Rubio says 83% of #USAid programs terminated after six-week purge

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration has terminated about 5,200 of USAid’s 6,200 programs, cutting 83% of its operations after a six-week review of foreign assistance. In a post on X on Monday, Rubio stated that the surviving aid programs will be transferred to the state department and credited the effort to the department’s "hard-working staff" and Elon Musk’s "department of government efficiency" (Doge) teams.

The decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order on 20 January, which froze foreign assistance funding and mandated a review of all US aid and development programs abroad. Trump argued that much of the assistance was "wasteful and advanced a liberal agenda." Rubio, in his post, said the eliminated programs "spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States."

The rapid shutdown has led to widespread program cancellations affecting contractors and staffers running efforts "from epidemic control to famine prevention to job and democracy training." Aid groups say that even some "life-saving programs" were affected, including "emergency nutritional support for starving children and drinking water serving sprawling camps for families uprooted by war in Sudan."

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/10/marco-rubio-usaid-funding

#Tanzania defends decision to import electricity from #Ethiopia

The Tanzanian government has justified its decision to import electricity from Ethiopia via Kenya to address persistent power supply challenges in the Northern Zone, where frequent outages have caused economic losses amounting to over Sh32 billion annually.

Speaking at the inauguration of a water project in Kilimanjaro, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the decision was based on "technical and economic considerations." She explained that transmitting electricity over long distances from the South-Eastern region to the Northern Zone has resulted in "significant energy losses," making local supply unreliable.

Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa later released a statement confirming the plan, stating that "the importation of electricity from Ethiopia through Kenya will help eliminate frequent outages and minimize substantial energy losses." He added that Tanzania is a member of the North Africa Power Pool, which allows member states to trade electricity at competitive rates. The statement also said the cost of electricity from Ethiopia is expected to be lower than some domestic sources.

https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/tanzania-defends-decision-to-import-electricity-from-ethiopia-4958360

#German horticultural firm exits #Ethiopia’s #Amhara region, cites “unstable political situation, tense military environment”

Selecta One, a Germany-based horticultural company, has announced the closure of its operations in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, citing an “unstable political situation” and a “tense military environment.” The company stated that it is relocating its activities to #Kenya and #Uganda. The closure of its Kunzila production site, located in North Achefer district of West Gojjam Zone, has resulted in the loss of more than 1,000 jobs, affecting approximately 10,000 people, according to the company.

In its announcement, Selecta One said the decision was “carefully considered” due to “major logistical challenges of the past two years” that could not be permanently resolved under the current conditions. CEO Ansgar Klemm described the move as a “bitter pill to swallow,” emphasizing that despite “years of intensive development work,” the instability posed an “insurmountable hurdle.” He added that ensuring the “safety of employees” to the required level was not possible, making the relocation necessary.

https://addisstandard.com/german-horticultural-firm-exits-ethiopias-amhara-region-cites-unstable-political-situation-tense-military-environment/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Peace and Security Bureau rejects suspension of three senior commanders, #TPLF calls decision “unlawful”

The Tigray Peace and Security Bureau has rejected the interim administration’s suspension of three senior military commanders, stating that the decision "does not follow institutional procedures and law" and was made because "practical action against criminals had begun." The suspension, announced by Interim Administration President Getachew Reda on March 11, affected Major General Yohannes Woldegiyorgis, Major General Masho Beyene, and Brigadier General Migbey Haile. The administration accused them of engaging in activities that "deviate from government decisions" and warned that their actions could "drag the region into internal conflict."

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) also condemned the suspension, calling it "illegal" and warning that "the conspiracy to dismantle the Tigray army has escalated to a high and dangerous level." Referring to Getachew Reda as "the former President," the TPLF stated that the suspension "has no basis and cannot be implemented." Meanwhile, opposition party Salsay Weyane Tigray accused the TPLF and its loyalists of imposing "a campaign of brutal domestic repression" and enforcing an "illegal and draconian martial law" that is "terrorizing the civilian population."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49101

#Sudan, #South_Sudan discuss unrest after #UN helicopter downed

The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan held discussions regarding the security situation in South Sudan, following an incident in which a UN helicopter came under fire while evacuating soldiers, resulting in at least 27 deaths.

According to a statement from Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan spoke with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Sunday, focusing on bilateral relations and mutual concerns. The statement noted that Burhan was “reassured” about the situation, emphasizing that the Sudanese government is keen on sustaining security and stability in South Sudan. Kiir also reaffirmed his commitment to “establishing security and stability and normalizing security conditions” in his country.

The conversation took place shortly after the U.S. ordered nonemergency government personnel to leave South Sudan due to escalating security threats. The U.S. Department of State stated that “armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups”, with weapons “readily available to the population”.

The UN condemned Friday’s attack, calling it “utterly abhorrent” and suggesting it could constitute a war crime. The incident adds further strain to the fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, whose allied forces have clashed in Upper Nile State. Additionally, the White Army, a militia linked to Machar’s ethnic Nuer community, reportedly seized control of Nasir city following confrontations with government forces.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/sudan-south-sudan-discuss-unrest-after-un-helicopter-downed/3505112

Lt. Gen. Tsadkan warns #Ethiopia-#Eritrea war "seems inevitable," urges last-minute efforts to avert war

Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President and Democratization Cabinet Secretariat of the Tigray Interim Administration, has warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea “seems inevitable,” with preparations reaching their “final stages” and Tigray at risk of becoming the main battleground. Writing in The Africa Report, he cautioned that the conflict could spread beyond the two countries, affecting Sudan and the Red Sea region. While Tigray “would prefer to stay out” of the conflict, he said, the “option for peace may be narrowing, leaving war as the only option.”

Tsadkan claimed the alliance between Addis Abeba and Asmara has “gradually deteriorated” since the Pretoria peace agreement, making war more likely. He accused Eritrea of engaging in “predatory state behavior” and attempting to “take advantage of countries around it, particularly Ethiopia and Sudan.” He also warned that divisions within Tigray could complicate the situation, alleging that some leaders were “indifferent to the fate of the people of Tigray” and were seeking an alliance with Eritrea to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed before “eventually turning against Eritrea itself.” Urging last-minute diplomatic efforts to prevent war, he stressed that if deterrence fails, the “shortest termination of the war by all means—military or diplomatic—is in the best interest of Tigray and the region.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49114

#Commentary: #Somaliland’s International Recognition: Unique quest rooted in history, law

In this commentary, Abdi Halim M. Musa, a political analyst and former Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Commerce in Somaliland, argues that Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition is not a conventional secessionist movement but rather an effort to restore a sovereignty that was never legally dissolved. The author contends that Somaliland’s claim is based on “a distinctive blend of historical legitimacy, legal precedent, and proven governance,” making its case unique within self-determination movements. He further asserts that acknowledging Somaliland’s legal and historical context is not just a matter of justice but a step toward regional stability.

The piece traces Somaliland’s history, noting that it gained independence on 26 June 1960 before merging with the Trust Territory of Somalia five days later to form the Somali Republic. However, the article highlights that this union was legally flawed, citing the Act of Union’s failure to meet international legal standards. Musa references the 1961 constitutional referendum, in which “over 60% of voters in the north rejected the proposed constitution,” as early evidence of discontent. He also discusses the December 1961 coup attempt by British-trained officers, emphasizing that its legal aftermath was significant. “A British judge acquitted the coup plotters, ruling that the union lacked a valid legal foundation,” the author writes, underscoring a key argument for Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Expanding on this legal foundation, the article points to the Montevideo Convention’s four criteria for statehood—permanent population, defined territory, effective government, and capacity for international relations—arguing that Somaliland meets all of them. Musa notes that Somaliland’s stability and governance stand in stark contrast to Somalia’s continued instability, reinforcing its legitimacy. The commentary further examines the geopolitical implications of recognition, asserting that Somaliland’s control of key maritime routes and engagement in regional diplomacy make it a valuable partner. The former Deputy Minister concludes that formal recognition would not only address a historical legal oversight but also strengthen principles of self-determination and regional security.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49096

Sponsored post: #CIMMYT drives wheat production systems and enhances livelihoods in Ethiopia’s Lowlands through the ADAPT-Wheat Project

CIMMYT, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (#EIAR), is working to expand wheat production in Ethiopia’s irrigated lowlands through the ADAPT-Wheat project. Wheat cultivation in Ethiopia has traditionally been concentrated in the highlands, but this initiative is shifting the focus to lowland areas, particularly in #Afar and #Oromia. The project aims to address key production challenges, including heat stress, limited access to improved wheat varieties, and gaps in mechanization. By introducing stress-tolerant wheat varieties and modern farming technologies, the project is improving productivity and strengthening food security.

A key aspect of the initiative is capacity-building, ensuring that farmers, researchers, and development agents are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources. Training programs, field demonstrations, and seed distribution efforts have been instrumental in supporting the adoption of new wheat varieties. The project also emphasizes collaboration, working closely with national research institutions, local agricultural offices, and farmers’ cooperatives to enhance the wheat value chain. These efforts are contributing to Ethiopia’s broader goal of reducing wheat imports and achieving self-sufficiency in production.

The ADAPT-Wheat project has introduced elite wheat lines, modern irrigation systems, and mechanized farming practices, helping smallholder farmers improve their yields. With financial support from BMZ, CIMMYT and its partners are making significant progress in seed production, technology diffusion, and sustainable agricultural practices. As the project advances, its impact continues to grow, offering long-term solutions for wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowland regions and strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.

https://addisstandard.com/cimmyt-drives-wheat-production-systems-and-enhances-livelihoods-in-ethiopias-lowlands-through-the-adapt-wheat-project/

#Uganda says it has deployed troops in #South_Sudan capital

Uganda has deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to "secure it," Uganda’s military chief said on Tuesday. However, South Sudan’s information minister denied the presence of Ugandan troops, amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.

"As of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it," Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, wrote on the X platform. He further stated, "We the UPDF (Ugandan military) only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda."

Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan military, said the deployment was made "on the invitation of the government of South Sudan," adding that "the situation will determine how long we’ll stay there." South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei, however, dismissed the reports, telling Eye Radio that "the claims are not true."

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/uganda-says-special-forces-deploy-south-sudan-capital-amid-tensions-2025-03-11/

#EU, #Ethiopia mark 50 years of diplomatic ties; Ambassador calls for unity amid ‘tectonic shifts’

Sofie From-Emmesberger, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ethiopia, said the EU remains a “trusted partner” during a press briefing marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and the bloc on 11 March 2025.

Speaking on global developments, Ambassador Sofie described the current geopolitical landscape as undergoing a “tectonic” shift, calling it an “unpredictable period.” She noted that “we are operating in an environment we don't really know where we are going” and stressed that “here we need to stick together as partners.”

Ambassador Abraham, deputy director general for Europe at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the five decades of cooperation and urged for increased “investment and trade” to further strengthen relations.

https://youtu.be/iOPBUqPXIdk

#Op_ed: Left Behind: How #Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms deepen inequality in #Somali region

In this op-ed, Mohamud A. Ahmed (Prof.), a columnist, political analyst, and researcher at Greenlight Advisors Group, examines how Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms have exacerbated economic inequality in the Somali region. While the Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER) agenda was introduced as a transformative initiative to stabilize the macroeconomy, the writer argues that “for the Somali region, these promises have proved to be little more than a mirage—a shimmering vision of prosperity” that disappears upon closer scrutiny. Instead of economic rejuvenation, the piece highlights how the region has faced “deeper socioeconomic shocks” and a growing sense of abandonment.

The article points to the reform’s market-driven policies, particularly the floating exchange rate, as key contributors to the crisis. “The rapid depreciation of the birr,” the writer notes, has disproportionately affected the Somali region, where reliance on imports is significantly higher due to limited local production. He adds that “by failing to tailor the reforms to the Somali region’s economic realities,” the federal government has widened the economic gap between the center and the peripheries. Inflation, subsidy cuts, and restricted access to financial services, the piece explains, have further strained local livelihoods, leaving pastoralists and small businesses struggling to survive.

Beyond economics, the writer argues that “the economic exclusion of the Somali region is intrinsically linked” to its long-standing political marginalization. Limited representation in the reform process, he contends, has made it difficult for the region to advocate for its interests, while federal investments continue to flow elsewhere. The article calls for a shift away from one-size-fits-all policies, urging both federal and regional governments to “adopt a region-sensitive economic strategy” that addresses local realities. “Unless the federal government acknowledges and addresses these regional disparities,” the writer concludes, “the vision of a prosperous and unified Ethiopia will remain elusive.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49133

#Ethiopia: #Werebabo district administrator, two others killed in armed attack in #Amhara region

Fentaw Kebede, administrator of Werebabo District in South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, was killed along with two others in an attack by armed individuals on March 11, 2025, the district administration announced.

A statement on the administration’s official Facebook page identified the victims as Fentaw, Chief Inspector Adis Zemen Fiseha, head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the district police office, and Kebede Endris, a driver. It attributed the attack to “armed extremist forces,” saying they “ambushed and killed the district leadership and experts who were traveling to serve the people.” The statement also claimed that "extremist forces who cannot win through intellectual struggle" were resorting to targeted "ambushes and assassinations."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49138

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Admin urges federal gov’t for “necessary assistance,” warns of “looming danger”

The Tigray Regional Interim Administration has urged the federal government to “understand” the worsening crisis and “provide necessary support,” warning that a faction within the Tigray military forces is working to “dismantle” the Pretoria Agreement and destabilize the region. The administration claimed that since January 23, 2025, some high-ranking commanders have been mobilizing to carry out “an outright coup to serve the power interests of a few,” with illegal activities intensifying on the Northeastern and Southern fronts.

The administration also accused the commanders of attempting to “dismantle the Interim Administration from top to bottom” while carrying out “illegal actions” against civilians. It alleged that these figures, driven by the interests of “a power-hungry group,” are undermining the administration and violating the Pretoria Agreement, exacerbating the suffering of the Tigray people. In its statement, the administration called on the federal government to provide necessary assistance and not remain “silent” as the region faces “looming danger.” It further appealed to the international community to “exert necessary pressure” on the group and its backers, warning that failure to act would lead to “another round of suffering” for the people of Tigray.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49149

#Tigray Interim President accuses senior commanders of attempting to "impose their will" on Interim Admin

Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, accused senior commanders of attempting to "impose their will" on the interim administration by siding with a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF). He said while initial discussions suggested they understood the limits of their role, "the top brass in the Tigray army leadership" later sought to "force a will on the interim administration" and influence lower-ranking officers.

He alleged that a faction within the TPLF, after holding what he called a "divisive" and "below-standard" party congress, tried to "declare that the interim administration belonged to it" and "essentially destroy the interim administration and replace it with its own." According to him, the federal government, which facilitated the administration’s formation as a result of the #Pretoria agreement, rejected the move as "illegal and unacceptable."

#Opinion: Death of Truth, Age of Misinformation: How subjective realities split society, path to objectivity

The world is now "bombarded with information," a phenomenon that, according to this piece, has led to the fragmentation of truth. Geabral Ashenafi Mulugeta, a critic with a deep interest in economics, argues that unlike in the past—when religious, philosophical, and historical doctrines shaped collective understanding—truth today has become "personalized and subjective." People, the article contends, now construct their own realities "based on personal agendas, experiences, and ideologies" rather than seeking objective truth.

The writer describes this shift as a modern Dark Age, not defined by political or social collapse but by "intellectual and ideological decay." The article argues that the overwhelming flow of information from social media, news channels, and corporations fosters "confusion, disinformation, and ideological extremes." This, the piece suggests, is not just a philosophical concern but a real-world issue that fuels "polarization, extremism, and violence." Understanding "how truth is manipulated" and recognizing the dangers of imposing subjective realities, the writer asserts, is more important than ever.

While the internet provides "unmatched access to knowledge," the article contends that people are now "more confused than informed." Instead of using information to "make intelligent decisions or grow," individuals, the writer argues, become "paralyzed" by the sheer volume of conflicting perspectives. As a result, they "flip-flop between opinions and ideologies" without fully engaging with any, leading to stagnation in learning and critical thinking.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49157

#Somalia forces kill 50 militants in airstrikes after ending hotel siege

Security forces in Somalia said they killed all six attackers who stormed a hotel in Beledweyne, a central town in Hirshabelle state, and later conducted airstrikes that killed at least 50 al-Shabab militants. Beledweyne District Commissioner Omar Osman Alasow stated that the siege, which targeted a hotel hosting traditional elders and security officials, ended early Wednesday.

“Our security forces successfully got rid of six militants who attacked a hotel,” Alasow said. He explained that during the 18-hour siege, two attackers were shot dead, while "four of them desperately blew themselves up when they realized that they could not escape."

Hours after the siege, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reported that coordinated airstrikes in the Middle Shabelle region killed “at least 50 al-Shabab militants."

https://shorturl.at/GonAY

#AU warns of #Sudan partition risk, urges non-recognition of parallel government

The African Union (AU) has warned that the announcement of a parallel government in Sudan poses "a huge risk of partitioning the country." It urged member states and the international community "not to recognise any government or parallel entity aimed at partitioning … the Republic of Sudan or its institutions."

The warning follows last month’s signing of a "founding charter" by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its allies, signaling an attempt to establish a breakaway administration in areas under their control. The AU, in its statement, reiterated that it "does not recognise the so-called government or parallel entity in the Republic of Sudan."

The European Union (#EU) also reaffirmed its stance on Tuesday, expressing support for "the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan." Last week, the United Nations Security Council raised "grave concerns" over the "founding charter," warning that it could worsen the "already dire humanitarian situation." UN human rights chief Volker Turk recently cautioned that Sudan was "looking into the abyss," as nearly 25 million people face severe food insecurity, with 600,000 "on the brink of starvation."

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/12/african-union-warns-of-sudan-partition-risk