#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/

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia-#Somaliland MoU: Pragmatic maritime solution, not diplomatic setback

In this op-ed, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan, a senior lecturer and researcher specializing in diplomacy, politics, and international relations in the Horn of Africa, presents a rebuttal to Hassan Yusuf’s opinion piece, which critiques the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The author argues that Yusuf’s assessment is based on a "misinterpretation of international law, a disregard for historical legal continuity, and an underestimation of Ethiopia’s strategic imperatives." The piece asserts that the MoU is legally sound, strategically essential, and aligned with established diplomatic practices, providing Ethiopia with a crucial maritime access route without undermining regional stability.

The op-ed challenges Yusuf’s claims that the MoU violates #Somalia’s sovereignty and isolates Ethiopia diplomatically. The writer contends that "Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland is not a unilateral move but a lawful bilateral agreement between two entities capable of engaging in negotiations." The author highlights that the agreement adheres to principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants landlocked states the right to negotiate maritime access. Furthermore, the piece underscores Somaliland’s de facto sovereignty, arguing that "while it lacks formal recognition, Somaliland has exercised effective self-governance for over three decades, fulfilling the criteria for statehood under international law."

Addressing concerns over regional stability, the writer refutes claims that the MoU sets a precedent for separatism or undermines Ethiopia’s diplomatic credibility. The op-ed argues that "Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland aligns with international legal precedents, as seen in cases such as #Kosovo and #Taiwan, where functional sovereignty has enabled agreements despite the absence of universal recognition." The author further contends that diplomatic opposition from certain states, including Somalia, #Turkey, and #Egypt, reflects geopolitical interests rather than a fundamental legal challenge to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49423

#South_Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed civil war, #UN envoy says

South Sudan is on the verge of renewed civil war, the top UN envoy to the country, Nicholas Haysom, warned on Monday, expressing concern over escalating tensions and the government's failure to advance the peace process. Describing the situation as "dire," he stressed that diplomatic efforts can only succeed if President Salva Kiir and his rival-turned-vice president, Riek Machar, are willing to engage “and put the interests of their people ahead of their own.”

The country, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, fell into civil war in 2013, with fighting largely along ethnic lines between forces loyal to Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and those backing Machar, a Nuer. The war, which formally ended with a 2018 peace agreement, left over 400,000 people dead. However, key provisions of the deal remain unimplemented, and elections—initially scheduled for 2023—have been postponed twice, now set for 2026. Recent clashes in Upper Nile state, particularly in #Nasir, have heightened tensions, as government forces battle the White Army militia, which has historically aligned with Machar’s forces.

Haysom warned that as elections draw closer, "political competition increases" and the deep mistrust between Kiir and Machar remains a major obstacle. He said "misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech" are fueling ethnic divisions and exacerbating fears of renewed violence. The UN, he added, is working with regional and international partners to push for dialogue, adherence to the ceasefire, and the release of detained officials to prevent further escalation.

https://apnews.com/article/un-south-sudan-civil-war-kiir-machar-94003498595ac6f27bf331d3f0ecd1e3

#Ethiopia: Divided and Disputed: #TPLF’s fractured leadership, electoral board feud threaten #Tigray’s fragile peace

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) marked its 50th anniversary last month under an atmosphere of internal divisions and political uncertainty, as disputes within its leadership and with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) continue to escalate. While the party acknowledged facing one of the “toughest internal struggles” in its history, tensions have deepened between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) and Getachew Reda, president of the Tigray Interim Administration.

The rift escalated following the 14th TPLF Congress in August 2024, when Debretsion’s faction removed Getachew and other officials from the party, stating they “will no longer have the authority to lead, make decisions, or issue directives.” In response, the interim administration accused Debretsion’s group of attempting to “destabilize” the region. The situation worsened in January 2025 when Tigray Forces leaders announced plans to dissolve and restructure the interim administration, alleging it had been influenced by “external forces” and failed to meet its responsibilities.

Alongside its internal struggles, the TPLF is locked in a dispute with the NEBE over its legal status. The electoral board suspended the party’s activities for three months, citing its decision to hold an assembly without prior approval. Amanuel Assefa, TPLF’s deputy chairman, accused the board of “meddling in Tigray’s internal politics” and attempting to impose an “unwanted decision.” While the NEBE maintains that the TPLF must register as a new party under revised laws, the party insists it is seeking the restoration of its pre-war legal status.

The growing uncertainty has raised concerns about the fate of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, with legal scholar Tadelle Gebremedhin warning that sidelining the TPLF could weaken the accord. He emphasized that the agreement serves as a critical link between Tigray and the Ethiopian federation, cautioning that the party “will not sit idly by” as its political legitimacy is challenged. However, Tsegazeab Kahsu (PhD) of the opposition party Baitona countered that “the accord is an agreement of the Tigray people” and is not dependent on the TPLF’s existence. Amanuel maintains that the Pretoria Agreement remains the “only binding legal framework” connecting Tigray with Ethiopia’s federation.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49430

#Ethiopian_Airlines, #Etihad partner to launch new flights between #Addis_Abeba and Abu Dhabi

Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement, including a codeshare partnership and new flight routes, to enhance air connectivity between #Ethiopia, the #UAE, and beyond. Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct flights between Addis Abeba Bole International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport starting July 15, 2025, while Etihad will begin daily flights on the same route from October 1, 2025.

“The start of flights between the two great cities of Addis Abeba and Abu Dhabi connects our expanding networks, giving our customers seamless access to a growing list of destinations,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive of Etihad Airways. He added that the partnership "paves the way for deeper discussions" on cooperation, including frequent flyer programs, training, and cargo.

Mesfin Tasew, group chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, stated that the collaboration "underscores our dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations and promoting economic growth between Ethiopia and the UAE." He noted that the new service to Abu Dhabi would be Ethiopian Airlines' third destination in the UAE, after Dubai and Sharjah, adding that the airline operates "over 120 weekly passenger and cargo services to the Middle East and Gulf states."

https://www.aviationbusinessnews.com/industry-news/etihad-and-ethiopian-partner-to-launch-new-flights-between-addis-ababa-and-abu-dhabi/

Four Ethiopians killed, three wounded in renewed violence along #Ethiopia-#Kenya border in #Dasenech district

Four Ethiopians were killed and three others wounded in an armed confrontation in Kukruk Kebele, Dasenech District, South Omo Zone, along the Ethiopia-Kenya border. Local officials and residents attributed the attack, which occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2025, to “armed militants from Kenya’s Turkana County.” A resident told Addis Standard that 11 Ethiopian youth encountered the armed group while on reconnaissance, leading to a shootout in which one elder from Turkana was also killed.

Mesay Leben, the chief government representative of Dasenech District, confirmed the casualties and said the wounded were receiving treatment at Omorate Health Center. He added that on Sunday, March 23, another attack occurred in Goro Kebele, where armed individuals from Turkana attempted to steal cattle. “The local community resisted, fought back, and managed to recover the livestock,” he said, noting that one individual from Turkana was killed during the confrontation. The violence follows similar incidents in February that left 13 dead, with residents alleging displacement and property looting, including boats and fishing equipment.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49440

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#South_Sudan's VP Machar says #Uganda is violating arms embargo

South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has accused Uganda of violating a United Nations arms embargo by deploying forces, including armored and air force units, and conducting airstrikes in the country. In a letter addressed to the UN, African Union, and the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD), Machar said Uganda’s military intervention breached the 2018 peace deal that ended South Sudan’s civil war.

Uganda, however, stated that its deployment was carried out earlier this month at the request of South Sudan’s government. Tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir have escalated, with South Sudanese security forces detaining several of Machar’s allies following clashes in the northeast between the military and the White Army militia. The government has accused Machar of links to the militia, a claim his SPLM-IO party denies, saying the White Army is no longer under its control.

In his March 23 letter, Machar alleged that "Ugandan forces are currently taking part in airstrikes against civilians" and called for international pressure to withdraw them. Meanwhile, his office reported that intelligence officers in Lakes State had arrested four SPLM-IO officials and shut down their office in the state capital, Rumbek.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudans-vp-machar-accuses-uganda-violating-arms-embargo-2025-03-25/

#NewsAlert: PM Abiy confirms Getachew’s departure as #Tigray interim president with call for replacement

PM Abiy Ahmed confirms Getachew Reda’s departure as Tigray’s interim president. In a message this morning, the PM called on Tigray’s people to “nominate” candidates for the role, citing constitutional provisions. Last week the PM said that the interim administration’s mandate will be extended for another year, and hinted at possible leadership changes.

PM’s call for a new President in the Tigray region follows months of political disputes, with the #TPLF splitting into rival factions led by the outgoing president Getachew and Debretsion Gebremichael, TPLF’s chairman.

The tensions escalated when Getachew suspended three senior military commanders - a move rejected by the regional peace and security bureau.

The PM’s announcement sheds doubt on the widely circulating rumors that Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, a prominent leader within the Tigray forces, will replace Getachew as the new interim president of the Tigray region.

In his call for a nominee, PM Abiy stated the provisions of Article 62(9) of the Federal Constitution and Federal Government Proclamation No. 359/1995, as well as Regulation No. 533/2015 issued by the Council of Ministers as basis for the federal government backed “establishment of interim administrations in regional states.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49233

#Opinion: Fact or Fiction: Unpacking allegations of corruption, nepotism in #Ethiopia’s #Somali region

In this opinion piece, Mohamed Olad, a former Somali Regional State official, journalist, and political analyst, responds to Mohamud A. Ahmed’s recent piece, Shadows of Power: Corruption, Nepotism, and Push for Reform in Ethiopia’s Somali Region. He argues that critiques of corruption and governance in the Somali Regional State should be based on evidence, comparative analysis, and historical context rather than broad generalizations.

The writer challenges claims that corruption is “endemic” in the region, stating that such assertions require specificity. “Is specificity, evidence, or a comparative analysis of where the region was and where it is now in terms of system and institution building not necessary when making weighty judgments on serious matters?” he asks. The piece argues that assessing progress requires an evaluation of past and present governance structures, policy frameworks, and institutional reforms. The author also questions the benchmarks used to judge governance in the region, stating, “With whom is the region compared? What are the yardsticks used to arrive at such conclusions?”

The author pushes back against the claim that recent appointments reflect clan-based favoritism, arguing that dismissing efforts toward inclusivity as a replication of Somalia’s “4.5 formula” is misleading. “What Mohamud has dismissed as a 4.5 formula … could instead be seen as a critique of the current administration’s attempts to enhance inclusivity in appointments, equitable resource allocation, and participatory governance,” the writer asserts.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49446