#US orders immediate pause to foreign aid, leaked memo says

The US State Department has issued a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid, according to an internal memo sent to officials and US embassies abroad.

The leaked notice follows President Trump's executive order issued on Monday for a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.

The United States is the world's biggest international aid donor spending $68bn in 2023 according to government figures. The State Department notice appears to affect everything from development assistance to military aid.

It makes exceptions only for emergency food aid and for military funding for #Israel and #Egypt. The leaked memo's contents have been confirmed by the BBC.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9nx5k7lv0o

Opinion: #Tigray military forces: partial arbitrator of conflict?

On January 23, some senior members of the Tigray military forces made an unprecedented announcement calling for the dissolution and restructuring of the region’s interim administration. They expressed support for one faction within the TPLF’s political divide, abandoning their previously neutral stance, and escalating Tigray’s political crisis into a potential military crisis.

In this opinion piece, Semhal Meles, the daughter of Ethiopia’s late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and one of the founders of the TPLF, warns that the escalating military fissure is “likely to lead to some degree of wider armed conflict and even greater deterioration of the already precarious law and order situation in Tigray, and potentially leading to [a] permanent fracture of the Tigrayan national identity.”

Semhal cautions that the federal government is “likely to keep encouraging all factions thereby fanning the flames,” although Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is unlikely to accept the “Tigrayan military forces’ offer to brawl before testing the waters with the Trump administration.”

The writer warns that Tigray “can’t afford internal beef,” emphasizing that “there can be no assurance of our continued survival as a people, let alone one with a nation, should our elite fail to alert itself to the nature of the threats that lay before us and act accordingly.”

“Our leaders need to get it together and grow up; we want peace.”

Read the full article here: https://addisstandard.com/?p=48168

#Somaliland President embarks on official visit to the #UAE

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) has embarked on his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (#UAE). The trip follows an official invitation from the UAE government, reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations. To emphasize the significance of the visit, the UAE provided a private jet for the President’s travel, underscoring the respect and esteem in which Somaliland’s leadership is held.

Accompanying the President were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Chief of Intelligence, the President’s Senior Economic Advisor, the Head of the Presidential Office, and other key staff members.

Key UAE investments in Somaliland, such as the Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor road connecting Somaliland to Ethiopia, have positioned the country as a strategic hub for trade in the Horn of Africa. These projects have not only enhanced Somaliland’s economic potential but have also contributed to regional connectivity and development.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/01/26/somaliland-president-embarks-on-official-visit-to-the-uae/

70 people killed in attack on hospital in #Sudan's Darfur region: #UN

A drone attack on a hospital in El-Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North #Darfur state, has killed 70 people, including patients receiving critical care, the United Nations reported. The attack, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), destroyed the hospital’s emergency building, according to a medical source.

Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, called the incident “a shocking violation of international humanitarian law.” She added, “The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure needs to cease immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

The World Health Organization described the assault as “appalling.” Its director, Tedros Adhanom, said the attack occurred while “the hospital was packed with patients receiving care,” urging all parties to ensure “full access for the swift restoration of the facilities that have been damaged.”

El-Fasher has been under siege by the RSF since May, as the group seeks to gain control of the last remaining state capital in Darfur not under their rule. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has devastated Sudan’s health care system, leaving 80 percent of hospitals inoperable in conflict zones.

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/70-people-killed-in-attack-on-hospital-in-sudans-darfur-region-un-18258229

#Somalia, #Egypt agree to cooperate in fight against terrorism

The Ministry of Defense of Somalia announced Sunday that Somalia and Egypt have agreed to cooperate in the fight against al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaeda. The announcement followed final technical discussions on the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), which began its five-year mandate earlier this month.

In a statement, the Ministry said, “The Federal Government of Somalia is cognizant of the role Egypt can partake in eliminating the Khawaarij and looks forward to their contribution alongside other Troop Partner Nations.” The term “Khawaarij” is used by the Somali government to refer to al-Shabaab.

The announcement comes days after Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. According to the Somalia presidency, the two leaders “agreed to upgrade the relationship between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership” and strengthen cooperation in “education, justice, politics, security, communications and economy.” They also signed an agreement exempting Somali diplomatic passport holders from visas.

In August 2024, Somalia and Egypt signed a defense pact to enhance bilateral security cooperation. Trade relations between the two countries have also expanded, with trade volume reaching $59 million in the first half of 2024, compared to $31 million during the same period in 2023, according to Egypt’s statistics authority.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/somalia-egypt-agree-to-cooperate-in-fight-against-terrorism/3463213

#Ethiopia: Earthquake assessment declares humanitarian needs in #Oromia’s #Fentale district ‘severe’; seismic activities affect three out of four residents

A recent seismic earthquake impact assessment in the Fentale district of East Shewa Zone, Oromia region, found humanitarian needs to be “severe” as communities deal with the effects of multiple shocks, including conflict and drought. The report, jointly conducted by the government and humanitarian partners, classified Daga Hedu Kebele as facing “severe” conditions, while Benti Kebele was described as experiencing “extremely severe” humanitarian challenges.

The report highlighted that “all 18 kebeles” within Fentale district, including Haro Kersa, Debiti, and Kobo near the Fentale Mountain epicenter, have been severely affected. Displacement has been widespread, with approximately 20,325 individuals from the district relocated to 11 designated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites. Many are “living in precarious conditions near Metahara town,” lacking access to food, shelter, and basic supplies, and are reportedly sleeping “in open areas without mats or plastic sheets,” the assessment stated.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48175

Scientists discover new snake species in #Ethiopia after two decades in captivity

A new species of African house snake, Boaedon broadleyi, has been identified in Ethiopia after spending nearly 20 years in captivity. The species, named after herpetologist Donald George Broadley, was described in a study published in Zootaxa by researchers Jakob Hallermann and Oliver Hawlitschek.

The snake, which measures over four feet in length, is characterized by olive-green scales, a creamy underbelly, and short white stripes near its head. It inhabits various environments in Ethiopia, including woodlands, grasslands, and cultivated areas near human settlements, at elevations ranging from 2,400 to 9,800 feet.

The first specimen of the species was captured in Ethiopia in the late 1980s and kept in captivity until 2006, when it was donated to a #German museum. Genetic analysis of museum specimens and newly collected samples confirmed its classification as a distinct species

https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/01/kept-in-captivity-for-20-years-this-4-foot-predator-is-now-a-newly-discovered-species/

#Op_ed: Weaponized Rape in #Tigray: Call for global justice against war crimes, crimes against humanity and atrocities

In this op-ed, Batseba Seifu, a human rights advocate, sheds light on the weaponization of sexual violence during the Tigray war, emphasizing its continued prevalence despite the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement in 2022. The author highlights that the atrocities committed, including widespread sexual violence against women, girls, and men, represent a deliberate strategy aimed at inflicting maximum suffering and dismantling the social fabric of Tigrayan society. She underscores the need for justice and accountability for these crimes, which remain unaddressed.

The author draws on reports from organizations such as Physicians for Human Rights and Amnesty International, detailing the systematic use of sexual violence and its devastating impact on survivors and their communities. The op-ed highlights that over 120,000 cases of gender-based violence have been documented, though the actual figures are believed to be significantly higher. The author emphasizes that these acts are not incidental but were employed as a deliberate tactic during the war.

Batseba also points to the failure of Ethiopian national laws and international legal frameworks in addressing these atrocities. She calls for urgent action, including independent investigations, medical and psychological support for survivors, and efforts to combat the stigma associated with sexual violence.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48160

#Ethiopia: Residents of #Jimma forgo compensation for over 14,000 demolished homes, Prime Minister says

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commended residents of Jimma city for waiving compensation after over 14,000 homes were demolished as part of the redevelopment under the "Gebeta Le'Hager" (Dine for Ethiopia) initiative. Launched in May 2019, the initiative seeks to develop major natural attractions and boost Ethiopia's tourism sector.

During an evaluation visit to Jimma, PM Abiy praised the residents, stating, "What amazed me in Jimma is that at least 14 to 15 thousand houses have been demolished. The people of Jimma did not ask for compensation." He highlighted the community's willingness to support the project despite significant personal losses.

The Prime Minister also noted that the redevelopment affected thousands of graves and mosques.

Watch!

#Ethiopia: Protesters in #Tigray's Wukro town accuse security forces of violent crackdown over opposition to Interim Admin dissolution, restructuring

Protesters in Wukro town, Tigray Regional State, accused local security forces of violently suppressing demonstrations against a call by senior Tigray military leaders to dissolve and restructure the region’s interim administration. The protests, which began on January 26, 2025, saw demonstrators split between supporting and opposing the military's decision.

Protesters opposing the decision alleged they were "brutally beaten," with three individuals reportedly injured and detained before being released the same day. Yonas Hailu, Deputy Administrator of Tigray’s Eastern Zone, confirmed the violence, stating, “Several youths were severely beaten, and three people were injured during the clashes,” while alleging that “those supporting the decision were allowed to protest freely.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48180

#Ethiopian Red Cross opens nation’s first humanitarian school

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society inaugurated the nation’s first humanitarian school on January 27, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. The school aims to “build a just, peaceful, and inclusive society” by fostering leaders who are “grounded in creativity, research, and education.”

Abera Tola, President of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, described the school as “a memorial for the victims of the war” in #Tigray. He emphasized its broader mission, saying it seeks to address “hearts wounded by war through education” and to promote “humanity and respect for individual dignity.” The school, located in Saris Aday Abeba, offers a one-year diploma program across two semesters, with nine specialized modules developed in collaboration with universities and other institutions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48185

#Finnish minister's #Somalia visit sparks deportation policy debate

Finnish Interior Minister Meri Rantanen visited Somalia on January 21 to discuss deportation agreements for Somali asylum seekers, a move critics say reflects the Finns Party's political priorities ahead of Finland’s April municipal and county elections. The visit included meetings with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, focusing on security cooperation and return arrangements.

Rantanen emphasised the importance of establishing "effective return mechanisms for Somali nationals denied residency" and highlighted Somalia’s role in regional counter-terrorism. She acknowledged the contributions of Somali security forces in stabilising the region, stating that Finland "appreciates the long-standing cooperation" with Somalia.

Finland has temporarily suspended bilateral development aid to Somalia, citing the lack of progress on deportation agreements. The Finnish government has tied future funding decisions to Somalia’s cooperation on returns, a move that has drawn criticism for politicising aid.

https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/26026-finnish-minister-s-somalia-visit-sparks-deportation-policy-debate.html

#Ethiopia: #Axum District Court orders detention of school officials for defying ruling suspending hijab ban

The Axum District Court has ordered the detention of school officials who allegedly defied its ruling suspending a ban on female Muslim students wearing hijabs. The court accused the officials of violating a legal order, which it said "undermines the court’s authority," and warned that such actions could result in "moral and human rights violations against Muslim students."

This ruling follows a 14 January 2025 court decision that suspended the controversial hijab ban, which had sparked protests among Muslim students. The case, brought by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, claims the schools' actions violated students' constitutional rights to education and religious freedom.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48190

#Sudan army chief visits Khartoum army headquarters, vows to defeat #RSF

Sudanese Army Chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan visited the army’s strategic headquarters in Khartoum for the first time since government forces reportedly broke a months-long siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Speaking to troops, Al-Burhan commended the “resilience and sacrifices” of soldiers defending the General Command, vowing to “eradicate” the RSF and pursue its fighters “in every corner of Sudan.” He also highlighted the military’s operations in cities like Omdurman, Bahri, and El Fasher, where heavy fighting has been reported in recent days.

The army announced on Friday it had lifted the RSF blockade on parts of Khartoum, claiming it was a turning point in the nearly two-year-long war. However, the RSF dismissed these claims as “propaganda” intended to bolster army morale.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250127-sudan-army-chief-visits-khartoum-army-headquarters-vows-to-defeat-rsf-paramilitary/

#Ethiopia: #Amhara Education Bureau extends student registration to March 9, cites “security concerns,” low enrollment

The Amhara Regional State Education Bureau has extended the student registration deadline for the current academic year to 09 March 2025, citing “security challenges” and lower-than-expected enrollment. Eyerus Mengistu, Deputy Head of the Bureau, explained during a review meeting in Kombolcha that the extension aims to accommodate students affected by disruptions, noting that “registration will remain open under unique circumstances” until the new deadline.

Of the 7 million students initially expected to enroll, only 2.3 million have returned to school, while over 400,000 registered students are yet to report to their respective schools. Eyerus added that “security challenges” have disrupted education across the region, leaving over 4 million children unable to register. The academic year has been extended until July, with efforts to support late-enrolling students and address critical gaps in infrastructure and resources, the bureau reported.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48195

#Ethiopia: Transport Minister calls for end to checkpoint fees, cites impact on inflation and economy

Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics, has called for an end to fees collected at checkpoints, stating that such practices are slowing the economy and worsening inflation. He explained that these fees are added to the cost of goods, ultimately increasing prices for consumers, particularly poor urban residents and farmers. “This cost increase ultimately trickles down to poor urban residents and further burdens farmers,” he remarked.

Alemu urged communities in kebeles, cities, and districts to stop setting up checkpoints, highlighting their role in fueling inflation. “The payments you collect are adding to the problem of inflation. Understand this and refrain from establishing checkpoints,” he said.

Watch!

#Ethiopia: Twenty Karrayyu Gadaa leaders, community elders released after three weeks of detention

Twenty Karrayyu Gadaa leaders and community elders, detained and missing for 21 days, were released on Sunday, January 26, 2025, according to family members who spoke to Addis Standard. The elders, arrested in the #Fentale district, East Shewa Zone, #Oromia region, on January 6, were held at a military camp near #Awash_Arba before their release.

A relative of one of the detainees revealed they were kept in “a compound with detention facilities inside the ENDF residential area” and added, “No one had communicated with them or explained the reason for their arrest.” Another family member expressed relief, saying, “Thanks be to Waaqa [God], they returned home safely.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48200

#Somalia FM: We are under pressure to block #Egyptian troops

Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the country has faced “pressure to block Egypt” from joining the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), without specifying the source of the pressure. Speaking at a press conference, he said “many external forces” have pushed against Egypt’s involvement but reaffirmed that Somalia remains committed to its agreements.

“We have an active agreement with the Egyptian military,” Fiqi said, referring to a 2024 pact between the two countries. “It’s on this basis that they shall help us in execution of the responsibilities,” he added, without disclosing when the troops are expected to arrive. He also said Egypt has already provided weapons to the Somali National Army (SNA).

According to Fiqi, Egypt’s role will include “qualifying, restructuring, and training” the Somali National Army. Egypt had earlier declared its willingness to deploy troops, saying they would support the “brotherly nation” in addressing security challenges.

#Ethiopia has previously raised concerns about Egypt’s deployment of troops in Somalia’s security efforts, with observers linking Ethiopia’s position to tensions between the two countries over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-fm-we-are-under-pressure-to-block-egyptian-troops

#Ethiopia: Amnesty International urges action over ‘mass arbitrary detention’ in #Amhara, marks four months since arrests

Amnesty International has called for urgent international action over what it described as “a state-led campaign” of mass arbitrary detentions in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where thousands have been held “without charges for four months.” The rights group said Ethiopian forces and Amhara regional security “rounded up thousands” on September 28, 2024, transferring them to detention centers in different locations.

Marking four months since the arrests began, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said the “international silence” on the detentions is “beyond shameful.” Amnesty urged Ethiopian authorities to “immediately release everyone who is being arbitrarily held or charge them with internationally recognized crimes.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48206