#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

#Ethiopia: Gov’t raises fuel prices by up to 11 birr per liter amid widespread shortages, black market surge

The government has increased the retail price of gasoil to 112.67 birr per liter, an 11% rise, while diesel and kerosene prices have also climbed to 107.93 birr, marking a nine percent increase, effective 23 March 2025. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration stated that the adjustment is part of the routine quarterly fuel price revisions, though it comes in less than three months since the last hike.

The price hike follows Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent remarks in parliament, where he said the government is allocating “substantial funds to subsidize fuel prices and mitigate the rising cost of living.” He stated that while “the global market price of fuel stands at 129 birr per liter, the government covers 28 birr per liter in subsidies, allowing domestic sales at 101 birr per liter.” Meanwhile, worsening fuel shortages have pushed drivers in multiple regions, including Afar and Oromia, to rely on the black market, where prices have surged to 300 birr per liter.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49402

#Opinion: #Somaliland: Key ally against Al-Shabaab, Houthi aggression in Horn of Africa

In this opinion piece, Abdi Halim M. Musa, a political analyst and former Deputy Minister at Somaliland’s Ministry of Commerce, argues that Somaliland is a key partner in countering the threats posed by Al-Shabaab and the Houthis in the Horn of Africa. Despite lacking formal recognition, the author asserts that Somaliland "has consistently proven its resilience, preserving peace and security in one of the world’s most volatile regions."

The writer underscores the growing threat of Al-Shabaab, warning that "if left unchecked, the risk of spillover into Somaliland’s eastern regions is real and imminent." He also highlights the danger posed by the Houthis, stating that a destabilized Somaliland would "provide an opening for these extremist groups to exploit, further destabilizing one of the world’s most critical waterways."

The author calls for stronger international support, emphasizing that "no nation—recognized or not—can face such threats alone." He advocates for enhanced military assistance, intelligence-sharing agreements, and global recognition of Somaliland’s role in counterterrorism. Failing to act, he warns, would "create a power vacuum, allowing Al-Shabaab to expand its terror network and the Houthis to escalate their maritime aggression," which would have serious consequences for regional and global security.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49405

#Eritrea, #Egypt reject non-coastal states’ role in #Red_Sea security

Eritrea and Egypt have rejected the involvement of non-coastal states in Red Sea security, stressing that the waterway’s governance “should be led by coastal nations.” The position was reaffirmed during Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh’s visit to Cairo on Sunday, where he met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and delivered a message from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, according to the Egyptian presidency.

The visit comes days after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told parliament that Red Sea access is “existential” for #Ethiopia but ruled out “invading” Eritrea over the issue. He called for solutions based on “give and take” and “market principles,” warning that failure to address the matter could create future challenges. Eritrea has previously dismissed Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, with Osman stating that his country was “perplexed” by what he called Ethiopia’s “misguided and outdated ambitions.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49411

#Germany shuts embassy in #South_Sudan, cites security concerns

Germany has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in South Sudan, citing "a deteriorating security situation" amid fears of renewed violence. The German Foreign Office said the decision was made due to "renewed and escalating violence" in the capital, Juba.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that "after years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war." She accused President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar of "plunging the country into a spiral of violence," urging them to "stop the senseless violence and finally implement the peace agreement." Baerbock also emphasized that "the safety of employees" remains a priority.

South Sudan has witnessed growing instability, with clashes between government forces and a militia linked to the Nuer ethnic group, to which Machar belongs. The army accuses Machar's party of "fueling the conflict," while Machar claims Kiir seeks to "depose his supporters." The fighting, taking place near the #Ethiopian border, has raised concerns of a broader escalation, with warring factions in neighboring Sudan reportedly considering involvement.


https://www.dw.com/en/germany-shuts-south-sudan-embassy-amid-civil-war-fears/a-72007695

#Ethiopia: Civilian casualties surge in conflict-hit #Amhara region amid renewed #Fano-gov’t clashes; residents report continued fighting

Civilian casualties are rising as clashes between government security forces and Fano militants persist in the Amhara region. Residents told Addis Standard that “numerous people were killed” in fighting across the Central #Gondar and North Gojjam zones since last Friday. A resident from Central Gondar Zone, who requested anonymity, stated that clashes escalated after “Fano militants opened fire around 12:00 PM on Friday in Gondar’s Teda sub-city.” He added that “the shooting continued into the night. They stayed for hours and then left.”

Belay Girma (name changed), a resident of Merawi in North Gojjam Zone, told Addis Standard that fighting erupted in the town late last week after gunfire was initiated by what he identified as “Fano militants.” He further stated that on Friday, “the militants abducted teachers, accusing them of teaching,” and that “they [the militants] took them from their homes and executed them.” The Amhara Region Communication Bureau confirmed the deaths, stating that “four teachers, along with a former mayor of Merawi, who had been in a different profession for the past eight years, were killed.” Additionally, Gebreslassie Tazeb, head of the North Gojjam Zone’s Peace and Security Office, reported that “an individual serving as a community-based health insurance coordinator was abducted by the armed forces.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49417

#Azerbaijan announces return of 18 citizens from detained vessels in #Eritrea

Azerbaijan announced the return of 18 Azerbaijani citizens on Monday, months after three Azerbaijani-flagged vessels and their crew were detained by Eritrea upon entering its territorial waters.

A statement from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said the crew members, who had been in detention since November, were released following “long-term” negotiations. It added that the process involved Azerbaijan’s foreign and transport ministries, as well as the Caspian Shipping Company.

The ministry noted that consular support was provided through Azerbaijan’s diplomatic mission in #Ethiopia, saying “relevant measures” had been taken to ensure their well-being. The statement also expressed “deep gratitude” to #Türkiye’s Embassy in Eritrea for its assistance.

The three ships, owned by the Azerbaijan branch of Caspian Marine Services B.V., were detained on Nov. 7, 2024, after entering Eritrean waters due to “worsening weather conditions.” The vessels, which were en route from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi, had attempted to contact Eritrean authorities but “were unsuccessful,” according to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesman Aykhan Hajizada.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-announces-return-of-18-citizens-from-detained-vessels-in-eritrea/3518826

#Ethiopia advances #WTO membership as gov’t announces ‘successful’ fifth-round negotiations

Ethiopia has reported progress in its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process, with the government announcing “successful” outcomes from the fifth round of negotiations. Kassahun Gofe, Ethiopia’s chief negotiator and minister of Trade and Regional Integration, said the number of inquiries from WTO member states had decreased from 181 in 2020 to 110, signaling what he called “substantial progress.” He added that Ethiopia will submit written responses by May 2025.

The update follows Ethiopia’s participation in the 5th WTO Working Group Summit in Geneva, where Kassahun led a delegation of senior officials. He stated that Ethiopia has initiated bilateral market access negotiations with 12 out of 17 countries, including the United States and the European Union. He also noted that 19 countries and the World Bank have expressed strong support for Ethiopia’s accession, describing this backing as “exceeding a level of normal endorsement and expectations.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49420

#Kenya missing final #IMF review could delay other cash

Kenya’s decision to forgo the ninth and final review of its current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme could delay other financing, including funds from the World Bank and the United Arab Emirates, ratings agency S&P said on Monday. The skipped review leaves approximately $800 million undisbursed, complicating the government’s efforts to lower debt-servicing costs.

"Since IMF funding often serves as a catalyst for other official and private flows, we expect there might be delays to World Bank (about $800 million) and United Arab Emirates (UAE; $1.5 billion) funding in first-half 2025," S&P stated. However, it noted that Kenya has built up foreign exchange reserves of about $10 billion and could meet short-term financing needs through domestic or commercial borrowing, albeit at higher costs.

Kenya’s Finance Minister John Mbadi confirmed that the government has already applied for a new IMF programme. He also said the World Bank loan was not dependent on IMF disbursements but was subject to other conditions, including the passage of a conflict-of-interest bill that the government is finalizing.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-missing-final-imf-review-could-delay-other-cash-2025-03-24/