#Commentary: Locked Out, Not Backing Down: #Ethiopia’s strategic maritime interests amid #Red_Sea power struggle

In this commentary, Yohanan Yokamo, a lecturer and researcher at the College of Law and Governance at Hawassa University, examines Ethiopia’s strategic concerns regarding the Red Sea amid regional power struggles. The writer underscores Ethiopia’s long-standing geopolitical interests in the waterway and its diplomatic engagements to secure its role in maritime governance.

The commentary highlights how the Red Sea has historically attracted various global and regional actors due to its strategic significance. The piece notes that in recent years, port expansions and foreign military bases have turned the Red Sea coastline into what the writer describes as a "military garrison." Ethiopia, being a landlocked country, relies heavily on this maritime route for trade and has thus intensified its diplomatic efforts with regional bodies such as the African Union (#AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD). "Ethiopia has deep concerns over activities in the region," the article states, emphasizing the country's proactive engagement in maritime governance.

The writer points to Ethiopia’s historical engagement with Red Sea affairs, arguing that the country has long been affected by geopolitical competition in the region. "Any effort to govern the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that does not include us will not be fair or realistic; the Red Sea is a natural and strategic outlet for us," the article quotes a high-ranking Ethiopian diplomat in response to Ethiopia’s exclusion from the Saudi-Egyptian-led Red Sea Forum. According to the writer, "Ethiopia’s exclusion from such a framework could severely impede the development of ports, infrastructure, and energy resources across the Horn, as well as its expanding engagement with the Gulf States."

The piece outlines the shifting power dynamics in the Red Sea region, emphasizing that the competition among Gulf States has had immediate implications for stability. "Maintaining a balanced approach through neutrality or non-alignment is essential in managing these tensions," the writer asserts, adding that this strategy "enables Ethiopia to expand its network of partnerships while ensuring stability in the maritime region." The commentary further suggests that Ethiopia must establish an early warning system and a proactive policy to counter potential security threats. Additionally, the article underscores the need for Ethiopia to strengthen its domestic stability, engage in economic diplomacy, and enhance its naval capabilities to safeguard its long-term interests in the region.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49559

#Ethiopia: #UN designates several districts in #Amhara as "hard-to-reach" for aid access, warns of worsening crisis despite some improvements

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that while aid access has improved in parts of eastern Amhara, "many areas remain inaccessible," limiting food distribution, medical aid, and essential services. OCHA identifies districts such as Tach Gayint in South Gondar, Mehal Sayint in South Wello, Wemberma in West Gojam, and Dewa Chefa in the Oromo Special Zone as "hard-to-reach," leaving vulnerable populations facing "severe constraints on humanitarian assistance."

In its update, OCHA reported that access breakthroughs in Bugna and Raya Kobo districts have allowed humanitarian actors to reach "health centers in need of assistance" and deliver "limited but critical nutrition supplies." However, it warned that in other areas, "malnutrition is worsening," particularly in North Wello, South Wello, North Gondar, South Gondar, and Wag Hamra.

#Kenyan police in #Haiti suffer more casualties in clashes with gangs

Two Kenyan police officers have been seriously injured in clashes with gangs in Haiti over the past week, sources confirmed to Reuters, adding to the mounting toll of casualties faced by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The Kenyan contingent, which makes up about three-quarters of the 1,000-strong mission, was first deployed last June to restore security ahead of Haiti's 2026 elections. The mission has faced mounting attacks, with "morale issues" and doubts about its expansion amidst escalating violence.

According to three officers who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, one of the injured officers was shot in the head after a bullet pierced his helmet, while the other was struck in the ear by a gunshot that penetrated the walls of an armored vehicle. "The gangs are attacking us on an increasingly regular basis," one officer said. "Our equipment is inadequate," they added, with 20 armored vehicles grounded this weekend after failing to stop bullets during previous engagements.

MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed the injuries and the evacuation of the officers to the Dominican Republic for medical treatment. "As in any mission, casualties are sometimes unavoidable," he said. Meanwhile, two senior MSS officers told Reuters that a delegation would travel to Washington this week to address concerns over the quality of protective gear provided to the officers, with the team "seeking improvements" in their equipment to handle the growing threat from heavily armed gangs.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyan-police-haiti-suffer-more-casualties-clashes-with-gangs-2025-04-01/

#Ethiopian Media Authority suspends #EBS TV program over “false information”, “misleading the public”

The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has suspended “New Chapter,” a program aired by EBS Television, citing its March 24, 2025, episode contained “false information” that “misled the public” and “created suspicion.” The episode featured an account by Birtukan Temesgen, who claimed to have been “abducted and raped” in 2020 while a university student. She alleged that armed men in “military uniforms” took her from campus during unrest, forced her on a six-hour walk through a forest, and held her for over a year, during which she said, “They took turns raping me” and later “stabbed me with metal.” She also claimed to have given birth as a result of the assault.

Following the broadcast, Dembi Dollo University stated that Birtukan was “not a student” and described her account as a “lie.” In a follow-up documentary by state media, she admitted her story was “completely false.” The EMA accused the program of violating media regulations and engaging in “para-journalism practices.” EBS acknowledged the broadcast was “false” and admitted to a “mistake.” As part of the sanction, the program was suspended, and EBS received a “written warning.”

Meanwhile, Birtukan and several EBS employees have been detained under terrorism suspicions. Authorities alleged they were involved in “attempting to seize power by force,” “collaborating with leaders of extremist and anti-peace groups in some areas of the Amhara region,” and “attempting to undermine public confidence in the government.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49565

#African_Union mediators arrive in South Sudan to try to rescue peace deal

African Union mediators arrived in #South_Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Wednesday for talks aimed at preventing renewed conflict after First Vice President Riek Machar was placed "under house arrest" last week.

President Salva Kiir’s government accused Machar, a longtime rival who led rebel forces during the 2013-18 war that killed "hundreds of thousands," of attempting to "stir up a new rebellion." Machar’s detention last Wednesday followed weeks of clashes in the northern Upper Nile state between the military and the White Army militia. While Machar’s forces were allied with the militia during the war, they "deny any current links."

The AU delegation arrived in Juba on Wednesday afternoon with a "Council of the Wise," including former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye and former Kenyan judge Effie Owuor. Machar’s SPLM-IO party said it "warmly welcomes the arrival of the Council of Wise" as part of broader efforts to "de-escalate tensions and support the peace process." Meanwhile, the AU’s Peace and Security Council called for Machar’s "immediate and unconditional release," warning that recent developments could jeopardize the 2018 peace deal.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-mediators-arrive-south-sudan-try-rescue-peace-deal-2025-04-02/

#Ethiopia: More than 20 killed, three abducted in #Oromia’s Horo Guduru Wollega zone; officials blame #Fano militants

More than 20 people were killed, and three others abducted in an attack on March 28 in Abe Dongoro district, Horo Guduru Wollega zone of Oromia region, according to officials and residents. A local resident, who requested anonymity, said “more than 20 people lost their lives” in the attack, and several others were injured. “The attackers came last Friday and opened fire on the local militia responsible for security,” he said, adding that as people tried to flee, they were shot. Another resident, a relative of one of the victims, said, “My family member was simply walking on the road when he was shot,” describing the attack as devastating.

Abe Dongoro district Deputy Administrator Ayana Waqe confirmed the deaths and attributed the attack to “Fano extremist militants,” but emphasized that it was not an act by the wider Amhara community. He stated that the armed group had been hiding in forests and reemerged after Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) withdrew, leading to increased attacks. “Because of the strong measures the government had been taking, acts of looting, house burning, and killings had declined,” he said, but noted that after ENDF’s withdrawal, violence surged.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49583

#Ethiopia: Over 40 civilians, including children, allegedly killed by “gov’t security forces” in #Amhara’s North Gojjam zone

More than 40 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed on March 31, 2025, in Brakat town and surrounding areas of Senka, Arsema, and Fita in Mecha district, North Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region. Residents told Addis Standard that the killings were allegedly carried out by “government security forces” during “house-to-house” searches and on the streets.

A resident, who requested anonymity, said, “The killings began at 2:00 PM, after an exchange of gunfire that had been heard since early morning.” He described the clashes as occurring “between the defense forces and anti-riot forces.” Following the gunfire, he alleged, “government security forces began moving throughout different parts of the town and started killing anyone they found.” Another resident claimed that “homes were being opened, and killings were carried out.” The victims reportedly included “mothers returning from grain mills, people inside their homes, mentally ill individuals, and children.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49599

#Somalia, #Djibouti leaders discuss security, economic ties

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti on Wednesday for high-level talks on strengthening bilateral relations and "enhancing strategic cooperation."

The discussions covered key sectors, including "security, economic development, trade, and political coordination." Both leaders emphasized the "historic and fraternal ties" between their nations and reaffirmed their "commitment to regional stability."

President Mohamud thanked Djibouti for its continued support, particularly in "peacekeeping and counterterrorism," and praised its role in regional peace efforts. He noted that Djibouti has been "critical" in Somalia’s state-building process and expressed appreciation for its "unwavering solidarity."

President Guelleh reiterated Djibouti’s "commitment to supporting Somalia," stressing the need for collaboration in "rebuilding institutions and strengthening governance."

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Apr/200964/somali_djiboutian_presidents_discuss_security_and_economic_cooperation.aspx

#US-#Kenya strengthen ties with joint engineering at Camp Simba near Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay

Major expansion projects are underway, including airfield construction, fuel storage, and lodging to support rotational U.S. forces at Camp Simba, strategically located near the Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay.

Camp Simba was reinforced by Kenya’s 2024 designation as a major non-NATO ally. The base's expanding infrastructure enhances regional security efforts, particularly against threats like Al-Shabaab.

In July 2024, the State Department awarded a contract for a 10,000-foot runway capable of supporting more diverse aircraft operations. This would more than double the current runway length, significantly expanding fighter, reconnaissance and transport aircraft capabilities in the region.

Now a joint-service team, led by Air Force 2nd Lt. Michael Martin, integrates U.S. and Kenyan forces for operations, including a Somalian humanitarian mission.
Engineering leaders like Senior Master Sgt. Colin Pierce and Master Sgt.

Scott Peyton oversee these efforts, ensuring lasting impact. “Our work at Camp Simba will serve the mission long after we’re gone,” Peyton said, emphasizing the team's role in long-term security and sustainability.
https://www.usafe.af.mil/Units/406th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News-and-Articles/Display/Article/4142918/us-kenya-partnership-fortified-through-joint-engineering-efforts-at-camp-simba/

#Ethiopia: University students to teach for one year before graduation as part of new initiative, education minister says

University students will be required to teach for one year before graduation as part of a new initiative, Education Minister Birhanu Nega (PhD) has announced. "A program named 'Ethiopian University Service' has been prepared," he said, adding that it will allow students to "serve the community in their field of study before graduation."

Speaking on April 02, 2025, at the House of People's Representatives' Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Employment and Technology Affairs, Birhanu linked the program to the country's teacher shortage. "There is a shortage of over 100,000 teachers," he said, noting that the initiative is among several efforts to "address the severe shortage of qualified teachers widely observed in the country." He explained that students "will be paid for their basic expenses and required to teach for one year" before entering their fourth year.

Watch!

#Ethiopia: From Training Grounds to Battlefields: Is #Amhara conflict shifting amid mass deployment of anti-riot militias, regular police?

The militarized conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, which has been primarily fought between the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) and the non-state #Fano militia, is witnessing a shift as thousands of regional anti-riot militias and regular police forces are deployed across conflict-affected areas. Analysts suggest the move marks a new phase in the confrontation, raising concerns over its long-term implications.

On 27 March 2025, the Amhara Regional State Police Commission graduated over 10,000 anti-riot militia members and regular police officers from the Bir Sheleko Basic Paramilitary Training Center. Desalegn Tasew, head of the Amhara Peace and Security Bureau, stated that the training aimed to equip personnel with the skills necessary for "maintaining regional stability." He emphasized that their role would extend to "securing lasting peace, overcoming challenges, and safeguarding national security."

The deployment follows statements by Lieutenant General Alemshet Degife, Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the ENDF, who outlined a plan for the army to reduce its presence in policing duties. He noted that continuous military deployment was unsustainable, stating, "The military should return to its camp and focus on training." However, experts question whether regional forces can effectively stabilize the situation.

Sisay Assemrie, assistant professor of political philosophy at the University of Gondar, argues that the deployment of militias and police forces is a premature decision that does not address the root causes of the conflict. "Unless the conflict is resolved through negotiation and dialogue, shifting the dynamics only means replacing those who are dying," he said. Legal expert Addisu Getaneh also questioned whether the military's withdrawal would lead to stability, stressing that "debating whether militias or the military should continue fighting will not resolve the issue. What is needed is a political solution."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49584

Amnesty welcomes #Kenya court ruling allowing $2.4B lawsuit against #Meta for fueling violence, killings amid war in #Tigray

Amnesty International has welcomed a ruling by Kenya’s High Court affirming its jurisdiction to hear a lawsuit against Meta, Facebook’s parent company, over its alleged role in spreading “ethnic violence and killings” during the war in #Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Describing the decision as “a positive step” that “paves the way for justice,” Amnesty said it challenges what it described as “an era of impunity” for large technology companies accused of enabling human rights abuses.

The case, filed by Ethiopians Abrham Meareg and Fisseha Tekle alongside Kenya’s Katiba Institute, seeks $2.4 billion in restitution. Petitioners claim Meta’s algorithm “amplified inciteful, hateful, and dangerous content,” contributing to serious harm, including the killing of Meareg’s father after “inciteful posts” circulated on Facebook. The Court stated it had jurisdiction because the case involves determining “whether a right has been violated” and requires interpreting the constitution, raising “substantial questions of law.” Meta has contested the ruling, asserting its “terms of service restrict claims against the company” to U.S. courts, and has sought permission to appeal.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49607

#Somalia’s President appoints new naval commander

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday appointed Brigadier General Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar as the new Commander of the Somali Navy, signaling a renewed effort to increase maritime security and reclaim control over the country’s vast coastline.

In a presidential decree, President Mohamud emphasized the critical importance of a strong naval force for safeguarding Somalia’s territorial waters and upholding national sovereignty.

“The government is working to strengthen the Somali Navy so that it can take over the security and defense of our maritime borders, which are essential for our nationhood and unity,” the President stated.

The appointment comes amid a broader government campaign to rebuild the Somalia Navy, which was decimated by decades of conflict. Since 2023, hundreds of Somalia naval personnel trained in countries like #Eritrea have returned home, forming the foundation of a new maritime security architecture.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Apr/200966/president_mohamud_appoints_new_somali_navy_commander.aspx

#Op_ed: Reassessing Al-Shabaab's Influence: How exaggerated threats hinder #Somalia’s progress

In this op-ed, Abdinasir Ali Osman (Prof.), a senior researcher and consultant based in Mogadishu, responds to Adam Daud Ahmed’s recent article on Al-Shabaab’s influence in Somalia. The author argues that Ahmed’s portrayal of an imminent “power grab” by the militant group is overstated and risks undermining confidence in the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). “Alarmist framing risks inadvertently bolstering Al-Shabaab’s perceived invincibility,” the author writes, cautioning against narratives that exaggerate the group's strength while overlooking the government’s military and governance gains.

The piece highlights key counterterrorism advancements, including Operation Black Lion, which significantly disrupted Al-Shabaab’s logistical operations. The author challenges Ahmed’s assertion that military victories are merely “temporary,” arguing that while setbacks occur, they should not “overshadow the progress achieved through coordinated military efforts.” He points to Somalia’s security sector reforms, backed by #Turkey, the #UAE, and the #US., as evidence of long-term stabilization efforts. Additionally, he refutes the claim that Somalia’s leadership is distracted by diplomatic issues like Somaliland, calling this an “overly simplistic” interpretation that ignores the complexity of governance.

The writer also examines the role of strategic communication in shaping security narratives, warning that “exaggerated threat assessments can serve as recruitment tools for Al-Shabaab, granting them undue credibility.” He emphasizes that the government’s approach is not denial but a measured effort to manage public perception responsibly.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49611

Advocacy group raises alarm over #Ethiopian refugee tortured in #Libya, family urges action amid $10,000 ransom demand

Refugees in Libya, a grassroots advocacy group, has raised alarm over the case of Tesfay Hagos Alemayehu, a 31-year-old Ethiopian currently detained and reportedly tortured daily in #Kufra, southeastern Libya. Tesfay, who fled Ethiopia’s war-torn #Tigray region, is being held for a $10,000 ransom by traffickers alleged to be part of a transnational network involving Libyan, Ethiopian, and #Eritrean actors.

“He was not searching for riches… he fled Ethiopia because the land from which he emerged was bleeding,” the group said in a statement, describing Tesfay as “a man stripped of dignity and caged in Kufra, where his Black skin is a currency in the economy of human trafficking.”

Tesfay’s family has twice reported his disappearance to local police in Ethiopia, but according to the group, the response was dismissive. The officers allegedly told the family, “There is nothing we can do. Every day people are trafficked to Libya.” No official documentation or report was filed, making it difficult to activate international protocols such as Interpol alerts.

Footage reviewed by Refugees in Libya reportedly shows Tesfay being beaten and humiliated by men speaking Arabic. “The videos sent to his family are not threats; they are proof of cruelty so normalized it now functions as a business model,” the group stated. In one video, Tesfay appears “bound, shirtless, bruised, shaved bald and bleeding.”

Despite repeated attempts to alert both Ethiopian and Libyan authorities, no action has been taken, according to the group. “We have flagged this case… we have sent communications, reached out to partners, and sounded the alarm. But no action has been taken,” they said, adding that Tesfay’s case is not isolated. “At least 450 others are detained with him—Black men, women, and children—all waiting for ransom or risking death.”

https://www.refugeesinlibya.org/post/they-beat-him-daily-no-one-has-moved-his-life-cost-10-000-in-cash-tesfay-hagos-alemayehu

Official creditors grant #Ethiopia more time to pay debt, no write-down

Ethiopia’s official creditors expect to finalize within months a debt restructuring agreement that extends payment deadlines but does not include a write-down, according to William Roos, co-chair of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC).

Ethiopia, which defaulted in December 2023, reached a preliminary deal in March with its OCC to restructure $8.4 billion in debt—an important step toward resolving its sovereign default. The agreement provides approximately $2.5 billion in debt service relief until 2028, aligned with the country’s International Monetary Fund (#IMF) program.

“We reduce the stock of debt through an extension of maturities,” Roos said, adding that the deal also “reduces specifically the payments during the IMF programme period.” While bondholders argue Ethiopia’s financial troubles are due to a “liquidity” issue rather than insolvency, Roos stated that the country’s situation involves both liquidity constraints and “a need to reduce the stock of debt.”

The restructuring is being conducted under the G20 Common Framework, though Ethiopia remains in a dispute with holders of its $1 billion Eurobond. Bondholders have rejected the proposed 18% haircut, contending that the IMF’s debt sustainability analysis contains flaws, including an “artificial” undervaluation of gold and coffee exports.

Roos emphasized that cooperation among OCC co-chairs, France and China, had been “very constructive.” He also noted that three creditors—the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Poland—had opted to renegotiate separately.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/official-creditors-grant-ethiopia-more-time-pay-debt-no-write-down-2025-04-04/

Starvation threatens #Sudan’s El Fasher as #RSF siege cuts supplies

The humanitarian situation in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, has deteriorated sharply amid severe food shortages, residents and aid workers said. This has prompted activists to call for emergency airdrops to save a population facing starvation.

El Fasher has been under a tightening siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2024. The RSF began ground attacks on the city in May 2024 using heavy weapons including artillery, drones and missiles, killing hundreds of civilians and displacing nearly one million people, according to humanitarian groups and local accounts.

Mohamed Khamis Douda, a spokesperson for the vast Zamzam camp housing displaced people near El Fasher, said all markets there had shut.

He told Sudan Tribune that shortages of basic goods and residents’ inability to afford those still available forced the closures. Community kitchens known as takaya and Red Cross distribution points providing meals to thousands have also stopped operating due to the lack of supplies, Douda said.

https://sudantribune.com/article299340/