#CPJ urges #Ethiopian authorities to drop terrorism investigations against #EBS journalists; calls response "disproportionate"
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Ethiopian authorities to end terrorism investigations against at least seven journalists from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS), calling the response “a disproportionate reaction to concerns over lapses in journalistic ethics.” The journalists were detained in connection with a March 23 broadcast of the program “Addis Meiraf,” in which Birtukan Temesgen alleged she had been abducted and raped by individuals “in military uniform” while a university student in 2020. Authorities later dismissed the account as “fabricated,” CPJ said, and Birtukan appeared on state media days later to “recant her claims.” EBS founder Amman Fissehazion apologized on March 28, stating the station learned the allegations were false after the episode aired.
According to CPJ, the Ethiopian Media Authority suspended the program on April 1 and called for “corrective actions.” Despite this, Birtukan and the journalists were remanded for 14 days as police pursued terrorism charges under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism law. CPJ, citing court documents, said police accused the journalists of attempting to “incite conflict,” “threaten the constitutional order,” and “overthrow the government” in coordination with “extremist groups” in the Amhara region. “Arresting journalists on terrorism allegations is a disproportionate response,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, adding that EBS had “already faced regulatory sanction.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49701
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Ethiopian authorities to end terrorism investigations against at least seven journalists from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS), calling the response “a disproportionate reaction to concerns over lapses in journalistic ethics.” The journalists were detained in connection with a March 23 broadcast of the program “Addis Meiraf,” in which Birtukan Temesgen alleged she had been abducted and raped by individuals “in military uniform” while a university student in 2020. Authorities later dismissed the account as “fabricated,” CPJ said, and Birtukan appeared on state media days later to “recant her claims.” EBS founder Amman Fissehazion apologized on March 28, stating the station learned the allegations were false after the episode aired.
According to CPJ, the Ethiopian Media Authority suspended the program on April 1 and called for “corrective actions.” Despite this, Birtukan and the journalists were remanded for 14 days as police pursued terrorism charges under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism law. CPJ, citing court documents, said police accused the journalists of attempting to “incite conflict,” “threaten the constitutional order,” and “overthrow the government” in coordination with “extremist groups” in the Amhara region. “Arresting journalists on terrorism allegations is a disproportionate response,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, adding that EBS had “already faced regulatory sanction.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49701
Addis Standard
CPJ urges Ethiopian authorities to drop terrorism investigations against EBS journalists; calls response "disproportionate" - Addis…
CPJ urges Ethiopian authorities to drop terrorism investigations against EBS journalists; calls response "disproportionate" Addis Standard News -
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#South_Sudan opposition faction removes Machar from #SPLM-IO leadership, names Par interim chair
A faction within South Sudan’s main opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has named Stephen Par Kuol as interim chairman, replacing First Vice President Riek Machar, who remains under house arrest. The decision was made during a meeting held in Juba on Wednesday, which was not attended by senior SPLM-IO officials. Former Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango was appointed deputy interim chairman, and Agok Makur interim secretary-general.
Key figures, including Interior Minister and Machar’s wife Angelina Teny, as well as SPLM-IO Secretary-General Regina Joseph Kaba, were absent from the meeting, which loyalists have dismissed as “illegitimate” and politically driven. In his address following the announcement, Par suspended Machar’s deputy, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, who is currently in exile. “Someone who fled cannot run the affairs of the movement from Facebook,” Par said, adding that the SPLM-IO headquarters “remain in Juba, not online.”
The leadership dispute follows ongoing restrictions on Machar’s movement, which some describe as “politically motivated house arrest,” and comes amid delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement that established the current Transitional Government of National Unity.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/south-sudan-splinter-group-ousts-machar-as-splm-io-leader-4996254
A faction within South Sudan’s main opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has named Stephen Par Kuol as interim chairman, replacing First Vice President Riek Machar, who remains under house arrest. The decision was made during a meeting held in Juba on Wednesday, which was not attended by senior SPLM-IO officials. Former Federal Affairs Minister Lasuba Wango was appointed deputy interim chairman, and Agok Makur interim secretary-general.
Key figures, including Interior Minister and Machar’s wife Angelina Teny, as well as SPLM-IO Secretary-General Regina Joseph Kaba, were absent from the meeting, which loyalists have dismissed as “illegitimate” and politically driven. In his address following the announcement, Par suspended Machar’s deputy, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, who is currently in exile. “Someone who fled cannot run the affairs of the movement from Facebook,” Par said, adding that the SPLM-IO headquarters “remain in Juba, not online.”
The leadership dispute follows ongoing restrictions on Machar’s movement, which some describe as “politically motivated house arrest,” and comes amid delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement that established the current Transitional Government of National Unity.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/south-sudan-splinter-group-ousts-machar-as-splm-io-leader-4996254
The EastAfrican
South Sudan crisis: Splinter group ousts Machar as SPLM-IO leader
Stephen Par Kuol was named interim chairman in the controversial decision arrived at during a meeting largely boycotted by top officials of the party.
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#Op_ed: Breaking Through Waves: #Somaliland’s strategic role in shaping #Red_Sea future
In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, explores what he describes as Somaliland’s “strategic role” in shaping the future of Red Sea security amid rising tensions involving regional and global actors. The author highlights Somaliland’s geographic and political significance, stating that its “location along the Gulf of Aden” and its stability offer an “attractive alternative” to the turbulence characterizing much of the Horn of Africa. Citing its governance track record and the Port of Berbera’s development, the article suggests Somaliland is emerging as a critical partner for international actors, especially the United States.
Throughout the op-ed, the author argues that Somaliland’s infrastructure and internal security capabilities provide a foundation for regional engagement. He refers to the revitalized Port of Berbera—developed through investment by DP World—as a “valuable asset” free from what he calls “Chinese influence,” and asserts it could become one of the most important logistical bases in the region. The article notes that Somaliland’s security apparatus, including its coast guard and police, has managed to repel extremist threats “without relying on foreign troops,” making the case that additional Western support could elevate Berbera’s role in regional counterterrorism and maritime security.
The author links Somaliland’s internal governance to its geopolitical potential, emphasizing its three-decade experience with multiparty democracy, peaceful transfers of power, and decentralized administration. Ahmed further writes that Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition may be advancing, citing the introduction of the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act in the U.S. Congress. While acknowledging that the bill’s passage is uncertain, the article contends that its introduction signals “Somaliland’s growing geostrategic importance,” and concludes by calling for global actors to formally recognize what the author describes as Somaliland’s “reality.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49698
In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political security analyst in the Horn of Africa, explores what he describes as Somaliland’s “strategic role” in shaping the future of Red Sea security amid rising tensions involving regional and global actors. The author highlights Somaliland’s geographic and political significance, stating that its “location along the Gulf of Aden” and its stability offer an “attractive alternative” to the turbulence characterizing much of the Horn of Africa. Citing its governance track record and the Port of Berbera’s development, the article suggests Somaliland is emerging as a critical partner for international actors, especially the United States.
Throughout the op-ed, the author argues that Somaliland’s infrastructure and internal security capabilities provide a foundation for regional engagement. He refers to the revitalized Port of Berbera—developed through investment by DP World—as a “valuable asset” free from what he calls “Chinese influence,” and asserts it could become one of the most important logistical bases in the region. The article notes that Somaliland’s security apparatus, including its coast guard and police, has managed to repel extremist threats “without relying on foreign troops,” making the case that additional Western support could elevate Berbera’s role in regional counterterrorism and maritime security.
The author links Somaliland’s internal governance to its geopolitical potential, emphasizing its three-decade experience with multiparty democracy, peaceful transfers of power, and decentralized administration. Ahmed further writes that Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition may be advancing, citing the introduction of the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act in the U.S. Congress. While acknowledging that the bill’s passage is uncertain, the article contends that its introduction signals “Somaliland’s growing geostrategic importance,” and concludes by calling for global actors to formally recognize what the author describes as Somaliland’s “reality.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49698
Addis Standard
Op-ed: Breaking Through Waves: Somaliland’s strategic role in shaping Red Sea future - Addis Standard
Op-ed: Breaking Through Waves: Somaliland’s strategic role in shaping Red Sea future Addis Standard Op/Ed -
#Ethiopia: #ONLF faction appoints new acting chairman; another faction denounces move as "fraudulent", "state-backed"
A faction of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has announced the removal of its chairman, Abdirahman Mahdi, accusing him of actions that allegedly “endangered the unity of the front” and of “working to prevent the implementation of the promise made to the people” since the group's return to Ethiopia in 2018. The decision, made during what the group described as its “2nd regular Central Committee meeting,” also saw the appointment of Abdikarim Sheikh Muse as acting chairman, who will “serve in the role until a chairman is elected by the general assembly,” according to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
However, another ONLF faction rejected the move, calling the meeting in Jigjiga “an illegal and fraudulent event” staged by the ruling Prosperity Party and facilitated by the Somali regional administration to install “a hand-picked group of regime loyalists.” The statement alleged that regional authorities, “under the direct influence of the ruling party,” recruited individuals to “impersonate ONLF Central Committee members” and give legitimacy to the meeting, where officials from the National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) participated as “observers.” The faction accused NEBE of obstructing the front’s internal processes by “reject[ing] the minutes” of meetings and insisted that the board's participation served as “undeniable evidence” of the meeting being “state-sanctioned.”
The group warned that these developments represent “a sustained effort to dismantle the ONLF as a legitimate political force” and a “grave breach” of the 2018 peace agreement, warning that endorsing a “fraudulent leadership under the ONLF name” would “render it null and void.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49706
A faction of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has announced the removal of its chairman, Abdirahman Mahdi, accusing him of actions that allegedly “endangered the unity of the front” and of “working to prevent the implementation of the promise made to the people” since the group's return to Ethiopia in 2018. The decision, made during what the group described as its “2nd regular Central Committee meeting,” also saw the appointment of Abdikarim Sheikh Muse as acting chairman, who will “serve in the role until a chairman is elected by the general assembly,” according to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
However, another ONLF faction rejected the move, calling the meeting in Jigjiga “an illegal and fraudulent event” staged by the ruling Prosperity Party and facilitated by the Somali regional administration to install “a hand-picked group of regime loyalists.” The statement alleged that regional authorities, “under the direct influence of the ruling party,” recruited individuals to “impersonate ONLF Central Committee members” and give legitimacy to the meeting, where officials from the National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) participated as “observers.” The faction accused NEBE of obstructing the front’s internal processes by “reject[ing] the minutes” of meetings and insisted that the board's participation served as “undeniable evidence” of the meeting being “state-sanctioned.”
The group warned that these developments represent “a sustained effort to dismantle the ONLF as a legitimate political force” and a “grave breach” of the 2018 peace agreement, warning that endorsing a “fraudulent leadership under the ONLF name” would “render it null and void.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49706
Addis Standard
ONLF faction appoints new acting chairman; another faction denounces move as "fraudulent", "state-backed" - Addis Standard
ONLF faction appoints new acting chairman; another faction denounces move as "fraudulent", "state-backed" Addis Standard News -
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#Op_ed: Appointment of New Interim President in #Tigray: Tactical decision or misreading of reality?
In this op-ed, Daniel Berhane, a trained lawyer and journalist, argues that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration (#TIA) “constitutes a gross misreading of the reality.” The author notes that while the appointment has “diffused tensions between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) and the federal government,” the move reflects deeper structural problems within the political and security arrangement in post-war Tigray. The piece recalls that “TIA was established as per the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#COHA),” which envisaged “a lasting settlement to the conflict, a framework for accountability, restoration of constitutional order, withdrawal of non-ENDF troops from Western Tigray and other occupied areas, and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Rehabilitation (#DDR) of Tigrayan combatants.”
The op-ed states that “Tigray military forces emerged in the initial months of the two-year war as a resistance to the atrocities committed by Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Amharan forces.” However, Daniel writes that the force’s top leadership—“comprised of former TPLF combatants from the pre-1991 era”—has increasingly engaged in partisan politics. According to the author, the military’s January declaration endorsed the removal of former president Getachew Reda, and “several generals and colonels opposed to this move were suspended from their posts.” Following Getachew’s exit, he notes, “Tadesse held multiple meetings with the officers of Tigray Forces but none with the civilian cabinet.” The author argues, “A party that historically held its armed forces accountable to the political leadership has become reliant on and hardly distinguishable from the military officers, who have now turned into de facto administrators in local administrations.”
Daniel warns that “the installation of a new interim administration with a new president and cabinet is nothing but an episode in a poker game the two sides have embarked on.” He argues that “the federal government has been consistently setting the narrative for some time,” citing “two statements in Tigrigna” by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed directed at “the Tigrayan people and elite,” and a foreign ministry briefing accusing “a faction within the TPLF” of collaborating with “hostile external forces.” The article further states that “the Tigrayan leadership should recognize that engagement with the federal government cannot be wished away,” and cautions against reliance on “emotive slogans” and “populist pressures that securitize and militarize the polity.” The author concludes: “The withdrawal of #Amhara and #Eritrean forces from Tigray’s occupied territories, the return of IDPs, and the implementation of DDR…must be implemented as a comprehensive package to the satisfaction of both sides.” Daniel warns that “burying one’s head in the sand may have worked for the ostrich, but it will not be effective in this situation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49704
In this op-ed, Daniel Berhane, a trained lawyer and journalist, argues that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration (#TIA) “constitutes a gross misreading of the reality.” The author notes that while the appointment has “diffused tensions between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) and the federal government,” the move reflects deeper structural problems within the political and security arrangement in post-war Tigray. The piece recalls that “TIA was established as per the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#COHA),” which envisaged “a lasting settlement to the conflict, a framework for accountability, restoration of constitutional order, withdrawal of non-ENDF troops from Western Tigray and other occupied areas, and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Rehabilitation (#DDR) of Tigrayan combatants.”
The op-ed states that “Tigray military forces emerged in the initial months of the two-year war as a resistance to the atrocities committed by Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Amharan forces.” However, Daniel writes that the force’s top leadership—“comprised of former TPLF combatants from the pre-1991 era”—has increasingly engaged in partisan politics. According to the author, the military’s January declaration endorsed the removal of former president Getachew Reda, and “several generals and colonels opposed to this move were suspended from their posts.” Following Getachew’s exit, he notes, “Tadesse held multiple meetings with the officers of Tigray Forces but none with the civilian cabinet.” The author argues, “A party that historically held its armed forces accountable to the political leadership has become reliant on and hardly distinguishable from the military officers, who have now turned into de facto administrators in local administrations.”
Daniel warns that “the installation of a new interim administration with a new president and cabinet is nothing but an episode in a poker game the two sides have embarked on.” He argues that “the federal government has been consistently setting the narrative for some time,” citing “two statements in Tigrigna” by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed directed at “the Tigrayan people and elite,” and a foreign ministry briefing accusing “a faction within the TPLF” of collaborating with “hostile external forces.” The article further states that “the Tigrayan leadership should recognize that engagement with the federal government cannot be wished away,” and cautions against reliance on “emotive slogans” and “populist pressures that securitize and militarize the polity.” The author concludes: “The withdrawal of #Amhara and #Eritrean forces from Tigray’s occupied territories, the return of IDPs, and the implementation of DDR…must be implemented as a comprehensive package to the satisfaction of both sides.” Daniel warns that “burying one’s head in the sand may have worked for the ostrich, but it will not be effective in this situation.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49704
Addis Standard
Appointment of New Interim President in Tigray: Tactical decision or misreading of reality? - Addis Standard
Appointment of New Interim President in Tigray: Tactical decision or misreading of reality? Addis Standard Op/Ed -
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#Somalia signs $306.5 million debt relief deal with Arab Monetary Fund
Somalia has signed a $306.5 million debt relief agreement with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), a move officials in Mogadishu described as a “critical milestone” in the country’s economic reform agenda. The agreement, signed on Wednesday in #Kuwait, involves restructuring Somalia’s debt to the Abu Dhabi-based financial institution, according to a statement by the AMF, though further details were not disclosed.
Finance Minister Bihi Egeh called the deal “fundamental to re-engagement with the fund” and said it was a key step in Somalia’s broader efforts to secure debt relief. The agreement follows what the minister described as an improving international view of Somalia’s reform progress. The state-run news agency SONNA reported the signing reflects “growing international confidence in Somalia’s economic trajectory.”
The Horn of Africa nation, still recovering from decades of civil war, has also been hit by natural disasters including droughts, floods and locust swarms. Last year, Somalia secured the cancellation of 99% of the debt it owed to members of the Paris Club of creditor nations, which was described as a vital step toward its reintegration into the global financial system.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-signs-3065-million-debt-relief-deal-with-arab-monetary-fund-2025-04-10/
Somalia has signed a $306.5 million debt relief agreement with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), a move officials in Mogadishu described as a “critical milestone” in the country’s economic reform agenda. The agreement, signed on Wednesday in #Kuwait, involves restructuring Somalia’s debt to the Abu Dhabi-based financial institution, according to a statement by the AMF, though further details were not disclosed.
Finance Minister Bihi Egeh called the deal “fundamental to re-engagement with the fund” and said it was a key step in Somalia’s broader efforts to secure debt relief. The agreement follows what the minister described as an improving international view of Somalia’s reform progress. The state-run news agency SONNA reported the signing reflects “growing international confidence in Somalia’s economic trajectory.”
The Horn of Africa nation, still recovering from decades of civil war, has also been hit by natural disasters including droughts, floods and locust swarms. Last year, Somalia secured the cancellation of 99% of the debt it owed to members of the Paris Club of creditor nations, which was described as a vital step toward its reintegration into the global financial system.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-signs-3065-million-debt-relief-deal-with-arab-monetary-fund-2025-04-10/
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#Sudan accuses #UAE of 'complicity in genocide' at world court
The International Court of Justice (#ICJ) is hearing a case brought by Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of being “complicit in the genocide” during the current civil war.
Sudan alleges that the UAE has been arming the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) “with the aim of wiping out the non-Arab Masalit population of West Darfur.” It argues that atrocities committed by the RSF were enabled by “extensive financial, military and political support from the UAE, including arms shipments, drone training and the recruitment of mercenaries.”
In court on Thursday, Sudan’s legal team argued that “there was a risk of plausible harm to the Masalit people” and requested the ICJ to issue urgent measures to “ensure no further genocidal acts are committed.” Sudan has asked the court to block the UAE from supplying the RSF and to require the UAE to report back on the implementation of these measures.
Responding to the accusations, the UAE’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Ameirah Alhefeiti, described the violence in Sudan as “heart-breaking” but said the case had been brought “to deflect from [Sudan’s] own actions” and that the government was using the court “as a stage to attack the UAE.” The UAE government said the ICJ was “not a stage for political theatrics, and it must not be weaponised for disinformation,” and denied providing arms to either warring party.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8009pl4xjo.amp
The International Court of Justice (#ICJ) is hearing a case brought by Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of being “complicit in the genocide” during the current civil war.
Sudan alleges that the UAE has been arming the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) “with the aim of wiping out the non-Arab Masalit population of West Darfur.” It argues that atrocities committed by the RSF were enabled by “extensive financial, military and political support from the UAE, including arms shipments, drone training and the recruitment of mercenaries.”
In court on Thursday, Sudan’s legal team argued that “there was a risk of plausible harm to the Masalit people” and requested the ICJ to issue urgent measures to “ensure no further genocidal acts are committed.” Sudan has asked the court to block the UAE from supplying the RSF and to require the UAE to report back on the implementation of these measures.
Responding to the accusations, the UAE’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Ameirah Alhefeiti, described the violence in Sudan as “heart-breaking” but said the case had been brought “to deflect from [Sudan’s] own actions” and that the government was using the court “as a stage to attack the UAE.” The UAE government said the ICJ was “not a stage for political theatrics, and it must not be weaponised for disinformation,” and denied providing arms to either warring party.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8009pl4xjo.amp
BBC News
Sudan accuses UAE of 'complicity in genocide' at world court
Sudan's government alleges that the UAE is arming its civil war opponents, which it denies.
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#Ethiopia: New #Tigray Interim President holds first cabinet meeting; pledges to hold public conference for “urgent solutions,” vows to “fully implement #Pretoria agreement”
Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, who took office as President of the Tigray Interim Administration earlier this week, chaired his first cabinet meeting on Thursday and pledged to address what his office described as “pressing challenges” through a public conference.
A statement from his office said the administration would soon convene “a public conference” to establish “urgent solutions to existing problems.” Lt. Gen. Tadesse also underscored the need for “an approach that enables all political organizations of the region and other sectors of society to work together” in the interest of what he referred to as Tigray’s national agenda.
He further stated that “the focus of all our work must be to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement,” referring to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the federal government and the TPLF in November 2022 to end the two-year war in the region. His office also quoted him as saying that “our time is very short,” urging government bodies to “review plans for the next three months” and outline goals for the year ahead.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49713
Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, who took office as President of the Tigray Interim Administration earlier this week, chaired his first cabinet meeting on Thursday and pledged to address what his office described as “pressing challenges” through a public conference.
A statement from his office said the administration would soon convene “a public conference” to establish “urgent solutions to existing problems.” Lt. Gen. Tadesse also underscored the need for “an approach that enables all political organizations of the region and other sectors of society to work together” in the interest of what he referred to as Tigray’s national agenda.
He further stated that “the focus of all our work must be to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement,” referring to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the federal government and the TPLF in November 2022 to end the two-year war in the region. His office also quoted him as saying that “our time is very short,” urging government bodies to “review plans for the next three months” and outline goals for the year ahead.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49713
Addis Standard
New Tigray Interim President holds first cabinet meeting; pledges to hold public conference for “urgent solutions,” vows to “fully…
New Tigray Interim President holds first cabinet meeting; pledges to hold public conference for “urgent solutions,” vows to “fully implement Pretoria agreement” Addis Standard News -
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#Amnesty accuses #RSF of widespread sexual violence as war crime in #Sudan
Amnesty International has accused Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of using sexual violence “as a weapon of war,” acts the group said amount to “war crimes” and possible “crimes against humanity.”
In a report released Thursday, Amnesty said it documented 36 cases of rape or gang rape by RSF members across four states between April 2023 and October 2024. Survivors, including girls as young as 15, described incidents of “sexual slavery, torture, and assaults carried out to humiliate and displace communities.” Deprose Muchena, Amnesty’s Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact, said the RSF’s actions were “sickening, depraved and aimed at inflicting maximum humiliation.”
The report is based on interviews with 30 individuals, mostly survivors and their relatives now in Ugandan refugee camps. Amnesty said all those interviewed “identified RSF fighters as the perpetrators.” Describing the severity of attacks, the report cited the rape of a mother “after her breastfeeding baby was taken from her,” and a woman who was held in sexual slavery “for 30 days in Khartoum.” Some women, the report noted, were raped “after being unable to save wounded RSF soldiers they were forced to treat.”
https://sudantribune.com/article299552/
Amnesty International has accused Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of using sexual violence “as a weapon of war,” acts the group said amount to “war crimes” and possible “crimes against humanity.”
In a report released Thursday, Amnesty said it documented 36 cases of rape or gang rape by RSF members across four states between April 2023 and October 2024. Survivors, including girls as young as 15, described incidents of “sexual slavery, torture, and assaults carried out to humiliate and displace communities.” Deprose Muchena, Amnesty’s Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact, said the RSF’s actions were “sickening, depraved and aimed at inflicting maximum humiliation.”
The report is based on interviews with 30 individuals, mostly survivors and their relatives now in Ugandan refugee camps. Amnesty said all those interviewed “identified RSF fighters as the perpetrators.” Describing the severity of attacks, the report cited the rape of a mother “after her breastfeeding baby was taken from her,” and a woman who was held in sexual slavery “for 30 days in Khartoum.” Some women, the report noted, were raped “after being unable to save wounded RSF soldiers they were forced to treat.”
https://sudantribune.com/article299552/
Sudan Tribune
Amnesty accuses RSF of widespread sexual violence as war crime in Sudan
April 10, 2025 (LONDON) – Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have systematically used rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon of war, constituting war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, Amnesty International…
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#Opinion: Breaking the Cycle: #Tigray leadership change sparks hope, demands vigilance
In this opinion piece, Prof. Mohamud A. Ahmed, columnist, political analyst, and researcher at Greenlight Advisors Group in the Somali Region State, reflects on the recent appointment of Lt. General Tadesse Werede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration and its implications for the region’s political trajectory.
The author observes that the appointment of Lt. General Tadesse Werede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration is “not merely a change in leadership,” but “a pivot in political gravity, an attempt to shift the calculus from confrontation to reconstruction.” The piece recounts that the leadership change followed fractures within the TPLF, especially after the 14th Congress in August 2024, which split the leadership between Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. The author describes Getachew’s eventual departure from Mekelle to #Addis_Abeba and his appeal for federal arbitration as “not merely political—they were an admission that the house could no longer hold.” The federal government, according to the author, “neither imposed nor ignored; it waited,” allowing “a new consensus” to emerge “not through edicts, but through exhaustion; not through domination, but through discernment.”
The author highlights the symbolic importance of the “Inclusive interim administration of the Tigray region mission implementation agreement document,” which contains eight mandates. The piece notes that the document is “light in weight, [but] dense in promise,” and emphasizes Lt. Gen. Tadesse’s pledge “to uphold and diligently execute” his responsibilities “with integrity and dedication.” The author describes the current moment as one in which “a man of war [is] entrusted with peace,” calling Lt. Gen. Tadesse “a military strategist now drafted into political service.” The piece adds that his credibility stems from a career “forged on the battlefield and tempered in the negotiation rooms of Pretoria and Nairobi.”
The author cautions that this transition may only offer “a temporary equilibrium, not a permanent solution,” and points to the ideological divisions and mistrust that persist, particularly between the TPLF and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The piece remarks that “Prime Minister Abiy’s posture has remained remarkably serene,” adding, “some call it aloofness; others, strategic silence.” The author argues, “Those who chant that only war can resolve grievances, let history be a mirror, not a myth,” and warns that “selective memory is the enemy of justice.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49720
In this opinion piece, Prof. Mohamud A. Ahmed, columnist, political analyst, and researcher at Greenlight Advisors Group in the Somali Region State, reflects on the recent appointment of Lt. General Tadesse Werede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration and its implications for the region’s political trajectory.
The author observes that the appointment of Lt. General Tadesse Werede as president of the Tigray Interim Administration is “not merely a change in leadership,” but “a pivot in political gravity, an attempt to shift the calculus from confrontation to reconstruction.” The piece recounts that the leadership change followed fractures within the TPLF, especially after the 14th Congress in August 2024, which split the leadership between Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. The author describes Getachew’s eventual departure from Mekelle to #Addis_Abeba and his appeal for federal arbitration as “not merely political—they were an admission that the house could no longer hold.” The federal government, according to the author, “neither imposed nor ignored; it waited,” allowing “a new consensus” to emerge “not through edicts, but through exhaustion; not through domination, but through discernment.”
The author highlights the symbolic importance of the “Inclusive interim administration of the Tigray region mission implementation agreement document,” which contains eight mandates. The piece notes that the document is “light in weight, [but] dense in promise,” and emphasizes Lt. Gen. Tadesse’s pledge “to uphold and diligently execute” his responsibilities “with integrity and dedication.” The author describes the current moment as one in which “a man of war [is] entrusted with peace,” calling Lt. Gen. Tadesse “a military strategist now drafted into political service.” The piece adds that his credibility stems from a career “forged on the battlefield and tempered in the negotiation rooms of Pretoria and Nairobi.”
The author cautions that this transition may only offer “a temporary equilibrium, not a permanent solution,” and points to the ideological divisions and mistrust that persist, particularly between the TPLF and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The piece remarks that “Prime Minister Abiy’s posture has remained remarkably serene,” adding, “some call it aloofness; others, strategic silence.” The author argues, “Those who chant that only war can resolve grievances, let history be a mirror, not a myth,” and warns that “selective memory is the enemy of justice.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49720
Addis Standard
Breaking the Cycle: Tigray leadership change sparks hope, demands vigilance - Addis Standard
Breaking the Cycle: Tigray leadership change sparks hope, demands vigilance Addis Standard Opinion -
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Trump team divided over future of #US counterterrorism operations in #Somalia
Recent battlefield gains by an Islamist insurgency in Somalia have prompted some State Department officials to propose "closing the U.S. embassy in #Mogadishu and withdrawing most American personnel as a security precaution," according to officials familiar with internal deliberations. Other Trump administration officials, particularly in the National Security Council, fear that shutting the embassy could "diminish confidence in Somalia’s central government and inadvertently incite a rapid collapse." Instead, they advocate for "doubling down on U.S. operations" in the country to counter Al Shabab, the militant group affiliated with Al Qaeda.
Sebastian Gorka, President Trump’s top counterterrorism adviser, convened an interagency meeting at the White House last week "to begin to grapple with" the administration’s strategy, officials briefed on its findings said. The meeting "ended without any clear resolution." Some within the administration, particularly those skeptical of continued U.S. military involvement abroad, believe that Somalia does not represent a vital American interest and oppose further entanglement in what they see as another "forever war."
A State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday that the embassy in Mogadishu "remains fully operational" and that the department "constantly monitors and evaluates threat information and adjusts our security and operating postures accordingly." Meanwhile, Maureen Farrell, the former top Pentagon Africa policy official in the Biden administration, stated that "there can be no purely military solution to Al Shabab."
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/us/politics/us-embassy-somalia-future-trump.html
Recent battlefield gains by an Islamist insurgency in Somalia have prompted some State Department officials to propose "closing the U.S. embassy in #Mogadishu and withdrawing most American personnel as a security precaution," according to officials familiar with internal deliberations. Other Trump administration officials, particularly in the National Security Council, fear that shutting the embassy could "diminish confidence in Somalia’s central government and inadvertently incite a rapid collapse." Instead, they advocate for "doubling down on U.S. operations" in the country to counter Al Shabab, the militant group affiliated with Al Qaeda.
Sebastian Gorka, President Trump’s top counterterrorism adviser, convened an interagency meeting at the White House last week "to begin to grapple with" the administration’s strategy, officials briefed on its findings said. The meeting "ended without any clear resolution." Some within the administration, particularly those skeptical of continued U.S. military involvement abroad, believe that Somalia does not represent a vital American interest and oppose further entanglement in what they see as another "forever war."
A State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday that the embassy in Mogadishu "remains fully operational" and that the department "constantly monitors and evaluates threat information and adjusts our security and operating postures accordingly." Meanwhile, Maureen Farrell, the former top Pentagon Africa policy official in the Biden administration, stated that "there can be no purely military solution to Al Shabab."
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/us/politics/us-embassy-somalia-future-trump.html
NY Times
Trump Team Divided Over Future of U.S. Counterterrorism Operations in Somalia
Some State Department officials have proposed closing the embassy in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, as a precaution after recent gains by Al Shabab militants.
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#Sudan’s Burhan discusses conflict, ties with Eritrean president in Asmara, thanked #Eritrea for supporting Sudan’s unity
Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the Eritrean capital Asmara on Thursday for talks with President Isaias Afwerki focused on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and bilateral relations.
Sudan’s Sovereignty Council said in a statement the two leaders held talks at the presidential palace. The discussions addressed bilateral ties, joint cooperation, the situation in Sudan, peace efforts, and regional and international issues, the council added.
According to the Sudanese statement, Burhan said the visit aimed to brief the Eritrean leadership on developments in Sudan and thanked Eritrea for supporting Sudan’s unity.
Burhan also told the Eritrean News Agency his one-day working visit was “principally aimed at briefing the Eritrean leadership on recent developments of the conflict in . https://sudantribune.com/article299589/
Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the Eritrean capital Asmara on Thursday for talks with President Isaias Afwerki focused on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and bilateral relations.
Sudan’s Sovereignty Council said in a statement the two leaders held talks at the presidential palace. The discussions addressed bilateral ties, joint cooperation, the situation in Sudan, peace efforts, and regional and international issues, the council added.
According to the Sudanese statement, Burhan said the visit aimed to brief the Eritrean leadership on developments in Sudan and thanked Eritrea for supporting Sudan’s unity.
Burhan also told the Eritrean News Agency his one-day working visit was “principally aimed at briefing the Eritrean leadership on recent developments of the conflict in . https://sudantribune.com/article299589/
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#Ethiopia: #TPLF pledges to work with interim admin. while maintaining ‘institutional independence’ – Chairman
TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) has pledged his party’s commitment to work “in a coordinated way” with the Interim Administration of Tigray under President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, while firmly asserting that the party will retain its “institutional independence.” In a Thursday meeting marking the leadership transition, Debretsion stated the TPLF “stands ready” to contribute to the administration’s mandates, adding, “We express our readiness to collaborate and support each other to achieve the interim administration’s missions in a short time.”
Reflecting on the past, Debretsion criticized the outgoing administration for having “failed to fulfill its missions” and in some cases “inflicted harm on the people of Tigray.” Emphasizing the need for swift restructuring, he said, “The main priority is for the Interim Administration to be reorganized in a way that swiftly fulfills the mandates expected by the people,” while stressing that TPLF's involvement will focus on restoring “our sovereignty” and building a government that reflects “the will of its people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49724
TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) has pledged his party’s commitment to work “in a coordinated way” with the Interim Administration of Tigray under President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, while firmly asserting that the party will retain its “institutional independence.” In a Thursday meeting marking the leadership transition, Debretsion stated the TPLF “stands ready” to contribute to the administration’s mandates, adding, “We express our readiness to collaborate and support each other to achieve the interim administration’s missions in a short time.”
Reflecting on the past, Debretsion criticized the outgoing administration for having “failed to fulfill its missions” and in some cases “inflicted harm on the people of Tigray.” Emphasizing the need for swift restructuring, he said, “The main priority is for the Interim Administration to be reorganized in a way that swiftly fulfills the mandates expected by the people,” while stressing that TPLF's involvement will focus on restoring “our sovereignty” and building a government that reflects “the will of its people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49724
Addis Standard
TPLF pledges to work with interim admin. while maintaining ‘institutional independence’ – Chairman - Addis Standard
TPLF pledges to work with interim admin. while maintaining ‘institutional independence’ – Chairman Addis Standard News -
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#Just_in: #Somaliland condemns #Somalia PM’s planned visit to Las’anod as “provocative violation of sovereignty”
The Government of Somaliland has issued a strong condemnation of the Somali Prime Minister’s planned visit to Las’anod, calling it a “blatant violation” of Somaliland’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.
In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the move as a “provocative act” that risks escalating tensions in the already fragile region.
“This provocative act constitutes a blatant violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the statement read.
The Ministry warned that the visit undermines efforts to restore peace in the Sool region, where recent unrest has drawn international concern. It also placed direct responsibility on Mogadishu for any resulting instability.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1910681806510186920?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The Government of Somaliland has issued a strong condemnation of the Somali Prime Minister’s planned visit to Las’anod, calling it a “blatant violation” of Somaliland’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.
In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the move as a “provocative act” that risks escalating tensions in the already fragile region.
“This provocative act constitutes a blatant violation of Somaliland’s sovereignty and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the statement read.
The Ministry warned that the visit undermines efforts to restore peace in the Sool region, where recent unrest has drawn international concern. It also placed direct responsibility on Mogadishu for any resulting instability.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1910681806510186920?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#Editorial: Justice Denied: One year since the assassination of Bate Urgessa, still No accountability. Time to break the silence and end impunity
One year has passed since the assassination of Bate Urgessa – a political officer of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (#OLF), a fearless advocate for justice, and a man who, until his final breath, believed in the possibility of democratic change in Ethiopia. One year later, we are still waiting for accountability. We are still waiting for truth. We are still waiting for justice. Instead, we are met with silence, stonewalling, and state-sanctioned intimidation. This publication was the first to report that Bate was ruthlessly assassinated by government forces.
A month later, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) – a constitutionally mandated body, revealed it forced to abandon its investigation into Bate’s assassination in #Meki City after its experts were followed, obstructed, and its witnesses arrested. The implication is chilling: even a federal institution tasked with protecting human rights cannot operate safely under the shadow of #Oromia’s regional authorities. According to a damning letter obtained by Addis Standard, the EHRC had, within days of Bate’s killing, unearthed compelling testimony and evidence suggesting the involvement of state security forces. Eyewitnesses described vehicles matching those used by government troops, armed men in the notorious “Ranger” uniform with red bonnets, and Bate being abducted and later executed – his hands tied, body riddled with bullets. The Commission even pinpointed the time and manner of the crime. Yet instead of its investigation gained traction, the truth was buried under the unknown.
In this editorial, Addis Standard demands, once again, a full and independent investigation – not by those who benefit from silence, but by a neutral, international mechanism. But first, the EHRC must release its preliminary findings. The Oromia regional government must be held accountable for its obstruction. And Bate Urgessa’s killers – no matter their rank or uniform – must face justice. This is not a political demand. It is a human one.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49732
One year has passed since the assassination of Bate Urgessa – a political officer of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (#OLF), a fearless advocate for justice, and a man who, until his final breath, believed in the possibility of democratic change in Ethiopia. One year later, we are still waiting for accountability. We are still waiting for truth. We are still waiting for justice. Instead, we are met with silence, stonewalling, and state-sanctioned intimidation. This publication was the first to report that Bate was ruthlessly assassinated by government forces.
A month later, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) – a constitutionally mandated body, revealed it forced to abandon its investigation into Bate’s assassination in #Meki City after its experts were followed, obstructed, and its witnesses arrested. The implication is chilling: even a federal institution tasked with protecting human rights cannot operate safely under the shadow of #Oromia’s regional authorities. According to a damning letter obtained by Addis Standard, the EHRC had, within days of Bate’s killing, unearthed compelling testimony and evidence suggesting the involvement of state security forces. Eyewitnesses described vehicles matching those used by government troops, armed men in the notorious “Ranger” uniform with red bonnets, and Bate being abducted and later executed – his hands tied, body riddled with bullets. The Commission even pinpointed the time and manner of the crime. Yet instead of its investigation gained traction, the truth was buried under the unknown.
In this editorial, Addis Standard demands, once again, a full and independent investigation – not by those who benefit from silence, but by a neutral, international mechanism. But first, the EHRC must release its preliminary findings. The Oromia regional government must be held accountable for its obstruction. And Bate Urgessa’s killers – no matter their rank or uniform – must face justice. This is not a political demand. It is a human one.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49732
Addis Standard
Justice Denied: One year since the assassination of Bate Urgessa, still No accountability. Time to break the silence and end impunity!…
Justice Denied: One year since the assassination of Bate Urgessa, still No accountability. Time to break the silence and end impunity! Addis Standard Editorial -
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#Ethiopia: Second deadly ambush in #Oromia’s Horo Guduru #Wollega Zone claims seven lives; death toll rises to 27 in one week
At least seven people were killed on Wednesday, 09 April, in a “deadly ambush” targeting a public transport vehicle in Abe Dongoro district, located in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone of Oromia region, according to residents who spoke to Addis Standard. The attack, which occurred near a location known as Harangama, comes just a week after a similar assault in the same district claimed over 20 lives and resulted in the abduction of three others, raising the total death toll to 27 within a span of seven days.
A survivor of the latest incident alleged that the attack was carried out by “#Fano militia.” He recounted that “three armed men approached the vehicle and opened fire, while two others were shooting from a distance.” He added that, along with the seven killed, “four others were also shot and taken to Abe Dongoro Primary Hospital.” The survivor said his friend, Gemachuu Lamessa, was among those killed, and identified additional victims as Tanna Derajjee, Mari Garbi, and Dingo Garba, all civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49741
At least seven people were killed on Wednesday, 09 April, in a “deadly ambush” targeting a public transport vehicle in Abe Dongoro district, located in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone of Oromia region, according to residents who spoke to Addis Standard. The attack, which occurred near a location known as Harangama, comes just a week after a similar assault in the same district claimed over 20 lives and resulted in the abduction of three others, raising the total death toll to 27 within a span of seven days.
A survivor of the latest incident alleged that the attack was carried out by “#Fano militia.” He recounted that “three armed men approached the vehicle and opened fire, while two others were shooting from a distance.” He added that, along with the seven killed, “four others were also shot and taken to Abe Dongoro Primary Hospital.” The survivor said his friend, Gemachuu Lamessa, was among those killed, and identified additional victims as Tanna Derajjee, Mari Garbi, and Dingo Garba, all civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49741
Addis Standard
Second deadly ambush in Oromia’s Horo Guduru Wollega Zone claims seven lives; death toll rises to 27 in one week - Addis Standard
Second deadly ambush in Oromia’s Horo Guduru Wollega Zone claims seven lives; death toll rises to 27 in one week Addis Standard News -
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Media is too big
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#Ethiopia: #Addis_Abeba Light Rail will not be demolished, official says
Berhanu Abebawu, CEO of the Addis Abeba Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, said there is “no plan to remove the rail,” addressing reports suggesting the city’s light rail infrastructure may be dismantled.
“There is no official information about removal; it’s just a rumor,” he told local media, in response to claims circulating about the demolition of the light rail system.
Berhanu said a joint study by local professionals and Chinese railway experts confirmed the feasibility of restoring the system to full capacity. He noted that “higher officials never endorsed demolition but instead recommended improvements,” which, he added, were “misinterpreted by the media.”
Ongoing efforts, according to Berhanu, include the construction of a new workshop and increasing the number of operational trains. “There’s no route we are going to demolish,” he said, explaining that the current focus is on easing pedestrian and vehicle movement.
Berhanu Abebawu, CEO of the Addis Abeba Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, said there is “no plan to remove the rail,” addressing reports suggesting the city’s light rail infrastructure may be dismantled.
“There is no official information about removal; it’s just a rumor,” he told local media, in response to claims circulating about the demolition of the light rail system.
Berhanu said a joint study by local professionals and Chinese railway experts confirmed the feasibility of restoring the system to full capacity. He noted that “higher officials never endorsed demolition but instead recommended improvements,” which, he added, were “misinterpreted by the media.”
Ongoing efforts, according to Berhanu, include the construction of a new workshop and increasing the number of operational trains. “There’s no route we are going to demolish,” he said, explaining that the current focus is on easing pedestrian and vehicle movement.
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#Op_ed: Axis of Agitation: Al-Shabaab, #Houthis stir new storm of violence across Horn of #Africa
In this op-ed, Abdinasir Ali Osman (Prof.), a senior researcher, consultant, and trainer based in Mogadishu, Somalia, with over 35 years of experience in the humanitarian, development, and institutional capacity-building sectors, examines what he describes as “a potentially dangerous evolution in the security landscape of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.” The op-ed reflects on concerns raised by U.S. Africa Command (#AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley, and highlights what the author calls “this nascent axis of instability” between Somalia’s Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, warning that it “carries profound implications for regional and global counterterrorism strategies.”
According to the author, the reported interactions between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis “appear to be driven by pragmatic strategic interests rather than ideological alignment.” The op-ed explains that “both entities are engaged in protracted conflicts against internationally recognized governments and harbor anti-Western sentiments.” The author writes, “A key catalyst for this potential cooperation is the perception of shared adversaries—Saudi Arabia, the #UAE, and their Western allies—seen as hindering their regional objectives.” The op-ed further states that “reports suggest the Houthis may be facilitating the transfer of advanced weaponry, including drones and surface-to-air missiles, along with training, to Al-Shabaab,” while Al-Shabaab’s “extensive experience in asymmetric warfare and clandestine networks could offer valuable insights to the Houthis.”
The op-ed also addresses #Iran’s potential role, noting that “Iran’s consistent support for proxy forces, including the Houthis, across the Middle East forms a critical context for analyzing this potential cooperation.” The author writes, “While direct orchestration of a deep alliance remains unconfirmed, Iran may perceive strategic advantages in fostering interaction between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab.” The op-ed concludes that “a nuanced understanding of the drivers and a commitment to collaborative solutions are essential,” and calls for “a sustained and coordinated international effort” to address what the author sees as “a complex situation with significant regional and global implications.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49744
In this op-ed, Abdinasir Ali Osman (Prof.), a senior researcher, consultant, and trainer based in Mogadishu, Somalia, with over 35 years of experience in the humanitarian, development, and institutional capacity-building sectors, examines what he describes as “a potentially dangerous evolution in the security landscape of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.” The op-ed reflects on concerns raised by U.S. Africa Command (#AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley, and highlights what the author calls “this nascent axis of instability” between Somalia’s Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, warning that it “carries profound implications for regional and global counterterrorism strategies.”
According to the author, the reported interactions between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis “appear to be driven by pragmatic strategic interests rather than ideological alignment.” The op-ed explains that “both entities are engaged in protracted conflicts against internationally recognized governments and harbor anti-Western sentiments.” The author writes, “A key catalyst for this potential cooperation is the perception of shared adversaries—Saudi Arabia, the #UAE, and their Western allies—seen as hindering their regional objectives.” The op-ed further states that “reports suggest the Houthis may be facilitating the transfer of advanced weaponry, including drones and surface-to-air missiles, along with training, to Al-Shabaab,” while Al-Shabaab’s “extensive experience in asymmetric warfare and clandestine networks could offer valuable insights to the Houthis.”
The op-ed also addresses #Iran’s potential role, noting that “Iran’s consistent support for proxy forces, including the Houthis, across the Middle East forms a critical context for analyzing this potential cooperation.” The author writes, “While direct orchestration of a deep alliance remains unconfirmed, Iran may perceive strategic advantages in fostering interaction between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab.” The op-ed concludes that “a nuanced understanding of the drivers and a commitment to collaborative solutions are essential,” and calls for “a sustained and coordinated international effort” to address what the author sees as “a complex situation with significant regional and global implications.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=49744
Addis Standard
Axis of Agitation: Al-Shabaab, Houthis stir new storm of violence across Horn of Africa - Addis Standard
Axis of Agitation: Al-Shabaab, Houthis stir new storm of violence across Horn of Africa Addis Standard Op/Ed -
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#Somalia PM visits LasAnod after more than four decades
Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday arrived in LasAnod, the administrative capital of SSC Khatumo, in what federal officials said was the first visit by a sitting Somali premier to the city in over 40 years. Barre, who led a senior federal delegation, was received by regional authorities including SSC Khatumo President Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Fardiye, as well as residents.
Members of the delegation told Anadolu that Barre is expected to hold discussions with “regional officials, civil society and women’s organizations” on matters they described as related to “national unity and peace.” Somalia’s federal government spokesperson Farhan Jim’ale characterized the visit as a “national peace and unity trip.”
LasAnod, located 933 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, has been a flashpoint between SSC Khatumo—a unionist administration—and #Somaliland forces. In 2023, the city saw months of fighting that left hundreds dead and injured.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-premier-pays-historic-visit-to-lasanod/3536707
Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday arrived in LasAnod, the administrative capital of SSC Khatumo, in what federal officials said was the first visit by a sitting Somali premier to the city in over 40 years. Barre, who led a senior federal delegation, was received by regional authorities including SSC Khatumo President Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Fardiye, as well as residents.
Members of the delegation told Anadolu that Barre is expected to hold discussions with “regional officials, civil society and women’s organizations” on matters they described as related to “national unity and peace.” Somalia’s federal government spokesperson Farhan Jim’ale characterized the visit as a “national peace and unity trip.”
LasAnod, located 933 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, has been a flashpoint between SSC Khatumo—a unionist administration—and #Somaliland forces. In 2023, the city saw months of fighting that left hundreds dead and injured.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-premier-pays-historic-visit-to-lasanod/3536707
Anadolu Agency
Somali premier pays historic visit to LasAnod
First visit by Somali prime minister to city in more than four decades
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Voter registration to kick off in #Mogadishu despite disagreements in #Somalia
Somalia electoral officials have announced that voter registration for local elections in Mogadishu will begin on April 15, ahead of council elections scheduled for June 30. The move marks what would be the first direct vote for local leaders in the capital in decades, and comes despite ongoing political tensions between the federal government and some regional states.
The registration process is part of a broader electoral roadmap endorsed by most federal and regional leaders in 2023. However, #Puntland and #Jubaland did not participate in the talks that led to the agreement. According to sources familiar with the planning, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and organizers of the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting—set for May 2025—have extended invitations to all member states, including Puntland and Jubaland. Still, it remains unclear whether their leaders will take part.
In a previous meeting, Somalia's leaders postponed the timeline for national elections, pushing local elections to June 2025 and regional parliamentary polls to September. The delay, approved in the absence of Puntland and Jubaland representatives, was criticized by both states, which have accused the federal government of moving forward with a universal suffrage model “without adequate consultations.”
While the direct voting model has already been tested in Puntland through local council elections, Puntland officials maintain that “legal procedures” must be followed before implementing similar polls across the country.
https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/voter-registration-to-kick-off-in-mogadishu-despite-disagreements-in-somalia
Somalia electoral officials have announced that voter registration for local elections in Mogadishu will begin on April 15, ahead of council elections scheduled for June 30. The move marks what would be the first direct vote for local leaders in the capital in decades, and comes despite ongoing political tensions between the federal government and some regional states.
The registration process is part of a broader electoral roadmap endorsed by most federal and regional leaders in 2023. However, #Puntland and #Jubaland did not participate in the talks that led to the agreement. According to sources familiar with the planning, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and organizers of the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting—set for May 2025—have extended invitations to all member states, including Puntland and Jubaland. Still, it remains unclear whether their leaders will take part.
In a previous meeting, Somalia's leaders postponed the timeline for national elections, pushing local elections to June 2025 and regional parliamentary polls to September. The delay, approved in the absence of Puntland and Jubaland representatives, was criticized by both states, which have accused the federal government of moving forward with a universal suffrage model “without adequate consultations.”
While the direct voting model has already been tested in Puntland through local council elections, Puntland officials maintain that “legal procedures” must be followed before implementing similar polls across the country.
https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/voter-registration-to-kick-off-in-mogadishu-despite-disagreements-in-somalia
Garowe Online
Voter registration to kick off in Mogadishu despite disagreements in Somalia
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