#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

#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

#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

#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.

#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

#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

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

#Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot as Advisory Minister for the Ministry of Education, with the rank of State Minister, effective April 14, 2025, according to state media.

Before his appointment, Professor Kindeya served as the Head of the Cabinet Secretariat for the Transformation of Social Development under the Tigray Interim Administration.

#Ethiopia: Sowing Under Shadows of Violence: #Amhara farmers face bleak harvest as conflict deepens fertilizer shortages, drives up input prices

Farmers in Ethiopia’s Amhara region are facing acute shortages of chemical fertilizer, with prices reported to have more than doubled compared to last year, as conflict between federal forces and #Fano militants continues to disrupt supply routes. Despite the federal government’s procurement of 24 million quintals of fertilizer for the 2025 Belg and Meher seasons, farmers in areas such as East Gojjam and South Gondar say distribution began only in early April, well after the start of planting activities in February.

“The fertilizer supply was better last year,” said Liben Getaneh (name changed for security reasons), a farmer in the Fogera district. “Some farmers received up to four quintals. This year, many have not even received any soil fertilizer.” He recalled paying 2,300 birr for 45 kilograms last year, noting that the same amount now costs as much as 5,000 birr. Other farmers in the area reported similar price hikes, with some stating that one quintal now sells for up to 10,000 birr. Rising prices for pesticides and transportation challenges have further complicated farming activities. “Drivers are unable to take my products to the market,” one farmer said, citing insecurity along major roads.


Local officials also acknowledged the disruption. Nigussie Malede, head of the Central Gondar Zone Agriculture Office, said the lack of peace caused by what he described as “extremist elements” is preventing timely access to fertilizers. “We are forced to transport agricultural inputs under the escort of security forces,” he said, while noting that only 26% of the planned fertilizer supply for the zone had arrived as of early April.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49747

More than 200 civilians killed as #Sudan’s #RSF attacks #Darfur displacement camps

More than 200 civilians have been killed in what aid agencies and #UN officials described as coordinated attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on displacement camps and areas around El Fasher, the last major city under army control in North Darfur. At least 56 people were reportedly killed in Um Kadadah, a town seized by RSF fighters east of El Fasher, in what rights groups say is one of the deadliest episodes in the region since the conflict between the army and RSF began nearly two years ago.

The UN said killings were ongoing in and around Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, where tens of thousands of displaced civilians have taken shelter. RSF fighters were reported to have burned structures in several sections of Zamzam. According to the UN, all medical personnel working for Relief International—“the only remaining clinic inside Zamzam camp”—were killed. The organisation said it believes the attack was “a targeted assault on all health infrastructure in the region,” preventing displaced communities from accessing essential care.

The United States has accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur and condemned attacks on civilians by both sides. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, said she was “appalled and gravely alarmed” by reports from the affected camps and El Fasher. Kate Ferguson, co-director of Protection Approaches, said the apparent simultaneous RSF assaults on Zamzam, Abu Shouk and El Fasher marked “a significant escalation” and warned the offensive “could represent the beginning of the assault we have all so long feared,” adding that it should prompt immediate international action.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/13/sudans-rsf-kills-civilians-in-attacks-on-darfur-refugee-camps

#Ethiopia: #TPLF accuses federal gov't of violating Pretoria agreement, cites concern over “unilateral decisions”

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused the federal government of “violating” the Pretoria Peace Agreement and making “unilateral decisions” that impact the people of Tigray. In a statement issued following a five-day Central Committee meeting, the party said federal authorities were enacting “proclamations, regulations, and directives” without consultation, and described the Pretoria Agreement as “the only link” currently existing between the two sides.

The statement follows recent political changes in the Tigray Interim Administration, including the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede as president on 8 April. In an earlier meeting held to mark the transition, TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) pledged to work with the new leadership, while underscoring the need to maintain the administration’s “institutional independence.” In its latest statement, the party said it had “reaffirmed its commitment to fulfill its historical responsibility” in the work of the interim administration and to support efforts aimed at addressing the region’s “fundamental public demands.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49753

War in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region has left many disabled veterans without care

More than two years after the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region ended, thousands of disabled veterans are struggling without access to proper medical care, as damaged health infrastructure and limited resources hamper recovery efforts.

Chandera Weldesenbet, a 41-year-old veteran, says he is “worried about dying before” receiving treatment for the metal shrapnel still in his body. Bedridden and unable to work, he described feeling “hopeless” about his future and his ability to support his child. Once employed in a hotel in Shire, Chandera is among many former fighters facing long-term physical and psychological hardship.

Hiluf Haile, who lost a leg in the war, managed to receive therapy in Mekele, where he was fitted with a prosthetic at the region’s only center offering such treatment. But he said most others have no access to similar care. Many, he noted, “survive by begging, laying bare the scar of the war,” as they navigate communities with little or no infrastructure to support them.

Temesgen Tilahun, head of the Ethiopian National Rehabilitation Commission, told the Associated Press there are “more than 43,000 Tigrayan former combatants” who need reintegration and support. But with health facilities destroyed during the war and only one functioning orthopedic center in the region, thousands remain without therapy or mobility assistance. “Tigray has too many individuals with disabilities who need support, especially medicine,” said Gebrehiwot Gebrezgiabher, head of the Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission, adding that “the situation is extremely dire.”

https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-tigray-war-disabled-fighters-ea4c4dc9b5f7748321f046650f41ec6a

#Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council condemns "illegal" Mosque fence demolition; Kirkos Sub-City says measure taken to uphold "rule of law"

The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has condemned the demolition of a fence belonging to Tebarek Mosque in Addis Abeba’s Kirkos Sub-City, District 10, calling the act “illegal” and claiming it was carried out “at night” and “outside government working hours.” In a statement issued on 13 April, the Council said the mosque “has been providing spiritual services for about 50 years since 1974” and alleged that the fence was demolished “under the cover of darkness,” in a manner that “violates the spirit of dialogue and legal procedure.”

In response, the Kirkos Sub-City Administration said the demolition was carried out to “prevent illegal land occupation” and to “uphold the rule of law.” It stated that the land was formerly a Federal Police camp and “was never under the mosque’s possession.” The administration accused unnamed individuals of “illegally installing a sign and door” in an attempt to present the area as part of the mosque’s compound—actions it said had “no legal basis.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49760

#Just_In - PM Abiy arrives in #Vietnam for official visit, P4G summit

#Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew arrived in #Hanoi this afternoon for a four-day official visit to Vietnam. The visit, made at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse, includes participation of the Ethiopian delegation in the fourth Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.
According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), PM Abiy’s visit marks the first official visit to Vietnam by an Ethiopian head of government since diplomatic relations were established in 1976.

The visit also represents the first high-level delegation exchange between the two countries in seven years. In past engagements with Vietnamese officials, PM Abiy has underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing ties with Vietnam.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1911774574208802818

#Opinion: No Data, No Magic: Why digital transformation must come first to harness AI’s true power

In this opinion piece, Dr. Demessie Girma, a technologist focused on mobile cloud computing and AI, cautions that growing enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence (#AI) in developing countries risks ignoring a vital requirement: data. The writer observes that “a growing misconception” is taking root—where AI is seen as “a silver bullet, a ready-made solution poised to fix longstanding problems overnight.” Drawing from experiences at recent talks, the author notes that many envision AI leapfrogging decades of inefficiencies, but “without so much as a nod to the foundational requirement that makes AI truly effective: data.” As he puts it, “AI without data is just expensive guesswork.”

Dr. Demessie underscores that the issue is not with AI itself but with the lack of digital infrastructure. “Even the most sophisticated AI systems need structured, consistent data,” he writes, adding, “without digital transformation—without first capturing, organizing, and standardizing the data—AI has nothing to work with.” The author argues that digital readiness must come first, describing it not as an optional add-on but “a prerequisite.” He points to simple yet powerful steps—digitizing historical records, ensuring consistent data formats, and equipping institutions like schools and health posts with basic digital tools. Without these, the writer contends, AI’s potential in sectors like education and health will remain unrealized.

Still, the author frames the current moment as a window of opportunity. He invokes the “latecomer advantage,” noting that “developing countries leapfrogged the landline era and embraced mobile telephony almost overnight.” In the same way, the writer believes they can now “build nimble systems that prioritize clean data structures, open interoperability, and scalable design.” According to the piece, such efforts are not merely upgrades but “essential blueprints for a future where AI becomes a meaningful partner in solving local challenges.” In closing, Dr. Demessie writes, “This moment is a rare opportunity: to design digital foundations with AI in mind. It requires vision, planning, and a commitment to long-term impact—but the dividends will be enormous.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49757

#South_Sudan’s main opposition party seeks an international probe into alleged government abuses

South Sudan’s main opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), demanded Monday an international probe into alleged rights abuses in recent fighting that saw government troops target areas loyal to the group’s leader, Riek Machar, who is under house arrest. Machar, the country’s vice president, has faced long-standing political rivalry with President Salva Kiir, a tension that has repeatedly threatened to tip South Sudan back into civil war.

Since March, fighting has engulfed the north, where government troops battled a rebel militia known as the White Army, widely believed to be allied with Machar. The rebels overran an army base in the town of Nasir, a Machar stronghold. Government troops responded with airstrikes and also attacked opposition forces’ barracks outside the capital, Juba.

Pal Mai Deng, spokesperson for the SPLM-IO, said the international community should investigate “airstrikes using chemical weapons” in areas such as Nasir. He did not elaborate. The statement came after Human Rights Watch last week reported the use of air-dropped incendiary weapons by government forces that have “killed and horrifically burned dozens of people, including children, and destroyed civilian infrastructure in Upper Nile state.”

https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-fighting-incendiary-weapons-cc47a33a76b80f795db31f5f303fec00

#Amnesty calls for “immediate pause” to #Ethiopia’s Corridor Development Project; cites forced evictions, lack of compensation

Amnesty International has called on the Ethiopian government to “immediately pause” the Corridor Development Project (#CDP), citing “widespread forced evictions” and what it described as a lack of legal protections, adequate consultation, and compensation. In a report released on 14 April, the rights group said at least 872 people — including 254 homeowners and 618 tenants — were forcibly removed from Bole and Lemi Kura sub-cities in #Addis_Abeba in November 2024 without prior notice or redress. Amnesty stated that the evictions, which it defined as “the removal of people against their will… without legal protections,” affected children, elderly individuals, and entire households, many of whom reported losing not only their homes but also access to essential services and social networks.

The organization warned that the “scale of forced evictions… is unprecedented in Ethiopia” and noted that “millions of residents” in areas where the CDP is being implemented now live in fear of similar displacements. Amnesty’s satellite analysis reportedly confirmed structural clearing of at least 29 hectares of built-up areas in Bole and Lemi Kura, aligning with testimonies that homes were demolished within three days of an oral notice. Despite a government statement in January indicating a decision to halt demolitions, Amnesty said “recurrent human rights violations” persist. It urged authorities to suspend the project until an independent investigation is conducted and safeguards are put in place to align evictions with international legal obligations.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49764

#Ethiopia military chief visits #Rwanda to strengthen cooperation

Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF), is in Rwanda as part of a four-day working visit that began on Sunday, April 13. The visit follows ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen military ties and comes a month after the signing of a defence cooperation agreement during a visit by Rwanda's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, to Ethiopia.

On Monday, Field Marshal Birhanu held talks with Gen Muganga at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura, and also paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda. The RDF, in a statement, said the visit presents “a key opportunity” to deepen what it described as “longstanding bilateral cooperation,” with discussions focusing on “new areas of collaboration in defence and other related sectors.”

Field Marshal Birhanu is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. During Gen Muganga’s visit to Ethiopia in March, his delegation toured the Ethiopian Air Force base in Bishoftu, where they were received by Lt Gen Yilma Merdasa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.


https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/25673/news/security/ethiopia-military-chief-visits-rwanda-to-strengthen-cooperation

#Ethiopia: #TPLF Chairman urges #AU Panel to convene urgent talks over “concerning situation” in #Pretoria agreement implementation

Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), Chairperson of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has called on the African Union High-Level Panel overseeing the Pretoria Peace Agreement to hold urgent discussions on what he described as a “concerning situation” regarding the implementation of the deal. His remarks came during a meeting on April 14 in Mekelle with Major General Samad Alade, newly appointed to lead the AU’s Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU MVCM). Debretsion highlighted that “armed groups outside the Ethiopian National Defense Forces remain in Tigray,” adding that “displaced residents have not returned to their homes,” and that “sovereign Tigrayan territories remain under occupation.”

Debretsion also raised concerns that “political dialogue has not yet begun” and that “the TPLF, despite being a signatory to the agreement, has not had its legal status reinstated.” He urged Major General Samad to “clearly identify the reality on the ground” and submit his findings to the AU. He emphasized that internally displaced persons “are facing severe dangers following the suspension of humanitarian aid” and called for efforts to ensure their return to their homes “with adequate guarantees, as required by the agreement.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49776

#Commentary: Minds for Sale: Social media, human cost of attention economy

In this commentary, Ahmed Ugas Guntane, a researcher, writer, and climate change expert based in #Jigjiga, reflects on the growing psychological and social toll of the attention economy in the #Somali Regional State. The author observes that the region’s rapidly rising internet access—“from just under 5% in 2010 to more than 35% by 2024”—has created a new digital environment, particularly affecting youth in urban centers such as Jigjiga, Degahbur, and Gode. Drawing from educator accounts and limited regional data, the piece explores how platforms built on “persuasive design” are shaping young people’s behaviors, habits, and mental health.

The commentary highlights how platforms use behavioral techniques—such as infinite scroll, variable rewards, and social validation loops—to “not just capture attention—they reshape behavior.” The writer emphasizes that this process shifts users from participants to commodities, with algorithms “tracking every move, predicting preferences, and manipulating the digital environment in real time.” The author further notes that the system incentivizes misinformation and emotional content, especially during sensitive times like elections and local conflict. “Truth, nuance, and civility become collateral damage,” the author writes, citing the spread of unverified information during the 2021 election and the recent #Dawaale clashes.

The piece also draws attention to the mental health implications. Citing figures from a 2022 regional study, the author notes that 42% of students in public schools reported feeling ‘mentally exhausted’ due to social media use. The commentary urges both policy and community responses—from school-level “device-free hours” to campaigns on digital literacy. While acknowledging that systemic shifts are needed, the writer suggests individual action still matters: “In an age of engineered distraction, paying attention is not just a personal choice—it’s a form of resistance.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=49771

#Sudan talks in #London to find way to end brutal conflict

Senior diplomats and aid officials from over a dozen countries are meeting in London on Tuesday to discuss ways to address what several participants describe as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” as Sudan’s war enters its third year. The one-day conference is hosted by the UK, Germany, France, the EU, and the African Union. No representatives from Sudan’s warring sides are attending.

“The brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions — and yet much of the world continues to look away,” says British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who visited Sudanese refugees near the Chad border in January. Lammy announces £120 million in new assistance, adding, “We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledges €125 million ($142 million) in humanitarian aid to support urgent food and medical supplies. She describes the war as “the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time.” The African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Bankole Adeoye, says “achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan.”

The war, which began on 15 April 2023, stems from a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF). At least 20,000 people are estimated to have been killed, with aid groups warning the toll is likely higher. The conflict has displaced over 13 million people, and nearly 25 million are facing acute hunger.

https://amp.dw.com/en/sudan-talks-in-london-to-find-way-to-end-brutal-conflict/a-72246642