Over 20 killed in clash between security forces, Islamic State fighters in #Somalia

More than 20 people were killed, and over 10 others injured during two days of fighting between security forces from Somalia’s #Puntland region and Islamic State (#IS) militants. Puntland officials said the clashes occurred Sunday and Monday near the Ufeyn area in the Bari region.

Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, spokesperson for Puntland security operations, told VOA Somali that the fighting left "15 Islamic State militants and seven Puntland soldiers" dead. He added that IS fighters used "improvised explosive devices to protect their hideouts," with one device killing six soldiers and injuring three others during demining efforts. Security forces reportedly killed eight militants in the operation, which continued Monday.

"On Monday, our soldiers encountered the terrorist fighters around Laba-Afle area, killing seven of them," Ahmed said. He noted that one Puntland soldier was also killed, with four others injured. Residents in the Cal Miskat mountains, where the operation took place, described seeing "the bodies of militants strewn along the roads" after the clashes.

https://www.voanews.com/a/over-20-killed-in-clash-between-security-forces-islamic-state-fighters-in-somalia/7944791.html

#Ethiopia’s Tamrit Initiative revives 625 industries, boosts capacity utilization to 61%: Ministry of Industry

The "Ethiopia Tamrit" campaign has revived over 625 previously non-operational industries since its launch two years ago, according to Industry Minister Melaku Alebel. Speaking at a forum on 21 January 2025, Melaku said the initiative has increased the average capacity utilization of manufacturing industries from 46% to "61%."

Ayana Zewdie (PhD), Coordinator of the Ethiopia Manufacturing Project Office, highlighted that the sector's contribution to the economy has improved significantly, rising from "4.8% to 10.1%." Last year, Addis Standard reported that the manufacturing sector's share of GDP had declined from 5.9% in 2019 to "4.4% in 2022," largely due to instability, foreign currency shortages, and limited access to finance.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48091

#Ethiopia: Parliamentary team finds earthquake response in #Afar 'insufficient', urges regional leadership to address gaps

A parliamentary oversight team has reported that efforts to support earthquake-affected communities in Ethiopia's Afar region remain "insufficient." Following a visit to the affected areas, the House of People’s Representatives stated, “The efforts being made to rehabilitate citizens affected by the earthquake in the region are insufficient.” They identified significant gaps in “shelter provision, food and water supply, and healthcare services delivery.”

Regional officials claimed, “While the damage was sudden, work is being done to help citizens affected by the disaster.” However, parliamentary representatives emphasized that “regional leadership at all levels must focus on and work on these issues.” Despite ongoing evacuations of over 60,000 people, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA) previously revealed that while food assistance has reached 6,780 households, 2,250 households remain without support.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48098

‘It was almost a relief when someone died’: former prisoners on the torture and terror of #Eritrea’s secret prisons

Eritrea, often described as the "North Korea of #Africa," harbors a vast system of secret prisons that enforce terror and control over its population. Former detainees, now living in neighboring #Ethiopia, have shared harrowing accounts of torture, inhumane conditions, and fear.

A preacher, who fled Eritrea in 2020 after eight years in detention, recounted being tortured. “Guards would put a wooden pole behind bent knees, suspend upside down from the ceiling and beat the soles of the feet with rubber pipes” he said. His “crimes” included preaching clandestinely and resisting military connoscription. Like others interviewed, he requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Another former detainee described conditions as “designed to spread terror.” Inmates are often crammed into underground cells or sweltering shipping containers. “Five people died in the cell. It was almost a relief when someone died—it gave you a chance to stretch your legs,” one prisoner said.

The regime under President Isaias Afwerki has banned opposition parties, media, and independent organizations. Many Eritreans risk their lives to escape, despite border guards ordered to shoot on sight. “Being a soldier in Eritrea is terrible. There is no freedom,” said a former connoscript, now a refugee.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jan/20/eritrea-torture-terror-prisons-former-prisoners

#Ethiopia: Yaya Gulele district court in #Oromia suspends operations after judges report assault, intimidation by security forces

The Yaya Gulele District Court in North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, has suspended its operations after two judges reported being “assaulted” and “intimidated” by government security forces, according to Zenebe Negash, the court’s president. Judges Jinenus Negasa and Kenenisa Kebebew detailed facing threats in separate incidents, which prompted their departure from the district.

Jinenus stated that he was detained and physically abused at a military camp, where six individuals “knocked me to the ground and beat my body,” hitting him in the face with a metal belt and leaving him “struggling to breathe.” Kenenisa, who avoided physical harm due to the “intervention of the district administrator,” said he was detained after discussing his colleague’s case with local officials. The court, which had only two judges due to ongoing security concerns, suspended its operations as a result. Zenebe condemned the actions as a “violation of judicial rights” and called for accountability.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48104

#Ethiopia: Finance State Minister calls price hikes 'unfortunate coincidence,' outlines relief measures

Eyob Tekalign, State Minister at the Ministry of Finance, described recent price increases as an "unfortunate coincidence" during an interview with a local TV station, emphasizing that the government had not planned to implement reforms across the board simultaneously.

According to Eyob, the price increases occurred as a result of institutions independently adjusting service fees during their reform efforts, coinciding with amendments to the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT). "The timing was not ideal, but it was not a deliberate plan," he said, adding that greater harmonization is needed when introducing such reforms.

To mitigate the economic burden on citizens, Eyob highlighted several measures undertaken by the government. These include a 93 billion birr salary adjustment, 60 billion birr allocated to the safety net program, and 90 to 100 billion birr in fuel subsidies.

Watch!

#Abu_Dhabi’s Phoenix Group enters #Ethiopia with 80 MW power deal

Abu Dhabi-listed cryptomining conglomerate Phoenix Group (PHX.AD) announced an 80-megawatt (MW) power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) to support its bitcoin mining expansion. The company stated energy supplies are expected to begin in the second quarter of the year as it seeks to diversify globally by entering the African market.

Phoenix did not disclose the location of the mining facility or the financial scope of the deal but said the agreement involves a partnership with Abu Dhabi-based cybersecurity firm Data7. "We are aggressively building out our mining capabilities," Phoenix CEO Munaf Ali said, noting that the new capacity would support the firm's growth as it prepares for a dual listing on Nasdaq.

In a statement, the company added that it "is actively engaged in discussions with financial institutions and Nasdaq" to determine the most effective approach for its planned listing.

https://shorturl.at/f4sq3

Nearly 200 passengers stranded at #Nairobi airport as #Somali airlines suspend flights over tax row

Nearly 200 passengers traveling from Nairobi to #Mogadishu were stranded on Wednesday as Somali airlines halted operations between the two capitals due to a dispute over recently increased taxes by the Somali government.

The Somali Airlines Operators Association, representing about 20 carriers, announced the suspension, attributing it to "unresolved differences with the Ministry of Transport and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority." Airlines cited financial burdens from the tax hike, which they described as a challenge to their operational viability.

Aamina Xasan, a businesswoman among the affected passengers, expressed her frustration, stating, “I had important business and meetings scheduled in Mogadishu with people who are traveling abroad, and this sudden cancellation has caused me significant losses.”

Local Kenyan authorities have advised affected travelers to contact airlines for alternative arrangements or refunds. Negotiations on the tax issue continue, but no timeline has been set for the resumption of flights.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/nearly-200-passengers-stranded-at-nairobi-airport-as-somali-airlines-suspend-flights-over-tax-row/3459514

#Ethiopia: Recent earthquakes displace 10,000 in #Amhara’s North Shewa Zone; affected population across three regions nears 100,000

A series of earthquakes with their epicenter in the Awash Fentale area has displaced nearly 10,000 people in the North Shewa Zone of the Amhara region, which borders the #Afar region. This displacement adds to the 60,000 people impacted in Afar and 20,000 in #Oromia, bringing the total affected population across the three regions to approximately 100,000, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The IFRC reported that over 38 districts in North Shewa, including Tarmaber, Efratana Gidm, and Hageremariam, have suffered "severe damage to property." It stated that “a total of 2,139 households (9,995 people) have been directly affected and displaced,” while "more than 360 houses have been reported as damaged, alongside 908 hectares of farmland and 23 kilometers of roads."


https://addisstandard.com/?p=48108

#South_Sudan orders temporary ban on social media over violence in neighboring #Sudan

South Sudanese authorities have ordered telecom companies to block access to social media for at least 30 days, citing concerns over the spread of "graphic content" related to violence against South Sudanese in neighboring Sudan. The directive, issued by the National Communication Authority (NCA), stated that the ban, effective midnight Thursday, could be extended for up to 90 days.

The NCA emphasized the measure was "necessary to protect the public," adding that the graphic content circulating online "violates our local laws and poses a significant threat to public safety and mental health." The authority noted that the restriction could be lifted earlier "as soon as the situation is contained."

The move comes amid public outrage over footage from Sudan, showing killings of South Sudanese by militia groups.

https://apnews.com/article/sudan-south-sudan-violence-social-media-ban-3ee3235942478fd8f2fa47b14015b84c

#Kenya eases travel requirements for African visitors, excludes #Libya and #Somalia

Kenya has announced the removal of prior travel authorisation requirements for citizens of most African countries, with exceptions for Libya and Somalia due to "security concerns." The cabinet said the move is part of efforts to "promote regional integration, support open skies policies, and ease travel across the continent."

Previously, Kenya required visitors to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online, which critics described as "a visa under another name." Despite the system, Kenya dropped 17 places in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, ranking 46th out of 54 nations. The updated policy allows citizens of most African countries to stay for up to two months, while East African Community members, including Uganda and Rwanda, may stay for up to six months.

The government also announced plans to enhance entry processes, introducing instant approvals and a maximum processing time of 72 hours. Though an implementation date has not been specified, the cabinet said the changes aim to improve "travellers’ experience at all Kenyan airports." The decision aligns with efforts across the continent to ease intra-African travel, following similar initiatives by Ghana and Rwanda.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8505g6n1lo

#Somalia president arrives in #Cairo for official visit to meet #Egyptian counterpart

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Cairo on Thursday for an official visit to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The Somali national news agency SONNA reported that the visit, made at the invitation of President al-Sisi, aims to discuss "strengthening joint efforts to combat terrorism and accelerating cooperation in the fields of security and peace in the region."

The discussions will also focus on "enhancing opportunities for economic and developmental cooperation," according to SONNA.

This visit follows Mohamud’s previous trip to Cairo in August 2024, during which Egypt and Somalia signed a defense pact to strengthen bilateral security cooperation. Trade between the two countries has also grown significantly, with the trade volume reaching $59 million in the first half of 2024, an 88% increase compared to the same period in 2023, based on data from Egypt's statistics authority.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-president-arrives-in-cairo-for-official-visit-to-meet-egyptian-counterpart/3459979

#Ethiopia: IDPs in #Tigray rally across multiple towns demanding Pretoria Agreement implementation, right to return home

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tigray organized mass rallies across several towns, demanding the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and their right to return home. Berhane Kahsay, coordinator of the Adigrat Cluster for IDPs, said, “Since the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, over 290 IDPs, including 27 children, have died from hunger and disease in Adigrat alone.” He added, “The suffering is unbearable, and today we are raising our voices in desperation, demanding action for our people.” The rallies took place in #Adwa, #Axum, #Shire, Abiy-Adi, Adigrat, Shiraro, Lalai Koraro, Endabaguna, Adi Daero, Selekleka, and Nebelet, with thousands participating.

In Adwa, Desinet, another cluster coordinator, highlighted, “Over 90,000 people participated in today’s rally. We are demanding the return of IDPs to their homes after four years of suffering with inadequate aid and a lack of medical care.” Protesters chanted slogans such as, “The Pretoria Agreement must be fully implemented” and “Our right to live in our homes must be protected.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48115

#Norway calls for return of irregular migrants, including #Ethiopians

Emilie Mehl, Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, stated that all individuals, including Ethiopians, who are staying irregularly in Norway "must return to their home countries." Mehl emphasized that the process should be carried out "quickly and efficiently," according to a statement released by the Norwegian government.

The Norwegian government said, "Ethiopia has sent several ID delegations to Norway in order to make the return of irregular migrants easier." Mehl emphasized the need for "shorter case processing times" and suggested that Norwegian representatives with interpreters be present during delegation visits.

"I appreciate that Ethiopia is showing a willingness to meet Norway’s need to return illegal migrants and is accepting its own citizens," Mehl said. She added, "If we continue to see improvement in results, Norway will be able to accept that visa restrictions can be lifted in 2025."

During discussions with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Timothewos, both sides said migration should occur through legal channels. They noted that without such pathways, people may "move towards southern Africa, as well as towards Europe and the Gulf States, to find work."

https://schengen.news/norwegian-foreign-minister-calls-for-return-of-irregular-migrants-including-ethiopians/

#Ethiopia: Senior leaders of #Tigray forces call for dissolution of Interim Admin, alleging “weaknesses” and “external influence”

Senior leaders of the Tigray Forces have called for the dissolution and restructuring of the region's interim administration, accusing it of “failing to meet its responsibilities” and being influenced by “external forces.” In a statement issued on January 23, 2025, the leaders claimed the administration, led by Getachew Reda, had become “a tool for others,” with some of its leadership allegedly “committing treason” and abandoning public interests.

The announcement follows an escalating rift within the TPLF between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) and Interim President Getachew Reda. The leaders condemned the administration for “hindering proper work execution” and called for leadership changes to address its “weaknesses” and realign its mission.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48121

#Ethiopia: "We don't want to pay any more sacrifice, sit down and discuss," Brigadier General Kebede Regasa

Brigadier General Kebede Regasa, Commandant of the Ethiopian Defense University, has warned that Ethiopia’s survival “depends on achieving national consensus.” Speaking at the Second Parliamentary Citizens Forum held on 22 January, 2025, under the theme "National Consensus for Dependable Peace and Prosperity," he emphasized that such consensus is “not to satisfy individuals or groups’ interests” but is crucial for “the existence of the country.”

Brigadier General Kebede stressed the need for stakeholders to critically evaluate the country’s situation, noting that “Ethiopia remains one of the few countries,” in the 21st century, “engaged in civil war.”

He urged participants to prioritize dialogue to prevent further bloodshed, stating, "We don't want to pay any more sacrifice. Sit down and discuss," and further emphasized, “Solve your problem.”

#Ethiopia records highest rate of scientific paper retractions, study finds

Researchers in Ethiopia have the highest rate of scientific paper retractions globally, according to a new analysis published on Zenodo on Jan. 12. Conducted by Indian data scientist Achal Agrawal, the study analyzed retraction rates between 2022 and 2024 and found that Saudi Arabia, #Pakistan, #China, and #Egypt followed Ethiopia on the list.

"Some countries might figure high on this list as they may have an active community of science sleuths working to weed out the bad papers," Agrawal explained in the study. Citing France as an example, he noted, "The work of sleuths resulted in a lot of retractions in 2024." However, he emphasized that heightened scrutiny may lead to even more retractions in regions with existing high rates.

The analysis found that countries with elevated retraction rates often experienced a sharp rise in scientific publication output in the five years leading up to 2023. "Such a rise in output by a country without concurrent development in its research infrastructure is usually a sign of a large number of bogus studies that eventually lead to more retractions," the study suggests.

https://cen.acs.org/research-integrity/Ethiopia-has-highest-rate-of-scientific-paper-retraction/103/web/2025/01

#Ethiopia: 25 dead and dozens injured in deadly bus crash in North Wollo zone, #Amhara region

A public transport bus accident in Kurba town, Dawunt district, North Wollo zone of Amhara region, on January 23, 2025, claimed the lives of 25 people and left several others injured, according to the North Wollo Zone Communication Office. Getachew Arage, Deputy Inspector of the Dawunt District Police Office, stated that the bus, with license plate code 3-32917, departed from Kurba Town at 6:00 AM and crashed approximately 9 kilometers from Kurba Town in Segora 04 Kebele, resulting in 25 people killed, 14 sustaining severe injuries, and 15 others suffering minor injuries.

Later that afternoon, another accident in Mojana Wadera District, North Shewa Zone, caused the immediate deaths of two individuals. Local reports noted one person sustained critical injuries, while another suffered minor injuries, with victims receiving treatment at Debre Birhan Referral Hospital.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48128

#Tigray Interim Admin accuses Tigray forces' leaders of "coup attempt," warns of threat to Pretoria agreement

The Tigray Interim Administration has accused senior leaders of the Tigray forces of a “clear announcement of a coup” after they called for the dissolution and restructuring of the interim government. In a statement issued Thursday, the administration, led by Getachew Reda, said the move “deviates from its mission” and warned it could “jeopardize the Pretoria Agreement.” The statement further denounced any effort to “support an illegal group to dismantle the interim administration,” describing it as an attempt to “establish lawlessness” and “disperse the military.”

This accusation comes after Tigray forces’ leaders alleged in a January 23 statement that the interim administration was “influenced by external forces” and had become “a tool for others.” They claimed some leaders had “committed treason” and “abandoned public interests,” adding that the administration was “failing to meet its responsibilities.” The growing division between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda has intensified tensions since the TPLF’s 14th Congress.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48135

#Sudan's army, paramilitaries trade blame over oil refinery attack

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) have exchanged blame over an attack on the Al-Jaili oil refinery, located approximately 70 kilometers north of Khartoum, as fighting between the two sides escalates. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke engulfing the area surrounding the refinery, which has been a key facility in the ongoing conflict.

In a statement, the army accused the RSF of "deliberately setting fire" to the refinery, claiming it was an attempt to destroy vital infrastructure after failing to seize control of Sudan's "resources and land." Meanwhile, the RSF denied the allegation, stating that the military targeted the refinery with barrel bombs during airstrikes earlier in the day. The RSF has maintained claims of control over the facility since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

Last week, the U.S. sanctioned army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the military of targeting civilian infrastructure and weaponizing food deprivation. The sanctions followed similar measures against RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, whose forces were accused of committing genocide.

Sudan's war, which began in April 2023, has led to tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 12 million people, creating what the International Rescue Committee describes as the "biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded." The RSF maintains control over parts of Darfur and Kordofan, while the army consolidates its hold in the north and east of the country.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250123-sudan-s-army-paramilitaries-trade-blame-over-oil-refinery-attack

#Egypt, #Somalia announce strategic partnership to strengthen relations

The agreement aims to bolster security, drive sustainable economic development, and address mutual challenges in the Horn of Africa and the #Red_Sea regions.

Both countries aim to establish mechanisms for regular consultations at the presidential and ministerial levels to oversee the implementation of joint strategies and explore new avenues for cooperation.

Egypt pledged to continue its military support to Somalia under the 2024 military cooperation protocol, with an emphasis on counterterrorism, training, and securing borders.

Egypt will also assist Somalia in reforming its judicial system, drafting a new constitution, and preparing for elections in line with national goals.

https://egyptian-gazette.com/egypt/egypt-somalia-announce-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-relations/