#Ethiopian migrant held for ransom in #Libya released after family pays 700,000 birr ransom

Nehima Jemal, an Ethiopian migrant who was held captive and put up for a “slavery auction” in Libya, has been released after her family paid a ransom of 700,000 birr, she told the BBC. Nehima, whose photos and videos circulated on social media showing her bound and gagged, said her captors freed her two days ago after receiving the payment. “There were many people detained where I was, but only a few whose families had money paid for them were released,” she said, adding that she remains in Libya and is uncertain about her future.

Refugees in Libya, a group monitoring migrant conditions, previously reported that Nehima and others were detained in Kufra, an area under armed group control. The organization said traffickers had demanded $6,000 for her release, with her family receiving videos showing her mistreatment. Nehima’s sister, Iftu Jemal, said she left Ethiopia eight months ago, dropping out of school to migrate. “They sent us photos and videos showing her being tortured,” Iftu said, adding that Nehima had warned them, “They will kill me if you don’t send money.” Despite her ordeal, Nehima does not plan to return home but warned others against taking the journey. "There is sickness on the road, there is death. Many of my friends died on the way."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48273

#Ethiopia: "Various forms of evidence can be used to prove asset legality"- Hanna Arayaselassie, Minister of Justice

Hanna Arayaselassie, Minister of Justice, has stated that courts—not the executive branch—will have the authority to decide asset recovery cases under the newly approved proclamation, which grants the government the power to seize assets acquired through undeclared income.

"The proclamation allows for various forms of proof," Hanna said, explaining that testimonies and other supporting evidence could be used to establish legitimacy. She added that the law "ensures judicial oversight" and seeks to resolve previous legal ambiguities while upholding constitutional property rights.

The asset recovery bill, approved by parliament on 9 January 2025, grants the government the power to seize assets acquired through undeclared income, with retroactive enforcement for up to ten years. Hanna stressed that its implementation would be handled cautiously to ensure due process.

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#Sudan’s paramilitary #RSF leader admits setbacks as army advances in #Khartoum

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on Friday acknowledged battlefield losses as the army made advances in Khartoum.

In a recorded video, Hemedti urged his fighters to focus on "future gains" rather than the areas "recently retaken by the army." He told his forces not to dwell on the loss of "the General Command (in central Khartoum), the Signal Corps (in Bahri), Jili town (north of Khartoum), or Wad Madani (capital of Al-Jazira state)."

Hemedti claimed his forces could "drive the army out of Khartoum again, as they had done before." His remarks came as the army broke the RSF siege on key military sites, retook much of Bahri, and regained control of Umm Ruwaba in North Kordofan.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-paramilitary-rsf-leader-admits-setbacks-as-army-advances-in-khartoum/3468035

Drone attack in #Ethiopia's #Afar region kills more than eight; residents accuse #Djiboutian gov't

At least eight people were killed and several others injured in a January 30, 2025, drone attack in Ethiopia’s Afar region, near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, according to sources who spoke with Addis Standard. The attack occurred in Siyaru Kebele, Elidar district, with a local resident, who requested anonymity, stating that the area was hit "multiple times during the night." The resident claimed that among the deceased were a pregnant woman and two brothers, while at least four others sustained serious injuries, with two receiving treatment at Dubti General Hospital, located in Dubti town, Afar region.

The same resident alleged that the Djiboutian government was responsible for the attack, claiming it was "the second time in two months" that drones had targeted the region "under the pretext of attacking FRUD," referring to the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (#FRUD), an armed group opposing Djibouti’s government. Another source linked the attack to Djibouti’s claims that "FRUD fighters are stationed in the border area." Meanwhile, the Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) stated that the death toll was 14, including four women, and alleged that drones "continued to bomb the nomads' camps all night."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48281

#Op_ed: A Tale of Two Futures: How #Somaliland built stability while #Somalia battles crisis

In this op-ed, Adam Daud Ahmed, a political and security analyst in the Horn of #Africa, examines the stark contrast between Somaliland and Somalia in terms of governance, stability, and economic autonomy. While Somalia remains entrenched in insecurity and foreign dependence, Somaliland has built a self-sufficient and stable administration.

The author argues that Somalia has often been labeled a “failed state” due to its weak governance, persistent insecurity, and heavy reliance on foreign aid. "The absence of centralized authority," the op-ed states, "has led to fragmented institutions and inefficient coordination between the federal government and regional administrations." The presence of militant groups like Al-Shabaab, he notes, further exacerbates instability, diverting critical resources from development and deterring investment. Additionally, Somalia’s government remains financially fragile, with a budget largely sustained by international donors, making it vulnerable to external influences.

By contrast, the op-ed describes Somaliland as a "stable, democratic, and self-sufficient state" despite lacking formal international recognition. The author attributes this to strong institutions, transparent elections, and an independent economy built on domestic revenue, including taxation and trade from the Port of Berbera. "Fiscal independence allows Somaliland to allocate resources effectively," Ahmed writes, "without overdependence on external aid." He concludes that Somaliland’s model of governance and self-reliance serves as an example of resilience in the region, while Somalia’s challenges underscore the need for urgent reforms.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48278

#Ethiopia: World Bank allocates 3.52 billion Birr for the reconstruction of 226 war-ravaged schools, infrastructure in #Tigray

The World Bank has allocated 3.52 billion Birr to support the renovation of schools, health facilities, and water supply systems damaged during the war in Tigray, officials announced on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

According to regional media outlet Demtsi Woyane (DW), a consultation forum is being held in Wukro town, about 59 kilometers from Mekelle, where officials stated that the funding will facilitate the renovation of 266 schools in 14 districts, along with 84 health facilities and 844 water supply wells. Tedros Gebre-Egziabher, head of the Tigray Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Office, said the war caused extensive damage, stressing that “reconstruction and rehabilitation work is needed in all areas of Tigray.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48290

#South_Sudan's President visits #UAE for investment talks, aims to strengthen bilateral ties

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Sunday departed #Juba for a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and attracting investment, his office said.

Speaking to the media following Kiir’s departure, presidential press secretary Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel said the president would “hold talks with Emirati investors” interested in South Sudan’s agriculture, mining, and health sectors.

“The visit is in line with ongoing efforts to consolidate relations with Emirati investors, who have an interest in investing in South Sudan’s agricultural, mining and health sectors,” she said, adding that it “builds on the previous engagements between President Kiir and UAE investors” and seeks to define “the next steps for advancing these partnerships and projects.”

The UAE has in recent years shown increasing interest in South Sudan’s natural resources and development sectors. According to the presidency, the visit is expected to focus on “finalizing investment agreements and identifying new areas of cooperation” as Juba seeks to “diversify its economy away from oil dependence” through foreign investment.

https://www.sudanspost.com/kiir-departs-for-three-day-visit-to-uae/

#Ethiopia: Quake-hit evacuees in #Afar face new relocation as original shelters deemed ‘high-risk’

Households displaced by recent seismic activity in the Afar region are set to be relocated after experts determined that the original evacuation sites are in "high-risk areas." The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (#OCHA), in collaboration with IASC cluster coordinators and partners, stated that "experts from Semera University and Addis Ababa University" conducted an assessment that led to the sites being decommissioned. Evacuees will be transferred to a "safer site" in the Amibara district.

The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) cluster has developed a response strategy “based on community profiles and available land,” OCHA reported. A team is being deployed for “an area-based response, which will identify suitable locations for essential services within the general area while prioritizing durable solutions from the outset.” Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (#WHO) confirmed that relocating displaced individuals from high-risk areas is in progress.

https://addisstandard.com/quake-hit-evacuees-in-afar-face-new-relocation-as-original-shelters-deemed-high-risk/

#Djibouti Defense Ministry claims drone strike conducted "within its territory," killing eight "terrorists" amid civilian casualties

Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed carrying out a drone strike on 30 January in Addorta, a locality it described as being within Djibouti’s territory, about six kilometers from the #Ethiopian border. The ministry stated the strike killed “eight terrorists” and said the location had been “under surveillance for a week” as a “logistical and operational base” for the group. It acknowledged “collateral damage” involving civilians and stated that an investigation was underway while humanitarian assistance had been dispatched to those affected.

The statment follows reports from Ethiopia’s #Afar region, where residents told Addis Standard that drone attacks on the same night in Siyaru Kebele, Elidar district, near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, resulted in at least eight deaths. A resident said the area was “hit multiple times during the night,” killing civilians, including a pregnant woman and two brothers. The Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) reported a higher death toll, stating that “14 people died, including four women,” and described the attack as a “war crime” that targeted civilians. The Ethiopian government has not yet commented on the incident

https://addisstandard.com/djibouti-defense-ministry-claims-drone-strike-conducted-within-its-territory-killing-eight-terrorists-amid-civilian-casualties/?noamp=mobile

Shelling at busy #Sudanese market 'fills mortuary with bodies'

A shelling attack on a crowded market in #Omdurman, near Sudan’s capital, killed and injured more than 100 people, filling a local mortuary with bodies, medical charity Doctors Without Borders (#MSF) said. MSF and Sudanese authorities accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) of carrying out the attack on Saturday, a claim the RSF has denied. The Sudanese Doctors' Union stated that “the majority of those killed” were women and children.

The attack comes amid intensified clashes between the RSF and Sudan’s army, which have been locked in a civil war for 22 months. The Sudanese military has recently increased its offensive in Omdurman, aiming to regain full control of the city from RSF fighters. Witnesses told AFP that the shelling originated from western Omdurman, where the RSF holds ground.

MSF general secretary Chris of the explosion as "utter carnage" at Al Nao hospital, which was overwhelmed with injured patients. The Sudanese Doctors' Union urged nearby medics to assist, citing an "acute shortage of medical staff" and stating that a shell landed "metres away" from the hospital. A survivor of the attack told AFP that shells hit "in the middle of the vegetable market," leading to high casualties. Both warring sides have been accused of targeting civilians and medical workers, with recent clashes forcing the closure of several health centres.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39142l9nkyo

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim Admin establishes Advisory Council; diaspora, security bodies reportedly absent

The Tigray interim administration has announced the formation of an advisory council to “oversee and support the Interim Administration” while acting as a “consultative and decision-making body as required.” Chaired by Moges Tafere with Dejene Mezgebu (PhD) as deputy, the council includes representatives from “the administration, civil society organizations, political parties operating in the region, the Tigray diaspora, local experts, and security bodies.” However, Tigray Television reported that some groups, including “security bodies, Salsay Weyane, and members of the region’s diaspora,” were not part of the council’s formation.

Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, speaking at the council’s inauguration, said, “The council will serve as a platform where diverse ideas can be discussed.” He emphasized that “we should not see our differences as a weakness but rather as a learning process.” A six-month plan was presented and approved “with eight votes and without opposition.” He stated that the administration’s priority is “facilitating the return of displaced persons,” which he noted “requires the support of all stakeholders.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48306

Musk says Trump agreed to shut down #USAID, calls it ‘beyond repair’

Elon Musk said President Donald Trump had agreed to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), describing the agency as “beyond repair.” Speaking during a live session on X Spaces early Monday, Musk said, “He agreed we should shut it down,” adding, “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it… What we have is just a ball of worms.”

His remarks come amid tensions between Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (#DOGE) and USAID officials. Two top security officials at USAID were placed on leave after refusing to grant DOGE members access to classified materials, a current and a former U.S. official told the Associated Press. The officials, speaking anonymously, said DOGE personnel eventually accessed intelligence reports despite lacking the necessary security clearances.

Musk criticized the agency in a post on X, calling it a “criminal organization” and stating, “Time for it to die.” Kate Miller, a member of DOGE’s advisory board, defended the group’s actions, saying no classified material was accessed “without proper security clearances.” Meanwhile, USAID’s website went offline Saturday without explanation, further fueling speculation about its future.

https://shorturl.at/5P2Rw

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy says zero torture cases in Ethiopia over 6 years, blames veteran politicians for ongoing conflicts

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that "no individual has been subjected to torture in Ethiopia over the past six years" and attributed the ongoing conflicts in #Amhara and #Oromia, as well as the two-year war in the #Tigray region, to veteran politicians during his opening speech at the Prosperity Party's second general assembly in #Addis_Abeba.

PM Abiy characterized recent years as a period of growth, adding, "Whether you believe it or not, not a single person has been subjected to torture in Ethiopia over the past six years. We take pride in it."


He further criticized veteran politicians, accusing them of mishandling politics in the past and fueling current conflicts. "Those brewing these conflicts are the same ones who mishandled politics in the past," he stated.

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#Egypt FM holds talks with #Sudanese, #Djiboutian counterparts on bilateral ties, regional issues

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate talks in Cairo on Sunday with his Djiboutian and Sudanese counterparts, focusing on Red Sea security, #Somalia’s stability, and bilateral ties. Discussions included “linking Egyptian ports with Djibouti” and expanding logistics cooperation, while also addressing shared security concerns in the region.

In talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq Ali, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to “restoring stability and peace” in Sudan while emphasizing “respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.” The discussions also covered Sudan’s return to the African Union and water security, highlighting “the shared interests of both nations as Nile River downstream countries.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48314

#Russia allows #Ethiopia, others to trade currencies in its market, expands access to #African banks

The Russian government has expanded the list of countries whose banks can participate in currency trading within Russia, now allowing financial institutions from Ethiopia, #Nigeria, and #Tunisia, among others. The move aims to facilitate direct currency exchanges and address liquidity challenges amid Western sanctions, #Moscow announced on Sunday.

"The number of friendly and neutral countries whose credit institutions and brokers will be allowed to trade on the Russian foreign exchange market and the derivatives market has increased to 40," the government said in a statement. Newly added countries include "Argentina, Cambodia, Laos, Mexico, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia."

Previously, only Russian residents could trade in the domestic foreign exchange market. However, limited access to national currencies reduced transaction volumes and affected the ruble’s exchange rate. The government said expanding participation would help "improve the efficiency of direct currency conversion" and facilitate payments in national currencies.

https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250202/russia-allows-more-african-banks-to-participate-in-currency-trading-in-russia-russian-government-1070461796.html

#Op_ed: A Tale of Two Militaries: Lessons from #USA for #Tigray’s Constitutional Crisis

In this op-ed, Bisrat Tessema examines the complex dynamics between civilian leadership and military power in Tigray, drawing parallels with the U.S. military’s response to political crises and the historical struggles within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF). The author highlights the response of the United States Armed Forces to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when the Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the attack as “inconsistent with the rule of law” and “a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process.” This, the op-ed notes, reaffirmed the military’s non-partisan nature, contrasting it with the role of the Tigray Security Forces (#TSF), formerly the Tigray Defense Forces (#TDF), which remain central to the region’s post-war political landscape.

The author argues that the legal framework in Tigray places security forces under the executive branch, but the Pretoria Agreement’s establishment of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) has created a “new political landscape” with no sovereign representative body overseeing state affairs. The TSF, emerging from what many Tigrayans view as a “genocidal war” waged by Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Amhara forces, holds significant influence. While rooted in popular support, this influence presents “challenges for establishing clear lines of civilian control” and risks “blurring the boundaries between civilian and military spheres of influence.”

The op-ed asserts that Tigray’s ongoing crisis is “at its core, a struggle for control of state power.” Internal divisions within the TPLF, particularly after the federal government refused to appoint the party’s chairman as TIRA president, have deepened political uncertainty. The author warns that such fragmentation could be “exploited to weaken Tigray’s leadership and compromise its autonomy.” Drawing from historical parallels, the op-ed recalls the factional struggle between Meles Zenawi and Seye Abraha within the TPLF, arguing that “without control of state power, a party faction risks political irrelevance.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=46515