News: War-torn #Amhara region training tens of thousands anti-riot militias, regular police amid ongoing crisis

The war-torn Amhara regional state is providing training to tens of thousands of youths who are undergoing anti-riot militia and regular police training at the Bir Sheleko Basic Paramilitary Training Center amid the ongoing security crisis.

Desalegn Tasew, Head of the Peace and Security Bureau, visited the site, briefing recruits on their role in maintaining regional stability.

According to Desalegn the training aims to build “disciplined forces with military ethics”, to secure lasting peace not only in the region but at national level. The training integrates ideological, strategic, and practical elements to ensure comprehensive preparation.

Despite federal army claims of victory, clashes with various Fano armed groups have persisted, leading to rising civilian casualties in recent weeks.

The Amhara region remains at the heart of Ethiopia’s worsening humanitarian crisis since the ongoing conflict erupted in August 2023 leading to mass killings, displacements, food shortages, and essential service disruptions.

Last month, regional officials appealed for US$10 billion in international recovery funding. https://addisstandard.com/?p=49455

#Sudan’s army retakes #Khartoum airport from paramilitary #RSF

Sudan’s army has regained control of Khartoum International Airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), “fully securing it,” military sources told AFP on Wednesday. The development follows last week’s recapture of the presidential palace, marking a significant advance for the armed forces in the nearly two-year war.

Troops have also “surrounded the strategic Jebel Awliya area,” a military source said, referring to the RSF’s last major stronghold south of central Khartoum. The army further secured both sides of the Manshiya bridge over the Blue Nile, leaving only the Jebel Awliya bridge as the remaining RSF-controlled crossing out of the area.

Witnesses reported RSF forces retreating from several neighborhoods, heading toward Jebel Awliya, with some moving toward bridges linking the capital to Omdurman. “These are quite significant gains by the Sudanese armed forces,” Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan reported, noting that the army had now taken “full control of the airport, including the civilian side.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2025/3/26/sudan-armed-forces-retakes-khartoum-airport-from-rsf

#Kenya recognises #Kosovo as independent state, first such move in five years

Kenya has recognised Kosovo as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so in nearly five years, amid Kosovo's continued efforts for wider international recognition.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but it has yet to secure United Nations membership due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China. Over 110 countries, including the United States and most European nations, have recognised its independence.

The announcement was made by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who posted photos on Facebook with Kenyan President William Ruto as he signed the recognition letter. Pacolli, who said he had been lobbying for this since 2009, noted that his goal was "to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence and sovereignty being heard." The last country to recognise Kosovo was Israel in September 2020.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kenya-recognises-kosovo-independent-state-first-such-move-five-years-2025-03-26/

#South_Sudan vice president arrested, fearing escalation

South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar was arrested in Juba, his party's Foreign Relations Committee chairman said in a statement.

Machar, a longtime rival of President Salva Kiir, was taken from his compound in an operation involving “20 heavily armed vehicles,” the SPLM-IO party said. The party condemned what it called “unconstitutional actions” by security officials, adding that the charges against him remained “unclear.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned that the arrest left the country “on the brink” of renewed conflict. Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, urged leaders to “exercise restraint” to avoid a return to widespread violence.

Clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar have taken place over the past 24 hours, the UN reported. Amid rising tensions, Norway and Germany temporarily closed their embassies, while the UN said around 50,000 people had been displaced in Upper Nile since last month.

https://amp.dw.com/en/south-sudan-vice-president-arrested-fearing-escalation/a-72050549

#Ethiopia: #TPLF rejects PM Abiy’s call to nominate #Tigray interim president, calls it “unilateral decision” violating Pretoria agreement

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has rejected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call for Tigrayans to “nominate” candidates for the region's interim presidency, describing it as a “unilateral decision” that “violates the Pretoria Agreement.” In a statement issued on 26 March, the TPLF emphasized that the formation of the interim administration should be based on “an agreement between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government,” as outlined in Article 10 of the Pretoria Agreement, rather than being determined by “inappropriate laws” like Proclamation 359/1995.

The statement followed PM Abiy’s announcement confirming Getachew Reda’s departure and urging Tigrayans to “participate in the nomination of candidates for the position of interim administration president.” The federal government justified its actions by citing Article 62(9) of the Federal Constitution and Proclamation 359/1995, asserting that it had the legal mandate to establish interim administrations. TPLF further accused the government of “preventing goods like fuel from entering the region” and “stopping life-saving operations,” calling these actions “inhumane crimes” that “violate international laws.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49469

#Op_ed: Countering Alarmist Narratives: Debunking Al-Shabaab's perceived ‘power grab’ in #Somalia

In this op-ed, Abdinasir Ali Osman (Prof.), a senior researcher and consultant with over 35 years of experience in humanitarian and development sectors, responds to Adam Daud Ahmed’s recent piece on Al-Shabaab’s perceived ‘power grab’ in Somalia. The author argues that Ahmed’s analysis “oversimplifies Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and the resilience of Somalia’s federaly government.” He asserts that portraying the group as transitioning from an insurgency to a governing entity poised to capture Mogadishu is misleading, as it “disregards the established pattern of Al-Shabaab’s fluctuating territorial control, which relies on asymmetric warfare rather than sustained governance.”

The author also critiques Ahmed’s omission of key counterterrorism efforts by the Somalia National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS). He emphasizes that “recent military operations have reclaimed strategic territories and disrupted Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity, directly contradicting the notion of an imminent takeover.” The op-ed further disputes the claim that the Somalia federal government is a failing entity, asserting that while political tensions exist, they “reflect the inherent complexities of a developing federal system” rather than a collapse. “The current administration’s efforts to unify regional states under a national security framework, alongside intensified military operations and increased civilian-military cooperation, demonstrate a proactive approach to security challenges,” the writer states.

Furthermore, the op-ed challenges the assertion that the fall of Mogadishu would lead to the establishment of a radical Islamist state and destabilize the Horn of Africa. “Unlike the Taliban, Al-Shabaab lacks widespread popular support, maintaining control through coercion rather than voluntary allegiance,” the author notes. He adds that Somalia benefits from significant military, intelligence, and financial backing from international allies, mitigating the risk of a regional collapse. Instead of “alarmist pronouncements,” the author calls for a more balanced analysis that acknowledges both the challenges and progress in Somalia’s security landscape.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49458

#Commentary: Fichee-Cambalaalla: #Sidama’s celestial new year ushers renewal, unity

In this commentary, Girum Tesfaye, an academic staff member at Hawassa University and a PhD candidate in social anthropology at Addis Ababa University, explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Fichee-Cambalaalla, the Sidama people’s New Year festival. “Fichee-Cambalaalla is more than a New Year; it is a reaffirmation of identity,” the author states, emphasizing how the annual celebration, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, remains central to the Sidama people’s sense of continuity and communal unity. As communities prepare to mark the occasion on 28 March, the commentary highlights the festival’s deep-rooted traditions and its evolving role in contemporary society.

At the heart of Fichee-Cambalaalla, the author explains, is the work of the Ayyaanto, Sidama astrologers who determine the festival’s timing by observing lunar cycles and the alignment of the Buusa constellation. “Their calculations, rooted in generations of astronomical observation, ensure the festival aligns with both cosmic rhythms and the community’s readiness for renewal,” he notes. Once the date is confirmed, elders and leaders initiate key rituals, including the ceremonial announcement known as Fajjo and the public proclamation, Lallawa. “These rituals emphasize that prosperity hinges on harmony—a principle woven into every facet of Sidama life,” the author remarks, stressing the festival’s role in fostering reconciliation and collective well-being.

The commentary also explores the festival’s broader significance, from its emphasis on communal feasting and environmental stewardship to concerns over modernization’s impact on traditional practices. “While Fichee-Cambalaalla remains anchored in tradition, its contemporary relevance has expanded,” the author observes, pointing to growing efforts by scholars and local initiatives to sustain cultural heritage through education and community engagement. As the celebration gains wider recognition, the piece reflects on its enduring message. “In the Sidama’s celestial rhythms and communal bonds lies a message for humanity: that renewal is possible when we honor our past, steward our environment, and nurture unity.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49463

#Ethiopia: Parliament reviews draft waste management bill, proposes mandatory clean-up zones

The House of People's Representatives (#HPR) has reviewed a draft proclamation on solid waste management and disposal, which would require individuals to clean solid waste within 20 meters of their living areas and obligate organizations to manage waste within a 50-meter radius.

If enacted, the proclamation would hold producers of glass, ceramics, sealed water containers, and plastic responsible for "collecting their products after use" and implementing recycling systems. It also proposes a ban on the "production, import, sale, and use" of single-use plastic bags.

The draft proclamation was discussed on March 26, 2025, in a session organized by the Standing Committee on Water, Irrigation lowland development Affairs. During this session, government officials and private sector stakeholders debated its potential implications.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1905271145684672751

Erdogan reaffirms support for #Somalia’s security, stability in presidential meeting

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in #Ankara on Thursday to discuss security, economic cooperation, and regional developments.

During their meeting at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan stated that #Türkiye "places great importance on Somalia’s peace and stability" and will continue to support efforts for "lasting stability with #Ethiopia." He reiterated Türkiye's commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, the two leaders also discussed counterterrorism cooperation. Erdogan stated that Türkiye "will continue to support Somalia" in its counterterrorism efforts and remains committed to "enhancing security ties."

Beyond security, their discussions covered economic, trade, and defense cooperation, with both leaders exploring ways to "boost bilateral trade and strengthen defense industry ties."

https://trt.global/world/article/607091b5c007

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed holds first talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions on March 27, marking their first official engagement since Rubio assumed office under the Trump administration.

According to a statement attributed to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the talks focused on efforts to “strengthen the bilateral relationship around mutual priorities,” including regional stability. Rubio also “reaffirmed U.S. support for a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia,” the statement noted.

The U.S., under the Biden administration, was involved in the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#COHA) on November 2, 2022, which ended the two-year war in #Tigray, with Horn of Africa Envoy Ambassador Mike Hammer serving as “both a participant and an observer.”

#Opinion: Citadel in Crisis: #Ethiopia’s fractured calculus, search for stability under imperfect leadership

In this opinion piece, Mohamud A. Ahmed, a columnist and political analyst, reflects on Ethiopia’s leadership challenges, arguing that the country’s survival depends on stability under imperfect leadership. The article suggests that while Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration is flawed, it remains “a flawed yet essential anchor amid instability.” Citing Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar’s critique of Africa’s ruling class, the author asserts that Ethiopia’s divisions are exacerbated by an elite that prioritizes power over collective progress. He warns that Ethiopia must embrace unity “not as a slogan but as a political formula” to ensure its survival.

The piece characterizes Ethiopia’s predicament as a struggle not against foreign conquest but internal divisions. “Ethiopia’s paradox,” the author writes, “is that of a proud civilization paralyzed by internal fractures, tethered by the ambitions of those who see leadership not as stewardship but as spoil.” While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s shortcomings, the article argues that supporting his leadership is not about sanctifying his decisions but recognizing “a rare political constant amid an environment riddled with volatility.” The piece paraphrases Thomas Hobbes, warning that in the absence of a central authority, life becomes “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

On economic challenges, the article asserts that Ethiopia risks becoming “a medieval algebra of conquest—where one group’s gain must come at another’s expense.” The writer warns that failure to address inequality will deepen divisions, citing Oxfam’s data on wealth disparities in West Africa to illustrate how “the social contract, once envisioned as mutual uplift, has been rewritten as a ledger of exploitation.” However, the article acknowledges that the government’s economic liberalization efforts, despite their flaws, represent “a crucial recalibration of this broken arithmetic.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49482

#Ethiopia: #UN reports worsening malnutrition in parts of #Amhara region as renewed fighting disrupts aid

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) has warned that "growing numbers of people need urgent food assistance" in Amhara, despite recent improvements in aid access, particularly in the eastern parts of the region. In its latest update, OCHA stated that "movement and access restrictions" throughout 2024 had "affected humanitarian operations," leaving many without "basic services like health care, education, and clean water."

OCHA highlighted #Bugna district as "severely food insecure" due to a combination of "conflict, drought, floods, and snowstorms," while also noting an "access breakthrough" in December 2024, which reopened aid routes.

Despite some progress, OCHA reported that malnutrition is "worsening" in multiple zones, particularly North Wello, South Wello, North Gondar, South Gondar, and Wag Hamra. Several districts, including Tach Gayint, Mehal Sayint, Wemberma, and Dewa Chefa, remain hard to reach, further limiting food and medical assistance. The agency also warned that "limited nutrition funding, a reduced humanitarian presence, security concerns, and ongoing access challenges" continue to hinder response efforts, with reports of "intensified conflict in recent weeks" further complicating aid operations.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49485

#Japanese solar manufacturer Toyo Solar to expand #Ethiopia facility, boost production to 4GW

Japanese solar manufacturer Toyo Solar plans to double its annual solar PV cell production capacity in Ethiopia, expanding from 2GW to 4GW. The company is working to secure a lease for a second manufacturing plant in #Hawassa, where it already operates a facility that started pilot production in February. Construction of the new plant is set to begin in April, with commercial operation expected in August.

The first facility required an investment of $60 million, while the second will cost $47 million, as Toyo plans to use the "existing infrastructure" of its first plant to support construction and operations. Since it began production in October 2023, the company has shipped 1.3GW of solar cells. Its Ethiopian-manufactured cells will be sent to a module manufacturing facility in the US, and it plans to build a separate "cell manufacturing facility" in the US by early 2026.

Toyo chairman and CEO Junsei Ryu stated that "the global interest and orders we’ve received for our solar cell products, even before phase one is fully operational, confirm the strength of our strategic vision." He added that "given the global demand, we have decided to proceed with this additional capacity."

Toyo’s plans to commission more cell and module manufacturing capacity in the US is notable, considering ongoing tensions between leading solar manufacturer China and the US, a major global market. President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese solar products to 60% earlier this year, further raising interest in domestic solar manufacturing.

https://www.pv-tech.org/toyo-solar-double-ethiopian-cell-capacity-4gw/

#Ethiopia: Colonel Belay Abebe, program planning and monitoring director at the National Rehabilitation Commission (#NRC), said the commission is working in seven regions where former fighters are present, focusing on disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation.

Established under Directive No. 525/2016 by the Council of Ministers, the commission facilitates the surrender of arms and the transition of ex-fighters to civilian life. "Former fighters surrender their arms," Colonel Belay said, adding that they then "join rehabilitation centers for dialogue and reintegration programs."

He noted that the process is "mainly active in #Tigray" due to the high number of ex-fighters, followed by #Amhara, #Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, #Afar, #Gambella, and South West Ethiopia regions.

Watch:

Displaced families in #Tigray’s Abi Adi town face water shortages, #OXFAM aid alleviates but challenges remain

In Abi Adi, a town in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, water remains scarce for thousands of displaced people, including Birzaf Gebreabezg, a mother of eight who fled from #Humera in West Tigray during the Tigray war. She and her children endured a 450 km journey before reaching a camp that now shelters over 17,000 people. “There was no water when we arrived; we relied on the river,” she said, adding that “the river was overcrowded, and the water was often contaminated.”

OXFAM, with support from the European Union, later rehabilitated a key water source, improving access to clean water for over 17,500 people. “We didn’t have jerrycans and buckets, but OXFAM provided them,” Birzaf said. “We used to wash our clothes on stones, but now we have basins. Our children were constantly sick from dirty water, but now things have improved.”

However, the available supply remains inadequate. Alem Gomera, a public health assistant with OXFAM in Ethiopia, highlighted the ongoing difficulties. “The daily water provision is only 15 liters per person—far below the recommended 50,” he said. “Long queues often leave people waiting, and sometimes, they return home empty-handed, relying on neighbors to quench their thirst.” OXFAM has maintained 405 hand pumps across Tigray, serving over 281,000 people, and expanded efforts in Abi Adi by constructing latrines and distributing water treatment chemicals.

Despite these improvements, Birzaf remains hopeful about returning home. “I was hopeful before, and I still am,” she said. “My greatest wish is to return to my village in West Tigray.”

https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/stories/ethiopia-mothers-resilience-amid-tigrays-turmoil_en

#Op_ed: Mask of Deception: Unraveling saga of #Somali region, #ONLF, and #Ethiopia’s political conundrum

In this op-ed, Mohamud A. Ahmed, a columnist and political analyst at Greenlight Advisors Group, examines the political impasse between ONLF Chairman Dr. Abdirahman Maaday and Somali Region President Mustafe M. Omer, describing it as a “duel where the lines between hero and villain blur.” The author argues that the Somali Region’s political trajectory is shaped by two competing forces—ONLF’s legacy of resistance and nationalism versus Mustafe’s governance within Ethiopia’s federal structure. “Who wears the real face of the Somali people’s aspirations, and who is merely a masked actor playing a role in a grand illusion?” he asks.

The piece highlights the precarious position of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, likening his challenge to “a mathematician attempting to solve a chaotic system with unknown variables.” Mohamud warns that failure to address the crisis could have far-reaching consequences: “If the federal government fails to engage in a meaningful and strategic resolution, this crisis may not remain confined to a battle of words.” He underscores that ONLF, despite its transition to a political entity, still commands deep loyalty, making its grievances a matter of national concern.

The article further cautions that Ethiopia’s geopolitical rivals could exploit instability in the Somali Region, turning unresolved tensions into a broader security threat. Mohamud stresses that Abiy must intervene decisively, not as a mediator but as an “arbiter of truth.” He concludes with a warning: “The time has come for the masks to fall, for illusions to fade, and for the Somali people to see clearly.” Ignoring this crisis, he argues, risks unraveling Ethiopia’s already fragile political stability.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49495