#Ethiopia- The federal govt slams #Tigray region's alarm bell over impending #famine crisis

On Friday Tigray region's interim president Getachew Reda issued a statement revealing that millions were in the brink of a humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the 1984/85 catastrophic famine.

In response, the federal government slammed the call, accusing regional officials of "politicizing the crisis", "misappropriating" funds allocated for social and economic activities to "feed combatants" and lacking the "moral ground to talk about the suffering of the people."

#Sudan's #RSF Leader Meets with #Djibouti President to Advance Sudan Peace Process


Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, engaged in discussions with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, aiming to address Sudan's political crisis. Hemetti briefed President Guelleh on recent developments, outlining the RSF's vision for a comprehensive political settlement to alleviate conflict and suffering in Sudan.

Djibouti, holding the rotating chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD), is preparing to host talks between Sudan's military leaders in early January. Mandated by an IGAD summit on December 9th, direct negotiations between General Hemetti and Sudan's Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1741695904732627174?s=20

News: #Sudan’s former PM Abdallah Hamdok, #RSF leader set to meet in #Addis_Abeba today

Sudan’s pro-civilian Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) said in a statement released Sunday that “the meeting aims to address pressing issues related to protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and exploring pathways towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.”

Despite series of letters sent by Taqadum to Sudan’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Hemeti, urging them “to engage in urgent discussions to address the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” there was no confirmation of al-Burhan’s attendance in the meeting.

In a statement on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of Sudan’s independence on Sunday, al-Burhan, who is also the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, sent out harsh criticism against countries hosting RSF commander Hemeti “to stop interfering.”

“I am sending a message to the countries that receive those killers to stop interfering in the affairs of Sudan,” al-Burhan said in a televised speech. https://wp.me/p7BpQh-aw9

#Ethiopia's Health Minister Reports High Stunting Rates Among Children

At a national forum convened to evaluate the progress of the Seqota Declaration, aimed at reducing undernutrition in Ethiopia, Dr. Liya Tadesse presented data indicating a stunting prevalence of 39% among children under the age of five, with an additional 11% suffering from thinness. The Ethiopian Press Agency reported on the forum's emphasis on the country's initiatives to combat malnutrition and its detrimental impact on child development.

The forum was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen and other high-ranking officials, who examined the progress of programs initiated since 2022 under the Declaration, including the expansion of the country's food system. An assessment indicated that over 59,000 children have benefited from food assistance through the program.

Read more at: https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1741761493316579377?t=gG-0Lh_18AWjQStnl8KZ9g&s=19

#Ethiopia: Manufacturing makeover: With introduction of new policy, gov’t takes steps to fuel industrial growth

Ethiopia is set to revamp its manufacturing sector with a new policy that aims to balance export promotion and #import_substitution. This strategic shift, supported by the Minister of Industry, Melaku Alebel, underscores the critical need to bolster small to large enterprises for economic growth.

However, the sector has been grappling with macroeconomic and security challenges, affecting productivity and capacity utilization. Companies like Kality Metal Products Factory face high demand but struggle with production and delivery due to foreign currency shortages, which also hampers raw material imports.

Contraband goods further strain the industry, with many firms operating below capacity, leading to a dip in the manufacturing sector's GDP contribution. The #UNDP reveals that out of 5,000 firms, 446 closed amid these challenges. Yet, the government, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remains optimistic, with 376 factories resuming operations and a notable $131 million from recent exports.

The Prime Minister reported a 7% growth in the sector and improved production capacity utilization. The nation also achieved self-sufficiency in coal and beer barley, reflecting efforts to reduce foreign currency usage. Despite only 20% of firms seeing government support benefits, addressing financial challenges remains crucial for the sector's success.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-manufacturing-makeover-with-introduction-of-new-policy-govt-takes-steps-to-fuel-industrial-growth/

#Eritrean community tensions lead to violent clash with police in South #London

On Saturday, a protest in #Camberwell, south London, escalated into a violent confrontation with the Metropolitan police, reportedly due to tensions within the Eritrean community. Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators, some armed with sticks, clashing with police officers and disrupting traffic.

The Metropolitan Police Service stated that eight individuals were detained on charges that included violent disorder, criminal damage, carrying an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker. Of the four officers who sustained injuries during the incident, one required hospital treatment but was subsequently released.

In the aftermath, a significant police force remained in the area along Camberwell Road well into Saturday evening. The disturbance began when around 50 individuals gathered outside a private establishment and violence ensued, with the incident occurring near the Lighthouse Theatre.

To manage the situation, Scotland Yard deployed additional officers and enacted a dispersal order effective until 7 am on Sunday. This order granted the police authority to remove individuals from the vicinity to restore order.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/camberwell-road-protest-police-london-b2471328.html

#Sudan’s al-Burhan warns countries supporting #RSF

Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, has denounced the ongoing atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and urged nations harbouring their leader to cease interfering in Sudan’s affairs.

In his Independence Day address, al-Burhan lamented the destruction wreaked by the militia under Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti’s” command, describing their actions as “assassinating civilians, plundering their possessions, occupying their homes, violating their dignity, displacing them, and committing ethnic cleansing.”

This is the first time al-Burhan has addressed foreign aid to the RSF. He has been criticized for his silence on this matter.

Read more at https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1741808031451557991?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA?

#ASDailyScoop: #Ethiopia tops ICG’s list of potential 2024 conflict zones

The International Crisis Group's latest report, “10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024,” has cast a spotlight on Ethiopia as a nation on the precipice of potential conflict. Despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement's success, tensions simmer in the #Amhara region over territorial disputes and governance issues, threatening to unravel the fragile peace.

The report highlights the challenges facing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in reconciling nationalist movements, particularly in the #Oromia region, where the quest for autonomy continues to challenge the central government's authority. Ethiopia's economic struggles and the contentious presence of #Eritrean troops add layers of complexity to the already volatile situation.With the country's claim to the #Red_Sea coast stirring regional unease, fears of an inadvertent military clash with Eritrea loom large. The ICG cautions that the existing mistrust and military readiness could trigger severe repercussions.

Beyond Ethiopia, the report also sheds light on the dire situations in #Sudan and #Gaza, where ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises demand the world's attention. Immediate diplomatic action is imperative to prevent these sparks from igniting a larger blaze.

https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-ethiopia-tops-icgs-list-of-potential-2024-conflict-zones/

#News_Update: ‘Historic’ MoU with #Somaliland sees #Ethiopia secure access to Sea, diversify seaport

The MoU will "pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports."

Redwan Hussien, National Security Advisor to PM Abiy, said the MoU will also include "accessing a leased #Military_Base on Red sea."

In August last year, an Ethiopian delegation led by the transport and logistics minister Alemu Sime traveled to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, to look at more port options for Ethiopia.

The delegation has met and discussed with the Somaliland government officials about making Berbera Port an additional option for Ethiopian import export trade activities.

In November, Alemu Sime said that Ethiopia was negotiating with Somaliland government to secure direct access to seaport.

A deal that was signed in March 2018 was expected to enable Ethiopia own a 19% shareholder of the Port of Berbera following the signing of an agreement with DP World and the Somaliland Port Authority in Dubai. The agreement saw DP World own a 51% stake in the project, but the deal to enable Ethiopia’s share has since failed to materialize. https://addisstandard.com/update-historic-mou-with-somaliland-see-ethiopia-secure-access-to-red-sea-diversify-seaport/

Update: According to the translation summary of #Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi’s speech at the signing of the MoU with #Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed this afternoon, Somaliland will lease 20 KM of sea to Ethiopia in return for recognition.

Quote:

“The Federal Republic of Ethiopia is set to become the first African nation to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland. Additionally, the Republic of Somaliland will lease 20 KM of sea to Ethiopia. Furthermore, Ethiopia will utilize the Berbera Port."

Translation credit: Abdirashid Ibrahim, Director General of Somaliland’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism.

#Breaking: #Somalia’s “cabinet will convene an emergency meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss and make decisions regarding the agreement” that was reported to have been reached between #Ethiopia and #Somaliland today.

@SONNALIVE reported about the emergency meeting late this evening following news that the MoU signed between #Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi this afternoon includes a lease for 20 KM of sea to Ethiopia in return for recognition.

Somalia considers Somaliland, which has been a breakaway state for three decades, as part of
its northern region.

Last week the two sides reached at a landmark agreement to resume talks aimed at achieving peace and mutual understanding to resolve long-standing issues.

Under the mediation of #Djibouti’s President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, the discussion took place on December 28th and 29th and was attended by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi. AS.

Breaking: #Somaliland formally acknowledges giving #Ethiopia sea access for #Naval_Forces in exchange for recognition

Somaliland’s statement quoted President Muse Bihi as saying that in his address after the signing of the MoU, he “emphasized the conscientious responsibility of every President to act in the best interest of his people.”

Acknowledging PM Abiy’s “request for seaport access for their naval forces, President Muse Bihi Abdi expressed that Somaliland endured a long quest for official recognition from Ethiopia,” it said.

It is recalled that addressing lawmakers at the 3rd year 4th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) on 14 Nov. 2023, Pm Abiy Ahmed said that Ethiopia was building a Navy and was seeking a sea outlet. He has referred to Ethiopia’s less talked about preparations of a Naval force. In June last year, the Ethiopian Navy has graduated several members trained in various professional fields, including in Navigation, Engineering, and Electricity .https://wp.me/p7BpQh-axF