#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

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim President accuses Eritrea of seeking to “benefit from turmoil,” warns of #TPLF faction “endangering the region”

Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has accused Eritrea of being among those “who think they can benefit from turmoil that will be created in Tigray,” asserting, “I know the Eritrean government is one of them.” He also warned that “certain TPLF groups who have lost legal acceptance” are working to destabilize the region. Speaking at a press briefing on March 13, Getachew said Eritrea’s first conflict with the federal government of Ethiopia began after the Pretoria Agreement and stressed that achieving peace does not mean disregarding “the massacre that Eritrea committed against Tigray.”

He further alleged that Eritrea views Tigray as a “buffer zone” in case of an Ethiopian government invasion. “If they believe a strong opportunity has been created, they want to plot a path to travel back to Addis Abeba by working together with our people,” he added. Getachew also claimed that a faction within the TPLF, which he described as “illegal” and “connected by interests, hoping to profit from war,” is “taking Tigray into another phase of turmoil.” However, he clarified that the Interim Administration “has not requested the Federal Government to intervene militarily” and that “there is no situation that would necessitate such a request at this stage.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49180

#Ethiopia: We have not made a formal request for federal government intervention - Getachew Reda

Getachew Reda, president of #Tigray’s Interim Administration, said no formal request has been made for federal intervention in the region. However, he stated that the federal government “has a responsibility” to protect the administration, which, he said, was “established with its participation and permission.”

“The federal government has a responsibility,” he said, “to rescue the government established with its participation and permission” when it faces threats.

Getachew attributed the crisis in Tigray to what he described as an “illegitimate faction” within the TPLF, acting in coordination with certain military leaders. He emphasized that while federal authorities must address the situation, this does not mean deploying the military or initiating war. “We are not saying the federal government should deploy the military and begin a war,” he said.

#Ethiopia: #TPLF faction seizes control of #Mekelle FM 104.4, mayor’s office amid rising tensions in #Tigray

A faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has taken control of Mekelle FM 104.4 and the city’s mayor’s office, sources told Addis Standard, as tensions escalate between the interim administration and TPLF-aligned military commanders.Residents in Mekelle, #Adigrat, and #Adigudem described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. “People are withdrawing money and buying essential goods,” a Mekelle resident said, fearing what might follow.

In Adigudem, a resident reported that “six local leaders were detained and taken to unknown locations” on March 12, describing a pattern where “those who oppose administrative changes disappear.” Similar concerns were raised in Adigrat, where long lines formed at banks. “The situation is unbearable,” a resident said, noting that many youth feel they have “nowhere to turn.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49186

#Sudan halts all imports from #Kenya over its support for Rapid Support Forces

Sudan has announced a ban on all imports from Kenya, citing Nairobi’s alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) through hosting their meetings and activities.

According to Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, the import suspension “is based on Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2024, which halts all imports from Kenya through all ports, border crossings, airports, and entry points,” the state-run Sudanese News Agency (SUNA) reported. The ministerial statement said the ban was necessary “to protect Sudan’s national interests and security” and instructed “all relevant authorities to enforce the ban immediately.”

The decision follows Kenya’s hosting of a political charter signing on Feb. 22, where, according to Sudanese authorities, the RSF and allied Sudanese groups declared a “parallel government opposing Sudanese authorities.” On Feb. 20, Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, in protest, accusing Kenya of hosting a “conspiracy to establish a government” for the RSF. Kenya, however, defended its role, stating that hosting the meetings was part of efforts “to find solutions to end the war in Sudan in coordination with the UN and the African Union.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-halts-all-imports-from-kenya-over-its-support-for-rapid-support-forces/3509198

Aid agencies sound alarm over surge in malnutrition across #Ethiopia; children, mothers hit hard as rates reach ‘critical’ levels

Aid organizations have raised alarm over a worsening malnutrition crisis in Ethiopia, with children and lactating mothers among the most affected. The Global Nutrition Cluster (#GNC) reported that acute malnutrition rates in several regions have “surpassed the critical threshold of 15%,” highlighting the severity of the crisis. Mortality rates among children with severe acute malnutrition were highest in #Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, and Southwest Ethiopia, while #Amhara recorded the highest number of cases with no clinical improvement despite treatment.

The GNC also warned that funding shortages are significantly hampering the humanitarian response. “Most nutrition partners reported that nutrition intervention has ceased in Amhara, #Oromia, #Tigray, Afar, and Somali regions” following USAID’s stop-work order, the report stated. The GNC estimated that $107.8 million is urgently required to assist one million acutely malnourished children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49196

#Ethiopia: Violent clashes in #Amhara’s East, West #Gojjam zones leave eight civilians dead

Clashes between government forces and #Fano militants in Debre Medhanit, East Gojjam Zone, and Genet Abo Kebele, Quarit district, West Gojjam Zone, have left at least eight civilians dead, residents told Addis Standard. A resident from Debre Medhanit, located near Mertole Mariam town in Nefse Sar Midir district, said five people were killed between 10 and 13 March after fighting erupted when, according to him, “Fano militants” seized local institutions, prompting government forces to intervene. He stated that heavy weapons, including DShK and sniper rifles, were used, and that residents fled as properties were looted.

In Quarit district, West Gojjam Zone, three civilians were killed in Genet Abo Kebele amid clashes between 7 and 8 March, according to another resident. He stated that two individuals were shot while working on their farmland, and a woman was killed by a stray bullet. He also alleged that security forces looted shops and commercial establishments, prompting merchants to flee. The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), in a statement on 12 March, said it had conducted operations against what it described as “extremists” in Mertole Mariam, Quarit, and other locations, reporting that 1,025 individuals were “eliminated” and 574 wounded, alongside the seizure of various weapons.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49199

#Rwanda latest country to sign defense cooperation agreement with #Ethiopia

Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of General Staffs of Ethiopia National Defense Forces (#ENDF), and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, Army Chief of Staff of Rwanda, have signed a defense cooperation agreement on Thursday to collaborate in “various military sectors.” The two countries signed the agreement following discussions on potential areas of collaboration between senior Ethiopian defense force officials and Lt. Gen. Mubarak, who is on an official visit to Ethiopia.

A press statement was released following the signing of the agreement by the defense institutions of both countries. Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation at the ENDF, stated that Ethiopia and Rwanda “have been working together on military matters for many years,” and the new agreement aims to “further consolidate their cooperation.” Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, Director of Rwanda Defense Force’s International Military Cooperation, reinforced the “strong and long-standing relationship” between the two nations and acknowledged Ethiopia as a country that has always been “quick to support Rwanda in times of need.” The defense cooperation agreement makes Rwanda the latest country with which Ethiopia has signed similar agreements, following recent military collaborations with #Kenya, #Qatar, South Africa, #South_Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49203

#Ethiopia: #ONLF condemns Somali region officials' meeting with Poly-GCL as ‘resource plunder’, warns the later of ‘repercussions’

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has condemned a meeting between the #Somali Regional State’s Energy and Mining Bureau and the Chinese company Poly-GCL, calling it an attempt to “plunder Somali resources” while disregarding the political rights of the Somali people. The party warned Poly-GCL of “repercussions” if it proceeds with oil and gas extraction in Ogaden without “the clear and legitimate consent of the Somali people.”

The Somali Regional State’s Bureau of Mines, Energy, and Petroleum said the meeting “focused on the opportunities and challenges on the ground and how to strengthen the collaboration” between the bureau and Poly-GCL. ONLF, however, described it as part of Ethiopia’s “ongoing efforts to secretly advance oil extraction” while ignoring past agreements. The party insisted that no oil extraction should take place until the Somali people’s political rights are addressed, warning that any attempt to proceed would be met with “strong resistance.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49206