#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

#US Senate Foreign Relations Chair urges #Ethiopia, #Eritrea to de-escalate tensions, warns of ‘catastrophic’ consequences in #Tigray

Senator James Risch, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has warned that renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray and surrounding regions would have “catastrophic” consequences. He called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to “urgently de-escalate tensions immediately.”

The warning comes amid rising tensions between the two countries and internal divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF). Earlier this week, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea “seems inevitable” as military preparations reach their “final stages.”

Tensions within TPLF have also risen after the Tigray Interim Admin suspended 4 senior military leaders for allegedly engaging in activities that “deviate from gov't decisions.”

Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1900505195747901911

#US and #Israel contact Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan over #Gaza resettlement plans

The United States and Israel have contacted officials in #Sudan, #Somalia, and #Somaliland as part of efforts to find destinations for Palestinians uprooted from Gaza, The Associated Press (AP) reported, citing American and Israeli officials. The discussions, linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, propose that Gaza’s population be permanently relocated while the U.S. assumes control of the territory.

Somalia and Somaliland officials told AP they were not aware of any such discussions. A Somalia government source stated the country had “not been approached” and there had been “no discussions” regarding resettlement. An official from Somaliland, which has sought international recognition, also denied knowledge of the matter. However, AP cited a U.S. official who said Washington was “having a quiet conversation” with Somaliland on areas of cooperation, including potential recognition.

Sudanese officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Khartoum was approached but said the proposal was “immediately rebuffed.” One official added, “No one opened this matter again.” Military leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan told an Arab summit that Sudan “categorically rejects” any plan aimed at transferring Palestinians “under whatever justification or name.”

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-trump-somaliland-sudan-somalia-575e03aaa0c487bae2fbadfdef8f5ca3

#Ethiopia: #Boro Democratic Party announces arrest of two more leaders in #Benishangul_Gumuz amid rising tensions over regional constitution amendments

Boro Democratic Party (#BDP) said regional security forces arrested two more of its leaders in Benishangul-Gumuz, following the detention of a party representative who opposed recent constitutional amendments. A senior party member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Muluken Asfaw was detained on 11 March 2025, while Shibabaw Hailu was arrested from his residence on 13 March 2025. Their arrests come after security forces took Yohannes Tessema, a BDP regional council representative, into custody on 09 March 2025. Yohannes had objected to the implementation of the amended Benishangul-Gumuz regional constitution.

“The reason for the arrest is unclear,” the source said, but added that “the regional government repeatedly accuses the party of using fake accounts to undermine authorities.” The Benishangul-Gumuz Communication Affairs Bureau previously labeled BDP leaders and supporters as “foreign agents” and warned that “necessary legal action” would be taken against those “spreading misinformation.” BDP, however, rejected the accusations, stating that the arrests were part of a “deliberate attack” on the party and its members.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49211

#MSF warns of ‘rapidly spreading’ outbreak as cholera kills 31 in #Ethiopia

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned of a “rapidly spreading” cholera outbreak in Ethiopia’s #Gambella region, where at least 31 people have died and more than 1,500 have been infected over the past month. The medical charity said the situation has worsened with the arrival of refugees from #South_Sudan, where thousands are also affected.

“Cholera is rapidly spreading across western Ethiopia and in parallel, the outbreak in South Sudan is ongoing, endangering thousands of lives,” MSF said in a statement on Friday. Several regions in Ethiopia, including #Amhara, are battling cholera outbreaks, with the country’s second-largest region among the hardest hit. The disease, which is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, spreads through contaminated food and water.

MSF reported that in South Sudan’s Akobo County, 1,300 cholera cases have been recorded in the past four weeks. The group attributed the worsening outbreak to “recent violence around the Upper Nile” between the South Sudanese government and armed groups. “Thousands are being displaced, losing access to healthcare, safe water, and sanitation,” MSF said. South Sudan declared a cholera epidemic in October last year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 4,000 people died from cholera in 2023, with cases increasing by 71 percent from the previous year. MSF said it is “treating patients, providing clean water, and raising awareness” in Ethiopia, while delivering “lifesaving care” in South Sudan. It called for urgent support, including “health facility assistance, provision of safe water, and a cholera vaccination campaign” in affected areas.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/14/msf-warns-of-rapidly-spreading-outbreak-as-cholera-kills-31-in-ethiopia

#US considers #Somaliland recognition in exchange for strategic military base near #Berbera – FT

According Financial Times a U.S. official, discussions have begun regarding a potential deal that would involve the United States recognizing Somaliland in exchange for establishing a military base near the strategic port of Berbera. This development, if confirmed, could significantly reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.

” A US official briefed on Washington’sUS official briefed on Washington’s initial contacts with Somaliland’s presidency said discussions had begun about a possible deal to recognise the de facto state in return for the establishment of a military base near the port of Berbera on the Red Sea coast.” Per FT

“The person, who described the contacts as “the beginnings of a conversation”, said Washington had raised the possibility of relocating refugees from the US and Gaza, although this was not the most important part of the talks. They said the Trump administration’s Africa team was not yet fully in place. “Until it is, these are very tentative, initial contacts,” the person said.

Berbera, located along the Gulf of Aden, is a key deep-water port that provides access to critical global shipping lanes. Its strategic importance has made it an area of interest for global powers, and the potential establishment of a U.S. military base there would enhance America’s influence in the region. A U.S. base in Berbera would provide a strategic position to monitor maritime routes and strengthen counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/03/u-s-considers-somaliland-recognition-in-exchange-for-strategic-military-base-near-berbera-financial-times/

#Ethiopia, #Russia agree to jointly explore naval cooperation

Ethiopian Navy Deputy Commander for Operations, Commodore Jemal Tufisa, said that the cooperation focused on training and capacity building. He further emphasized the Russian navy “commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s naval development and safeguarding the country’s interests in international waters.” The agreement for cooperation was signed by Commodore Jemal Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov.

A Russian navy delegation first visited the Ethiopian Navy General Directorate and held discussions with Ethiopian officials in February 2022.

The delegation, led by Major General Ostrikov said at the time that the visitors “witnessed Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize the Ethiopian Navy and build a strong institution for which Ethiopians can be collectively proud of.”

“In its whole-rounded efforts to build a strong navy and defense capabilities in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia can play its own roles in various fields of training”, the delegation said. An agreement was also reached with the Russian Federation Navy to work together in various fields of training.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49217

#Kenya: Tea exporters warn of massive losses after #Sudan ban, urge Ruto to act

The East African Trade Association (EATA) has called on President William Ruto to promptly engage the Sudanese government to allow a one-month window for buyers and exporters to clear tea shipments already shipped from Mombasa.

This request follows Sudan's suspension of all imports from Kenya due to Kenya's decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group currently in conflict with the Sudanese government.

EATA highlighted that the ban has left large stocks of tea destined for Sudan stranded in Mombasa warehouses and on the high seas, posing significant financial risks to tea farmers.

Exporters are seeking President Ruto's intervention to mitigate the potential losses resulting from the inability to fulfill contracts and payments for teas that had already been purchased at the Mombasa tea auction.

They decried that the immediate ban compromises farmers who already have running contracts with the tea importers in Sudan, and they have already shipped out teas that are on the high seas; some are lying at the Sudan port, and others are lying at the warehouse in Mombasa.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/109970-tea-exporters-warn-massive-losses-after-sudan-ban-urge-ruto-act

#Ethiopia: Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede dismisses concern over renewed conflict in #Tigray, calls for a “political solution” amid #TPLF rift

Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, has dismissed concerns of renewed conflict in Tigray, stating that “there is no reason for conflict” either with “the Federal Government or any other body.” Speaking at a press briefing in Mekelle on March 14, he stressed that security concerns “should not be a source of worry,” despite ongoing tensions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Tadesse, who also leads the region’s peace and security cabinet, reaffirmed that “the Federal Government will not attempt to resolve the region’s challenges through force,” adding that “there will be no conflict imposed on us from outside under this pretext.” He underscored that “there will be no internal conflict or war in any form; the issue of internal conflict is closed.” His remarks come amid tensions within TPLF that escalated earlier this week when the interim administration suspended three senior military commanders, accusing them of engaging in activities that “contradict government decisions” and risk “dragging the region into internal conflict.” On Thursday, residents reported that a faction within TPLF had taken control of Mekelle FM 104.4 and the city’s mayor’s office.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49220

#US launches wave of air strikes on #Yemen's #Houthis

The US has launched a "decisive and powerful" wave of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, President Donald Trump has said, citing the armed group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason.

"Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies," Trump wrote on his Truth social platform, adding that their "piracy, violence, and terrorism" had cost "billions of dollars" and put lives at risk.

The Houthi-run health ministry said at least 31 people were killed and 101 others were injured in the strikes.

The group - which began targeting shipping in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza - said its forces would respond to US strikes.

In a statement, the Houthis blamed the US and the UK for "wicked" aggression targeting residential areas in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa - though it is understood that the UK did not participate in Saturday's US strikes against the Houthi targets but it did provide routine refuelling support for the US.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US government had "no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy".

"End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism," he posted on X on Sunday. "Stop killing of Yemeni people."

The Houthis have said they are acting in support of the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and have claimed - often falsely - that they are targeting ships only linked to Israel, the US or the UK.

https://bbc.com/news/articles/c05mvr3j3yro

#Ethiopia, #AfDB partner on $7.8 billion Airport, #Africa’s biggest

Ethiopian Airlines Group and African Development Bank will partner to build a new airport that’s estimated to cost $7.8 billion and is set to be Africa’s largest.

The parties signed a letter of intent for the partnership to construct the facility in the East African nation on Friday, the finance ministry said in a statement Saturday, without disclosing the amount that the AfDB will provide for the project.

The new airport will enable Ethiopia to increase annual passenger capacity from 17 million now to more than 60 million by 2040.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-15/ethiopia-afdb-partner-on-7-8-billion-airport-africa-s-biggest?utm_source=website&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=twitter

#US denies It’s pulling embassy staff out of #Mogadishu

The US Embassy in Mogadishu has denied reports that it is withdrawing personnel from #Somalia, stating that claims of an evacuation due to security concerns are "false."

"Recent reports that the US Embassy in Mogadishu has begun withdrawing essential staff are false," the embassy said Sunday on its X account. Local media had cited unidentified diplomatic sources claiming the withdrawal was in response to a "deteriorating security situation."

The US State Department, which had temporarily restricted movements earlier in March due to "credible information" about possible attacks, announced on March 8 that the embassy had resumed "normal operations." However, a level-four advisory, warning US citizens against travel to Somalia due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy," remains in place.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-16/us-denies-it-s-pulling-staff-from-somali-embassy-in-mogadishu?srnd=homepage-uk

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia’s Growth Myth: Beneath surface lies bureaucracy, corruption, and inequality

In this op-ed, Geabral Ashenafi Mulugeta, a critic with a deep interest in economics, challenges the government’s narrative of Ethiopia’s economic growth, arguing that “beneath this façade lies a dysfunctional economy and governance system, riddled with bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and poor decision-making.” The author asserts that while officials present an optimistic outlook, “businesses struggle, public trust in institutions is eroding, and economic policies often serve political interests rather than national progress.”

The piece describes bureaucracy in Ethiopia as “more than just an administrative inconvenience—it has become a deliberate tool for control and corruption.” The writer notes that entrepreneurs, investors, and ordinary citizens face “endless hurdles when trying to register businesses, secure investment approvals, or obtain essential government services.” Comparing Ethiopia’s system to Rwanda’s, the author points out that after the 1994 genocide, Rwanda simplified regulations, digitized government services, and eliminated red tape, climbing to 38th place on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. “In contrast, Ethiopia remains in 161st place, discouraging both local and foreign investment,” the piece states. Additionally, the author argues that a key issue is the appointment of policymakers “based on political loyalty rather than expertise,” leading to ineffective policies and mismanagement. Drawing a historical comparison, the op-ed states that “a historical parallel can be drawn with the Soviet Union, where bureaucrats dictated economic policies without understanding market realities,” resulting in stagnation and collapse.

Corruption, the author argues, is another major obstacle, as Ethiopia scored “37 out of 100 on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 99th out of 180 countries—a clear indication of the widespread corruption embedded in its institutions.” The piece highlights that “businesses must pay bribes to secure government contracts, public officials exploit bureaucratic delays to demand under-the-table payments, and corrupt elites misuse public funds, worsening economic disparity.” Citing Singapore’s transformation, the author stresses the need for strict anti-corruption measures, an independent oversight body, and a merit-based system for government appointments. The op-ed concludes by warning that Ethiopia must “remove economic decision-making from political influence” and implement deep reforms; otherwise, it risks continued stagnation under a system that blocks progress while benefiting a select elite.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49246

#Kenya seeks new #IMF program after failing to secure $800 million

Kenya has requested a new funding program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after deciding not to proceed with a final review of its existing $3.6 billion, four-year facility. The program, signed during the Covid-19 pandemic, expires on April 1, leaving the country with a budget-financing gap.

“The Kenyan authorities and IMF staff have reached an understanding” that the ninth review under the extended fund facility and extended credit facility will not move forward, the IMF said in a statement. The lender confirmed that it has “received a formal request for a new program” and will engage with Kenyan officials in the coming period.

Under the current arrangement, Kenya fell short of key targets, including reducing its fiscal deficit and increasing revenue collection. Attempts to introduce new taxes or broaden the tax base led to violent protests last year, in which dozens were killed.

In recent months, Kenya has sought alternative financing, including a eurobond buyback and longer-dated securities, while planning to use $950 million to repay syndicated loans. It is also expecting the full disbursement of a $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates, which the IMF previously “expressed some reservations” about due to concerns over foreign-exchange risks and borrowing limits.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-17/kenya-seeks-new-imf-program-after-failing-to-secure-800-million

#Sudan's RSF leader Dagalo threatens to march on gov't-controlled Port Sudan

Gen. Mohamed Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), has warned of an attack on Port Sudan, where the army-backed government is based, along with cities in northern Sudan that have remained largely unaffected by the ongoing civil war. His statement follows reports of heavy fighting in Khartoum, where the army and allied forces have advanced towards key government sites.

In a video message posted on Saturday, Gen. Dagalo declared that the RSF’s anniversary would become a “day of regret and grief for the army.” He stated that fighting would take a new turn, vowing to strike “from any and everywhere” until his forces triumph. He also threatened to advance on Atbara, Shendi, and Dongola, referring to his targets as “criminals.” Meanwhile, the RSF maintains control over much of Darfur and parts of Kordofan, though it has lost ground in the greater Khartoum area.

As the army pushed further into #Khartoum, reports emerged of widespread lawlessness, including looting by armed groups. Witnesses said volunteers fighting alongside the army have reached within two kilometers of the presidential palace, capturing key sites such as Abraj Al Nilein and the national archives.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/03/16/sudans-rsf-leader-dagalo-threatens-to-march-on-government-controlled-port-sudan/

#Somalia PM replaces defense minister in cabinet reshuffle

Somalia Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre reshuffled his cabinet on Monday, replacing Defense Minister Abdikhadir Mohamed Nuur with Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, according to a decree from his office. Nuur was reassigned as Minister of Ports and Sea Transport.

The reshuffle introduced several new appointments, including Mahmoud Ahmed Aadan (Geesood) as Minister of Trade and Industry, Mohamed Farah Nuux as Minister of Transport and Aviation, and Mohamed Abdiqadir Ali as Minister of Youth and Sports.

Additionally, 12 deputy ministers were appointed across various ministries, including Transport and Civil Aviation, Energy and Water, Internal Security, and Environment and Climate Change.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Mar/200734/somali_prime_minister_reshuffles_cabinet_appoints_new_ministers.aspx