#Ethiopia: Health Minister says cholera cases detected in major cities, denies gov't concealment claims

Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, said cholera cases have been reported in major urban areas, including #Addis_Abeba, while rejecting claims that the government had concealed the outbreak. She explained that in previous years, the disease was commonly referred to as acute watery diarrhea (AWD). "Cholera was not a term used in previous years," she said, adding that many people "know it as acute watery diarrhea."

Mekdes stressed that cholera remains a public health priority, with prevention efforts including vaccinations and community engagement. While about 200 woredas were considered vulnerable last year, she said the number has now dropped to 14 due to intensified prevention measures. She also noted that the disease remains a challenge in border areas where healthcare systems are weak, making regional collaboration essential.

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#Op_ed: Geopolitical Prize of the Horn: Why #US recognition of #Somaliland matters

In an op-ed analyzing U.S. recognition of Somaliland, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, argues that the decision "provides a welcome chance to reshape the geopolitical realities within the Horn of Africa, with enormous strategic, economic, and security benefits." The piece contends that Somaliland, which "gained independence in 1991," has maintained "comparative political stability and democratic rule," unlike #Somalia, which "is still plagued by violence, insecurity, and a weak central government."

The writer highlights Somaliland’s strategic position, stating, "The strongest argument for United States recognition of Somaliland may be its strategic position at the intersection of vital maritime trade routes." He describes #Berbera Port as being on the Gulf of Aden with "direct access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a significant maritime chokepoint that joins the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea." The article argues that "a Berbera base would offer a forward presence to defend and monitor these vital maritime corridors," enabling the U.S. to "take a more active role in guaranteeing the free flow of commerce, discouraging adversary powers from menacing them, and enhancing maritime security in one of the most important areas of the globe."

Beyond security concerns, the op-ed also discusses economic opportunities, stating, "Somaliland is replete with untapped natural resources, which also translates to immense economic opportunities for both Somaliland and the U.S." Ahmed argues that recognition would place the U.S. "at the head of the line in securing supply chains for critical minerals," which are essential for technology and defense industries. The article further asserts that "Somaliland recognition would enable the U.S. to offset China’s expanding influence in East Africa" and "forestall China’s monopoly of strategic infrastructure and seaborne trade routes in the region."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49313

#Ethiopia: Over 56 passengers abducted in armed attack on bus en route from #Addis_Abeba to Debre Markos in North Shewa zone, #Oromia

More than 56 passengers were reportedly abducted after armed men attacked a bus traveling from Addis Abeba to Debre Markos in Degem district, North Shewa zone of Oromia, near Ali Doro town, on March 17, 2025. Eyewitnesses told Addis Standard that the attackers "opened fire on the bus," forcing it to stop, before "taking passengers to an unknown location." Some witnesses said the attackers engaged in combat with regional security forces, while others "forcibly removed passengers from the vehicle."

A witness traveling in a separate vehicle described the attack as “horrific,” recalling "intense gunfire" and the bus being "hit in the tires." "They were severely beating the passengers as they forced them off," he said. Another source, an employee of the bus company, confirmed the attack and reported that "a driver was shot," with "many passengers, including the driver’s assistant, abducted." The incident follows a pattern of kidnappings along this route, with a similar abduction of over 100 university students in July 2024.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49327

#Puntland rejects #Somalia’s national ID, calls it politically motivated

Puntland has rejected the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Identification Card registration initiative, calling it “politically driven” and a threat to the region’s autonomy. The administration warned residents against participating in the program, arguing that it was “legally questionable” and imposed an unnecessary financial burden.

In a statement on Tuesday, Puntland’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization reiterated that the regional administration does not recognize “any law imposed without prior agreement.” The ministry accused the Federal Government of using the National ID project to “facilitate illegitimate elections” without broad political consensus. The statement further claimed that the initiative served as a distraction from Somalia’s “actual security and national unity challenges.”

Puntland also raised concerns over data security, stating that the information collected under the program was “neither secure nor safeguarded from falling into unreliable hands.” The Somalia government, however, has denied that the ID system is designed solely to support one-person, one-vote elections. It maintains that the initiative is meant to “strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and enhance security.” Puntland, however, insists that the project is “a wealth accumulation scheme” that adds to the economic burden on Somali citizens.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Mar/200764/puntland_rejects_somalia_s_national_id_calls_it_politically_motivated.aspx

#Ethiopia: New bill tabled to legislators proposes salary deductions from gov’t, private employees for disaster relief funding

A draft proclamation requiring “monthly salary deductions” from government and private sector employees to fund disaster relief has been presented to lawmakers. Introduced on 18 March 2025, the bill seeks to establish the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission as an independent federal body, with provisions mandating financial contributions from various sectors. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Response Fund, according to the bill, will be used for “disaster risk reduction, response, and rehabilitation efforts” across different phases of disaster management.

The legislation also requires contributions from banks, microfinance institutions, digital banking providers, and insurance companies through “service charges such as loan fees, digital banking service fees, premium payments, and dividends.” Additional revenue sources include “airline ticket sales, telecom services, fuel suppliers, passport and visa services, and business permit fees.” Entities failing to comply will face penalties, including the principal amount, a “10% surcharge,” and accrued bank interest. After a brief discussion, lawmakers referred the bill to the House’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs for further review.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49335

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim admin to stay another year, leadership overhaul possible —PM Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told lawmakers that the Tigray Interim Administration’s mandate, which recently expired, will be extended for “another year,” though he indicated that “there may be changes” in its leadership. He emphasized that any extension would require “legal amendments” but noted that further assessment is necessary before making changes. “Based on this assessment, and in a manner that respects the existing agreements, the interim administration will continue to function until the upcoming elections,” he stated.

Abiy acknowledged the administration’s role over the past two years, saying it had worked to “prevent the outbreak of another war” and to “ensure that issues are resolved through dialogue.” However, he suggested that leadership changes are likely, explaining that “some individuals may remain in their positions based on their strengths, while others may be replaced due to their weaknesses.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49341

PM Abiy says #Ethiopia has no intention to “invade” #Eritrea, calls Red Sea access “existential”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told parliament on Thursday that Ethiopia has “no desire to invade Eritrea for the sake of the #Red_Sea,” while emphasizing that access to the sea is “existential” for the country. He insisted that Ethiopia seeks a solution based on “give and take” and “market principles,” warning that failure to address the issue could lead to future complications. “We must address it, engage in discussions, not resort to conflict. War is unnecessary,” he said.

His remarks come amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh recently criticized Ethiopia’s push for maritime access as “misguided and outdated ambitions,” while Tigray’s Vice President, Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea “seems inevitable.” Abiy, however, dismissed accusations that Ethiopia is seeking confrontation, stating, “Many accusations have been made, but most do not hold water.” He emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to “peace and development” while affirming that the country is “fully prepared” to defend itself if necessary.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49345

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy announces completion of #GERD water filling, says no impact on #Egypt’s Aswan Dam

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told legislators today that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has completed its water filling process, reaching full capacity while ensuring that Egypt’s Aswan Dam is not affected. "Now GERD is 100% full, the same as the Aswan Dam," he said. He added, "I told President Sisi that during the filling of the GERD, the Aswan Dam would not lose a single liter of water."

PM Abiy referenced past discussions with Egyptian officials, noting their concerns about drought and the need for shared water security. "They shared their concerns about drought," he said.

PM Abiy emphasized the importance of cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt, stating that collaboration would benefit both nations. "We do not believe there is any issue to fight over or to spend resources on disputes," he said, urging Egyptian leaders to work together for mutual progress.

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#Tigray war survivors file criminal complaint in #Germany, accusing #Ethiopian and #Eritrean officials of war crimes

Eight survivors of the Tigray war have filed a criminal complaint in Germany, accusing twelve senior Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” according to their legal representatives. The complaint, prepared by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) and its partners, was submitted under Germany’s universal jurisdiction, which “allows states to prosecute international crimes committed abroad” due to their severity.

LAW said the complainants, including “a former humanitarian aid worker and a former interim government official,” suffered “sexual violence, arbitrary detention, torture, and starvation.” The group alleged that Ethiopian and Eritrean forces “predominantly” committed these crimes against Tigrayan civilians, while acknowledging that “other parties to the conflict” were also implicated. Citing a “widely referenced source,” LAW stated that the war’s death toll is estimated at “anywhere between 300,000 and 800,000.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49351

#Sudan army close to taking control of Presidential Palace from #RSF, state TV says

Sudan’s army is close to taking control of the Presidential Palace in #Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), state television reported on Thursday, marking what could be a major shift in the nearly two-year conflict. The RSF, which took the palace early in the war, has been “fighting fiercely” to hold its position, deploying snipers and engaging in close combat, according to reports.

Witnesses described explosions from airstrikes and drone attacks by the army targeting central Khartoum overnight. Military sources stated that the army, which has maintained an “advantage of air power,” has intensified its assault despite the RSF demonstrating increased drone capabilities. On Telegram, the RSF claimed it was “making advances” towards the Army General Command in response.

The conflict has created what the U.N. calls the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” with famine and disease spreading across Sudan. Both sides face allegations of war crimes, while the RSF has also been accused of genocide—charges they deny. Meanwhile, civilians in central Sudan have started returning home, though activists in Omdurman warned of robbery by some soldiers. The military has routinely denied such accusations.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-tv-says-army-close-taking-control-presidential-palace-paramilitary-rsf-2025-03-20/

#Op_ed: From Insurgency to Power Grab: Al-Shabaab’s deadly advance on #Mogadishu signals #Somalia’s descent into disaster

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political and security analyst in the Horn of Africa, argues that Al-Shabaab is no longer just an insurgency but “an alternative government in the making.” Citing the group’s territorial gains, he states that it is enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and providing security in captured towns, while Somalia’s government remains weak. He warns, “This is not just an extremist movement; this is a power shift in real-time.”

Ahmed contends that Somalia’s leadership is failing to confront Al-Shabaab, instead focusing on internal disputes. He claims that tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and regional states like #Puntland and #Jubaland are deepening the crisis. “Simply put, the country’s leaders are too busy fighting each other to fight Al-Shabaab,” he asserts. He also points to the recent visit of #Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, noting that Mogadishu came under mortar attack just hours after his arrival. According to him, this incident underscores that “even with maximum security, Mogadishu is too dangerous for foreign leaders.”

The article warns that Al-Shabaab’s potential takeover would have regional and global consequences. Citing the suspension of flights by Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, Ahmed suggests that international actors already recognize the deteriorating security. “If Al-Shabaab marches into Mogadishu, the scenario will be eerily similar to the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021,” he cautions. He calls for urgent intervention, stating, “If Mogadishu is lost, it will not be because Al-Shabaab was too strong—it will be because Somalia’s leaders were too weak.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49371

Fire at #Sudan refugee camp sheltering displaced from #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region claims life of six-year-old, causes property damage

A fire broke out on March 20 at Um Rakuba refugee camp in Sudan, where thousands of Tigrayan refugees displaced by the war in Tigray have sought shelter, killing a six-year-old child and causing property damage, Tigray TV reported. The regional media outlet stated that the fire “claimed the life of a six-year-old boy,” while a two-year-old child “sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.”

Thousands of Tigrayan refugees fled to Sudan following the outbreak of war in Tigray in November 2020, seeking safety in camps such as Um Rakuba and Tunaydbah. Their situation has worsened due to ongoing conflict in Sudan since April 2023, which has led to the evacuation of humanitarian workers and aid shortages. Human Rights First Ethiopia previously called for the protection and relocation of Tigrayan refugees, warning of “extreme distress and danger” amid the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49376

#Ethiopia licenses first investment banks, expands capital market services

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (#ECMA) has licensed five new capital market service providers, including Ethiopia’s first investment banks, calling it a “significant step” for the country’s financial sector. The newly licensed firms include #CBE Capital S.C. and Wegagen Capital Investment Bank S.C., designated as investment banks, as well as Ethio-Fidelity Securities S.C., licensed as a securities dealer. Additionally, HST Investment Advisory Services PLC and Equation Securities Investment Advisor PLC have been approved as securities investment advisors. ECMA stated that the licensing “marks a historic milestone” by expanding the country’s capital market beyond advisory services.

ECMA noted that the introduction of investment banks follows regulatory reforms, particularly National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) Directive SBB/92/2024, which allows commercial banks to fully own capital market service providers. “CBE Capital and Wegagen Capital,” the authority said, “are the first institutions to operate under this directive.” It also highlighted the “increasing role of women” in the financial sector, pointing out that two of the newly licensed firms are led by female CEOs—an indication of “growing inclusivity.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49387

#Sudan’s army recaptures presidential palace in major battlefield gain

The Sudanese army has recaptured the presidential palace in #Khartoum, marking what officials described as a “highly symbolic battlefield victory” over the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). Videos circulating on social media showed soldiers inside the damaged compound, armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. In one video, an officer with captain’s epaulettes confirmed that “troops were inside the compound.”

Sudan’s Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser, in a post on X, stated that the military had taken control of the palace. “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back,” he wrote, adding that the fight would continue “until victory is complete.” Meanwhile, intermittent gunfire echoed across the capital, though it remained unclear whether it signaled ongoing clashes or was celebratory.

Despite the army’s advance, the RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has “consolidated control in the western Darfur region,” according to reports. The paramilitary group is reportedly establishing a “parallel government” in areas under its control, though international recognition of such a move remains unlikely. Late on Thursday, the RSF claimed to have captured al-Maliha, a strategic city in North Darfur, while Sudan’s military acknowledged ongoing fighting but did not confirm a loss.

The ongoing war has created what the head of the UN children’s agency described as the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis.” The conflict, which began in 2023, has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and pushed some communities to the brink of famine. Both the RSF and the Sudanese military face allegations of human rights abuses, with the US State Department previously stating that the RSF was “committing genocide.” Both warring factions have denied the accusations.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/21/sudan-army-recaptures-presidential-palace-khartoum-major-battlefield-gain

#Opinion: Ballots Over Bullets: How #Somaliland built thriving democracy from ashes of war, defying Africa’s election odds

In this opinion piece, Ahmed Abdi Abdulahi, a part-time blogger and communications officer at New Ways Organization, reflects on Somaliland’s democratic journey and resilience in the face of regional challenges. The author recalls that as a child, he believed democracy was “unique to Greece” and thought that only Greeks could properly exercise it. “This was partially true,” he writes, “since I didn’t grow up in a democratic culture.” Born and raised in #Ethiopia, he notes that for decades, the country remained “a hostile environment for democracy.” However, he later realized that a new form of democracy was taking root “in one of the world’s most dangerous and corrupt countries, our tiny neighbor, Somaliland.”

According to the article, Somaliland declared independence from #Somalia in 1991 following years of dissatisfaction with the centralized rule of former Somalia leader Siyad Barre. The author states that Barre, who seized power in 1969, left the northern regions “underrepresented in a collectively formed government,” which fueled tensions and eventually led to northern representatives breaking away. “In response to the shocking announcement of the northern leaders’ decision to decentralize his rule,” he writes, “Siyad Barre waged a devastating war against the north.” The op-ed describes how relentless attacks left Somaliland in ruins, forcing millions to flee to Ethiopia, #Djibouti, and beyond. The author notes that the conflict ultimately led to Somaliland’s declaration of independence on May 18, 1991.

The piece argues that Somaliland has since distinguished itself from Somalia by maintaining stability and holding multiple elections. The author states that “over thirty years since its birth, the Horn of Africa’s tiny nation has enjoyed peace while standing still and alone.” He asserts that Somaliland has held “six free and fair elections with the presence of international observers, all of which were undisputed and peacefully transferred.” In contrast to many African nations where elections often lead to turmoil, he writes that Somaliland has demonstrated that “it’s the ballot that decides the future of their leaders.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49375

#NewsAlert: #Ethiopian defense forces claim renewed #Fano attempts to mount attacks ‘encouraged’, ‘coordinated’ by senior #Tigrayan general in #Amhara region ‘crushed’

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) announced that it has “crushed” a coordinated attack by Fano armed groups across multiple areas of the Amhara region.

In a new twist, the army also claims the offensive was “encouraged and coordinated” by Brigadier General Migbe Haile, a senior Tigrayan military figure, and “his associates”.

The alleged claims of victory by the army comes amid a renewed Fano offensive, launched two days ago under the banner of “Campaign for Unity.” Reports indicate that clashes have intensified, with heavy casualties reported across several districts. The army labeled Fano fighters as “extremists” and accused them of “instigating violence to destabilize the region.”

ENDF also accused Brig. Gen. Migbe of being a “long-time agitator of conflict” who allegedly “pushed Tigray into war despite lacking military expertise”. The army claims he attempted to “attack federal forces under the pretense of representing Western Tigray, engaged in gold smuggling through Eritrea, and worked to disrupt the Pretoria Agreement for political gain.”

Migbe is among Tigrayan leaders who, in January 2025, called for the dissolution of the Tigray Interim Administration, aligning with #TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael in opposition to the current leadership under President Getachew Reda.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49393

#UNICEF warns 1.3 million malnourished children in #Ethiopia, #Nigeria risk losing aid

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said it will run out of lifesaving food supplies for severely malnourished children in Ethiopia and Nigeria within two months due to a funding shortfall, citing cuts to U.S. foreign aid as a contributing factor.

"Without new funding, we will run out of our supply chain of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food by May" said Kitty Van der Heijden, UNICEF's deputy executive director, during a video briefing from Abuja. "That means that 70,000 children in Ethiopia that depend on this type of treatment cannot be served" she said, adding that "interruption to continuous treatment is life-threatening."

In Nigeria, UNICEF said it may run out of supplies to feed 80,000 malnourished children as soon as the end of March. Van der Heijden described visiting a hospital in Maiduguri where a child was so malnourished that "her skin was falling off."

"This funding crisis will become a child survival crisis" she said, adding that the sudden nature of U.S. aid cuts has disrupted global relief efforts. In Ethiopia, UNICEF said 23 mobile health clinics in Afar have been shut down, leaving only seven in operation.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/one-million-malnourished-children-nigeria-ethiopia-risk-losing-aid-unicef-says-2025-03-21/

#Somaliland’s #Berbera expands seafood industry as #Ethiopia becomes key market

Berbera, a key port city on Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden coastline, is expanding its seafood industry as it strengthens its role as a regional supplier, including to neighboring Ethiopia, where demand for fish is on the rise.

Among the companies driving this growth is Somtuna Fishing Company, a subsidiary of the Dahabshil Group, which has increased its tuna production and exports. Its product, Berbera Tuna Fish, has now appeared on supermarket shelves in Ethiopia, reflecting a growing trade link between the two economies.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/03/berberas-tuna-industry-expands-to-meet-ethiopias-growing-fish-demand/

#Ethiopia clinches initial deal with official creditors amid bondholder standoff

Ethiopia has reached an agreement in principle with its official creditors on restructuring $8.4 billion of debt, the finance ministry said on Friday, adding it hoped the deal could boost difficult talks with other creditors including bondholders.

The East African nation opted to restructure its external debt under the G20's Common Framework in 2021, before it defaulted on its sole Eurobond in December 2023.

Under its current program with the International Monetary Fund, Ethiopia has to return to debt sustainability and deliver a rework that reduces debt service by $3.5 billion over the period of the Fund program, which expires in 2028.

The agreement with official creditors will go some way towards reaching that goal, providing some $2.5 billion of relief over the IMF program period, the ministry said, as well as a significant smoothing of Ethiopia's external redemption profile.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-reaches-agreement-principle-with-official-creditors-state-finance-2025-03-21/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Peace and Security Bureau defends senior general against accusations by fed. army, calls for implementation of #Pretoria Agrmt

The Tigray Bureau of Peace and Security has condemned what it calls a “coordinated defamation campaign” against Tigrayan leaders and institutions. This comes in response to accusations by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) against Brigadier General Migbie Haile, a senior Tigrayan military leader.

On Friday, the ENDF alleged that Bir. Gen. Migbe “encouraged and coordinated” ongoing Fano armed groups’ attacks in the Amhara region and engaged in various other offenses, including attempts to undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement. However, the Bureau dismissed these claims as “baseless and misleading”, and defended the senior commander saying that he and his “comrades are committed to their responsibilities with strict discipline…”

The Bureau further cautioned that spreading false allegations only serves to hinder peace efforts and damage reconciliation efforts. “Blaming others for your own problems instead of seeking practical solutions is an irresponsible act,” the Bureau stated, calling for immediate corrections to what it sees as “deliberate misinformation.”

Reiterating the need for sustainable peace, the Bureau also called on the Ethiopian federal government to fully implement the Pretoria Peace Agreement without delay and stressed the importance of restoring Tigray’s territorial integrity, withdrawing armed forces from the region, and initiating a clear roadmap for reconstruction.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49397

Six #Kenyan police personnel killed in ambush near #Somalia

Six police personnel in north-eastern Kenya were killed in an ambush on a base near the Somalia border, a regional official said. No group has claimed responsibility, but Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo told the BBC the attack followed a pattern associated with Somalia-based al-Shabab militants.

Mwabudzo stated that the officers "were ambushed" early Sunday morning while preparing for prayers. He added that the attack had a "guerrilla-style" nature, consistent with al-Shabab’s "pattern of cross-border raids aimed at destabilising the region." In addition to the six fatalities, four officers were taken to the hospital with injuries.

The attackers reportedly used "assorted weapons to overrun the camp," which housed reservists—local volunteers assisting regular police in securing remote areas. Al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, controls significant parts of southern and central Somalia and has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s government for nearly two decades.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0v7zy0v7o