#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."

Watch!

#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/

#Ethiopia: #Amnesty urges #UNHRC to condemn forced return of #Eritrean refugees, cites over 600 forcibly returned from Ethiopia

Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to condemn the forced return of Eritrean refugees, stating that “within the last three months alone, more than 600 Eritreans have been forcibly returned” from Ethiopia to Eritrea. The organization described the human rights situation of Eritrean refugees as “dire,” particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan, and referenced a June 2024 UN report highlighting violations, “especially against women and girls,” in Sudanese areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces.

Amnesty also pointed to Türkiye’s forced return of about 180 Eritreans in August 2024, saying this violated their “right to protection and the principle of non-refoulement.” The group attributed Eritrean displacement to “decades-long forced and indefinite conscription,” which it described as “forced labor” that in some cases amounts to slavery. Citing “credible media reports” from February 2025, Amnesty said the Eritrean government had intensified military mobilization amid what it called “escalating tensions between Ethiopian and Eritrean officials.”

https://addisstandard.com/amnesty-urges-unhrc-to-condemn-forced-return-of-eritrean-refugees-cites-over-600-forcibly-returned-from-ethiopia/?noamp=mobile

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia’s Maritime Gamble: Seize opportunity with #Somaliland’s offer or yield to #Somalia’s pressure?

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, explores Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions in light of the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (#MoU) signed in January 2024. The article argues that the agreement offers Ethiopia “a golden chance” to secure direct access to the sea, something the country has lacked since #Eritrea’s independence in 1993. However, the piece also examines Somalia’s opposition, noting that it “does not come from any valid administrative or territorial interest in Somaliland, but rather from its quest to uphold the pretense of territorial integrity.”

The op-ed emphasizes Somaliland’s stability, describing it as “fully in control of its territory for over 30 years” and contrasting it with Somalia’s ongoing struggles with insecurity and terrorism. According to the article, Ethiopia stands to gain strategic economic autonomy, trade route diversification, and a stronger presence in the Red Sea. “The MoU is not just a trade agreement,” the author asserts. “It is a golden chance for Ethiopia to position itself as a premier power in the Horn of Africa.” The piece warns that if Ethiopia yields to external diplomatic pressure, it could face continued dependence on Djibouti, weakening its regional influence.

Further, the op-ed discusses Turkey’s role in the dispute, questioning its neutrality due to its close ties with Somalia. The article argues that Turkey’s support for Mogadishu “risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa in its pursuit of geopolitical interests.” Concluding the piece, Adam Daud Ahmed urges Ethiopia to stand firm, stating that “Ethiopia must grasp this opportunity to free itself from the chokehold of Djibouti dependence, secure its maritime sovereignty, and assert itself as a leader in the Horn of Africa.”

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopias-maritime-gamble-seize-opportunity-with-somalilands-offer-or-yield-to-somalias-pressure/

#Ethiopia: #Addis_Abeba Revenue Bureau announces travel ban on 62 taxpayers, cites 3.2 billion tax liability

The Addis Abeba Revenue Bureau has submitted the names of 62 taxpayers with outstanding debts exceeding 3.2 billion Birr to the Immigration and Citizenship Service (#ICS) to prevent them from leaving the country. The Bureau stated that despite “repeated calls,” the individuals have “been unwilling to pay their debts,” which, it said, should be allocated to the city.

It added that the names were forwarded to the ICS in line with its authority. A newly reorganized Debt Monitoring and Administration unit, introduced this fiscal year, has been working to “properly track tax evaders” and ensure compliance, the Bureau said. Over the past six months, this effort has led to the collection of “more than 6.4 billion Birr.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49021

#Ethiopia earns $30 million from ammunition exports, PM Abiy says

Ethiopia has generated approximately $30 million from ammunition exports in the past three months, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said during a visit to the Homicho ammunition factory in the West Shawa zone of the #Oromia region.

"Many countries have entered into agreements to buy ammunition. Just in the past three months, we have made around $30 million in sales," Abiy told the media.

He stated that Ethiopia previously relied on imports for ammunition, military clothing, and other essentials, but now much of the equipment is domestically produced. "We used to import military clothing, shoes, bullets, Kalashnikovs, and snipers. Now the military manufactures its clothes and shoes and fills the shortage from local industries," he said.

Watch!

#UAE denies #Sudan’s accusations of ‘complicity in genocide’ at the #ICJ

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dismissed Sudan’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling it “nothing more than a cynical publicity stunt” and stating that it would seek its “immediate dismissal.” Sudan accuses the UAE of breaching the Genocide Convention by providing “direct support” to the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), alleging its complicity in genocidal acts against the Masalit people in Darfur.

UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), said Sudan should instead focus on efforts to “cease fire in this absurd and destructive war” and address the country’s “massive humanitarian catastrophe.” He added that, instead, the Sudanese army was engaging in “feeble media maneuvers to justify their rejection of peace and the political path.”

The war between the RSF and Sudan’s army, ongoing since April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 12 million people. The conflict has led to state collapse and spread across Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where RSF and allied fighters—mostly from nomadic “Arab” tribes—have clashed with the sedentary “non-Arab” Masalit

Sudan has asked the ICJ to impose provisional measures requiring the UAE to pay reparations and ensure that any “irregular armed units which may be directed or supported by it” do not commit acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/6/sudan-files-case-against-uae-at-top-un-court-over-complicity-in-genocide

#Opinion: Echoes of the Past, Hopes for the Future: After decades of atrocities, can justice prevail in #Ethiopia’s #Somali region?

In this opinion piece, Keinan Hared, a policy specialist with extensive experience in development and aid initiatives, examines the evolving human rights landscape in Somali region. The author reflects on the region’s history of widespread abuses, the progress made since 2018, and the challenges that remain in ensuring lasting justice and institutional resilience.

The writer underscores how, prior to August 2018, the Somali region endured decades of repression, marked by crimes against humanity, collective punishment, and extrajudicial killings. “The region was marred by harrowing atrocities,” the author notes, referencing the Dhegahmadow massacre, where 116 civilians were killed, and other violent incidents in Qoriley, Jaamac Dubad, and beyond. The piece highlights how institutions were weakened under the previous administration, compounding the region’s struggles with justice and governance. Reports by organizations such as Human Rights Watch documented severe abuses, including torture and inhumane conditions in Jigjiga Central Prison.

Since 2018, the piece argues, there have been significant improvements in human rights protections, driven by efforts to repeal repressive laws, reform law enforcement, and integrate former ONLF fighters into political processes. “The closure of Jigjiga Central Prison, once a symbol of brutality, and its transformation into a memorial for victims signals a commitment to acknowledging past wrongs,” the author writes. However, the article warns that sustaining these gains requires institutional resilience, community engagement, and continued support from federal and international stakeholders. Only through strong institutions, the author asserts, can the Somali region move beyond its past and uphold the promise of justice and dignity for all.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49031

#Ethiopian airstrikes hit Al-Shabaab targets in #Somalia, minister confirms

Ethiopia’s air force carried out airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, a key battleground in the fight against the militant group, Somalia’s defense minister confirmed on Friday.

Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nuur stated that the Ethiopian strikes, which involved missiles hitting Al-Shabaab strongholds, were coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia. “No airstrikes can take place in Somalia without the government’s knowledge,” he said, without disclosing details on casualties or damage from the operation.

The minister highlighted Somalia and Ethiopia’s growing security cooperation, referencing the #Ankara agreement as a framework for joint efforts against Al-Shabaab. The strikes mark Ethiopia’s first known aerial operation in the region in recent years, following Somalia’s recent approval for Ethiopian forces to join the African Union Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM).

The operation comes amid an intensified offensive against Al-Shabaab, with Somalia’s forces, supported by foreign troops, increasing military pressure in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan during the holy month of Ramadan. Meanwhile, authorities in Mogadishu have tightened security measures, banning weapons and military vehicles at Aden Adde International Airport following U.S. intelligence reports warning of a possible attack.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/ethiopian-airstrikes-hit-al-shabaab-targets-in-somalia-minister-confirms

#Ethiopia: Hundreds of #Hawassa University contract workers face termination over pay demands; employees report five arrests, intimidation

More than 750 contractual employees at Hawassa University, including some with over 17 years of service, are facing termination after requesting what they described as “a salary increment.” Workers told Addis Standard that in addition to the risk of losing their jobs, they are also experiencing “intimidation” from security forces. At least five employees have reportedly been arrested, while others say they have received warnings of dismissal.

A worker employed under the ‘Yemitu Bezzina’ association, which supplies contractual labor to the university, stated, “I was hired in 2010 with a salary of 390 birr per month. Now, after 15 years, my monthly salary is just 1,000 birr.” Another employee, a mother of two who has worked as a cleaner for 17 years, said, “New hires have been granted permanent positions and receive higher salaries, but when we asked for a raise, we were told we are being let go.” The affected employees say they have submitted complaints to authorities, but instead of receiving support, they are facing pressure from security forces.

Read the full story below.

https://addisstandard.com/hundreds-of-hawassa-university-contract-workers-face-termination-over-pay-demands-employees-report-five-arrests-intimidation/

#UN projects $2 billion for #Ethiopia’s 2025 humanitarian response, faces $496 million funding gap

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) has projected a $2 billion budget for Ethiopia’s 2025 humanitarian response, with a $496 million funding gap for the first half of the year. It described the humanitarian situation as “critical,” particularly in conflict-affected areas such as #Amhara and western #Oromia, where insecurity has disrupted access to services. Protection concerns, including “gender-based violence, child separation, forced evictions, and destruction of property,” remain pressing issues. Seismic activity in #Afar and Oromia, where “232 earthquakes have been recorded since December 2024,” has also compounded the crisis.

OCHA noted that climate shocks have worsened conditions, with the October–December 2024 rains “underperforming in predominantly pastoralist areas,” leading to drought-like conditions. The agency described Ethiopia’s ongoing cholera outbreak as “the longest in the country’s history” and reported rising malaria and measles cases. It warned that “financial constraints have already led to the suspension of some life-saving assistance,” though some emergency food and water aid continues.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49042

#Kenya: Ruto, Raila sign deal to work together

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have officially signed a political pact that will see the two parties work together.

The Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework Agreement was signed at KICC, Nairobi, on Friday, in an event that was attended by Members of Parliament allied to the two leaders.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was also present at the event.

ODM Party Chairman Gladys Wanga welcomed the partnership, saying it will enhance equity in the country.

Wanga said the unity transcends Ruto and Raila, given that the two leaders have seen it all in Kenya’s political system.

“The unity and stability and prosperity of this country is not the responsibility of a few; it is the responsibility of all of us, as a nation. And while we may have different political persuasions and come from different parts of the country and different schools of thought, nobody can fault unity. Nobody can fault equity,” she stated.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2025-03-07-ruto-raila-sign-deal-to-work-together

#Ethiopia: Former combatants, families of deceased fighters protest unfulfilled land allocation promises in #Adigrat, #Tigray

Hundreds of former combatants and families of deceased fighters in Adigrat, Tigray’s Eastern Zone, protested on 5 March 2025, demanding land allocations for housing and work. The demonstrators accused the city administration of failing to deliver on promises made before their return to civilian life. Yonas Gebrehiwot, an ex-combatant, said they were protesting to claim “what was promised to us,” adding that despite repeated assurances, “we have seen no progress in securing the land.” Officials reportedly told them “there is no available land,” which they say violates their rights.

Protesters also raised concerns over land that had been initially allocated to them but later reassigned. Yonas stated that after making necessary preparations, “the city administration suddenly ordered us to stop construction” and reassigned the land to the Justice Office. G/Silasse Yihdego, another ex-combatant, said many are struggling to cover basic needs, stressing that the city's leadership “is failing to implement the regional directives.” Tigray’s Eastern Zone Administrator, Solomon Tiku, acknowledged the issue, stating that Adigrat’s delay in distributing land was “unjustified” and that city officials had agreed to implement the plan as soon as possible.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49048

#Ethiopian migrants among 186 missing as boats sink off #Yemen, #Djibouti; #UN reports two dead

At least two people died, and 186 remain missing after four boats carrying migrants—mostly Ethiopians—capsized in waters off Yemen and Djibouti, the United Nations migration agency said. The International Organization for Migration (#IOM) reported on Friday that two boats sank off Yemen late on Thursday, while two others capsized near Djibouti.

IOM spokesperson Tamim Eleian stated that “two crew members were rescued,” but 181 migrants and five Yemeni crew remain unaccounted for. Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen, said most of the passengers were believed to be Ethiopian migrants, with at least 57 women among them. “We are working with authorities to see if we can find any survivors, but I’m afraid we may not have any,” Esoev told AFP.

In Djibouti, authorities recovered two bodies, while all other passengers from the capsized boats were rescued, Eleian added. Despite Yemen’s ongoing war, the country remains a key transit point for migrants from East Africa seeking work in Gulf nations. Smugglers often use overcrowded boats for the journey across the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden, posing severe risks.

According to IOM, at least 558 people died along this route in 2024 alone, with over 2,000 migrants reported missing in the past decade.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/7/two-dead-186-missing-after-four-boats-sink-off-yemen-and-djibouti-un