#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

#Ethiopia: Over 2 million women, children received malnutrition assistance in 2024, report says

The Emergency Nutrition Coordination Unit (ENCU), a government unit in Ethiopia that manages emergency nutrition, said 2.73 million malnourished children and women received nutritional assistance in 2024, covering 80% of the targeted population. In its report, ENCU stated that treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) reached 670,951 children under five, while support for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) covered over 2 million children and pregnant or lactating women.

According to ENCU, a hotspot assessment identified 603 districts in need, with 214 classified as areas of very severe concern.

#Cholera cases reported in #UK, #Germany linked to #Ethiopia

The United Kingdom and Germany have reported cases of cholera linked to travel to Ethiopia, with some infections traced to the consumption of holy water from the Bermel Giorgis holy well in Amhara region.

On March 7, UK health officials confirmed four cases of cholera among individuals diagnosed in mid-February. Three of them had recently traveled to Ethiopia, with two visiting Amhara region, while the fourth case did not travel but consumed holy water brought back from Ethiopia. The individual who returned from Ethiopia also developed symptoms after drinking the water.

Germany reported three cholera cases on February 27, linked to two travelers who visited Ethiopia in January. They brought back a bottle of holy water, which they and a third individual—who had not traveled—consumed upon returning.

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/829/cholera-cases-reported-in-the-united-kingdom-and-germany-linked-to-ethiopia

#Ethiopia's Railways Corporation, #Korea's Korail sign MoU

Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC) and #Korea’s national operator Korail have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which aims to strengthen cooperation between the two companies and lay the groundwork for future agreements that will improve the efficiency and reliability of railway services in Ethiopia.

Under the agreement, ERC and Korail have formed the Korea-Ethiopia Railway Working Group that will facilitate the sharing of railway-related information and business updates. It will also serve as a forum for discussion and the sharing of project status information.

https://www.railjournal.com/regions/africa/ethiopian-railways-and-korail-sign-mou/

#Op_ed: On International Women’s Day: Stand with Muslim girls denied education in #Axum

On International Women’s Day, as the world celebrates progress toward gender equality, this op-ed by Mohammedawel Hagos, a doctoral candidate at Mekelle University and a lecturer at Worabe University, highlights the plight of 159 Muslim female students in Axum, #Tigray region, who have been denied access to education for 120 days due to a hijab ban. The author describes this as "a deliberate and systemic violation" of their rights, arguing that the ban not only prevents them from attending school but also subjects them to "intimidation and psychological harm" by educational authorities. The article asserts that such actions contradict Ethiopia’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and non-discrimination in education.

The op-ed also criticizes the Ethiopian Ministry of Women and Social Affairs for its silence on the issue, describing its inaction as "a profound failure to protect the rights of marginalized women and girls." The author contends that by failing to intervene, the ministry has signaled that the rights of Muslim students are not a priority, allowing discrimination to persist unchecked. The article warns that this inaction erodes trust in institutions meant to uphold gender and religious equality, reinforcing the exclusion of Muslim women from public life.

Calling for urgent action, the piece demands the immediate reinstatement of the affected students, the lifting of the hijab ban, and psychological support for those who have suffered distress. "The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs must break its silence," the author states, urging the government to uphold its commitments to human rights.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49057

#US orders nonemergency government staff to leave #South_Sudan as tension grows over fighting

The U.S. State Department on Sunday directed nonemergency government personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital, citing rising tension due to ongoing fighting in the north.

In a travel advisory issued the same day, the department warned that fighting was continuing and that “weapons are readily available to the population.” The clashes between an armed group and the national army on Tuesday led to the arrests of two government ministers and a deputy army chief aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, a former rebel leader. Following the arrests, the army reportedly surrounded Machar’s residence, with his supporters warning that the detentions were “threatening the country’s peace agreement.”

The conflict has raised concerns over the fragile 2018 peace deal signed by President Salva Kiir and Machar, which followed a civil war that left more than 400,000 people dead. On Friday, an attack on a U.N. helicopter conducting an evacuation mission in the north further complicated the security situation. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan described the attack as a “war crime” and warned that the escalating violence was “threatening to derail” the peace agreement.

https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-us-order-to-leave-tension-e2cad680e561d9f06925d8c3fc73a388

#Opinion: From Lost Cause to National Agenda: #Ethiopia’s bold move to end landlocked isolation, secure coastal gateway

In this opinion piece, Abtamu Tahir Mohammed, a public relations and communication specialist at the Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management at #Addis_Abeba University, examines Ethiopia’s renewed push for sea access, tracing its historical roots and assessing the diplomatic and strategic challenges involved. The piece argues that while Ethiopia’s landlocked status has long been considered irreversible, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration has brought the issue back to the forefront, making it a national priority. "For decades, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations were seen as a lost cause, but Abiy’s government has reframed the conversation, making it a strategic necessity," the writer states.

The author recalls that Ethiopia’s maritime access ended with Eritrea’s independence in 1993, a decision facilitated by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (#EPRDF) under Meles Zenawi. The op-ed notes that critics have long debated whether Ethiopia should have negotiated access to the Red Sea before recognizing Eritrea’s sovereignty. However, the piece also highlights that for decades, the EPRDF largely avoided revisiting the issue, particularly after the 1998–2000 war with #Eritrea. "Meles Zenawi largely abandoned the matter, treating it as an insurmountable challenge," the author writes, adding that this approach left Ethiopia "heavily reliant on Djibouti for over 90% of its maritime trade."

According to the writer, Abiy’s administration has adopted a markedly different stance, pushing for diplomatic negotiations with neighboring coastal states, including #Somalia, #Djibouti, and #Somaliland. The piece highlights the 2024 Ankara Declaration, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as a key development in this pursuit. The author acknowledges that Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions face resistance from regional actors and global powers with vested interests in the Horn of Africa. Nevertheless, the article suggests that Ethiopia’s strategy—focusing on economic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and regional diplomacy—could offer a viable path forward. "Securing alternative sea access would not only reduce dependency on Djibouti but also strengthen Ethiopia’s regional influence," the writer asserts, emphasizing that success will depend on "a delicate balance between national interests and regional stability."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49062

#Ethiopia: #Somali Regional State denies corruption allegations, dismisses claims as "false" and part of "defamation campaign"

The Somali Regional State Communication Affairs Bureau has dismissed corruption allegations made by the Somali Federalist Party, calling them “false” and part of a “defamation campaign.” The party had accused the regional government of mismanaging public funds and failing to complete key infrastructure projects, including the Kebri Dehar Clean Drinking Water Project and road developments in multiple zones.

The Bureau refuted the claims, stating that the Kebri Dehar water project is “52% complete” and that all contracts were awarded through a “transparent bidding process.” It denied allegations that “full payment had been made” for unfinished projects and asserted that no road construction in Shinile, Korahe, and Jarar zones was undertaken by the regional government. The Bureau further stated that the allegations aimed to “create suspicion between the people and the government” and undermine ongoing development efforts.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49065

#Somalia minister alleges officials leaking military intelligence to Al-Shabaab

Omar Ali Abdi, Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, has alleged that some high-ranking government officials have been "sharing sensitive military intelligence" with Al-Shabaab militants. The government, he said, is investigating these individuals and will take measures, including "stripping them of their ranks and removing them from the military register."

"Some former officials are passing crucial military information to Al-Shabaab, including secrets related to ongoing operations," Ali stated, adding that he supports the administration’s efforts to "defend the government" and recent military appointments. His remarks come amid concerns that Al-Shabaab has infiltrated government institutions, security forces, and other key offices, gaining access to critical intelligence.

On Friday, a senior military officer, Abukar Abdulle Raage Gar-Maqaate, was killed near Boos-Hareeri in the Middle Shabelle region, along with his accompanying troops. Their vehicles were also seized by the militants.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somali-minister-reveals-high-ranking-officers-sharing-military-intelligence-with-al-shabaab