabher, a woman from #Tigray who survived a life-threatening childbirth and now advocates for maternal health. The film explores the impact of Ethiopia’s civil war on maternal care, where conflict has worsened access to medical facilities.

Nigisty, married and pregnant at 15, endured obstructed labor at home for 12 hours. "The pain was unbearable," she recalls. She developed an obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury often linked to prolonged labor without medical help. According to the United Nations, 90% of fistula cases result in stillbirth. "I lost my baby and was treated like an outcast," she says. She later received treatment and now works to support other women.

Before the war, Healing Hands of Joy, a maternal health organization founded by filmmaker Allison Shigo, had reduced childbirth injuries in Ethiopia. "Cases had dropped to 50 per year," says country director Meselech Seyoum. The war, however, reversed progress. "Now, we see 50 cases per month," Shigo says. Health centers in Tigray were destroyed, forcing women to give birth in unsafe conditions. "We used stones to cut the umbilical cord," Nigisty recounts.

The war also led to widespread sexual violence, with reports of over 120,000 cases in Tigray. Miriam, a woman from #Afar, was kidnapped and assaulted for months. "They only took young women," she says. She developed fistula but lacked medical care for nearly two years. Healing Hands of Joy has resumed work in some areas, but insecurity continues to threaten maternal health. "When war reaches communities, women’s bodies become battlefields," says regional director Senait Tarekegn.

https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/power-joy-new-film-childbirth-during-ethiopias-civil-war

#Ethiopia: Six civil society groups in #Tigray demand action as Muslim students face 100 days of exclusion over hijab ban

Six civil society organizations in Tigray have urged authorities to enforce a court ruling allowing 159 Muslim students in #Axum to return to school after being barred for nearly 100 days over their hijab. Despite a decision by the Axum District Court on January 14 suspending the school’s hijab ban and warning of "irreversible rights violations," students have reportedly remained excluded, leading to demonstration in #Mekelle on January 21.

The organizations warned that the prolonged exclusion has caused "social and psychological harm" and accused school officials of defying legal orders. The Axum District Court issued a warrant on January 27 to detain officials who continued to deny students entry, stating that their actions "undermine the court’s authority." Civil society groups have called for immediate action to lift the ban, ensure accountability, and compensate students for their lost education.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48808

#Ethiopia: #IPI urges lawmakers to reject proposed media law amendments

The International Press Freedom (IPI) global network today joins journalists, media bodies, and civil society organizations in Ethiopia in condemning the grave risk to media freedom posed by amendments to the country’s media law. IPI strongly urged lawmakers to "reject the proposed amendments due to measures that weaken the independence of the media regulator", among other concerns.

“An independent regulatory body is indispensable to press freedom. Governments should therefore ensure the independence of media regulatory bodies, in line with their commitments to safeguard freedom of expression and media freedom as guaranteed under Article 19 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Dr. Marystella Simiyu, IPI’s Africa Senior Legal Advocacy Officer, said.

https://ipi.media/ethiopia-ipi-urges-lawmakers-to-reject-proposed-media-law-amendments/

#Op_ed: A Pill Too Expensive: #Ethiopia’s struggle for accessible, affordable medicines

In this op-ed, Geabral Ashenafi Mulugeta, a critic with a deep interest in economics, examines the rising cost of medicines in Ethiopia and the broader challenges of pharmaceutical accessibility. The article highlights how the country's dependence on imports, supply chain inefficiencies, and economic policies contribute to escalating prices, making essential drugs increasingly unaffordable for many Ethiopians.

The piece notes that Ethiopia relies heavily on pharmaceutical imports from #India, #Turkey, and #China, with high logistics costs adding to medicine prices. According to the op-ed, "transport, customs duties, and supply chain delays increase the cost," making medicines more expensive for both wholesalers and consumers. The article further emphasizes the impact of Ethiopia’s poor infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where "fuel price instability and transport bottlenecks lead to stockouts and price instability," limiting access to essential medicines.

Discussing government interventions, the writer acknowledges efforts to stabilize medicine prices, particularly through the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency (EPSA), which provides subsidized medicines to public health centers. However, the op-ed points out that local pharmaceutical production remains in its infancy, facing "issues such as poor infrastructure, regulatory challenges, and low production capacity." While the government has prioritized domestic manufacturing, the article underscores that Ethiopia still depends largely on imports and must invest in efficient supply chains and public-private partnerships to ensure affordable medicine access for all.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48817

#Ethiopia PM Abiy to visit #Somalia On Thursday

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Somalia on Thursday for discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somali presidential sources told AFP. The visit follows efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties after tensions over Ethiopia’s deal with #Somaliland.

"A high-profile delegation from Ethiopia led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected in Mogadishu tomorrow," a source in the Somali presidential palace said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The visit is "part of a broader effort to complete and implement the Ankara agreement," the source added, referring to the peace deal mediated by Turkey.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated after #Addis_Abeba signed a deal with Somaliland in January 2024, which Somaliland claimed would result in Ethiopia recognizing its independence in exchange for sea access.

https://www.barrons.com/news/ethiopia-pm-abiy-to-visit-somalia-on-thursday-f249336e?refsec=topics_afp-news

Death toll in #Sudan military plane crash rises to 46

The death toll from a Sudanese military plane crash in Omdurman, on the outskirts of the capital #Khartoum, has risen to at least 46, officials said on Wednesday. The Antonov aircraft crashed late Tuesday during takeoff from Wadi Seidna military airport in northern Omdurman. The crash, which sources attributed to "technical reasons," comes as the military makes gains in central Sudan and the capital against the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).

The Khartoum Media Office said 10 others were injured, while the health ministry, which initially reported 19 deaths, stated that the aircraft "crashed over a civilian house" in the Karrari district. Major-General Bahr Ahmed, a senior commander in Khartoum, was reportedly among the dead. The military, confirming the deaths of both personnel and civilians, said firefighting teams had contained the blaze but did not specify the cause. However, military sources told Reuters that it was "most likely due to technical reasons."

The crash follows growing tensions in the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023. A day earlier, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a Russian-made Ilyushin plane in Nyala, South Darfur. Meanwhile, #UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of "further escalation" after the RSF and its allies declared plans to form a parallel government in areas under their control.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/26/several-feared-killed-as-sudan-army-plane-crashes-near-capital-khartoum

#Ethiopia: #TPLF rejects claims of "secret talks" with #Eritrea, calls accusations “fabricated falsehoods”

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has rejected claims that its members and Tigray military forces engaged in “secret contact with the Eritrean government,” calling the allegations “completely untrue” and lacking “any supporting evidence.” The party accused Africa Intelligence, Oromia Media Network (#OMN), and unnamed Ethiopian government officials of spreading “fabricated falsehoods” aimed at undermining the Pretoria Agreement.

TPLF stated that “the people of Tigray, the Tigray military forces, and TPLF have no hidden desires beyond fully implementing the Pretoria Agreement” and accused unnamed actors of attempting to “confuse the public and the international community” instead of prioritizing the peace deal. The party also claimed that “the forces and people of Tigray have endured all kinds of injustices” since the agreement was signed but remain committed to peace despite “internal and external conspiracies.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48827