#Somalia suspends flights to #Kismayo after aircraft diversion, deepens tensions with #Jubaland

The Somalia federal government has suspended all flights to Kismayo following the unauthorized diversion of a Halla Airlines plane to Doolow in the Gedo region. According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the aircraft, originally scheduled to fly from #Mogadishu to Kismayo, had its communication systems disabled and was redirected without approval.

“This unauthorized seizure endangered the safety of the aircraft and its passengers,” the SCAA said in a statement. The suspension, it added, is a precautionary measure to prevent similar incidents. Kismayo, a key economic and political hub in Jubaland, now faces travel and trade disruptions due to the flight ban.

Halla Airlines confirmed the incident. CEO Ismail Barwa described it as a severe breach of aviation safety protocols. “Our crew was forced to deviate from their planned route, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on board,” Barwa said during a press briefing.

Jubaland officials have condemned the suspension, accusing Mogadishu of exploiting the situation to increase political pressure on the semi-autonomous region. “This suspension is a reckless and punitive measure that hurts ordinary citizens,” said Jubaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifitah Mohamed Mukhtar.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Dec/199524/somalia_suspends_kismayo_flights_after_plane_commandeered_escalating_federal_rift.aspx?utm_source=hiiraan&utm_medium=SomaliNewsUpdateFront

#Ethiopia: #CETU calls for peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts, urges immediate action to address workers’ economic hardship

The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has called for immediate and peaceful resolution to the “ongoing conflicts in certain regions,” citing their “extensive impact on lives, livelihoods, and displacement.” In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, CETU stressed the economic strain on workers, urging the government to reduce income tax and activate a legally mandated Minimum Wage Board.

Following its 20th general assembly on 18 December, CETU highlighted that conflicts have led to “business closures, job losses, and worsening economic hardships.” The confederation warned of the “escalating inflation” and rising costs that “low-wage workers and their families can no longer bear,” reiterating previous calls for systemic measures to alleviate the burden.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47619

#Ethiopia: Gov’t to introduce performance-based budgeting for public universities

Professor Birhanu Nega, Minister of Education, announced a shift to performance-based budgeting for universities during a signing ceremony for performance contracts with 47 higher education institutions on December 25, 2024. He explained that funding will no longer depend on the number of instructors but will be assessed based on three criteria: “its contributions to research, the quality of students it produces, and its overall performance.”

The Minister also highlighted that universities failing to meet expectations could be “downgraded into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers.” Criticizing the previous approach, he remarked, “Future budget allocations will also consider factors such as integrity and institutional effectiveness.” These changes are part of broader reforms in the education sector.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47622

#Ethiopia: At least 35 killed in land dispute clashes between “pastoralists and gov’t militias” in #Dacawaley, #Somali region: Sources

At least 35 people were reportedly killed and several others injured in clashes between “local pastoralists” and government militias on December 25, 2024, in Dacawaley kebele, Harshin district, Somali Regional State, multiple sources told Addis Standard.

One source, who requested anonymity, claimed that the violence was initiated by “special police forces” and militias from Yoale district, citing a longstanding land dispute between the Isaaq and Ogaden subclans as the underlying cause.

In contrast, another informant alleged that the latest violence involved armed groups from neighboring #Somaliland, suggesting that the conflict was exacerbated by the killing of Yoale district’s security head on November 20 and subsequent attacks on reconciliation efforts.

Efforts by Addis Standard to independently verify these claims were hindered by network disruptions in the area. The Somali Regional government has not commented on the incident as of this report.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47626

#Ethiopia Federal Court sentences 81 Al-Shabaab members to up to 20 years in prison

The Federal High Court, #Dire_Dawa branch, Jigjiga Criminal Court Rotating Bench sentenced 81 individuals accused of engaging in “terrorist activities as members of the Al-Shabaab group” to up to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, state media reported. The Ministry of Justice’s Organized and Trans-Border Crime Dire Dawa regional branch prosecutor presented evidence under the file name of Muktar Abdi, charging the defendants under provisions of the Ethiopian Federal Criminal Code of 2004 and the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes Proclamation No.1176/2020.

The accused were convicted for “leading and participating in terrorist activities” and for their “association with Al-Shabaab,” an internationally recognized terrorist organization, with their membership and involvement dating back to 2022. Federal prosecution presented “57 eyewitness testimonies and 396 pages of documentary evidence” during the trial, leading to 18 of the accused being sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while the remaining received sentences ranging from 12 to 18 years.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47645

#EHRCO, #EHRDC latest rights groups suspended by Civil Society Authority, citing 'deviation' and alleged 'lack of independence'

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) have been suspended by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO). The move follows similar actions taken against other prominent organizations, including the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (#CARD) and Lawyers for Human Rights (#LHR).

ACSO alleged that the organizations had "deviated from their founding objectives" and were "not remaining independent." EHRDC refuted the accusations, stating it had "adhered to its foundational principles" while maintaining "utmost independence, accountability, and transparency." Similarly, EHRCO disputed allegations of acting "beyond its founding objectives," emphasizing its commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47652

#Ethiopia: From discussing border areas to “rimland across #Indian_Ocean”

Dr. Abdi Zenebe, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), praised the recent #Ankara_Declaration signed between Ethiopia and #Somalia.

The agreement, and “the declaration that followed and the action plan that is attached to it”, has brought a number of benefits for the Horn of Africa,” he said, including “regional integration agenda” and “reducing tensions [and] strengthening the peace.”

At the same time, Dr. Abdi says, it played an important role in bringing about a recognition that Ethiopia “has a legitimate demand; this is recognized.”

In Addition, “through this agreement with Mogadishu, now Ethiopia will not only [be] limited to have access toward the Red Sea, but also to Indian Ocean, (Western Indian Ocean); to the Gulf of Aden.”

This is a “transcendental matter” that sees Ethiopia “from talking about the border areas and regions” to “discussing about rimland across the Indian Ocean.”

#Just_in: #UN’s #WHO Chief, staff safe after airport bombing in #Yemen

The World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Tedros Adhanom and staff safe after #Israel’s aerial bombardment of the Sana’a Airport, in Yemen, earlier today.

According to Dr Tedros, the UN mission was in Yemen “to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and assess Yemen’s humanitarian situation,” which concluded today.

But as the delegation prepared to depart Sana’a, the airport came under aerial bombardment, leaving one plane crew member injured and at least two people dead. “The air traffic control tower, departure lounge - just a few meters from where were - and the runway were damaged”, Tedros said, delaying the delegation’s departure.

The WHO staff extended condolences to the families of the victims, reiterating calls for the immediate release of the detainees.

Al-Shabab commander killed in drone strike in #Somalia, group confirms

Al-Shabab has confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire, one of its senior commanders, in a drone strike near Kunyo Barrow in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region. The militant group attributed the attack to the United States but did not specify the date of the incident.

The United States Africa Command (#AFRICOM) reported conducting an airstrike on December 24, targeting al-Shabab militants approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Kunyo Barrow. While AFRICOM did not disclose the names of those targeted, it stated, “The command will continue to assess the results of the operation and provide additional information as appropriate.” Somalia’s Ministry of Information described the strike as “well-planned” and executed in collaboration with international partners.

Mire, a designated global terrorist by U.S. officials in 2022, served as the head of al-Shabab's regions department and held multiple roles within the organization. He was reportedly targeted while traveling between Jilib and Kunyo Barrow. In July, Mire was included in Somalia’s anti-money laundering sanctions list along with other key al-Shabab figures.

https://www.voanews.com/a/al-shabab-says-one-of-its-commanders-killed-in-drone-strike/7914910.html

#Ethiopia: #Harari regional gov’t refutes reports of business closures over 'corridor development levy,' cites building code violations

The Harari Regional State has dismissed reports that businesses in Harar City were shut down over their failure to contribute financially to the “ongoing corridor development.” The regional government clarified that the closures were limited to “all businesses operating within unfinished buildings,” citing violations of Harar City’s Building Proclamation 624/2001 and Investment Proclamation 1180/2014.

According to Ismail Yusuf, Head of the Regional Enterprise and Industry Development Bureau, “commercial establishments operating in buildings that meet the standards have been allowed to resume operations.” Meanwhile, Demsew Kassa, Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Bankers Association, stated that 43 bank branches were closed for nine days because “they failed to contribute the requested two million birr for the corridor development.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47655

#UN Security Council to vote on upcoming #Somalia mission, #Ethiopia and Somalia to participate

The United Nations Security Council will vote today on a draft resolution to establish the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS), whose mandate ends on December 31, 2024. The draft, led by the United Kingdom, proposes deploying up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, for one year starting January 1, 2025. The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM is expected to conclude by June 30, 2025.

Somalia and Ethiopia will participate in the session under Rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules. The draft resolution endorses a hybrid financing model, with 75% funded by the UN and the remaining 25% mobilized by the African Union and other UN contributions. The plan has sparked debate, with some favoring immediate implementation while others propose a transitional mechanism to address funding gaps. If approved, the resolution will require the Secretary-General to finalize the financing model by mid-2025.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47659

#Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority sanctions #Ethiopian_Airlines, others for passenger rights breaches

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken enforcement action against five airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, for breaching passenger rights under Part 19 of its regulations.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Authority, explained that the violations included “not paying refunds within the stipulated time frame,” “missing luggage,” “manhandled luggage,” “short-landed baggage,” and “delayed and cancelled flights.” He noted, “The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come.”

Although the Authority did not officially name the airlines, sources identified Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace as those affected.

https://leadership.ng/rights-breach-ncaa-sanctions-ethiopian-airlines-air-peace-aero-others/

#Ethiopia: Commission cautions against silencing rights organizations under dubious claims

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has expressed concern about the recent suspension of five Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (#ACSO) within two weeks. EHRC noted that the CSOs were accused of engaging in activities “beyond their stated objectives, in violation of their obligation to operate independently from political involvement, and in ways that harm national interests,” prompting the Commission to launch an inquiry based on “complaints and information submitted.”

EHRC described it as “troubling” that additional notices were issued to organizations, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (#EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (#EHRDC), accusing them of “legal violations” without “substantiating the claims.” The Commission urged ACSO to “expedite its investigations” and to ensure the process avoids “undue interference with their organizational and associational rights, in accordance with civic freedoms.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47674

#Ethiopia: Muslim students in #Axum town protest hijab ban, citing violations of religious and educational rights

Muslim students in Axum, located in the Central Zone of #Tigray, are protesting a hijab ban they describe as a violation of their constitutional rights to education and religious freedom. One student explained, "The schools are denying our right to education because we wear the hijab, which is required by our religion." Efforts to compromise by matching hijab colors with uniforms were reportedly rejected.

The Islamic Affairs Office in Axum highlighted that the ban impacts four secondary schools and approximately 140 students, including those preparing for national exams. Haji Mohammed Kahsay of the Islamic Affairs Council in Tigray stated, "The hijab is a deeply significant expression of faith and identity for Muslim women. Denying students the right to wear it violates their religious freedoms." He called for stakeholders to safeguard individual freedoms and promote inclusivity.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47676

#Ghana becomes 5th #African country to implement #visa_free travel for African countries including #Ethiopia

Ghana joins #Rwanda, #Seychelles, #The_Gambia, and #Benin in offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders.

Previously, Ghana provided visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations, while travelers from 25 other African countries could obtain a visa upon arrival.
This initiative follows the administration's annual year-end tradition of offering visas on arrival for all travelers.

Ghana's Tourism Authority in November, announced that from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, visitors can benefit from a Non-Pre-Approval Visa policy as part of the transformative 10-year “Beyond the Return” initiative.

The program is a 10-year initiative launched by the Ghanaian government to boost tourism, encourage the return of Africans and Ghanaians living abroad, and strengthen economic ties with the diaspora.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/ghana-becomes-5th-african-country-to-implement-visa-free-travel-for-africans/4rk8xbt

#UN approves new #AU force to take on al-Shabab in #Somalia

The United Nations Security Council has approved the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), which will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) when its mandate expires on December 31.

The resolution, adopted by 14 of the Council's 15 members, saw the United States abstain due to concerns over funding mechanisms. U.S. representative Dorothy Shea stated, "The conditions have not been met for immediate transition" to a U.N.-supported financing mechanism that could cover up to 75% of the force’s expenses.

Somalia’s representative emphasized the collaborative efforts underpinning the mission, noting, "Current AUSSOM troop allocations are completed through bilateral agreements," with 11,000 troops pledged so far.

https://www.voanews.com/amp/un-approves-new-au-force-to-take-on-al-shabab-in-somalia-/7916486.html

#Sudan: first aid convoy reaches besieged #Khartoum area since start of civil war

An aid convoy has reached southern Khartoum for the first time since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023, delivering food and medical supplies. The World Food Programme (#WFP) reported that 28 trucks arrived on 25 December, including 22 loaded with 750 tonnes of food, five from #UNICEF with medical and nutrition kits, and one from Médecins Sans Frontières (#MSF) carrying medical supplies.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s Sudan representative, explained the challenges: “Access to the area has been essentially cut off due to the conflict dynamics. It took three months of daily negotiations with government authorities and other parties. The trucks were detained on more than one occasion, and drivers faced significant risks.” Despite these hurdles, the convoy brought relief to areas facing severe food insecurity.

However, humanitarian workers caution that much more aid is needed. Claire San Filippo of MSF highlighted obstacles created by warring factions: “There is a real pattern of deliberately blocking or restricting access to life-saving aid. While the convoy is a positive step, many more are needed.” Food distribution in Jebel Aulia, a famine-risk area, is set to begin on 29 December, marking the first such delivery since the conflict began.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/27/sudan-first-aid-convoy-reaches-besieged-khartoum-area-since-start-of-civil-war#:~:text=An%20aid%20convoy%20has%20reached,are%20at%20risk%20of%20starvation