#Sudanese army captures 3 more towns from rebel faction in central Sudan

The Sudanese army has taken control of three more towns—al-Maseed, al-Nuba, and al-Tayyi—in Al-Jazirah State, local media reported Thursday. The latest military gains put the army closer to Giad city, a stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), and Abu Quta, about 50 kilometers from Khartoum.

Army spokesman Abdel Moneim Abdel Basit said in a video statement that forces are “determined to liberate every area” from the RSF. Social media videos circulated showing army troops inside the recaptured towns. The advance follows the army’s recent capture of al-Kamlin and its January entry into Wad Madani, the state capital, which RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, called a “temporary setback.”

The army and RSF have been fighting since April 2023, a war that has killed over 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to UN and local authorities. Research from US universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000. As fighting spreads across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, international calls for an end to the war are growing amid warnings of famine and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudanese-army-captures-3-more-towns-from-rebel-faction-in-central-sudan/3474184

#Japan grants $15 million to #UN for humanitarian, development aid in #Ethiopia

The United Nations has welcomed a $15 million contribution from Japan to support humanitarian response and sustainable development in Ethiopia. The funding, equivalent to approximately 1.9 billion Birr, will be channeled through various UN agencies to address “urgent humanitarian needs” while also promoting “long-term resilience and sustainable development,” according to the UN.

The first component, valued at $7.7 million, will focus on Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Response Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the Resilient, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF). The second, amounting to $7.3 million, will fund projects incorporating Japanese “innovation and technology” to address economic and social challenges, including “infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable urbanization,” the UN stated.

The contribution comes at a time when Ethiopia is grappling with the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, which has disrupted key humanitarian programs, including those addressing HIV/AIDS in the country.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48398

#Türkiye's Oruc Reis conducted seismic studies in #Somalia’s waters

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, has said the Oruc Reis vessel has completed "50 percent of the seismic studies in the Somali seas." The announcement came after his meeting with Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed in Istanbul.

The two ministers "discussed the next process of exploration activities and new collaborations that we can develop on land," Bayraktar stated in a post on X. He also announced the launch of a "new cooperation process in mining with Somalia" as part of Türkiye’s broader energy engagement in the region.

Oruc Reis, which arrived at Mogadishu seaport last October, is conducting "three-dimensional seismic studies" over six to seven months to collect data for oil and natural gas exploration. Bayraktar said the collected data will be analyzed in Ankara to "identify potential drilling sites."

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiyes-oruc-reis-conducted-seismic-studies-in-somali-waters-18262604

#Op_ed: #Tigray’s Gilded Trap: Unmasking illegal mining’s toxic legacy

In an op-ed published, Batseba Seifu, a human rights advocate, argues that illegal gold mining in Tigray is causing economic losses, environmental destruction, and community suffering. The piece describes the situation as a "gilded trap," where the promise of economic gain instead results in "rampant exploitation and environmental degradation." According to the author, the illicit industry is "wreaking havoc" on the region’s economy and tearing at "the very fabric" of vulnerable communities.

The op-ed outlines multiple factors driving illegal mining, including "high global demand for gold," ongoing instability that has "weakened governance structures," and economic desperation. The piece highlights that Tigray's war-affected population is left with "little choice but to participate in this destructive industry." The author argues that smuggled gold deprives the region of "crucial tax revenue and royalties," while criminal networks exploit miners and drive gold into international markets, often ending up in the #UAE.

Beyond economic impacts, the piece warns of severe environmental and health consequences. Illegal mining leads to "widespread deforestation," soil erosion, and the contamination of water sources with mercury and cyanide. The author stresses that exposure to toxic chemicals causes "neurological problems, cognitive impairment, and developmental delays," particularly affecting children and pregnant women.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48402

M-PESA #Safaricom partners with Dashen Bank, CashGo to enhance remittances in #Ethiopia

M-PESA Safaricom Mobile Financial Services PLC has partnered with Dashen Bank S.C. and CashGo to enhance international remittance services, allowing Ethiopians to receive money directly into their M-PESA mobile wallets. The collaboration aims to provide a “seamless, secure, and efficient” way for recipients to access funds from abroad.

Elsa Muzollini, CEO of M-PESA Safaricom, said the partnership supports the company’s goal of expanding financial inclusion. “By integrating M-PESA with CashGo, we are making it easier for Ethiopians to receive funds from abroad securely, conveniently, and instantly,” she stated. Recipients will no longer need to visit financial institutions to collect funds, as they can access money “instantly on their phones” and use it for transfers, payments, and withdrawals.

Under the agreement, Dashen Bank will serve as the “exclusive settlement and acquiring bank,” processing remittance transactions received via CashGo, which will provide the digital remittance platform. Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, called the collaboration a “significant milestone” in remittance services, adding that the bank is committed to ensuring “secure and efficient processing” of transactions.

https://techafricanews.com/2025/02/07/m-pesa-safaricom-dashen-bank-cashgo-partner-to-enhance-remittances-in-ethiopia/

#Sudan to form new government after army advances in #Khartoum, military sources say

The Sudanese army is expected to form a new government once it fully regains control of Khartoum, military sources told Reuters on Sunday. The announcement follows army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s statement that a "technocratic wartime government" would be established.

The army, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF), has made recent advances in Khartoum, pushing toward key sites, including the presidential palace. The RSF, which has proposed the formation of a separate civilian administration, has retreated as the army strengthens its position with "expanded air capacities" and the support of allied militias.

"We can call it a caretaker government, a wartime government," Burhan said at a meeting in Port Sudan, adding that its purpose would be to "complete what remains of our military objectives, which is freeing Sudan from these rebels."

Despite the army’s advances, the RSF continues to control large areas in western Sudan and is engaged in fighting to solidify its hold over the Darfur region. Burhan dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire during Ramadan unless the RSF halted its military operations there.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-form-new-government-after-regaining-khartoum-say-military-sources-2025-02-09/

#Ethiopia’s ‘tough’ macroeconomic reforms poised to yield ‘tremendous outcomes,’ says #IMF chief

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), described Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms as “tough” and noted that they “take time” but will bring “tremendous rewards.” Speaking during her visit to Ethiopia, she urged the public to “maintain unity” in implementing these policies, emphasizing that “some are already becoming evident.” She also highlighted that “there is a lot for Ethiopia to be proud of,” pointing to the country’s 8.1% economic growth last year, which exceeded the IMF’s 6.1% projection.

Georgieva’s visit came as the IMF reaffirmed its support for Ethiopia’s economic policies, including tax reforms aimed at bolstering revenue by “streamlining exemptions” and “closing corporate tax loopholes.” However, reports indicate that these measures have had a significant impact on low-income households, with civil servants and fixed-wage earners describing the situation as increasingly “unsustainable.” While the government has taken steps to “curb inflation” and adjust public sector salaries, experts warn that these reforms “disproportionately burden lower-income groups.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48406

#Somalia rejects any plan to displace #Gazans to its territory

Somalia has rejected any plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza to its territory, following reports that autonomous regions of the country were willing to accept refugees. A Somalia foreign ministry source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the country would not be part of “displacement policies planned by Washington against Palestinians.” The source added that the Somalia federal government would not comment on reports based on “leaks and rumours.”

The rejection comes after The Daily Telegraph quoted Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Southwest, Israel Bachar, as saying that Gazans could be relocated to Puntland, Somaliland, or Morocco. Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Information, Yacob Mohamed Abdalla, was also quoted as saying that the region would welcome Gazans “as long as they came voluntarily.” However, Somalia federal officials have distanced themselves from these claims.

Abdirahman Keelo, a legal researcher from Puntland, dismissed the reports as “just a pipedream.” He argued that “forced displacement is forbidden under international humanitarian law” and suggested that Washington’s approach under Trump’s second term appeared increasingly “irrational” with “contradictory statements.” Keelo added that Somalia’s regions lacked the capacity to accommodate refugees from Gaza.

https://www.newarab.com/news/somalia-rejects-any-plan-displace-gazans-its-territory?amp

#Ethiopia: #NEBE proposes ban on direct salary deductions for party fees in electoral law amendment

The Ethiopian National Election Board (NEBE) has proposed an amendment to the Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration, and Election’s Code of Conduct Proclamation, introducing a provision that would prohibit government institutions from “directly” deducting political party membership fees from employees’ salaries. The draft law, which has been under discussion with various stakeholders since January, aims to replace Proclamation No. 1162/2019, in effect since 2019.

According to the draft, institutions cannot “directly deduct membership fees from the salary of a government employee who is a party member and deposit it into the political party’s bank account.” NEBE’s proposal follows concerns raised by government employees about deductions being made without their consent. The draft also restricts political party candidates from "personally receiving gifts or assistance from any person," requiring that such contributions be channeled “through the party” and reported to the Board "within 48 hours."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48411

#Somaliland president heads to #UAE for World Governments Summit 2025

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today to attend the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS), which will take place in Dubai from February 11 to 13.

The summit, a major global platform, will bring together over 30 heads of state, ministers, and leaders from international organizations to discuss key global challenges, including economic stability, digital transformation, governance, and public-private sector collaboration.

This marks President Cirro’s second visit to the UAE in just over a month. In early January, he traveled to Abu Dhabi, where he held high-level discussions with Emirati officials and investors. The visit was reportedly focused on strengthening economic ties, particularly in the aviation, trade, and infrastructure sectors.

His back-to-back visits signal deepening relations between Somaliland and the UAE, a country that has historically shown interest in Somaliland, including its strategic Berbera Port and investment opportunities.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/02/somaliland-president-heads-to-uae-for-world-governments-summit-2025/

#Egypt’s top diplomat flies to #US amid opposition to Trump’s #Gaza proposal

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty flew Sunday to Washington for talks with US officials on developments in the Middle East region.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Abdelatty will meet with senior officials in the new US administrations and Congress members to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Egypt and the US.

The discussions will also take up the latest developments in the Middle East region, the statement said.

The visit comes amid Egypt’s rejection of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries.

http://v.aa.com.tr/3476627

#Ethiopia: #Oromia Vice President says efforts underway to make region “free of IDPs” by year-end

Awelu Abdi, Vice President of Oromia Regional State, said the government is working to make the region "free of IDPs" by the end of the year, stating that 900,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have so far been returned. Speaking at Caffee Oromia’s 8th regular session on February 9, he noted that displacement had affected "millions of people" over the past four to five years, and the government is collaborating "with the community" to facilitate returns.

He pointed out that IDPs remain in areas such as Jimma, Sasiga and Haro Limu districts of Wollega, East Bale, and Goomole district in Borana, stating that these locations "have been identified" for further interventions. Awelu added that the regional government plans to shift from "an aid-dependent approach" to one focused on self-sufficiency, while also preparing for challenges such as famine and other natural disasters.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48415

#Ethiopia: #Oromia security chief acknowledges misconduct, cites "corrective measures"

Commissioner Ararsa Merdasa, Head of the Oromia Bureau of Administration and Security, acknowledged misconduct by security forces while emphasizing their role in maintaining peace. Speaking at the 8th regular meeting of the Oromia Regional Council in #Adama City on Sunday, he stated that while many officers "made sacrifices," others "had shortcomings," prompting corrective measures.

"Reports of misconduct," he said, "including human rights violations, property destruction, and extortion," were investigated, and "actions were taken accordingly."

Ararsa noted that while some officers "gave their lives in service," others "violated the law and inflicted suffering on the people." He stated that cases were "thoroughly investigated" and that "some individuals have been charged."

Watch!

Airstrike in #Somalia's #Puntland kills over 13 foreign #Daesh fighters

Security forces in Somalia’s Puntland region said an airstrike in the Bari region killed "more than 13 foreign ISIS terrorists" as part of a counterterrorism operation that lasted 24 hours. In a statement Monday, Puntland’s counterterrorism unit said the operation targeted "terrorist hideouts" in Dhasaq, a part of the Calmiskaad mountain range.

The unit also reported additional security operations in Hararyo and Toga-Jeceel, saying forces had "uncovered bases that had been previously used by ISIS terrorist groups." The statement, posted on X, did not specify which country carried out the airstrike. The announcement comes more than a week after US Africa Command (#AFRICOM) said it had conducted airstrikes in Somalia "in coordination with the Somali government," killing multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives.

Puntland security forces said operations against the group have been ongoing for over a month, claiming to have "liberated large areas" from ISIS control. Somalia has long struggled with insecurity, with al-Shabaab and ISIS posing key threats.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/airstrike-in-somalias-puntland-kills-over-13-foreign-daesh-fighters/3477680

#Ethiopia: Lidetu Ayalew says barred from returning to Ethiopia, plans to travel via another airline

Ethiopian politician Lidetu Ayalew says he was denied boarding on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to #Addis_Abeba, claiming the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S. was behind the restriction. Lidetu, who has been in the U.S. for over two years for medical treatment, said he had planned to return on February 10 but was told he “couldn’t travel unless special permission” was obtained from “the Ethiopian Embassy in America.”

His name was mentioned in an April 2023 statement by Ethiopia’s Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force, which accused him of “working to overthrow the constitutional order by force.” Lidetu said he attempted to contact the Ethiopian Embassy but was unsuccessful. Despite the restriction, he plans to travel via another airline, stating, “There is no law that can prevent me from entering my country.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48419

#Sudan army-aligned foreign ministry sets path to elections amid civil war

Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aligned with the army, has outlined a plan for a transitional government as part of a roadmap toward elections. In a Sunday post on X, the ministry said the proposal includes “forming a transitional government, appointing a civilian prime minister, and initiating a national dialogue” with political and civil society groups. It also highlighted the military’s advances against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).

The ministry called on RSF forces to lay down their arms if they wish to take part in the political process. It said this includes the withdrawal of RSF fighters from Khartoum, West Kordofan, and Darfur. The statement comes as the army has recently taken control of several areas, including parts of the greater Khartoum area, Sennar, Gezira, and the city of Umm Ruwaba in North Kordofan. The RSF, however, continues to hold positions in West Kordofan and Darfur.

The Foreign Ministry urged international organizations, including the UN, African Union, and Arab League, to support its post-war transition plan. It described the proposal as “a national consensus for restoring peace and stability” and ensuring a democratic transition.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/10/sudan-army-aligned-foreign-ministry-sets-path-to-elections-amid-civil-war

#Ethiopia: #US, #EU, and other envoys arrive in Mekelle for talks on Pretoria Agreement, #Tigray’s current situation

A delegation of envoys from the US, UK, Italy, Germany, France, and the European Union arrived in #Mekelle today, February 11, 2025, to discuss the Pretoria Agreement and the current situation in Tigray. Tigray Television reported that the talks will focus on “the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement,” the region’s condition, and efforts toward “lasting peace.” The delegation was received at Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport by Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration.

The visit comes amid internal tensions within the TPLF, particularly between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda. Following the TPLF’s 14th Congress, the divide widened after Debretsion’s group removed Getachew and others from their positions, while the interim administration accused Debretsion’s faction of attempting to “destabilize” the region through a “coup d’état.” Meanwhile, some senior Tigray military officials have called for dissolving and restructuring the interim administration, further complicating the region’s political landscape.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=48427

#South_Sudan:.Kiir fires two VPs, spy chief in major reshuffle

South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has dismissed two vice presidents and the country’s intelligence chief in a government reshuffle. The decrees, announced late Monday on state broadcaster SSBC, did not specify reasons for the changes.

Dr. Benjamin Bol Bel, a businessman and close ally of Kiir, was appointed vice president for the economic cluster, replacing long-serving VP Dr. James Wani Igga. Bol Bel, who previously served as the presidential envoy for special programs, has been “involved in many of the country’s major decisions,” according to reports. His appointment comes amid growing speculation about his political influence.

Kiir also removed Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the vice president for the services cluster, replacing him with Josephine Joseph Lagu, a former agriculture minister. Abdelbagi was instead appointed minister of agriculture. Additionally, Gen. Akec Tong Aleu, the intelligence chief, was dismissed just a week after signing a peace deal with the rebel SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani described the reshuffle as a “shift in power” ahead of the 2026 elections, cautioning that “such unilateral decisions” could impact the peace agreement.

https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/kiir-fires-two-vps-spy-chief-in-major-reshuffle

#Somaliland President eyes key trade agreement with #Ethiopia, calls on #US to recognize Somaliland

During his address at the World Government Summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) highlighted Somaliland’s commitment to regional cooperation, especially with its neighboring country, Ethiopia, with whom President Irro states plans to finalize a crucial trade and transit agreement by the end of the year.

A key theme of President Irro’s address was the urgent need to strengthen regional trade and cooperation, particularly with Ethiopia.

Beyond regional trade, President Irro also touched on the ongoing efforts to secure international recognition for Somaliland and called on the United States to re-recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty. The President stressed that international recognition is not just a political formality but a crucial step toward securing long-term stability and peace in the region.

He stressed the importance of Somaliland’s role in the Horn of Africa and the potential for future growth through enhanced trade and strategic partnerships.

President Irro’s speech also addressed Somaliland’s unique strategic location along the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route. The availability of deep-sea ports, including Berbera Port, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of Somaliland’s citizens, makes the nation an attractive destination for business and investment, the President said, adding that this strategic advantage provides a solid foundation for economic growth, not just for Somaliland but for the broader Horn of Africa region.


https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/02/somaliland-presidents-visit-to-the-uae-and-engagement-at-the-world-government-summit/