#Ethiopian Electric Utility reports over 50 million Birr loss due to theft, damages; 22 employees penalized

The Ethiopian Electric Utility (#EEU) reported a loss of 50.2 million Birr over the past seven months due to theft and infrastructure damage. The institution stated that power and transformer theft, electric line damage, and cable looting were among the primary causes. It also claimed that in some instances, “employees were prevented from carrying out their duties.” EEU recorded 163 cases of power and infrastructure theft, with 11 cases leading to court verdicts. Thirteen defendants received prison sentences ranging from two months to 10 years, along with fines of up to 50,000 Birr.

EEU further reported that over 80 kilometers of conductor wire cable and 25.7 kilometers of optical fiber line were looted within ten days along the Metehara–Train Traction Station One route. Meanwhile, the institution stated that it had taken “administrative action” against 22 employees, including three who received written warnings and 19 who faced salary deductions, following corruption and malpractice reports submitted by customers.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48915

#Saudi border forces accused of killing ‘hundreds of #Ethiopian migrants’

Saudi Arabian border forces have been accused of killing “hundreds” of Ethiopian migrants attempting to cross from Yemen between 2019 and 2024, according to testimonies gathered by The Guardian and findings from Human Rights Watch (HRW). Witnesses described being fired upon with machine guns and explosive weapons, while others recounted cases of sexual violence and physical assault.

An Ethiopian migrant who attempted the journey in 2022 said he saw three people die next to him. “One of my legs was blown away by the Saudi fire,” he said. “There were body parts of the injured and the dead all around me.” Another migrant described seeing decomposing bodies along the border in January 2023, stating that some had been eaten by animals. HRW’s August 2023 report concluded that Saudi forces killed “hundreds” of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers between March 2022 and June 2023 in what it described as a “widespread and systematic” pattern. The organization stated that these killings may amount to crimes against humanity.

Saudi Arabia, which hosts about 750,000 Ethiopian migrants, has intensified security operations in recent years to detain and deport undocumented migrants. Many of those attempting the dangerous journey are fleeing poverty, conflict, and climate-related crises in Ethiopia. The UN reported a 32% increase in the number of Ethiopians taking this route in 2022-2023, reaching 96,670. In December 2024, one migrant described Saudi border forces using machine guns and artillery to push him and ten others back into Yemen, wounding one.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/feb/28/saudi-border-forces-accused-of-killing-hundreds-of-ethiopian-migrants

#Op_ed: #Wollega Under Siege: Unraveling layers of violence, displacement in Western #Oromia

In this op-ed, Asebe Regassa, a senior research fellow at the University of Zurich, and Gemechu Abeshu, a research fellow at York University, examine the ongoing violence in Western Oromia, particularly in the East Wollega and Horo Guduru Wollega zones. The writers argue that “both the Ethiopian government and its auxiliaries have collectively punished the people of East and Horo Guduru Wollega over the past five years.” The piece frames the crisis through the concepts of “necropolitics” and “generalized violence.” Necropolitics, they explain, refers to how “governments (dictatorial regimes) and armed groups allied with them decide selectively who lives and who dies, using force to maintain control,” while generalized violence is described as “the use of force to punish entire communities.”

The article traces the history of Amhara settlement in Wollega, linking the current violence to resettlement waves that began during the reign of Emperor Menelik II and continued through successive regimes. The writers state that although “the inter-group relations between Amhara settlers and native Oromo inhabitants have been peaceful to a larger extent, Amhara settlers eventually resorted to violence against the host community as a means of territorial expansion and to achieve political goals.” The piece describes Fano’s expansion into Western Oromia as being driven by an “ideology of establishing ‘Greater Amhara’—an expansionist belief that claims parts of Wollega as historically Amhara land.” It further asserts that the government initially “supported (and armed) Fano during the war in Tigray and also to fight the OLA” but that the relationship has since deteriorated, leading to Fano’s independent operations in the region.

The op-ed calls for urgent intervention from the federal and Oromia regional governments to curb the escalating violence and protect civilians. The writers urge Oromo political organizations and movements to “unite in their efforts to defend Oromia’s territorial integrity and protect its population.” They also call for the disarmament of Amhara militias and the removal of Fano forces from the region, warning that “unless the situation is curbed through a meaningful security mechanism that would ensure future peace in the region, there is no doubt that high-level inter-group violence will break out with broader ramifications.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48909

#Ethiopia: #EHRC announces lifting of suspension on four rights groups, cites “successful” advocacy efforts

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO) has lifted the suspension of four civil society organizations (CSOs), following what it described as “successful” advocacy efforts. EHRC stated that it had “continued to engage ACSO, relevant government authorities, and the four CSOs” to push for the decision, while commending all parties involved for their “commitment to dialogue.”

The suspensions, initially imposed in November 2024 over allegations of acting against the “national interest” and lacking “political neutrality,” had affected the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (#CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (#AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights (#LHR). Although ACSO lifted them the following month, it later suspended CARD and LHR again in December, alongside the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (#EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (#EHRDC), citing concerns that they had “deviated from their founding objectives.” EHRC, under its new Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adello, welcomed the resolution and called for prioritizing “dialogue” in addressing such matters.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48923

#Ethiopia: "It is only a matter of time before we become a member of Red Sea Community"—Field Marshal Berhanu Jula

Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces, said Ethiopia’s lack of access to the sea is “unjust” and that the demand for access is now “recognized as a just question in the international community.” Speaking at the 129th anniversary of the #Adwa Victory celebration on 2 March 2025 in #Addis_Abeba, he stated, "It is only a matter of time before we become a member of the #Red_Sea community."

Field Marshal Berhanu also highlighted the military’s ongoing modernization. "We are not preparing for minor disturbances; we are preparing to defend against external aggression," he said. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to securing its national interests through peaceful means, adding, "We are building an army that not only defends against aggression but also deters the enemy."

Watch!

#Ethiopia’s IDPs at 3.3 million, conflict remains main driver

Ethiopia has over 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with conflict cited as the primary cause, recent data shows.

Displacement has remained high over the years, peaking at 4.5 million in 2021 amid intensified wars in #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions. The number dropped to 3.1 million in 2022 but rose again to 4.4 million in 2023 before declining slightly to 3.3 million in 2024.

As of May 2024, the #Somali Region had the highest number of IDPs at 1,093,745, followed by #Oromia (881,984), Tigray (878,325), Amhara (174,608), and Afar (81,791).

Conflict remains the leading cause of displacement, accounting for 69% of cases, while drought contributed 16%, social tensions 8%, and climate-related factors 6%.

#Ethiopia: Ambush on sesame-laden trucks traveling from #Gondar to #Bahir_Dar leaves one dead, several vehicles destroyed

An ambush targeting trucks transporting sesame from Gondar to Bahir Dar in crisis-hit #Amhara regional state last week resulted in the death of one driver and the burning of more than six vehicles, residents told Addis Standard. The attack occurred in the Tara Gedam area of the South Gondar Zone at around 3:00 AM on Friday, 28 February, 2025, according to a resident who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“The sesame-laden trucks, which were traveling under military escort, were caught in the crossfire between government security forces and #Fano militants,” the resident said. Another resident confirmed the attack, stating that “the trucks carrying sesame were the ones that were set on fire.” In a 03 March press briefing, Desalegn Tassew, head of the Amhara Peace and Security Bureau, attributed the attack to “extremists” and said six trucks were destroyed, though security forces intervened to prevent further damage.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48935

More than 200 children, some as young as one, raped in #Sudan, #UNICEF says

More than 200 children, including infants, have been raped in Sudan since early 2024, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF). The report, released on Tuesday, states that at least 221 children, including boys, were victims of rape by armed men, based on data from gender-based violence service providers.

The report indicates that “rape is being used as a tactic of war,” violating international law and protections for children. UNICEF documented additional cases of sexual violence, including attempted rape, bringing the total number of reported assaults against children to nearly 300. The cases were recorded in multiple states, including #Khartoum, South Kordofan, North Darfur, and West Darfur.

“In a culture of really serious social stigma and at a time when access to services has been severely hampered, the fact that this group came forward tells us that it is only a small sample,” said UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram, adding that the known cases likely represent just “the tip of the iceberg.” Many survivors, she said, face severe physical and psychological trauma, with some attempting suicide.

UNICEF urged Sudan’s warring parties to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians, particularly children. “Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/4/more-than-200-children-some-as-young-as-one-raped-in-sudan-unicef-says

#Ethiopia: #Somali Federalist Party calls for accountability, cites “widespread corruption”, unfinished projects in Somali region

The Somali Federalist Party has called for accountability in the Somali region, citing “widespread corruption” and governance failures that have left infrastructure projects unfinished, basic services inaccessible, and the cost of living soaring. In a statement, the party claimed that “large sums allocated for development initiatives are either misused or left unaccounted for,” involving officials at multiple levels, from “bureau heads and finance officers to high-ranking leaders.” It alleged that public funds have been lost through “non-competitive contract awards, inflated costs, and outright embezzlement.”

The party pointed to several stalled projects, stating that despite a 520-million-birr allocation for a water project in Kebri Dehar, the project “remains unimplemented.” It further alleged that contractors received “full payment” for gravel roads in Shinile, Korahe, and Jarar zones, yet the roads remain either “partially constructed or entirely unbuilt.” Additionally, a bridge project in Qubi district was abandoned despite payments being made, leading to its destruction by flooding, forcing the local community to “rebuild the bridge through personal contributions.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48962

#Sudan reels as #US suspends aid amid ongoing war

Sudan is experiencing deepening humanitarian challenges following the United States' decision to suspend development aid, a move that has raised concerns among aid organizations. The suspension, set for 90 days, affects funding from the United States Agency for International Development (#USAID), which has supported food relief and essential services amid the ongoing war since April 2023. The #UN estimates that "thirty million people, more than half of the Sudanese population, are suffering from hunger and need emergency assistance."

Community kitchens, established by volunteers to support those displaced by the war, are among the hardest hit. Initially funded by local donations and later supplemented by international aid, these kitchens are struggling to sustain operations. According to local workers cited by RFI, US aid previously financed "between 70 and 80 percent" of the required budget, but with the cuts, "the usual channels for receiving cash are no longer available." Volunteers report the closure of "a thousand of these kitchens," leaving "two million people in an absolute food emergency" without access to meals. Some have resorted to buying food on credit from fishermen and producers, "with no assurance of ever being able to repay the money borrowed."

The crisis is exacerbating acute hunger, with the UN confirming "famine conditions" in parts of North Darfur and the Nuba Mountains, with further deterioration expected by May. "Conditions for millions of civilians in North Darfur have become catastrophic," Avaaz stated in a press release, highlighting the disruption of life-saving operations. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, warned that the suspension comes at a critical time, as "the consequences of food insecurity are already being felt in parts of South Kordofan," where "families are surviving on dangerously limited food supplies, and malnutrition rates are rising sharply."

https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20250303-sudan-reels-as-us-suspends-aid-amid-ongoing-war

#Ethiopia: Karrayyu pastoralists endure three-month drought in #Oromia’s #Fentale district, livestock deaths and displacement reported

Residents of Fentale district in East Shewa, Oromia, say the #Karrayyu pastoralist community has been struggling with severe drought for over three months, leading to livestock deaths and displacement. According to locals, the drought has affected eight kebeles, including Haro Qarsa, Dhebiti, Ilala, and Qarari. A resident, Qumbi Idao, said, “There is a complete lack of water and pasture,” adding that “so far, there has been no government intervention to assist the affected communities.” He also noted that security concerns prevent them from migrating to other districts as they did in the past.

Demise Boru, another resident, described the crisis as “extremely distressing,” noting that many have traveled as far as Metehara town in Bosat district with their livestock. He said some herders rely on byproducts from the Metehara Sugar Factory but face “long waiting times and high costs.” Another resident attributed the crisis to a combination of drought, conflict, and recent earthquakes, alleging that “the government is punishing the community” and that “those affected by the drought have been deliberately excluded” from aid.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48971

#Ethiopia: Malaria surges in #Oromia, health services disrupted by conflict

Lema Tefera, a subsistence farmer in western Oromia, lost four children to malaria in a single month—deaths he believes could have been prevented if not for the ongoing conflict. "There was no malaria medication and treatment in our village due to the fighting," he told AFP. Experts warn the crisis is worsening as the war between the government and the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) continues to disrupt health services.

Malaria cases in Ethiopia nearly doubled in 2023, with the World Health Organization (#WHO) recording 7.3 million cases and 1,157 deaths between January and October last year. Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region, accounts for almost half of these cases. "Programmed supplies of anti-malarial drugs have been disrupted due to the armed conflict," said Gemechu Biftu, executive director of the Oromia Physicians Association.

Doctors in affected areas report an unprecedented surge in cases. "Unlike before, there are still significant numbers of cases during the dry season," said Legesse Bulcha, director of Nejo General Hospital in West Wollega, where malaria accounted for 70% of the hospital's 26,000 patients in 2023-2024. Climate change is also exacerbating the crisis, creating conditions for the disease to spread to new areas. "Malaria is expanding," Gemechu said, citing rising mortality rates.

Doctors Without Borders (#MSF) coordinator Rachelle Seguin warned the country is facing its "highest numbers of malaria cases seen, probably ever." The crisis could deepen further with the recent U.S. aid freeze. "The USAID funding cut would significantly increase morbidity and mortality not only from malaria but also from other communicable illnesses," said Oromia-based doctor Nuredin Luke. In his village, thousands of miles from Washington, Lema remains grief-stricken. "I have not been able to recover," he said.

https://www.voanews.com/a/malaria-deaths-soar-in-shadow-of-ethiopia-conflict-/7996289.html

#Commentary: Land to the Tiller: Unfinished legacy of #Ethiopia’s 1975 proclamation

In this commentary, Gutu Olana Wayessa, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, reflects on the 50th anniversary of Ethiopia’s 1975 land reform, introduced through the “Proclamation to Provide for the Public Ownership of Rural Lands.” The piece examines the proclamation’s promises, shortcomings, and ongoing relevance, arguing that while it aimed to rectify historical land injustices, “the undemocratic and hegemonic nature of the Ethiopian state—across regimes—and the cognate lack of recognition for, and representation of, the people” prevented it from achieving its full potential. The author underscores that land tenure issues remain unresolved and warns against proposed privatization efforts that could further exacerbate inequalities.

The article highlights the deep political and cultural significance of land, beyond its economic value. According to the author, “land is at the epicenter of political disputes in the country, with irredentist confrontations on the rise.” He argues that understanding land policy solely through an economic lens is misleading, cautioning that “pushing a privatization agenda in contemporary Ethiopia is tantamount to proposing a ‘solution’ to unidentified or misconstrued problems.” The commentary critiques the historical trajectory of land tenure, from imperial-era exploitation to the state-controlled system established by the Derg in 1975, emphasizing that while the proclamation sought to redistribute land, it ultimately left peasants vulnerable due to the state’s continued dominance.

The piece also addresses land policies under successive governments, from the #Derg to the #EPRDF and now the Prosperity Party. It discusses large-scale land leases, population displacements, and the risks of privatization, stating that “non-participatory and coercive resettlement processes reflected the authoritarian nature of both regimes.” The author warns that current economic policies and external pressures could push Ethiopia toward land privatization, further marginalizing communities. Concluding the article, he asserts that a just land governance system requires “a people-centered, participatory democracy that prioritizes cultural recognition, political representation, and equitable resource distribution,” emphasizing that the promises of “Land to the Tiller” cannot be realized under regimes where people are unrecognized and unrepresented.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48980

Famine looms in #Somalia without funding boost, #WFP says

The #UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that "the time to step up is now" as up to 4.4 million people in Somalia face acute hunger between April and June. The agency said 1.7 million children risk acute malnutrition, with 466,000 likely to be severely affected and at risk of death.

According to WFP spokesperson Jean-Martin Bauer, delays in response "can be deadly," and urgent funding is needed. The country, home to 19 million people, has seen food insecurity rise again after narrowly avoiding famine in 2022 through scaled-up humanitarian efforts. Poor harvests, climate shocks, and ongoing displacement have worsened the situation.

WFP stated that funding shortfalls have already forced it to reduce assistance, affecting 820,000 people. "We need all types of resources to be put at play to avert the worst," Bauer said, adding that only 12% of Somalia's $1.4 billion appeal has been met. Weather forecasts indicate another drought, raising further concerns over food access and malnutrition.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1160776

#Ethiopia: #Benishangul Gumuz opposition petitions constitutional Inquiry over regional constitution amendment, seat allocation

Three opposition members of the Benishangul Gumuz Regional Council have petitioned Ethiopia’s Council of Constitutional Inquiry, seeking an interpretation of recent amendments to the region’s Constitution and seat allocation. They argue that the changes should be “declared non-existent” and “rendered inapplicable,” citing concerns over the council’s authority to modify electoral districts and expand council seats.

The amendments, passed two weeks ago, increased the number of council seats from 99 to 165, replacing a previous constitutional limit of “one hundred” with a new cap of 165. Opposition members from the Boro Democratic Party (BDP) claim that “five newly created districts, meant for administrative purposes, were counted as electoral districts and assigned 31 council seats.” They argue that “the regional council does not have the constitutional mandate” to alter electoral boundaries, stating that this authority rests with the House of Federation and the National Election Board of Ethiopia.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48983

#Ethiopia: Research finds #Amharic language used to evade #TikTok moderation, bypass hate speech detection

A study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) found that Amharic is being used on TikTok to "bypass moderation" and "evade hate speech detection," exploiting weaknesses in the platform’s content moderation systems. The research identified 134 comments employing two methods: one involved "directly translating hate speech into Amharic using the Ge’ez script," while the other placed "Amharic text alongside hate speech written in a European language."

The report noted that out of 16 comments reported to TikTok, "the platform removed or limited the visibility of only 5," suggesting that "TikTok’s systems are failing to recognise hate speech" even when manually reported. ISD attributed this to technical challenges in moderating Amharic, which it described as a "low-resource language," meaning less online data is available for training automated moderation systems. The study found similar patterns in Punjabi, Nepali, Konkani, and Tigrinya, indicating that "bad actors are innovating and exploiting this vulnerability."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48994

#South_Sudan detains oil minister and military officials in threat to peace deal

South Sudanese security forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, Machar’s spokesperson said Wednesday, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war.

The arrests follow weeks of intense fighting in Nasir, a strategic northern town, between national forces and the White Army militia, a loosely organized armed group primarily composed of Nuer fighters—Machar’s ethnic group. The White Army previously fought alongside Machar’s forces in the 2013-2018 war against troops loyal to President Salva Kiir, who are predominantly Dinka.

Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, said that, in addition to Chol, the deputy head of the army, Gabriel Doup Lam, had been arrested, while other senior military officials aligned with Machar were placed under house arrest. “As of now, there's not any reason provided to us that led to the arrest or the detention of (these) officials,” Baluang told Reuters. He also said security forces had been deployed around Machar’s residence, though he was able to travel to his office on Wednesday.

South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of “collaborating with the White Army” and attacking a military garrison near Nasir on Tuesday. Without commenting on the arrests, he said President Kiir had assured that the country would “not go back to war.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-detains-oil-minister-several-military-officials-says-vice-presidents-2025-03-05/

#Ethiopia: Property tax will not affect rent prices, says Finance Ministry official

Muley Weldu, Director of the Tax Policy Directorate at the Ministry of Finance, said the recently passed property tax "will not impact the price of rent." Speaking to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation, he explained that the tax applies to existing properties and, therefore, "will not disrupt the supply and demand" that determine rental prices.

"Rent is determined by supply—how many houses are available for rent?" he said, adding that current prices are "set by already available supply and demand."

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#US embassy in #Somalia issues urgent warning of potential imminent terror attacks

The U.S. embassy in #Mogadishu has issued an urgent security alert, citing "credible information" about "potentially imminent" terror attacks targeting "multiple locations in Somalia including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport." The embassy announced that "all movements of embassy personnel have been canceled until further notice."

In a statement, the embassy reiterated the U.S. State Department’s level four travel advisory ("do not travel") for Somalia, warning of risks related to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy." "Terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia," the statement noted, adding that targets could include "airports and seaports, checkpoints, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys."

The warning comes weeks after the U.S. military carried out an airstrike against Islamic State targets in Somalia under President Donald Trump’s directive. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strike, conducted in coordination with Somalia’s federal government, targeted a “Senior ISIS Attack Planner."

https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-embassy-somalia-issues-urgent-warning-potential-imminent/story?id=119466493

#Ethiopia: Over half a million displaced in #Amhara face dire conditions as shelters crumble; IDPs in #Tigray struggle with overcrowding

More than 560,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Amhara remain in urgent need of shelter and essential non-food items, according to the Global Shelter Cluster (GSC). The organization stated that the living conditions in 33 IDP sites and collective centers across the region, including those in North and South Wollo zones, remain "severe due to prolonged use, overcrowding, and structural damage," rendering many shelters uninhabitable. It noted that "overcrowding has overwhelmed resources, increasing protection risks, including gender-based violence concerns," particularly in Debre Birhan.

The GSC also reported that over 900,000 displaced individuals in Tigray face worsening conditions, with 18% of IDPs across 90 collective centers experiencing "severe overcrowding and a lack of privacy." In Endabaguna, the IDP population has surged to "365% of the host population," while in Shire, schools are accommodating displaced persons "far beyond their intended capacity, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks." A December 2024 report by Addis Standard noted that IDPs returning to war-affected areas in northwestern Tigray continue to face "critical challenges," including a lack of basic services and persistent insecurity, leaving many unable to rebuild their lives.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49000

#Sudan's #RSF and allies formalise vision for parallel government

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups signed a "transitional constitution" on Tuesday, a step toward forming a parallel government amid their ongoing conflict with the army. The move follows their February agreement in principle to establish a government for a "New Sudan" as they seek to challenge the army-led administration and secure advanced arms imports.

The new constitution formally establishes a governing structure, outlining a "federal, secular state" divided into eight regions. It includes a bill of rights allowing self-determination if "separation of religion and the state" is not ensured. It also envisions a "single national army," with the signatories as its "nucleus." Elections are referenced as an outcome of the transitional period, but no timetable is set.

The RSF’s push for a parallel government comes as the conflict nears its second year, with the army reporting recent gains in "Sharg el-Nil" and ongoing clashes in Khartoum. Among the signatories of the RSF-backed constitution is the powerful SPLM-N, which controls vast areas in South Kordofan, along with other smaller factions.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudans-rsf-allies-formalise-vision-parallel-government-2025-03-04/