#Sudan civil war: #Darfur's #Jem rebels join army fight against #RSF

Two rebel groups from Sudan's Darfur region say they will fight alongside the army in the country's civil war.

This comes after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) made major gains in Darfur, where it has been accused of ethnic cleansing.

Rebel leader Gibril Ibrahim told BBC Newsday they "want to defend their civilians" from the RSF, which he says has been burying people alive.

He said the decision to join forces with the army was not an easy one.

The leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) said it had taken seven months to come to an agreement.

The relationship between Jem and the Sudanese army is fraught. Mr Ibrahim's brother was killed by the army, who was previously the group's leader.

Jem and the Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM) took up arms in Darfur in 2003, accusing the government of marginalizing the region's black African communities. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67450204

#Ethiopia: Water experts deliberate on fair seaport access in East #Africa

Days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated his administration's position on access to the #Red_Sea, Ethiopian water scholars gathered at #Addis_Ababa University to discuss the pressing need for equitable access to seaports in the East African region. The seminar, organized by the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, took place yesterday and brought together scholars from the university and other experts from across Ethiopia. Their primary focus was on reexamining the use of ports in the Horn of Africa to foster sustainable peace and prosperity.

During his opening speech, Samuel Kifle, the acting president of Addis Ababa University, highlighted the strategic and geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the region's potential for mutual resource utilization, specifically referencing the significance of seaports.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1725785124686426282

#Ethiopia: Blinken, Abiy discuss food aid resumption, conflicts in #Amhara and #Oromia regions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discusses with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the resumption of food assistance in Ethiopia, starting next month. This follows the US Agency for International Development's (#USAID) announcement of the reinstatement of food aid distribution after comprehensive reforms by the Ethiopian government.

They also talk about consolidating peace in Northern Ethiopia and the need for regional cooperation. Blinken expresses concern about ongoing violence and emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts.

The US government plays a key role in negotiations between the Ethiopian government and Oromo Liberation Army to end the conflict in the Oromia region.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-blinken-abiy-discuss-food-aid-resumption-conflicts-in-amhara-and-oromia-regions/

#Ethiopia: Six dead, thousands at risk of starvation in drought-hit #Sahala district of #Amhara region

Severe hunger caused by a devastating drought has led to the tragic deaths of six individuals in the Sahala District of the #Waghemra Zone, located in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Local officials attribute the fatalities to failed crops and limited humanitarian access due to ongoing conflict.

Mihret Melaku, head of the Waghimra Zone Food Security and Disaster Prevention Office, describes the situation as critical, revealing that all crops have failed this year. The ongoing conflict has further complicated matters by impeding the delivery of much-needed assistance, as road access problems hinder aid distribution.

The dire situation has prompted urgent calls for additional aid. Over 90% of Sahala's estimated population of 51,000 requires immediate support in terms of food, water, and medical assistance. The lack of resources has resulted in hunger-related illnesses, especially affecting children.

https://addisstandard.com/news-six-dead-thousands-at-risk-of-starvation-in-drought-hit-sahala-district-of-amhara-region/

#Sudan: #UN Secretary General orders review of UN mission in Sudan, appoints personal envoy

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ordered a review of the UN Mission in Sudan following the termination by the Sudanese government of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (#UNITAMS) with immediate effect on Thursday.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the SG disclosed during a media briefing on Friday that the SG has appointed Ian Martin to lead the strategic review of the UN Mission in Sudan which will provide the Security Council with options on how to adapt the Mission's mandate. The SG also appointed Ramtane Lamamra, of Algeria, as his personal envoy for Sudan.

The UN will continue to engage closely with all actors, including the Sudanese authorities and members of the Security Council, to clarify next steps, the spokesperson said.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1725805478326788506

#Ethiopia: More than a dozen people killed in gov’t drone strikes in #Amhara; a school and bus station among targets struck: #UN

According to a recent statement by the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (#OHCHR), drone strikes by Ethiopian government forces in the Amhara region have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians. The attacks targeted a school and a bus station, raising concerns about human rights abuses amidst ongoing clashes in Amhara.

Investigations reveal that some of the deadliest incidents occurred in early November, with civilians, including teachers, among the victims. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the devastating impact of drone strikes and other acts of violence on the population in the region.

As clashes persist between the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) and its allies, including the Amhara militia Fano, the UN agency emphasizes the importance of all parties refraining from unlawful attacks and taking measures to protect civilians.

https://addisstandard.com/news-more-than-a-dozen-people-killed-in-govt-drone-strikes-in-amhara-a-school-and-bus-station-among-targets-struck-un/

#Ethiopia - #kenya: Craft Silicon donates its first solar-powered computer bus to Ethiopia to advance digital literacy

Craft Silicon Foundation, non-profit organization committed to advancing digital literacy, unveiled its pioneer free digital literacy program in Ethiopia by donating a first solar powered computer bus.

Designed to bridge the digital divide, this initiative seeks to empower individuals across the nation with indispensable digital skills.

Addressing the pressing need to foster digital inclusion, the Craft Silicon Foundation introduced solar-powered computer buses as a last-mile solution to narrow the significant digital gap prevalent among the youth, women, and children in Ethiopia.

These buses serve as a beacon of access, delivering essential digital education to communities.

Employing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, the program offers personalised and interactive learning experiences.

Participants gain access to a rich array of resources, including immersive video tutorials, engaging quizzes, and real-time feedback mechanisms.

“Digital literacy stands as the cornerstone of empowerment in our increasingly interconnected world,” emphasised Madam Priya Budhabhatti, CEO of Craft Silicon Foundation. “In today’s technological landscape, the ability to navigate, comprehend, and harness digital tools is not just a skill but a fundamental right.
https://www.kbc.co.ke/craft-silicon-donates-its-first-solar-powered-computer-bus-to-ethiopia-to-advance-digital-literacy/

#Ethiopia: #Oromo special zone to repatriate more than 1,600 displaced households

The administration of the Oromo Special Zone in the #Amhara region has announced its efforts to repatriate over 1,600 households that have been displaced from their homes due to conflicts in their respective villages.

Ahmed Ali, the head of the Oromo Special Zone administration, disclosed that more than 145 million birr in both goods and monetary donations have been collected to support and rehabilitate those affected by the long-standing internal conflict. Additionally, Ahmed mentioned that there are currently over 1,092 households displaced from other regions residing in the zone.

In November 2023, Addis Standard reported that clashes in #Artuma_Fursi district within the Oromo Special Zone of Amhara region resulted in the reported deaths of over 18 individuals. In September 2023, #Majate town experienced two weeks of intense fighting, leading to the alleged loss of over 70 civilian lives at the hands of government forces.

#Ethiopia: Municipality to introduce measures to combat high vehicle emissions

The #Addis_Abeba Environment Protection Authority recently made an announcement requiring drivers of vehicles emitting high levels of smoke in the capital to find solutions beforehand. Additionally, the authority revealed that car smoke standards are currently being developed.

Dida Driba, general manager of the Authority, stated to the Ethiopian Press Agency that the car smoke standards are being prepared. Once the smoke emitted by each vehicle is measured, those exceeding the established limit will be denied service. Dida emphasized that cars emitting high levels of smoke are typically used for over 23 years, or more, after their manufacturing dates. As a result, drivers of older vehicles need to start preparing for alternative options.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1726524795448164561

Analysis: #Ethiopia’s campaign for sovereign access to port: A start off on the wrong foot?

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks about Ethiopia’s quest for access to the #Red_Sea have sparked concerns of a potential war in the volatile Horn of Africa region. In a 45-minute speech, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the existential importance of sea access for Ethiopia's rapidly growing population, stating that it cannot live in a “geographic prison.”

Neighboring states including #Eritrea, #Djibouti, and #Somalia have expressed immediate concerns for their sovereignty and rejected the Prime Minister’s speech. Last week, The PM assured neighboring countries that Ethiopia had no interest in aggression and emphasized the country’s genuine interest in peaceful solutions.

Experts, however, suggest that the Prime Minister’s speech contains layers of meaning, implying historical claims and the potential for territorial expansion.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-ethiopias-campaign-for-sovereign-access-to-port-start-off-on-the-wrong-foot/