#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

#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

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

#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

#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/

#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

#Tigray’s IDPs face major hurdles; displacement, unemployment hinder recovery

Ashebu Haguzum, a father of four, has spent four years in the May Wenyi IDP camp in #Mekelle after fleeing the war in 2020. Reflecting on his past life, Ashebu said, “Before the war, I was rich.” He recalled employing 15 workers on his farm, but now, “we live in a place where there is nothing. If the children ask for bread, we cannot provide it.”

Tigray’s post-war recovery remains slow, with 2.5 million displaced and only 1.5 million returning to their homes. A regional official highlighted the ongoing challenges, noting that “productive people are still in camps,” adding to the burden on local resources. Unemployment in Tigray surged from 17% in 2019 to 74.1% in 2022, while poverty levels reached 92%.

Efforts to rebuild industries, including textile and garment factories, are ongoing but slow. At the Almeda Garment factory, once employing over 7,500 workers, only 1,200 have returned. “When production is low, only 500 workers are asked to report for duty,” said Angesom Gebreyohannes, head of the trade union.

Humanitarian organizations, like Daughters of Charity, are providing support through psychological services and entrepreneurship training. Sister Medhin Tesfay said, “Our biggest work is rehabilitating and empowering vulnerable women.” However, inflation and economic instability challenge these efforts. One official noted, “The economic system has collapsed,” emphasizing the need for greater investment to help IDPs rebuild their lives.

https://www.equaltimes.org/serious-obstacles-are-preventing

#Ethiopia faced ‘dire’ human rights situation in 2024, #HRW reports

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has described Ethiopia's 2024 human rights situation as “dire,” citing “widespread conflict, restrictions on civil society, and impunity for abuses.” The organization’s annual report documented “war crimes” in the #Amhara region, including “extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, torture, and ill-treatment against civilians” by Ethiopian military forces, as well as “killings of civilians, attacks on civilian objects, and unlawful arrests” by #Fano militias. In #Tigray, #Eritrean forces were accused of “rape, sexual violence against women and girls, and looting of civilian property.”

HRW criticized Ethiopia’s state of emergency for enabling mass arrests and restricting civil liberties, stating that “media remained under a government stranglehold,” forcing journalists into “self-censorship, harassment and arrest, or exile.” The report also called the government’s transitional justice policy “inadequate,” citing a lack of “transparency and independent oversight.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48007

#Ethiopian Federal Police launch drone simulation training center

The Ethiopian Federal Police Commission has inaugurated a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (#UAV) Simulation Training Center at its headquarters. Speaking at the inauguration on January 16, 2025, Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael said, “The newly acquired drones will facilitate effective management of urban security, border protection, contraband control, and the prevention of illegal human trafficking.” He also explained that integrating drone patrols with foot patrol units in cities like #Addis_Abeba “enhances the capacity to combat crime” and enables the police to respond to emergencies more efficiently.

The announcement follows a recent statement from the Addis Abeba City Peace and Security Bureau regarding security measures for the upcoming Timket (#Epiphany) holiday. Lidya Girma, head of the Bureau, confirmed that “drone-assisted peacekeeping operations” will be implemented to ensure a peaceful celebration and prevent “anti-peace elements” from exploiting the event to disrupt public safety.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48014

Former #US Assistant Secretary of State Tibor Nagy returns to State Department

Tibor Peter Nagy, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, has announced his return to the U.S. State Department in a temporary capacity.

In a social media post, Nagy stated, “Looks like I’m going back to the U.S. State Department on Monday in a position which will be beyond just Africa.” He continued, “I’m stopping expressing my personal views until my temporary position finishes (probably a few months).” Nagy, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to #Ethiopia and Guinea, brings decades of diplomatic experience.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48019

#Ethiopia: Hub of #Africa Fashion Week returns to Addis; aims to celebrate creativity, innovation

The 14th edition of the Hub of Africa Fashion Week (#HAFW) is set to take place in #Addis_Abeba from January 22 to 26, bringing together designers, industry experts, and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate African creativity and innovation. The event will kick off with a three-day exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where collections by talented African designers will be showcased to an international audience. Alongside the exhibition, panel discussions will explore topics such as expanding African textile and clothing exports, leveraging technology to transform the fashion industry, and insights from industry experts.

The runway shows, scheduled for January 23 and 24 at Millennium Hall, will feature the latest collections from renowned African designers, showcasing the diversity and innovation of the continent’s fashion. The event will conclude with a two-day pop-up marketplace on January 25 and 26 at the Hyatt Regency, where attendees can purchase unique designs directly from creators.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48023

#Somaliland eyes #US recognition, pins hopes on Trump administration

"Donald is our saviour. He is a wise and practical man. God bless America," says Aisha Ismail, a university student from #Hargeisa, Somaliland. Her voice brims with hope as she envisions the possibility of US recognition for Somaliland under Donald Trump's incoming presidency. Declaring independence 33 years ago, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto state, but remains unrecognized internationally. For many Somalilanders, Trump's reputation as a dealmaker sparks optimism for a breakthrough.

However, in #Mogadishu, the reaction is starkly different. "I doubt Donald Trump knows what Somaliland is, never mind where it is," laments Abdi Mohamud, a data analyst, with frustration. #Somalia's government views Somaliland as an indivisible part of the nation, and fears that US recognition could destabilize the region. Somalia's State Minister Ali Mohamed Omar warns, "Any move towards recognizing Somaliland’s independence would not only contravene Somalia’s sovereignty but also destabilize the region by setting a dangerous precedent."

Republican efforts to push Somaliland recognition are gaining traction, with influential figures like Congressman Scott Perry introducing bills for formal recognition. The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" recommends acknowledging Somaliland as a strategic ally amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region. "The case for Somaliland in US terms is very compelling," argues Joshua Meservey, a key proponent of the cause, who views it as a transactional opportunity aligning with US interests.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3j1qn0499o.amp

#Ethiopia among worst jailers of journalists in #Africa, #CPJ says; six detained, five face terrorism charges

Ethiopia has been listed among the worst jailers of journalists in Africa, with six journalists detained, five of whom face "terrorism charges that could carry death sentences," according to the 2024 prison census by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report highlighted that one journalist, Yeshihasab Abera, was arrested during a "law enforcement operation" in the #Amhara region amidst "escalating tensions" and "mass arrests." Authorities have not disclosed the reason for his detention or filed charges against him.

Across Africa, #Eritrea ranked as the worst offender, with 16 journalists imprisoned since the early 2000s without formal charges.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48027

#Ethiopia: Preserving a 400-year-old farming legacy, #Konso elders pass down terrace-building knowledge

In the rugged highlands of southern Ethiopia, the Konso people have cultivated their land for centuries using a sophisticated stone terracing system, a #UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraces, essential for preventing soil erosion and conserving water, have enabled this Indigenous community to thrive in a semiarid environment.

For 97-year-old elder Gehano Guchiro Nekayto, the terraces are "not just farming tools," but a gift from ancestors that represent a profound connection to the land and culture. Gehano explains, “The terraces prevent the rains from washing away our crops; without them, farming here would be impossible.” He emphasizes that regular maintenance, such as replacing displaced stones and reinforcing foundations, is vital to their longevity.

However, population growth and climate change are putting pressure on this ancient practice. Gehano notes that younger generations are increasingly drawn to urban opportunities, which risks severing the transmission of knowledge. “The skills needed to build and maintain terraces are learned by doing,” he says. “Without this experience, the terraces won’t survive.”

Despite these challenges, community leaders remain committed to preserving the system. Gehano believes the terraces are not just a local treasure but a model of sustainable agriculture for the world. “Our terraces are a symbol of resilience,” he says. “It’s our duty to protect them for future generations.”

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/01/the-elder-sustaining-a-400-year-old-ethiopian-farming-tradition-interview-with-gehano-nekayto/

#IMF approves $248 million disbursement for #Ethiopia under $3.4 billion #ECF arrangement

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $248 million disbursement to Ethiopia following the completion of the second review of its $3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The IMF stated that “implementation of ECF-supported reforms is advancing well” but noted challenges, including a “lower-than-targeted contribution” to social safety nets and delays in auditing the National Bank of Ethiopia’s accounts, with the deadline extended to March 2025.

IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke praised Ethiopia’s progress, saying, “The transition to a flexible exchange rate has advanced further,” stabilizing the parallel market premium to single digits. However, Clarke called for “continued tight monetary policy” and stressed the importance of “carefully sequencing credit growth cap removals with policy rate changes” to maintain stability.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48032

#Ethiopia: #TPLF rejects #NEBE deadline for general assembly; accuses federal gov’t of hindering Pretoria Agreement implementation

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Central Committee, led by Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), has announced its refusal to comply with the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s (NEBE) February 10, 2025, deadline to hold the party’s general assembly. In a statement released on Friday, January 17, 2025, the TPLF declared, “TPLF will not accept the unilateral decision of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, whether today or tomorrow.”

NEBE, which registered the TPLF under “special circumstances” on August 9, 2024, mandated the party to conduct its general congress by the stipulated deadline, citing Proclamation No. 1332/2016. The board warned that the party’s failure to comply would result in “measures being taken in accordance with the law.” In response, the TPLF Central Committee called on NEBE to “focus on continuing efforts to resolve differences through political dialogue” rather than imposing deadlines.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48037

#Ethiopia: Displaced families from #Afar earthquakes struggle with dire conditions, thousands face food and water shortages

Since late September 2024, the United States Geological Survey (#USGS) has recorded around 168 earthquakes, with particularly intense activity in the Awash Fentale and Dulecha districts. The frequency of these earthquakes has increased, with 69 recorded in December and 88 as of January 18, 2025.

The frequent earthquakes have caused the collapse of over 30 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee. 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.

Displaced families endure dire conditions amid overwhelmed shelters, raising concerns about disease outbreaks due to inadequate aid.

Watch!

#US House committee calls for #Somaliland office to counter #China

An influential US-China subcommittee in the US House of Representatives is calling for the State Department to open a representative office in Somaliland, the breakaway state in Somalia, to counter rising Chinese influence in the region.

“Such a move is critical for advancing US strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and countering the growing influence” of China, wrote John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a letter dated Jan. 15 and addressed to outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Without US engagement, [China] may succeed in shifting Somaliland’s interests in its favor, further consolidating its influence in the Red Sea and beyond,” it said.

The committee chair stressed that the establishment of an office in Somaliland’s capital city of Hargeisa “need not conflict with the United States’ current recognition of the government of Somalia”. It pointed to other nations, “including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan,” who maintain offices there without formally recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.

https://www.semafor.com/article/01/17/2025/us-house-committee-calls-for-somaliland-office-to-counter-china

#Ethiopians in #UK mark #Timkat, Birmingham hosts religious celebration

Hundreds of people gathered at New Bingley Hall in #Birmingham, England, to celebrate Timkat, the Ethiopian Epiphany. Observed annually on 19 January, the festival commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and is considered one of Ethiopia’s most significant religious events.

The celebration, which dates back to the 4th Century, began the evening before with night-long prayers and hymns. Crowds included people from across the UK who gathered to mark the occasion.

Timkat is recognized by #UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevexp8er9lo

#Ethiopia: Pastoralist communities in #Afar reluctant to evacuate amid earthquakes, citing livestock concerns; authorities consider mandatory relocation

Pastoralist communities in the Afar region are hesitant to evacuate areas impacted by seismic activities, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) stating that “some residents in Awash and Dulecha districts remain reluctant to evacuate.” The agency added that this reluctance stems from concerns over “livestock and property,” as evacuation sites lack suitable conditions for pastoral livelihoods. Authorities, through the Incident Command Post (ICP), are considering “mandatory relocations in high-risk areas” to ensure public safety.

OCHA reported that 18 earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.2, have been recorded in the past week, linked to the Fentale volcanic complex. Over 60,000 people are being evacuated from areas experiencing ongoing tremors, rockfalls, and ash emissions. Highlighting the challenges, OCHA said, “many evacuees are living in open spaces with makeshift shelters,” leaving them exposed to harsh weather. The agency warned that “the absence of proper shelter increases vulnerability, especially for women, girls, and children,” and noted that inadequate mosquito net distribution raises the risk of malaria outbreaks.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48041

#Sudan’s FM criticizes #US sanctions on Burhan, says impact limited

Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Youssif criticized the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, describing it as "morally unjust" and ineffective. Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Saturday, Youssif claimed the sanctions had "increased Burhan's popularity" and would not affect his "military and civilian duties."

The U.S. imposed the sanctions on Thursday, accusing Burhan of prioritizing "war over negotiations" to end Sudan's war and overseeing tactics such as "indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets and hospitals," as well as "extrajudicial killings." The Sudanese foreign ministry denounced the measures, stating they lacked "justice and objectivity."

The U.S. has also sanctioned Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemetti," leader of the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), accusing his forces of committing "genocide in Darfur." The measures against both leaders underscore Washington's frustration with the war between the army and RSF, which has killed thousands and displaced millions since its outbreak in April. Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed disappointment with failed peace efforts, saying, "It is, for me, yes, another real regret that ... we haven't been able on our watch to get to that day of success."

https://sudantribune.com/article296204/#google_vignette