#EU to provide €40 million in humanitarian aid for #Ethiopia
The European Union (EU) has announced plans to allocate €40 million in initial humanitarian aid for Ethiopia in 2025, citing the ongoing impacts of "conflicts, recurrent climate shocks, and outbreaks of infectious diseases." The EU noted that this will bring its total humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia to €436.5 million since 2020.
The funding, according to the EU, will support humanitarian partners in delivering "protection, food aid, access to clean water and hygiene, shelter, and nutritional assistance." It will also cover disease prevention, primary health care, and education for children affected by crises.
The package aims to prioritize support for internally displaced persons and refugees, particularly those newly arriving from neighboring countries such as Sudan. The EU emphasized its continued commitment to addressing Ethiopia's pressing humanitarian needs through targeted aid.
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/news/eu-provides-eu40-million-humanitarian-aid-ethiopia-2025-01-14_en
The European Union (EU) has announced plans to allocate €40 million in initial humanitarian aid for Ethiopia in 2025, citing the ongoing impacts of "conflicts, recurrent climate shocks, and outbreaks of infectious diseases." The EU noted that this will bring its total humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia to €436.5 million since 2020.
The funding, according to the EU, will support humanitarian partners in delivering "protection, food aid, access to clean water and hygiene, shelter, and nutritional assistance." It will also cover disease prevention, primary health care, and education for children affected by crises.
The package aims to prioritize support for internally displaced persons and refugees, particularly those newly arriving from neighboring countries such as Sudan. The EU emphasized its continued commitment to addressing Ethiopia's pressing humanitarian needs through targeted aid.
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/news/eu-provides-eu40-million-humanitarian-aid-ethiopia-2025-01-14_en
European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
EU provides €40 million in humanitarian aid in Ethiopia
As Ethiopia faces multiple humanitarian challenges due to the impact of conflicts, recurrent climate shocks, as well as outbreaks of infectious diseases, the Commission will provide €40 million in initial humanitarian aid for 2025.
#Ethiopia: #GERD requires additional 80 billion birr despite 97.6% completion
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, which is 97.6% complete, requires an additional 80 billion Birr to finalize the remaining construction work, according to the GERD Project Coordination Office.
Initiated 14 years ago with an initial cost estimate of 80 billion Birr, the project still faces a substantial financial gap to complete the last 2.4%. Dawit Amare, a Director at the Development Bank of Ethiopia (#DBE), which oversees GERD bond sales, highlighted the financial gap and stated that over 20.2 billion Birr has been raised through public bond sales.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47973
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, which is 97.6% complete, requires an additional 80 billion Birr to finalize the remaining construction work, according to the GERD Project Coordination Office.
Initiated 14 years ago with an initial cost estimate of 80 billion Birr, the project still faces a substantial financial gap to complete the last 2.4%. Dawit Amare, a Director at the Development Bank of Ethiopia (#DBE), which oversees GERD bond sales, highlighted the financial gap and stated that over 20.2 billion Birr has been raised through public bond sales.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47973
Addis Standard
GERD requires additional 80 billion birr despite 97.6% completion - Addis Standard
GERD requires additional 80 billion birr despite 97.6% completion Addis Standard DailyScoop -
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Rescued #Ethiopian nationals charged with contravening Immigration Act
Twenty-eight Ethiopian nationals found in a house in Sandringham, #Johannesburg, #South_Africa, appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with contravening the Immigration Act. The individuals, aged between 18 and 21, were discovered at a residence on Luster Road last week and were found to have entered South Africa without documentation.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said, “Authorities responded to a tip-off regarding suspicious activity and found 28 naked individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, who were reportedly held captive.” Some of the rescued individuals required medical attention, while others reportedly escaped through windows and burglar bars during the police intervention. The case is being investigated by the Hawks’ serious organized crime unit to determine if the group were victims of human trafficking.
Due to scheduling constraints, the individuals appeared in three separate courtrooms on Tuesday. “The cases have been postponed to February 14 to allow for medical assessments of the injured individuals,” Mjonondwane said. She added that other cases were remanded to January 17 and 27 after some of the accused abandoned their bail applications. Investigations are ongoing.
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-01-14-rescued-ethiopian-nationals-charged-with-contravening-immigration-act/
Twenty-eight Ethiopian nationals found in a house in Sandringham, #Johannesburg, #South_Africa, appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with contravening the Immigration Act. The individuals, aged between 18 and 21, were discovered at a residence on Luster Road last week and were found to have entered South Africa without documentation.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said, “Authorities responded to a tip-off regarding suspicious activity and found 28 naked individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, who were reportedly held captive.” Some of the rescued individuals required medical attention, while others reportedly escaped through windows and burglar bars during the police intervention. The case is being investigated by the Hawks’ serious organized crime unit to determine if the group were victims of human trafficking.
Due to scheduling constraints, the individuals appeared in three separate courtrooms on Tuesday. “The cases have been postponed to February 14 to allow for medical assessments of the injured individuals,” Mjonondwane said. She added that other cases were remanded to January 17 and 27 after some of the accused abandoned their bail applications. Investigations are ongoing.
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-01-14-rescued-ethiopian-nationals-charged-with-contravening-immigration-act/
SowetanLIVE
Rescued Ethiopian nationals charged with contravening Immigration Act
The 28 Ethiopian nationals found naked in Sandringham, Johannesburg, and believed to be victims of human trafficking appeared in court on Tuesday after being charged with contravening the Immigration Act. This is after they were found to be in SA illegally.
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#Ethiopia: Two youths shot dead by militia members in East #Hararghe, #Oromia region: Families report
Two young men, Kadire Shuaibe and Jafar Abdulrazzaq, were reportedly shot and killed by militia members on the evening of January 13, 2025, in Kurfa Chele district, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region. The victims, residents of Gurawa district, Lafto kebele, were returning home from Maya town on a newly purchased motorcycle, according to their families.
“These youths were very young and had no disputes with anyone. We don’t understand why government security forces would kill them. The family is in deep grief,” a relative told Addis Standard. Efforts to obtain comments from local officials have been unsuccessful, while the incident adds to growing criticism over alleged security force actions in Oromia, including other recent killings that have sparked outrage and protests.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47979
Two young men, Kadire Shuaibe and Jafar Abdulrazzaq, were reportedly shot and killed by militia members on the evening of January 13, 2025, in Kurfa Chele district, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region. The victims, residents of Gurawa district, Lafto kebele, were returning home from Maya town on a newly purchased motorcycle, according to their families.
“These youths were very young and had no disputes with anyone. We don’t understand why government security forces would kill them. The family is in deep grief,” a relative told Addis Standard. Efforts to obtain comments from local officials have been unsuccessful, while the incident adds to growing criticism over alleged security force actions in Oromia, including other recent killings that have sparked outrage and protests.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47979
Addis Standard
Two youths shot dead by militia members in East Hararghe, Oromia region: Families report - Addis Standard
Two youths shot dead by militia members in East Hararghe, Oromia region: Families report Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia: Fed. Court passes guilty verdict against senior clergyman, others in fraudulent attempt to withdraw over US$6M from #AU account
The Federal High Court in Addis Abeba convicted Kesis Belay Mekonnen, a senior Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (#EOTC) clergyman, and others for attempting to fraudulently withdraw over US$6 million from the African Union’s (AU) account. The court found the defendants guilty of submitting falsified payment orders to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (#CBE) at its AU headquarters branch, according to state media.
The case stems from an incident on 15 April 2024, when the AU revealed that the fraudulent payment orders were submitted by “an individual who is not an employee of the African Union.” The orders, valued at over US$6 million, were linked to purported “construction and water drilling works.” Prosecutors accused the defendants, led by Kesis Belay, of engaging in a “coordinated and organized criminal act” that police said could “tarnish our good relations with African countries.” The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 30 January.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47984
The Federal High Court in Addis Abeba convicted Kesis Belay Mekonnen, a senior Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (#EOTC) clergyman, and others for attempting to fraudulently withdraw over US$6 million from the African Union’s (AU) account. The court found the defendants guilty of submitting falsified payment orders to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (#CBE) at its AU headquarters branch, according to state media.
The case stems from an incident on 15 April 2024, when the AU revealed that the fraudulent payment orders were submitted by “an individual who is not an employee of the African Union.” The orders, valued at over US$6 million, were linked to purported “construction and water drilling works.” Prosecutors accused the defendants, led by Kesis Belay, of engaging in a “coordinated and organized criminal act” that police said could “tarnish our good relations with African countries.” The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 30 January.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47984
Addis Standard
Fed. Court passes guilty verdict against senior clergyman, others in fraudulent attempt to withdraw over US$6M from AU account…
Fed. Court passes guilty verdict against senior clergyman, others in fraudulent attempt to withdraw over US$6M from AU account Addis Standard News -
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#Ethiopia: Recent increase in fuel price directly raises individual expenses by two percent - Fitsum Assefa, Minister for Planning and Development
Fitsum Assefa, Minister for Planning and Development, stated that research shows the recent fuel price increase has directly raised individual expenses by 2%. Speaking to state media, she noted that while there are additional indirect effects on the cost of goods and inputs, efforts are needed to strengthen societal resilience to these changes.
She outlined government interventions to mitigate the impact, including a 300% salary increase for low-income employees and a 60 billion birr allocation for urban and rural safety net programs designed to shield vulnerable groups from economic shocks.
Fitsum also addressed the inefficiencies linked to blanket fuel subsidies, describing them as fostering illicit trade and creating economic distortions. She advocated for targeted subsidies focused on supporting public transportation and low-income citizens.
Watch!
Fitsum Assefa, Minister for Planning and Development, stated that research shows the recent fuel price increase has directly raised individual expenses by 2%. Speaking to state media, she noted that while there are additional indirect effects on the cost of goods and inputs, efforts are needed to strengthen societal resilience to these changes.
She outlined government interventions to mitigate the impact, including a 300% salary increase for low-income employees and a 60 billion birr allocation for urban and rural safety net programs designed to shield vulnerable groups from economic shocks.
Fitsum also addressed the inefficiencies linked to blanket fuel subsidies, describing them as fostering illicit trade and creating economic distortions. She advocated for targeted subsidies focused on supporting public transportation and low-income citizens.
Watch!
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‘We’re not pirates,’ say hijackers of #Chinese ship off #Somalia’s coast
A seven-week standoff concluded this week with the release of a Chinese fishing vessel and its 18-member crew, hijacked off #Puntland’s coast. The incident has drawn international attention to ongoing disputes over illegal fishing in Somalia’s waters, which locals claim threaten their livelihoods.
“We are not pirates. We are a community under siege,” said Liban Hassan, one of the hijackers, who claims foreign trawlers are depleting fish stocks and polluting the seas. Despite this justification, the Chinese embassy in Somalia strongly condemned the hijacking, describing it as a “vicious action” that endangered navigation and the crew.
Illegal fishing has plagued Somalia since the collapse of its central government in 1991, with unregulated foreign trawlers exploiting the absence of maritime governance. Somali law prohibits trawlers from operating within 24 nautical miles of the coast, a rule often flouted. “When we go out at sea, they shoot at us, destroy our boats, and prevent us from feeding our families,” Liban alleged.
While some locals empathize with the hijackers’ frustrations, others, including tribal leaders, oppose their methods. “The pirates are exploiting local grievances for personal gain,” said Garad Jama Isse, a chief from Garacad, who urged communities to “unite against” both illegal fishing and piracy.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/1/15/were-not-pirates-say-hijackers-aboard-chinese-ship-off-somalia-coast
A seven-week standoff concluded this week with the release of a Chinese fishing vessel and its 18-member crew, hijacked off #Puntland’s coast. The incident has drawn international attention to ongoing disputes over illegal fishing in Somalia’s waters, which locals claim threaten their livelihoods.
“We are not pirates. We are a community under siege,” said Liban Hassan, one of the hijackers, who claims foreign trawlers are depleting fish stocks and polluting the seas. Despite this justification, the Chinese embassy in Somalia strongly condemned the hijacking, describing it as a “vicious action” that endangered navigation and the crew.
Illegal fishing has plagued Somalia since the collapse of its central government in 1991, with unregulated foreign trawlers exploiting the absence of maritime governance. Somali law prohibits trawlers from operating within 24 nautical miles of the coast, a rule often flouted. “When we go out at sea, they shoot at us, destroy our boats, and prevent us from feeding our families,” Liban alleged.
While some locals empathize with the hijackers’ frustrations, others, including tribal leaders, oppose their methods. “The pirates are exploiting local grievances for personal gain,” said Garad Jama Isse, a chief from Garacad, who urged communities to “unite against” both illegal fishing and piracy.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/1/15/were-not-pirates-say-hijackers-aboard-chinese-ship-off-somalia-coast
Al Jazeera
‘We’re not pirates’, say hijackers who seized Chinese ship off Somali coast
After seven-week hijack, Puntland locals say they are victims of foreign trawlers. But China calls the attack ‘vicious’.
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#Gaza ceasefire deal reached by #Israel and #Hamas
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of war, according to mediators Qatar and the United States. The agreement, set to begin Sunday if approved by Israel’s cabinet, was described by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani as "a significant step toward reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian needs."
The initial six-week phase will include the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the daily entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. "This mechanism paves the way for future negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that phases two and three would focus on reconstruction and further agreements.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, emphasizing its potential to "halt the fighting, enable humanitarian assistance, and reunite hostages with their families." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that final details are still being reviewed, while Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya called the agreement "a milestone" for Palestinians.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9vx3d0j3o.amp
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of war, according to mediators Qatar and the United States. The agreement, set to begin Sunday if approved by Israel’s cabinet, was described by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani as "a significant step toward reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian needs."
The initial six-week phase will include the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the daily entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. "This mechanism paves the way for future negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that phases two and three would focus on reconstruction and further agreements.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, emphasizing its potential to "halt the fighting, enable humanitarian assistance, and reunite hostages with their families." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that final details are still being reviewed, while Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya called the agreement "a milestone" for Palestinians.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9vx3d0j3o.amp
BBC News
Gaza ceasefire deal agreed by Israel and Hamas - BBC News
The deal, which will also see hostages held in Gaza released, is awaiting approval by the Israeli cabinet
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#In_pictures: A series of earthquakes in the #Afar region, particularly in #Dulecha and #Awash districts, has displaced thousands, forcing many into overcrowded temporary shelters. Residents report severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, with vulnerable groups struggling to survive in harsh conditions. Aid efforts by the government and organizations have been insufficient to meet the growing needs.
At camps like Daido in Amibera district, food aid is limited to raw grains, often shared among families, leaving portions inadequate. Water scarcity is another major issue, with many relying on untreated river water after truck deliveries stopped, increasing the risk of disease.
The earthquakes have caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, including the Kesem Sugar Factory. Despite ongoing relief efforts, gaps remain, as thousands of displaced people still lack basic support. Authorities are working to address the crisis, but resources are stretched thin.
Photos: Addis Standard source
At camps like Daido in Amibera district, food aid is limited to raw grains, often shared among families, leaving portions inadequate. Water scarcity is another major issue, with many relying on untreated river water after truck deliveries stopped, increasing the risk of disease.
The earthquakes have caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, including the Kesem Sugar Factory. Despite ongoing relief efforts, gaps remain, as thousands of displaced people still lack basic support. Authorities are working to address the crisis, but resources are stretched thin.
Photos: Addis Standard source
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#Ethiopia: Gov’t mandates EV importers, assemblers to install charging stations before resuming operations
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced that electric vehicle (#EV) importers and assemblers must “ensure they have proper charging infrastructure in place” before resuming operations. Berho Hassan, State Minister for Transport and Logistics, stated that “many of these companies have already set up charging stations,” while over 400 businesses are currently involved in EV importation and distribution.
Worku Desta, Deputy Head of the Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau, said charging stations are being added to parking facilities as part of the Corridor Development Project’s second phase. He further noted that a study is underway “to transition fuel stations in #Addis_Abeba into charging stations for electric vehicles,” aligning with the government’s goal to import 439,000 EVs by 2030.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47987
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced that electric vehicle (#EV) importers and assemblers must “ensure they have proper charging infrastructure in place” before resuming operations. Berho Hassan, State Minister for Transport and Logistics, stated that “many of these companies have already set up charging stations,” while over 400 businesses are currently involved in EV importation and distribution.
Worku Desta, Deputy Head of the Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau, said charging stations are being added to parking facilities as part of the Corridor Development Project’s second phase. He further noted that a study is underway “to transition fuel stations in #Addis_Abeba into charging stations for electric vehicles,” aligning with the government’s goal to import 439,000 EVs by 2030.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47987
Addis Standard
Gov’t mandates EV importers, assemblers to install charging stations before resuming operations - Addis Standard
Gov’t mandates EV importers, assemblers to install charging stations before resuming operations Addis Standard News -
#Ethiopia: #Axum court summons five schools over hijab ban, suspends directive citing rights violations
The Axum District Court has summoned five schools to respond to allegations of barring Muslim students from attending classes while wearing hijabs, following a complaint filed by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. The council alleges that 159 Muslim students were denied entry due to their religious attire, prompting legal action to address the matter.
In a preliminary ruling, the court suspended the schools' directive prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing hijabs, citing potential "irreversible rights violations." Following a hearing on 14 January, the court ordered the schools to appear on 24 January 2025 to address the allegations
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47997
The Axum District Court has summoned five schools to respond to allegations of barring Muslim students from attending classes while wearing hijabs, following a complaint filed by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. The council alleges that 159 Muslim students were denied entry due to their religious attire, prompting legal action to address the matter.
In a preliminary ruling, the court suspended the schools' directive prohibiting female Muslim students from wearing hijabs, citing potential "irreversible rights violations." Following a hearing on 14 January, the court ordered the schools to appear on 24 January 2025 to address the allegations
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47997
Addis Standard
Axum court summons five schools over hijab ban, suspends directive citing rights violations - Addis Standard
Axum court summons five schools over hijab ban, suspends directive citing rights violations Addis Standard News -
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#Ethiopia: Displaced families from #Afar earthquakes endure dire conditions amid overwhelmed shelters; thousands left without adequate water, food aid
Over 58,000 people displaced by recent earthquakes in the Afar region are struggling to survive in overcrowded shelters, facing critical shortages of food, water, and basic supplies. Many residents report that aid from government and humanitarian organizations remains inadequate, leaving vulnerable populations in dire conditions.
Fakir Ahmed, who fled Segneto Kebele in Dulecha district to the Daido shelter camp in Amibera district, described walking 67 kilometers to safety with his family. “We left everything behind—our home and belongings. We came empty-handed,” he told Addis Standard. While aid has reached the camp, Fakir noted, “The number of people here far exceeds the assistance provided. We don’t even have cooking oil to prepare meals.”
Recent earthquakes, including a 5.8-magnitude tremor on January 4, have damaged homes, schools, and infrastructure, forcing thousands into displacement. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA), food aid has reached some shelters, but 2,250 households remain unsupported, and water shortages persist, raising concerns about disease outbreaks. Local authorities and humanitarian groups are working to address these challenges, but residents stress that immediate action is needed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47990
Over 58,000 people displaced by recent earthquakes in the Afar region are struggling to survive in overcrowded shelters, facing critical shortages of food, water, and basic supplies. Many residents report that aid from government and humanitarian organizations remains inadequate, leaving vulnerable populations in dire conditions.
Fakir Ahmed, who fled Segneto Kebele in Dulecha district to the Daido shelter camp in Amibera district, described walking 67 kilometers to safety with his family. “We left everything behind—our home and belongings. We came empty-handed,” he told Addis Standard. While aid has reached the camp, Fakir noted, “The number of people here far exceeds the assistance provided. We don’t even have cooking oil to prepare meals.”
Recent earthquakes, including a 5.8-magnitude tremor on January 4, have damaged homes, schools, and infrastructure, forcing thousands into displacement. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA), food aid has reached some shelters, but 2,250 households remain unsupported, and water shortages persist, raising concerns about disease outbreaks. Local authorities and humanitarian groups are working to address these challenges, but residents stress that immediate action is needed.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=47990
Addis Standard
Displaced families from Afar earthquakes endure dire conditions amid overwhelmed shelters; thousands left without adequate water…
Displaced families from Afar earthquakes endure dire conditions amid overwhelmed shelters; thousands left without adequate water, food aid Addis Standard News -
Trump expected to name GOP #Africa expert J. Peter Pham as top #US-#Africa envoy
Trump is expected to pick longtime Republican Africa expert J. Peter Pham to be his top State Department official overseeing U.S.-African affairs, according to Politico.
Dr. Pham, who served as U.S. Special Envoy to the Sahel and Great Lakes regions during Trump’s first term, has extensive experience in African diplomacy. Known for his understanding of regional security issues, Pham has played a critical role in shaping U.S. engagement in Africa, especially with a focus on counterterrorism and peacebuilding efforts.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pham has also been a vocal supporter of #Somaliland; he has consistently highlighted Somaliland’s stability, democratic achievements, and its role in regional security. Pham’s advocacy has centered on the belief that recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty could enhance regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/01/15/trump-set-to-appoint-dr-peter-pham-as-top-u-s-african-affairs-official-advocating-strong-support-for-somalilands-case/ via @Horndiplomat
Trump is expected to pick longtime Republican Africa expert J. Peter Pham to be his top State Department official overseeing U.S.-African affairs, according to Politico.
Dr. Pham, who served as U.S. Special Envoy to the Sahel and Great Lakes regions during Trump’s first term, has extensive experience in African diplomacy. Known for his understanding of regional security issues, Pham has played a critical role in shaping U.S. engagement in Africa, especially with a focus on counterterrorism and peacebuilding efforts.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pham has also been a vocal supporter of #Somaliland; he has consistently highlighted Somaliland’s stability, democratic achievements, and its role in regional security. Pham’s advocacy has centered on the belief that recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty could enhance regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/01/15/trump-set-to-appoint-dr-peter-pham-as-top-u-s-african-affairs-official-advocating-strong-support-for-somalilands-case/ via @Horndiplomat
Horn Diplomat
Trump Set to Appoint Dr. Peter Pham as Top U.S. African Affairs Official, Advocating Strong Support for Somaliland's Case
Trump Expected to Appoint Dr.Peter Pham as Top U.S. Official for African Affairs: to Champion Strong Support for Somaliland's Case
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#IMF executive board to review #Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion #ECF program, potentially unlocking $250 million
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board is scheduled to meet on Friday, January 17, to deliberate Ethiopia’s second review under its $3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The review follows a staff-level agreement reached on November 27, 2024, which, if approved, would unlock over $250 million in funding for Ethiopia.
The latest review “doesn’t mention an agreement in principle between the government and its official creditors on a debt rework,” an individual familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. However, the IMF noted that “key milestones have been reached under the Common Framework process,” and its staff has determined sufficient progress to recommend approval of the review.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=48002
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board is scheduled to meet on Friday, January 17, to deliberate Ethiopia’s second review under its $3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The review follows a staff-level agreement reached on November 27, 2024, which, if approved, would unlock over $250 million in funding for Ethiopia.
The latest review “doesn’t mention an agreement in principle between the government and its official creditors on a debt rework,” an individual familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. However, the IMF noted that “key milestones have been reached under the Common Framework process,” and its staff has determined sufficient progress to recommend approval of the review.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=48002
Addis Standard
IMF executive board to review Ethiopia's $3.4 billion ECF program, potentially unlocking $250 million - Addis Standard
IMF executive board to review Ethiopia's $3.4 billion ECF program, potentially unlocking $250 million Addis Standard DailyScoop -
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#US issues sanctions on #Sudanese army chief Burhan
The United States has sanctioned Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of escalating the civil war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Burhan’s leadership has been marked by tactics including indiscriminate bombings of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets, and hospitals, as well as extrajudicial executions.
The sanctions, announced Thursday, come a week after similar measures were imposed on Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
"Under Burhan's leadership, the army has chosen war over negotiations," the Treasury Department said, adding that the measures freeze any U.S. assets linked to Burhan and restrict Americans from engaging with him or related entities. Washington also targeted arms suppliers, including a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and a Hong Kong-based company, for their role in providing weapons to the Sudanese army.
In remarks aired by Al Jazeera, Burhan appeared unfazed, stating, "We welcome any sanctions for serving this country." Meanwhile, Sudan's foreign ministry criticized the U.S. move, accusing it of "confusion and a weak sense of justice."
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-impose-sanctions-sudanese-leader-burhan-2025-01-16/
The United States has sanctioned Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of escalating the civil war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Burhan’s leadership has been marked by tactics including indiscriminate bombings of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets, and hospitals, as well as extrajudicial executions.
The sanctions, announced Thursday, come a week after similar measures were imposed on Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).
"Under Burhan's leadership, the army has chosen war over negotiations," the Treasury Department said, adding that the measures freeze any U.S. assets linked to Burhan and restrict Americans from engaging with him or related entities. Washington also targeted arms suppliers, including a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and a Hong Kong-based company, for their role in providing weapons to the Sudanese army.
In remarks aired by Al Jazeera, Burhan appeared unfazed, stating, "We welcome any sanctions for serving this country." Meanwhile, Sudan's foreign ministry criticized the U.S. move, accusing it of "confusion and a weak sense of justice."
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-impose-sanctions-sudanese-leader-burhan-2025-01-16/
Reuters
US issues sanctions on Sudanese army chief Burhan
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Sudan's leader, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions from their…
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#Ethiopia: #NEBE pushes for amendment to electoral proclamation aiming for ‘proportional representation, transparency’
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced discussions with political party leaders on amending Proclamation No. 1162/2019, which governs political party registration and electoral conduct. “Work is underway to develop a more suitable framework for a multiparty system,” said NEBE Chairperson Melatework Hailu, adding that the changes aim to make the board “more independent, impartial, fair, and credible.”
Melatework also revealed plans to adopt technology-assisted procedures to enhance transparency and align with international standards. The proclamation, initially enacted in 2019, was last amended in May 2024 to enable outlawed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF), to reregister as political parties.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=48010
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced discussions with political party leaders on amending Proclamation No. 1162/2019, which governs political party registration and electoral conduct. “Work is underway to develop a more suitable framework for a multiparty system,” said NEBE Chairperson Melatework Hailu, adding that the changes aim to make the board “more independent, impartial, fair, and credible.”
Melatework also revealed plans to adopt technology-assisted procedures to enhance transparency and align with international standards. The proclamation, initially enacted in 2019, was last amended in May 2024 to enable outlawed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF), to reregister as political parties.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=48010
Addis Standard
NEBE pushes for amendment to electoral proclamation aiming for ‘proportional representation, transparency’ - Addis Standard
NEBE pushes for amendment to electoral proclamation aiming for ‘proportional representation, transparency’ Addis Standard News -