#Amnesty urges arms embargo renewal on #South_Sudan; cites #Ugandan military presence
Amnesty International has called on the United Nations Security Council (#UNSC) to renew and enforce its arms embargo on South Sudan, citing “open violations” by Ugandan forces and continued use of military helicopters by South Sudanese forces. The embargo, initially imposed in 2018, is set to expire on 31 May. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said that while the embargo “has not been a panacea,” without it, “the human rights situation would almost certainly be worse.”
According to Amnesty, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed armed personnel and military equipment to South Sudan in March 2025, allegedly without notifying the UNSC Sanctions Committee — a requirement under resolution 2428. Amnesty said the deployment “flagrantly violates the arms embargo” and is inconsistent with the stated purpose of the mission. While UPDF officials reportedly told media the troops were sent to “secure the capital Juba” and are “not there for peacekeeping,” the force’s own website described their aim as to “maintain peace and security in the country.”
Amnesty also cited evidence of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (#SSPDF) operating attack helicopters, including reports that two Mi-24 helicopters bombed a pharmacy operated by Médecins Sans Frontières in Old Fangak on 3 May, killing seven and injuring 20 others. Chagutah emphasized that “amid heightened tensions in the country,” regional and international actors “have a duty to protect civilians by ensuring the current arms embargo is not violated, including through the introduction of new weapons, arms or spare parts.”
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/05/south-sudan-un-security-council-must-renew-and-enforce-arms-embargo-to-protect-civilians/
Amnesty International has called on the United Nations Security Council (#UNSC) to renew and enforce its arms embargo on South Sudan, citing “open violations” by Ugandan forces and continued use of military helicopters by South Sudanese forces. The embargo, initially imposed in 2018, is set to expire on 31 May. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said that while the embargo “has not been a panacea,” without it, “the human rights situation would almost certainly be worse.”
According to Amnesty, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed armed personnel and military equipment to South Sudan in March 2025, allegedly without notifying the UNSC Sanctions Committee — a requirement under resolution 2428. Amnesty said the deployment “flagrantly violates the arms embargo” and is inconsistent with the stated purpose of the mission. While UPDF officials reportedly told media the troops were sent to “secure the capital Juba” and are “not there for peacekeeping,” the force’s own website described their aim as to “maintain peace and security in the country.”
Amnesty also cited evidence of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (#SSPDF) operating attack helicopters, including reports that two Mi-24 helicopters bombed a pharmacy operated by Médecins Sans Frontières in Old Fangak on 3 May, killing seven and injuring 20 others. Chagutah emphasized that “amid heightened tensions in the country,” regional and international actors “have a duty to protect civilians by ensuring the current arms embargo is not violated, including through the introduction of new weapons, arms or spare parts.”
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/05/south-sudan-un-security-council-must-renew-and-enforce-arms-embargo-to-protect-civilians/
Amnesty International
South Sudan: UN Security Council must renew and enforce arms embargo to protect civilians
Ugandan military presence in clear breach of embargo terms
Video: Pretoria Agreement is in a “strange limbo”, U.S. policy expert tells Senate members responding to a question on “the bubbling, almost boiling situation” between #Ethiopia and #Eritrea.
At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on 13 May focusing on East Africa and The Horn, Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations cautioned against the fragile state of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea, attributing it to the incomplete implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. She described the current state of the agreement as being in a “strange limbo.”
Responding to a question from Senator Van Hollen on what “practical steps” the U.S. should take to “try to address the bubbling, almost boiling situation with respect to Ethiopia and Eritrea,” Michelle echoed concerns previously raised by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute. Joshua had highlighted Eritrea’s continued presence inside Tigray in violation of the agreement.
Both experts discussed the need for international pressure to ensure full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, which brought an end to the brutal two-year war in the Tigray region.
“This is something everybody’s already agreed to, but it has not been fully implemented. It is in this strange limbo,” Michelle said, calling for increased involvement from AU member states as a “helpful focal point.”
At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on 13 May focusing on East Africa and The Horn, Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations cautioned against the fragile state of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea, attributing it to the incomplete implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. She described the current state of the agreement as being in a “strange limbo.”
Responding to a question from Senator Van Hollen on what “practical steps” the U.S. should take to “try to address the bubbling, almost boiling situation with respect to Ethiopia and Eritrea,” Michelle echoed concerns previously raised by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute. Joshua had highlighted Eritrea’s continued presence inside Tigray in violation of the agreement.
Both experts discussed the need for international pressure to ensure full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, which brought an end to the brutal two-year war in the Tigray region.
“This is something everybody’s already agreed to, but it has not been fully implemented. It is in this strange limbo,” Michelle said, calling for increased involvement from AU member states as a “helpful focal point.”
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#Breaking: #Ethiopia’s Election Board revokes #TPLF’s legal status
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has revoked the legal status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), citing its “failure” to implement “corrective measures” mandated under Proclamation No. 1332/2016. The Board stated the TPLF “did not fulfill” the conditions of its special registration, which required the party to hold a general assembly within six months of its August 2024 registration under the special status, and to notify the Board 21 days in advance. Despite warnings issued in February.
The TPLF, however, rejects NEBE’s authority in the matter, arguing that its original legal recognition was restored through the November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). “Denying our legal recognition undermines the very foundation of the peace accord,” the party said, accusing the Board of acting “under the guise of legal cover.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50164
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has revoked the legal status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), citing its “failure” to implement “corrective measures” mandated under Proclamation No. 1332/2016. The Board stated the TPLF “did not fulfill” the conditions of its special registration, which required the party to hold a general assembly within six months of its August 2024 registration under the special status, and to notify the Board 21 days in advance. Despite warnings issued in February.
The TPLF, however, rejects NEBE’s authority in the matter, arguing that its original legal recognition was restored through the November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). “Denying our legal recognition undermines the very foundation of the peace accord,” the party said, accusing the Board of acting “under the guise of legal cover.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50164
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#TPLF: Practically reclassified as “illegal political party”
In its decision to revoke TPLF’s legal status today, #NEBE practically reclassifiedthe TPLF as an “illegal political party,” and brought back to life its January 2021 decision to revoke the party’s legal status. That initial decision was based on the TPLF’s “engagement in armed conflict.”
NEBE said that, pursuant to Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2019 of “The Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Election’s Code of Conduct Proclamation,” the appropriate legal consequences will apply to the TPLF and its leadership, including the prohibition of further political activity and asset disposition as per Article 99 of Proclamation titled “Effect of Cancellation or Dissolution of Political Party.”
The Article outlines the legal consequences that follow when a political party is dissolved, whether voluntarily, by decision of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), or through a court ruling.
Accordingly, Art. 99/1 stipulates that once a party is officially dissolved, either by its own decision, by NEBE, or by court order, it loses all legal authority to operate or act under its name from the date the dissolution takes effect. This includes both the party as an entity and its leadership.
Art.99/2 says if the party has debts, its assets must first be used to settle those liabilities. This ensures that dissolution does not allow parties to avoid financial accountability.
Similarly, Art. 99/3 says any assets that remain after all debts are paid, or if there were no debts, the leftover property or funds must be used for civic and voter education, as directed by NEBE. This provision ensures that residual party resources are redirected to public benefit.
In its decision to revoke TPLF’s legal status today, #NEBE practically reclassifiedthe TPLF as an “illegal political party,” and brought back to life its January 2021 decision to revoke the party’s legal status. That initial decision was based on the TPLF’s “engagement in armed conflict.”
NEBE said that, pursuant to Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2019 of “The Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Election’s Code of Conduct Proclamation,” the appropriate legal consequences will apply to the TPLF and its leadership, including the prohibition of further political activity and asset disposition as per Article 99 of Proclamation titled “Effect of Cancellation or Dissolution of Political Party.”
The Article outlines the legal consequences that follow when a political party is dissolved, whether voluntarily, by decision of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), or through a court ruling.
Accordingly, Art. 99/1 stipulates that once a party is officially dissolved, either by its own decision, by NEBE, or by court order, it loses all legal authority to operate or act under its name from the date the dissolution takes effect. This includes both the party as an entity and its leadership.
Art.99/2 says if the party has debts, its assets must first be used to settle those liabilities. This ensures that dissolution does not allow parties to avoid financial accountability.
Similarly, Art. 99/3 says any assets that remain after all debts are paid, or if there were no debts, the leftover property or funds must be used for civic and voter education, as directed by NEBE. This provision ensures that residual party resources are redirected to public benefit.
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#Ethiopia: Health workers report detentions, pressure from authorities as partial nationwide strike enters second day
Health professionals and medical students in multiple regions of Ethiopia have reported arrests and increasing pressure from authorities as a nationwide partial strike entered its second day on Wednesday, 14 May. The strike, which began on Tuesday, is part of a coordinated movement calling for fair pay, improved benefits, and risk compensation—demands participants say have been neglected for years.
At St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in the capital, three medical trainees—two interns and a fifth-year student—were detained between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, a health professional told Addis Standard. They were reportedly taken to Lazarist Police Station in Adisu Gebeya and “cannot communicate with anyone on the outside.” The source added that intern doctors have since “left the campus,” citing a heightened police presence. “All outpatient departments are closed,” the professional said, with only critical services such as emergency, ICU, and labor wards remaining operational
A separate health worker from Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital confirmed that the strike is proceeding “according to plan” across departments. The source also reported the arrest of Dr. Nebiyu, a chief resident in the orthopedic department, who was “taken from his home” by security forces. “We are not currently aware of his status. Just that he was taken by security,” the source said. The source further claimed that “rather than taking our movement seriously, the responsible bodies have continued to make threats.” He also alleged attempts to undermine the strike by “making calls to unemployed physicians to take over.”
In the #Amhara region, detentions were reported in multiple hospitals. At Delgi Primary Hospital in Takusa District, East Gondar Zone, a health professional said that on Monday, 13 May, “Dr. Biniam Assefa, the hospital’s Outpatient Department Manager,” was detained around noon by “ten security personnel,” followed by the arrest of “Habte Kefele, a nurse and coordinator of the outpatient department,” around 12:30 p.m. The professional stated that both detainees were accused of having links to “extremist forces” and, despite promises of release after investigation, “both remain in custody.”
Attempts by Addis Standard to contact the Federal Police, Addis Abeba Health Bureau, Addis Abeba Police Commission, and the Ministry of Health were unsuccessful.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50185
Health professionals and medical students in multiple regions of Ethiopia have reported arrests and increasing pressure from authorities as a nationwide partial strike entered its second day on Wednesday, 14 May. The strike, which began on Tuesday, is part of a coordinated movement calling for fair pay, improved benefits, and risk compensation—demands participants say have been neglected for years.
At St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in the capital, three medical trainees—two interns and a fifth-year student—were detained between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, a health professional told Addis Standard. They were reportedly taken to Lazarist Police Station in Adisu Gebeya and “cannot communicate with anyone on the outside.” The source added that intern doctors have since “left the campus,” citing a heightened police presence. “All outpatient departments are closed,” the professional said, with only critical services such as emergency, ICU, and labor wards remaining operational
A separate health worker from Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital confirmed that the strike is proceeding “according to plan” across departments. The source also reported the arrest of Dr. Nebiyu, a chief resident in the orthopedic department, who was “taken from his home” by security forces. “We are not currently aware of his status. Just that he was taken by security,” the source said. The source further claimed that “rather than taking our movement seriously, the responsible bodies have continued to make threats.” He also alleged attempts to undermine the strike by “making calls to unemployed physicians to take over.”
In the #Amhara region, detentions were reported in multiple hospitals. At Delgi Primary Hospital in Takusa District, East Gondar Zone, a health professional said that on Monday, 13 May, “Dr. Biniam Assefa, the hospital’s Outpatient Department Manager,” was detained around noon by “ten security personnel,” followed by the arrest of “Habte Kefele, a nurse and coordinator of the outpatient department,” around 12:30 p.m. The professional stated that both detainees were accused of having links to “extremist forces” and, despite promises of release after investigation, “both remain in custody.”
Attempts by Addis Standard to contact the Federal Police, Addis Abeba Health Bureau, Addis Abeba Police Commission, and the Ministry of Health were unsuccessful.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50185
Addis Standard
Health workers report detentions, pressure from authorities as partial nationwide strike enters second day - Addis Standard
Health workers report detentions, pressure from authorities as partial nationwide strike enters second day Addis Standard News -
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#Sudan’s capital suffers blackout from #RSF drone attack
Sudan’s electricity provider said late Wednesday that two power stations were targeted in a drone attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing fires and a power outage in the capital.
“Militia drones targeted the Al-Markhiat substation and a distribution station in the city of Omdurman,” it said in a statement.
It said the attack “led to a power outage across Khartoum, further worsening the suffering of citizens and the disruption of services.” The statement added, “The Civil Defense Forces are making significant efforts to extinguish the fire. A technical assessment of the damage caused by the attack will be conducted later, followed by the necessary remedial measures.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-capital-suffers-blackout-from-rsf-drone-attack/3568296
Sudan’s electricity provider said late Wednesday that two power stations were targeted in a drone attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing fires and a power outage in the capital.
“Militia drones targeted the Al-Markhiat substation and a distribution station in the city of Omdurman,” it said in a statement.
It said the attack “led to a power outage across Khartoum, further worsening the suffering of citizens and the disruption of services.” The statement added, “The Civil Defense Forces are making significant efforts to extinguish the fire. A technical assessment of the damage caused by the attack will be conducted later, followed by the necessary remedial measures.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-capital-suffers-blackout-from-rsf-drone-attack/3568296
Anadolu Agency
Sudan’s capital suffers blackout from RSF drone attack
Power outage disrupts services, worsens suffering of citizens, says country’s electricity provider
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#Ethiopia has pledged to bolster #UN Peacekeeping operations by contributing a “utility helicopter unit, a Formed Police Unit, and a police guard unit”, according to #UNPeacekeeping.
The pledge was made at the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, which concluded in #Berlin, #Germany, on Wednesday.
The high-level meeting, held in the lead-up to the UN’s 80th anniversary and marking a decade since the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping, brought together representatives from over 130 Member States.
Of those, 74 made pledges of military and police units, specialized capabilities, and partnerships to strengthen peacekeeping missions worldwide
The pledge was made at the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, which concluded in #Berlin, #Germany, on Wednesday.
The high-level meeting, held in the lead-up to the UN’s 80th anniversary and marking a decade since the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping, brought together representatives from over 130 Member States.
Of those, 74 made pledges of military and police units, specialized capabilities, and partnerships to strengthen peacekeeping missions worldwide
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#Ethiopia’s coffee export hits record high, earning $1.87 billion in 10 months of current fiscal year
Ethiopia earned a record 1.868 billion USD from coffee exports in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, surpassing both revenue and volume targets, according the Coffee and Tea Authority.
The Authority stated that it had planned to export 240,753 tons of coffee and generate 1.315 billion USD. However, actual exports reached 354,302 tons, exceeding the volume target and resulting in a revenue performance the Authority described as historic “record high.”
Dr. Adugna Debela, Director General of the Authority, said export volume increased by 145,316 tons—equivalent to 70 percent—compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Revenue rose by 869 million USD, an 87 percent increase. He said the earnings mark the highest in Ethiopia’s coffee export history, both for a ten-month period and compared to any annual total.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1922927688802590748
Ethiopia earned a record 1.868 billion USD from coffee exports in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, surpassing both revenue and volume targets, according the Coffee and Tea Authority.
The Authority stated that it had planned to export 240,753 tons of coffee and generate 1.315 billion USD. However, actual exports reached 354,302 tons, exceeding the volume target and resulting in a revenue performance the Authority described as historic “record high.”
Dr. Adugna Debela, Director General of the Authority, said export volume increased by 145,316 tons—equivalent to 70 percent—compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Revenue rose by 869 million USD, an 87 percent increase. He said the earnings mark the highest in Ethiopia’s coffee export history, both for a ten-month period and compared to any annual total.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1922927688802590748
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Al-Nejashi Mosque restoration reaches 90%, final phase underway with #Turkish support
The restoration of Al-Nejashi Mosque, a historic religious site in Wukro, #Tigray, damaged during the two-year war in the region, is 90% complete, according to local officials overseeing the project.
Zafu Gebresilase, the district's Cultural and Tourism Coordinator, told Demtsi Woyane (DW) that the renovation has been carried out over the past eight months by local professionals, with financial and technical support from the Turkish government and its humanitarian agency, The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (#TİKA).
She said the mosque and its guesthouse had sustained “serious damage” from heavy artillery, but that “most of the restoration work has been completed” within the planned timeframe. The remaining activities, she added, are expected to be finalized “within a few days.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1922962657251836099
The restoration of Al-Nejashi Mosque, a historic religious site in Wukro, #Tigray, damaged during the two-year war in the region, is 90% complete, according to local officials overseeing the project.
Zafu Gebresilase, the district's Cultural and Tourism Coordinator, told Demtsi Woyane (DW) that the renovation has been carried out over the past eight months by local professionals, with financial and technical support from the Turkish government and its humanitarian agency, The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (#TİKA).
She said the mosque and its guesthouse had sustained “serious damage” from heavy artillery, but that “most of the restoration work has been completed” within the planned timeframe. The remaining activities, she added, are expected to be finalized “within a few days.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1922962657251836099
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#South_Sudan in talks with #Sudan to avert oil export shutdown
South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum said it is in discussions with Sudan to prevent a suspension of its oil exports, which transit through Sudanese territory. The talks follow a recent directive from Khartoum instructing oil companies to prepare for a potential halt in exports.
“Yes, there have been issues in the past few days,” said Deng Lual Wol, South Sudan’s petroleum undersecretary, during a press briefing in Juba, “but a high-level intervention from all the stakeholders is making promising progress.” He added that the government was in talks with its Sudanese counterparts “for exports to proceed, rather than oil operating companies being advised to prepare for an export shutdown.”
Wol said both sides had reached an understanding that would allow oil production and shipments to continue via Sudan despite recent security concerns. “It is commendable that we are in good understanding and collaborating with all those involved to prevent an oil shutdown,” he stated. The disruption followed drone strikes at Port Sudan last week, prompting Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy to notify Juba of potential risks to exports. Sudanese authorities attributed the directive to concerns over “further strikes” potentially disrupting crude shipments.
https://sudantribune.com/article300908/
South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum said it is in discussions with Sudan to prevent a suspension of its oil exports, which transit through Sudanese territory. The talks follow a recent directive from Khartoum instructing oil companies to prepare for a potential halt in exports.
“Yes, there have been issues in the past few days,” said Deng Lual Wol, South Sudan’s petroleum undersecretary, during a press briefing in Juba, “but a high-level intervention from all the stakeholders is making promising progress.” He added that the government was in talks with its Sudanese counterparts “for exports to proceed, rather than oil operating companies being advised to prepare for an export shutdown.”
Wol said both sides had reached an understanding that would allow oil production and shipments to continue via Sudan despite recent security concerns. “It is commendable that we are in good understanding and collaborating with all those involved to prevent an oil shutdown,” he stated. The disruption followed drone strikes at Port Sudan last week, prompting Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy to notify Juba of potential risks to exports. Sudanese authorities attributed the directive to concerns over “further strikes” potentially disrupting crude shipments.
https://sudantribune.com/article300908/
Sudan Tribune
South Sudan in talks with Sudan to avert oil export shutdown
May 15, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudan said it was in talks with Sudan to prevent a shutdown of its crucial oil exports that transit through Sudanese territory, with a senior official citing “promising progress” from high-level interventions. The discussions aim…
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#Trump visits #UAE in last stop of #Middle_East tour
President Trump arrived on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, a key ally, for the final leg of a Middle East tour that has so far yielded a diplomatic breakthrough with Syria and deals for U.S. firms.
Earlier in Qatar, he spoke to American troops in a rally-like atmosphere at the largest U.S. military facility in the region.
After landing in Abu Dhabi, Trump was greeted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of the Emirates, and other dignitaries, as well as a military honor guard. Once again, Air Force One was escorted by fighter jets as it approached its destination, according to the White House pool report.
He is only the second serving American president to visit the United Arab Emirates. He was greeted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the ruler of the Emirates, and a military honor guard.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/05/15/us/trump-news
President Trump arrived on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, a key ally, for the final leg of a Middle East tour that has so far yielded a diplomatic breakthrough with Syria and deals for U.S. firms.
Earlier in Qatar, he spoke to American troops in a rally-like atmosphere at the largest U.S. military facility in the region.
After landing in Abu Dhabi, Trump was greeted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of the Emirates, and other dignitaries, as well as a military honor guard. Once again, Air Force One was escorted by fighter jets as it approached its destination, according to the White House pool report.
He is only the second serving American president to visit the United Arab Emirates. He was greeted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the ruler of the Emirates, and a military honor guard.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/05/15/us/trump-news
#Ethiopia: #ONLF accuses #NEBE, #Somali region authorities of “orchestrated leadership takeover”; warns attempt to provoke party into armed conflict
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has accused the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Somali regional administration of “a state-orchestrated takeover” of its leadership, describing it as “a politically motivated, institutionally coordinated campaign” to “dismantle ONLF’s democratically elected leadership, Central Committee, and constitutional structure.” In a statement released on 14 May from its headquarters in Jigjiga, ONLF said the move is “not a mere technical dispute,” but “a calculated attempt to provoke ONLF into armed conflict” and “undermine ONLF’s legitimacy,” while also diverting attention from “the Ethiopian government’s failure to uphold” the 2018 peace agreement.
The party accused NEBE of acting “in collaboration with the Somali Regional Administration” to “install loyalists” and “neutralize ONLF as a political force,” warning the strategy is “reckless” and “threatens to destabilize the region.” It also rejected a “fabricated list” of individuals it said falsely claimed to have suspended the party's chairman, and asserted that “21 of the signatories had been expelled in 2021,” while others had resigned, were members of the Prosperity Party, or had never been Central Committee members. ONLF said it “holds the Ethiopian government fully responsible for any destabilization or conflict resulting from these actions,” and called on international actors including the UN and AU to “hold Ethiopia accountable for violations of peace and political rights” and “impose consequences for continued aggression.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50197
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has accused the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Somali regional administration of “a state-orchestrated takeover” of its leadership, describing it as “a politically motivated, institutionally coordinated campaign” to “dismantle ONLF’s democratically elected leadership, Central Committee, and constitutional structure.” In a statement released on 14 May from its headquarters in Jigjiga, ONLF said the move is “not a mere technical dispute,” but “a calculated attempt to provoke ONLF into armed conflict” and “undermine ONLF’s legitimacy,” while also diverting attention from “the Ethiopian government’s failure to uphold” the 2018 peace agreement.
The party accused NEBE of acting “in collaboration with the Somali Regional Administration” to “install loyalists” and “neutralize ONLF as a political force,” warning the strategy is “reckless” and “threatens to destabilize the region.” It also rejected a “fabricated list” of individuals it said falsely claimed to have suspended the party's chairman, and asserted that “21 of the signatories had been expelled in 2021,” while others had resigned, were members of the Prosperity Party, or had never been Central Committee members. ONLF said it “holds the Ethiopian government fully responsible for any destabilization or conflict resulting from these actions,” and called on international actors including the UN and AU to “hold Ethiopia accountable for violations of peace and political rights” and “impose consequences for continued aggression.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50197
Addis Standard
ONLF accuses NEBE, Somali region authorities of “orchestrated leadership takeover”; warns attempt to provoke party into armed conflict…
ONLF accuses NEBE, Somali region authorities of “orchestrated leadership takeover”; warns attempt to provoke party into armed conflict Addis Standard News -
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#Ethiopia: #Amnesty raises concern over “crackdown” on health workers; multiple detentions reported as nationwide strike continues for third day
Amnesty International has expressed concern over what it described as a “crackdown” on health professionals participating in a nationwide partial strike, now in its third day. In a statement to Addis Standard, the organization said healthcare workers are being “arbitrarily rounded up” across multiple locations and cited the arrest of Yonatan Dagnaw, president of the healthcare professionals’ association, on 4 May. Amnesty urged authorities to “immediately release” detained workers and to respect their right to peaceful protest.
The statement comes as multiple reports of detentions and intimidation emerge from various parts of the country. In the town of Leku, #Sidama Region, a family member told Addis Standard that Dr. Dereje, the only obstetrician and gynecologist at Leku General Hospital, was “taken by security forces” on the evening of 14 May. According to the source, he had performed surgery earlier that afternoon and was back at his hospital residence when “armed personnel took him away.” The source said Dr. Dereje had a scheduled surgery later that night and described the incident as “unexpected and frightening.” When asked about his whereabouts, police reportedly responded that “it is an order from above,” without providing further details.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50203
Amnesty International has expressed concern over what it described as a “crackdown” on health professionals participating in a nationwide partial strike, now in its third day. In a statement to Addis Standard, the organization said healthcare workers are being “arbitrarily rounded up” across multiple locations and cited the arrest of Yonatan Dagnaw, president of the healthcare professionals’ association, on 4 May. Amnesty urged authorities to “immediately release” detained workers and to respect their right to peaceful protest.
The statement comes as multiple reports of detentions and intimidation emerge from various parts of the country. In the town of Leku, #Sidama Region, a family member told Addis Standard that Dr. Dereje, the only obstetrician and gynecologist at Leku General Hospital, was “taken by security forces” on the evening of 14 May. According to the source, he had performed surgery earlier that afternoon and was back at his hospital residence when “armed personnel took him away.” The source said Dr. Dereje had a scheduled surgery later that night and described the incident as “unexpected and frightening.” When asked about his whereabouts, police reportedly responded that “it is an order from above,” without providing further details.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50203
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Media is too big
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#Ethiopia: His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, called for peace, reconciliation, and an end to ongoing suffering during the opening of the Holy Synod Assembly.
“In these times, when our people are gravely suffering due to the absence of peace, we must work through prayer, teaching, and counsel so they may attain peace and justice,” the Patriarch said in his opening remarks.
He stated that the Ethiopian people have endured significant hardship and suggested that while "external actors" may have some influence, much of the suffering is caused by “their own children.” He added, “It is truly heartbreaking to see a mother tormented by her own children.”
Watch!
“In these times, when our people are gravely suffering due to the absence of peace, we must work through prayer, teaching, and counsel so they may attain peace and justice,” the Patriarch said in his opening remarks.
He stated that the Ethiopian people have endured significant hardship and suggested that while "external actors" may have some influence, much of the suffering is caused by “their own children.” He added, “It is truly heartbreaking to see a mother tormented by her own children.”
Watch!
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#NewsAlert: #Ethiopia's Ministry of Health warns striking healthcare workers to return to work, threatens government's patience ‘has its limits’
The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to striking healthcare workers, declaring that “strikes in the health sector are legally prohibited”
The Ministry warned healthcare professionals to “return to work” immediately, accusing some of being misled by “false information” and others of acting with “malicious intentions.” Legal action will be taken against those “who create unrest,” the statement warned, adding that “the government’s patience in resolving the issue with an open mind has its limits.”
However, the Ministry acknowledged “disruptions” in some institutions, blaming the absence of healthcare workers on “false information circulating on social media” and “a few” individuals with “malicious intentions.”
“We have received information that some professionals in a few teaching health colleges/institutions have not been present at their regular workstations,” the Ministry said. “This act, beyond harming one’s own family, relatives, and the entire community, is unacceptable from a professional ethics and humanitarian perspective.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50212
The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to striking healthcare workers, declaring that “strikes in the health sector are legally prohibited”
The Ministry warned healthcare professionals to “return to work” immediately, accusing some of being misled by “false information” and others of acting with “malicious intentions.” Legal action will be taken against those “who create unrest,” the statement warned, adding that “the government’s patience in resolving the issue with an open mind has its limits.”
However, the Ministry acknowledged “disruptions” in some institutions, blaming the absence of healthcare workers on “false information circulating on social media” and “a few” individuals with “malicious intentions.”
“We have received information that some professionals in a few teaching health colleges/institutions have not been present at their regular workstations,” the Ministry said. “This act, beyond harming one’s own family, relatives, and the entire community, is unacceptable from a professional ethics and humanitarian perspective.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=50212
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#Tigray: Life under #Eritrean ‘occupation’ in Northern #Ethiopia
From his home in the far north of Ethiopia, Hagos can see Eritrean soldiers positioned on the other side of his town, Alitena, and says all his neighbours fear a full occupation.
"The Eritrean army can raid us anytime they choose," said Hagos, resident of the tiny town of around 3,000 people.
Like other locals interviewed for this story, he asked that his name be changed for fear of reprisals.
Hagos regularly talks to people on the other side of town who already live "under occupation" by Eritrean forces.
They endure "sexual violence, abductions, forced labour, lootings, curfews, threats of harsh mandatory military service and other abuses," he said.
"There is nobody lending an ear to my people's plight," he added. "The world is preoccupied with other crises."
https://www.barrons.com/news/life-under-eritrean-occupation-in-northern-ethiopia-ada2fe91
From his home in the far north of Ethiopia, Hagos can see Eritrean soldiers positioned on the other side of his town, Alitena, and says all his neighbours fear a full occupation.
"The Eritrean army can raid us anytime they choose," said Hagos, resident of the tiny town of around 3,000 people.
Like other locals interviewed for this story, he asked that his name be changed for fear of reprisals.
Hagos regularly talks to people on the other side of town who already live "under occupation" by Eritrean forces.
They endure "sexual violence, abductions, forced labour, lootings, curfews, threats of harsh mandatory military service and other abuses," he said.
"There is nobody lending an ear to my people's plight," he added. "The world is preoccupied with other crises."
https://www.barrons.com/news/life-under-eritrean-occupation-in-northern-ethiopia-ada2fe91
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