#US revokes all visas for #South_Sudanese over deportation row

The United States has revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country’s refusal to accept deported nationals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision is “effective immediately” and was taken due to the transitional government's failure to receive its repatriated citizens “in a timely manner.” He also accused South Sudan of “taking advantage of the United States,” and added, “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation.”

In addition to cancelling existing visas, Rubio said the U.S. would “prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders.” The U.S. has warned that countries not cooperating on deportations could face consequences, including visa sanctions or tariffs.

The announcement comes amid renewed instability in South Sudan. In late March, opposition leader Riek Machar was placed under house arrest following clashes between government forces and the White Army — an armed group with which he has been linked. His supporters described the arrests of Machar and senior allies as a “grave violation” of the 2018 peace agreement. President Salva Kiir’s government, however, accuses Machar of stirring unrest.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the situation could push South Sudan “over the abyss,” and African Union mediators arrived in Juba last week to help de-escalate tensions.

https://news.sky.com/story/us-revokes-all-visas-for-south-sudanese-over-deportation-row-13343143

#US Deputy Secretary responds to call to "cut off" #Somalia funding, deepen ties with #Somaliland

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said he is “looking into this situation very closely” after a social media user urged Washington to “cut off all funding from” Somalia and deepen its partnership with Somaliland. The remark, made in response to a post on X (formerly Twitter), comes amid renewed calls for the U.S. to reassess its engagement in the region.

The original message, posted by a self-identified Somalilander, praised Landau’s work and called on the U.S. to “cut off all funding from the failed terrorist hub called Somalia.” The user added that “Somaliland is ready to host our great U.S. allies in Berbera to counter China.” In response, Landau offered a brief reply: “I have been looking into this situation very closely.”

The brief exchange follows ongoing calls for Washington to re-evaluate its policy in the Horn of Africa. While Somaliland remains unrecognized, it has governed itself since 1991 and is often described by supporters as a “stable democracy” that upholds “peace and rule of law.” Advocates argue that Somaliland offers “a reliable partner in a volatile region,” contrasting it with Somalia’s prolonged instability.

Officials in the Trump administration hinted at possible recognition, with growing voices in Congress framing Somaliland as “strategically important.” In recent months, U.S. lawmakers have emphasized its “geopolitical value,” particularly the port of Berbera, which is seen as a key location to “counter China’s growing influence” in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/04/breaking-u-s-deputy-secretary-of-state-responds-to-somalilands-call-for-stronger-ties/

#Ethiopia: Al-Shabaab launches mortar attack near #Mogadishu airport; flights disrupted

Al-Shabaab militants launched mortar attacks near Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Sunday morning, disrupting flights and targeting the nearby Halane compound, according to security sources who spoke to AFP.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “two to three mortar shells struck an open area of the airport” early in the morning. The mortars were reportedly fired from the outskirts of the city. An airport employee confirmed that a #Turkish Airlines flight was rerouted to #Djibouti and said they were informed that EgyptAir had also cancelled its flight for the day.

The Halane compound — a heavily fortified zone that hosts the United Nations, foreign missions, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) — was also hit, ATMIS spokesperson Lt. Col. Said Mwachinalo told AFP. “There has been shelling,” he said, adding that their team was “on the ground making assessment.” No casualties have been reported so far, and some airport operations continue, the security official added.

https://thedefensepost.com/2025/04/06/al-shabaab-attacks-somalias-airport/amp/

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy bids farewell to outgoing Tigray Interim Admin. President, recognizes achievement

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy bids farewell to outgoing #Tigray Interim Admin. President, recognizes achievement

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed bids a farewell to Getachew Reda, the outgoing President of the Tigray regional state interim administration.

In his farewell message posted in Tigrigna language, PM Abiy said that the federal government also “recognizes” the interim administration that has been in place for the past two years, and appreciates “the great caution and leadership” of the outgoing President in maintaining peace following the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

On 26 March, PM Abiy confirmed the departure of Getachew from his position as the interim president of Tigray regional state, a position he held after he was appointed two years ago in March 2023.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1909266883938754778

#ENDF reports killing #OLA figure involved in Dar es Salaam peace talks

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) announced that it "killed" a man identified as Shode, whom it described as "a close associate" of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) leader Kumsa Diriba, also known as Jaal Marroo, and a participant in the Dar es Salaam peace talks. The ENDF said Shode was "killed in action" on 06 April in East Wollega Zone while "traveling in hiding on a motorcycle." The operation, it stated, was carried out "based on information obtained by security forces."

The ENDF claimed Shode had "come out of the jungle" to attend the Dar es Salaam negotiations and was later "appointed by Jaal Marroo as the commander of all Wollega Zones." However, an OLA representative who participated in the talks told Addis Standard that Shode "participated as head of Jaal Marroo's security detail." The representative, speaking anonymously, said the government has been "making mockery of any effort at peace."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49631

#Israeli Ambassador to #Ethiopia removed from Rwandan genocide conference in #Addis_Abeba

Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, was removed from an African Union (#AU) conference in Addis Abeba on Monday after some member states reportedly declined to participate in the event alongside him, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The conference, held at the AU headquarters in Nelson Mandela Hall, marked the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in #Rwanda.

In a statement shared with The Times of Israel, the Foreign Ministry condemned the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf of Djibouti, stating it was “outrageous” that at a memorial “to which the Israeli ambassador in Addis Abeba was invited,” Youssouf “chose to introduce anti-Israel political elements.” The Ministry further said this conduct “first and foremost dishonors the memory of the victims” and reflects “a fundamental misunderstanding of the histories of both the Rwandan and Jewish peoples.”

Neguise, a former Likud lawmaker who has served as ambassador since August 2024, attended the conference under the theme “Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.” The Foreign Ministry said it “will take the necessary diplomatic steps with the relevant parties to clarify the seriousness with which we view this incident.” Youssouf, prior to his current role, held various diplomatic posts including as Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-ambassador-to-ethiopia-expelled-from-conference-on-rwandan-genocide/

#Ethiopia: Participants in the National Dialogue Commission’s agenda-gathering forum in the war-affected #Amhara region have urged the government to “abandon violent approaches” and commit to inclusive dialogue to address the country’s overlapping crises.

Their remarks come as the Commission continues its forum in #Bahir_Dar, launched on April 5 and scheduled to run through April 12, despite ongoing criticism over its legitimacy and representativeness.

“The government should get rid of thinking that is fixated on flexing muscles,” one participant said. Another participant, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution, said, “We are here because we believe in dialogue, not force.”

The participants highlighted issues in the Amhara region, urging both the government and armed actors to come to the table. “Those who went to the jungle did so because they felt unheard,” a participant noted, calling for them to return and present their grievances peacefully.

#Ethiopia: Health officials in #Amhara push for imposition of 'temporary restriction' amid spread of cholera outbreak

The Amhara Regional Public Health Institute is calling for a “temporary restriction” by the government in response to a resurging cholera outbreak in the region. Belay Bezabih, Director General of the Institute, said the outbreak that began in July 2023 “lasted for five months but was successfully controlled through concerted efforts,” but the disease “has resurfaced in the region since January 2025.” He said the outbreak first emerged at the Bermil St. George Holy Water site in #Quara district, West #Gondar Zone, and later spread to Andassa, Jawi Fil Wuha, and Bahir Dar city. As of 06 March 2025, the Institute recorded 1,446 cases and reported fatalities.

Belay said “the failure of some holy water sites to implement adequate sanitation measures, given the number of people they serve,” has contributed to the spread. He urged the government to impose a temporary restriction “before the disease causes further harm,” and called on the public to “halt travel to the affected areas.” He also urged holy water administrators to suspend services and travel agencies to stop “inappropriate promotions.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49640

#Sudan condemns #UK for excluding it from summit, while including #UAE

Sudan’s foreign ministry has criticised the United Kingdom for excluding its representatives from an upcoming London conference on the Sudan crisis, while inviting countries it says are “allies” of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). In a letter addressed to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sunday, Sudan’s acting foreign minister, Ali Yousif, expressed objection to the decision, stating it was “deeply troubling” that the UK was hosting a conference “without inviting the de-facto government in #Khartoum, yet extending invitations to countries supporting a militia at war with the state”.

The summit, scheduled for 15 April, aims to rally global support to end Sudan’s civil war and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. While both the Sudanese government and the RSF are excluded from direct participation, foreign ministers from the UAE, Chad, and Kenya—nations Khartoum alleges support the RSF—have been invited. In its statement, Sudan’s foreign ministry said the move “equates the government of Sudan with the RSF,” which it described as “a terrorist militia” responsible for “genocide, crimes against humanity, and unprecedented atrocities against civilians”.

The ministry further accused the UK of displaying “leniency” towards the RSF, citing “alleged secret talks” between British officials and RSF leaders in 2024. Yousif also criticised the inclusion of the UAE in the summit, saying its participation “allows it to whitewash its image” and “conceal its complicity” in acts of violence committed in Sudan. He added, “many in Sudan are now asking: how many more atrocities must the Janjaweed militia commit before Britain designates it a terrorist organisation?”

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudan-condemns-uk-excluding-it-summit-while-including-uae

#Ethiopian health workers launch campaign for fair pay, insurance; threaten strike over unmet demands

Health professionals across Ethiopia have launched a social media campaign demanding fair compensation, health insurance, and better working conditions. Organizers told Addis Standard they are preparing to submit a formal letter with ten key demands and a 30-day deadline, warning that a strike could follow if their calls go unanswered. “The lack of acknowledgment, combined with the rising cost of living, prompted us to initiate a coordinated social media campaign,” one health professional told Addis Standard.

“The question is solely a matter of rights, not a political one,” he stated. “The primary and foremost demand is that the income of health professionals is low relative to their workload and is not commensurate with the cost of living.” He added, “There have been instances where they cannot even afford medical treatment when they fall ill and are forced to beg.” Another practitioner said, “We are even struggling to eat twice a day. Since the issue is health, it is a pressing matter that affects many people and requires an urgent solution.”

Another practitioner said many are “struggling to eat twice a day,” and highlighted the need for insurance as they treat “infectious diseases daily.” He described the burden of low pay, saying, “Even though I have a family to support, I haven’t been able to support myself, let alone my mother and father.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49644

#Breaking: Lt. Gen. Tadesse named #Tigray's interim president

Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has officially taken over as the interim president of Tigray, replacing Getachew Reda. Previously serving as deputy president and head of the cabinet secretariat for peace and security of the Tigray interim administration, Tadesse steps into leadership following months of internal discord within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF).

"Today marks the peaceful and formal implementation of a leadership transition program - an important step toward cultivating a new political culture,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The leadership shift follows divisions that emerged after TPLF’s 14th Congress in August 2024, leading to a split between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. Despite attempts at mediation by religious and civil society groups, tensions between the factions continued to escalate, leading Getachew and some of his key allies to depart from Tigray.

Prime Minister Abiy later told law makers the expiration of the Tigray Interim Administration’s mandate and suggested leadership changes were imminent. In a controversial move, however, PM Abiy called for the people of Tigray to submit leadership nominations via email, a decision rejected by Debretsion’s faction as a violation of the Pretoria Agreement, which mandates a politically negotiated approach to forming an interim administration.

The TPLF also said that “discussions were held with the Ethiopian government to determine a replacement. An evaluation of the Interim Administration’s performance revealed its shortcomings, leading to a consensus that the president should be replaced. Consequently, the TPLF’s Central Committee proposed General Tadesse Werede for the position, which was accepted by the Ethiopian government.”

But it is not clear if the appointment of Tadesse came as a result of the agreement that the TPLF said it reached with the federal government.

Lt. Gen. Tadesse, a highly regarded military leader, played a critical role during the two-year brutal war in the Tigray region and was instrumental in negotiating the Pretoria and Nairobi peace agreements.

https://addisstandard.com/lt-gen-tadesse-named-tigrays-interim-president/

#Breaking: Lt. Gen. Tadesse named #Tigray's interim president

Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has officially taken over as the interim president of Tigray, replacing Getachew Reda. Previously serving as deputy president and head of the cabinet secretariat for peace and security of the Tigray interim administration, Tadesse steps into leadership following months of internal discord within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF).

"Today marks the peaceful and formal implementation of a leadership transition program - an important step toward cultivating a new political culture,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The leadership shift follows divisions that emerged after TPLF’s 14th Congress in August 2024, leading to a split between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. Despite attempts at mediation by religious and civil society groups, tensions between the factions continued to escalate, leading Getachew and some of his key allies to depart from Tigray.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49572

#South_Sudan blames 'unfair' revocation of #US visas on a mistaken nationality

South Sudan has criticized the United States' decision to revoke all visas issued to its nationals, calling the move “unfair” and attributing it to an “isolated incident” involving a misidentified individual who, according to Juba, was not a South Sudanese citizen.

In a statement released Monday, South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said the man denied re-entry by authorities in Juba on Friday was later identified as “a Congolese national,” adding that he had been returned to the United States and that “all supporting evidence” had been shared with U.S. officials. “The government deeply regrets that despite this history of collaboration and partnership, South Sudan now faces a broad revocation of visas based on an isolated incident involving misrepresentation by an individual who is not a South Sudanese national,” the statement said.


https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/ee3184575a53

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Judges Association warns of rising pressure in rape, murder cases; cites threat to judicial independence

The Tigray Judges Association has warned of mounting “internal and external” pressure on judges presiding over rape and murder cases in the region, cautioning that the interference is threatening both “judicial independence” and the safety of judges. In a statement issued on 05 April, the Association said “rape against women and murders have increased” in Tigray, particularly over the past two years, occurring “at an unprecedented rate.”

It further noted that judges handling such cases are facing pressure “in various ways,” including “both during and after trial proceedings.” The Association warned that unless these pressures are addressed, they may obstruct the ability of judges to “review cases independently and impartially.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49663

Video: The moment Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede signed a one-page document as he assumed #Tigray region's interim presidency. The document outlines eight key mandates expected of Tigray’s Interim Administration under his leadership.

Titled “Inclusive interim administration of the Tigray region mission implementation agreement document”, the one-page document bears the signature of Lt. Gen. Tadesse and his pledge “to uphold and diligently execute” the responsibilities “with integrity and dedication.”

Below is the contextual translation of the eight key mandates as outlined in the document:

1 - Facilitate full return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) - Ensure the completion of the return process of displaced persons to their original places and accelerate similar processes in remaining areas.

2 - Disarmament and reintegration of former combatants - Swiftly implement the disarmament and reintegration of ex-combatants in line with the Pretoria Agreement.

3 - Upholding rule of law - Guarantee the enforcement of the rule of law, halt visible unlawful activities that threaten public safety, stability, and peace, and carry out the necessary law enforcement and judicial measures.

4 - Coordinate flow development activities and services - Coordinate the flow of regular development activities, governmental operations, social services, and post-war reconstruction efforts.

5 - End unconstitutional and unlawful relations and actions - End any unconstitutional and unlawful actions and affiliations that contravene constitutional and legal orders, national sovereignty, or the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement.

6 - Lay groundworks for democratic elections - Prepare the region for free and fair democratic elections by establishing a political environment that safeguards civic and political rights and embraces political pluralism.

7 - Prepare the region to participate in national dialogue - Create conditions for broad-based participation of citizens, community groups, and political actors of the Tigray region to participate in the national dialogue process.

8 - Ensure regional state media activities to promote unity and national cohesion - Ensure that regional state media and communications efforts foster national cohesion, build constructive intercommunity relations, and promote respect for the rule of law and constitutional order.

The handover ceremony took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, ambassadors from various countries, and members of the international community based in Addis Abeba.

Video credit: PMO

#Ethiopia: Media Authority rejects journalist professional credential IDs, recognition initiative by Media Council

The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has formally rejected the Ethiopian Media Council’s (EMC) recent initiative to register journalists and issue professional identity cards and certifications, stating that the Council lacks the legal authority under Proclamation No. 1238/2021 to carry out such functions.

The Authority’s statement came in response to a recent initiative by the Council, which drafted a guideline that it said was developed by journalists, media researchers, and legal experts.

Despite these ambitions, however, the Council’s proposal has sparked debate among media stakeholders. https://addisstandard.com/media-authority-rejects-journalist-professional-credential-ids-recognition-initiative-by-media-council/

#Ethiopia: ‘Hard… but if done well, an opportunity’: Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede

The newly named President of the #Tigray Interim Regional Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, has described his new role as both a formidable challenge and a potential turning point. “The responsibility given to me is a hard test,” he said. “But if done well, it is an opportunity.”

“This is not something one wishes for,” he admitted, yet expressed confidence that with “determination and unity,” peace and progress are within reach.

Recognizing the complexity of Tigray’s challenges, Lt. Gen. Tadesse also admitted that “internal political, security, and economic issues” - not just delays in the Pretoria peace process - fuel the current crisis.

Still, he committed to rebuilding strong governance, ensuring civic rights, and honoring local leaders' contributions. “The conflict has now eased,” he said. aspirations for change can be realized.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49678

#South_Sudan to admit man deported by #US after blanket visa ban

South Sudan will admit a man deported by the United States after initially denying him entry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Tuesday. The reversal comes days after the US government imposed a “blanket visa restriction” on South Sudanese citizens, citing Juba’s failure to receive its nationals “in a timely manner.”

The man, identified as Makula Kintu, was denied entry at Juba International Airport on Saturday after presenting “a South Sudanese travel document under the name Nimeri Garang,” according to the ministry. Authorities later said he was identified as a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (#DRC) and added that he “stated that he hails from the Ema tribe of the Northern Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo and added that he was brought to South Sudan against his will.”

The foreign ministry said Kintu was “not admitted and was subsequently returned to the sending country (the US),” but would be allowed in upon his return on Wednesday. Citing “the spirit of the friendly relations” between both countries, the ministry said South Sudan “remains committed to supporting the return of verified South Sudanese nationals” deported from the United States.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/08/africa/south-sudan-us-visa-ban-intl/index.html