News: National Bank of #Ethiopia appoints external members to monetary policy committee
The National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) has announced the appointment of two external members to its Monetary Policy Committee (#MPC), saying the move is intended to strengthen analytical capacity and support evidence-based monetary policy decisions.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the central bank said the appointments were approved by the NBE Board following a presentation by the governor and are in line with the amended National Bank proclamation. The bank said including external members is aimed at enhancing the committee’s expertise and supporting well-informed policy deliberations.
According to the statement, the appointees are experienced economists with strong academic backgrounds and professional expertise in macroeconomic analysis and policy.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVni8xNvG/
The National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) has announced the appointment of two external members to its Monetary Policy Committee (#MPC), saying the move is intended to strengthen analytical capacity and support evidence-based monetary policy decisions.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the central bank said the appointments were approved by the NBE Board following a presentation by the governor and are in line with the amended National Bank proclamation. The bank said including external members is aimed at enhancing the committee’s expertise and supporting well-informed policy deliberations.
According to the statement, the appointees are experienced economists with strong academic backgrounds and professional expertise in macroeconomic analysis and policy.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVni8xNvG/
News: At least 15 people killed in clashes in two districts of #Gamo Zone, #Southern_Ethiopia region
A member of #Ethiopia’s federal parliament and local residents have told Addis Standard that at least 15 people were killed and property damaged following clashes between security forces and residents in Zayse Wezeka and Zayse Denbel districts in Southern Ethiopia Region.
Abraham Amoshe, a lawmaker representing the Zayse electoral district, said the violence began late last week. He stated that operations in the area involved regional riot police, zonal regular police, militias, and former army veterans.
The MP said that, so far, 15 bodies had been confirmed across the two districts and alleged that more than 100 people were abducted and taken to unknown locations.
A resident of Zayse Wezeka who spoke to Addis Standard said tensions escalated shortly after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian National Defense Force from the area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55232
A member of #Ethiopia’s federal parliament and local residents have told Addis Standard that at least 15 people were killed and property damaged following clashes between security forces and residents in Zayse Wezeka and Zayse Denbel districts in Southern Ethiopia Region.
Abraham Amoshe, a lawmaker representing the Zayse electoral district, said the violence began late last week. He stated that operations in the area involved regional riot police, zonal regular police, militias, and former army veterans.
The MP said that, so far, 15 bodies had been confirmed across the two districts and alleged that more than 100 people were abducted and taken to unknown locations.
A resident of Zayse Wezeka who spoke to Addis Standard said tensions escalated shortly after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian National Defense Force from the area.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55232
Addis Standard
News: At least 15 people killed in clashes in two districts of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia region - Addis Standard
News: At least 15 people killed in clashes in two districts of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia region Addis Standard News -
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News: #Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission mandate #extended again as concerns over #legitimacy, #inclusivity persist
The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved an eight-month extension of the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, according to state media, marking the second consecutive extension since the body was created to steer the country’s national dialogue process.
During its first emergency session of the fifth year of operation held today, the House of Peoples’ Representatives extended the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission by eight months. The commission has faced growing criticism from several political parties and human rights organizations over its legitimacy and inclusivity.
The National Dialogue Commission was established in 2022 to provide a forum for addressing long‑standing political rifts. However, the process has faced ongoing criticism and challenges, particularly over inclusivity and representation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55238
The House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved an eight-month extension of the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, according to state media, marking the second consecutive extension since the body was created to steer the country’s national dialogue process.
During its first emergency session of the fifth year of operation held today, the House of Peoples’ Representatives extended the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission by eight months. The commission has faced growing criticism from several political parties and human rights organizations over its legitimacy and inclusivity.
The National Dialogue Commission was established in 2022 to provide a forum for addressing long‑standing political rifts. However, the process has faced ongoing criticism and challenges, particularly over inclusivity and representation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55238
#UN warns children in #Sudan at grave risk after deadly drone strike on displacement camp
The UN warned Wednesday that children in Sudan remain at grave risk as violence continues to be "unchecked" after at least 15 children were reportedly killed and 10 others wounded in a drone strike Monday on a displacement camp in Al Sunut in West Kordofan.
"Desperate families in Sudan seek shelter in displacement camps after fleeing hunger and violence. Their protection is an obligation,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement.
"Across the Kordofan region, we are seeing the same disturbing patterns from Darfur – children killed, injured, displaced and cut off from the services they need to survive," she added.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/un-warns-children-in-sudan-at-grave-risk-after-deadly-drone-strike-on-displacement-camp/3834256
The UN warned Wednesday that children in Sudan remain at grave risk as violence continues to be "unchecked" after at least 15 children were reportedly killed and 10 others wounded in a drone strike Monday on a displacement camp in Al Sunut in West Kordofan.
"Desperate families in Sudan seek shelter in displacement camps after fleeing hunger and violence. Their protection is an obligation,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement.
"Across the Kordofan region, we are seeing the same disturbing patterns from Darfur – children killed, injured, displaced and cut off from the services they need to survive," she added.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/un-warns-children-in-sudan-at-grave-risk-after-deadly-drone-strike-on-displacement-camp/3834256
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines to open #three new domestic airports
Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to inaugurate three new domestic airports in #Negele_Borena, #Gore_Metu, and #Debre_Markos, expanding its internal flight network.
In a statement released yesterday, the airline said the newly built airports are expected to be operational by April 2026, with regular passenger flights scheduled three times weekly to each destination.
The expansion will bring the airline’s total domestic destinations to 26, a move it says is intended to strengthen trade, tourism, and social connectivity across Ethiopia.
Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, described the initiative as a milestone for both the airline and the country, highlighting the economic and social benefits of improved air transport access. He said the new routes reflect the airline’s commitment to enhancing domestic connectivity while supporting national development through reliable air transport services.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to inaugurate three new domestic airports in #Negele_Borena, #Gore_Metu, and #Debre_Markos, expanding its internal flight network.
In a statement released yesterday, the airline said the newly built airports are expected to be operational by April 2026, with regular passenger flights scheduled three times weekly to each destination.
The expansion will bring the airline’s total domestic destinations to 26, a move it says is intended to strengthen trade, tourism, and social connectivity across Ethiopia.
Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, described the initiative as a milestone for both the airline and the country, highlighting the economic and social benefits of improved air transport access. He said the new routes reflect the airline’s commitment to enhancing domestic connectivity while supporting national development through reliable air transport services.
In_Pictures: #Ethiopia marks 89th Yekatit 12 Martyrs Day in Addis Abeba
Ethiopia commemorated the 89th Yekatit 12 Martyrs Day at the Martyrs Memorial Monument, with the Patriots Association leading a ceremony honoring those who died defending Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
Elderly patriots, families of martyrs, and officials attended the event and laid wreaths in tribute.
Patriots Association president Daniel Jote Mesfin urged younger generations to safeguard national unity and support development, highlighting Ethiopia’s history of defending its independence.
Ethiopia commemorated the 89th Yekatit 12 Martyrs Day at the Martyrs Memorial Monument, with the Patriots Association leading a ceremony honoring those who died defending Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
Elderly patriots, families of martyrs, and officials attended the event and laid wreaths in tribute.
Patriots Association president Daniel Jote Mesfin urged younger generations to safeguard national unity and support development, highlighting Ethiopia’s history of defending its independence.
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#Ethiopia’s projected double-digit growth tied to #reforms, #exports, #geopolitical risks—Foreign Policy
Ethiopia’s projected double-digit economic growth follows recent reforms, export gains, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, according to analysis by Foreign Policy Magazine.
The magazine said, the National Bank of Ethiopia recently eased foreign-exchange controls to attract investment and improve the business climate, shortly after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the economy could grow 10.2% this fiscal year.
The analysis notes that Ethiopia had averaged about 11% annual growth until the Tigray war in 2020 caused an estimated $28 billion in losses and left many reliant on aid.
Reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund, including floating the birr and opening banking, telecom, and real estate sectors, reportedly boosted agriculture, mining, and exports despite inflation pressures.
Coffee exports exceeded $2.6 billion last fiscal year, with the United States remaining a major market despite Ethiopia’s suspension from AGOA. Exports have also expanded toward Asian and Gulf markets, particularly China.
Gold exports surged as well, though the outlet warns this may reflect temporary global price trends.
Debt restructuring remains unresolved, with bilateral creditors, including France and China, reportedly complicating negotiations.
The magazine also cites a Reuters investigation alleging Ethiopian links to Sudan’s conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, claims analysts link partly to tensions with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Foreign Policy adds that regional frictions with United Arab Emirates alliances, tensions with Eritrea, and conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia Regions could challenge the country’s economic recovery.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/18/ethiopia-economic-growth-projected-foreign-exchange-controls/
Ethiopia’s projected double-digit economic growth follows recent reforms, export gains, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, according to analysis by Foreign Policy Magazine.
The magazine said, the National Bank of Ethiopia recently eased foreign-exchange controls to attract investment and improve the business climate, shortly after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the economy could grow 10.2% this fiscal year.
The analysis notes that Ethiopia had averaged about 11% annual growth until the Tigray war in 2020 caused an estimated $28 billion in losses and left many reliant on aid.
Reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund, including floating the birr and opening banking, telecom, and real estate sectors, reportedly boosted agriculture, mining, and exports despite inflation pressures.
Coffee exports exceeded $2.6 billion last fiscal year, with the United States remaining a major market despite Ethiopia’s suspension from AGOA. Exports have also expanded toward Asian and Gulf markets, particularly China.
Gold exports surged as well, though the outlet warns this may reflect temporary global price trends.
Debt restructuring remains unresolved, with bilateral creditors, including France and China, reportedly complicating negotiations.
The magazine also cites a Reuters investigation alleging Ethiopian links to Sudan’s conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, claims analysts link partly to tensions with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Foreign Policy adds that regional frictions with United Arab Emirates alliances, tensions with Eritrea, and conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia Regions could challenge the country’s economic recovery.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/18/ethiopia-economic-growth-projected-foreign-exchange-controls/
Foreign Policy
What’s Behind Ethiopia’s Double-Digit Growth
And can Addis Ababa’s economic boon last?
29 countries condemn attacks on #civilians in #Sudan in joint ministerial statement
A group of 29 countries, including Germany, Canada, Italy, and 26 other countries, has issued a joint ministerial statement condemning continued attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations in Sudan.
The signatories expressed grave concern over escalating fighting in Darfur and Kordofan, citing drone and aerial strikes affecting displaced civilians, health facilities, aid convoys, and areas near humanitarian compounds. The statement warned that such attacks have caused civilian deaths, disrupted humanitarian access, and destroyed critical relief supplies.
The countries called on both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55243
A group of 29 countries, including Germany, Canada, Italy, and 26 other countries, has issued a joint ministerial statement condemning continued attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations in Sudan.
The signatories expressed grave concern over escalating fighting in Darfur and Kordofan, citing drone and aerial strikes affecting displaced civilians, health facilities, aid convoys, and areas near humanitarian compounds. The statement warned that such attacks have caused civilian deaths, disrupted humanitarian access, and destroyed critical relief supplies.
The countries called on both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55243
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#Opinion: #AU Summit: Annual ritual without tangible progress
Every February, African leaders gather in #Addis_Abeba for the African Union (AU) summit, issuing ambitious communiqués and pledges of unity. Yet, Gebremichael Negash argues that “for millions of ordinary Africans, little changes.”
Since the AU replaced the Organization of African Unity in 2002, its commitment to “non-indifference” has often clashed with political hesitation. Peacekeeping missions in #Darfur and #Somalia, along with interventions in #Ethiopia, #Sudan, and #South_Sudan, reveal a recurring pattern: “acknowledgment without enforcement.”
Gebremichael emphasizes that “Africa does not suffer from a shortage of declarations. It suffers from a shortage of consequences,” warning that summits “risk being rituals” unless enforcement and accountability are prioritized.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55235
Every February, African leaders gather in #Addis_Abeba for the African Union (AU) summit, issuing ambitious communiqués and pledges of unity. Yet, Gebremichael Negash argues that “for millions of ordinary Africans, little changes.”
Since the AU replaced the Organization of African Unity in 2002, its commitment to “non-indifference” has often clashed with political hesitation. Peacekeeping missions in #Darfur and #Somalia, along with interventions in #Ethiopia, #Sudan, and #South_Sudan, reveal a recurring pattern: “acknowledgment without enforcement.”
Gebremichael emphasizes that “Africa does not suffer from a shortage of declarations. It suffers from a shortage of consequences,” warning that summits “risk being rituals” unless enforcement and accountability are prioritized.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55235
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News: #Israeli President Herzog to visit #Ethiopia next week
Isaac Herzog is expected to make a one-day official visit to Ethiopia next week, according to Israeli officials, in a move seen as part of expanding diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
According to The Times of Israel, Herzog’s visit will include meetings with senior Ethiopian leaders aimed at strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
The trip follows earlier high-level exchanges, including a 2018 visit by former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other officials. More recently, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Addis Abeba in May 2025, meeting Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos to discuss cooperation in political, economic, and technological sectors.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HGfFwBj8i/
Isaac Herzog is expected to make a one-day official visit to Ethiopia next week, according to Israeli officials, in a move seen as part of expanding diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
According to The Times of Israel, Herzog’s visit will include meetings with senior Ethiopian leaders aimed at strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
The trip follows earlier high-level exchanges, including a 2018 visit by former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other officials. More recently, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Addis Abeba in May 2025, meeting Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos to discuss cooperation in political, economic, and technological sectors.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HGfFwBj8i/
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Rising tensions among #Ethiopia, #Eritrea, #Tigray Region raise fears of renewed conflict, International Crisis Group warns
Tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government, Eritrea, and the Tigray region are rising sharply, raising concerns about a possible return to large-scale conflict three years after the end of the Tigray war, the International Crisis Group warned in a new analysis. The group said the fragile peace that followed the November 2022 Pretoria agreement faces multiple stress points and warned that miscalculation could trigger renewed violence with regional consequences.
The report recalls that the war pitted the Tigray People’s Liberation Front against Ethiopian federal forces, Eritrean troops, and regional militias, leaving tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and infrastructure heavily damaged. While the peace deal halted major fighting, the group said it left unresolved political and security tensions both within Tigray and across the Horn of Africa.
According to the analysis, relations among the key actors have since deteriorated. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s pursuit of sovereign sea access is viewed by Eritrea as a potential threat, while Addis Abeba has accused Tigrayan actors of coordination with Eritrean elements and local militias. Internal divisions in Tigray have also intensified, including rivalry between factions linked to Debretsion Gebremichael and those associated with former interim leader Getachew Reda, with sporadic clashes reported in disputed areas.
The group added that broader regional dynamics heighten the risks. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, competing alliances involving Egypt, and allegations of links with the Rapid Support Forces could further complicate the security landscape.
Despite rising tensions, Crisis Group noted signs of restraint, citing economic costs, military fatigue, and internal divisions as factors limiting immediate escalation. However, it warned that continued military posturing, proxy alignments, and unresolved territorial and political disputes could quickly destabilize the situation, urging urgent diplomatic engagement by African and international partners to prevent renewed conflict.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/brf/africa/ethiopia-eritrea/b210-ethiopia-eritrea-and-tigray-powder-keg-horn-africa
Tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government, Eritrea, and the Tigray region are rising sharply, raising concerns about a possible return to large-scale conflict three years after the end of the Tigray war, the International Crisis Group warned in a new analysis. The group said the fragile peace that followed the November 2022 Pretoria agreement faces multiple stress points and warned that miscalculation could trigger renewed violence with regional consequences.
The report recalls that the war pitted the Tigray People’s Liberation Front against Ethiopian federal forces, Eritrean troops, and regional militias, leaving tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and infrastructure heavily damaged. While the peace deal halted major fighting, the group said it left unresolved political and security tensions both within Tigray and across the Horn of Africa.
According to the analysis, relations among the key actors have since deteriorated. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s pursuit of sovereign sea access is viewed by Eritrea as a potential threat, while Addis Abeba has accused Tigrayan actors of coordination with Eritrean elements and local militias. Internal divisions in Tigray have also intensified, including rivalry between factions linked to Debretsion Gebremichael and those associated with former interim leader Getachew Reda, with sporadic clashes reported in disputed areas.
The group added that broader regional dynamics heighten the risks. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, competing alliances involving Egypt, and allegations of links with the Rapid Support Forces could further complicate the security landscape.
Despite rising tensions, Crisis Group noted signs of restraint, citing economic costs, military fatigue, and internal divisions as factors limiting immediate escalation. However, it warned that continued military posturing, proxy alignments, and unresolved territorial and political disputes could quickly destabilize the situation, urging urgent diplomatic engagement by African and international partners to prevent renewed conflict.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/brf/africa/ethiopia-eritrea/b210-ethiopia-eritrea-and-tigray-powder-keg-horn-africa
Crisis Group
Ethiopia, Eritrea and Tigray: A Powder Keg in the Horn of Africa
The risk of hostilities involving Ethiopia, its northernmost Tigray region and its neighbour Eritrea remains high three years after the last major war in the area. African states and outside powers should urgently open back channels among the three governments…
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#AFP journalist blocked from flying to #Ethiopia's #Tigray region
An AFP journalist was on Thursday barred from boarding a flight to Tigray in northern Ethiopia, where renewed tensions in recent months have raised fears of fresh conflict.
An accredited AFP reporter based in Addis Abeba was blocked from boarding a flight to Shire in Tigray because he did not have authorization from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55247
An AFP journalist was on Thursday barred from boarding a flight to Tigray in northern Ethiopia, where renewed tensions in recent months have raised fears of fresh conflict.
An accredited AFP reporter based in Addis Abeba was blocked from boarding a flight to Shire in Tigray because he did not have authorization from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55247
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#Security vacuum fears grow amid reports of #ENDF withdrawals, alleged redeployment toward #Tigray Region
Withdrawal or reduced presence of federal forces in recent days is raising concerns among local communities. Residents in different parts of the country spoke to Addis Standard on their concern following federal forces evacuating their village while fueling speculation that troops are being redeployed northward amid rising tensions involving Tigray.
Residents in Dirashe district, Gardulla Zone, South Ethiopia Region, and Anfilo districts in Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, told Addis Standard that Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have been vacating certain areas, creating security gaps and fueling local tensions. An AFP report confirmed similar reports of troop movements and heightened military tension near the Tigray border.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55250
Withdrawal or reduced presence of federal forces in recent days is raising concerns among local communities. Residents in different parts of the country spoke to Addis Standard on their concern following federal forces evacuating their village while fueling speculation that troops are being redeployed northward amid rising tensions involving Tigray.
Residents in Dirashe district, Gardulla Zone, South Ethiopia Region, and Anfilo districts in Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, told Addis Standard that Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have been vacating certain areas, creating security gaps and fueling local tensions. An AFP report confirmed similar reports of troop movements and heightened military tension near the Tigray border.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55250
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#Gambella Region authorities say measures taken against #security members following recent unrest
Authorities in the Gambella Region say legal and administrative actions have been taken against police personnel following recent security crises in the region, including disciplinary measures, retraining programs, and court proceedings targeting alleged misconduct within the force.
According to the Gambella Police Commission, regular police and riot control units were sent to the Dalol Central Command Training Center for training as part of broader reforms initiated after the recent security incidents. Police members who did not attend the training underwent physical evaluations and disciplinary review sessions that included internal assessments.
Separate court rulings in Gambella city gave verdicts on cases involving civilians and former officers accused of wearing unauthorized police uniforms and concealing government weapons.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55245
Authorities in the Gambella Region say legal and administrative actions have been taken against police personnel following recent security crises in the region, including disciplinary measures, retraining programs, and court proceedings targeting alleged misconduct within the force.
According to the Gambella Police Commission, regular police and riot control units were sent to the Dalol Central Command Training Center for training as part of broader reforms initiated after the recent security incidents. Police members who did not attend the training underwent physical evaluations and disciplinary review sessions that included internal assessments.
Separate court rulings in Gambella city gave verdicts on cases involving civilians and former officers accused of wearing unauthorized police uniforms and concealing government weapons.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=55245
#US sanctions 3 #RSF commanders for atrocities in #Sudan
The US Treasury Department sanctioned three commanders Thursday from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their roles in a brutal campaign during the paramilitary group's siege and capture of El Fasher.
"These individuals were involved in the RSF's 18-month siege of and eventual capture of El-Fasher, in which the RSF perpetrated a horrific campaign of ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence," said the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The RSF and its allied militias have committed "widespread atrocities, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide" since Sudan's civil war broke out in April 2023, it added.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged the RSF to commit to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "We will not tolerate this ongoing campaign of terror and senseless killing in Sudan," he said, warning that without a swift end to the conflict, Sudan risks "further destabilizing the region, creating conditions for terrorist groups to grow."
The US action follows similar designations by the #UK in December and the #EU in January.
Sudan has been locked in a bloody conflict between the army and the RSF since April 2023, killing tens of thousands, displacing 13 million people, and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to UN reports.
Actions by the RSF during their late-October takeover of El Fasher show “hallmarks of genocide” and indicate an ongoing risk of further atrocities, UN investigators said in a report Thursday.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-sanctions-3-rsf-commanders-for-atrocities-in-sudan/3835167
The US Treasury Department sanctioned three commanders Thursday from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their roles in a brutal campaign during the paramilitary group's siege and capture of El Fasher.
"These individuals were involved in the RSF's 18-month siege of and eventual capture of El-Fasher, in which the RSF perpetrated a horrific campaign of ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence," said the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The RSF and its allied militias have committed "widespread atrocities, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide" since Sudan's civil war broke out in April 2023, it added.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged the RSF to commit to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "We will not tolerate this ongoing campaign of terror and senseless killing in Sudan," he said, warning that without a swift end to the conflict, Sudan risks "further destabilizing the region, creating conditions for terrorist groups to grow."
The US action follows similar designations by the #UK in December and the #EU in January.
Sudan has been locked in a bloody conflict between the army and the RSF since April 2023, killing tens of thousands, displacing 13 million people, and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to UN reports.
Actions by the RSF during their late-October takeover of El Fasher show “hallmarks of genocide” and indicate an ongoing risk of further atrocities, UN investigators said in a report Thursday.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-sanctions-3-rsf-commanders-for-atrocities-in-sudan/3835167
Anadolu Agency
US sanctions 3 RSF commanders for atrocities in Sudan
Treasury Department cites ethnic killings, torture, sexual violence during 18-month siege of El Fasher
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