#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

#Ethiopia: Benishangul-Gumuz regional gov’t denies "political motives" in constitutional amendment, calls opposition claims “misplaced”

The #Benishangul_Gumuz regional government has rejected claims that its recent constitutional amendment was politically motivated, stating that it aimed to make the constitution “multi-ethnic and inclusive” and had “nothing to do with polling stations or electoral districts.” Mohamed Hamid, head of the regional Justice Bureau, said the revision expanded parliamentary seats from 100 to 165 based on “social and economic needs” and was approved after discussions with two competing political parties.

The amendment has faced opposition from the Boro Democratic Party (#BDP), which petitioned Ethiopia’s Council of Constitutional Inquiry, arguing that the seat expansion was not based on population size and that changes to electoral districts exceeded the council’s mandate. The dispute escalated following the arrest of three BDP members, including Yohannes Tesema, a regional council representative. On 15 March, the regional council lifted Yohannes’ parliamentary immunity, with Mohamed accusing him of “disseminating information that incites conflict” and having “connections with elements attempting to overthrow the government by force.” He also warned against inflammatory content online, stating that the opposition stemmed from “the political elite rather than the people.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49251

#Op_ed: From Truce to Threat: New path to insurgency looms over #Somali region amid unmet peace deal promises with #ONLF

In this op-ed, Muktar Ismail Issack, a regional analyst and former humanitarian and development advisor to the President of the Somali region, warns that the specter of armed conflict “looms ominously” over #Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State as the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) issues its “strongest warning yet” about the potential collapse of the 2018 peace agreement. According to Muktar, ONLF Chairman Abdirahman Sheikh Mahdi (Maaday) has stated that the group is assessing “all options,” including a possible return to insurgency, citing what he describes as the federal government’s failure to uphold its commitments under the Asmara Peace Deal. “Less than 10% of ex-combatants were reintegrated, with most left destitute without sustainable livelihoods,” Issack claims, arguing that federal policies have “resurrected the ONLF’s founding grievances—marginalization and denial of self-determination.”

The author asserts that Ethiopia’s approach to the Somali region reflects a broader pattern of “co-optation and coercion” in its dealings with opposition groups, similar to tactics used in Tigray and Oromia. He claims that the Somali regional administration, led by Mustafa Omar, has been accused of “corruption and repression he once denounced.” Issack further states that “1.4 billionn birr ($25 million) was embezzled from a critical lifeline water project in a region where 68% of households lack clean water,” contending that such allegations highlight the government’s failure to invest in local development. He argues that the Prosperity Party’s governance has “hollowed the pact, reflecting prior failed agreements.”

Muktar warns that Ethiopia’s “reliance on coercive tactics rather than addressing fundamental grievances poses a significant risk of entrenching instability.” He claims that the ONLF’s warnings about renewed conflict echo previous patterns of violence in the region. “We are out of patience,” Muktar quotes Maaday as saying, emphasizing that the ONLF views the federal government’s actions as a betrayal of the 2018 peace deal. The author concludes that unless #Addis_Abeba takes concrete steps to address ONLF’s concerns—such as implementing the Asmara accord and ensuring regional autonomy—Ethiopia risks reigniting the very insurgency it sought to end.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49249

#Ethiopia: Bajaj drivers in #Afar struggle as fuel shortages force them to rely on black market, paying 300 birr per liter

Bajaj drivers in Afar region say they have been unable to purchase fuel from official stations for nearly a year, forcing them to rely on the black market, where prices have surged to 300 birr per liter. A driver in Amibara district, who requested anonymity, told Addis Standard that “official stations are not an option” as fuel rarely arrives. “It came only once in a year,” he said, adding that when they attempt to refuel, they are told, “There’s no gasoline.”

Another driver from Awash Arba, Ali Siraj, said they have no choice but to rely on the black market, where prices have reached “250 birr per liter.” He explained that due to high costs, “short trips” are no longer viable unless “contract-based.” He noted that the shortage has forced many drivers to stop working and caused fares to rise significantly. “A trip that used to cost 30 birr now costs 100 birr,” he said.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49267

#Ethiopia: #EHRC reports four injured as “#TPLF representatives” attempt to seize gov’t offices in Adi Gudom town, #Tigray

At least four people were injured on March 11 in Adi Gudom town, Tigray region, during “unrest” that followed attempts by “those identifying as representatives of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)” to “take control of government institutions,” the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reported. The commission stated that it is “investigating information” regarding the incident, which took place amid tensions between the Tigray Interim Administration and individuals claiming to represent the TPLF. The EHRC also noted that “four people, including the mayor,” were detained for several days before being released.

The EHRC further confirmed the detention of “the security head and another individual who is a member of the Tigray Independence Party” in Saharti Samre district on March 11, though both were later released. It attributed growing community concerns to administrative changes in Mekelle and Adigrat, which have “exacerbated the disagreement.” These tensions come amid a power struggle within the TPLF, with factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, which has escalated since last week following the Interim Administration’s decision to suspend three senior military commanders, a move rejected by the region’s Peace and Security Bureau.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49274

21 killed in #South_Sudan aerial bombing, fighting intensifies near #Ethiopian border

At least 21 people were killed in an air strike on a village in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, near the Ethiopian border, on Sunday night. The attack follows recent clashes between government forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia, in the region.

Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew confirmed the deaths, stating that “17 people died on the spot after the bombing, and five were injured. However, only one of the injured is still alive, bringing the death toll to 21.” Among the victims was the local paramount chief, Paul Bol.

The aerial bombing comes less than two weeks after government forces withdrew from the area following intense fighting. Witnesses accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of carrying out the attack, alleging it targeted residential areas and destroyed homes. Ugandan troops had recently warned the local militia in Nasir to surrender or face military action.

The clashes in Nasir, a region bordering Ethiopia, have raised concerns of renewed conflict, echoing the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018. The government accuses the party of First Vice President Riek Machar of collaborating with the White Army, which fought alongside his forces during the civil war. Machar's party has denied any involvement.

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/21-killed-in-south-sudan-aerial-bombing-4969148

#Ethiopia: Benishangul-Gumuz regional council member, opposition leader, appears in court after immunity lifted; remanded for 14-day investigation

Yohannes Tessema, a Central Committee member of the opposition Boro Democratic Party (#BDP) and a member of the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Council, appeared before the #Assosa Zone First Instance Court on Monday, 17 March 2025, following the lifting of his parliamentary immunity during an emergency session on Saturday. The court granted police a 14-day investigation period, his wife and a party source told the BBC.

His arrest follows a controversial constitutional amendment that increased parliamentary seats in Benishangul-Gumuz from 100 to 165. While regional authorities say the changes ensure “multi-ethnic and inclusive” representation, opposition group argue they “exceed the council’s constitutional mandate.” Yohannes and two other BDP members had petitioned Ethiopia’s Council of Constitutional Inquiry to challenge the amendment’s legality before their arrests. During Monday’s hearing, police accused Yohannes of “working to overthrow the regional constitution,” “establishing connections with foreign forces,” and “insulting high-ranking regional leaders.” Yohannes denied the allegations, stating that claims of attempting to overthrow the regional constitution require “proof of an organized military force,” which he and his party “do not have.” The court adjourned the case to 31 March 2025.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49279

#RSF shelling kills six in #Omdurman, #Sudan army advances toward #Khartoum

Shelling by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed six civilians, including two children, in Omdurman, a doctor at Al-Nao hospital told AFP on Monday. "Sunday's attack also wounded 36 civilians," the doctor said, noting that "half of them were children."

The bombardment struck residential areas, with the Khartoum regional government's media office stating that civilians were hit "inside their homes" and children were wounded while "playing on a football field."

The Sudanese army, which has been retaking territory in and around Khartoum in recent months, said its forces were now positioned "less than a kilometre" from the presidential palace. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, in a video address shared on Telegram, vowed that his forces "will not leave the Republican Palace." AFP journalists reported seeing "thick plumes of smoke" over central Khartoum, while gunfire and explosions were heard in several areas.

https://www.newarab.com/news/rsf-shelling-kills-six-sudan-army-close-retaking-khartoum

#Commentary: The politics of drought and pastoralism in #Ethiopia

In this commentary, the #Karrayyu Advocacy Groups highlight the severe challenges faced by pastoralist communities in Ethiopia, particularly in the #Oromia region, where drought and seismic activity have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. The piece underscores how pastoralism, a centuries-old livelihood, has been systematically marginalized by government policies that prioritize agriculture and large-scale development projects. The authors note that “pastoralism has never been acknowledged (politically or legally) as a viable livelihood,” leaving communities vulnerable to environmental shocks without adequate support.

The article details the devastating impact of prolonged drought and recurrent earthquakes on the Karrayyu Oromo, a population of 130,000 in the #Fantalle District. The commentary states, “Since November 2024, the region has experienced a series of gradual yet intensifying earthquakes,” which have disrupted traditional pastoralist ways of life, destroyed villages, and rendered grazing lands unusable. The authors emphasize that “urgent intervention is required to address the mounting humanitarian needs,” as displacement and resource scarcity threaten the survival of these communities.

The commentary also critiques the Ethiopian government’s response, accusing it of neglecting pastoralist communities while promoting an image of progress. The authors argue that the government has “entirely ignored the region’s worsening crises,” focusing instead on propaganda that portrays development and stability. This omission, they claim, is a “calculated effort” to mask the suffering of pastoralists, who have lost access to ancestral lands and face existential threats to their way of life.

The piece calls attention to the broader structural injustices pastoralist communities face, including land dispossession and economic marginalization. The authors warn that without meaningful intervention, the unique cultural heritage and ecological knowledge of these communities could be lost. As the commentary concludes, “drought is no longer just a natural phenomenon; it has been weaponized as a means of eradicating pastoral livelihoods and, with them, centuries of indigenous knowledge and cultural identity.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49282

Suspected pirates hijack #Yemeni-flagged vessel off #Somalia coast

Suspected pirates hijacked a Yemeni-flagged dhow off Somalia’s eastern coast, marking the second such incident in a month.

“Up to seven hijackers remain on board,” the European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) said, adding that “the dhow has a crew of eight Somali nationals.”

EU Navfor’s Operation Atalanta, which counters maritime threats in the absence of a Somali navy, said it was “monitoring the event” and coordinating with Yemeni authorities.

The attack occurred near Eyl, a coastal town in #Puntland once known as a pirate hub. The International Maritime Bureau, a Kuala Lumpur-based monitoring body, reported a “resurgence in Somali piracy” last year.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-18/suspected-pirates-hijack-yemeni-flagged-vessel-off-somalia-coast