#Somalia security forces repulse suicide attack by Islamic State

Security forces in #Puntland, Somalia, thwarted an attack by Islamic State suicide bombers targeting a military base near Dharjaale in the Bari region on Tuesday. Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in Puntland's counter-terrorism forces, said, "Nine suicide bombers had been killed, and several soldiers had been injured." Puntland State TV confirmed on Facebook that eight suicide bombers were among those killed.

The attack occurred during a visit by the deputy speaker of Puntland's parliament to the base. The assault is considered the most sophisticated operation by Islamic State in Somalia, coming weeks after Puntland announced a major offensive against both Islamic State and al Shabaab.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-security-forces-repulse-suicide-attack-by-islamic-state-2024-12-31/

#Ethiopia: Electoral board says #TPLF shows ‘no indication’ of planning mandatory assembly as deadline nears

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) has stated that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has “shown no indication” of preparing for its mandatory general assembly, which must be held by February 10, 2025. In a letter dated December 31, 2024, NEBE reminded the TPLF of its registration under “special circumstances” on August 9, 2024, and the requirement to hold the assembly “within six months” as per Proclamation No. 1332/2016.

NEBE noted that the assembly must be conducted “in the presence of Board observers” and that the party is required to notify the Board of the assembly date “at least 21 days in advance” as outlined in Directive No. 25/2016. The Board stated that it had sent reminders on August 9, August 26, and October 31, 2024.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47763

#Commentary: Decoding the #Ankara Declaration: Implications for diplomatic, security affairs past and future

In this commentary, Tilahun Zewudie, a legal and human rights expert with extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations, examines the Ankara Declaration and its implications for #Ethiopia-#Somalia relations. According to Tilahun, the declaration, brokered by Türkiye, serves as a temporary measure to reduce diplomatic tensions but leaves unresolved issues that could resurface in the future.

He notes that while the declaration emphasizes cooperation, it does not explicitly nullify the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (#MoU) signed in January 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which granted Ethiopia maritime access in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Tilahun argues that the ambiguity within the Ankara Declaration was a deliberate strategy by Türkiye to avoid reopening contentious issues, such as the MoU, that could have jeopardized the dialogue. While the declaration reaffirms Ethiopia’s recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity, Tilahun contends that this does not amount to a formal withdrawal from the MoU.

The commentary also critiques Ethiopia’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight and caution in pursuing sea access and port services.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47755

#Ethiopian #Red_Cross condemns ‘horrific’ attacks on two ambulances in #Amhara and #Oromia, reports severe driver injuries

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (#ERCS) has denounced what it described as a “horrific” attack on two ambulances last week in the Sibu Sire district, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, and the Tach Armachiho district, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region. Both ambulance drivers sustained “severe injuries” during the incidents and are currently receiving hospital treatment, according to the Society’s statement issued on January 1, 2025.

The attacks reportedly occurred while the ambulances were engaged in emergency operations. “Unidentified forces” opened fire on the vehicles, causing significant damage and endangering the lives of humanitarian workers. Mesfin Dereje, the Society’s Communications Head, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We call on conflicting forces to refrain from such actions and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, vehicles, and operations.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47768

#Puntland exempts import taxes for #Ethiopian trucks, easing trade disruptions after #Dacawaley conflict

Puntland’s regional administration has announced a temporary exemption from import taxes for trucks originating from the Somali Regional State in Ethiopia. The decision comes in response to recent clashes in Dacawaley, a border kebele between the Somali Region and #Somaliland, which claimed dozens of lives and significantly disrupted trade routes in the area.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Puntland Ministry of Finance announced that customs duties and license plate taxes for Ethiopian trucks had been waived. The ministry also instructed all checkpoints in Puntland to facilitate the smooth passage of these trucks, ensuring unhindered access to the ports of Garacad and Bosaso.

The conflict in Dacawaley, which escalated on 25 December, has caused severe disruptions to trade routes for trucks transporting goods from Somaliland's Berbera port. As a result, many of these vehicles have redirected their operations to Puntland's Bosaso and Garacad ports to maintain business activities.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Dec/199611/puntland_exempts_import_taxes_for_ethiopian_trucks_after_dawacaley_conflict.aspx

#Ethiopia: Over 30 homes collapse in #Afar as earthquakes intensify in Awash Fentale; thousands flee to neighboring areas seeking refuge

Frequent earthquakes in #Awash_Fentale, located in Ethiopia's Afar region, have caused the collapse of over 30 homes, prompting thousands of residents to flee to neighboring areas. Affected communities in Segento Kebele of Dulecha district, near the Kessem Dam and Kessem Sugar Factory, have reported severe damage to homes and schools, including Ungaytu School in Sabure Kebele.

Residents describe worsening conditions, with asphalt cracking and water seeping through fissures in the ground. A resident told Addis Standard, “The community near the Kessem Sugar Factory has entirely abandoned their homes. Some are fleeing on foot, others with vehicles, and rural communities are using camels to transport their belongings.” Officials, including Awash Fentale's chief administrator, confirm that efforts are underway with NGOs and disaster prevention commissions to assist affected communities. Experts link the seismic activity to the East African Rift System, emphasizing the region's vulnerability to such events.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47773

#Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council reports “no resolution” on hijab ban affecting Muslim students in #Axum

The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council stated that “no resolution has been reached” regarding Muslim students in Axum, #Tigray Regional State, who were barred from attending classes for wearing hijabs. In its statement, the council said, “Muslim students have been prevented from attending classes for more than a month due to their religious dress code” and alleged that “some students and their families have been detained.”

The council noted that discussions with the Tigray Regional Islamic Affairs Supreme Council had revealed that “no resolution has been reached.” It urged authorities to take “immediate action” and described the situation as “contrary to the values of a country where different faiths coexist respectfully.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47783

#AU commits to stabilization efforts in #Somalia in 2025 as new mission begins work

The African Union (AU) inaugurated the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM) on January 1, 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS). The mission aims to further Somalia's stabilization and post-conflict recovery while transitioning security responsibilities to Somali forces.

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia, stated, "AUSSOM will build on the achievements of ATMIS to ensure Somalia realizes long-term peace and security." He added that ATMIS made progress in 2024 by transferring military bases to Somali security forces as part of the Somalia Transition Plan.

The UN Security Council (#UNSC) approved the transition on December 27, 2024, authorizing AU member states to support the Somali government in addressing threats from al-Shabaab and Da’esh affiliates. ATMIS also initiated development projects, including constructing boreholes, classrooms, and health facilities, to support communities in liberated areas.

Somalia will begin its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in January 2025. The country also became a full member of the East African Community in 2024, joining the regional bloc to enhance its economic integration.

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22981/news/africa/au-commits-to-stabilization-efforts-in-somalia-in-2025-as-new-mission-begins-work

#Somalia reconsiders excluding #Ethiopian troops from #AU peacekeeping mission, #Ankara agreement eases tensions.

Somalia is considering reversing its decision to exclude Ethiopian troops from a multinational force battling Islamist insurgents, signaling easing tensions between the two nations. Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed Mussa visited Mogadishu on Thursday for talks on Ethiopia’s potential participation in the mission, Somali Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Balcad stated.

Ethiopia has been a primary contributor to the United Nations-backed force combatting al-Shabaab militants in Somalia for nearly two decades. Diplomatic friction arose after Ethiopia offered to recognize Somaliland in exchange for port access in the semi-autonomous region, prompting Somalia to initially reject Ethiopia’s involvement.

Last month, Turkey brokered an agreement between the two countries in Ankara, paving the way for Ethiopia’s reintegration into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (#AUSSOM). “Given that the contentious issues have been resolved through the Ankara Declaration, Somalia is ready to reconsider the inclusion of the Ethiopian National Defense Force in the upcoming AUSSOM mission,” Balcad said.

Diplomatic analysts warned that Ethiopia’s exclusion risked heightening tensions between the neighbors, with Addis Ababa facing threats from al-Shabaab. On Dec. 27, the #UN Security Council extended the peacekeeping mandate in Somalia, though financing mechanisms remain unresolved, according to Mogadishu-based think tank Balqiis Insights.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-02/turkey-brokered-deal-spurs-thaw-in-somalia-ethiopia-relations

#Ethiopia: "The state has shrunk into itself." - Jawar Mohammed

Jawar Mohammed, in a discussion with Tsedale Lemma, founder of Addis Standard Publications and former editor-in-chief, stated that the way state power is conducted has changed. He said, "The state has changed. The nature of the way state power is conducted has changed...the state has shrunk into itself."

However, he noted that this diminished state capacity is paradoxically paired with an exponential concentration of power at the center: "The state's capacity, the broadcasting ability of the state, has shrunk. But the control of that power has become exponentially big. It has gone into one man."

Watch!

#Ethiopia: Families of detained #Eritrean refugees allege ransom demands of up to half a million Birr, prolonged detention in #Amhara

Families of Eritrean refugees detained in North Gondar Zone of the Amhara region allege they are being pressured to pay ransoms of up to 500,000 Ethiopian Birr. The detainees, held for over two months, were reportedly arrested from Alemwach Refugee Camp in Dabat town, with no charges filed against them.

One family member stated her husband was detained under false pretenses and has since been held without a court appearance. "I’ve received calls from unidentified individuals demanding 500,000 Birr for his release," she said. The families claim authorities have taken no action despite being informed of the alleged ransom demands. The Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (#RRS) confirmed the detentions but denied knowledge of ransom claims, adding that investigations are ongoing.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47791

Massive ‘space object’ fragment crashes into remote village in #Kenya

A metallic object measuring about 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing 500 kg fell into the remote village of Mukuku, Kenya, on Monday afternoon, local residents told the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) later identified it as “a fragment of a space object,” describing it as apparent space debris likely from a rocket, according to a statement released Wednesday.

“The Agency wishes to clarify that the object, a metallic ring...is a fragment of a space object,” the KSA said, adding that preliminary assessments suggest it could be a separation ring. The agency noted that space debris typically burns up in the atmosphere or falls into oceans but stressed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Julius Rotich, Mbooni Sub County Police Commander, told KBC the object was still hot when officers arrived at the scene and that the area was cordoned off until it cooled. Images aired by the broadcaster showed the object lodged in trees and surrounded by police tape, with residents observing from a distance. The KSA said it is working to confirm the debris's origin.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/02/africa/kenya-space-object-intl-latam/index.html

#Ethiopia: Over nine million Ethiopian children out of school amid conflict, displacement: Report

A new United Nations (#UN) report reveals that over nine million children in Ethiopia are out of school due to conflict, violence, natural disasters, and displacement, with more than 6,000 schools currently closed. According to UNICEF’s latest Humanitarian Situation Report, over 10,000 schools—18% of the country’s total—have been damaged by conflict and climate shocks, further reducing safe and functional learning spaces.

The report highlights that the highest numbers of out-of-school children are in the #Amhara (4.4 million), #Oromia (3.2 million), and #Tigray (1.2 million) regions. In the Amhara region alone, 4,870 schools, nearly half the total, remain closed due to conflict and insecurity, and over 1,500 schools have been destroyed.

https://addisstandard.com/over-nine-million-ethiopian-children-out-of-school-amid-conflict-displacement-report/

#Ethiopia, #Somalia agree to strengthen cooperation on #AUSSOM mission after high-level talks

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to "collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations" following high-level discussions in Mogadishu led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, according to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks emphasized mutual commitment to ensuring "peace and stability in Somalia and the region," as both countries align efforts to address security challenges.

Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama expressed "appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces' sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia." Ambassador Mesganu Arga, Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored that "peace in Somalia directly impacts Ethiopia," adding that enhanced cooperation would allow both nations to "focus on development by addressing security challenges promptly."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47802

#Ethiopia: Volcanic eruption in #Dulecha district, #Afar region, following months of seismic activity

A volcano has erupted in the Dulecha district of the Afar region after months of heightened seismic activity. Since late September, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded over 67 earthquakes in the area, primarily concentrated in the Fantale region, part of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Some of the tremors have been felt as far away as #Addis_Abeba, the capital city. According to Samara University, an earthquake on October 6, 2024, caused structural damage to homes and ground fissures. The seismic activity intensified in late December, culminating in a 5.0-magnitude earthquake near Awash Fentale on December 29, one of seven tremors recorded that day.

Videos shared on social media depict cracks in the ground and damaged asphalt roads caused by the earthquakes.

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council warns of ‘peaceful measures’ over #Axum school hijab Ban, sets three-day deadline

The Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has warned that it will take “further peaceful measures in consultation with believers” if the ongoing ban on Muslim students wearing the hijab in schools in Axum town is not addressed within three days.

“We request that the law issued by the Federal Ministry of Education regarding Muslim students' dress code be respected,” the Council said in a statement released on January 3, 2025, in Mekelle. “This hijab ban violates citizens' human rights, the constitution, Ministry of Education guidelines, and our regional laws,” the Council emphasized, adding, “School regulations should not contradict the constitution. Our hijab-wearing request should be addressed according to Ministry of Education regulation number 6.3.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47805

#Ethiopia: Volcanic eruption forces evacuations in #Afar's #Dulecha district; region records highest quake at 5.8 magnitude

Following a volcanic eruption on Dofan Mountain in the Dulecha district on 03 December, 2024, local authorities have reported that efforts are underway to relocate residents to temporary shelters.

In a statement to Fana Digital, Abdulla Ali, the chief administrator of the Gabi Rasu Zone in the Afar region, confirmed that preventive measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of local residents. The official further noted that the volcanic eruption followed a series of recurring earthquakes in the area, stating that the intensity of the tremors has increased significantly this week.

On January 04, 2025, the region experienced its most powerful seismic event in recent memory—a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, recorded 56 km south-southeast of Abomsa. Earlier in the day, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake also struck 44 km northeast of Āwash at a shallow depth of 10 km.

Earlier this week, Addis Standard reported that frequent earthquakes in Awash Fentale, located in Ethiopia's Afar region, have resulted in the collapse of over 30 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee to neighboring areas. Affected communities in Segento Kebele of the Dulecha district, near the Kessem Dam and Kessem Sugar Factory, have reported extensive damage to homes and schools, including Ungaytu School in Sabure Kebele.

Residents have described deteriorating conditions, with asphalt cracking and water seeping through fissures in the ground.

Follow the link to read the full article.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47773

#Ethiopia: Deprived of economic opportunities, thousands of #Tigray’s youth migrate abroad only to face exploitation, torture by traffickers

Alexander Kidu, 29, and Mareg Abreha, 28, symbolize the plight of Tigray’s youth, forced to migrate due to limited economic opportunities in their war-torn homeland. Their families, already struggling with poverty, now face anguish as both endure mistreatment by human traffickers in #Libya, who are demanding a ransom of 1.3 million birr each—an impossible sum for their impoverished relatives.

Alexander’s mother, Letegeorgis Micheal, shared her despair: “They have called and demanded a ransom of 1.3 million birr. This leaves me with nothing but despair.” Similarly, Mareg’s uncle, Tekeste Tesfamariam, said, "They sent me videos of him being brutally beaten and demanded a ransom—a sum I cannot afford."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47696

#Ethiopia: Over nine million Ethiopian children out of school amid conflict, displacement: Report

A new United Nations (#UN) report reveals that over nine million children in Ethiopia are out of school due to conflict, violence, natural disasters, and displacement, with more than 6,000 schools currently closed. According to UNICEF’s latest Humanitarian Situation Report, over 10,000 schools—18% of the country’s total—have been damaged by conflict and climate shocks, further reducing safe and functional learning spaces.

The report highlights that the highest numbers of out-of-school children are in the #Amhara (4.4 million), #Oromia (3.2 million), and #Tigray (1.2 million) regions.

https://addisstandard.com/over-nine-million-ethiopian-children-out-of-school-amid-conflict-displacement-report/

#Ethiopia: Gov’t cracks down on fuel hoarders; tankers found ‘hiding’ in #Afar region

The Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority announced that fuel tankers destined for #Addis_Abeba and other regions were discovered “hiding” in Serdo Admas, Afar region, over the weekend. The Authority accused drivers of hoarding fuel based on “unfounded expectations of a price increase,” creating artificial shortages in cities and depriving gas stations of supplies.

“As their illegal activities have been concretely proven, the government will require them to cover the cost of the fuel, which was provided as a subsidy to the public,” the Authority stated, warning that perpetrators would face “legal consequences for market disruption.” It added that such practices undermine efforts to stabilize the fuel market and vowed stringent measures to address the violations.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=47817