#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

#Ethiopia: #Hajj registration reopens in Ethiopia after brief suspension; deadline extended to end of March

The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has announced the resumption of Hajj registration, which was suspended two weeks ago. The council stated that the initial registration period, held between 23 January and 29 February, was "mandated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah." However, following discussions with Saudi authorities, the deadline has now been extended to 28 March. Council leaders noted that Ethiopia has been allocated 43,000 Hajj slots this year, making it the second-highest quota in Africa after Nigeria.

Sheikh Haji Ibrahim Tufa, President of the Supreme Council, said registration centers had "repeatedly reported" that many intending pilgrims remained unregistered. Sheikh Abdulaziz Abdulwale, Vice President of the Supreme Council, linked this to Ethiopian pilgrims' tendency to register "during and after Ramadan" and to "operational changes" introduced by Saudi authorities, which shortened the registration period. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has revised its Hajj policies for 2025, including new visa rules and measures aimed at improving crowd control and safety. Meanwhile, the Supreme Council has set the Hajj fee at 625,000 birr, nearly 90% higher than last year, a rise attributed in part to the depreciation of the local currency.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49165

#Ethiopia: #TPLF rejects calls for ‘third-party intervention’ after #Tigray Interim Admin requests ‘necessary assistance’ from federal gov’t

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has rejected what it called “direct and indirect calls for third-party intervention” in the region, following the Tigray Interim Administration’s request for federal “assistance.” In a statement on 12 March, the party warned that such actions pose a “serious threat” to the Pretoria Agreement. It also denounced the suspension of four senior military leaders, calling the decision “unauthorized” and “illegitimate,” and claimed the move was intended to “disband” the Tigray Army, leaving the region vulnerable to “the worst danger.”

The statement follows warnings from the Interim Administration that elements within the Tigray military forces are working to “dismantle” the Pretoria Agreement. The administration accused certain high-ranking commanders of “mobilizing” for “an outright coup” to serve “the power interests of a few” and urged the federal government to intervene. Meanwhile, Getachew Reda, President of the Interim Administration, said he had briefed diplomats from Western countries on the “deteriorating situation,” while three opposition parties issued a joint statement warning that any forceful attempt to seize power would “bring danger to Tigray.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49172

#Israel and #Ethiopia must fight ‘shared threat’ of #terrorism, says Sa’ar

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar asserts the need to combat terrorism in Israel and Africa during a press conference with his Ethiopian counterpart Gedion Timotheos.

“Ethiopia plays a critical role in combating the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization,” says Sa’ar, explaining that Al-Shabaab “collaborates with the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, further destabilizing the region. Since October 7, the Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli civilians, disrupted global trade routes, and now threaten to block Israeli ships from the Red Sea. They are a threat to Israel, Africa, and the global order.”

The foreign minister adds that Timotheos’s visit is “the first in an initiative…to deepen ties with African nations,” calling Ethiopia “one of the leading countries” in the region.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-and-ethiopia-must-fight-shared-threat-of-terrorism-says-saar/

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia’s Maritime Dilemma: Why MoU with #Somaliland risks diplomatic fallout, undermines regional stability

In this op-ed, Hassan Yusuf, a commentator on politics and society in the Horn of Africa, critiques Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, arguing that it risks diplomatic fallout and undermines regional stability. The writer presents a counterpoint to a previously published piece by Adam Daud Ahmed, which framed the MoU as a strategic opportunity for Ethiopia. However, as this article asserts, Ethiopia’s approach raises legal, geopolitical, and economic concerns that cannot be ignored.

The piece challenges the assertion that Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland represents a breakthrough, instead highlighting the diplomatic and legal risks of bypassing Somalia. "Ethiopia has long upheld the principles of territorial sovereignty, yet in this case, it appears willing to abandon that commitment when it serves its maritime ambitions," the writer states. He argues that Ethiopia’s engagement with an unrecognized entity contradicts its own historical stance and could set a precedent that backfires on its territorial integrity. "If Ethiopia endorses Somaliland’s breakaway status through an MoU, what stops others from supporting separatist movements within Ethiopia itself?"

Beyond legal considerations, the article examines the economic and geopolitical ramifications of Ethiopia’s decision. The writer emphasizes that the MoU does not immediately resolve Ethiopia’s dependence on Djibouti, given the significant financial and logistical challenges associated with shifting maritime trade to Somaliland. "Switching to Somaliland would require billions in investment to build new port infrastructure, trade corridors, and logistical networks—a process that could take decades," the op-ed notes. Additionally, the article warns that Ethiopia’s decision could exacerbate regional tensions, potentially pushing Somalia’s allies—including Turkey, Egypt, and the Arab League—to take a stronger stance against Ethiopia. Rather than unilateral action, the piece advocates for diplomatic engagement with Somalia and other regional actors. "Ethiopia stands at a crossroads," the writer concludes. "It can either pursue its maritime ambitions through lawful and cooperative means, or it can jeopardize its regional standing by engaging in legally questionable agreements that provoke conflict."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49169

'We will just die in silence': #US aid cuts hit #Ethiopia's fragile #Tigray region

Aid cuts by the U.S. have left millions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region without food and essential services, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. Haile Tsege, a 76-year-old displaced person, said, “We will just die in silence,” as food deliveries stopped at a camp near #Mekelle, where over 20,000 people depend on aid. The suspension follows previous disruptions in 2023, when U.S. and U.N. food distributions halted due to a corruption scandal.

The cuts stem from the Trump administration’s decision to suspend foreign aid spending, including USAID’s payments system, forcing aid groups to stop distributions. “Everything boils down to the payment system,” said Teklewoini Assefa, head of the Relief Society of Tigray. He warned that “this will create malnutrition, disease. If this situation continues, what follows? Death.” A consortium of aid agencies in Tigray has suspended food distributions for over a million people, unable to cover costs for transportation and staff. “This is just one warehouse. There are several others across the region,” Assefa added, referring to 5,000 metric tons of sorghum stuck in Mekelle.

Beyond food, the aid suspension has affected healthcare, education, and support for survivors of war. “The impact has been huge,” said Ashenafi Asmelash, whose organization, Mums for Mums, lost funding for programs supporting farmers and children’s nutrition. Assistance for survivors of sexual violence has also been disrupted. “This sudden disruption is having a huge impact on the healing of traumatized people,” said Yohannes Fisseha, a manager at the Center for Victims of Torture, which has halted counseling and physiotherapy sessions. “Our picture of America was as a protector of rights, a positive force in the world,” said Yirga Gebregziabher, who managed USAID-funded programs in Tigray. “That image has now been broken.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ethiopia-donald-trump-world-health-organization-hiv-health-b2714217.html

#NewsAlert: Western embassies, #EU member states ‘monitoring ongoing developments and the escalating tensions’ in #Tigray

A group of Western embassies and EU member states say they are “monitoring ongoing developments and the escalating tensions” in #Ethiopia's Tigray region.

In a joint statement, they said they reaffirmed support for the 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, stressing that “there must be no return to violence” and urging all parties to “de-escalate and engage in urgent dialogue.”

Recent divisions and power struggles within the TPLF are deepening, fueling uncertainty. Marking the latest tensions, the Tigray Interim Administration, led by President Getachew Reda, has on Wednesday accused “certain military elements” of “attempting a coup” to undermine the peace deal in the region, and urged the federal government and international community’s support to prevent further instability.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1900147361768263941