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

#Somalia receives large shipment of military equipment from African Union

Somalia announced on Thursday that it had received a large shipment of military equipment from the African Union (#AU).

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the shipment included "armored vehicles, helmets and vests, an armored personnel carrier, fuel and water tankers, engines, medical supplies, and other essential resources." The ministry added that the equipment is intended to "bolster the country’s security infrastructure and contribute to regional stability."

The delivery comes as Somalia prepares for the deployment of the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), which was authorized by the UN Security Council in December 2024. The mission, set to replace a previous AU force, is expected to operate for an initial one-year period and focus on combating al-Shabaab militants.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somalia-receives-large-shipment-of-military-equipment-from-african-union/3522074

#Somalia offers #US exclusive control of air bases, ports

Somalia has proposed granting the United States "exclusive control" over strategic air bases and ports, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to U.S. President Donald Trump, seen by Reuters on Friday.

The March 16 letter, "authenticated by a regional diplomat," states that the assets include air bases in #Balidogle and #Berbera as well as the ports of Berbera and #Bosaso. It describes them as "strategically positioned" and presents the proposal as an opportunity to "bolster American engagement in the region." Somalia’s foreign affairs and information ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The document emphasizes that the agreement would ensure "uninterrupted military and logistical access" for the U.S. while preventing external competitors from establishing a foothold in the region. The proposal includes Berbera, a port located in #Somaliland, an independent region that Somalia claims as part of its territory.

Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, rejected the move, stating, "The USA gave up this corrupted regime called Somalia," adding that Washington is "now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has shown the world to be a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation." He further asserted, "The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port."

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-offers-us-exclusive-control-air-bases-ports-2025-03-28/

#Op_ed: #Ethiopia-#Somalia rapprochement and its potential geopolitical implications

The recent rapprochement between Ethiopia and Somalia, marked by the Ankara Declaration and subsequent diplomatic engagements, signals a major shift in regional dynamics. This oped states that "this development signifies a major shift in regional alliances," with Ethiopia balancing its engagement with both Somalia and Somaliland. The piece highlights that while Somalia maintains strong ties with #Egypt and #Eritrea, "its renewed relations with Ethiopia may lead to a recalibrated foreign policy, potentially reducing its involvement in regional rivalries." Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's visit to Mogadishu in February 2025, the article notes, "crowned a series of positive bilateral interactions" and marked a significant step in restoring ties following high-level meetings in #Addis_Abeba. These interactions "underscore both nations’ commitment to resolving past disputes, restoring relations, and starting a new phase of cooperation."

The piece outlines key motivations behind this rapprochement, particularly Mogadishu’s concerns over Ethiopia’s stance on #Somaliland and its interest in securing cooperation on security and intelligence matters. The oped asserts that "Mogadishu sought to secure Addis Abeba’s support in stabilizing Somalia, addressing internal divisions, and fostering a conducive environment for democratic transition." Additionally, the piece argues that "Somalia aimed to neutralize potential Ethiopian interference and its role in exacerbating Somalia’s divisions by supporting regional states, especially #Puntland and #Jubaland." Critics of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claim that "this rapprochement compromises national sovereignty and serves his political ambitions to consolidate power."

The oped examines Ethiopia’s strategic gains, particularly in maritime access, security influence, and regional power dynamics. The piece notes that "Ethiopia has advanced its plans to establish maritime influence through Somalia," citing the Ankara Declaration, in which "Mogadishu committed to exploring the possibility of granting Ethiopia access to the sea needed for trade based on a win-win formula." The article further details Ethiopia’s expanded military presence under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), where "Ethiopia is assigned a significant role, contributing approximately 2,500 troops – the second-largest contingent after Uganda."

The broader regional impact is also explored, including uncertainties in Ethiopia-Somaliland relations and potential ramifications for the Egyptian-Eritrean-Somalia alliance. The oped suggests that "while Ethiopia’s pivot toward Somalia may signal a recalibration of regional policies, the broader geopolitical landscape remains fluid, shaped by strategic calculations and competing interests."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49500

Month of giving: #Syrians in #Ethiopia keep #Ramadan iftar tradition alive

In a modest restaurant in Bole Michael, a working-class neighborhood near #Addis_Abeba’s international airport, the aroma of roasting shawarma fills the air as Arabic and Amharic chatter blend with the sizzling of food. Syrian chef Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside his assistants, prepares for the evening rush. As the sun sets, they set out bowls of hummus and dates, packing takeaway meals for those in need. Ibrahim says Ramadan is a time to give back. “When I first came to Ethiopia in 2020, I didn’t have a penny to my name,” he says. “This country has become a home to me.”

The small Syrian community in Ethiopia, numbering fewer than 1,500, has faced challenges, with many living in limbo due to unregistered status. Despite this, Bole Michael has become known for its Syrian presence, with businesses like Ibrahim’s restaurant adding their culture to the area. During Ramadan, the tradition of generosity takes center stage. “It would’ve been great if I could host a free iftar for everyone in need,” Ibrahim says, recalling the street banquets in Syria. “But that would be difficult here.” Instead, his restaurant provides free meals during Ramadan. “It’s about community and helping however you can,” he adds.

For Zeynab Mohammed, a Syrian mother of four who fled #Sudan’s war, the shared meals offer comfort. “Life here isn’t easy,” she says. “But moments like this remind me of home.” Sitting beside her, Ethiopian friend Salem Berhanu often joins Syrian newcomers at local eateries, sometimes paying for their meals. “It’s beautiful, especially during Ramadan,” he says. Another refugee, Aisha Abdul, recalls arriving in Ethiopia after fleeing Sudan. Three years ago, she attended an iftar hosted by Ethiopia’s prime minister, a moment she describes as a lifeline. Now, she sells scented charcoal to make a living. “Ethiopia is welcoming, but it can also feel like a dead end,” she says.

At Syriana, another Syrian restaurant in Addis Abeba, owner Ahmed Abdulkader, who arrived as a child, continues the tradition of giving. Fluent in Amharic, he has turned his family’s business into a well-known spot, popularized through social media. “We donate all we can, including meals throughout Ramadan,” he says. Despite the difficulties Syrians face in Ethiopia, many, like Abdulkader and Ibrahim, see it as home. “Ramadan allows me to connect with my customers and offer food to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” Abdulkader says, reflecting on the spirit of giving that defines the holy month.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/3/29/month-of-giving-syrians-in-ethiopia-keep-ramadan-iftar-tradition-alive

#Ethiopia reports 1,278 measles cases in February, outbreaks persist in 26 districts

The Ethiopia Health Cluster reports that as of February 24, 2025, a total of 1,278 measles cases and six deaths have been recorded.

According to the report, the outbreak has been successfully controlled in Malle district, South Ethiopia Regional State, and Mekdela district, #Amhara region. However, new outbreaks have emerged in Chirome district and Daye Town, #Sidama Region, as well as Dale Wabara district, #Oromia Region.

The Health Cluster further noted that measles outbreaks remain active in 26 districts across the country.

#Op_ed: Beyond Denial: Why downplaying Al-Shabaab’s growing influence in #Somalia is dangerous

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political and security analyst in the Horn of Africa, challenges the arguments put forth by Professor Abdinasir Ali Osman in his recent piece, “Countering Alarmist Narratives: Debunking Al-Shabaab’s Perceived ‘Power Grab’ in Somalia.” Ahmed asserts that his original article, “From Insurgency to Power Grab: Al-Shabaab’s deadly advance on Mogadishu signals Somalia’s descent into disaster,” was based on concrete evidence rather than alarmist rhetoric. “My article was not driven by exaggeration or fearmongering,” he writes, “but by factual analysis of Al-Shabaab’s territorial expansion and its broader implications for Somalia’s security.”

Ahmed highlights that Al-Shabaab has recently recaptured key towns in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, including Adale, Ruun-Nirgood, and parts of Kurtunwaarey district. These areas, previously declared ‘liberated’ by government and allied forces, fell back under militant control with little resistance. “This is not an isolated setback,” he warns, “but part of a recurring pattern that underscores the fragility of Somalia’s security landscape.” He emphasizes that Al-Shabaab is more than an insurgent group—it has embedded itself within Somalia society by establishing governance structures, collecting taxes, and administering justice. “Dismissing these activities as minor,” he argues, “ignores the reality of Al-Shabaab’s growing influence.”

The op-ed critiques the Somalia Federal Government’s security strategy, arguing that military victories against Al-Shabaab remain short-lived without a sustainable governance framework. Ahmed points to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent appeal to Turkey for additional military assistance as evidence of the crisis’s severity. However, he cautions, “While external support may provide temporary relief, it does not address the fundamental issues of governance, security sector reform, and political cohesion.” Without a comprehensive strategy that includes engagement with local communities, stronger governance in reclaimed areas, and long-term counterterrorism efforts, Somalia risks deeper instability. “Denial and sugarcoating the crisis will not lead to progress,” Ahmed concludes. “The first step toward meaningful reform is acknowledging the scale of the problem rather than minimizing its impact.”

https://addisstandard.com/beyond-denial-why-downplaying-al-shabaabs-growing-influence-in-somalia-is-dangerous/?noamp=mobile

#Somaliland rejects #Somalia offer of key port to #US

Somaliland has rejected an attempt by Somalia's federal government to offer the United States "exclusive control" of a port and airbase in #Berbera, saying Mogadishu has no authority over the facilities.

The city, located on the strategic Gulf of Aden, is administered by Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 as Somalia descended into civil war. Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden dismissed the move as "desperate."

In a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, seen by Reuters, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly proposed the "exclusive control" of four ports and airbases, including those in Somaliland and others within Somalia. The letter argued that these sites would help "bolster American engagement in the region" while countering the influence of "external competitors."

Responding to the letter, Minister Aden said, "There is nothing they can do to stop the upcoming recognition of Somaliland," adding on X that the U.S. understands "who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d4dzq87rpo